<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599014408774.png" alt="From the North Platte Police Department" />
 <figcaption>From the North Platte Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte Police Call Log (August 31-September 1, 2020)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported eight new positive cases of COVID-19 on Monday.

Officials say five of the cases are from today (9/1/2020).

All cases are from Lincoln County and considered under investigation.

Additionally, after further investigation, five cases previously identified as residents of the WCDHD jurisdiction have now been transferred to their appropriate jurisdiction and are no longer included in our count.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR1w0VrLxhrVhZ5pRD8K2Ixo2Nwx-N-ltuzbYtvDH68IsPxNsm7zA9r-V-Y#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yesthe">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported eight new positive cases of COVID-19 on Monday.Officials say five of the cases are from today (9/1/2020).All cases are from Lincoln County and considered under investigation.Additionally, after further investigation, five cases previously identified as residents of the WCDHD jurisdiction have now been transferred to their appropriate jurisdiction and are no longer included in our count.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR1w0VrLxhrVhZ5pRD8K2Ixo2Nwx-N-ltuzbYtvDH68IsPxNsm7zA9r-V-Y#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yesthe">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599014055481.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

WCDHD reports 8 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, remove 5 cases from positive count

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Massachusetts-based hazardous waste company has agreed to pay a $790,000 fine to settle a lawsuit claiming that it violated environmental laws at its incinerator in the Nebraska Panhandle.

In a lawsuit settled on Monday, Nebraska and federal regulators accused Clean Harbors Environmental Services of improperly handling hazardous waste at its plant in Kimball, one of the company's 13 facilities in North America, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/firm-pays-790-000-fine-in-nebraska-hazardous-waste-case/article_d5f03212-580f-51d4-a683-0641c627efcf.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest" target="_blank">reported</a>.

The lawsuit accused Clean Harbors of violations such as improperly mixing waste, releasing hazardous air emissions and incinerating hazardous chemicals in greater amounts than its license allowed. The violations cause numerous fires at the facility, according to the lawsuit.

The EPA said this is the fourth settlement with Clean Harbors since it began running the incinerator in Kimball in 1995. The community did not suffer any known injuries or harm from the violations and corrective actions required by the settlement have been taken, regulators said.

Clean Harbors disagreed with the EPA but decided to settle the matter to fully resolve the issues, said Jim Buckley, Clean Harbors' senior vice president. Buckley also noted that some of the allegations resulted from issues the company reported.

The settlement does not include a finding or admission of wrongdoing.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Massachusetts-based hazardous waste company has agreed to pay a $790,000 fine to settle a lawsuit claiming that it violated environmental laws at its incinerator in the Nebraska Panhandle.In a lawsuit settled on Monday, Nebraska and federal regulators accused Clean Harbors Environmental Services of improperly handling hazardous waste at its plant in Kimball, one of the company's 13 facilities in North America, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/firm-pays-790-000-fine-in-nebraska-hazardous-waste-case/article_d5f03212-580f-51d4-a683-0641c627efcf.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest" target="_blank">reported</a>.The lawsuit accused Clean Harbors of violations such as improperly mixing waste, releasing hazardous air emissions and incinerating hazardous chemicals in greater amounts than its license allowed. The violations cause numerous fires at the facility, according to the lawsuit.The EPA said this is the fourth settlement with Clean Harbors since it began running the incinerator in Kimball in 1995. The community did not suffer any known injuries or harm from the violations and corrective actions required by the settlement have been taken, regulators said.Clean Harbors disagreed with the EPA but decided to settle the matter to fully resolve the issues, said Jim Buckley, Clean Harbors' senior vice president. Buckley also noted that some of the allegations resulted from issues the company reported.The settlement does not include a finding or admission of wrongdoing.

Company fined $790,000 for unsafe practices at Kimball plant

LINCOLN, Neb. – Remarks from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy Devos’ calling COVID-19 “a good thing” for schools has earned a strong rebuke from the president of the Nebraska State Education Association.

“Devos’ remarks are outrageous. How can anyone – let alone the U.S. Secretary of Education – say COVID-19 is ‘a good thing’ for our kids’ schools?” said Jenni Benson, NSEA president. “Betsy Devos’ comment underlines her complete lack of experience or understanding of what takes place every day in our public school classrooms.”

Devos, a Michigan billionaire, has for years pushed for vouchers and similar schemes&nbsp; that use taxpayer money for private schools. In her ongoing effort to destroy public education, DeVos is now attempting to use the pandemic to hurt our kids’ public schools.

“Parents and teachers are disgusted that Devos is trying to use this deadly pandemic to&nbsp;&nbsp;promote her policy initiatives,” said Benson.

DeVos is “completely detached from the real world of tight family budgets, job force reductions, poor or no health care, depleted savings and so much more,” Benson said.

“There's a reason she was chosen by the current administration: she is part of the same elitist, out-of-touch, ‘let them eat cake’ attitude,” said Benson. “They are gleefully detached from the rest of us in their world of celebrity, mansions, yachts, private jets, private stadium suites, private gated communities, and elite private schools for their progeny – and they prefer their private schools be paid for by the rest of us through our tax dollars!”

Nebraska schools and educators turned on a dime to respond to COVID-19 pandemic. From offering completely remote learning in last Spring, to blended learning, to all in-person school learning and rotating schedules. Our public school teachers, parents and students stepped up to meet the unprecedented challenges of this pandemic and they continue to do so.&nbsp;

“All of this has required extensive extra work, time and emotion by teachers and school employees to serve the needs of their students. Devos’ deliberately insensitive comment does a great disservice to these professionals who have worked so very hard,” said Benson.&nbsp;

In July, a controversial DeVos rule went into effect that dictates how coronavirus relief aid should be apportioned to private schools. Two federal judges in the past week have issued preliminary injunctions on the order, saying the Education Department ignored the obvious intent of Congress.

“Devos’ privatization efforts would only benefit DeVos, her family and her tiny but vastly wealthy and powerful circle of friends,” said Benson. “Her Wall Street buddies have been salivating over profiting from our children’s education for decades and are pursuing this privatization agenda as the best way to&nbsp; privatize all our K-12 public schools.”&nbsp;

“DeVos was never qualified to be Secretary of Education, she should never have been appointed, and I am sure she will and should be the first to go when Americans vote to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

“I encourage pro-education Nebraskans who want to join our effort to visit the Education Votes website for more details,” said Benson.

The website is at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2DnwfXMm" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2DnwfXMm</a>

The Nebraska State Education Association is a member-directed professional employee organization representing 28,000 public school teachers and other educational professionals across Nebraska.

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization,

representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593205499970.png" alt="Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release NSEALINCOLN, Neb. – Remarks from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy Devos’ calling COVID-19 “a good thing” for schools has earned a strong rebuke from the president of the Nebraska State Education Association.“Devos’ remarks are outrageous. How can anyone – let alone the U.S. Secretary of Education – say COVID-19 is ‘a good thing’ for our kids’ schools?” said Jenni Benson, NSEA president. “Betsy Devos’ comment underlines her complete lack of experience or understanding of what takes place every day in our public school classrooms.”Devos, a Michigan billionaire, has for years pushed for vouchers and similar schemes&nbsp; that use taxpayer money for private schools. In her ongoing effort to destroy public education, DeVos is now attempting to use the pandemic to hurt our kids’ public schools.“Parents and teachers are disgusted that Devos is trying to use this deadly pandemic to&nbsp;&nbsp;promote her policy initiatives,” said Benson.DeVos is “completely detached from the real world of tight family budgets, job force reductions, poor or no health care, depleted savings and so much more,” Benson said.“There's a reason she was chosen by the current administration: she is part of the same elitist, out-of-touch, ‘let them eat cake’ attitude,” said Benson. “They are gleefully detached from the rest of us in their world of celebrity, mansions, yachts, private jets, private stadium suites, private gated communities, and elite private schools for their progeny – and they prefer their private schools be paid for by the rest of us through our tax dollars!”Nebraska schools and educators turned on a dime to respond to COVID-19 pandemic. From offering completely remote learning in last Spring, to blended learning, to all in-person school learning and rotating schedules. Our public school teachers, parents and students stepped up to meet the unprecedented challenges of this pandemic and they continue to do so.&nbsp;“All of this has required extensive extra work, time and emotion by teachers and school employees to serve the needs of their students. Devos’ deliberately insensitive comment does a great disservice to these professionals who have worked so very hard,” said Benson.&nbsp;In July, a controversial DeVos rule went into effect that dictates how coronavirus relief aid should be apportioned to private schools. Two federal judges in the past week have issued preliminary injunctions on the order, saying the Education Department ignored the obvious intent of Congress.“Devos’ privatization efforts would only benefit DeVos, her family and her tiny but vastly wealthy and powerful circle of friends,” said Benson. “Her Wall Street buddies have been salivating over profiting from our children’s education for decades and are pursuing this privatization agenda as the best way to&nbsp; privatize all our K-12 public schools.”&nbsp;“DeVos was never qualified to be Secretary of Education, she should never have been appointed, and I am sure she will and should be the first to go when Americans vote to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. “I encourage pro-education Nebraskans who want to join our effort to visit the Education Votes website for more details,” said Benson.The website is at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/2DnwfXMm" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/2DnwfXMm</a>The Nebraska State Education Association is a member-directed professional employee organization representing 28,000 public school teachers and other educational professionals across Nebraska.The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization,representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Nebraska teachers to DeVos: 'No, COVID-19 is not ‘a good thing!'

