OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states are showing more enthusiasm for the state of their local economies than they have since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to a new monthly survey of bankers in the region.

The Rural Mainstreet Survey's overall index surged to 53.2 in October, up from 46.9. in September and well ahead of the 35.5 reading in March, when the index bottomed out as the outbreak began. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, credited recent improvements in agriculture commodity prices, federal farm support, and the Federal Reserve's record low interest.

"Still, more than one-third, or 35.5%, of bank CEOs reported their local economies were experiencing recessionary economic conditions," Goss said.

Bankers were also asked this month to identify the industry in their area most harmed by the pandemic. More than eight of 10, named restaurants and bars as experiencing the greatest negative effects from the pandemic.

More bankers showed optimism about the economy's outlook over the next six months, with the survey's confidence index rising to 51.6 from September's 50.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states are showing more enthusiasm for the state of their local economies than they have since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to a new monthly survey of bankers in the region.The Rural Mainstreet Survey's overall index surged to 53.2 in October, up from 46.9. in September and well ahead of the 35.5 reading in March, when the index bottomed out as the outbreak began. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy.Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, credited recent improvements in agriculture commodity prices, federal farm support, and the Federal Reserve's record low interest."Still, more than one-third, or 35.5%, of bank CEOs reported their local economies were experiencing recessionary economic conditions," Goss said.Bankers were also asked this month to identify the industry in their area most harmed by the pandemic. More than eight of 10, named restaurants and bars as experiencing the greatest negative effects from the pandemic.More bankers showed optimism about the economy's outlook over the next six months, with the survey's confidence index rising to 51.6 from September's 50.Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Bankers survey sees surge in rural parts of 10 states

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse told Nebraska constituents in a telephone town hall meeting that President Donald Trump has "flirted with white supremacists," mocks Christian evangelicals in private, and "kisses dictators' butts."

Sasse, who is running for a second term representing the reliably red state, made the comments in response to a question about why he has been willing to publicly criticize a president of his own party. He also criticized Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and said Trump's family has treated the presidency "like a business opportunity."

The comments were first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/exclusive-gop-sen-sasse-says-trump-kisses-dictators-butts-mocks-evangelicals" target="_blank">the Washington Examiner</a>&nbsp;after it obtained an audio recording of the senator's comments, which has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMEZzNZgDZQ&amp;feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">posted on YouTube.</a>&nbsp;Sasse spokesman James Wegmann said the call occurred Wednesday.

Two other Nebraska Republicans, U.S. Rep. Dan Bacon and state GOP executive director Ryan Hamilton,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/trump-kisses-dictators-butts-and-mocks-evangelicals-sasse-says-in-call-with-constituents/article_e66917d7-be24-5e88-a656-c8a0ae8ef63a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">told the Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;that they disagree with Sasse's characterizations of the president.

"Senator Sasse is entitled to his own opinion," U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, another Nebraska Republican, said in a statement. "I appreciate what President Trump has accomplished for our country and will continue to work with him on efforts which help Nebraska."

Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh declined to comment on Sasse's comments, the World-Herald said.

Sasse has positioned himself as a conservative willing to criticize Trump, and he is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2024. His comments Wednesday were in response to a caller who asked about his relationship with the president, adding, "Why do you have to criticize him so much?" Trump carried Nebraska by 25 percentage points in 2016.

The senator said he has worked hard to have a good relationship with Trump and prays for the president regularly "at the breakfast table in our house." He praised Trump's judicial appointments.

But he said he's had disagreements with Trump that do not involve "mere policy issues," adding, "I'm not at all apologetic for having fought for my values against his in places where I think his are deficient, not just for a Republican, but for an American."

Sasse began his list with, "The way he kisses dictators' butts," and said Trump "hasn't lifted a finger" on behalf of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

"I mean, he and I have a very different foreign policy," Sasse said. "It isn't just that he fails to lead our allies. It's that we - the United States - regularly sells out our allies under his leadership."

Sasse said he criticizes Trump for how he treats women and because Trump "spends like a drunken sailor," saying he criticized Democratic President Barack Obama over spending.

"He mocks evangelicals behind closed doors," Sasse said. "At the beginning of the COVID crisis, he refused to treat it seriously. For months, he treated it like a news cycle-by-news cycle PR crisis rather than a multi-year public health challenge, which is what it is."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564937419455.png" alt="Ben Sasse" />
 <figcaption>Ben Sasse</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse told Nebraska constituents in a telephone town hall meeting that President Donald Trump has "flirted with white supremacists," mocks Christian evangelicals in private, and "kisses dictators' butts."Sasse, who is running for a second term representing the reliably red state, made the comments in response to a question about why he has been willing to publicly criticize a president of his own party. He also criticized Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and said Trump's family has treated the presidency "like a business opportunity."The comments were first reported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/exclusive-gop-sen-sasse-says-trump-kisses-dictators-butts-mocks-evangelicals" target="_blank">the Washington Examiner</a>&nbsp;after it obtained an audio recording of the senator's comments, which has been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMEZzNZgDZQ&amp;feature=emb_logo" target="_blank">posted on YouTube.</a>&nbsp;Sasse spokesman James Wegmann said the call occurred Wednesday.Two other Nebraska Republicans, U.S. Rep. Dan Bacon and state GOP executive director Ryan Hamilton,&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/trump-kisses-dictators-butts-and-mocks-evangelicals-sasse-says-in-call-with-constituents/article_e66917d7-be24-5e88-a656-c8a0ae8ef63a.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">told the Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;that they disagree with Sasse's characterizations of the president."Senator Sasse is entitled to his own opinion," U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, another Nebraska Republican, said in a statement. "I appreciate what President Trump has accomplished for our country and will continue to work with him on efforts which help Nebraska."Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh declined to comment on Sasse's comments, the World-Herald said.Sasse has positioned himself as a conservative willing to criticize Trump, and he is seen as a potential presidential candidate for 2024. His comments Wednesday were in response to a caller who asked about his relationship with the president, adding, "Why do you have to criticize him so much?" Trump carried Nebraska by 25 percentage points in 2016.The senator said he has worked hard to have a good relationship with Trump and prays for the president regularly "at the breakfast table in our house." He praised Trump's judicial appointments.But he said he's had disagreements with Trump that do not involve "mere policy issues," adding, "I'm not at all apologetic for having fought for my values against his in places where I think his are deficient, not just for a Republican, but for an American."Sasse began his list with, "The way he kisses dictators' butts," and said Trump "hasn't lifted a finger" on behalf of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong."I mean, he and I have a very different foreign policy," Sasse said. "It isn't just that he fails to lead our allies. It's that we - the United States - regularly sells out our allies under his leadership."Sasse said he criticizes Trump for how he treats women and because Trump "spends like a drunken sailor," saying he criticized Democratic President Barack Obama over spending."He mocks evangelicals behind closed doors," Sasse said. "At the beginning of the COVID crisis, he refused to treat it seriously. For months, he treated it like a news cycle-by-news cycle PR crisis rather than a multi-year public health challenge, which is what it is."

Nebraska Sen. Sasse rips Trump over COVID-19, foreign policy

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after locating 60 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop near Darr.

At approximately 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Ford Fusion fail to signal a turn after it exited I-80 at mile marker 231. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the presence of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 60 pounds of marijuana contained in bags in the trunk of the vehicle.

The driver, Christopher Ryan-Goetze, 30, and passenger, Hannah Umpstead, 24, both of Denver, Colorado, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp.

