Gregory C Ramirez Jr, 33, North Platte and Relissa G Williams, 33, North Platte

Chase C Krotter, 28, Maxwell and Nicole L Walrod, 29, Maxwell

Dana R Sieveke Jr, 35, North Platte and Emily L Crane, 27, North Platte

Jacob C Kugler, 23, Sutherland and Christina R Tilford, 26, North Platte

Austin J Trusty, 23, Hershey and Bailey J Leonard, 23, Hershey

Published August 28, 2020Gregory C Ramirez Jr, 33, North Platte and Relissa G Williams, 33, North PlatteChase C Krotter, 28, Maxwell and Nicole L Walrod, 29, MaxwellDana R Sieveke Jr, 35, North Platte and Emily L Crane, 27, North PlatteJacob C Kugler, 23, Sutherland and Christina R Tilford, 26, North PlatteAustin J Trusty, 23, Hershey and Bailey J Leonard, 23, Hershey

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses

Nikita White has been located and is safe. No further information was released.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte woman is missing and her family is concerned for her safety and well being.

The family of Nikita White says she has been missing since around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

Nikita was last seen heading eastbound on Interstate 80 near Paxton, driving a dark blue 2015 Chevy Cruz with Bill Summer's placards and an in-transit which expires on September 22.

Friday morning, the vehicle was located abandoned near the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Nikita was wearing a white hoodie with red shorts, tennis shoes, and rose gold aviator glasses. Family members say she mentioned she may change her hair color to black.

Family members and friends are concerned for Nikita's wellbeing and safety.

Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement or the family at 308-289-4600.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639412584.png" alt="Nikita White" />
 <figcaption>Nikita White</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE 8/28/20 2:20 pmNikita White has been located and is safe. No further information was released.NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte woman is missing and her family is concerned for her safety and well being.The family of Nikita White says she has been missing since around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;Nikita was last seen heading eastbound on Interstate 80 near Paxton, driving a dark blue 2015 Chevy Cruz with Bill Summer's placards and an in-transit which expires on September 22.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639437750.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Friday morning, the vehicle was located abandoned near the University of Nebraska at Kearney.Nikita was wearing a white hoodie with red shorts, tennis shoes, and rose gold aviator glasses. Family members say she mentioned she may change her hair color to black.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598639457729.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Family members and friends are concerned for Nikita's wellbeing and safety.Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement or the family at 308-289-4600.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwes.white.14%2Fposts%2F10223534973273014&width=500" width="500" height="765" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

UPDATED Family seeks help in locating missing North Platte woman

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State Fair has kicked off under scaled-down conditions as organizers seek to provide a safe venue during a global pandemic.

The annual fair began Friday at Fonner Park in Grand Island, focusing on 4-H and FFA events, where young people from across the state will take part in livestock exhibitions.

While there will be a handful of food vendors and some other displays and events, some of the usual offerings won't be around this year. That includes music concerts, rodeos and the midway with its carnival rides.

On the plus side, there is no cost to be admitted this year, and parking is free. The only ticketed event is the ultimate bullfighting event Friday and Saturday, at $20 per ticket.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State Fair has kicked off under scaled-down conditions as organizers seek to provide a safe venue during a global pandemic.The annual fair began Friday at Fonner Park in Grand Island, focusing on 4-H and FFA events, where young people from across the state will take part in livestock exhibitions.While there will be a handful of food vendors and some other displays and events, some of the usual offerings won't be around this year. That includes music concerts, rodeos and the midway with its carnival rides.On the plus side, there is no cost to be admitted this year, and parking is free. The only ticketed event is the ultimate bullfighting event Friday and Saturday, at $20 per ticket.The fair will run through Labor Day.

Downsized Nebraska State Fair kicks off Friday amid pandemic

On Aug. 26 two people were sent to a hospital after a two-vehicle accident on East 10th Street and Flack Avenue in Alliance.

A 2013 Ford Escape driven by 30 year-old Jennifer Garza of Alliance was stopped at the stop sign heading westbound on 10th Street in the 5 p.m. hour.&nbsp;

A 2013 Kia Sportage driven by 36 year-old Ashley N. Peterson was driving southbound on Flack Avenue approaching 10th Street.

"There was a semi-truck also southbound stopped in the turning lane," said John Kiss, Alliance Police Chief. "The driver of the semi did not have sufficient room to execute the turn so he waved the westbound vehicle[Garza] to cross Flack Avenue and continue west onto crossing 10th Street."

As the vehicle crossed half way through the intersection Garza's vehicle collided with Peterson.

&nbsp;Garza and Peterson were transported to Box Butte General with injuries.

Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to severe damage.

Chief Kiss said the investigation is continuing.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostOn Aug. 26 two people were sent to a hospital after a two-vehicle accident on East 10th Street and Flack Avenue in Alliance.A 2013 Ford Escape driven by 30 year-old Jennifer Garza of Alliance was stopped at the stop sign heading westbound on 10th Street in the 5 p.m. hour.&nbsp;A 2013 Kia Sportage driven by 36 year-old Ashley N. Peterson was driving southbound on Flack Avenue approaching 10th Street."There was a semi-truck also southbound stopped in the turning lane," said John Kiss, Alliance Police Chief. "The driver of the semi did not have sufficient room to execute the turn so he waved the westbound vehicle[Garza] to cross Flack Avenue and continue west onto crossing 10th Street."As the vehicle crossed half way through the intersection Garza's vehicle collided with Peterson.&nbsp;Garza and Peterson were transported to Box Butte General with injuries.Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to severe damage.Chief Kiss said the investigation is continuing.

Two people sent to the hospital in Alliance accident 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska voters will get the chance to decide whether to legalize medical marijuana in November, the state's top election official announced Thursday, although his decision is certain to face an immediate court challenge.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen confirmed that activists have collected enough valid petition signatures to qualify the measure for the general-election ballot. Evnen, a Republican, rejected a request by marijuana opponents to block the measure, as he did this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5ab909fccc4cb413b6f28000360c4fad" target="_blank">with a proposal to allow casino gambling</a>.

Evnen said opponents raised several valid points about problems with the ballot measure's language, but he ultimately concluded that it met all the legal requirements necessary to go before voters.

"It was a close case," he said in an interview.

Evnen said he's certain that marijuana opponents will challenge his decision before the Nebraska Supreme Court. The court will likely agree to hear the case quickly, because state law requires Evnen to finalize the ballot by Sept. 11.

Organizers of the ballot measure have said they're highly confident that the measure will survive a legal challenge and argue that medical marijuana has strong support in Nebraska.

Mark Fahleson, a Lincoln attorney and former Nebraska Republican Party chairman, argued in a Wednesday letter to Evnen that the measure violates the state constitution.

Fahleson said in the letter that the ballot measure fails to follow Nebraska's single-subject rule, which bars petition sponsors from bunching multiple issues into one yes-or-no question for voters to decide.