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Mid-Plains Community College campuses in McCook, North Platte and Imperial have new looks for the fall semester.

MPCC’s temporary switch to remote learning in March due to COVID-19 put the college ahead of schedule construction-wise as the quiet campuses allowed crews to start early on a series of planned improvements.

MPCC’s Center for Applied Science and Technology in McCook was one of the sites on the list. The college completed Phase Two of the remodel on that building.

“We put new welding booths in a year ago, which greatly enhanced the air quality within that space,” said Mike Steele, area vice president of administrative services. “This summer, we went in and removed existing wall structures to expand the shop space. We were able to create an air compressor room and a tool room as well as replace all the existing windows to let in more natural light.”

LED lighting was also added, the interior was painted and two classrooms in the front of the building were expanded.

“We put in a storage area for information technology and improved the overall general appearance of classrooms and the entryway – including new windows along the street,” Steele said. “Next summer we will start on Phase Three, which will be the exterior façade and signage.”

The Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery in McCook also received a facelift. The drawing and painting labs were completely renovated. The stairwell is now hidden and lockable, a storage room and new display areas were added and cabinets will be placed soon so that students can store supplies.

“The whole building has a better look and feel to it,” said Steele. “It was repainted, the windows and lighting were updated and an overhead projector and screen were installed so that art instructor Rick Johnson can better project demonstrations to students.”

Just up the road from McCook, the MPCC Imperial Campus was also undergoing a transformation.

Crews are halfway through the construction of a 2,800-square-foot addition on the north end of the existing building. The goal is to be able to move staff and classes into the addition after the first of the year. Renovations will then begin on the original section of the building to make it more functional.

Once complete, the building will have grown from three classrooms to seven – two with movable walls. It will also have dedicated areas for English as a Second Language classes and health and science instruction as well as new restrooms, a mechanical room and a storage room.

“The additional classroom space is needed to handle demand,” Steele said. “The community has done a great job of supporting us, and with everything Brenda [Ledall] and her team are doing to increase enrollment - we have outgrown the building. With this new addition, the campus will soon be able to host both college and community events.”

Additional improvements were made to the MPCC campuses in North Platte over the summer. The last big project inside the McDonald-Belton Building on South Campus was wrapped up with the remodel of the Welcome Center and entryway.

“We wanted those two areas to match and to change the overall focus for people who come into the building,” Steele said. “Admissions and recruiting had previously been moved right inside the front door. We’ve now created a comfortable place outside those offices for prospective students and their families to hang out while waiting for services.”

The spaces on either side of the entrance are filled with TVs and soft seating that matches the modern theme throughout the building. That theme carries over to the Welcome Center, which received new carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, lights and a panel storage system. The functionality was also altered to give staff additional space to work in.

Around the corner, at the doors of the gymnasium, a glass trophy case featuring digital screens was added to highlight the college’s athletics.

Projects continued outside of McDonald-Belton as well. New parking was created on the west side of the building to better accommodate buses and to make up for the parking that was lost with the creation of a new grassy area in the middle of campus – between the McDonald-Belton Building and the dorms. The campus now has about 1,300 parking stalls altogether.

“The new parking and green space is part of what we call the ‘Quad Project’,” said Steele. “Originally, we were going to spread it out across four or five phases, but as we looked at form, function and timing, it was more affordable to just do everything at once. It will be less disruptive as well.”

Logistically, moving ahead with the entire project also solved some parking issues.

“The parking lot on the north side of McDonald-Belton was in need of repair, so we moved all that parking to the west side of campus,” Steele said. “That also provided a safe route for traffic to travel around, instead of through, campus because the new parking lot is connected to a road that loops around behind the dorms.”

The road then intersects with the campus’ new driveway that was moved north to accommodate expected access from U.S. Highway 83. A connection to the Willow Street hike and bike trail was also added as part of the quad project.

The green space, once complete, will serve as the focal point of the campus. It will feature a 30-foot by 50-foot pavilion and accompanying sound system for hosting events.

There will also be an amphitheater with seating for 160 people, a gas-fed fire pit, Wi-Fi, ports for charging cell phones and other devices and the entire area will be monitored with security cameras. So far, the project is on track to be done by the middle of November.

Although not as extensive – the parking on the North Campus in North Platte also underwent an overhaul. Half of the parking on the west side of the W.W. Wood Building was replaced as was the parking for student housing.

“Long-term maintenance was the biggest benefit,” Steele said. “It has been 12 or 15 years since the parking lots on north were redone, and by replacing the asphalt with concrete, we should be able to double that amount of time. We no longer have to worry about overlays or sinking tires.”

While the island in the student housing parking lot was narrowed to make room for larger vehicles, the sidewalks were widened to make them more accessible.

On the east side of W.W. Wood, the island was removed, and the parking lot was repainted for a new series of motorcycle classes.

Inside the building, a data center was created.

“We moved our computer lab in the southeast corner to a different room and worked with Union Pacific Railroad to get some of that space back,” Steele said. “The area was converted into a new data center big enough to house all of the college’s IT equipment, ensure proper cooling, have proper fire suppression and be ADA compliant.”

In the middle of the building, the Wood Grille dining hall and kitchen were remodeled to include a new façade, flooring, paint, lights, equipment, signs, digital screens and electrical service.

The Auto Body classroom across campus was also revamped with new flooring, paint, lighting and upgraded technology.