Both persons were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NSP)-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two people after locating 60 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop near Darr.At approximately 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, a trooper observed a Ford Fusion fail to signal a turn after it exited I-80 at mile marker 231. During the traffic stop, an NSP K9 detected the presence of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed 60 pounds of marijuana contained in bags in the trunk of the vehicle.The driver, Christopher Ryan-Goetze, 30, and passenger, Hannah Umpstead, 24, both of Denver, Colorado, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to distribute, and no drug tax stamp.Both persons were lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers find 60 pounds of marijuana during Dawson County traffic stop

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man has been convicted of animal cruelty for attacking his dog with a baseball bat, killing it and burying it in his backyard.

Khaleem Baringer, 21, of Kearney pleaded no contest Tuesday to the felony charge as part of a deal with prosecutors who agreed to drop another charge in the case.

A witness told police Baringer hit the dog several times in the head with the bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel.

Prosecutors said Baringer also stabbed the dog at least once before wrapping it in several towels and burying it behind a shed in the yard.

Police found blood spatter on the wall and window of the master bedroom, in the bathroom, and inside and outside of a trash can. Authorities say the dog's skull and jaw were broken when its body was examined.

Baringer will face up to three years in prison when he is sentenced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602801073423.png" alt="Khaleem Baringer" />
 <figcaption>Khaleem Baringer</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man has been convicted of animal cruelty for attacking his dog with a baseball bat, killing it and burying it in his backyard.Khaleem Baringer, 21, of Kearney pleaded no contest Tuesday to the felony charge as part of a deal with prosecutors who agreed to drop another charge in the case.A witness told police Baringer hit the dog several times in the head with the bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel.Prosecutors said Baringer also stabbed the dog at least once before wrapping it in several towels and burying it behind a shed in the yard.Police found blood spatter on the wall and window of the master bedroom, in the bathroom, and inside and outside of a trash can. Authorities say the dog's skull and jaw were broken when its body was examined.Baringer will face up to three years in prison when he is sentenced.

Kearney man found guilty of beating and stabbing his dog

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man was arrested Wednesday following the pursuit of a stolen vehicle.

According to police, on October 14 at 12:30 AM an officer observed a tan 1990 Ford Taurus stopped at 6th and Poplar Streets. 

Police say the vehicle had Adams County plates and the officer was aware of a vehicle matching that description that was stolen out of Kearney. 

 The officer was able to confirm the vehicle was in fact stolen and followed the vehicle to the area of 7th and Bailey Streets at which time a traffic stop was attempted. 

Police say the vehicle sped up and traveled west on 7th Street, under the Willow viaduct, and continued westbound at around 70 mph.&nbsp; 7th Street curves to the north and ends or becomes Adams Street. 

 When the suspect came to the curve the vehicle continued westbound off the road and into a field.  Officers followed, disabling one of their cruisers.  

Police say a second cruiser located the suspect vehicle abandoned in the field a short time later.  A perimeter was set up with the assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. 

According to police, while searching the perimeter officers observed the suspect running, and entering an occupied residence in the 2000 block of West 9th Street.  Officers followed and were able to arrest the suspect, Joseph Olsson, inside of the residence without further incident.  

Olsson was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property, reckless driving, and operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602781179212.jpeg" alt="Joseph Olsson" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Olsson</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man was arrested Wednesday following the pursuit of a stolen vehicle.According to police, on October 14 at 12:30 AM an officer observed a tan 1990 Ford Taurus stopped at 6th and Poplar Streets. Police say the vehicle had Adams County plates and the officer was aware of a vehicle matching that description that was stolen out of Kearney. The officer was able to confirm the vehicle was in fact stolen and followed the vehicle to the area of 7th and Bailey Streets at which time a traffic stop was attempted. Police say the vehicle sped up and traveled west on 7th Street, under the Willow viaduct, and continued westbound at around 70 mph.&nbsp; 7th Street curves to the north and ends or becomes Adams Street. When the suspect came to the curve the vehicle continued westbound off the road and into a field. Officers followed, disabling one of their cruisers. Police say a second cruiser located the suspect vehicle abandoned in the field a short time later. A perimeter was set up with the assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. According to police, while searching the perimeter officers observed the suspect running, and entering an occupied residence in the 2000 block of West 9th Street. Officers followed and were able to arrest the suspect, Joseph Olsson, inside of the residence without further incident. Olsson was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property, reckless driving, and operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602781134825.png" alt="The red line shows the route of the pursuit." />
 <figcaption>The red line shows the route of the pursuit.</figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte man arrested following high-speed pursuit of stolen vehicle

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska reported nearly 1,000 new cases of the coronavirus, and doctors in rural areas expressed concern about the high rate of infections across the state.

Nebraska's positivity rate ranked sixth-highest among the states. The state's rate of new cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks registered at 461.47 on Wednesday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Rebecca Steinke, who is medical director of the Central District Health Department in Grand Island, said virus cases in that area have been rising in the past few days, so it's important that people take precautions.

"I know people are tired of being told to wear a mask, and they don't want a (mask) mandate," she told&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/nebraskas-number-of-new-covid-19-cases-continues-to-rise-at-record-setting-pace/article_a1c5f65a-7ae3-5b87-8a13-cac4cd0ec47f.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>. "But they also want their kids in school and their businesses open."

Dr. Jenn Harney, a family doctor with Memorial Community Health in Aurora, said a number of people in her community who don't think COVID-19 is a problem in rural areas have not been taking precautions. She said she hopes that will change.

"That's what I am asking of rural Nebraska," she said. "Help us slow the spread and move the curve back down so we can get ahead of coronavirus and protect our people."

Harney said the hospital in Aurora is finding it increasingly difficult to find a larger hospital that will accept critically ill patients who need to be transferred.

Officials with the state's largest hospitals have said they still have capacity to manage the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Nebraska eliminated most of its virus restrictions last month in favor of voluntary guidelines. Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts has said state officials are monitoring the number of virus cases and hospitalizations closely as both remain near record levels, and they will make changes to the state's approach if needed.

State health officials reported 924 new cases of COVID-19 and three new deaths Wednesday to give the state 54,467 cases and 530 deaths linked to the virus since the pandemic began. That is just under the daily record of 1,085 cases reported last Friday, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska also remained high at 311 Wednesday - just under the previous day's record of 315. State officials said 26% of all hospital beds, 24% of the intensive care beds and 76% of the ventilators remained available across Nebraska.

The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska climbed over the past two weeks from 13.28% on Sept. 30 to 14.32% on Wednesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska reported nearly 1,000 new cases of the coronavirus, and doctors in rural areas expressed concern about the high rate of infections across the state.Nebraska's positivity rate ranked sixth-highest among the states. The state's rate of new cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks registered at 461.47 on Wednesday, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University.Dr. Rebecca Steinke, who is medical director of the Central District Health Department in Grand Island, said virus cases in that area have been rising in the past few days, so it's important that people take precautions."I know people are tired of being told to wear a mask, and they don't want a (mask) mandate," she told&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/nebraskas-number-of-new-covid-19-cases-continues-to-rise-at-record-setting-pace/article_a1c5f65a-7ae3-5b87-8a13-cac4cd0ec47f.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>. "But they also want their kids in school and their businesses open."Dr. Jenn Harney, a family doctor with Memorial Community Health in Aurora, said a number of people in her community who don't think COVID-19 is a problem in rural areas have not been taking precautions. She said she hopes that will change."That's what I am asking of rural Nebraska," she said. "Help us slow the spread and move the curve back down so we can get ahead of coronavirus and protect our people."Harney said the hospital in Aurora is finding it increasingly difficult to find a larger hospital that will accept critically ill patients who need to be transferred.Officials with the state's largest hospitals have said they still have capacity to manage the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.Nebraska eliminated most of its virus restrictions last month in favor of voluntary guidelines. Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts has said state officials are monitoring the number of virus cases and hospitalizations closely as both remain near record levels, and they will make changes to the state's approach if needed.State health officials reported 924 new cases of COVID-19 and three new deaths Wednesday to give the state 54,467 cases and 530 deaths linked to the virus since the pandemic began. That is just under the daily record of 1,085 cases reported last Friday, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska also remained high at 311 Wednesday - just under the previous day's record of 315. State officials said 26% of all hospital beds, 24% of the intensive care beds and 76% of the ventilators remained available across Nebraska.The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska climbed over the past two weeks from 13.28% on Sept. 30 to 14.32% on Wednesday.

