North Platte, Neb.-Beginning Monday, October 12, Great Plains Health expand visiting hours for patients in the hospital. Visitor restrictions were first put into place in April and have been modified in accordance with the current local COVID-19 situation.

“We recognize the importance of visitors in the healing process of our patients and we are continually trying to strike a balance between safety and human connection,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “As the pandemic continues to evolve, we continue to evaluate our practices on a regular basis to ensure that we have the safest policy in place for our patients, staff and the community.”

Effective Monday, October 12 2020, the visiting hours for our inpatients at Great Plains Health will be expanded to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The most recent visitor policy includes:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inpatient: One adult visitor during daily visitor hours 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outpatient departments, clinics, Cancer Center and same day services will be allowed one support person to accompany the patient.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emergency department: No visitors are permitted with few exceptions, such as:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Patients with a cognitive impairment or disability who requires assistance to access care.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation for patients in end-of-life care.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behavioral health services: One adult visitor during visitor hours 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

These existing guidelines continue:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NICU and pediatric patients are allowed two parents 24/7

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Post-partum patients are allowed one support person upon admission, to remain through discharge.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be no visitors allowed for confirmed positive COVID-19 patients, those patients awaiting COVID-19 test results or other patients on isolation precautions.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation will be restricted for patients needing care that creates a risk to others, such as those on BiPAP or those on continuous high flow oxygen.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Special consideration for circumstances such as end of life.

All visitors and support persons must

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be age 19 or older.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Show identification and pass a health screening, including a temperature check. Any visitor or support person that shows symptoms or has a temperature higher than 100 degrees, will not be allowed to visit or accompany the patient.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wear a mask. Visitors and support persons are asked to bring their own cloth mask or face covering to wear throughout their entire visit, including while inside the patient’s room.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remain in the patient’s room while in the inpatient unit. Waiting rooms are closed at this time.

Great Plains Health continues to work closely with local and state public health officials and regularly reviews policies to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff and the community.

North Platte, Neb.-Beginning Monday, October 12, Great Plains Health expand visiting hours for patients in the hospital. Visitor restrictions were first put into place in April and have been modified in accordance with the current local COVID-19 situation.“We recognize the importance of visitors in the healing process of our patients and we are continually trying to strike a balance between safety and human connection,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “As the pandemic continues to evolve, we continue to evaluate our practices on a regular basis to ensure that we have the safest policy in place for our patients, staff and the community.”Effective Monday, October 12 2020, the visiting hours for our inpatients at Great Plains Health will be expanded to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.The most recent visitor policy includes:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inpatient: One adult visitor during daily visitor hours 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outpatient departments, clinics, Cancer Center and same day services will be allowed one support person to accompany the patient.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emergency department: No visitors are permitted with few exceptions, such as:o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pediatric patients.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Patients with a cognitive impairment or disability who requires assistance to access care.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation for patients in end-of-life care.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behavioral health services: One adult visitor during visitor hours 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.These existing guidelines continue:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NICU and pediatric patients are allowed two parents 24/7·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Post-partum patients are allowed one support person upon admission, to remain through discharge.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be no visitors allowed for confirmed positive COVID-19 patients, those patients awaiting COVID-19 test results or other patients on isolation precautions.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation will be restricted for patients needing care that creates a risk to others, such as those on BiPAP or those on continuous high flow oxygen.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Special consideration for circumstances such as end of life.All visitors and support persons must·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be age 19 or older.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Show identification and pass a health screening, including a temperature check. Any visitor or support person that shows symptoms or has a temperature higher than 100 degrees, will not be allowed to visit or accompany the patient.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wear a mask. Visitors and support persons are asked to bring their own cloth mask or face covering to wear throughout their entire visit, including while inside the patient’s room.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remain in the patient’s room while in the inpatient unit. Waiting rooms are closed at this time.Great Plains Health continues to work closely with local and state public health officials and regularly reviews policies to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff and the community.

Great Plains Health announces updated visitor policy, extending visiting hours

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska kicked off the week by registering nearly 500 new cases of the coronavirus as the state continues to see its number of cases climb, state health statistics showed.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online virus tracking site&nbsp;</a>showed 495 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Sunday in the state, and more than 2,320 cases were confirmed Friday through Sunday. That brought the state total to 52,382 confirmed cases and 519 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

The site also showed the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 - the disease caused by the virus - continued to grow. On Saturday, a new record of 305 people in Nebraska were hospitalized with the virus, which broke the previous day's record of 293 on Friday and was well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27. On Sunday, the number of hospitalizations had dropped by one, to 304.

Even with the recent rise in cases, 28% of the state's intensive care beds and 76% of the ventilators remain available.

The state has 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 daily new cases in Nebraska has risen to nearly 641 per day by Sunday, compared with nearly 400 new cases per day for the seven-day period prior.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska kicked off the week by registering nearly 500 new cases of the coronavirus as the state continues to see its number of cases climb, state health statistics showed.The&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online virus tracking site&nbsp;</a>showed 495 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Sunday in the state, and more than 2,320 cases were confirmed Friday through Sunday. That brought the state total to 52,382 confirmed cases and 519 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;The site also showed the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 - the disease caused by the virus - continued to grow. On Saturday, a new record of 305 people in Nebraska were hospitalized with the virus, which broke the previous day's record of 293 on Friday and was well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27. On Sunday, the number of hospitalizations had dropped by one, to 304.Even with the recent rise in cases, 28% of the state's intensive care beds and 76% of the ventilators remain available.The state has 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 daily new cases in Nebraska has risen to nearly 641 per day by Sunday, compared with nearly 400 new cases per day for the seven-day period prior.