Images of the many renovations conducted by the college over the summer can be found on the MPCC Facebook page.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Mid-Plains Community College campuses in McCook, North Platte and Imperial have new looks for the fall semester.MPCC’s temporary switch to remote learning in March due to COVID-19 put the college ahead of schedule construction-wise as the quiet campuses allowed crews to start early on a series of planned improvements.CAST Building<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598983651200.jpeg" alt="A crew works to install new lighting in the entryway of the MPCC Center for Applied Science and Technology in McCook." />
 <figcaption>A crew works to install new lighting in the entryway of the MPCC Center for Applied Science and Technology in McCook.</figcaption>
 </figure>MPCC’s Center for Applied Science and Technology in McCook was one of the sites on the list. The college completed Phase Two of the remodel on that building.“We put new welding booths in a year ago, which greatly enhanced the air quality within that space,” said Mike Steele, area vice president of administrative services. “This summer, we went in and removed existing wall structures to expand the shop space. We were able to create an air compressor room and a tool room as well as replace all the existing windows to let in more natural light.”LED lighting was also added, the interior was painted and two classrooms in the front of the building were expanded.“We put in a storage area for information technology and improved the overall general appearance of classrooms and the entryway – including new windows along the street,” Steele said. “Next summer we will start on Phase Three, which will be the exterior façade and signage.”Wrightstone<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598983694503.jpeg" alt="Wrightstone – Art instructor Rick Johnson demonstrates a technique to his class using a new projector system in the Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery in McCook on Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>Wrightstone – Art instructor Rick Johnson demonstrates a technique to his class using a new projector system in the Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery in McCook on Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery in McCook also received a facelift. The drawing and painting labs were completely renovated. The stairwell is now hidden and lockable, a storage room and new display areas were added and cabinets will be placed soon so that students can store supplies.“The whole building has a better look and feel to it,” said Steele. “It was repainted, the windows and lighting were updated and an overhead projector and screen were installed so that art instructor Rick Johnson can better project demonstrations to students.”Imperial Campus<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598983743307.jpeg" alt="Imperial – The inside of a new 2,800-square-foot addition to the MPCC Imperial Campus is shown. The goal is to move classes into the addition for the spring semester." />
 <figcaption>Imperial – The inside of a new 2,800-square-foot addition to the MPCC Imperial Campus is shown. The goal is to move classes into the addition for the spring semester.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just up the road from McCook, the MPCC Imperial Campus was also undergoing a transformation.Crews are halfway through the construction of a 2,800-square-foot addition on the north end of the existing building. The goal is to be able to move staff and classes into the addition after the first of the year. Renovations will then begin on the original section of the building to make it more functional.Once complete, the building will have grown from three classrooms to seven – two with movable walls. It will also have dedicated areas for English as a Second Language classes and health and science instruction as well as new restrooms, a mechanical room and a storage room.“The additional classroom space is needed to handle demand,” Steele said. “The community has done a great job of supporting us, and with everything Brenda [Ledall] and her team are doing to increase enrollment - we have outgrown the building. With this new addition, the campus will soon be able to host both college and community events.”South Campus – North PlatteAdditional improvements were made to the MPCC campuses in North Platte over the summer. The last big project inside the McDonald-Belton Building on South Campus was wrapped up with the remodel of the Welcome Center and entryway.“We wanted those two areas to match and to change the overall focus for people who come into the building,” Steele said. “Admissions and recruiting had previously been moved right inside the front door. We’ve now created a comfortable place outside those offices for prospective students and their families to hang out while waiting for services.”The spaces on either side of the entrance are filled with TVs and soft seating that matches the modern theme throughout the building. That theme carries over to the Welcome Center, which received new carpet, paint, ceiling tiles, lights and a panel storage system. The functionality was also altered to give staff additional space to work in.Around the corner, at the doors of the gymnasium, a glass trophy case featuring digital screens was added to highlight the college’s athletics.Projects continued outside of McDonald-Belton as well. New parking was created on the west side of the building to better accommodate buses and to make up for the parking that was lost with the creation of a new grassy area in the middle of campus – between the McDonald-Belton Building and the dorms. The campus now has about 1,300 parking stalls altogether.“The new parking and green space is part of what we call the ‘Quad Project’,” said Steele. “Originally, we were going to spread it out across four or five phases, but as we looked at form, function and timing, it was more affordable to just do everything at once. It will be less disruptive as well.”Logistically, moving ahead with the entire project also solved some parking issues.“The parking lot on the north side of McDonald-Belton was in need of repair, so we moved all that parking to the west side of campus,” Steele said. “That also provided a safe route for traffic to travel around, instead of through, campus because the new parking lot is connected to a road that loops around behind the dorms.”The road then intersects with the campus’ new driveway that was moved north to accommodate expected access from U.S. Highway 83. A connection to the Willow Street hike and bike trail was also added as part of the quad project.The green space, once complete, will serve as the focal point of the campus. It will feature a 30-foot by 50-foot pavilion and accompanying sound system for hosting events.There will also be an amphitheater with seating for 160 people, a gas-fed fire pit, Wi-Fi, ports for charging cell phones and other devices and the entire area will be monitored with security cameras. So far, the project is on track to be done by the middle of November.North Campus – North PlatteAlthough not as extensive – the parking on the North Campus in North Platte also underwent an overhaul. Half of the parking on the west side of the W.W. Wood Building was replaced as was the parking for student housing.“Long-term maintenance was the biggest benefit,” Steele said. “It has been 12 or 15 years since the parking lots on north were redone, and by replacing the asphalt with concrete, we should be able to double that amount of time. We no longer have to worry about overlays or sinking tires.”While the island in the student housing parking lot was narrowed to make room for larger vehicles, the sidewalks were widened to make them more accessible.On the east side of W.W. Wood, the island was removed, and the parking lot was repainted for a new series of motorcycle classes.Inside the building, a data center was created.“We moved our computer lab in the southeast corner to a different room and worked with Union Pacific Railroad to get some of that space back,” Steele said. “The area was converted into a new data center big enough to house all of the college’s IT equipment, ensure proper cooling, have proper fire suppression and be ADA compliant.”In the middle of the building, the Wood Grille dining hall and kitchen were remodeled to include a new façade, flooring, paint, lights, equipment, signs, digital screens and electrical service.The Auto Body classroom across campus was also revamped with new flooring, paint, lighting and upgraded technology.Images of the many renovations conducted by the college over the summer can be found on the MPCC Facebook page.

MPCC campuses receive facelift

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The rural economy in Middle America showed improvement in August, despite the effects of a global pandemic and a rare devastating wind storm earlier in the month, according to a monthly survey of nine Midwest and Plains states released Tuesday.

The overall index for the region jumped to 60 in August from July's 57.4, and the region's employment index moved above growth neutral 50 for the first time since January, coming in at 54.8 for August, compared with 48.5 in July. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below 50 suggests decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said four of five supply managers reported difficulty hiring qualified workers - even though the unemployment rate remains higher than before the coronavirus outbreak.

The confidence index climbed to a strong 73.3 - its highest level since February 2018 - from 68.3 in July. The confidence index measures business leaders' expectations for the economy over the next six months.

"Since our survey was conducted after August's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7af5969f561d4b8cff67ccf309034a9" target="_blank">derecho</a>, I expected to record weaker business confidence," Goss said. "However, our survey indicates that the region's manufacturing sector was spared much of the negative impacts."

The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The rural economy in Middle America showed improvement in August, despite the effects of a global pandemic and a rare devastating wind storm earlier in the month, according to a monthly survey of nine Midwest and Plains states released Tuesday.The overall index for the region jumped to 60 in August from July's 57.4, and the region's employment index moved above growth neutral 50 for the first time since January, coming in at 54.8 for August, compared with 48.5 in July. The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below 50 suggests decline.Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey, said four of five supply managers reported difficulty hiring qualified workers - even though the unemployment rate remains higher than before the coronavirus outbreak.The confidence index climbed to a strong 73.3 - its highest level since February 2018 - from 68.3 in July. The confidence index measures business leaders' expectations for the economy over the next six months."Since our survey was conducted after August's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7af5969f561d4b8cff67ccf309034a9" target="_blank">derecho</a>, I expected to record weaker business confidence," Goss said. "However, our survey indicates that the region's manufacturing sector was spared much of the negative impacts."The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Survey: Midwest economy improves despite pandemic, derecho

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-An early morning accident sent one person to the hospital on Tuesday.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, on September 1 at 7:51 a.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center was called about a two-vehicle accident around mile marker 64 on U.S. Highway 83 (approximately fifteen miles south of North Platte, NE.). Deputies were dispatched to the scene as well as rescue personnel.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2014 Chevrolet Spark was traveling northbound around the posted 65 miles per hour speed limit. The vehicle was driven by fifty-six-year-old Christine Bourquin-Lewien&nbsp;of Maywood, NE. A second car was identified as a 2004 Buick LeSabre was also northbound traveling at a much higher rate of speed and rear-ended the Chevrolet Spark. The driver of the Buick was identified as twenty-four-year-old Jacob Tenbensel of Holbrook, NE.

Ms. Bourquin-Lewien was transported to Great Plains Health with apparent non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Tenbensel refused medical treatment. 

Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor. The case remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598983364211.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-An early morning accident sent one person to the hospital on Tuesday.According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, on September 1 at 7:51 a.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center was called about a two-vehicle accident around mile marker 64 on U.S. Highway 83 (approximately fifteen miles south of North Platte, NE.). Deputies were dispatched to the scene as well as rescue personnel.The preliminary investigation revealed a 2014 Chevrolet Spark was traveling northbound around the posted 65 miles per hour speed limit. The vehicle was driven by fifty-six-year-old Christine Bourquin-Lewien&nbsp;of Maywood, NE. A second car was identified as a 2004 Buick LeSabre was also northbound traveling at a much higher rate of speed and rear-ended the Chevrolet Spark. The driver of the Buick was identified as twenty-four-year-old Jacob Tenbensel of Holbrook, NE.Ms. Bourquin-Lewien was transported to Great Plains Health with apparent non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Tenbensel refused medical treatment. Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor. The case remains under investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598983384197.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598983397015.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Accident south of North Platte sends 1 to hospital

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A Chicago man has been charged in Lincoln County following an injury accident north of North Platte.