Nebraska's high rate of virus cases prompts concern in state

North Platte police diffused a situation at Lincoln Elementary School without incident on Wednesday.

According to police, on October 14, North Platte Police responded to Lincoln Elementary School after receiving a report from school administration about an unwanted person. 

Investigator John Deal says upon arrival, an officer learned the unwanted person was a parent that no longer had custody of their child who was a student at the school. 

Investigator Deal says the officer requested the parent to leave school property.  The parent left the property once requested by police without incident.

A message to parents from Principal DaNesa Fleck said, "At approximately 2:50 p.m. a parent arrived at our school that was not allowed to have custody of their child. Law enforcement was notified and the situation was resolved around 3:15 p.m. To ensure the safety of our students, the school was placed in lockout and all students were dismissed through the front entrance."

Mrs. Fleck says because the event occurred at the end of the day, additional safety protocols were put in place for dismissal, including an increased law enforcement presence.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602778573996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte police diffused a situation at Lincoln Elementary School without incident on Wednesday.According to police, on October 14, North Platte Police responded to Lincoln Elementary School after receiving a report from school administration about an unwanted person. Investigator John Deal says upon arrival, an officer learned the unwanted person was a parent that no longer had custody of their child who was a student at the school. Investigator Deal says the officer requested the parent to leave school property. The parent left the property once requested by police without incident.A message to parents from Principal DaNesa Fleck said, "At approximately 2:50 p.m. a parent arrived at our school that was not allowed to have custody of their child. Law enforcement was notified and the situation was resolved around 3:15 p.m. To ensure the safety of our students, the school was placed in lockout and all students were dismissed through the front entrance."Mrs. Fleck says because the event occurred at the end of the day, additional safety protocols were put in place for dismissal, including an increased law enforcement presence.&nbsp;

Police diffuse situation with parent at Lincoln Elementary School on Wednesday

North Platte police are investigating the death of a North Platte infant.&nbsp;

According to police, on October 14th, 2020 at 12:57 PM officers with the North Platte Police Department responded to an apartment in the 1100 block of south Tabor in reference to an unresponsive 2-month-old child.&nbsp; Police say Officers arrived simultaneously with EMS. &nbsp;

The child was transported to Great Plains Health where the baby was pronounced dead at approximately 1:34 PM. &nbsp;

Investigator John Deal said this incident is under active investigation due to suspicious circumstances. &nbsp;

No further information will be released at this time&nbsp;&nbsp;

North Platte police are investigating the death of a North Platte infant.&nbsp;According to police, on October 14th, 2020 at 12:57 PM officers with the North Platte Police Department responded to an apartment in the 1100 block of south Tabor in reference to an unresponsive 2-month-old child.&nbsp; Police say Officers arrived simultaneously with EMS. &nbsp;The child was transported to Great Plains Health where the baby was pronounced dead at approximately 1:34 PM. &nbsp; Investigator John Deal said this incident is under active investigation due to suspicious circumstances. &nbsp; No further information will be released at this time&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police investigate suspicious death of North Platte infant 

Scotty C talks with Brandy from the Prairie Art Center about their "Beers and Bites" event coming up, featuring local brews and cuisines...oh, and ice cream too!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602771305123.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scotty C talks with Brandy from the Prairie Art Center about their "Beers and Bites" event coming up, featuring local brews and cuisines...oh, and ice cream too!<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Prairie Art Center's Beers and Bites is coming up" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/utpa8-ef6bc0?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=0&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=1&pfauth=&btn-skin=107"></iframe></div>

Post Podcast: Prairie Art Center's 'Beer and Bites' event

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Oct. 24-25 statewide youth pheasant, quail, and partridge season for hunters ages 15 and younger provides an excellent opportunity to mentor new hunters.

“The youth season provides a great opportunity to expose young family members and friends to hunting in a more controlled environment,” said John Laux, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Game and Parks’ Take ’em Hunting Challenge motivates hunters to take a pledge to introduce someone new to hunting as recruiting new hunters is vital to maintaining strong hunting traditions in Nebraska.

Resident youth (age 15 or younger) do not need a permit to hunt small game, but nonresident youth must have a hunt permit and habitat stamp. Only youth are allowed to hunt during the youth season, except at designated Special Youth Hunt locations where accompanying adults also are allowed to hunt.

Game and Parks will release rooster pheasants at the following Special Youth Hunt locations/ wildlife management areas (with county):

Arrowhead (Gage), Kirkpatrick Basin North (York), Cornhusker (Hall), George Syas (Nance), Wilkinson (Platte), Oak Valley (Madison), Powder Creek (Dixon), Randall W. Schilling (Cass), Rakes Creek (Cass), Peru Bottoms (Nemaha), Twin Oaks (Johnson), Hickory Ridge (Johnson), Yankee Hill (Lancaster), Branched Oak (Lancaster), Sherman Reservoir (Sherman), Pressey (Custer), Arnold Trupp (Morrill), Bordeaux (Dawes), and N-CORPE east tract (Lincoln).

At Special Youth Hunt locations, the daily bag limit is two rooster pheasants for youth and one rooster pheasant for the accompanying adult (must be licensed hunters age 19 or older). Non-toxic shot is required at Kirkpatrick Basin North, Peru Bottoms, Randall W. Schilling and Wilkinson, but otherwise all hunting regulations apply.

For more information about the youth season or to find places to hunt, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMTMuMjg2NDQ0MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9wdWJsaWNhY2Nlc3NhdGxhcy8ifQ.IvS5cSL3j7em5CWoW9VkgD4swgF2Lu0Fptx6pCD_sMo/s/497221905/br/86776084270-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/Upland</a>&nbsp;or contact Game and Parks at 402-471-0641. Learn more about Take ’em Hunting at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMTMuMjg2NDQ0MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi90YWtlZW1odW50aW5nLyJ9.UoLEMqbzc-d91m_OcUaridGFJHZLg9PYHUdmzCijYNc/s/497221905/br/86776084270-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/takeemhunting</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Oct. 24-25 statewide youth pheasant, quail, and partridge season for hunters ages 15 and younger provides an excellent opportunity to mentor new hunters.“The youth season provides a great opportunity to expose young family members and friends to hunting in a more controlled environment,” said John Laux, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.Game and Parks’ Take ’em Hunting Challenge motivates hunters to take a pledge to introduce someone new to hunting as recruiting new hunters is vital to maintaining strong hunting traditions in Nebraska.Resident youth (age 15 or younger) do not need a permit to hunt small game, but nonresident youth must have a hunt permit and habitat stamp. Only youth are allowed to hunt during the youth season, except at designated Special Youth Hunt locations where accompanying adults also are allowed to hunt.Game and Parks will release rooster pheasants at the following Special Youth Hunt locations/ wildlife management areas (with county):Arrowhead (Gage), Kirkpatrick Basin North (York), Cornhusker (Hall), George Syas (Nance), Wilkinson (Platte), Oak Valley (Madison), Powder Creek (Dixon), Randall W. Schilling (Cass), Rakes Creek (Cass), Peru Bottoms (Nemaha), Twin Oaks (Johnson), Hickory Ridge (Johnson), Yankee Hill (Lancaster), Branched Oak (Lancaster), Sherman Reservoir (Sherman), Pressey (Custer), Arnold Trupp (Morrill), Bordeaux (Dawes), and N-CORPE east tract (Lincoln).At Special Youth Hunt locations, the daily bag limit is two rooster pheasants for youth and one rooster pheasant for the accompanying adult (must be licensed hunters age 19 or older). Non-toxic shot is required at Kirkpatrick Basin North, Peru Bottoms, Randall W. Schilling and Wilkinson, but otherwise all hunting regulations apply.For more information about the youth season or to find places to hunt, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMTMuMjg2NDQ0MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9wdWJsaWNhY2Nlc3NhdGxhcy8ifQ.IvS5cSL3j7em5CWoW9VkgD4swgF2Lu0Fptx6pCD_sMo/s/497221905/br/86776084270-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/Upland</a>&nbsp;or contact Game and Parks at 402-471-0641. Learn more about Take ’em Hunting at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMTMuMjg2NDQ0MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi90YWtlZW1odW50aW5nLyJ9.UoLEMqbzc-d91m_OcUaridGFJHZLg9PYHUdmzCijYNc/s/497221905/br/86776084270-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/takeemhunting</a>.