New coronavirus cases continue to grow in Nebraska 

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) - Authorities in southwestern Nebraska have charged a man with murder after authorities on the scene of a fatal crash last week near McCook found a second body at the scene.&nbsp;

The two-vehicle crash happened last Thursday around 2 a.m. on U.S. Highway 34, the McCook Gazette&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2840682.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.&nbsp;

Charles Decker, 36, of Indianola, died in the crash, according to the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office. Investigators said the body of Steven Weaver, 33, also was found at the scene.&nbsp;

Officials have not released the cause of the crash or the nature of Weaver's death, but the charges against Alva Decker, 33, of Indianola include first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit a felony and use of firearm.&nbsp;

Online court records, including an arrest affidavit, had been sealed from public view on Monday. No attorney is yet listed for Decker.

The Red Willow County prosecutor did not immediately return a message left Monday seeking comment on the case.

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) - Authorities in southwestern Nebraska have charged a man with murder after authorities on the scene of a fatal crash last week near McCook found a second body at the scene.&nbsp;The two-vehicle crash happened last Thursday around 2 a.m. on U.S. Highway 34, the McCook Gazette&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2840682.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.&nbsp;Charles Decker, 36, of Indianola, died in the crash, according to the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office. Investigators said the body of Steven Weaver, 33, also was found at the scene.&nbsp;Officials have not released the cause of the crash or the nature of Weaver's death, but the charges against Alva Decker, 33, of Indianola include first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit a felony and use of firearm.&nbsp;Online court records, including an arrest affidavit, had been sealed from public view on Monday. No attorney is yet listed for Decker.The Red Willow County prosecutor did not immediately return a message left Monday seeking comment on the case.

Murder charge brought after second body found at Red Willow County crash site 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Three more staff members with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.

Two are employed at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and one is employed at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center, the agency said in a news release Saturday. People who live and work at those facilities will be notified.

All three staff members are self-isolating at home.

The latest cases bring to 170 the number of correctional department employees who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The department said 126 of them have recovered.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Three more staff members with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.Two are employed at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and one is employed at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center, the agency said in a news release Saturday. People who live and work at those facilities will be notified.All three staff members are self-isolating at home.The latest cases bring to 170 the number of correctional department employees who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The department said 126 of them have recovered.

Officials: 3 more Nebraska correctional staff get COVID-19

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's prison system continues to see more staff members infected with the coronavirus and confirmed cases statewide surpassed 50,000.

Four employees at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln and another at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York have tested positive for COVID-19, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in news releases Wednesday and Thursday. All are self-isolating at home, the department said.

With the new cases, a total of 167 state prisons workers have now tested positive for the virus. A page on the agency's website dedicated to tracking the virus within the department was last updated Oct. 2 and showed that 231 inmates had tested positive for the coronavirus, while one inmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has died from the virus.

On Friday, the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracking site</a>&nbsp;showed 293 Nebraskans are hospitalized with COVID-19, which broke the previous day's record of 288 and is well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27. On Thursday, 663 new cases of the virus were confirmed in the state, bringing the total to 50,059 confirmed cases and 514 deaths since the pandemic began.

The state has the eighth-highest rate of new cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen to more than 547 per day by Thursday, compared with over more than 408 new cases per day for the seven-day period prior.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's prison system continues to see more staff members infected with the coronavirus and confirmed cases statewide surpassed 50,000.Four employees at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln and another at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York have tested positive for COVID-19, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in news releases Wednesday and Thursday. All are self-isolating at home, the department said.With the new cases, a total of 167 state prisons workers have now tested positive for the virus. A page on the agency's website dedicated to tracking the virus within the department was last updated Oct. 2 and showed that 231 inmates had tested positive for the coronavirus, while one inmate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has died from the virus.On Friday, the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online virus tracking site</a>&nbsp;showed 293 Nebraskans are hospitalized with COVID-19, which broke the previous day's record of 288 and is well above the spring peak of 232 set on May 27. On Thursday, 663 new cases of the virus were confirmed in the state, bringing the total to 50,059 confirmed cases and 514 deaths since the pandemic began.The state has the eighth-highest rate of new cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen to more than 547 per day by Thursday, compared with over more than 408 new cases per day for the seven-day period prior.

More Nebraska prison staffers test positive for coronavirus

Ryan L Cox, 23, North Platte and Karissa R Parker, 21, North Platte

Justin M Callihan, 28, North Platte and Courtney A Widick, 26, North Platte

Jordan R Beam, 29, North Platte and Jessica R Jensen, 28, North Platte

Michael B Schulte, 42, Hershey and Brenda J Boggs-Fisher, 44, Hershey

Aaron D Adams, 34, North Platte and Brittany L Jepsen, 31, North Platte

Darrin D Larrington, 54, Gothenburg and Zoe Z Schroder, 51, Gothenburg

Ayden J Boller, 21, Maxwell and Grace M Sommer, 20, Maxwell

Tyler J Stark, 21, North Platte and Angel M Sawyer, 20, North Platte

Micah S Anderson, 28, North Platte and Giavanna F Marchetti, 23, North Platte

Published October 9, 2020Ryan L Cox, 23, North Platte and Karissa R Parker, 21, North PlatteJustin M Callihan, 28, North Platte and Courtney A Widick, 26, North PlatteJordan R Beam, 29, North Platte and Jessica R Jensen, 28, North PlatteMichael B Schulte, 42, Hershey and Brenda J Boggs-Fisher, 44, HersheyAaron D Adams, 34, North Platte and Brittany L Jepsen, 31, North PlatteDarrin D Larrington, 54, Gothenburg and Zoe Z Schroder, 51, GothenburgAyden J Boller, 21, Maxwell and Grace M Sommer, 20, MaxwellTyler J Stark, 21, North Platte and Angel M Sawyer, 20, North PlatteMicah S Anderson, 28, North Platte and Giavanna F Marchetti, 23, North Platte

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses 

10.9.2020 NPHS Football @ Lincoln East LIVESTREAM

Scotty C talks with John Hales candidate for Mayor of North Platte. John and Scotty talk about bringing business and industry to North Platte.

