KEARNEY, Neb.-Police and fire officials in Kearney are investigating possible arson at a Kearney elementary school.

According to a City of Kearney news release, at approximately 5:59 p.m. on August 25, Kearney Police were called to investigate a possible fire call at Bryant Elementary School. 

 Upon arrival, officers found smoke in the building, and fire sprinklers were already activated suppressing the fire. 

Investigators say it was determined that a paper towel dispenser had been set on fire in the boy’s bathroom inside the school. 

  This incident is currently under investigation as a possible arson by Kearney Police, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, and Kearney Vol. Fire Department.  

KEARNEY, Neb.-Police and fire officials in Kearney are investigating possible arson at a Kearney elementary school.According to a City of Kearney news release, at approximately 5:59 p.m. on August 25, Kearney Police were called to investigate a possible fire call at Bryant Elementary School. Upon arrival, officers found smoke in the building, and fire sprinklers were already activated suppressing the fire. Investigators say it was determined that a paper towel dispenser had been set on fire in the boy’s bathroom inside the school. This incident is currently under investigation as a possible arson by Kearney Police, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, and Kearney Vol. Fire Department.

Police, fire officials investigate arson at Kearney elementary school

KEARNEY, Neb.-Kearney police are searching for a suspect after a shotgun was fired at an occupied home.

According to Kearney police, at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, officers were called to investigate shots fired at an occupied dwelling in the area of 107 Huron Dr. 

 Upon arrival, officers found a damaged back window of a vehicle parked in the driveway, along with damages on the front of the residence.  Both damages are consistent with being caused by a shotgun possibly fired from the street toward the residence. 

Police say, at the time of the incident, the residence was occupied, however, there are no reports of personal injuries at this time.   

The suspect vehicle is described by witnesses only as a white or light-colored pickup truck. 

This case is open and currently under investigation. 

 Anyone having information about this case is asked to contact Investigator Amy Trausch of the Kearney Police Department at (308)237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers at (308)237-3424, or you can submit your tip using the See it, Say it, Send it App.   

KEARNEY, Neb.-Kearney police are searching for a suspect after a shotgun was fired at an occupied home.According to Kearney police, at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, officers were called to investigate shots fired at an occupied dwelling in the area of 107 Huron Dr. Upon arrival, officers found a damaged back window of a vehicle parked in the driveway, along with damages on the front of the residence. Both damages are consistent with being caused by a shotgun possibly fired from the street toward the residence. Police say, at the time of the incident, the residence was occupied, however, there are no reports of personal injuries at this time. The suspect vehicle is described by witnesses only as a white or light-colored pickup truck. This case is open and currently under investigation. Anyone having information about this case is asked to contact Investigator Amy Trausch of the Kearney Police Department at (308)237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers at (308)237-3424, or you can submit your tip using the See it, Say it, Send it App.

Kearney police searching for suspect who fired shotgun at occupied home

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported seven new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday.

6 cases are from Lincoln County 1 case is from Hooker County

2 of these cases are from yesterday (8/24/2020) 2 of these cases are from today (8/25/2020) *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=IwAR3U-ckh6cDgifW7mt17AWKSkh6g_LxcpX-7v5PG4lLehe-ar6KOajRO5JE#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported seven new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday.According to officials:6 cases are from Lincoln County 1 case is from Hooker County2 of these cases are from yesterday (8/24/2020) 2 of these cases are from today (8/25/2020) *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=IwAR3U-ckh6cDgifW7mt17AWKSkh6g_LxcpX-7v5PG4lLehe-ar6KOajRO5JE#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwcdhd%2Fvideos%2F309068630358088%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><figure>
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Officials report 7 new cases of COVID-19 in WCDHD jurisdiction on Tuesday

HERSHEY, Neb.-Employees at Hershey's Greenbrier Rail Services location were sent home today.

According to officials with Greenbrier, the closure is considered temporary.

In a statement, Greenbrier Senior Vice President of Communications Jack Isselmann said,&nbsp;“We are referring to it as a suspension of operations at this time.&nbsp; Our hope is that if business conditions improve, we would be able to resume business operations there.”

The suspension of services impacted around 24 employees at the Hershey location, according to Isselmann.