October 24-25 youth pheasant season includes Special Youth Hunts

KEARNEY, Neb.-Luxury theaters have become a huge thing across the country and now Kearney will be getting a luxury cinema of their own.

Golden Ticket Cinemas announced that they will be opening a luxury theater at the Hilltop Mall in Kearney.

According to a news release, Golden Ticket Hilltop is expected to open in November.

The theater will offer luxury seating and a full dining experience featuring items like milkshakes, wings, pizza, burgers, alcoholic beverages and the standard concession items.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602755784343.png" alt="Photo: LinkedIn" />
 <figcaption>Photo: LinkedIn</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb.-Luxury theaters have become a huge thing across the country and now Kearney will be getting a luxury cinema of their own.Golden Ticket Cinemas announced that they will be opening a luxury theater at the Hilltop Mall in Kearney.According to a news release, Golden Ticket Hilltop is expected to open in November.The theater will offer luxury seating and a full dining experience featuring items like milkshakes, wings, pizza, burgers, alcoholic beverages and the standard concession items.No movie dates have been announced.

Kearney getting luxury movie theater, expected to open in November

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-One person sustained life-threatening injuries following a crash south of North Platte on Wednesday, according to authorities.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), on October 14 at 2:15 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a report of two vehicle injury accident in the 6500 block of South Buffalo Road (southwest of North Platte).  Deputies and North Platte Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.  

LCSO says a preliminary investigation showed a large straight truck was heading southbound on Buffalo Road and stopped for a southbound car turning into a private drive.  Another southbound pickup pulling a large dump trailer did not see the straight truck was stopped and struck it in the rear.  Neither vehicle made contact with the turning car, authorities said.  

Chief Deputy Roland Kramer says the driver of the pickup was trapped in the vehicle and had to be removed by rescue workers. The pickup driver was taken to Great Plains Health with life threatening injuries.  The driver of the straight truck had no obvious injuries. 

Kramer says drugs and alcohol were not suspected.  The names of the drivers are being withheld at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602721156204.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-One person sustained life-threatening injuries following a crash south of North Platte on Wednesday, according to authorities.According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), on October 14 at 2:15 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a report of two vehicle injury accident in the 6500 block of South Buffalo Road (southwest of North Platte). Deputies and North Platte Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. LCSO says a preliminary investigation showed a large straight truck was heading southbound on Buffalo Road and stopped for a southbound car turning into a private drive. Another southbound pickup pulling a large dump trailer did not see the straight truck was stopped and struck it in the rear. Neither vehicle made contact with the turning car, authorities said. Chief Deputy Roland Kramer says the driver of the pickup was trapped in the vehicle and had to be removed by rescue workers. The pickup driver was taken to Great Plains Health with life threatening injuries. The driver of the straight truck had no obvious injuries. Kramer says drugs and alcohol were not suspected. The names of the drivers are being withheld at this time.

One seriously injured in 2-vehicle crash on South Buffalo Road

Nearly 30 years into the nursing profession, Michelle McNea continues to be amazed by all the opportunities the field has to offer.

“The variety is part of what I love about it,” McNea said. “Nursing is different for everyone because there are numerous avenues you can pursue. I’ve been fortunate to do so many things that fall under that nursing umbrella and involve working with patients. That’s what my personality lends itself to – helping others and building relationships.”

The O’Neill native narrowed her career choices down to two at an early age but didn’t choose nursing as much as it chose her.

“I always kind of toggled between teaching and nursing and actually have enough teaching credits to be a sub,” said McNea. “I enjoy working with children – especially lower elementary level, but that draw of the medical field and patient care was ultimately too strong to pass up.”

During her high school years, McNea spent summers working at a local clinic, and the doctors and nurses there were some of her earliest mentors. While that played a part in her decision to become a nurse, much of her desire was fueled by an experience she had when she was 16.

“I nannied for a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and he took me to watch an open gallbladder surgery,” said McNea. “That cemented the deal. I knew immediately I wanted to go into a medical profession.”

McNea graduated from O’Neill High School in 1984 and subsequently enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“My intent was to go into nursing, but after I got there, I had a bunch of friends in education, so I made the switch – thinking maybe I wanted to take the teaching route after all,” said McNea.

Plans changed again when she followed her then fiancé, Mel McNea, to North Platte in 1987.

“I couldn’t finish my teaching degree there at that time, but I could become a nurse,” said Michelle. “I talked to the nursing instructors at Mid-Plains Community College, and they told me to just be patient because, while they already had a [Licensed Practical Nursing] program, they were just getting ready to start an Associate Degree Nursing program.”

Michelle took the advice and hired on with the medical records department at what is now Great Plains Health. She worked during the day then attended classes at night to get her nursing prerequisites out of the way. She was accepted into the college’s first ADN class in 1990 but waited to start until 1991.

“I was trying to balance being a young mother while working on my prerequisites, and by the time I got done with them, there was another baby on the way,” Michelle said. “By 1991, I had a 5-year-old, 2-year-old and was pregnant with our third. We had to buckle down and concentrate on what was important. Mel was still doing radiology for the hospital, and I quit my job to focus more on school. For two years, our lives consisted primarily of work, nursing school, the kids and church on Sundays.”

The dedication paid off, and Michelle earned an associate degree in nursing from MPCC in 1993.

“Mid-Plains was such a blessing,” Michelle said. “It definitely prepared me for the real world. I did clinicals at the hospital as a student, which came full circle when, later on in my career, I got to work with other MPCC nursing students who were at the hospital for clinicals.”

Seeing them in action made her appreciate the high standards her instructors had held her to even more.

“It wasn’t just the nursing skills, but how to be professional,” Michelle said. “They taught us honesty, integrity, accountability and to have pride in what we did – the whole package that it takes to be a nurse. I don’t always see that in graduates of other programs.”

Michelle took on three part-time jobs immediately after entering the nursing profession. She worked as a caregiver for Home Health and was an office nurse for both North Platte Surgical Associates and&nbsp;Internal Medicine Associates. She became full-time at Internal Medicine when more hours opened up and stayed there for seven years.

“I learned a lot from every job I had,” Michelle said. “Each prepared me for the next step.”

