LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico are set to headline the Nebraska Democratic Party's annual fundraiser this year, party leaders announced Tuesday.

The Morrison Exon event is set for Sept. 27 and will be held online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The theme is "At Home with Nebraska Democrats."

Previous headliners at the event include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Repp. Debbie Dingel of Michigan, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and former President Barack Obama.

This year's event will feature Democratic congressional hopefuls Kara Eastman, who is running for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District seat, and state Sen. Kate Bolz, of Lincoln, who is running in Nebraska's 1st Congressional District.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb praised both headliners, calling Warren "a true champion of the little guy" and Haaland "a champion for the sovereign rights of tribal nations."

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico are set to headline the Nebraska Democratic Party's annual fundraiser this year, party leaders announced Tuesday.The Morrison Exon event is set for Sept. 27 and will be held online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The theme is "At Home with Nebraska Democrats."Previous headliners at the event include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Repp. Debbie Dingel of Michigan, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and former President Barack Obama.This year's event will feature Democratic congressional hopefuls Kara Eastman, who is running for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District seat, and state Sen. Kate Bolz, of Lincoln, who is running in Nebraska's 1st Congressional District.Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb praised both headliners, calling Warren "a true champion of the little guy" and Haaland "a champion for the sovereign rights of tribal nations."

Warren, Haaland to headline Nebraska Democratic fundraiser

The Nebraska Legislature’s “short session” went much longer than usual this year due to coronavirus.&nbsp; While the session didn’t wrap up until August, it was worth the wait for Nebraskans. &nbsp;From property tax relief to career scholarships, several key priorities were achieved to help grow our state both now and for future generations.

Property Tax Relief:&nbsp;LB 1107 not only delivered significant property tax relief to Nebraskans, but it also reformed our business incentives and puts Nebraska in the running for a $1 billion federal investment in the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).&nbsp; LB 1107 is a big deal for our state.&nbsp; Through the programs in this bill, the state will deliver a total of $650 million in annual property tax relief.&nbsp; This is more than a four-fold increase in direct property tax relief from the state since I took office.

Dismemberment Abortion Ban:&nbsp;Nebraska is a pro-life state, and in August the Legislature took an important step to strengthen our culture of life.&nbsp; Senators overwhelmingly approved&nbsp;LB 814, a bill that&nbsp;ends dismemberment abortion in Nebraska.&nbsp; LB 814 makes it a felony crime to perform a dismemberment abortion anywhere in Nebraska, punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.&nbsp; Dismemberment abortion tears apart a living baby’s body limb by limb.&nbsp; This horrific procedure has no place in a humane, civilized society. &nbsp;I commend Senator Suzanne Geist, and the bill’s supporters in the Unicameral, for outlawing this barbaric practice in Nebraska.

Veterans Tax Relief:&nbsp;LB 153 provided tax relief on military retirement pay.&nbsp; This moves us closer to our goal of becoming the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.&nbsp; Introduced by Senator Tom Brewer, and prioritized by Senator John Lowe, LB 153 moved through three rounds of voting without a single vote in opposition.&nbsp; That’s a testament to the deep respect Nebraskans have for the women and men who serve in our military.&nbsp; LB 153 exempts 50 percent of military retirement benefit income from state income taxation. &nbsp;This is an important step in keeping us competitive with surrounding states that offer tax relief on military retirement pay. &nbsp;Veterans and military families are some of the most dedicated, loyal citizens—they are a great fit for our patriotic communities.&nbsp; We want more veterans to make their home here in the Good Life.&nbsp;

Flood &amp; Pandemic Relief:&nbsp;We also entered the session with a number of budgetary needs. &nbsp;For instance, our state is still recovering from the historic floods that struck Nebraska in 2019.&nbsp; The Legislature appropriated over $55 million to help the State meet our obligations to repair the damages.&nbsp; I’m happy to report that we’re rebuilding bigger and better than before the floods.&nbsp; This week, I’ll be in northern Nebraska to celebrate the reopening of the fully reconstructed bridge on Highway 12 that spans the Niobrara River. &nbsp;It has been one of the biggest rebuilds we’ve undertaken, and I applaud our team at Nebraska Department of Transportation for their work to complete it.&nbsp; Additionally, the Legislature approved $83.6 million in coronavirus relief funding to support Nebraska’s pandemic response.