He argued that the ballot measure poses two separate questions: whether residents should have the right to use marijuana for medical purposes, and whether private companies should be allowed to grow and sell it.

Gambling opponents made similar arguments about the language of the casino ballot measure in a letter from their attorneys, some of whom also have close ties to the state GOP.

Supporters of the citizen petition drive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/82b334f235a843ed90ad58550fff2aaf" target="_blank">announced last month</a>&nbsp;that they had gathered more than enough signatures to submit the issue to voters. They launched the campaign after Nebraska lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5a4b3e4527ce41748bb52ea8fb7e0077" target="_blank">repeatedly rejected measures to medical marijuana</a>.

The Nebraska ballot measure would guarantee a constitutional right to use and grow marijuana if a doctor recommends it with no restrictions on what diseases qualify. It would only ban smoking the drug in public places. If voters approve it in the 2020 general election, patients would be free to grow an "adequate" supply.

Both the marijuana and gambling measures are viewed as widely popular with Nebraska voters, but they face strong opposition from well-connected Republican leaders, including Gov. Pete Ricketts.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska voters will get the chance to decide whether to legalize medical marijuana in November, the state's top election official announced Thursday, although his decision is certain to face an immediate court challenge.Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen confirmed that activists have collected enough valid petition signatures to qualify the measure for the general-election ballot. Evnen, a Republican, rejected a request by marijuana opponents to block the measure, as he did this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5ab909fccc4cb413b6f28000360c4fad" target="_blank">with a proposal to allow casino gambling</a>.Evnen said opponents raised several valid points about problems with the ballot measure's language, but he ultimately concluded that it met all the legal requirements necessary to go before voters."It was a close case," he said in an interview.Evnen said he's certain that marijuana opponents will challenge his decision before the Nebraska Supreme Court. The court will likely agree to hear the case quickly, because state law requires Evnen to finalize the ballot by Sept. 11.Organizers of the ballot measure have said they're highly confident that the measure will survive a legal challenge and argue that medical marijuana has strong support in Nebraska.Mark Fahleson, a Lincoln attorney and former Nebraska Republican Party chairman, argued in a Wednesday letter to Evnen that the measure violates the state constitution.Fahleson said in the letter that the ballot measure fails to follow Nebraska's single-subject rule, which bars petition sponsors from bunching multiple issues into one yes-or-no question for voters to decide.He argued that the ballot measure poses two separate questions: whether residents should have the right to use marijuana for medical purposes, and whether private companies should be allowed to grow and sell it.Gambling opponents made similar arguments about the language of the casino ballot measure in a letter from their attorneys, some of whom also have close ties to the state GOP.Supporters of the citizen petition drive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/82b334f235a843ed90ad58550fff2aaf" target="_blank">announced last month</a>&nbsp;that they had gathered more than enough signatures to submit the issue to voters. They launched the campaign after Nebraska lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5a4b3e4527ce41748bb52ea8fb7e0077" target="_blank">repeatedly rejected measures to medical marijuana</a>.The Nebraska ballot measure would guarantee a constitutional right to use and grow marijuana if a doctor recommends it with no restrictions on what diseases qualify. It would only ban smoking the drug in public places. If voters approve it in the 2020 general election, patients would be free to grow an "adequate" supply.Both the marijuana and gambling measures are viewed as widely popular with Nebraska voters, but they face strong opposition from well-connected Republican leaders, including Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Medical marijuana OK'd for Nebraska ballot, lawsuit expected

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday.

Officials say all of the new cases are from Lincoln County and are Under Investigation.

5 of these cases are from yesterday (8/26/2020) 5 of these cases are from today (8/27/2020)

After further investigation, the two cases that were reported yesterday initially identified as Thomas County have been corrected to Hooker County.

*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR3fpPk0KYyGtCaiQ7ta1Rd0PilC2HWodMNiT7gOazkiyuZGNTM_YiTsCA0#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday.Officials say all of the new cases are from Lincoln County and are Under Investigation.5 of these cases are from yesterday (8/26/2020) 5 of these cases are from today (8/27/2020)After further investigation, the two cases that were reported yesterday initially identified as Thomas County have been corrected to Hooker County.*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR3fpPk0KYyGtCaiQ7ta1Rd0PilC2HWodMNiT7gOazkiyuZGNTM_YiTsCA0#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598577236549.png" alt="covid update august 27 2020.png" />
 <figcaption>covid update august 27 2020.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

10 news cases of COVID-19 reported in Lincoln County on Thursday

The risk dial did not move this week
and remains at 2.46, which remains within the elevated risk level.
There were changes in the following variables, however those changes
were not significant enough to move the dial. 


The WCDHD risk
dial is used to show our community how COVID-19 is impacting our area
at a point-in-time.&nbsp;
Every week WCDHD’s team applies a set process for reviewing
available, current data (including positivity rate, cases, testing,
contact tracing and health care system capacity) to set the risk dial
for that week.&nbsp; Because our process is driven by the current
data each week, we cannot predict when the dial will move up or down.

To better
understand the data that contribute to the risk dial, we have a
document titled ‘Understanding the Data in the Risk Dial’ located
on the WCDHD website on the risk dial page. Please see helpful links
at the end of this media release. 
 
The best way to move our
community toward green is to practice social distancing and to wear
face coverings when appropriate social distancing cannot be
maintained.

The COVID-19 Community Risk Dial
provides a summary of current COVID-19 conditions in the West Central
District. Each level of risk: low (green), moderate (yellow),
elevated (orange), and high (red) are determined by federal and
national guidance published by top public health experts and is
coupled with specific guidance for actions to take at home, at work,
and in the community. 


The following data is used when
determining dial placement:&nbsp;

The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted to:
<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html</a>,
the WCDHD Facebook page, as well as the dashboard:
<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/shared/JXDHSGQTF">https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/shared/JXDHSGQTF</a>

COVID-19 Risk Dial page:
<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598568351123.png" alt="As of August 27, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of August 27, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>The risk dial did not move this week
and remains at 2.46, which remains within the elevated risk level.
There were changes in the following variables, however those changes
were not significant enough to move the dial. 
We had increases in the following:<ul>
 <li>Weekly Positivity Rate
	</li><li>Daily Hospitalizations
	</li><li>Community Spread
	</li><li>Medical &amp; Surgical Bed
	Availability
</li>
 </ul>We had decreases in the following: 
<ul>
 <li>Cases
	</li><li>Number of individuals needing
	contact tracing
</li>
 </ul>The WCDHD risk
dial is used to show our community how COVID-19 is impacting our area
at a point-in-time.&nbsp;
Every week WCDHD’s team applies a set process for reviewing
available, current data (including positivity rate, cases, testing,
contact tracing and health care system capacity) to set the risk dial
for that week.&nbsp; Because our process is driven by the current
data each week, we cannot predict when the dial will move up or down.To better
understand the data that contribute to the risk dial, we have a
document titled ‘Understanding the Data in the Risk Dial’ located
on the WCDHD website on the risk dial page. Please see helpful links
at the end of this media release. 
 