Her career with Great Plains Health began in 2000 when she took a job as a staff nurse in the Cardiac Rehabilitation department. From there, she worked her way up to Occupational Health coordinator, house supervisor and transitions of care registered nurse.

It was while working as the Occupational Health coordinator, that Michelle decided to go back to school by taking online classes through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“The timing was right,” Michelle said. “By then, my youngest was getting ready to finish high school, and I was at the point in my career where I was leading a department, crafting policies and taking on more administrative type responsibilities. Because the classes were online, I was able to take them at my own pace over about three years, and that degree led to me getting the house supervisor job.”

Michelle’s daughter was pursuing a nursing degree at the same time. They both graduated with bachelor’s degrees in May of 2012 and were both inducted into the&nbsp;Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

“That was a tremendous honor – made even more fun by the fact that I was experiencing it with my daughter,” Michelle said.

Although still officially a PRN and fill-in house supervisor, Michelle has temporarily taken a step back from her work at the hospital to take on another role – grandma. She’s currently nannying for her daughter, who is pursuing anesthesiology in Omaha, while also doing continuation of care remotely for Great Plains Health.

“It’s just another example of how nursing has evolved over the years,” Michelle said. “I can do discharge calls from across the state.”

She’s grateful for the opportunity and for the path her life took. If not for MPCC, she could have easily ended up in another profession.

“Having the college and it’s nursing program in North Platte was the key to everything,” Michelle said. “It’s a great asset for the whole region because nurses are able to advance without having to go far from home. That’s a game changer for a lot of people with families, and it strengthens the entire health care community by having highly skilled workers. I’m a big patron of community colleges.”

More information about MPCC and its nursing program is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">mpcc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602708050048.png" alt="Michelle McNea" />
 <figcaption>Michelle McNea</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCNearly 30 years into the nursing profession, Michelle McNea continues to be amazed by all the opportunities the field has to offer.“The variety is part of what I love about it,” McNea said. “Nursing is different for everyone because there are numerous avenues you can pursue. I’ve been fortunate to do so many things that fall under that nursing umbrella and involve working with patients. That’s what my personality lends itself to – helping others and building relationships.”The O’Neill native narrowed her career choices down to two at an early age but didn’t choose nursing as much as it chose her.“I always kind of toggled between teaching and nursing and actually have enough teaching credits to be a sub,” said McNea. “I enjoy working with children – especially lower elementary level, but that draw of the medical field and patient care was ultimately too strong to pass up.”During her high school years, McNea spent summers working at a local clinic, and the doctors and nurses there were some of her earliest mentors. While that played a part in her decision to become a nurse, much of her desire was fueled by an experience she had when she was 16.“I nannied for a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and he took me to watch an open gallbladder surgery,” said McNea. “That cemented the deal. I knew immediately I wanted to go into a medical profession.”McNea graduated from O’Neill High School in 1984 and subsequently enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.“My intent was to go into nursing, but after I got there, I had a bunch of friends in education, so I made the switch – thinking maybe I wanted to take the teaching route after all,” said McNea.Plans changed again when she followed her then fiancé, Mel McNea, to North Platte in 1987.“I couldn’t finish my teaching degree there at that time, but I could become a nurse,” said Michelle. “I talked to the nursing instructors at Mid-Plains Community College, and they told me to just be patient because, while they already had a [Licensed Practical Nursing] program, they were just getting ready to start an Associate Degree Nursing program.”Michelle took the advice and hired on with the medical records department at what is now Great Plains Health. She worked during the day then attended classes at night to get her nursing prerequisites out of the way. She was accepted into the college’s first ADN class in 1990 but waited to start until 1991.“I was trying to balance being a young mother while working on my prerequisites, and by the time I got done with them, there was another baby on the way,” Michelle said. “By 1991, I had a 5-year-old, 2-year-old and was pregnant with our third. We had to buckle down and concentrate on what was important. Mel was still doing radiology for the hospital, and I quit my job to focus more on school. For two years, our lives consisted primarily of work, nursing school, the kids and church on Sundays.”The dedication paid off, and Michelle earned an associate degree in nursing from MPCC in 1993.“Mid-Plains was such a blessing,” Michelle said. “It definitely prepared me for the real world. I did clinicals at the hospital as a student, which came full circle when, later on in my career, I got to work with other MPCC nursing students who were at the hospital for clinicals.”Seeing them in action made her appreciate the high standards her instructors had held her to even more.“It wasn’t just the nursing skills, but how to be professional,” Michelle said. “They taught us honesty, integrity, accountability and to have pride in what we did – the whole package that it takes to be a nurse. I don’t always see that in graduates of other programs.”Michelle took on three part-time jobs immediately after entering the nursing profession. She worked as a caregiver for Home Health and was an office nurse for both North Platte Surgical Associates and&nbsp;Internal Medicine Associates. She became full-time at Internal Medicine when more hours opened up and stayed there for seven years.“I learned a lot from every job I had,” Michelle said. “Each prepared me for the next step.”Her career with Great Plains Health began in 2000 when she took a job as a staff nurse in the Cardiac Rehabilitation department. From there, she worked her way up to Occupational Health coordinator, house supervisor and transitions of care registered nurse.It was while working as the Occupational Health coordinator, that Michelle decided to go back to school by taking online classes through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.“The timing was right,” Michelle said. “By then, my youngest was getting ready to finish high school, and I was at the point in my career where I was leading a department, crafting policies and taking on more administrative type responsibilities. Because the classes were online, I was able to take them at my own pace over about three years, and that degree led to me getting the house supervisor job.”Michelle’s daughter was pursuing a nursing degree at the same time. They both graduated with bachelor’s degrees in May of 2012 and were both inducted into the&nbsp;Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.“That was a tremendous honor – made even more fun by the fact that I was experiencing it with my daughter,” Michelle said. Although still officially a PRN and fill-in house supervisor, Michelle has temporarily taken a step back from her work at the hospital to take on another role – grandma. She’s currently nannying for her daughter, who is pursuing anesthesiology in Omaha, while also doing continuation of care remotely for Great Plains Health.“It’s just another example of how nursing has evolved over the years,” Michelle said. “I can do discharge calls from across the state.”She’s grateful for the opportunity and for the path her life took. If not for MPCC, she could have easily ended up in another profession.“Having the college and it’s nursing program in North Platte was the key to everything,” Michelle said. “It’s a great asset for the whole region because nurses are able to advance without having to go far from home. That’s a game changer for a lot of people with families, and it strengthens the entire health care community by having highly skilled workers. I’m a big patron of community colleges.”More information about MPCC and its nursing program is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">mpcc.edu</a>.

MPCC alum finds variety/fulfillment through career in nursing

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials say Halloween celebrations may need to be tweaked this year because of the coronavirus pandemic as the state continues to set records for the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday that he thinks children will still be able to go trick-or-treating for Halloween but people may decide to leave candy on their porches for kids to pick up instead of handing it out themselves this year.

"I think there are ways that we can have Halloween and still do in a way that we can slow the spread of the virus and keep that 6-foot of distance and so forth," Ricketts said. "We can do this but we have to manage it. It can't be like it was in the past."

Ricketts, who eliminated most of the state's restrictions related to the virus last month, isn't likely to impose new rules for Halloween, but he encouraged people to follow the recommendations of public health officials who have called traditional trick-or-treating a high risk activity.

In the state's most populous county, Douglas County health officials said Wednesday that people can reduce the risks associated with trick-or-treating by setting out goodie bags for families to grab while maintaining a safe distance and staying in small groups. Foregoing trick-or-treating altogether in favor of planning scavenger hunts or other activities only with your own family would reduce the risk further.