Career Scholarships:&nbsp;Connecting the next generation of Nebraskans to great opportunities in our state is key to helping our kids make Nebraska their home. &nbsp;This year, the Legislature funded my proposal to invest in Nebraska Career Scholarships for students at our community colleges, state colleges, and university system.&nbsp; These scholarships will help to equip young Nebraskans to enter careers in fields with high-demand for new talent, such as engineering, healthcare, and IT. &nbsp;This adds to the pipeline we’ve been building to connect young Nebraskans with great-paying careers so that they can enjoy the Good Life. &nbsp;This pipeline starts in middle-school with the Developing Youth Talent Initiative, continues in high school career academies, and culminates in “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeships in postsecondary education.&nbsp; Now, students will also have the opportunity to apply for a Career Scholarship as they prepare for to enter fields where our state has a workforce shortage.&nbsp;

Careers in Corrections:&nbsp;As a part of my budget recommendation, the Legislature also approved a one-of-a-kind workforce education partnership between the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) and Peru State College.&nbsp; The program will use an apprenticeship model to train students to take on key roles at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution.&nbsp; The initiative is tailored to students interested in careers in criminal justice with a focus on corrections leadership, and it gives them on-the-job experience as part of their degree plan.&nbsp; It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to prepare for our future workforce needs as well as to keep Nebraska’s graduates here for their careers.

As you can see, we’ve made great progress in providing tax relief, protecting life, and delivering important flood relief—along with other critical priorities. &nbsp;If you have questions about the bills passed in the 2020 legislative session, or the adjustments to our 2020-2021 fiscal year budget, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Despite big challenges along the way, I’m thankful for everything Nebraska has accomplished so far in 2020.&nbsp; I’m confident that we’ll finish the year strong as we continue to work to get Nebraska growing.

Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsThe Nebraska Legislature’s “short session” went much longer than usual this year due to coronavirus.&nbsp; While the session didn’t wrap up until August, it was worth the wait for Nebraskans. &nbsp;From property tax relief to career scholarships, several key priorities were achieved to help grow our state both now and for future generations.Property Tax Relief:&nbsp;LB 1107 not only delivered significant property tax relief to Nebraskans, but it also reformed our business incentives and puts Nebraska in the running for a $1 billion federal investment in the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).&nbsp; LB 1107 is a big deal for our state.&nbsp; Through the programs in this bill, the state will deliver a total of $650 million in annual property tax relief.&nbsp; This is more than a four-fold increase in direct property tax relief from the state since I took office.Dismemberment Abortion Ban:&nbsp;Nebraska is a pro-life state, and in August the Legislature took an important step to strengthen our culture of life.&nbsp; Senators overwhelmingly approved&nbsp;LB 814, a bill that&nbsp;ends dismemberment abortion in Nebraska.&nbsp; LB 814 makes it a felony crime to perform a dismemberment abortion anywhere in Nebraska, punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.&nbsp; Dismemberment abortion tears apart a living baby’s body limb by limb.&nbsp; This horrific procedure has no place in a humane, civilized society. &nbsp;I commend Senator Suzanne Geist, and the bill’s supporters in the Unicameral, for outlawing this barbaric practice in Nebraska.Veterans Tax Relief:&nbsp;LB 153 provided tax relief on military retirement pay.&nbsp; This moves us closer to our goal of becoming the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.&nbsp; Introduced by Senator Tom Brewer, and prioritized by Senator John Lowe, LB 153 moved through three rounds of voting without a single vote in opposition.&nbsp; That’s a testament to the deep respect Nebraskans have for the women and men who serve in our military.&nbsp; LB 153 exempts 50 percent of military retirement benefit income from state income taxation. &nbsp;This is an important step in keeping us competitive with surrounding states that offer tax relief on military retirement pay. &nbsp;Veterans and military families are some of the most dedicated, loyal citizens—they are a great fit for our patriotic communities.&nbsp; We want more veterans to make their home here in the Good Life.&nbsp;Flood &amp; Pandemic Relief:&nbsp;We also entered the session with a number of budgetary needs. &nbsp;For instance, our state is still recovering from the historic floods that struck Nebraska in 2019.&nbsp; The Legislature appropriated over $55 million to help the State meet our obligations to repair the damages.&nbsp; I’m happy to report that we’re rebuilding bigger and better than before the floods.&nbsp; This week, I’ll be in northern Nebraska to celebrate the reopening of the fully reconstructed bridge on Highway 12 that spans the Niobrara River. &nbsp;It has been one of the biggest rebuilds we’ve undertaken, and I applaud our team at Nebraska Department of Transportation for their work to complete it.&nbsp; Additionally, the Legislature approved $83.6 million in coronavirus relief funding to support Nebraska’s pandemic response.Career Scholarships:&nbsp;Connecting the next generation of Nebraskans to great opportunities in our state is key to helping our kids make Nebraska their home. &nbsp;This year, the Legislature funded my proposal to invest in Nebraska Career Scholarships for students at our community colleges, state colleges, and university system.&nbsp; These scholarships will help to equip young Nebraskans to enter careers in fields with high-demand for new talent, such as engineering, healthcare, and IT. &nbsp;This adds to the pipeline we’ve been building to connect young Nebraskans with great-paying careers so that they can enjoy the Good Life. &nbsp;This pipeline starts in middle-school with the Developing Youth Talent Initiative, continues in high school career academies, and culminates in “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeships in postsecondary education.&nbsp; Now, students will also have the opportunity to apply for a Career Scholarship as they prepare for to enter fields where our state has a workforce shortage.&nbsp;Careers in Corrections:&nbsp;As a part of my budget recommendation, the Legislature also approved a one-of-a-kind workforce education partnership between the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) and Peru State College.&nbsp; The program will use an apprenticeship model to train students to take on key roles at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution.&nbsp; The initiative is tailored to students interested in careers in criminal justice with a focus on corrections leadership, and it gives them on-the-job experience as part of their degree plan.&nbsp; It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to prepare for our future workforce needs as well as to keep Nebraska’s graduates here for their careers.As you can see, we’ve made great progress in providing tax relief, protecting life, and delivering important flood relief—along with other critical priorities. &nbsp;If you have questions about the bills passed in the 2020 legislative session, or the adjustments to our 2020-2021 fiscal year budget, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Despite big challenges along the way, I’m thankful for everything Nebraska has accomplished so far in 2020.&nbsp; I’m confident that we’ll finish the year strong as we continue to work to get Nebraska growing.