According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, on August 31 at 9:21 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a report of a two-vehicle injury accident around mile marker 99 on U.S. Highway 83 (about thirteen miles north of North Platte, NE). First Responders, Deputies and Nebraska State Troopers all responded to the scene.

It was discovered there were two occupants in each vehicle all with injuries from minor to life-threatening. All four subjects were transported to Great Plains Health for treatment.

The preliminary investigation revealed fifty-five-year-old Sherry Cozad of Woodlake, NE was southbound on Highway 83, driving a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. Forty-six-year-old Eli Brooks from Chicago, Il was driving a 2008 BMW southbound as well. Mr. Brooks apparently was traveling much faster than Ms. Cozad and rear-ended her, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway.

Mr. Brooks was medically cleared and arrested by Nebraska State Patrol for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol above .15. Mr. Brooks was placed in the Lincoln County Detention Center. 

The case remains under investigation by Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Alcohol is a factor in the accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598982977659.jpeg" alt="Eli Brooks" />
 <figcaption>Eli Brooks</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A Chicago man has been charged in Lincoln County following an injury accident north of North Platte.According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, on August 31 at 9:21 p.m., the Lincoln County 911 Center received a report of a two-vehicle injury accident around mile marker 99 on U.S. Highway 83 (about thirteen miles north of North Platte, NE). First Responders, Deputies and Nebraska State Troopers all responded to the scene.It was discovered there were two occupants in each vehicle all with injuries from minor to life-threatening. All four subjects were transported to Great Plains Health for treatment.The preliminary investigation revealed fifty-five-year-old Sherry Cozad of Woodlake, NE was southbound on Highway 83, driving a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. Forty-six-year-old Eli Brooks from Chicago, Il was driving a 2008 BMW southbound as well. Mr. Brooks apparently was traveling much faster than Ms. Cozad and rear-ended her, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway.Mr. Brooks was medically cleared and arrested by Nebraska State Patrol for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol above .15. Mr. Brooks was placed in the Lincoln County Detention Center. The case remains under investigation by Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Alcohol is a factor in the accident.<figure>
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One arrested following injury accident north of North Platte

From the Lincoln County Election Commissioner&nbsp;

The
Lincoln County Election Commissioner will be mailing out Early Voting
Postcard applications for the November 3, 2020 General Election to
all registered voters in Lincoln County beginning on September 1,
2020. If you prefer to vote at your polling location on Election
Day, do not return the card. If you wish to request an early
vote/absentee ballot complete the form, sign
it, and
return it to the Election office by: 1) mail it to Lincoln County
Election Commissioner at 301 N Jeffers Rm 101, North Platte, NE
69101-3997; 2) fax the request to our office at (308)-535-3522; 3)
email a scanned image to <a href="mailto:election@co.lincoln.ne.us">election@co.lincoln.ne.us</a>
or 4) place it in the Drop Box located on the South
End
of the Sheriff’s Office Parking Lot. (The Drop Box has been moved
due to the upcoming construction of the Detention Center.) There
will also be a Drop Box located at the main entry of the Courthouse
on the South side.


The
following is frequently asked information concerning early voting in
Nebraska.


What if I do not receive my early voting
postcard application in the mail?


When will I receive my Early Voting Ballot?


What should I do if do not receive my ballot?

From the Lincoln County Election Commissioner&nbsp;
 Early
Voting Information
 Lincoln
County	
 General
Election 2020
 The
Lincoln County Election Commissioner will be mailing out Early Voting
Postcard applications for the November 3, 2020 General Election to
all registered voters in Lincoln County beginning on September 1,
2020. If you prefer to vote at your polling location on Election
Day, do not return the card. If you wish to request an early
vote/absentee ballot complete the form, sign
it, and
return it to the Election office by: 1) mail it to Lincoln County
Election Commissioner at 301 N Jeffers Rm 101, North Platte, NE
69101-3997; 2) fax the request to our office at (308)-535-3522; 3)
email a scanned image to <a href="mailto:election@co.lincoln.ne.us">election@co.lincoln.ne.us</a>
or 4) place it in the Drop Box located on the South
End
of the Sheriff’s Office Parking Lot. (The Drop Box has been moved
due to the upcoming construction of the Detention Center.) There
will also be a Drop Box located at the main entry of the Courthouse
on the South side.
The
following is frequently asked information concerning early voting in
Nebraska.
What if I do not receive my early voting
postcard application in the mail?<ul>
 <li>
	Visit the local county website (Lincoln County: 
	www.co.lincoln.ne.us). There is
	a big button that says 2020 Elections. Scroll down some and there
	is a link for the Early Voters application 
	
	</li><li>
	Write to your County Clerk/Election Commissioner, including: 
	
	
		Your name and residence address
		
		Your telephone number, 
		
		
		The mailing address you want the ballots sent to, and 
		
		
		Your signature 
		
	
	</li><li>
		Your name and residence address
		</li><li>
		Your telephone number, 
		
		</li><li>
		The mailing address you want the ballots sent to, and 
		
		</li><li>
		Your signature 
		
	</li><li>
	Visit the Secretary of State
	(https://sos.nebraska.gov/elec/ele_forms.html)
	Elections Division‐Forms. 
	
	</li><li>
	A person can act as an agent to sign an early voters ballot
	application 
	
</li>
 </ul>
What is an agent? 
<ul>
 <li>
	An Agent is someone whom you have sign the request form and pick up
	your ballots for you or have them mailed to you. An individual can
	only act as the agent for two voters per election. 
	
</li>
 </ul>
When will I receive my Early Voting Ballot?<ul>
 <li>
	We will begin mailing out ballots on Monday, September 28, 2020.
</li>
 </ul>
What should I do if do not receive my ballot?<ul>
 <li>
	Should your ballots not arrive, contact your County Clerk/Election
	Commissioner to confirm the date and address the ballot was mailed
	out 
	
	</li><li>
	Make arrangements with the County Clerk/Election commissioner to
	receive a replacement ballot if it is determined your ballots were
	lost, destroyed, spoiled or never received. 
	
	</li><li>
	The last day to request an early voting ballot to be mailed is
	October 23, 2020 at 6:00 P.M.
</li>
 </ul>

Early voting information for Lincoln County

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in September. Get more event details at&nbsp;<a href="http://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.

Sept. 1 – Hunting seasons open for cottontail, jackrabbit, dove, snipe, grouse, rail, raccoon and opossum

Sept. 1 – Archery, River Antlerless Private Land Only, Antlerless Only Season Choice, Statewide Whitetail Buck, Landowner, Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area and Youth deer hunting seasons open

Sept. 1 – Archery bull elk season opens

Sep. 1-7 – Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island

Sept. 3 – The Science of Animal Headgear, online webinar

Sept. 5-6 – Living history, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort Calhoun

Sept. 6 – Weigand Marina Parade of Lights, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, Crofton

Sept. 5-13 – Early teal hunting in High Plains Zone

Sept. 5-20 – Early teal hunting in Low Plains Zone

Sept. 10 – The Science of Fossorial Animals, online webinar

Sept. 15 – Fall turkey hunting season opens

Sept. 17 – The Science of Dangerous Plants, online webinar

Sept. 19 – Muzzleloader antelope season opens

Sept. 21 – Firearm bull elk season opens

Sept. 24 – The Science of Invasive Species, online webinar

Sept. 26-27 – Youth waterfowl hunting season in Zones 2 and 4

Amid the COVID-19 health crisis, Game and Parks continues to work on opening and allowing additional activities and events that can be conducted safely with the protection of our customers and staff.

Keep up to date on all cancellations, postponements and closures for Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwOTkyNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9oZWFsdGhpbmZvLyJ9.zuwWZLHN167OJzD_IVes3hRNVdhoaVMf62P_wWQAyN4/s/497221905/br/82793199194-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/healthinfo</a>.