The best way to move our
community toward green is to practice social distancing and to wear
face coverings when appropriate social distancing cannot be
maintained. 
The COVID-19 Community Risk Dial
provides a summary of current COVID-19 conditions in the West Central
District. Each level of risk: low (green), moderate (yellow),
elevated (orange), and high (red) are determined by federal and
national guidance published by top public health experts and is
coupled with specific guidance for actions to take at home, at work,
and in the community. 
The following data is used when
determining dial placement:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Overall Positivity Rate
	</li><li>Weekly Positivity Rate
	</li><li>Trajectory of Cases in the last 14
	days
	</li><li>Cases per Million per Day
	</li><li>Average Daily Hospitalization
	</li><li>ICU Availability
	</li><li>Ventilator&nbsp;Availability&nbsp;
	</li><li>Community Spread
	</li><li>Testing Availability
	</li><li>Average Testing Turnaround Time
	</li><li>Contact Tracing
	</li><li>Individuals Affected
	</li><li>Medical &amp; Surgical Bed
	Availability 
	
	</li><li>Availability of Reliable and Valid
	Antibody Testing
	</li><li>Availability of effective
	treatment&nbsp;modalities&nbsp;for COVID-19&nbsp;
	</li><li>An effective vaccine that is
	widely available&nbsp;
	</li><li>Being able to easily obtain PPE
	through standard supply chains
</li>
 </ul>The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is reviewed by the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted to:
<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html</a>,
the WCDHD Facebook page, as well as the dashboard:
<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/shared/JXDHSGQTF">https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/shared/JXDHSGQTF</a>COVID-19 Risk Dial page:
<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html</a>
<a></a>
XXXX

WCDHD: Community Risk Dial remains elevated, does not move

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's top banking and finance regulator is set to retire next month after five and a half years of service, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Thursday.

Mark Quandahl, director of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, is leaving the job to join an Omaha law firm.

Ricketts praised Quandahl for helping to make his agency "more effective, more efficient and more customer-focused while fulfilling its important oversight role."

Ricketts said he will promote Nebraska Deputy Banking Director Kelly Lammers to lead the department, starting Sept. 8. His salary will be $138,000.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's top banking and finance regulator is set to retire next month after five and a half years of service, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Thursday.Mark Quandahl, director of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, is leaving the job to join an Omaha law firm.Ricketts praised Quandahl for helping to make his agency "more effective, more efficient and more customer-focused while fulfilling its important oversight role."Ricketts said he will promote Nebraska Deputy Banking Director Kelly Lammers to lead the department, starting Sept. 8. His salary will be $138,000.

Nebraska state banking director set to retire next month

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-To meet the needs of the community for years to come, Great Plains Health is thrilled to premiere one of the most cutting-edge Computed Tomography (CT) systems on the market.

The SOMATOM X.Cite from Siemens Healthineers was approved by the Food and Drug Administration at the end of 2019, and now, patients from North Platte and the surrounding community can be among the first in the country to experience the difference in image quality and patient comfort. Now available to patients with a physician referral, the SOMATOM X.Cite is only the second system of its kind to be installed throughout the entire nation.

“When we were exploring our options for providing comprehensive CT exams, we also wanted to make sure we didn’t sacrifice anything related to the patient experience,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health CEO. “With this system, we get the best of both worlds. There are technologies onboard this CT system that wouldn’t have been available just a couple years ago, which creates so many benefits for our patients and reliable results for their providers. It’s truly aligned with our objective of encouraging innovation to improve patient care.”

The SOMATOM X.Cite boasts high power and resolution, consistent results from patient to patient and exam to exam, and a number of patented applications and designs that have never before been possible in a single system. A large, 82-centimeter aperture, known as a bore, creates a more open, welcoming test environment for patients of all ages, while tablet operation and companion technology for background tasks means the Great Plains Health team member overseeing the procedure can focus more of their time interacting with the patient.

Great Plains Health worked closely with an Omaha-based company, Cassling, to ensure the CT was the right fit for the needs of patients in North Platte and beyond.

“This installation shows that Great Plains Health remains committed to providing state-of-the-art healthcare to West Central Nebraska,” said Dr. Ladd Lake, radiologist. “With the addition of the Siemens SOMATOM X.Cite scanner, we will be able to provide significant advances in vascular imaging, cardiac imaging and surgical procedures requiring CT guidance. Additionally, this new scanner will allow us to accomplish these goals while providing an increased level of patient comfort.”

In addition to state-of-the-art CT services, Great Plains Health offers a wide array of imaging exams, including MRI, ultrasound, 3D mammography, X-ray, nuclear medicine and more. Patients are encouraged to ask their physicians for a referral to Great Plains Health.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598564332893.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Great Plains HealthNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-To meet the needs of the community for years to come, Great Plains Health is thrilled to premiere one of the most cutting-edge Computed Tomography (CT) systems on the market.The SOMATOM X.Cite from Siemens Healthineers was approved by the Food and Drug Administration at the end of 2019, and now, patients from North Platte and the surrounding community can be among the first in the country to experience the difference in image quality and patient comfort. Now available to patients with a physician referral, the SOMATOM X.Cite is only the second system of its kind to be installed throughout the entire nation.“When we were exploring our options for providing comprehensive CT exams, we also wanted to make sure we didn’t sacrifice anything related to the patient experience,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health CEO. “With this system, we get the best of both worlds. There are technologies onboard this CT system that wouldn’t have been available just a couple years ago, which creates so many benefits for our patients and reliable results for their providers. It’s truly aligned with our objective of encouraging innovation to improve patient care.”The SOMATOM X.Cite boasts high power and resolution, consistent results from patient to patient and exam to exam, and a number of patented applications and designs that have never before been possible in a single system. A large, 82-centimeter aperture, known as a bore, creates a more open, welcoming test environment for patients of all ages, while tablet operation and companion technology for background tasks means the Great Plains Health team member overseeing the procedure can focus more of their time interacting with the patient.Great Plains Health worked closely with an Omaha-based company, Cassling, to ensure the CT was the right fit for the needs of patients in North Platte and beyond.“This installation shows that Great Plains Health remains committed to providing state-of-the-art healthcare to West Central Nebraska,” said Dr. Ladd Lake, radiologist. “With the addition of the Siemens SOMATOM X.Cite scanner, we will be able to provide significant advances in vascular imaging, cardiac imaging and surgical procedures requiring CT guidance. Additionally, this new scanner will allow us to accomplish these goals while providing an increased level of patient comfort.”In addition to state-of-the-art CT services, Great Plains Health offers a wide array of imaging exams, including MRI, ultrasound, 3D mammography, X-ray, nuclear medicine and more. Patients are encouraged to ask their physicians for a referral to Great Plains Health.