"I think we want to have a fun Halloween, but we also want to have a safe Halloween," said Douglas County Health Department Director Adi Pour who recommended that people avoid large indoor parties or big gatherings at haunted houses to limit risks.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has said children should wear masks along with their costumes to help limit the spread of germs.

Nebraska set another new record for COVID-19 hospitalizations Wednesday with 315 people being treated for the virus in hospitals across the state. That number exceeds the record of 305 set last weekend and remains well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.

Nebraska health officials have said they are monitoring hospital capacity closely, but so far hospitals are managing the patient load OK even though hospital capacity is tightening. The state said 24% of Nebraska's intensive care beds and 76% of the state's ventilators remained available Wednesday.

Nebraska continues to have the seventh-highest rate of new cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska increased over the past two weeks from 13.01% on Sept. 29 to 13.28% on Tuesday.

The state reported 704 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday to give Nebraska 53,543 cases since the pandemic began. Five new deaths were also reported to give the state 527 deaths linked to the virus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602003780383.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH FUNK-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials say Halloween celebrations may need to be tweaked this year because of the coronavirus pandemic as the state continues to set records for the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations.Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday that he thinks children will still be able to go trick-or-treating for Halloween but people may decide to leave candy on their porches for kids to pick up instead of handing it out themselves this year."I think there are ways that we can have Halloween and still do in a way that we can slow the spread of the virus and keep that 6-foot of distance and so forth," Ricketts said. "We can do this but we have to manage it. It can't be like it was in the past."Ricketts, who eliminated most of the state's restrictions related to the virus last month, isn't likely to impose new rules for Halloween, but he encouraged people to follow the recommendations of public health officials who have called traditional trick-or-treating a high risk activity.In the state's most populous county, Douglas County health officials said Wednesday that people can reduce the risks associated with trick-or-treating by setting out goodie bags for families to grab while maintaining a safe distance and staying in small groups. Foregoing trick-or-treating altogether in favor of planning scavenger hunts or other activities only with your own family would reduce the risk further."I think we want to have a fun Halloween, but we also want to have a safe Halloween," said Douglas County Health Department Director Adi Pour who recommended that people avoid large indoor parties or big gatherings at haunted houses to limit risks.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has said children should wear masks along with their costumes to help limit the spread of germs.Nebraska set another new record for COVID-19 hospitalizations Wednesday with 315 people being treated for the virus in hospitals across the state. That number exceeds the record of 305 set last weekend and remains well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.Nebraska health officials have said they are monitoring hospital capacity closely, but so far hospitals are managing the patient load OK even though hospital capacity is tightening. The state said 24% of Nebraska's intensive care beds and 76% of the state's ventilators remained available Wednesday.Nebraska continues to have the seventh-highest rate of new cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska increased over the past two weeks from 13.01% on Sept. 29 to 13.28% on Tuesday.The state reported 704 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday to give Nebraska 53,543 cases since the pandemic began. Five new deaths were also reported to give the state 527 deaths linked to the virus.

Nebraska officials urge caution with Halloween amid pandemic

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash that occurred while a Nebraska State Trooper was in pursuit of a stolen semi-tractor.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, NSP received information about a stolen semi-tractor that was traveling eastbound on Van Dorn, east of Lincoln. A trooper observed the vehicle traveling eastbound near 112th&nbsp;and Van Dorn. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, traveling at 80 miles per hour on the gravel road.

As the vehicle reached 148th&nbsp;street, it failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the trailer of a semi-tractor/truck trailer. The trooper called for emergency medical personnel and arrived on scene immediately. The trooper then located the driver of the stolen semi-tractor, who was deceased. The driver of the other semi-tractor was not injured.

The Nebraska State Patrol has requested that the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office investigate the incident.

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash that occurred while a Nebraska State Trooper was in pursuit of a stolen semi-tractor.At approximately 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, NSP received information about a stolen semi-tractor that was traveling eastbound on Van Dorn, east of Lincoln. A trooper observed the vehicle traveling eastbound near 112th&nbsp;and Van Dorn. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, traveling at 80 miles per hour on the gravel road.As the vehicle reached 148th&nbsp;street, it failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the trailer of a semi-tractor/truck trailer. The trooper called for emergency medical personnel and arrived on scene immediately. The trooper then located the driver of the stolen semi-tractor, who was deceased. The driver of the other semi-tractor was not injured.The Nebraska State Patrol has requested that the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office investigate the incident.

NSP: Suspect in stolen vehicle pursuit dies in crash

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - A jury found a woman guilty Wednesday of the killing another woman who disappeared after a Tinder date and whose dismembered remains were later found in trash bags along rural Nebraska roads.

Jurors took less than four hours to find Bailey Boswell, 26, guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and improper disposal of human remains in the 2017 killing of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe of Lincoln, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/bailey-boswell-convicted-of-first-degree-murder-in-the-death-of-sydney-loofe/article_c2fecbd5-a414-5090-b70a-89c7622a2544.html#tracking-source=home-breaking" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Boswell's defense had argued she was forced by her ex-convict boyfriend to go along with the killing and dismemberment, but state prosecutors said Boswell acted in tandem with Aubrey Trail, 54, to meet and kill Loofe.

Boswell could become the first woman sent to death row in Nebraska when she's sentenced at a later date. Trail was found guilty last year and also faces a possible death penalty.

Investigators say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d26b8a401f2d4154a43a5e3a033d4f3c" target="_blank">Boswell arranged a date</a>&nbsp;with Loofe, a Lincoln store clerk, through the internet dating app Tinder for Nov. 15, 2017 - the same day officials say Loofe was killed. Loofe was reported missing by her family, and a massive search was launched. Her remains weren't found until Dec. 4, when her dismembered body was found stuffed into garbage bags that had been dumped in a field near Edgar, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Lincoln.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561640263298.png" alt="Sydney Loofe" />
 <figcaption>Sydney Loofe</figcaption>
 </figure>LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - A jury found a woman guilty Wednesday of the killing another woman who disappeared after a Tinder date and whose dismembered remains were later found in trash bags along rural Nebraska roads.Jurors took less than four hours to find Bailey Boswell, 26, guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and improper disposal of human remains in the 2017 killing of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe of Lincoln, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/bailey-boswell-convicted-of-first-degree-murder-in-the-death-of-sydney-loofe/article_c2fecbd5-a414-5090-b70a-89c7622a2544.html#tracking-source=home-breaking" target="_blank">reported</a>.Boswell's defense had argued she was forced by her ex-convict boyfriend to go along with the killing and dismemberment, but state prosecutors said Boswell acted in tandem with Aubrey Trail, 54, to meet and kill Loofe.Boswell could become the first woman sent to death row in Nebraska when she's sentenced at a later date. Trail was found guilty last year and also faces a possible death penalty.Investigators say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d26b8a401f2d4154a43a5e3a033d4f3c" target="_blank">Boswell arranged a date</a>&nbsp;with Loofe, a Lincoln store clerk, through the internet dating app Tinder for Nov. 15, 2017 - the same day officials say Loofe was killed. Loofe was reported missing by her family, and a massive search was launched. Her remains weren't found until Dec. 4, when her dismembered body was found stuffed into garbage bags that had been dumped in a field near Edgar, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Lincoln.

Jury: Boswell guilty of Nebraska woman's dismemberment death

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - A jury began deliberations Wednesday in the capital murder case against a woman accused of killing another woman who disappeared after a Tinder date and whose dismembered remains were later found in trash bags along rural Nebraska roads.