COLUMN Gov. Ricketts" A successful session

North Platte Community College student Lola Rivera prepares to donate blood as part of an American Red Cross blood drive Wednesday on NPCC’s South Campus. The next blood drive at the college is scheduled for Nov. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599082877987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Community College student Lola Rivera prepares to donate blood as part of an American Red Cross blood drive Wednesday on NPCC’s South Campus. The next blood drive at the college is scheduled for Nov. 9.

NPCC hosts blood drive

LEWELLEN, Neb. -- The visitors center at Ash Hollow State Historical Park will temporarily close Tuesday, Sept. 8, for routine maintenance. The visitors center, which has displays of pioneer history and prehistoric fossils, will resume its normal schedule Sept. 9. It is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through the end of the month, and Fridays through Sundays in October and November.

The 1,000-acre park, with its cave and nine miles of trails, will remain open during the one-day closure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599080452835.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LEWELLEN, Neb. -- The visitors center at Ash Hollow State Historical Park will temporarily close Tuesday, Sept. 8, for routine maintenance. The visitors center, which has displays of pioneer history and prehistoric fossils, will resume its normal schedule Sept. 9. It is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through the end of the month, and Fridays through Sundays in October and November.The 1,000-acre park, with its cave and nine miles of trails, will remain open during the one-day closure.

Ash Hollow visitors center closed Sept. 8

Mid-Plains Community College is starting the fall semester with a new food service provider as well as a new, more convenient card system.

Fresh Ideas, the new food service management company, prides itself on creating innovative dining service programs for colleges and universities. Its goal is to deliver not only an exceptional culinary experience, but also to provide excellent customer service and increase campus engagement.

“We were with our previous food service provider for 16 years,” said Mike Steele, area vice president of administrative services. “Based on input from students and staff, and the fact that if you’ve been with a company for a long time it’s always a good idea to see what else is on the market, we decided to explore other options.”

The task was given to a team of students, staff from the college’s Student Life and Business and Community Education departments and campus vice presidents. Three food service companies submitted proposals, which the team evaluated. The team also toured the dining facilities associated with each company, tasted the food and conducted formal interviews.

“Fresh Ideas was the overwhelming choice,” Steele said. “The food quality is fantastic, and the team was also impressed with the overall structure, management and safety protocols the company has in place. Fresh Ideas sets high expectations.”

Rusty Anderson, Fresh Ideas director of dining services, said Fresh Ideas is excited to be part of one of the Top 10 community colleges in the country.