Great Plains Health introduces state-of-the-art CT system

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A state budget official who championed Nebraska's cautious, "pay-as-you-go" approach to state spending will retire next month after 44 years of public service under both Democratic and Republican governors, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Thursday.

Nebraska State Budget Administrator Gerry Oligmueller will end his career after working under nine governors in Nebraska and South Dakota. He also worked for the Nebraska Legislature's budget office.

Oligmueller was appointed to his current job in 1995 by then-Nebraska Gov. Ben Nelson. He was reappointed by Govs. Mike Johanns, Dave Heineman and Ricketts, making him Nebraska's longest-serving budget administrator.

The governor's office says Oligmueller was a strong defender of Nebraska's "pay-as-you-go" tradition, building state budgets based on revenues without borrowing against the state's future.

Ricketts also announced that Lee Will, the state's deputy budget administrator, will advance into Oligmueller's job starting Sept. 12. His salary will be $135,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598564150491.png" alt="Gerry Oligmueller" />
 <figcaption>Gerry Oligmueller</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A state budget official who championed Nebraska's cautious, "pay-as-you-go" approach to state spending will retire next month after 44 years of public service under both Democratic and Republican governors, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Thursday.Nebraska State Budget Administrator Gerry Oligmueller will end his career after working under nine governors in Nebraska and South Dakota. He also worked for the Nebraska Legislature's budget office.Oligmueller was appointed to his current job in 1995 by then-Nebraska Gov. Ben Nelson. He was reappointed by Govs. Mike Johanns, Dave Heineman and Ricketts, making him Nebraska's longest-serving budget administrator.The governor's office says Oligmueller was a strong defender of Nebraska's "pay-as-you-go" tradition, building state budgets based on revenues without borrowing against the state's future.Ricketts also announced that Lee Will, the state's deputy budget administrator, will advance into Oligmueller's job starting Sept. 12. His salary will be $135,000.

Longtime Nebraska state budget administrator to retire

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer

A group of Nebraska football players filed a lawsuit Thursday, hoping a jury will force the Big Ten Conference to reinstate a fall football season.

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 players want a court order that would keep the Big Ten from going through with its plan to push the football season to the spring. Listed as plaintiffs are Brant and Brig Banks, Alante Brown, Noa Pola-Gates, Jackson Hannah, Garrett Nelson, Ethan Piper and Garrett Snodgrass.

"This lawsuit isn't about money or damages, it's about real-life relief," said Mike Flood, the players' attorney.

The Big Ten said 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."

Gabe Feldman, director of Tulane University's Sports Law Program, said he doubts the lawsuit goes anywhere.

"This is a statement lawsuit. This is a catharsis lawsuit. This is a publicity lawsuit," Feldman said. "It would be a monumental shift in how the law treats college sports if a judge declared that a conference cannot shut a season down because they thought it was unsafe to play."

<a href="https://apnews.com/0856ff5425c65bb3031d574a43c2252f" target="_blank">The Big Ten announced Aug. 11 it would move its football season from fall to spring</a>&nbsp;because of health risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. The Pac-12 and other smaller leagues followed suit.

The lawsuit said 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.

"Sadly, these student athletes have no other recourse than filing a lawsuit against their conference," Flood said. "The presidents and chancellors of these universities have taken inconsistent positions about whether there was a vote, and they have largely failed to explain what positions they took."

Feldman said suing over the Big Ten's health concerns would be like suing over the decision to cancel a game because of lightning.

"There are procedures in place to determine if it's safe to play. There can be legitimate disagreements about the decision," he said. "There is not - and I don't think should be - an avenue to second-guess those decisions. There is an avenue if they decided to play and did not adequately protect the athletes."

Feldman said he believes it would be "very difficult to prove that by choosing not to play that you have somehow harmed the athletes. Particularly when they may play in the spring."

Flood also represents a group of Nebraska football parents that last week sought documents and other materials related to the Big Ten decision. Flood, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, owns five radio stations that broadcast Cornhuskers football games as part of the Husker Sports Network.

Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c1226d9e177f79d3b548784383e4cbbe" target="_blank">Flood sent a letter to commissioner Kevin Warren</a>&nbsp;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.

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer A group of Nebraska football players filed a lawsuit Thursday, hoping a jury will force the Big Ten Conference to reinstate a fall football season.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 players want a court order that would keep the Big Ten from going through with its plan to push the football season to the spring. Listed as plaintiffs are Brant and Brig Banks, Alante Brown, Noa Pola-Gates, Jackson Hannah, Garrett Nelson, Ethan Piper and Garrett Snodgrass."This lawsuit isn't about money or damages, it's about real-life relief," said Mike Flood, the players' attorney.The Big Ten said 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."Gabe Feldman, director of Tulane University's Sports Law Program, said he doubts the lawsuit goes anywhere."This is a statement lawsuit. This is a catharsis lawsuit. This is a publicity lawsuit," Feldman said. "It would be a monumental shift in how the law treats college sports if a judge declared that a conference cannot shut a season down because they thought it was unsafe to play."<a href="https://apnews.com/0856ff5425c65bb3031d574a43c2252f" target="_blank">The Big Ten announced Aug. 11 it would move its football season from fall to spring</a>&nbsp;because of health risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic. The Pac-12 and other smaller leagues followed suit.The lawsuit said 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."Sadly, these student athletes have no other recourse than filing a lawsuit against their conference," Flood said. "The presidents and chancellors of these universities have taken inconsistent positions about whether there was a vote, and they have largely failed to explain what positions they took."Feldman said suing over the Big Ten's health concerns would be like suing over the decision to cancel a game because of lightning."There are procedures in place to determine if it's safe to play. There can be legitimate disagreements about the decision," he said. "There is not - and I don't think should be - an avenue to second-guess those decisions. There is an avenue if they decided to play and did not adequately protect the athletes."Feldman said he believes it would be "very difficult to prove that by choosing not to play that you have somehow harmed the athletes. Particularly when they may play in the spring."Flood also represents a group of Nebraska football parents that last week sought documents and other materials related to the Big Ten decision. Flood, a former speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, owns five radio stations that broadcast Cornhuskers football games as part of the Husker Sports Network.Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c1226d9e177f79d3b548784383e4cbbe" target="_blank">Flood sent a letter to commissioner Kevin Warren</a>&nbsp;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.

Nebraska players' lawsuit seeks to restore B10 fall football

NPHS Softball 8.27: Double Duel vs Omaha Gross, Omaha Skutt

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North Platte Police Call Log (August 26-27, 2020)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two sororities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are under quarantine after several coronavirus cases were reported at each house during the first week of classes.

University officials said Wednesday that everyone living at the Delta Delta Delta sorority house has been placed under quarantine after five cases of the virus were reported there.