<h2>September outdoor calendar</h2>LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in September. Get more event details at&nbsp;<a href="http://calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/" target="_blank">Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov</a>.Sept. 1 – Hunting seasons open for cottontail, jackrabbit, dove, snipe, grouse, rail, raccoon and opossumSept. 1 – Archery, River Antlerless Private Land Only, Antlerless Only Season Choice, Statewide Whitetail Buck, Landowner, Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area and Youth deer hunting seasons openSept. 1 – Archery bull elk season opensSep. 1-7 – Nebraska State Fair, Grand IslandSept. 3 – The Science of Animal Headgear, online webinarSept. 5-6 – Living history, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort CalhounSept. 6 – Weigand Marina Parade of Lights, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, CroftonSept. 5-13 – Early teal hunting in High Plains ZoneSept. 5-20 – Early teal hunting in Low Plains ZoneSept. 10 – The Science of Fossorial Animals, online webinarSept. 15 – Fall turkey hunting season opensSept. 17 – The Science of Dangerous Plants, online webinarSept. 19 – Muzzleloader antelope season opensSept. 21 – Firearm bull elk season opensSept. 24 – The Science of Invasive Species, online webinarSept. 26-27 – Youth waterfowl hunting season in Zones 2 and 4Amid the COVID-19 health crisis, Game and Parks continues to work on opening and allowing additional activities and events that can be conducted safely with the protection of our customers and staff.Keep up to date on all cancellations, postponements and closures for Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwOTkyNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9oZWFsdGhpbmZvLyJ9.zuwWZLHN167OJzD_IVes3hRNVdhoaVMf62P_wWQAyN4/s/497221905/br/82793199194-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/healthinfo</a>.

Nebraska September Outdoor Calendar

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 1, the 245th day of 2020. There are 121 days left in the year.

On September 1, 1945, Americans received word of Japan’s formal surrender that ended World War II. (Because of the time difference, it was Sept. 2 in Tokyo Bay, where the ceremony took place.)

In 1894, the Great Hinckley Fire destroyed Hinckley, Minnesota, and five other communities, killing more than 400 people.

In 1923, the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Yokohama were devastated by an earthquake that claimed some 140,000 lives.

In 1939, World War II began as Nazi Germany invaded Poland.

In 1941, the first municipally owned parking building in the United States opened in Welch, W. Va.

In 1942, U.S. District Court Judge Martin I. Welsh, ruling from Sacramento, Calif., on a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Fred Korematsu, upheld the wartime detention of Japanese-Americans as well as Japanese nationals.

In 1969, a coup in Libya brought Moammar Gadhafi to power.

In 1972, American Bobby Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik (RAY’-kyuh-vik), Iceland, as Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union resigned before the resumption of Game 21. An arson fire at the Blue Bird Cafe in Montreal, Canada, claimed 37 lives.

In 1983, 269 people were killed when a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 was shot down by a Soviet jet fighter after the airliner entered Soviet airspace.

In 1985, a U.S.-French expedition located the wreckage of the Titanic on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean roughly 400 miles off Newfoundland.

In 2005, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issued a “desperate SOS” as his city descended into anarchy amid the flooding left by Hurricane Katrina.

In 2009, Vermont’s law allowing same-sex marriage went into effect.

In 2018, at a nearly three-hour memorial service for the late Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain in Washington, McCain’s daughter and two former presidents led a public rebuke of President Donald Trump’s divisive politics and called for a return to civility among the nation’s leaders.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama convened a new round of ambitious Mideast peace talks at the White House as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the first face-to-face negotiations in nearly two years. A man upset with the Discovery Channel’s programming took two employees and a security officer hostage at the network’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland; police shot and killed the gunman, James Jae Lee, and all three hostages escaped safely.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama stared down a melting glacier in Alaska in a dramatic use of his presidential pulpit to sound the alarm on climate change. Invoking “God’s authority,” Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis denied marriage licenses to gay couples again in direct defiance of the federal courts, and vowed not to resign, even under the pressure of steep fines or jail. Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, a police officer for Fox Lake, Illinois, was found shot to death after reporting he was pursuing a group of men; authorities eventually concluded that Gliniewicz’s death was a suicide. Actor Dean Jones, 84, died in Los Angeles.

One year ago: Hurricane Dorian struck the northern Bahamas as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with record 185 mph winds that ripped off roofs and overturned cars. South Carolina’s governor ordered a mandatory evacuation of the entire coast of the state amid the threat from Dorian. The United States and China put into effect their latest tariff increases on each other’s goods; the 15% U.S. taxes applied to about $112 billion of Chinese imports. Actor and comedian Kevin Hart suffered a serious back injury when the vintage muscle car in which he was riding went out of control on a Southern California highway, careening down an embankment and into a tree. Thousands of people who were gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the traditional Sunday noon appearance by the pope were left waiting for several minutes; Francis explained that he had been stuck in an elevator. Justin Verlander pitched his third career no-hitter, striking out 14 to lead the Houston Astros past the Toronto Blue Jays, 2-0.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor George Maharis is 92. Conductor Seiji Ozawa (SAY’-jee oh-ZAH’-wah) is 85. Attorney and law professor Alan Dershowitz is 82. Comedian-actor Lily Tomlin is 81. Actor Don Stroud is 77. Conductor Leonard Slatkin is 76. Singer Archie Bell is 76. Singer Barry Gibb is 74. Rock musician Greg Errico is 72. Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw is 70. Singer Gloria Estefan is 63. Former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers is 59. Jazz musician Boney James is 59. Singer-musician Grant Lee Phillips (Grant Lee Buffalo) is 57. Country singer-songwriter Charlie Robison is 56. Retired NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway is 54. Rap DJ Spigg Nice (Lost Boyz) is 50. Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira is 49. Actor Maury Sterling is 49. Rock singer JD Fortune is 47. Actor Scott Speedman is 45. Country singer Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies) is 44. Actor Boyd Holbrook is 39. Actor Zoe Lister-Jones is 38. Rock musician Joe Trohman is 36. Actor Aisling (ASH’-ling) Loftus is 30.

Today in HistoryToday is Tuesday, Sept. 1, the 245th day of 2020. There are 121 days left in the year.Today’s Highlight in History:On September 1, 1945, Americans received word of Japan’s formal surrender that ended World War II. (Because of the time difference, it was Sept. 2 in Tokyo Bay, where the ceremony took place.)On this date:In 1894, the Great Hinckley Fire destroyed Hinckley, Minnesota, and five other communities, killing more than 400 people.In 1923, the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Yokohama were devastated by an earthquake that claimed some 140,000 lives.In 1939, World War II began as Nazi Germany invaded Poland.In 1941, the first municipally owned parking building in the United States opened in Welch, W. Va.In 1942, U.S. District Court Judge Martin I. Welsh, ruling from Sacramento, Calif., on a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of Fred Korematsu, upheld the wartime detention of Japanese-Americans as well as Japanese nationals.In 1969, a coup in Libya brought Moammar Gadhafi to power.In 1972, American Bobby Fischer won the international chess crown in Reykjavik (RAY’-kyuh-vik), Iceland, as Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union resigned before the resumption of Game 21. An arson fire at the Blue Bird Cafe in Montreal, Canada, claimed 37 lives.In 1983, 269 people were killed when a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 was shot down by a Soviet jet fighter after the airliner entered Soviet airspace.In 1985, a U.S.-French expedition located the wreckage of the Titanic on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean roughly 400 miles off Newfoundland.In 2005, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin issued a “desperate SOS” as his city descended into anarchy amid the flooding left by Hurricane Katrina.In 2009, Vermont’s law allowing same-sex marriage went into effect.In 2018, at a nearly three-hour memorial service for the late Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain in Washington, McCain’s daughter and two former presidents led a public rebuke of President Donald Trump’s divisive politics and called for a return to civility among the nation’s leaders.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama convened a new round of ambitious Mideast peace talks at the White House as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the first face-to-face negotiations in nearly two years. A man upset with the Discovery Channel’s programming took two employees and a security officer hostage at the network’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland; police shot and killed the gunman, James Jae Lee, and all three hostages escaped safely.Five years ago: President Barack Obama stared down a melting glacier in Alaska in a dramatic use of his presidential pulpit to sound the alarm on climate change. Invoking “God’s authority,” Rowan County, Kentucky, Clerk Kim Davis denied marriage licenses to gay couples again in direct defiance of the federal courts, and vowed not to resign, even under the pressure of steep fines or jail. Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, a police officer for Fox Lake, Illinois, was found shot to death after reporting he was pursuing a group of men; authorities eventually concluded that Gliniewicz’s death was a suicide. Actor Dean Jones, 84, died in Los Angeles.One year ago: Hurricane Dorian struck the northern Bahamas as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with record 185 mph winds that ripped off roofs and overturned cars. South Carolina’s governor ordered a mandatory evacuation of the entire coast of the state amid the threat from Dorian. The United States and China put into effect their latest tariff increases on each other’s goods; the 15% U.S. taxes applied to about $112 billion of Chinese imports. Actor and comedian Kevin Hart suffered a serious back injury when the vintage muscle car in which he was riding went out of control on a Southern California highway, careening down an embankment and into a tree. Thousands of people who were gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the traditional Sunday noon appearance by the pope were left waiting for several minutes; Francis explained that he had been stuck in an elevator. Justin Verlander pitched his third career no-hitter, striking out 14 to lead the Houston Astros past the Toronto Blue Jays, 2-0.Today’s Birthdays: Actor George Maharis is 92. Conductor Seiji Ozawa (SAY’-jee oh-ZAH’-wah) is 85. Attorney and law professor Alan Dershowitz is 82. Comedian-actor Lily Tomlin is 81. Actor Don Stroud is 77. Conductor Leonard Slatkin is 76. Singer Archie Bell is 76. Singer Barry Gibb is 74. Rock musician Greg Errico is 72. Talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw is 70. Singer Gloria Estefan is 63. Former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers is 59. Jazz musician Boney James is 59. Singer-musician Grant Lee Phillips (Grant Lee Buffalo) is 57. Country singer-songwriter Charlie Robison is 56. Retired NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway is 54. Rap DJ Spigg Nice (Lost Boyz) is 50. Actor Ricardo Antonio Chavira is 49. Actor Maury Sterling is 49. Rock singer JD Fortune is 47. Actor Scott Speedman is 45. Country singer Angaleena Presley (Pistol Annies) is 44. Actor Boyd Holbrook is 39. Actor Zoe Lister-Jones is 38. Rock musician Joe Trohman is 36. Actor Aisling (ASH’-ling) Loftus is 30.