Scotty C talks with John Hales candidate for Mayor of North Platte. John and Scotty talk about bringing business and industry to North Platte.<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: John Hales for Mayor of North Platte" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/3g3n5-eed5f4?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: John Hales for Mayor of North Platte

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) says a continued surge in COVID-19 cases in their jurisdiction has prompted a rise on the Community Risk Dial.


The risk dial moved from a 2.12 up to a 2.35 this week, which remains
within the elevated (Orange) risk level. There were changes in the following
variables that contributed to the movement in the dial:

WCDHD says the community's partnership and collaboration in
identifying close contacts is significant in mitigating the spread of
COVID-19, bringing our community to a lower risk of spread. 


The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a> and the WCDHD <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wcdhd/">Facebook </a>page.

For COVID-19 case number updates within
the West Central District Health Department Jurisdiction, check the
<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">WCDHD Dashboard</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602207360800.png" alt="As of October 8, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of October 8, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) says a continued surge in COVID-19 cases in their jurisdiction has prompted a rise on the Community Risk Dial.
The risk dial moved from a 2.12 up to a 2.35 this week, which remains
within the elevated (Orange) risk level. There were changes in the following
variables that contributed to the movement in the dial:We had an increase in the following:<ul>
 <li>Measure ID R1: Positivity Rate
	(Weekly)
	</li><li>Measure ID R2: Trajectory of Cases
	</li><li>Measure ID R4: Average Daily
	Hospitalization
	</li><li>Measure ID R12: Medical &amp;
	Surgical Beds
</li>
 </ul>WCDHD says the community's partnership and collaboration in
identifying close contacts is significant in mitigating the spread of
COVID-19, bringing our community to a lower risk of spread. 
The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a> and the WCDHD <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wcdhd/">Facebook </a>page.For COVID-19 case number updates within
the West Central District Health Department Jurisdiction, check the
<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/CaseInformation">WCDHD Dashboard</a>.

WCDHD raises Community Risk Dial amid 'surge' in COVID cases

🎥 Sen. Fischer calls Supreme Court nominee 'role model'

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced the award of more than $29.5 million in funding under the Remote Access Rural Broadband Grant program, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).&nbsp;

“These grants will lead to better broadband service in many areas of the state that are currently underserved,” said Gov. Ricketts. &nbsp;“The enhanced service will equip more of our rural communities with the technology needed to conduct business online, make virtual health visits, and engage in distance learning opportunities.”

The Broadband program was one of four grants designed and administered by DED this year to support the state’s economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID-19 has underscored the need for a more concentrated, collaborative effort to improve our state’s broadband infrastructure,” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins.&nbsp; “This grant is an important first step toward ensuring all citizens of Nebraska have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Broadband grant opportunity—made possible by federal CARES Act funding, including $1.08 billion of Coronavirus Relief funds allocated to the State of Nebraska—was announced by DED last spring. &nbsp;The grants target areas of the state where high speed internet service is nonexistent or subpar based on the FCC standard of 25/3 Mbps download/upload speeds. &nbsp;

When all projects are completed, a minimum of 17,600 housing units will gain the ability to subscribe to broadband internet service.&nbsp; Most of the projects being awarded are scheduled for completion by the end of the year, with controls in place to ensure agreements are executed as planned in a timely manner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The recipients of the Rural Broadband Remote Access Grants are listed below:

2020 Remote Access Rural Broadband Recipients

Units Approved = Minimum housing units newly capable of subscribing to broadband following project completion.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 169&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 223&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 186&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 12&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 25&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 19&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 26&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 90&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 31&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 638&nbsp;

Buffalo County (Block Group 1 - RDOF Area)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 400&nbsp;