Earlier in the week, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house on campus was also placed under quarantine after a separate cluster of five cases was reported there.&nbsp;

Classes began in person Monday at the university in Lincoln.

Elsewhere, Omaha school board President Marque Snow said Tuesday that he would suspend all his campaign events and isolate himself after testing positive for the virus. Snow is running for the state Legislature.

The Omaha school district is relying only on online instruction this fall because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. The school board last met in person on Aug. 17.

Nebraska reported 379 new cases of the virus Wednesday to give the state 32,727 cases of coronavirus. There have also been 386 virus deaths.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has decreased from 264.57 new cases per day on Aug. 12 to 217.57 new cases per day on Wednesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two sororities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are under quarantine after several coronavirus cases were reported at each house during the first week of classes.University officials said Wednesday that everyone living at the Delta Delta Delta sorority house has been placed under quarantine after five cases of the virus were reported there.Earlier in the week, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority house on campus was also placed under quarantine after a separate cluster of five cases was reported there.&nbsp;Classes began in person Monday at the university in Lincoln.Elsewhere, Omaha school board President Marque Snow said Tuesday that he would suspend all his campaign events and isolate himself after testing positive for the virus. Snow is running for the state Legislature.The Omaha school district is relying only on online instruction this fall because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. The school board last met in person on Aug. 17.Nebraska reported 379 new cases of the virus Wednesday to give the state 32,727 cases of coronavirus. There have also been 386 virus deaths.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has decreased from 264.57 new cases per day on Aug. 12 to 217.57 new cases per day on Wednesday.

2 UNL sororities under quarantine after virus cases reported

OMAHA, Neb.-Union Pacific today announced Clarissa Beyah as the company's chief communications officer. She is responsible for driving the railroad's corporate communications strategy, overseeing executive and employee communications, media relations, digital and social media, and serving as the communication's adviser to Union Pacific's chairman and senior leadership team.

"Clarissa brings a wealth of communications expertise and is perfectly suited to help Union Pacific better connect with our employees, communities and other key stakeholders," said Scott Moore, senior vice president-Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. "As the company's Chief Communications Officer, Clarissa will play a critical role as we transform Union Pacific's rail network and enhance how we tell our story of Building America."

Beyah's experience leading global communications teams spans transportation, healthcare, professional services, technology and the utilities sectors. She most recently led Northwestern Mutual's communications organization. She also served as chief communications officer for GE Transportation, and led communications teams at Aon, Exelon and Pfizer.

Beyah has spent decades engaging and empowering youth. Currently a professor at USC Annenberg's School for Communication and Journalism, she is also the founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.writersblockink.org/" target="_blank">Writer's Block Ink</a>, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk youth ignite social change through writing and acting. Beyah is a member of the Arthur Page Society and Leadership Greater Washington. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rowan.edu/" target="_blank">Rowan University</a>&nbsp;and a Master of Business Administration from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newhaven.edu/" target="_blank">University of New Haven</a>.

OMAHA, Neb.-Union Pacific today announced Clarissa Beyah as the company's chief communications officer. She is responsible for driving the railroad's corporate communications strategy, overseeing executive and employee communications, media relations, digital and social media, and serving as the communication's adviser to Union Pacific's chairman and senior leadership team."Clarissa brings a wealth of communications expertise and is perfectly suited to help Union Pacific better connect with our employees, communities and other key stakeholders," said Scott Moore, senior vice president-Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer. "As the company's Chief Communications Officer, Clarissa will play a critical role as we transform Union Pacific's rail network and enhance how we tell our story of Building America."Beyah's experience leading global communications teams spans transportation, healthcare, professional services, technology and the utilities sectors. She most recently led Northwestern Mutual's communications organization. She also served as chief communications officer for GE Transportation, and led communications teams at Aon, Exelon and Pfizer.Beyah has spent decades engaging and empowering youth. Currently a professor at USC Annenberg's School for Communication and Journalism, she is also the founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.writersblockink.org/" target="_blank">Writer's Block Ink</a>, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk youth ignite social change through writing and acting. Beyah is a member of the Arthur Page Society and Leadership Greater Washington. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rowan.edu/" target="_blank">Rowan University</a>&nbsp;and a Master of Business Administration from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newhaven.edu/" target="_blank">University of New Haven</a>.

Union Pacific Names Clarissa Beyah Chief Communications Officer

LINCOLN, Neb. – In 2019, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission launched a new tool to help landowners address deer populations on their property. Because changes have been made to the program to make this tool more effective for landowners, all hunters will need to reregister in the program.

These changes include a limit to the number of counties a hunter can register for at five. Hunters also must list their city and state of residence.

Game and Parks’ Antlerless Hunter Database connects hunters who wish to harvest antlerless deer with landowners experiencing damage from deer on their property.

Landowners and hunters are important to managing wildlife; together with Game and Parks, they are the driving force for wildlife conservation in Nebraska. Landowners provide habitat and access for hunting game species. Readily available permits and long seasons provide tremendous opportunities to harvest deer in Nebraska, especially antlerless deer.

Game and Parks is charged with managing all wildlife in the state. It strives to find a balance between healthy wildlife populations, opportunities for hunting, and keeping deer and all game populations at socially acceptable levels.

Hunters who wish to be considered for this program and landowners who wish to contact a hunter willing to harvest antlerless deer in their area may access the database at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjcuMjYxODY0MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9BbnRsZXJsZXNzSHVudGVyRGF0YWJhc2UvIn0.CGP3z-V7Z8fq-tSe5ZnaZO0MkRhIq7x7DdGUdtxO67M/s/497221905/br/82881537340-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/AntlerlessHunterDatabase</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – In 2019, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission launched a new tool to help landowners address deer populations on their property. Because changes have been made to the program to make this tool more effective for landowners, all hunters will need to reregister in the program.These changes include a limit to the number of counties a hunter can register for at five. Hunters also must list their city and state of residence.Game and Parks’ Antlerless Hunter Database connects hunters who wish to harvest antlerless deer with landowners experiencing damage from deer on their property.Landowners and hunters are important to managing wildlife; together with Game and Parks, they are the driving force for wildlife conservation in Nebraska. Landowners provide habitat and access for hunting game species. Readily available permits and long seasons provide tremendous opportunities to harvest deer in Nebraska, especially antlerless deer.Game and Parks is charged with managing all wildlife in the state. It strives to find a balance between healthy wildlife populations, opportunities for hunting, and keeping deer and all game populations at socially acceptable levels.Hunters who wish to be considered for this program and landowners who wish to contact a hunter willing to harvest antlerless deer in their area may access the database at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjcuMjYxODY0MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9BbnRsZXJsZXNzSHVudGVyRGF0YWJhc2UvIn0.CGP3z-V7Z8fq-tSe5ZnaZO0MkRhIq7x7DdGUdtxO67M/s/497221905/br/82881537340-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/AntlerlessHunterDatabase</a>.