A defense attorney for 26-year-old Bailey Boswell told the jury Tuesday in closing arguments that she was forced by her ex-convict boyfriend to go along with the killing and dismemberment of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe in 2017, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/jurors-must-decide-was-bailey-boswell-coerced-by-a-killer-or-was-she-a-willing/article_df131897-73d7-5722-b954-bf173eb0d95d.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">reported</a>. But state prosecutor Mike Guinan said Boswell acted in tandem with 54-year-old Aubrey Trail to meet and kill Loofe.

Boswell faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the case. Trail was found guilty last year and also faces a possible death penalty.

Investigators contend that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d26b8a401f2d4154a43a5e3a033d4f3c" target="_blank">Boswell arranged a date</a>&nbsp;with Loofe, a Lincoln store clerk, through the internet dating app Tinder for Nov. 15, 2017 - the same day officials say Loofe was killed. Loofe was reported missing by her family, and a massive search was launched. Her remains weren't found until Dec. 4, when her dismembered body was found stuffed into garbage bags that had been dumped in a field near Edgar, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Lincoln.

Boswell's trial was moved from Saline County, where she and Trail lived, to Dawson County because of extensive publicity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560911898785.png" alt="Bailey Boswell" />
 <figcaption>Bailey Boswell</figcaption>
 </figure>LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - A jury began deliberations Wednesday in the capital murder case against a woman accused of killing another woman who disappeared after a Tinder date and whose dismembered remains were later found in trash bags along rural Nebraska roads.A defense attorney for 26-year-old Bailey Boswell told the jury Tuesday in closing arguments that she was forced by her ex-convict boyfriend to go along with the killing and dismemberment of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe in 2017, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/crime-and-courts/jurors-must-decide-was-bailey-boswell-coerced-by-a-killer-or-was-she-a-willing/article_df131897-73d7-5722-b954-bf173eb0d95d.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">reported</a>. But state prosecutor Mike Guinan said Boswell acted in tandem with 54-year-old Aubrey Trail to meet and kill Loofe.Boswell faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the case. Trail was found guilty last year and also faces a possible death penalty.Investigators contend that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d26b8a401f2d4154a43a5e3a033d4f3c" target="_blank">Boswell arranged a date</a>&nbsp;with Loofe, a Lincoln store clerk, through the internet dating app Tinder for Nov. 15, 2017 - the same day officials say Loofe was killed. Loofe was reported missing by her family, and a massive search was launched. Her remains weren't found until Dec. 4, when her dismembered body was found stuffed into garbage bags that had been dumped in a field near Edgar, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Lincoln.Boswell's trial was moved from Saline County, where she and Trail lived, to Dawson County because of extensive publicity.

Jury begins deliberations in dismemberment killing of woman

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus continues to grow across Nebraska as the state reports large numbers of new COVID-19 cases.

Nebraska set another new record for COVID-19 hospitalizations Wednesday with 315 people being treated for the virus in hospitals across the state. That number exceeds the record set last weekend and remains well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.

Officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services have said they are monitoring hospital capacity closely, but so far hospitals are managing the patient load OK. The state said 24% of Nebraska's intensive care beds and 76% of the state's ventilators remained available Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602693035819.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus continues to grow across Nebraska as the state reports large numbers of new COVID-19 cases.Nebraska set another new record for COVID-19 hospitalizations Wednesday with 315 people being treated for the virus in hospitals across the state. That number exceeds the record set last weekend and remains well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracker</a>.Officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services have said they are monitoring hospital capacity closely, but so far hospitals are managing the patient load OK. The state said 24% of Nebraska's intensive care beds and 76% of the state's ventilators remained available Wednesday.Nebraska continues to have the seventh-highest rate of new cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Nebraska increased over the past two weeks from 13.01% on Sept. 29 to 13.28% on Tuesday.The state reported 704 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday to give Nebraska 53,543 cases since the pandemic began. Five new deaths were also reported to give the state 527 deaths linked to the virus.

Nebraska virus hospitalizations sets records as cases grow

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has blamed South Dakota’s recent surge in coronavirus cases on an increase in testing, even as the state sees a new high in the number of people hospitalized by the virus.

 There are currently no open general-care hospital beds in the southeastern part of the state, which contains the two largest hospitals, according to the Department of Health. 

Hospitals are dealing with both an increase in COVID-19 patients and people needing other medical care. 

The Sioux Falls hospitals do have about 41% of their Intensive Care Units available. 

The Department of Health reports 302 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has blamed South Dakota’s recent surge in coronavirus cases on an increase in testing, even as the state sees a new high in the number of people hospitalized by the virus. There are currently no open general-care hospital beds in the southeastern part of the state, which contains the two largest hospitals, according to the Department of Health. Hospitals are dealing with both an increase in COVID-19 patients and people needing other medical care. The Sioux Falls hospitals do have about 41% of their Intensive Care Units available. The Department of Health reports 302 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized.

Noem blames surge in cases on testing as hospitals fill

It’s October in Nebraska, and change is literally in the air.&nbsp; Yellow, orange, and red leaves are falling from trees to the grass, marking the turn of season. &nbsp;It’s fitting, then, that October is the month we celebrate change in state government.&nbsp; All month long, we’re spotlighting our Center of Operational Excellence and the positive changes it’s making to improve government services for Nebraskans.

In my first year as Governor, my team and I created the Center of Operational Excellence (COE) to lead change and drive operational excellence across state government. &nbsp;The COE equips state teammates with process improvement skills.&nbsp; These skills help state teammates identify waste, eliminate unnecessary steps, and deliver a better customer experience for taxpayers.&nbsp;

By instilling these skills in our team, the COE has helped drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout state government.&nbsp; As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”&nbsp; The COE helps state teammates to look ahead and see how they can make things better.&nbsp; We don’t want our agencies to get stuck in a rut, repeating the same steps because “this is how we’ve always done it.”&nbsp; Instead, we want to empower our teams to find new and improved ways to serve Nebraskans. &nbsp;To help lead this change, we’ve embedded process improvement coordinators within state agencies to give our teams this future-oriented perspective.

Process improvement coordinators are helping deliver a customer service experience taxpayers expect and deserve.&nbsp; American businesses are the most innovative, customer-friendly enterprises on the planet.&nbsp; Because of the speed and quality of private sector service, people increasingly expect the same level of excellence from their government. &nbsp;Over the last several years, we’ve seen great success running state government more like a business.&nbsp; Since May 2016, the COE has led over 450 process improvement projects across 18 agencies. &nbsp;Over 540,000 hours of time have been saved, allowing our team to put an even greater focus on customer service.&nbsp; From the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), these changes are delivering a higher level of services for you.

Since our state’s historic floods of 2019, NDOT has been working hard to repair roads and rebuild bridges.&nbsp; In May, NDOT also took on the largest project in its history, beginning construction on the Lincoln South Beltway. &nbsp;Process improvements are helping NDOT speed up its completion of construction projects like these.&nbsp;

For example, NDOT’s Environmental Section uses “Green Sheets” to document and communicate the steps needed to reduce environmental impacts during a construction project.&nbsp; The “Green Sheet” outlines actions to control erosion, protect endangered species or historic sites, and properly dispose of hazardous materials.&nbsp; Once these actions are determined, NDOT’s Environmental Section forwards the “Green Sheet” to NDOT’s Construction Division.