HERSHEY, Neb.-Employees at Hershey's Greenbrier Rail Services location were sent home today.According to officials with Greenbrier, the closure is considered temporary.In a statement, Greenbrier Senior Vice President of Communications Jack Isselmann said,&nbsp;“We are referring to it as a suspension of operations at this time.&nbsp; Our hope is that if business conditions improve, we would be able to resume business operations there.”The suspension of services impacted around 24 employees at the Hershey location, according to Isselmann.

Greenbrier temporarily closes Hershey location

By Jerry Kane Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

With fishing bait, you can use things fish want to eat, or things that look, smell like, or mimic things fish think they want to eat.

You can use live, artificial or prepared baits to attract the fish to your hook using movement, vibration, color and/or scent.

New anglers should learn the differences between types of baits and understand how to choose a bait for the type of fish he or she wants to catch.

Live baits Live baits include night crawlers, minnows, crayfish, tadpoles, leeches, grasshoppers, crickets, wax worms, or just about any bug you can catch in your yard. Earthworms are an excellent choice for new anglers and will attract a variety of fish, including bluegill, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass. Live bait always should be fresh and kept alive, and the refrigerator is a good place to store it if your roommates don’t mind.

Some water bodies have regulations against using live fish as bait. If using minnows, make sure the regulations where you are fishing allow for their use. Transferring fish you caught in one water body to another to use as bait is illegal in Nebraska. Read the current Nebraska Fishing Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwODY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.McnhJw57bE5tXkq47Aa-THmsRFrV9mfB4RSSbI9fyVk/s/497221905/br/82781168191-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Artificial baits Artificial baits – or lures – include spinners, spoons, jigs, plugs, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and more. They come in a variety of styles, colors, patterns and sizes.

Lures are designed to resemble and move like prey, and often will mimic fish or aquatic animals. Even if they don’t look like fish or critters to our eyes, their color patterns, reflections and movements in the water are designed to mimic living things. Some lures are flashy, and fish are instinctively attracted to them.

Lures in natural colors that resemble prey, like silver and white, are useful for clear-water conditions. In murky water, brightly colored lures can be a good pick. Some baits are designed to attract fish with scents and tastes and are effective when targeting fish that don’t feed by sight. Some artificial baits are designed to attract the angler’s money.

The angler also can manipulate the movement and depth of the lures; how fast they are retrieved and the action of the rod to snag a fish.

Prepared baits Who hasn’t seen in stores the rows of jars of brightly colored dough bait designed to catch trout? Dough bait, either commercially made or homemade, is a popular bait to attract catfish, as are chicken livers. Canned corn can be an effective bait to catch bluegill. Frozen shrimp and hot dogs are other examples of prepared baits you probably already have around your home.

If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource for all things beginner fishing is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwODY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.CJNBsMw5B43MQj9cK88_IshcFQJiQC3a10qIH5936ic/s/497221905/br/82781168191-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNEbraska.gov/howtofish</a>. If you want to take a new angler fishing and become eligible to win prizes, register for the Take ’em Fishing Challenge at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwODY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.6xmzRI-ZkjMV7GxuSNrPjkxBjTgkdwPRyM4LgiTApMk/s/497221905/br/82781168191-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>, where fishing permits also are available.