Game and Parks encourages hunters to register on antlerless hunter database

FREMONT, Neb. (AP) - The temperature was approaching 90 and a light breeze was blowing while Jeff Jamrog put his Midland University football team through its paces under the midday sun.

From the street running past Heedum Field, it looked like a typical August practice. A group of linemen hit a blocking sled, there was a skeleton passing drill and a no-tackle scrimmage.

Signs of normalcy vanish at the field entrance. Visitors are checked for fever. A hand sanitizer dispenser hangs on a wooden post a few steps from the gate. Everyone, unless participating in a drill, is supposed to wear a mask.

"It's annoying," linebacker Theo Blum said of masking up. "After the first three or four days most people got used to it. It is what it is. We wear it. Maybe we get the sun off our face a little bit and get nice tan lines. We do what we have to do to play."

While the majority of the nation's college football teams won't play this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic, Midland is among five in Nebraska pushing forward. They do not include the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who will be idle after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0856ff5425c65bb3031d574a43c2252f" target="_blank">the Big Ten decided to push back the season to the spring.</a>

Disappointed Huskers fans will find no consolation in the fact Memorial Stadium will be surrounded by teams - albeit all from small colleges - attempting to carry on as usual. Of the 52 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics schools planning to play, 35 are in Nebraska and bordering states Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota.

Jamrog and Midland athletic director Dave Gillespie each spent nearly two decades with the Huskers as players, coaches and administrators. Both said they feel terrible their alma mater isn't playing this fall and understand the outrage the Big Ten's decision has caused in this state of 1.8 million.

Midland's league, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, announced July 21 it would attempt a football season starting Sept. 12. The NAIA is allowing each team to play nine games, two fewer than usual, but playoffs won't be held until spring.

Gillespie said Midland is following GPAC protocols and local health department guidelines to mitigate the COVID-19 risk.

"There doesn't seem to be any consensus nationally on what the right thing to do is (as far as playing), and you can get a lot of different opinions on that," Gillespie said. "It's not completely safe, and we're never going to make it completely safe. We're trying to make it as safe as possible and take an abundance of caution wherever we need to and can."

Midland football players are required to wear masks indoors. Outdoors, they need to social distance as much as possible when not participating in a drill and use hand sanitizer frequently.

Plexiglass barriers have been installed in the cafeteria and other areas of the athletic facilities. Players shower at their residences instead of in the locker room. There are temperature checks and screening questions every day. Lunches are prepared for takeout. For meals eaten in the cafeteria, players sit 6 feet apart.

The challenge of maintaining the quasi-bubble increases with school starting Thursday. Midland will hold in-person and online classes.

Gillespie said coronavirus testing is done if an athlete shows symptoms. He said there had been a "handful" of positive tests among more than 200 fall athletes. Jamrog said one football player has opted out because of COVID-19 concerns.

Blum said he and his teammates are grateful to have a fall season to look forward to even if it comes with some minor inconveniences.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0c53d50c88dd9fc9132c97d9023128c2" target="_blank">Only 145 of 765 teams in the NAIA and across three divisions of the NCAA are scheduled to play at least one game this fall (19%).</a>&nbsp;Another 57 junior colleges have moved their seasons to the spring.

"I know there are hundreds of thousands of people across the country not getting to play," he said. "That's been a motto for us this year starting out: Every day is a blessing to be able to play."

The Warriors enters the season with momentum. They won six straight to end 2019 and are picked third in the GPAC.

"If we got shut down," Blum said, "everybody would have been heartbroken."

Jamrog, beginning his fifth year at Midland, said he would love it if football-starved Huskers fans wanted to adopt his Warriors as their team for 2020 when they kick off 50 miles from Memorial Stadium. More than 100 of his 150 players are from Nebraska. And in a kidding-not-kidding comment, he invited ESPN's College GameDay show to visit Fremont.

Heedum Field will be limited to 75% capacity. Midland drew about 1,200 fans per game at the 5,000-seat stadium in 2019, meaning there should be plenty of room.

"Hey, Nebraska fans, you guys come out and support us," tight end Austin Harris said. "We're going to be playing ball this fall."

By ERIC OLSON-AP College Football Writer FREMONT, Neb. (AP) - The temperature was approaching 90 and a light breeze was blowing while Jeff Jamrog put his Midland University football team through its paces under the midday sun.From the street running past Heedum Field, it looked like a typical August practice. A group of linemen hit a blocking sled, there was a skeleton passing drill and a no-tackle scrimmage.Signs of normalcy vanish at the field entrance. Visitors are checked for fever. A hand sanitizer dispenser hangs on a wooden post a few steps from the gate. Everyone, unless participating in a drill, is supposed to wear a mask."It's annoying," linebacker Theo Blum said of masking up. "After the first three or four days most people got used to it. It is what it is. We wear it. Maybe we get the sun off our face a little bit and get nice tan lines. We do what we have to do to play."While the majority of the nation's college football teams won't play this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic, Midland is among five in Nebraska pushing forward. They do not include the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who will be idle after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0856ff5425c65bb3031d574a43c2252f" target="_blank">the Big Ten decided to push back the season to the spring.</a>Disappointed Huskers fans will find no consolation in the fact Memorial Stadium will be surrounded by teams - albeit all from small colleges - attempting to carry on as usual. Of the 52 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics schools planning to play, 35 are in Nebraska and bordering states Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and South Dakota.Jamrog and Midland athletic director Dave Gillespie each spent nearly two decades with the Huskers as players, coaches and administrators. Both said they feel terrible their alma mater isn't playing this fall and understand the outrage the Big Ten's decision has caused in this state of 1.8 million.Midland's league, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, announced July 21 it would attempt a football season starting Sept. 12. The NAIA is allowing each team to play nine games, two fewer than usual, but playoffs won't be held until spring.Gillespie said Midland is following GPAC protocols and local health department guidelines to mitigate the COVID-19 risk."There doesn't seem to be any consensus nationally on what the right thing to do is (as far as playing), and you can get a lot of different opinions on that," Gillespie said. "It's not completely safe, and we're never going to make it completely safe. We're trying to make it as safe as possible and take an abundance of caution wherever we need to and can."Midland football players are required to wear masks indoors. Outdoors, they need to social distance as much as possible when not participating in a drill and use hand sanitizer frequently.Plexiglass barriers have been installed in the cafeteria and other areas of the athletic facilities. Players shower at their residences instead of in the locker room. There are temperature checks and screening questions every day. Lunches are prepared for takeout. For meals eaten in the cafeteria, players sit 6 feet apart.The challenge of maintaining the quasi-bubble increases with school starting Thursday. Midland will hold in-person and online classes.Gillespie said coronavirus testing is done if an athlete shows symptoms. He said there had been a "handful" of positive tests among more than 200 fall athletes. Jamrog said one football player has opted out because of COVID-19 concerns.Blum said he and his teammates are grateful to have a fall season to look forward to even if it comes with some minor inconveniences.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0c53d50c88dd9fc9132c97d9023128c2" target="_blank">Only 145 of 765 teams in the NAIA and across three divisions of the NCAA are scheduled to play at least one game this fall (19%).</a>&nbsp;Another 57 junior colleges have moved their seasons to the spring."I know there are hundreds of thousands of people across the country not getting to play," he said. "That's been a motto for us this year starting out: Every day is a blessing to be able to play."The Warriors enters the season with momentum. They won six straight to end 2019 and are picked third in the GPAC."If we got shut down," Blum said, "everybody would have been heartbroken."Jamrog, beginning his fifth year at Midland, said he would love it if football-starved Huskers fans wanted to adopt his Warriors as their team for 2020 when they kick off 50 miles from Memorial Stadium. More than 100 of his 150 players are from Nebraska. And in a kidding-not-kidding comment, he invited ESPN's College GameDay show to visit Fremont.Heedum Field will be limited to 75% capacity. Midland drew about 1,200 fans per game at the 5,000-seat stadium in 2019, meaning there should be plenty of room."Hey, Nebraska fans, you guys come out and support us," tight end Austin Harris said. "We're going to be playing ball this fall."