Today in History-September 1

Lincoln –&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received a report of a death related to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a disease carried by ticks. The man was in his 60s and lived in the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD), which includes Arthur, Hooker, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson and Thomas counties. DHHS has also seen an increase in reports of people with Ehrlichiosis, another tick-related illness. On average, the Department receives four reports of Ehrlichiosis in a year, nine reports have already been received to date.

“Ticks can be efficient carriers of disease and these tick-related illnesses can be serious and sadly, sometimes fatal," said Dr. Tom Safranek, state epidemiologist for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “In a year when many of us are spending more time outdoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nebraskans need to practice the basics of tick prevention to reduce the risk of tick bites."

“Although tick-related diseases are not seen frequently in our jurisdiction, ticks that can transmit diseases are still found here. It's important for people to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families. It only takes one bite from an infected tick to make a person ill," said Shannon Vanderheiden, Executive Director of WCDHD.

A relative to mites and spiders, ticks are generally found near the ground and in brushy or wooded areas where they climb tall grasses or shrubs and transfer to a host brushing against them. They attach and feed on blood. Engorged ticks are more likely to transmit pathogens that can cause diseases.

DHHS conducts surveillance on four medically-relevant tick species: the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, Lone Star tick, and Blacklegged tick/Deer tick. Those concerned about possible infection from a tick bite should contact a healthcare provider. Suspected infections should be reported to a local health department or DHHS.

Additional information on tick-related diseases is available here -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ticks" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/ticks&nbsp;</a>.

Some pets are also susceptible to tick-related disease. Learn more about tick bite prevention for your pets -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html&nbsp;</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591313376056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln –&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) received a report of a death related to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a disease carried by ticks. The man was in his 60s and lived in the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD), which includes Arthur, Hooker, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson and Thomas counties. DHHS has also seen an increase in reports of people with Ehrlichiosis, another tick-related illness. On average, the Department receives four reports of Ehrlichiosis in a year, nine reports have already been received to date.“Ticks can be efficient carriers of disease and these tick-related illnesses can be serious and sadly, sometimes fatal," said Dr. Tom Safranek, state epidemiologist for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “In a year when many of us are spending more time outdoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nebraskans need to practice the basics of tick prevention to reduce the risk of tick bites."“Although tick-related diseases are not seen frequently in our jurisdiction, ticks that can transmit diseases are still found here. It's important for people to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families. It only takes one bite from an infected tick to make a person ill," said Shannon Vanderheiden, Executive Director of WCDHD.Protect yourself against tick bites:<ul>
 <li>Use a repellent with at least 20 percent DEET, picaridin or IR3535, or permethrin-treated clothing.</li><li>When outdoors, avoid contact with tall grasses and shrubs and keep commonly-used areas of yard free of tall grasses and shrubs, as well as deer and rodents, to help limit tick exposure.</li><li>Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and closed-toed shoes outside.</li><li>Do a tick check after being outdoors, including coats, gear and pets, and remove any attached ticks promptly without squeezing.</li><li>Shower within two hours of coming indoors.</li>
 </ul>A relative to mites and spiders, ticks are generally found near the ground and in brushy or wooded areas where they climb tall grasses or shrubs and transfer to a host brushing against them. They attach and feed on blood. Engorged ticks are more likely to transmit pathogens that can cause diseases.DHHS conducts surveillance on four medically-relevant tick species: the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, Lone Star tick, and Blacklegged tick/Deer tick. Those concerned about possible infection from a tick bite should contact a healthcare provider. Suspected infections should be reported to a local health department or DHHS.If you find an attached tick:<ul>
 <li>Remove the attached tick as soon as you notice it by grasping with fine-tipped tweezers, as close to the skin as possible, and pulling it straight out. Early removal can minimize and often eliminate the chance of infection.</li><li>Watch for signs of infection, and illness such as rash or fever in the days and weeks following a bite, and see a health care provider if these develop.</li>
 </ul>Additional information on tick-related diseases is available here -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ticks" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/ticks&nbsp;</a>.Some pets are also susceptible to tick-related disease. Learn more about tick bite prevention for your pets -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html&nbsp;</a>.

Death related to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever reported in WCDHD jurisdiction

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Nebraska is home to more than 100 fish species. Many of these will never be encountered on a fishing hook because their size, habits or habitats make them unavailable or undesirable to anglers.

Most fish that can be caught by hook and line are designated as sport fish species. Nebraska offers opportunity for more than 40 of these species.

It is good to know which sport fish you are catching since several have bag- and size-limit regulations. You don’t need to know all 40 species, but know at least the most common fish and those with special regulations. Breaking these down into groups and using available resources makes it easier.

Arguably, the most common fish encountered by anglers in Nebraska is the sunfish. This group of fish is flat and round. The bluegill is probably the most widespread example and exists in all parts of Nebraska. Bluegill are similar to and hybridize with green and redear sunfish. These are everywhere, so you should know them.

The sunfish belong to a larger group of fish categorized as panfish, which also include black and white crappie, rock bass and yellow perch. These examples also are flat, but not quite as round. If you are catching these fish, it is important to know they are panfish, and the daily bag limit is 15 panfish combined.

Catfish are obvious; they have whiskers and no scales. The three bullhead species (black, yellow and brown) are less than 12 inches, fat and stocky. The channel, blue and flathead catfish have special regulations so knowing these are a good idea. Channel catfish is by far the most commonly stocked and caught catfish in Nebraska. Color, tail shape and mouth size help distinguish each catfish species.

Trout are a fish of many colors, but all pretty much have the same long, slender shape. There are five trout species: rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and tiger, and because of regulations, it matters which one you can catch and keep. Most of these are stocked, so location can help determine what they might be. To be sure, use an identification guide that describes their unique colors.

Then there are walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, gar, carp, drum and others. How does an angler even begin to learn what they are catching? To know these groups is a start, but then using guides and online resources can help define the rest.

• Use the Nebraska Fishing Guide (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.JHXsst-wq61bJ0P7SZk2jKspy6jDPtsR62Qu7EKGr40/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides</a>) to determine what fish live where you are fishing. More than 200 public fishing waters are listed. This gives you a huge clue as to what you might catch.

• Common Fishes of Nebraska, a small printed fish identification guide, can be acquired at Game and Parks offices or by requesting one online. More than 60 fish are pictured and described, with all of the fish included that an angler needs to know.