Buffalo County (Block Group 4 - RDOF Area)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 116&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 361&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 89&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 483&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 128&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 28&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 384&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 748&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 475&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced the award of more than $29.5 million in funding under the Remote Access Rural Broadband Grant program, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).&nbsp;“These grants will lead to better broadband service in many areas of the state that are currently underserved,” said Gov. Ricketts. &nbsp;“The enhanced service will equip more of our rural communities with the technology needed to conduct business online, make virtual health visits, and engage in distance learning opportunities.”The Broadband program was one of four grants designed and administered by DED this year to support the state’s economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.“COVID-19 has underscored the need for a more concentrated, collaborative effort to improve our state’s broadband infrastructure,” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins.&nbsp; “This grant is an important first step toward ensuring all citizens of Nebraska have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Broadband grant opportunity—made possible by federal CARES Act funding, including $1.08 billion of Coronavirus Relief funds allocated to the State of Nebraska—was announced by DED last spring. &nbsp;The grants target areas of the state where high speed internet service is nonexistent or subpar based on the FCC standard of 25/3 Mbps download/upload speeds. &nbsp;When all projects are completed, a minimum of 17,600 housing units will gain the ability to subscribe to broadband internet service.&nbsp; Most of the projects being awarded are scheduled for completion by the end of the year, with controls in place to ensure agreements are executed as planned in a timely manner.&nbsp;&nbsp;The recipients of the Rural Broadband Remote Access Grants are listed below:2020 Remote Access Rural Broadband RecipientsRDOF = Rural Digital Opportunity FundUnits Approved = Minimum housing units newly capable of subscribing to broadband following project completion.&nbsp;ATC CommunicationsArapahoe&nbsp;$512,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 169&nbsp;Bluestem Network LLCPleasant Dale (Rural RDOF Area)&nbsp;$658,965&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 223&nbsp;Charter Communications, Inc.Brule&nbsp;$141,400&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 186&nbsp;Consolidated Telephone Company, Inc.Dunning (Rural)&nbsp;$39,694&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 12&nbsp;Consolidated Telephone Company, Inc.Hyannis (Rural)&nbsp;$151,734&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 25&nbsp;Consolidated Telephone Company, Inc.Seneca (Rural)&nbsp;$151,145&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 19&nbsp;Country Mile Wireless, IncCedar Creek&nbsp;$89,439&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100&nbsp;Country Mile Wireless, IncCedar Creek (Rural RDOF Area)&nbsp;$138,605&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 100&nbsp;Diode CommunicationsBeatrice (Pioneer Acres)&nbsp;$117,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 26&nbsp;Diode CommunicationsBeatrice (Rural Southwest RDOF Area)&nbsp;$756,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 90&nbsp;Diode CommunicationsHolmesville&nbsp;$130,786&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 31&nbsp;USA Communications, LLCAtkinson&nbsp;$580,798&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 638&nbsp;USA Communications, LLCBuffalo County (Block Group 1 - RDOF Area)&nbsp;$1,441,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 400&nbsp;USA Communications, LLCBuffalo County (Block Group 4 - RDOF Area)&nbsp;$400,720&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 116&nbsp;USA Communications, LLCElwood&nbsp;$281,206&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 361&nbsp;USA Communications, LLCKearney (Antelope Ridge Development)&nbsp;$173,410&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 89&nbsp;Glenwood Telecommunications, Inc.Franklin&nbsp;$724,500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 483&nbsp;Glenwood Telecommunications, Inc.Franklin (RDOF Area)&nbsp;$554,657&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 128&nbsp;Glenwood Telecommunications, Inc.Guide Rock&nbsp;$403,443&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 28&nbsp;Great Plains CommunicationsCallaway&nbsp;$650,753&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 384&nbsp;Great Plains CommunicationsCreighton&nbsp;$1,707,081&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 748&nbsp;Great Plains CommunicationsDeshler&nbsp;$744,641&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 475&nbsp;Great Plains CommunicationsGordon&nbsp;$1,507,733&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,009&nbsp;Great Plains CommunicationsNorth Bend&nbsp;$1,142,709&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 768&nbsp;Great Plains CommunicationsRed Cloud&nbsp;$2,018,372&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 796&nbsp;Great Plains CommunicationsSutherland&nbsp;$1,134,424&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 608&nbsp;Hamilton Telecommunications&nbsp;Merrick County&nbsp;$687,500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 250&nbsp;Infinity 8 BroadbandRural Hickman&nbsp;$147,279&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 68&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamBanner County&nbsp;$183,248&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 125&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamChase County&nbsp;$207,885&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 225&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamCheyenne County&nbsp;$228,044&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 140&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamDeuel County&nbsp;$131,178&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 200&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamGarden County&nbsp;$195,613&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 200&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamKimball County&nbsp;$168,316&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 180&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamMorrill County&nbsp;$147,245&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 125&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamPerkins County&nbsp;$198,229&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 225&nbsp;Inventive Wireless of Nebraska, LLC dba VistabeamScotts Bluff County&nbsp;$396,563&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 450&nbsp;Media King CommunicationsMacy&nbsp;$115,954&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 230&nbsp;Mobius Communications CompanyAlliance (Westside Event Center)&nbsp;$52,800&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4&nbsp;Mobius Communications CompanyAlliance Airport&nbsp;$122,720&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 26&nbsp;Mobius Communications CompanyBox Butte (RDOF Area)&nbsp;$308,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 22&nbsp;Mobius Communications CompanyBox Butte County&nbsp;$272,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23&nbsp;Mobius Communications CompanyDawes County (RDOF Area)&nbsp;$320,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 26&nbsp;NE Colorado Cellular, Inc.Champion&nbsp;$639,794&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 50&nbsp;Pinpoint Communications Inc.Alma&nbsp;$672,760&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 700&nbsp;Pinpoint Communications Inc.Alma (Rural RDOF Area)&nbsp;$216,592&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 143&nbsp;Pinpoint Communications Inc.Beaver City&nbsp;$395,758&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 435&nbsp;Pinpoint Communications Inc.Beaver City (Rural RDOF Area)&nbsp;$355,008&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 132&nbsp;Pinpoint Communications Inc.Orleans (Rural RDOF Area)&nbsp;$238,896&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 159&nbsp;Pinpoint Communications Inc.Republican City&nbsp;$271,520&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 227&nbsp;Pinpoint Communications Inc.Republican City (Rural RDOF Area)&nbsp;$261,664&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 256&nbsp;Skywave Wireless, Inc.Tri-County (Cuming, Dodge, Burt)&nbsp;$531,397&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 543&nbsp;Spiral CommunicationsUnion (Lake Waconda)&nbsp;$34,536&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 220&nbsp;Three River TelcoAinsworth&nbsp;$408,500&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,120&nbsp;Three River TelcoO'Neill&nbsp;$350,000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2,073&nbsp;Windstream Nebraska, Inc.Rural Ashland&nbsp;$1,275,499&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 345&nbsp;Windstream Nebraska, Inc.Rural Garrison&nbsp;$802,295&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 38&nbsp;Windstream Nebraska, Inc.Rural Geneva&nbsp;$880,752&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 244&nbsp;Windstream Nebraska, Inc.Rural Hebron&nbsp;$650,957&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 145&nbsp;Windstream Nebraska, Inc.Rural Louisville&nbsp;$1,307,901&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 239&nbsp;Total$29,528,62017,600Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">opportunity.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov/broadband-grant/" target="_blank">getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov/broadband-grant</a>&nbsp;for more info. &nbsp;To learn more about how Nebraska’s federal Coronavirus Relief funds are being used, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.nebraska.gov/relief-fund" target="_blank">coronavirus.nebraska.gov/relief-fund</a>.