Huskers surrounded by college teams pushing on with football

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) officials reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Wednesday.

11 cases are from Lincoln County 2 cases are from Thomas County 1 case is from Arthur County

8 of these cases is from yesterday (8/25/2020) 4 of these cases are from today (8/26/2020) *The rest of these cases are from previous days.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR12Rd12dCMv0_dJjDyWgetfqgIwnLTIcOrJNu0IY_tTtaNMJaJyyx820ck#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) officials reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Wednesday.The case breakdown is as follows:11 cases are from Lincoln County 2 cases are from Thomas County 1 case is from Arthur County8 of these cases is from yesterday (8/25/2020) 4 of these cases are from today (8/26/2020) *The rest of these cases are from previous days.*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR12Rd12dCMv0_dJjDyWgetfqgIwnLTIcOrJNu0IY_tTtaNMJaJyyx820ck#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598492502087.png" alt="From the West Central District Health Department" />
 <figcaption>From the West Central District Health Department</figcaption>
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WCDHD reports 14 news cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday

LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed burns are planned in the upcoming months on some Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas if weather conditions allow.

Burns during the summer and fall can help set back undesirable plants that invade native prairies and other grasslands. Eastern redcedar trees and undesirable deciduous shrubs have higher mortality during summer burns because of higher air temperatures and because they’ve expended much of their energy flowering and producing fruit. Green vegetation in summer and early fall also slow the rate of a planned burn and allows it to be more predictable.

Summer and fall burns, if used in conjunction with grazing, can set back smooth brome and other invasive plant species, increase diversity in grasslands and improve habitat for wildlife. Fewer acres are burned during summer and fall burns to be sure plenty of habitat is available going into the winter in these immediate areas.

Burns are planned for the following wildlife management areas:

Northeast District – Antelope County: Grove Lake; Cedar County: Wiseman; Dakota County: Basswood; Madison County: Yellow Banks; Nance County: Council Creek; Platte County: Wilkinson; Stanton County: Red Fox, Wood Duck

Northwest District – Dawes County: Chadron Creek Ranch; Sioux County: Peterson

Southeast District – Gage County: Arrowhead; Jefferson County: Alexandria, Alexandria SW, Flathead, Rose Creek West; Johnson County: Hickory Ridge, Osage, Twin Oaks; Lancaster County: Branched Oak, Olive Creek, Wagon Train, Wildwood, Yankee Hill; Pawnee County: Bowwood, Prairie Knoll, Table Rock; Richardson County: Kinter’s Ford; Seward County: Twin Lakes; Thayer County: Little Blue; York County: Marsh Duck

Southwest District – Custer County: Pressey; Frontier County: Medicine Creek, Red Willow; Hall County: Cornhusker; Hitchcock County: Swanson; Howard County: Harold Anderson, Leonard A. Koziol, Marsh Wren; Keith County: Clear Creek; Phelps County: Sacramento-Wilcox; Sherman County: Sherman Reservoir

LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed burns are planned in the upcoming months on some Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas if weather conditions allow.Burns during the summer and fall can help set back undesirable plants that invade native prairies and other grasslands. Eastern redcedar trees and undesirable deciduous shrubs have higher mortality during summer burns because of higher air temperatures and because they’ve expended much of their energy flowering and producing fruit. Green vegetation in summer and early fall also slow the rate of a planned burn and allows it to be more predictable.Summer and fall burns, if used in conjunction with grazing, can set back smooth brome and other invasive plant species, increase diversity in grasslands and improve habitat for wildlife. Fewer acres are burned during summer and fall burns to be sure plenty of habitat is available going into the winter in these immediate areas.Burns are planned for the following wildlife management areas:Northeast District – Antelope County: Grove Lake; Cedar County: Wiseman; Dakota County: Basswood; Madison County: Yellow Banks; Nance County: Council Creek; Platte County: Wilkinson; Stanton County: Red Fox, Wood DuckNorthwest District – Dawes County: Chadron Creek Ranch; Sioux County: PetersonSoutheast District – Gage County: Arrowhead; Jefferson County: Alexandria, Alexandria SW, Flathead, Rose Creek West; Johnson County: Hickory Ridge, Osage, Twin Oaks; Lancaster County: Branched Oak, Olive Creek, Wagon Train, Wildwood, Yankee Hill; Pawnee County: Bowwood, Prairie Knoll, Table Rock; Richardson County: Kinter’s Ford; Seward County: Twin Lakes; Thayer County: Little Blue; York County: Marsh DuckSouthwest District – Custer County: Pressey; Frontier County: Medicine Creek, Red Willow; Hall County: Cornhusker; Hitchcock County: Swanson; Howard County: Harold Anderson, Leonard A. Koziol, Marsh Wren; Keith County: Clear Creek; Phelps County: Sacramento-Wilcox; Sherman County: Sherman Reservoir

Prescribed burns planned for some wildlife management areas

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Opponents of a ballot measure to legalize medical marijuana asked Nebraska's top election official Wednesday to reject the proposal before it goes to voters, just as he did with a proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5ab909fccc4cb413b6f28000360c4fad" target="_blank">to allow casino gambling</a>.

Mark Fahleson, a Lincoln attorney and former Nebraska Republican Party chairman, argued in a letter to Secretary of State Bob Evnen that the measure violates the state constitution.

Fahleson said in the letter that the ballot measure violates Nebraska's single-subject rule, which bars petition sponsors from bunching multiple issues into one yes-or-no question for voters to decide.

"We request that you withhold this legally insufficient measure from the ballot," he said.