“The MPCC staff have all been extremely welcoming and helpful,” said Anderson. “We look forward to providing years of quality service to both the school and the communities that we serve.”

Food will be available through a MPCC Dine-Out mobile ordering app by mid-semester, and plans are to also offer catering services to the community.

“I think I speak for all students when I say we are extremely excited to eat the food from and be greeted by the staff of Fresh Ideas,” said Mackenzie Anderson, MPCC student in McCook. “They really care about their product and put forth the utmost effort possible. We are thankful to the college for providing us with this awesome food service.”

The public is invited to eat at the college’s dining halls in North Platte and McCook at any time, and a premium night will soon be available. Once a month, the public will be able to enjoy a high-end meal for a minimal price.

The mobile ordering option is part of a new card system that MPCC implemented this year through electronic commerce platform Transact.

“We began working with Transact because we had a need for new meal plan software,” Steele said. “The other services Transact was able to provide will take our student and staff interaction to the next level.”

A new, one-card system, known as the Mid-Plains Campus Card, is now in place for MPCC students and employees. That means they can use their identification cards to handle the majority of their access needs on campus.

The Campus Cards can be used by students living on campus to deduct meals eaten from board plans while commuter students and employees can add funds to their campus card and save carrying cash for their meals at the college’s dining halls. The campus card will allow access to print from campus printers and even buy snacks at concession stands.

Students will also swipe their cards to record attendance in study sessions and at college events, which gives coaches as well as student life and student services staff the ability to observe engagement.

“We can make sure that students are eating, and that we’re providing the right activities for them based on their level of interest,” Steele said. “An engaged student is a successful student.”

Representatives from Transact are just as appreciative of the partnership with MPCC as the college is of them.

“It’s a pleasure to collaborate with the leadership team at Mid-Plains,” said Robert Schroeder, senior account executive for Transact. “The school has created a superior student experience on par with some of Transact’s most well-known client schools like the University of Nebraska/Lincoln, Yale and Harvard.”

Additional information about the Mid-Plains Campus Card is available at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/financial-services/mid-plains-campus-card" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/financial-services/mid-plains-campus-card</a>.

More information about Fresh Ideas can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freshideasfood.com/" target="_blank">freshideasfood.com</a>. Information about Transact can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://transactcampus.com/" target="_blank">transactcampus.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599080195051.png" alt="Students order food at the Knight’s Court Dining Hall on the North Platte Community College South Campus on Wednesday. Fresh Ideas is the college’s new food service provider." />
 <figcaption>Students order food at the Knight’s Court Dining Hall on the North Platte Community College South Campus on Wednesday. Fresh Ideas is the college’s new food service provider.</figcaption>
 </figure>Mid-Plains Community College is starting the fall semester with a new food service provider as well as a new, more convenient card system.Fresh Ideas, the new food service management company, prides itself on creating innovative dining service programs for colleges and universities. Its goal is to deliver not only an exceptional culinary experience, but also to provide excellent customer service and increase campus engagement.“We were with our previous food service provider for 16 years,” said Mike Steele, area vice president of administrative services. “Based on input from students and staff, and the fact that if you’ve been with a company for a long time it’s always a good idea to see what else is on the market, we decided to explore other options.”The task was given to a team of students, staff from the college’s Student Life and Business and Community Education departments and campus vice presidents. Three food service companies submitted proposals, which the team evaluated. The team also toured the dining facilities associated with each company, tasted the food and conducted formal interviews.“Fresh Ideas was the overwhelming choice,” Steele said. “The food quality is fantastic, and the team was also impressed with the overall structure, management and safety protocols the company has in place. Fresh Ideas sets high expectations.”Rusty Anderson, Fresh Ideas director of dining services, said Fresh Ideas is excited to be part of one of the Top 10 community colleges in the country.“The MPCC staff have all been extremely welcoming and helpful,” said Anderson. “We look forward to providing years of quality service to both the school and the communities that we serve.”Food will be available through a MPCC Dine-Out mobile ordering app by mid-semester, and plans are to also offer catering services to the community.“I think I speak for all students when I say we are extremely excited to eat the food from and be greeted by the staff of Fresh Ideas,” said Mackenzie Anderson, MPCC student in McCook. “They really care about their product and put forth the utmost effort possible. We are thankful to the college for providing us with this awesome food service.”The public is invited to eat at the college’s dining halls in North Platte and McCook at any time, and a premium night will soon be available. Once a month, the public will be able to enjoy a high-end meal for a minimal price.The mobile ordering option is part of a new card system that MPCC implemented this year through electronic commerce platform Transact.“We began working with Transact because we had a need for new meal plan software,” Steele said. “The other services Transact was able to provide will take our student and staff interaction to the next level.”A new, one-card system, known as the Mid-Plains Campus Card, is now in place for MPCC students and employees. That means they can use their identification cards to handle the majority of their access needs on campus.The Campus Cards can be used by students living on campus to deduct meals eaten from board plans while commuter students and employees can add funds to their campus card and save carrying cash for their meals at the college’s dining halls. The campus card will allow access to print from campus printers and even buy snacks at concession stands.Students will also swipe their cards to record attendance in study sessions and at college events, which gives coaches as well as student life and student services staff the ability to observe engagement.“We can make sure that students are eating, and that we’re providing the right activities for them based on their level of interest,” Steele said. “An engaged student is a successful student.”Representatives from Transact are just as appreciative of the partnership with MPCC as the college is of them.“It’s a pleasure to collaborate with the leadership team at Mid-Plains,” said Robert Schroeder, senior account executive for Transact. “The school has created a superior student experience on par with some of Transact’s most well-known client schools like the University of Nebraska/Lincoln, Yale and Harvard.”Additional information about the Mid-Plains Campus Card is available at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/financial-services/mid-plains-campus-card" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/financial-services/mid-plains-campus-card</a>.More information about Fresh Ideas can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freshideasfood.com/" target="_blank">freshideasfood.com</a>. Information about Transact can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://transactcampus.com/" target="_blank">transactcampus.com</a>.