Gov. Ricketts announces recipients of rural broadband grants

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-It's hard to believe, but the 2020 General Election is just around the corner and Lincoln County Election officials have announced some changes to polling places in the interest of health and safety, and due to the Presidential race.

According to Lincoln County Clerk/Election Commissioner Rebecca Rossell, the changes have been approved by the Nebraska Secretary of State, as required under state law. Additionally, Rossell says all state and local candidates affected by the changes have been notified by mail. Rossell says voters can expect to receive a credit card by mail towards the end of October.

According to Rossell, only about 25 percent of the registered voters in Lincoln County have requested an early ballot as of October 8. Rossell compared this to the 42 percent that voted early in the May Primary Election.

Because of this, Rossell expects polling places to be busy, especially with 2020 being a Presidential election year.

"To accommodate more voters, and for health reasons, I decided the best plan would be to move voters back to their regular permanent polling places if they were available," Rossell said.

Changes were also made in the rural areas of Lincoln County. Included in those changes, Hershey voters will now vote at the American Legion Post as the Hershey Senior Center building has been sold.

A full list of the polling places in Lincoln County can be found below.

2020 GENERAL ELECTION
POLLING PLACES

1ST…………….	CALVARY
BAPTIST CHURCH……………………………...	900 EAST 2ND

2ND
……………D &amp; N EVENT CENTER………………………………………501
E WALKER RD

3rd
……………MC
KINLEY EDUCATION CENTER-SOUTH DOOR……...F AND WILLOW

4TH
……………HOLIDAY INN EXP CONFERENCE CTR-EAST DR………300
HOLIDAY FRTG RD

5TH……………D
&amp; N EVENT CENTER………………………………………...501
E WALKER RD

6TH……………D
&amp; N EVENT CENTER…………………………………………501
E WALKER RD

7TH
.………….GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH-WEST DOOR…………....1021 S
BUFFALO

8TH……………MESSIAH
LUTHERAN CHURCH-NORTH DOOR..………..2700 WEST A ST.

9TH……………MESSIAH
LUTHERAN CHURCH-WEST DOOR.…………..2700 WEST A ST.

10TH…………..FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH-NORTH DOOR…………………100 MCDONALD RD

12TH…………..COURTHOUSE-WEST
HALL………………………………...300 N. JEFFERS

13TH…………..SALVATION
ARMY……………………………………………1020 N. ADAMS

15TH…………..BEREAN
CHURCH……………………………………………..202 W. 8TH
ST. 16TH…………..BEREAN
CHURCH……………………………………………..202 W. 8th
ST.

BRADY……………….COMMUNITY
CENTER

HALL…………………
BEREAN CHURCH – 202 W 8th
ST – SW DOOR

HERSHEY……………AMERICAN
LEGION POST 279 – 108 E 2nd
ST, HERSHEY

HINMAN……………..FAIR
GROUNDS – AGRICULTURAL BUILDING

MEDICINE…………..VILLAGE
HALL – WELLFLEET

OSGOOD……………..VALLEY
CHRISTIAN CHURCH – 2001 W STATE FARM RD

SELLERS…………….HARBOR
LIGHTS – 711 N LAKE RD

SUTHERLAND……...METHODIST
CHURCH IN SUTHERLAND

WALLACE…………..LEGION
POST IN WALLACE

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600983522414.jpeg" alt="vote here sign cu.jpg" />
 <figcaption>vote here sign cu.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-It's hard to believe, but the 2020 General Election is just around the corner and Lincoln County Election officials have announced some changes to polling places in the interest of health and safety, and due to the Presidential race.According to Lincoln County Clerk/Election Commissioner Rebecca Rossell, the changes have been approved by the Nebraska Secretary of State, as required under state law. Additionally, Rossell says all state and local candidates affected by the changes have been notified by mail. Rossell says voters can expect to receive a credit card by mail towards the end of October.According to Rossell, only about 25 percent of the registered voters in Lincoln County have requested an early ballot as of October 8. Rossell compared this to the 42 percent that voted early in the May Primary Election.Because of this, Rossell expects polling places to be busy, especially with 2020 being a Presidential election year."To accommodate more voters, and for health reasons, I decided the best plan would be to move voters back to their regular permanent polling places if they were available," Rossell said.Changes were also made in the rural areas of Lincoln County. Included in those changes, Hershey voters will now vote at the American Legion Post as the Hershey Senior Center building has been sold.A full list of the polling places in Lincoln County can be found below.
2020 GENERAL ELECTION
POLLING PLACES1ST…………….	CALVARY
BAPTIST CHURCH……………………………...	900 EAST 2ND2ND
……………D &amp; N EVENT CENTER………………………………………501
E WALKER RD3rd
……………MC
KINLEY EDUCATION CENTER-SOUTH DOOR……...F AND WILLOW4TH
……………HOLIDAY INN EXP CONFERENCE CTR-EAST DR………300
HOLIDAY FRTG RD5TH……………D
&amp; N EVENT CENTER………………………………………...501
E WALKER RD6TH……………D
&amp; N EVENT CENTER…………………………………………501
E WALKER RD7TH
.………….GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH-WEST DOOR…………....1021 S
BUFFALO8TH……………MESSIAH
LUTHERAN CHURCH-NORTH DOOR..………..2700 WEST A ST.9TH……………MESSIAH
LUTHERAN CHURCH-WEST DOOR.…………..2700 WEST A ST.10TH…………..FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH-NORTH DOOR…………………100 MCDONALD RD12TH…………..COURTHOUSE-WEST
HALL………………………………...300 N. JEFFERS13TH…………..SALVATION
ARMY……………………………………………1020 N. ADAMS15TH…………..BEREAN
CHURCH……………………………………………..202 W. 8TH
ST. 16TH…………..BEREAN
CHURCH……………………………………………..202 W. 8th
ST.
BRADY……………….COMMUNITY
CENTER
HALL…………………
BEREAN CHURCH – 202 W 8th
ST – SW DOOR 