The Construction Division lists these actions in their contracts to ensure contractors fulfill their environmental responsibilities during road construction.&nbsp; NDOT sensed that the “Green Sheet” process was outdated and enlisted the help of COE to expedite it.&nbsp; The team discovered how to eliminate 27 process steps (from 87 to 60) by moving from a paper to electronic distribution, review, and approval process.&nbsp; This led to an 81% reduction in lead time, cutting the “Green Sheet” process from an average of 16 days to 3 days.&nbsp; NDOT’s success on the project continues our wise stewardship of our natural resources, while helping to get Nebraska drivers moving.

Continuous improvement projects at Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are helping families caring for children with special needs.&nbsp; DHHS reimburses families in the Disabled Children’s Program and Medically Handicapped Children’s Program for mileage and hotel expenses when they take a child to see a specialist.&nbsp; Many of the families enrolled in these programs are financially disadvantaged. &nbsp;Having to pay expenses up front, and then wait for reimbursement, can be challenging.&nbsp;

DHHS enlisted the COE to review and improve the way the agency processes reimbursements.&nbsp; By using electronic/fillable forms, the COE helped DHHS reduce the average time to issue reimbursement from 15 days to 2.67 days.&nbsp; That’s impressive improvement. &nbsp;It also makes a tremendous difference for families in Nebraska trying to take care of disabled children while living paycheck to paycheck.

Simple changes to how we do business add up to more effective, more efficient, and more customer-focused state government.&nbsp; Our team is working every day to cut through the red tape, so government can work for the people of our state.&nbsp; If you have an idea for improving customer service in state government, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; We look forward to hearing from you.

Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsIt’s October in Nebraska, and change is literally in the air.&nbsp; Yellow, orange, and red leaves are falling from trees to the grass, marking the turn of season. &nbsp;It’s fitting, then, that October is the month we celebrate change in state government.&nbsp; All month long, we’re spotlighting our Center of Operational Excellence and the positive changes it’s making to improve government services for Nebraskans.In my first year as Governor, my team and I created the Center of Operational Excellence (COE) to lead change and drive operational excellence across state government. &nbsp;The COE equips state teammates with process improvement skills.&nbsp; These skills help state teammates identify waste, eliminate unnecessary steps, and deliver a better customer experience for taxpayers.&nbsp;By instilling these skills in our team, the COE has helped drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout state government.&nbsp; As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”&nbsp; The COE helps state teammates to look ahead and see how they can make things better.&nbsp; We don’t want our agencies to get stuck in a rut, repeating the same steps because “this is how we’ve always done it.”&nbsp; Instead, we want to empower our teams to find new and improved ways to serve Nebraskans. &nbsp;To help lead this change, we’ve embedded process improvement coordinators within state agencies to give our teams this future-oriented perspective.Process improvement coordinators are helping deliver a customer service experience taxpayers expect and deserve.&nbsp; American businesses are the most innovative, customer-friendly enterprises on the planet.&nbsp; Because of the speed and quality of private sector service, people increasingly expect the same level of excellence from their government. &nbsp;Over the last several years, we’ve seen great success running state government more like a business.&nbsp; Since May 2016, the COE has led over 450 process improvement projects across 18 agencies. &nbsp;Over 540,000 hours of time have been saved, allowing our team to put an even greater focus on customer service.&nbsp; From the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), these changes are delivering a higher level of services for you.Since our state’s historic floods of 2019, NDOT has been working hard to repair roads and rebuild bridges.&nbsp; In May, NDOT also took on the largest project in its history, beginning construction on the Lincoln South Beltway. &nbsp;Process improvements are helping NDOT speed up its completion of construction projects like these.&nbsp;For example, NDOT’s Environmental Section uses “Green Sheets” to document and communicate the steps needed to reduce environmental impacts during a construction project.&nbsp; The “Green Sheet” outlines actions to control erosion, protect endangered species or historic sites, and properly dispose of hazardous materials.&nbsp; Once these actions are determined, NDOT’s Environmental Section forwards the “Green Sheet” to NDOT’s Construction Division.The Construction Division lists these actions in their contracts to ensure contractors fulfill their environmental responsibilities during road construction.&nbsp; NDOT sensed that the “Green Sheet” process was outdated and enlisted the help of COE to expedite it.&nbsp; The team discovered how to eliminate 27 process steps (from 87 to 60) by moving from a paper to electronic distribution, review, and approval process.&nbsp; This led to an 81% reduction in lead time, cutting the “Green Sheet” process from an average of 16 days to 3 days.&nbsp; NDOT’s success on the project continues our wise stewardship of our natural resources, while helping to get Nebraska drivers moving.Continuous improvement projects at Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are helping families caring for children with special needs.&nbsp; DHHS reimburses families in the Disabled Children’s Program and Medically Handicapped Children’s Program for mileage and hotel expenses when they take a child to see a specialist.&nbsp; Many of the families enrolled in these programs are financially disadvantaged. &nbsp;Having to pay expenses up front, and then wait for reimbursement, can be challenging.&nbsp;DHHS enlisted the COE to review and improve the way the agency processes reimbursements.&nbsp; By using electronic/fillable forms, the COE helped DHHS reduce the average time to issue reimbursement from 15 days to 2.67 days.&nbsp; That’s impressive improvement. &nbsp;It also makes a tremendous difference for families in Nebraska trying to take care of disabled children while living paycheck to paycheck.Simple changes to how we do business add up to more effective, more efficient, and more customer-focused state government.&nbsp; Our team is working every day to cut through the red tape, so government can work for the people of our state.&nbsp; If you have an idea for improving customer service in state government, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; We look forward to hearing from you.

COLUMN Gov Ricketts: Getting Better All the Time

U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly announced today $2,008,282 in Department of Justice grants to Nebraska to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.

“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extra<a></a>ordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”

“Several Nebraska agencies are benefitting from these grants designed to enhance our forensic capabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly. “These awards will make available tools to enhance technology and research that will greatly assist the criminal justice system to do its job in protecting the community – especially sexual assault and cold case crimes.”

Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.

The following organizations received funding in the following program areas:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State of Nebraska - $531,186&nbsp;DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol - $264,698&nbsp;Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program&nbsp;(helps improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services);

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Douglas County - $245,516&nbsp;Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants –&nbsp;received from a competitive award process; and

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Omaha - $966,882&nbsp;National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative&nbsp;-&nbsp;The program promotes the use of multi-disciplinary teams by supporting investigation, prosecution and victim advocacy involved with a comprehensive approach to addressing unsubmitted sexual assault kits. The program also helps law enforcement agencies and crime labs process sexual assault evidence and increase the number of sexual assault kits submitted to crime labs in order to solve more crimes, including cold cases.

More information about OJP and its components can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ojp.gov/" target="_blank">www.ojp.gov</a>.

U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly announced today $2,008,282 in Department of Justice grants to Nebraska to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extra<a></a>ordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”“Several Nebraska agencies are benefitting from these grants designed to enhance our forensic capabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly. “These awards will make available tools to enhance technology and research that will greatly assist the criminal justice system to do its job in protecting the community – especially sexual assault and cold case crimes.”Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.The following organizations received funding in the following program areas:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State of Nebraska - $531,186&nbsp;DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol - $264,698&nbsp;Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program&nbsp;(helps improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services);·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Douglas County - $245,516&nbsp;Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants –&nbsp;received from a competitive award process; and·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Omaha - $966,882&nbsp;National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative&nbsp;-&nbsp;The program promotes the use of multi-disciplinary teams by supporting investigation, prosecution and victim advocacy involved with a comprehensive approach to addressing unsubmitted sexual assault kits. The program also helps law enforcement agencies and crime labs process sexual assault evidence and increase the number of sexual assault kits submitted to crime labs in order to solve more crimes, including cold cases.More information about OJP and its components can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ojp.gov/" target="_blank">www.ojp.gov</a>.

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