MPCC introduces new food service/card system

Within the last couple of weeks, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies developed probable cause for a search warrant on a residence north of North Platte, NE. With the information obtained in the case and the rural area, Deputies believed the execution of the warrant would be very dangerous.

On September 2, 2020, at 7:00 a.m., Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies, Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team members, and Troopers, North Platte Police Officers, and Federal Agents all served a search warrant on 7240 North Twin Lakes Road, about five miles northeast of North Platte, NE. Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Officers cleared the residence, garage and campers located in the yard. During the course of the search, SWAT Officers detained six individuals.

The owner of the property forty-six-year-old Shane Cotton was arrested for multiple charges; Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Prohibited Person. Mr. Cotton was incarcerated in the Lincoln County Detention Center.

The following individuals were arrested on suspicion of Possession of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine; thirty-six-year old Robert Welliver of Stapleton, NE., fifty-eight-year-old Bradley Nohr of York, NE. and forty-seven-year-old Latonya Tyan of North Platte, NE.

Another one of the residents was identified as forty-six-year-old Jeremy Callihan. Mr. Callihan had a Keith County Arrest Warrant for Possession of Controlled Substance. He was transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center and incarcerated.

The investigation into this matter continues and additional charges are likely. The execution of the search warrant was an outstanding effort and coordination by over fifty local, state and federal law enforcement officers. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office thanks all agencies who participated in this endeavor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599078228911.png" alt="County, city, state and federal law enforcement serve a search warrant on a residence north of North Platte on Wednesday afternoon." />
 <figcaption>County, city, state and federal law enforcement serve a search warrant on a residence north of North Platte on Wednesday afternoon.</figcaption>
 </figure>LCSO News ReleaseWithin the last couple of weeks, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies developed probable cause for a search warrant on a residence north of North Platte, NE. With the information obtained in the case and the rural area, Deputies believed the execution of the warrant would be very dangerous.On September 2, 2020, at 7:00 a.m., Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies, Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team members, and Troopers, North Platte Police Officers, and Federal Agents all served a search warrant on 7240 North Twin Lakes Road, about five miles northeast of North Platte, NE. Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Officers cleared the residence, garage and campers located in the yard. During the course of the search, SWAT Officers detained six individuals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599078775388.jpeg" alt="Shane Cotton" />
 <figcaption>Shane Cotton</figcaption>
 </figure>The owner of the property forty-six-year-old Shane Cotton was arrested for multiple charges; Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon by a Prohibited Person. Mr. Cotton was incarcerated in the Lincoln County Detention Center.The following individuals were arrested on suspicion of Possession of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine; thirty-six-year old Robert Welliver of Stapleton, NE., fifty-eight-year-old Bradley Nohr of York, NE. and forty-seven-year-old Latonya Tyan of North Platte, NE.Another one of the residents was identified as forty-six-year-old Jeremy Callihan. Mr. Callihan had a Keith County Arrest Warrant for Possession of Controlled Substance. He was transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center and incarcerated.The investigation into this matter continues and additional charges are likely. The execution of the search warrant was an outstanding effort and coordination by over fifty local, state and federal law enforcement officers. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office thanks all agencies who participated in this endeavor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599078798156.jpeg" alt="Robert Welliver" />
 <figcaption>Robert Welliver</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599078826592.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Callihan" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Callihan</figcaption>
 </figure>

Search warrant served on rural North Platte residence, 5 arrested

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The former chief of finance for the Nebraska State Fair has been charged with theft following an investigation into staggering losses reported last year.