HERSHEY……………AMERICAN
LEGION POST 279 – 108 E 2nd
ST, HERSHEY
HINMAN……………..FAIR
GROUNDS – AGRICULTURAL BUILDING
MAXWELL………….VILLAGE
HALL
MEDICINE…………..VILLAGE
HALL – WELLFLEET
OSGOOD……………..VALLEY
CHRISTIAN CHURCH – 2001 W STATE FARM RD
SELLERS…………….HARBOR
LIGHTS – 711 N LAKE RD
SUTHERLAND……...METHODIST
CHURCH IN SUTHERLAND
WALLACE…………..LEGION
POST IN WALLACE

Lincoln County voters to return to permanent polling places

OMAHA, Neb.-U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly today announced awards of $608,998 in Department of Justice grants to develop and improve systems to register and track sex offenders in Nebraska. Awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, these grants help states, U.S. territories, and tribal communities register and track sex offenders and enable them to meet the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Funds also help maintain the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website. “Citizens are better protected from sexual violence when jurisdictions follow SORNA’s standards,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving state, territory, and tribal officials the resources they need to register and track sex offenders and prevent known threats in one community from posing new dangers to others.”

OJP’s Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART Office) is awarding approximately $16 million to jurisdictions across the country to develop and enhance programs designed to implement the provisions of SORNA. The SMART Office is awarding almost $800,000 to provide training and technical assistance to jurisdictions implementing SORNA standards. The U.S. Center for SafeSport will receive the $2.3 million Keep Young Athletes Safe grant to continue developing a comprehensive training and prevention program to prevent abuse in the athletic programs of the U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Committee and related sports organizations. The SMART Office will award nearly $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to support maintenance, operations and technological improvements for the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website, NSOPW.gov, which links state, territorial and tribal public registry websites and allows the public to search for registered sex offenders on a national scale.

“These awards will enhance and continue to protect our community from predatory sex offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly. “This program will aid us in identifying those who have committed heinous crimes of sexual violence – another essential tool of protection for law enforcement and the community.”

“Our mission at the SMART Office is to help our state, tribal and territorial partners register and provide notification to the public of sex offenders within their jurisdictions,” said Kendel Ehrlich, Director of the SMART Office. “We will continue to provide both law enforcement and the public with the tools they need to better inform and protect their communities and themselves.”

The following Nebraska organizations received funding:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $304,931

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Winnebago Tribe&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $304,067

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

OMAHA, Neb.-U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly today announced awards of $608,998 in Department of Justice grants to develop and improve systems to register and track sex offenders in Nebraska. Awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, these grants help states, U.S. territories, and tribal communities register and track sex offenders and enable them to meet the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Funds also help maintain the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website. “Citizens are better protected from sexual violence when jurisdictions follow SORNA’s standards,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving state, territory, and tribal officials the resources they need to register and track sex offenders and prevent known threats in one community from posing new dangers to others.”OJP’s Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART Office) is awarding approximately $16 million to jurisdictions across the country to develop and enhance programs designed to implement the provisions of SORNA. The SMART Office is awarding almost $800,000 to provide training and technical assistance to jurisdictions implementing SORNA standards. The U.S. Center for SafeSport will receive the $2.3 million Keep Young Athletes Safe grant to continue developing a comprehensive training and prevention program to prevent abuse in the athletic programs of the U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Committee and related sports organizations. The SMART Office will award nearly $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to support maintenance, operations and technological improvements for the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website, NSOPW.gov, which links state, territorial and tribal public registry websites and allows the public to search for registered sex offenders on a national scale.“These awards will enhance and continue to protect our community from predatory sex offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly. “This program will aid us in identifying those who have committed heinous crimes of sexual violence – another essential tool of protection for law enforcement and the community.”“Our mission at the SMART Office is to help our state, tribal and territorial partners register and provide notification to the public of sex offenders within their jurisdictions,” said Kendel Ehrlich, Director of the SMART Office. “We will continue to provide both law enforcement and the public with the tools they need to better inform and protect their communities and themselves.”The following Nebraska organizations received funding:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nebraska State Patrol&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $304,931•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Winnebago Tribe&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $304,067More information about OJP and its components can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ojp.gov/" target="_blank">www.ojp.gov</a>.