• The Nebraska Fish Species page (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9uZWJyYXNrYWZpc2hzcGVjaWVzLyJ9.hDUE84Zj8XtQOeNuCuTCi6uEUBuOvEvlq4Iay41KS28/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/nebraskafishspecies</a>) lists more than 100 Nebraska fish. Listed individually and by groups, this resource gives pictures, physical descriptions and distributions for fishes large and small.

If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.AOFbWcBtTls3JmDUTywuIyvnSiHLJNyi-SH1p1s8MC8/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNEbraska.gov/howtofish</a>. If you want to take a new angler fishing and become eligible to win prizes, register for the Take ’em Fishing Challenge at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.kDW3IGDQEOtG_CN8C02NddyRUkCRNZX9g1bzdTljCDc/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>, where fishing permits also are available for purchase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598917702463.png" alt="Sunfish, which includes bluegill, arguably is the most common fish encountered by anglers in Nebraska. (Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)" />
 <figcaption>Sunfish, which includes bluegill, arguably is the most common fish encountered by anglers in Nebraska. (Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionNebraska is home to more than 100 fish species. Many of these will never be encountered on a fishing hook because their size, habits or habitats make them unavailable or undesirable to anglers.Most fish that can be caught by hook and line are designated as sport fish species. Nebraska offers opportunity for more than 40 of these species.It is good to know which sport fish you are catching since several have bag- and size-limit regulations. You don’t need to know all 40 species, but know at least the most common fish and those with special regulations. Breaking these down into groups and using available resources makes it easier.Arguably, the most common fish encountered by anglers in Nebraska is the sunfish. This group of fish is flat and round. The bluegill is probably the most widespread example and exists in all parts of Nebraska. Bluegill are similar to and hybridize with green and redear sunfish. These are everywhere, so you should know them.The sunfish belong to a larger group of fish categorized as panfish, which also include black and white crappie, rock bass and yellow perch. These examples also are flat, but not quite as round. If you are catching these fish, it is important to know they are panfish, and the daily bag limit is 15 panfish combined.Catfish are obvious; they have whiskers and no scales. The three bullhead species (black, yellow and brown) are less than 12 inches, fat and stocky. The channel, blue and flathead catfish have special regulations so knowing these are a good idea. Channel catfish is by far the most commonly stocked and caught catfish in Nebraska. Color, tail shape and mouth size help distinguish each catfish species.Trout are a fish of many colors, but all pretty much have the same long, slender shape. There are five trout species: rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and tiger, and because of regulations, it matters which one you can catch and keep. Most of these are stocked, so location can help determine what they might be. To be sure, use an identification guide that describes their unique colors.Then there are walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, gar, carp, drum and others. How does an angler even begin to learn what they are catching? To know these groups is a start, but then using guides and online resources can help define the rest.• Use the Nebraska Fishing Guide (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.JHXsst-wq61bJ0P7SZk2jKspy6jDPtsR62Qu7EKGr40/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides</a>) to determine what fish live where you are fishing. More than 200 public fishing waters are listed. This gives you a huge clue as to what you might catch.• Common Fishes of Nebraska, a small printed fish identification guide, can be acquired at Game and Parks offices or by requesting one online. More than 60 fish are pictured and described, with all of the fish included that an angler needs to know.• The Nebraska Fish Species page (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9uZWJyYXNrYWZpc2hzcGVjaWVzLyJ9.hDUE84Zj8XtQOeNuCuTCi6uEUBuOvEvlq4Iay41KS28/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/nebraskafishspecies</a>) lists more than 100 Nebraska fish. Listed individually and by groups, this resource gives pictures, physical descriptions and distributions for fishes large and small.If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.AOFbWcBtTls3JmDUTywuIyvnSiHLJNyi-SH1p1s8MC8/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNEbraska.gov/howtofish</a>. If you want to take a new angler fishing and become eligible to win prizes, register for the Take ’em Fishing Challenge at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MzEuMjYzNTg0NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.kDW3IGDQEOtG_CN8C02NddyRUkCRNZX9g1bzdTljCDc/s/497221905/br/83027042401-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>, where fishing permits also are available for purchase.

Know your fish before you head to lake

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Embattled Nebraska U.S. Senate hopeful Chris Janicek doubled down Monday on his refusal to bow out of the race, despite relentless pressure from the state Democratic Party after he admitted to sending sexually offensive text messages about a campaign employee.

Janicek reaffirmed his pledge to stay in the race during a press conference at his Omaha cupcake bakery. The Democratic nominee has until 5 p.m. Tuesday to request that state officials remove his name from the ballot, but he made clear that he has no plans to do so.

The Nebraska Democratic Party disavowed Janicek in June after he was caught&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db5b8e0b714d76827262eb0381574312" target="_blank">sending sexually offensive messages</a>&nbsp;about a campaign employee in a group text with other staffers.

The female contract staffer was accidentally included in the message and filed a complaint with the party. Janicek has said he apologized to the woman in a phone call, in person, and in writing, and that she accepted his apology. The woman has disputed Janicek's account, saying she doesn't accept his apology and maintains that he should drop out of the race.

"The text message was wrong. It was inappropriate. It was disgusting. It was meant to go to one person," Janicek said. "I apologized immediately for it, over and over, ad nauseam. The text message should never have been sent."

Janicek is challenging Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, who is seeking a second term. Janicek accepted the Democratic nomination in May after winning a seven-candidate primary race, but the odds of winning in November were against him in GOP-dominated Nebraska even before his party withdrew its support.

Janicek blasted the Nebraska Democratic Party in the press conference, noting that its membership&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2da07dc4abad3da8b59091d1d6ebe503" target="_blank">has fallen to just 29%&nbsp;</a>of the state's registered voters. He said party officials met with him privately after his campaign employee filed the complaint and offered to let him drop out quietly, saying that he could cite health concerns as the reason.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb said that claim was untrue, and that the meeting with Janicek included eight party officers and their lawyer.

After the scandal broke, the state party's state central committee voted to endorse Alisha Shelton, an Omaha mental health practitioner who ran unsuccessfully against Janicek in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.

Party leaders voted to endorse Shelton as a replacement nominee, but state law prevents them from removing Janicek's name from the ballot without his consent. And because of Nebraska's "sore loser" law, Shelton can't run as a write-in candidate because she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75d78b971c7002fbff032e6421e72e11" target="_blank">lost to Janicek</a>&nbsp;in the primary.

The state party then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8a62a444108339964ee761bf1b5a45b" target="_blank">voted to back former Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford</a>, who represented the Omaha's 2nd Congressional District for one term. Ashford wasn't a candidate in the Democratic Senate primary and thus would have been able to run as a write-in candidate. But days after the endorsement, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9bd9b6cfb7ac4163ee5ad452e2a85401" target="_blank">reversed course</a>&nbsp;and announced that he wouldn't run for the Senate seat.

In a statement Monday, party officials said they would support a nominee "whose values represent our party," no matter what Janicek decides. Janicek "is shameful and has no support of the Democratic Party," Kleeb said.

"Our party will make sure that voters across Nebraska have a strong choice in order to defeat Ben Sasse," she said.

Shelton said the party deserves a nominee "with a moral compass," who will listen to voters.

"Leaders are always willing to do the right thing, even if it is hard," she said. "I am sad that Chris is not leading. Fellow Nebraskans are pleading with him to exit the race."