Fahleson argued that the ballot measure poses two separate questions: whether residents should have the right to use marijuana for medical purposes, and whether private companies should be allowed to grow and sell it.

The letter came just as the petition group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said it had received confirmation that organizers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/82b334f235a843ed90ad58550fff2aaf" target="_blank">have gathered enough signatures</a>&nbsp;to qualify for the November general election ballot. State Sen. Adam Morfeld, a leading figure in the campaign, said he was confident that the ballot language was constitutional.

"Over 190,000 Nebraskans exercised their constitutional right to put medical marijuana on the ballot and we will do everything to protect their right to be heard," Morfeld&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Adam_Morfeld/status/1298729837335642114" target="_blank">said on Twitter</a>.

Attorneys for the marijuana petition campaign called the letter "a last-minute attempt to derail the precious right of the people of Nebraska to access the initiative petition process." They argued that provisions allowing the sale and possession of the drug are naturally connected issues.

"Here, it is impossible to use a plant product to treat a serious medical condition without first having a plant," they wrote in a response letter to Evnen.

Evnen, a conservative Republican, announced Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5ab909fccc4cb413b6f28000360c4fad" target="_blank">that he wouldn't allow the casino measure on the ballot</a>. His decision triggered an immediate legal challenge that's likely headed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Opponents of a ballot measure to legalize medical marijuana asked Nebraska's top election official Wednesday to reject the proposal before it goes to voters, just as he did with a proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5ab909fccc4cb413b6f28000360c4fad" target="_blank">to allow casino gambling</a>.Mark Fahleson, a Lincoln attorney and former Nebraska Republican Party chairman, argued in a letter to Secretary of State Bob Evnen that the measure violates the state constitution.Fahleson said in the letter that the ballot measure violates Nebraska's single-subject rule, which bars petition sponsors from bunching multiple issues into one yes-or-no question for voters to decide."We request that you withhold this legally insufficient measure from the ballot," he said.Fahleson argued that the ballot measure poses two separate questions: whether residents should have the right to use marijuana for medical purposes, and whether private companies should be allowed to grow and sell it.Gambling opponents made similar arguments about the language of the casino ballot measure in a letter from their attorneys, some of whom also have close ties to the state GOP.The letter came just as the petition group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said it had received confirmation that organizers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/82b334f235a843ed90ad58550fff2aaf" target="_blank">have gathered enough signatures</a>&nbsp;to qualify for the November general election ballot. State Sen. Adam Morfeld, a leading figure in the campaign, said he was confident that the ballot language was constitutional."Over 190,000 Nebraskans exercised their constitutional right to put medical marijuana on the ballot and we will do everything to protect their right to be heard," Morfeld&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Adam_Morfeld/status/1298729837335642114" target="_blank">said on Twitter</a>.Attorneys for the marijuana petition campaign called the letter "a last-minute attempt to derail the precious right of the people of Nebraska to access the initiative petition process." They argued that provisions allowing the sale and possession of the drug are naturally connected issues."Here, it is impossible to use a plant product to treat a serious medical condition without first having a plant," they wrote in a response letter to Evnen.Evnen, a conservative Republican, announced Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5ab909fccc4cb413b6f28000360c4fad" target="_blank">that he wouldn't allow the casino measure on the ballot</a>. His decision triggered an immediate legal challenge that's likely headed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.Both the marijuana and gambling measures are viewed as widely popular with Nebraska voters, but they face strong opposition from well-connected Republican leaders, including Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Opponents try to strip medical marijuana measure off ballot

TestNebraska in North Platte on Friday

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-After a week and a half of in-person classes, North Platte Public Schools officials have released the first numbers on COVID-19.

According to District spokesperson Tina Smith, the District has three students and three adults who have tested positive for COVID-19. Smith says these people are actively isolating at home.

Smith says the total number of cases being monitored by NPPS, which includes any reported case of direct contact, a case under investigation, in quarantine, or have tested positive, is 56 (45 students and 11 adults).

At this time, NPPS is not in jeopardy&nbsp;of closing any classroom or school, according to Smith.&nbsp; 

District officials say they will continue to work with the West Central District Health Department to monitor all cases that are brought to our attention.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-After a week and a half of in-person classes, North Platte Public Schools officials have released the first numbers on COVID-19.According to District spokesperson Tina Smith, the District has three students and three adults who have tested positive for COVID-19. Smith says these people are actively isolating at home.Smith says the total number of cases being monitored by NPPS, which includes any reported case of direct contact, a case under investigation, in quarantine, or have tested positive, is 56 (45 students and 11 adults). At this time, NPPS is not in jeopardy&nbsp;of closing any classroom or school, according to Smith.&nbsp; District officials say they will continue to work with the West Central District Health Department to monitor all cases that are brought to our attention.

North Platte Public Schools: 3 students, 3 adults positive for COVID-19; 56 being 'monitored'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598468059210.png" alt="Provided by the North Platte Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Provided by the North Platte Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte Police Call Log (August 25-26, 2020)

BERTRAND, Neb. (AP) - Ranchers, cowboys, law enforcement and others were scrambling Wednesday to try to round up some 125 head of bison that escaped from a feedlot in south-central Nebraska and had already wreaked havoc on rural roads in the area.

The bison got loose in Phelps County around 5 a.m. Wednesday, station KRVN reported. By late morning, five bison had been hit and killed by vehicles in three separate crashes on rural roads near Bertrand, the Phelps County Sheriff's Office told the Grand Island Independent. A fourth vehicle hit a bison that already had been hit. No people were injured in the crashes.

Sheriff Gene Samuelson said about 25 of the bison had roamed some 10 miles southeast to a pasture near Atlanta.

Rounding up the animals is no easy feat, said Sheriff's Lt. Jamie Tilson.

"This time of the year buffalo don't round up easily," Tilson said. "Apparently they cover a lot of ground in just a few hours."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564532031317.jpeg" alt="File Photo" />
 <figcaption>File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BERTRAND, Neb. (AP) - Ranchers, cowboys, law enforcement and others were scrambling Wednesday to try to round up some 125 head of bison that escaped from a feedlot in south-central Nebraska and had already wreaked havoc on rural roads in the area.The bison got loose in Phelps County around 5 a.m. Wednesday, station KRVN reported. By late morning, five bison had been hit and killed by vehicles in three separate crashes on rural roads near Bertrand, the Phelps County Sheriff's Office told the Grand Island Independent. A fourth vehicle hit a bison that already had been hit. No people were injured in the crashes.Sheriff Gene Samuelson said about 25 of the bison had roamed some 10 miles southeast to a pasture near Atlanta.Rounding up the animals is no easy feat, said Sheriff's Lt. Jamie Tilson."This time of the year buffalo don't round up easily," Tilson said. "Apparently they cover a lot of ground in just a few hours."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNEStatePatrol%2Fposts%2F10157182445367133&width=500" width="500" height="758" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

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