Patrick Kopke, 29, of Grand Island, was charged Monday in Hall County with three counts of theft of more than $5,000, according to online court record.

Earlier this year, the Nebraska State Fair Board hired a forensic investigation firm to look into the fair's finances after staff discovered suspicious activity during an internal review.

The fair board learned at a Nov. 22 meeting that the 2019 fair lost a projected $1.4 million. Kopke resigned at that meeting after telling the board that changes were needed to avoid bankruptcy. Eight fair employees lost their jobs in December as officials took steps to firm up finances after the 2019 loss.

Fair staffers discovered irregularities on Feb. 24, and the state auditor, the state attorney general's office and the Nebraska State Patrol were all contacted.

Kopke is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 9. No attorney was listed for Kopke in online court records, and he did not immediately return a phone message left Wednesday.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The former chief of finance for the Nebraska State Fair has been charged with theft following an investigation into staggering losses reported last year.Patrick Kopke, 29, of Grand Island, was charged Monday in Hall County with three counts of theft of more than $5,000, according to online court record.Earlier this year, the Nebraska State Fair Board hired a forensic investigation firm to look into the fair's finances after staff discovered suspicious activity during an internal review.The fair board learned at a Nov. 22 meeting that the 2019 fair lost a projected $1.4 million. Kopke resigned at that meeting after telling the board that changes were needed to avoid bankruptcy. Eight fair employees lost their jobs in December as officials took steps to firm up finances after the 2019 loss.Fair staffers discovered irregularities on Feb. 24, and the state auditor, the state attorney general's office and the Nebraska State Patrol were all contacted.Kopke is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 9. No attorney was listed for Kopke in online court records, and he did not immediately return a phone message left Wednesday.

Ex-Nebraska State Fair finance chief charged with theft

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - Nearly 1,745 pounds of marijuana and 60 pounds of THC products were discovered in a cargo van during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in south-central Nebraska near Lexington, sheriff's deputies there said.

A Dawson County sheriff's deputy stopped a cargo van headed west on I-80 Monday on suspicion of a having a defect, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/1-745-pounds-of-marijuana-60-pounds-of-thc-seized-in-interstate-80-stop/article_b0730954-59aa-5dea-8ecb-1edfbcad2c34.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. A drug-sniffing dog indicated drugs inside the van, leading to the discovery of the marijuana and other illegal drug products hidden in cardboard boxes marked as coffee, officials said.

Deputies arrested two people, both from North Carolina, traveling in the van.

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - Nearly 1,745 pounds of marijuana and 60 pounds of THC products were discovered in a cargo van during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in south-central Nebraska near Lexington, sheriff's deputies there said.A Dawson County sheriff's deputy stopped a cargo van headed west on I-80 Monday on suspicion of a having a defect, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/1-745-pounds-of-marijuana-60-pounds-of-thc-seized-in-interstate-80-stop/article_b0730954-59aa-5dea-8ecb-1edfbcad2c34.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. A drug-sniffing dog indicated drugs inside the van, leading to the discovery of the marijuana and other illegal drug products hidden in cardboard boxes marked as coffee, officials said.Deputies arrested two people, both from North Carolina, traveling in the van.

Deputies find nearly a ton of marijuana during Dawson County stop

The North Platte Public Transit will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2020, in observance of Labor Day. 

Services will be available accordingly on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, with their usual schedule.

For more information, call the business office at 308-535-8560. To schedule a ride, call the dispatcher at 308-532-1370.

The North Platte Public Transit will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2020, in observance of Labor Day. There will be no services on that day. Services will be available accordingly on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, with their usual schedule.For more information, call the business office at 308-535-8560. To schedule a ride, call the dispatcher at 308-532-1370.

North Platte Public Transit closed Monday for Labor Day

<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="" />
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 </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="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598983397015.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </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.

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.

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