Janicek ran for Senate once before, in 2018, but lost in the Democratic primary. He said he chose to run after having a heart attack in 2015 and getting slapped with more than $100,000 in medical bills that his insurance only partially covered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598916998634.png" alt="Chris Janicek" />
 <figcaption>Chris Janicek</figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Embattled Nebraska U.S. Senate hopeful Chris Janicek doubled down Monday on his refusal to bow out of the race, despite relentless pressure from the state Democratic Party after he admitted to sending sexually offensive text messages about a campaign employee.Janicek reaffirmed his pledge to stay in the race during a press conference at his Omaha cupcake bakery. The Democratic nominee has until 5 p.m. Tuesday to request that state officials remove his name from the ballot, but he made clear that he has no plans to do so.The Nebraska Democratic Party disavowed Janicek in June after he was caught&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db5b8e0b714d76827262eb0381574312" target="_blank">sending sexually offensive messages</a>&nbsp;about a campaign employee in a group text with other staffers.The female contract staffer was accidentally included in the message and filed a complaint with the party. Janicek has said he apologized to the woman in a phone call, in person, and in writing, and that she accepted his apology. The woman has disputed Janicek's account, saying she doesn't accept his apology and maintains that he should drop out of the race."The text message was wrong. It was inappropriate. It was disgusting. It was meant to go to one person," Janicek said. "I apologized immediately for it, over and over, ad nauseam. The text message should never have been sent."Janicek is challenging Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, who is seeking a second term. Janicek accepted the Democratic nomination in May after winning a seven-candidate primary race, but the odds of winning in November were against him in GOP-dominated Nebraska even before his party withdrew its support.Janicek blasted the Nebraska Democratic Party in the press conference, noting that its membership&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2da07dc4abad3da8b59091d1d6ebe503" target="_blank">has fallen to just 29%&nbsp;</a>of the state's registered voters. He said party officials met with him privately after his campaign employee filed the complaint and offered to let him drop out quietly, saying that he could cite health concerns as the reason.Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb said that claim was untrue, and that the meeting with Janicek included eight party officers and their lawyer.After the scandal broke, the state party's state central committee voted to endorse Alisha Shelton, an Omaha mental health practitioner who ran unsuccessfully against Janicek in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.Party leaders voted to endorse Shelton as a replacement nominee, but state law prevents them from removing Janicek's name from the ballot without his consent. And because of Nebraska's "sore loser" law, Shelton can't run as a write-in candidate because she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75d78b971c7002fbff032e6421e72e11" target="_blank">lost to Janicek</a>&nbsp;in the primary.The state party then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8a62a444108339964ee761bf1b5a45b" target="_blank">voted to back former Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford</a>, who represented the Omaha's 2nd Congressional District for one term. Ashford wasn't a candidate in the Democratic Senate primary and thus would have been able to run as a write-in candidate. But days after the endorsement, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9bd9b6cfb7ac4163ee5ad452e2a85401" target="_blank">reversed course</a>&nbsp;and announced that he wouldn't run for the Senate seat.In a statement Monday, party officials said they would support a nominee "whose values represent our party," no matter what Janicek decides. Janicek "is shameful and has no support of the Democratic Party," Kleeb said."Our party will make sure that voters across Nebraska have a strong choice in order to defeat Ben Sasse," she said.Shelton said the party deserves a nominee "with a moral compass," who will listen to voters."Leaders are always willing to do the right thing, even if it is hard," she said. "I am sad that Chris is not leading. Fellow Nebraskans are pleading with him to exit the race."Janicek ran for Senate once before, in 2018, but lost in the Democratic primary. He said he chose to run after having a heart attack in 2015 and getting slapped with more than $100,000 in medical bills that his insurance only partially covered.

Embattled Nebraska candidate vows to stay in Senate race

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer

A court filing disclosed Monday shows Big Ten Conference presidents voted 11-3 to postpone the football season, bringing some clarity to a key question raised in a lawsuit brought by a group of Nebraska football players.

The vote breakdown was revealed in the Big Ten's response to the lawsuit.

The court documents did not identify how each school voted, but a person familiar with the outcome told The Associated Press that Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio State voted against postponing the fall football season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten was not planning on making the specifics of its vote public.

The Big Ten announced Aug. 11 it would move its football season from fall to spring semester because of health risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. The Pac-12 followed suit, joining the Mid-American Conference and the Mountain West.

The eight football players are seeking the reinstatement of a fall season.

"The Big Ten Conference continues to share the disappointment that student-athletes and families are feeling," the conference said in a statement. "The Big Ten Return to Competition Task Force will continue to be transparent as it actively considers options to get back to competition when it is safe to play."

The lawsuit in Lancaster County District Court contends, among other things, the players are losing a chance for development, exposure for a possible pro career and won't be able to market themselves to eventually capitalize on name, image and likeness revenue opportunities.

The Big Ten filing was a response in opposition to the players' motion for expedited discovery. The filing said the 11-3 vote "far exceeded" the 60% threshold the Big Ten requires. The filing also said the Big Ten based its decision on multiple factors, including the medical advice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee.

Listed as plaintiffs are Brant and Brig Banks, Alante Brown, Noa Pola-Gates, Jackson Hannah, Garrett Nelson, Ethan Piper and Garrett Snodgrass.

The players' attorney, Mike Flood, declined immediate comment, saying he needed to read the filing.

Flood, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, owns five radio stations that broadcast Cornhuskers football games as part of the Husker Sports Network.

The lawsuit says the Big Ten's decision-making process was "flawed and ambiguous" and called into question whether the league's Council of Presidents and Chancellors formally voted on the decision. The medical studies used to make the decision, the lawsuit says, were not relevant to the circumstances of college-age athletes and did not take into account school safety measures.

"This decision did not occur in a vacuum," the conference said in its filing.

The decision not to play fall football has created a firestorm in Big Ten country, fanned by the fact the ACC, Big Ten and SEC are pushing ahead with plans to start their seasons in September.

Commissioner Kevin Warren has faced sharp criticism for not clearly laying out how the decision was reached. He has sidestepped questions about the vote breakdown, and his explanations of the medical reasons were panned for not being detailed enough.

A group of Nebraska player parents have been most vocal in demanding answers from the commissioner, and parents from other Big Ten schools joined them.

The Big Ten said last week the lawsuit "has no merit and we will defend the decision to protect all student-athletes as we navigate through this global pandemic. We are actively considering options to get back to competition and look forward to doing so when it is safe to play."

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer A court filing disclosed Monday shows Big Ten Conference presidents voted 11-3 to postpone the football season, bringing some clarity to a key question raised in a lawsuit brought by a group of Nebraska football players.The vote breakdown was revealed in the Big Ten's response to the lawsuit.The court documents did not identify how each school voted, but a person familiar with the outcome told The Associated Press that Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio State voted against postponing the fall football season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big Ten was not planning on making the specifics of its vote public.The Big Ten announced Aug. 11 it would move its football season from fall to spring semester because of health risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. The Pac-12 followed suit, joining the Mid-American Conference and the Mountain West.The eight football players are seeking the reinstatement of a fall season."The Big Ten Conference continues to share the disappointment that student-athletes and families are feeling," the conference said in a statement. "The Big Ten Return to Competition Task Force will continue to be transparent as it actively considers options to get back to competition when it is safe to play."The lawsuit in Lancaster County District Court contends, among other things, the players are losing a chance for development, exposure for a possible pro career and won't be able to market themselves to eventually capitalize on name, image and likeness revenue opportunities.The Big Ten filing was a response in opposition to the players' motion for expedited discovery. The filing said the 11-3 vote "far exceeded" the 60% threshold the Big Ten requires. The filing also said the Big Ten based its decision on multiple factors, including the medical advice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee.Listed as plaintiffs are Brant and Brig Banks, Alante Brown, Noa Pola-Gates, Jackson Hannah, Garrett Nelson, Ethan Piper and Garrett Snodgrass.The players' attorney, Mike Flood, declined immediate comment, saying he needed to read the filing.Flood, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, owns five radio stations that broadcast Cornhuskers football games as part of the Husker Sports Network.The lawsuit says the Big Ten's decision-making process was "flawed and ambiguous" and called into question whether the league's Council of Presidents and Chancellors formally voted on the decision. The medical studies used to make the decision, the lawsuit says, were not relevant to the circumstances of college-age athletes and did not take into account school safety measures."This decision did not occur in a vacuum," the conference said in its filing.The decision not to play fall football has created a firestorm in Big Ten country, fanned by the fact the ACC, Big Ten and SEC are pushing ahead with plans to start their seasons in September.Commissioner Kevin Warren has faced sharp criticism for not clearly laying out how the decision was reached. He has sidestepped questions about the vote breakdown, and his explanations of the medical reasons were panned for not being detailed enough.A group of Nebraska player parents have been most vocal in demanding answers from the commissioner, and parents from other Big Ten schools joined them.The Big Ten said last week the lawsuit "has no merit and we will defend the decision to protect all student-athletes as we navigate through this global pandemic. We are actively considering options to get back to competition and look forward to doing so when it is safe to play."Flood, in his role representing the Nebraska player parents, previously sent a letter to Warren asking for documents relating to any votes taken, how each school voted, meeting minutes and all audio and video recordings and transcripts of meetings where votes were cast. He also wanted copies of studies, scientific data and medical information or advice considered by the presidents.Flood had threatened a federal lawsuit if the materials weren't delivered to him. The Big Ten did not respond to the letter.

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