Grants to help register and track sex offenders in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider amendments to sport fishing orders when it meets Oct. 15 in Ogallala.

The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. Mountain Time at the Keith County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, 1000 W. 3rd St.

Proposed sport fishing amendments will include orders for two reservoirs under construction in Sarpy County – Big Elk Lake and WP-6. Each will be stocked only with smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Proposed daily bag limits at each are two smallmouths and five perch, with a maximum length limit of 12 inches on smallmouth.

Another sport fishing change would add an exception for Pelican Lake on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge for muskie and tiger muskie that the daily bag limit of three not include more than one fish 34 inches or greater in length. A possession limit of three would be established for those species at Pelican Lake.

In another sport fishing recommendation, fishing would be permitted at Crane Lake on Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge during daylight hours from Nov. 1 through Feb. 15.

The Commission also will consider recommendations to:

• create Commission orders for wild turkey, which would contain season dates, bag limits, number of permits, shooting hours and areas open;

• remove the nonresident paddlefish permit fee increase from regulations approved at the August meeting;

• approve the acquisition of approximately 58 acres in Kearney County adjacent to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area as an addition to the area; and

• approve the acquisition of two small tracts totaling approximately 6 acres in Cherry County adjacent to Chat Canyon Wildlife Management Area as an addition to the area.

The commissioners also will consider for approval a 2021 meeting schedule and hear updates on Lake McConaughy and bighorn sheep, as well as a staff environmental report.

A complete agenda is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDguMjg0NTc5OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb21taXNzaW9uZXJzLyJ9.OVA6bH2QJxv2vHvK0bkN22HFp8zBlc5Y4YJi18ufa_Q/s/497221905/br/86641361640-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/commissioners</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider amendments to sport fishing orders when it meets Oct. 15 in Ogallala.The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. Mountain Time at the Keith County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, 1000 W. 3rd St.Proposed sport fishing amendments will include orders for two reservoirs under construction in Sarpy County – Big Elk Lake and WP-6. Each will be stocked only with smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Proposed daily bag limits at each are two smallmouths and five perch, with a maximum length limit of 12 inches on smallmouth.Another sport fishing change would add an exception for Pelican Lake on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge for muskie and tiger muskie that the daily bag limit of three not include more than one fish 34 inches or greater in length. A possession limit of three would be established for those species at Pelican Lake.In another sport fishing recommendation, fishing would be permitted at Crane Lake on Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge during daylight hours from Nov. 1 through Feb. 15.The Commission also will consider recommendations to:• create Commission orders for wild turkey, which would contain season dates, bag limits, number of permits, shooting hours and areas open;• remove the nonresident paddlefish permit fee increase from regulations approved at the August meeting;• approve the acquisition of approximately 58 acres in Kearney County adjacent to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area as an addition to the area; and• approve the acquisition of two small tracts totaling approximately 6 acres in Cherry County adjacent to Chat Canyon Wildlife Management Area as an addition to the area.The commissioners also will consider for approval a 2021 meeting schedule and hear updates on Lake McConaughy and bighorn sheep, as well as a staff environmental report.A complete agenda is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDEwMDguMjg0NTc5OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb21taXNzaW9uZXJzLyJ9.OVA6bH2QJxv2vHvK0bkN22HFp8zBlc5Y4YJi18ufa_Q/s/497221905/br/86641361640-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/commissioners</a>.

Commissioners to consider sport fishing orders at Oct. 15 meeting

OMAHA-United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Keith H. Rivera, 35, of Kimball, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf for possession of child pornography.&nbsp; Rivera was sentenced to 48 months in prison and will also serve 5 years on supervised release.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; Rivera will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.

In March 2018, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office in Tonasket, Washington, received information from the FBI based on a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The cyber tip reported that a specific IP address, email address and user name, later determined to be an individual from the State of Washington, had uploaded child pornography to his file-sharing account.&nbsp; A search warrant was served in Washington on the residence of the person using the account which resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic items, including a cellphone. That phone had messages containing child pornography and further analysis indicated that those messages were sent from a 308 area code in August of 2017.&nbsp; A check of the telephone number using the 308 area code determined that the number belonged to Rivera.&nbsp;

A federal search warrant was served at Rivera’s residence in Kimball and Rivera’s phone was seized.&nbsp; A forensic review of Rivera’s phone found evidence that he possessed the two videos sent to the Washington subject in August 2017.&nbsp; Further analysis showed additional images and videos of child pornography that appeared to have been downloaded from the Internet.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

OMAHA-United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Keith H. Rivera, 35, of Kimball, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf for possession of child pornography.&nbsp; Rivera was sentenced to 48 months in prison and will also serve 5 years on supervised release.&nbsp; There is no parole in the federal system.&nbsp; Rivera will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison.In March 2018, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office in Tonasket, Washington, received information from the FBI based on a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The cyber tip reported that a specific IP address, email address and user name, later determined to be an individual from the State of Washington, had uploaded child pornography to his file-sharing account.&nbsp; A search warrant was served in Washington on the residence of the person using the account which resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic items, including a cellphone. That phone had messages containing child pornography and further analysis indicated that those messages were sent from a 308 area code in August of 2017.&nbsp; A check of the telephone number using the 308 area code determined that the number belonged to Rivera.&nbsp;A federal search warrant was served at Rivera’s residence in Kimball and Rivera’s phone was seized.&nbsp; A forensic review of Rivera’s phone found evidence that he possessed the two videos sent to the Washington subject in August 2017.&nbsp; Further analysis showed additional images and videos of child pornography that appeared to have been downloaded from the Internet.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Kimball man sentenced for possession of child pornography

OMAHA-U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly today announced $12,018,158 in Department of Justice grants to improve services for crime victims in Nebraska. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of nearly $2 billion distributed to enhance the response to victims of crime throughout the United States.

“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.” “These funding resources continue this administration’s unprecedented commitment to providing the support necessary for victims of crimes to be able to heal and recover.”

These awards made in Nebraska will support local direct victim service programs, including children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, human trafficking and elder abuse programs, civil legal services, crime victims’ rights enforcement, and crime victims assistance positions in prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement departments.&nbsp; The funds will also advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime.

“These awards from the Office of Victims of Crime, a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, will significantly augment the criminal justice system,” said Joe Kelly. “The funding will help service providers, as well as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices respond to the many emotional and physical effects that crime victims endure every day.”

The following organizations in Nebraska received funding:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; amount:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;$12,018,158

AGENCY and PURPOSE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AMOUNT

Heartland Family Services&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $499,999

Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition

Developing Capacity to serve victims of human trafficking in rural area&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $310,949

Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

Crime Victim Compensation Program Assistance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $344,774

Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$10,066,513

Crime Victim Assistance Formula Grant – designed for local community

based organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime.

Funds to enhance State Victim Compensation to eligible crime victims&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $46,000

Assisting in the decrease in the incidence of violent crime on Native&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $749,953

American women – ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable

OMAHA-U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly today announced $12,018,158 in Department of Justice grants to improve services for crime victims in Nebraska. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of nearly $2 billion distributed to enhance the response to victims of crime throughout the United States.“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.” “These funding resources continue this administration’s unprecedented commitment to providing the support necessary for victims of crimes to be able to heal and recover.”These awards made in Nebraska will support local direct victim service programs, including children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, human trafficking and elder abuse programs, civil legal services, crime victims’ rights enforcement, and crime victims assistance positions in prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement departments.&nbsp; The funds will also advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime.“These awards from the Office of Victims of Crime, a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, will significantly augment the criminal justice system,” said Joe Kelly. “The funding will help service providers, as well as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices respond to the many emotional and physical effects that crime victims endure every day.”The following organizations in Nebraska received funding:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; amount:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;$12,018,158AGENCY and PURPOSE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AMOUNTHeartland Family Services&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $499,999Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault CoalitionDeveloping Capacity to serve victims of human trafficking in rural area&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $310,949Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal JusticeCrime Victim Compensation Program Assistance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $344,774Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$10,066,513Crime Victim Assistance Formula Grant – designed for local communitybased organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime.Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal JusticeFunds to enhance State Victim Compensation to eligible crime victims&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $46,000Ponca Tribe of NebraskaAssisting in the decrease in the incidence of violent crime on Native&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $749,953American women – ensuring that perpetrators are held accountableFor their crimes.

Nebraska receives more than $12 million to improve victims services

LINCOLN, Neb.– Patricia Rivera of North Platte won $138,000 playing Pick 5 from the Nebraska Lottery.

Rivera purchased her winning ticket from Kwik Stop #02 at 902 North Jeffers St. in North Platte. Rivera’s ticket contained four plays for the September 29 drawing, one of which had the winning combination 08, 10, 21, 28, 29.

Rivera claimed her prize on October 7 at the Nebraska Lottery’s Lincoln offices and said she only plays Pick 5 once a month or so whenever the mood strikes her.

A few days earlier, the Rivera family had gone out for Chinese food and they’d opened a few fortune cookies after dinner.

“I found one that said I’d win a prize,” Rivera said. “I just read the fortunes, and throw the rest away, but my daughter said eat the cookie.”

She ate the cookie and then, while she was out for a bag of ice a couple of days later, Rivera pulled out her fortunes and played the numbers they contained on Pick 5.

She didn’t check her numbers until a few days later, when she scanned her tickets with the Nebraska Lottery’s app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602176525657.png" alt="Photo: Nebraska Lottery" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Nebraska Lottery</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.– Patricia Rivera of North Platte won $138,000 playing Pick 5 from the Nebraska Lottery.Rivera purchased her winning ticket from Kwik Stop #02 at 902 North Jeffers St. in North Platte. Rivera’s ticket contained four plays for the September 29 drawing, one of which had the winning combination 08, 10, 21, 28, 29.Rivera claimed her prize on October 7 at the Nebraska Lottery’s Lincoln offices and said she only plays Pick 5 once a month or so whenever the mood strikes her.A few days earlier, the Rivera family had gone out for Chinese food and they’d opened a few fortune cookies after dinner.“I found one that said I’d win a prize,” Rivera said. “I just read the fortunes, and throw the rest away, but my daughter said eat the cookie.”She ate the cookie and then, while she was out for a bag of ice a couple of days later, Rivera pulled out her fortunes and played the numbers they contained on Pick 5.She didn’t check her numbers until a few days later, when she scanned her tickets with the Nebraska Lottery’s app.“I’m still in shock,” Rivera said.Rivera said she’s planning to pay off some bills, buy a couple of new vehicles for her and her husband and do some home renovations.Nebraska Pick 5 is Nebraska’s unique Lottery game: all the proceeds from Nebraska Pick 5 stay in Nebraska, and all the winning tickets are sold in Nebraska at Nebraska Lottery Lotto game retailers. The odds of winning the Nebraska Pick 5 jackpot, which starts at $50,000 and grows by $4,000 each drawing that is not won, are 1 in 501,942 while the overall odds of winning a prize in the game, which has drawings seven nights a week, are 1 in 8.The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $793 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

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