By Jerry Kane Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionWith fishing bait, you can use things fish want to eat, or things that look, smell like, or mimic things fish think they want to eat.You can use live, artificial or prepared baits to attract the fish to your hook using movement, vibration, color and/or scent.New anglers should learn the differences between types of baits and understand how to choose a bait for the type of fish he or she wants to catch.Live baits Live baits include night crawlers, minnows, crayfish, tadpoles, leeches, grasshoppers, crickets, wax worms, or just about any bug you can catch in your yard. Earthworms are an excellent choice for new anglers and will attract a variety of fish, including bluegill, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass. Live bait always should be fresh and kept alive, and the refrigerator is a good place to store it if your roommates don’t mind.Some water bodies have regulations against using live fish as bait. If using minnows, make sure the regulations where you are fishing allow for their use. Transferring fish you caught in one water body to another to use as bait is illegal in Nebraska. Read the current Nebraska Fishing Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwODY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.McnhJw57bE5tXkq47Aa-THmsRFrV9mfB4RSSbI9fyVk/s/497221905/br/82781168191-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides</a>&nbsp;for more information.Artificial baits Artificial baits – or lures – include spinners, spoons, jigs, plugs, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and more. They come in a variety of styles, colors, patterns and sizes.Lures are designed to resemble and move like prey, and often will mimic fish or aquatic animals. Even if they don’t look like fish or critters to our eyes, their color patterns, reflections and movements in the water are designed to mimic living things. Some lures are flashy, and fish are instinctively attracted to them.Lures in natural colors that resemble prey, like silver and white, are useful for clear-water conditions. In murky water, brightly colored lures can be a good pick. Some baits are designed to attract fish with scents and tastes and are effective when targeting fish that don’t feed by sight. Some artificial baits are designed to attract the angler’s money.The angler also can manipulate the movement and depth of the lures; how fast they are retrieved and the action of the rod to snag a fish.Prepared baits Who hasn’t seen in stores the rows of jars of brightly colored dough bait designed to catch trout? Dough bait, either commercially made or homemade, is a popular bait to attract catfish, as are chicken livers. Canned corn can be an effective bait to catch bluegill. Frozen shrimp and hot dogs are other examples of prepared baits you probably already have around your home.If you are just getting into fishing and want more details, a helpful resource for all things beginner fishing is Game and Parks’ Going Fishing Guide, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwODY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ob3d0b2Zpc2gvIn0.CJNBsMw5B43MQj9cK88_IshcFQJiQC3a10qIH5936ic/s/497221905/br/82781168191-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNEbraska.gov/howtofish</a>. If you want to take a new angler fishing and become eligible to win prizes, register for the Take ’em Fishing Challenge at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjUuMjYwODY4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.6xmzRI-ZkjMV7GxuSNrPjkxBjTgkdwPRyM4LgiTApMk/s/497221905/br/82781168191-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>, where fishing permits also are available.

With fishing bait, you don’t always have to keep it real

Individuals&nbsp;who have become unemployed or underemployed as a result of COVID-19 now have until Oct. 16 to apply for free tuition through the Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative.

Mid-Plains Community College is partnering with the Department of Economic Development and Nebraska Department of Labor to offer the initiative.

<a>Qualifying individuals can apply for scholarships to help them receive training for high-wage, high-demand careers and industries.</a>

Both short-term for-credit and non-credit course offerings are available&nbsp;through MPCC. Trainings must be completed by May 31. Additional funding may be available to help offset the cost of books, tools and other materials needed for the classes.

<a>Applications and program details are available at&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/RetrainNE" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/RetrainNE</a>.&nbsp;Amy Sabatka, MPCC area career placement coordinator, can also provide more information at (308) 535-3619 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sabatkaa@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">sabatkaa@mpcc.edu</a>.

Individuals&nbsp;who have become unemployed or underemployed as a result of COVID-19 now have until Oct. 16 to apply for free tuition through the Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative.Mid-Plains Community College is partnering with the Department of Economic Development and Nebraska Department of Labor to offer the initiative.<a>Qualifying individuals can apply for scholarships to help them receive training for high-wage, high-demand careers and industries.</a>Both short-term for-credit and non-credit course offerings are available&nbsp;through MPCC. Trainings must be completed by May 31. Additional funding may be available to help offset the cost of books, tools and other materials needed for the classes.<a>Applications and program details are available at&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/RetrainNE" target="_blank">mpcc.edu/RetrainNE</a>.&nbsp;Amy Sabatka, MPCC area career placement coordinator, can also provide more information at (308) 535-3619 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sabatkaa@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">sabatkaa@mpcc.edu</a>.

MPCC: Application deadline for free tuition extended

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man has been arrested after he allegedly entered an unoccupied residence and helped himself to a shower.

According to North Platte police, On August 23, 2020, at 1:06 p.m., officers responded to a suspicious activity call in the 300 Block of West 10th Street.&nbsp; 

Police say officers were advised that an unknown male was inside a residence that belonged to someone who was currently incarcerated.&nbsp; 

Officers arrived and reported they were able to see a shadow moving inside the home and, upon announcing their presence, they heard a door shut inside.&nbsp; 

According to police, officers then made contact with Terry Yonker inside the residence, who had decided to help himself to a shower and advised he had permission to be there.&nbsp; 

Officers contacted the resident in jail, who confirmed Yonker did not have permission to be in his house.&nbsp; 

Police found that Yonker entered the residence by removing the screen from a window. 

When officers notified Yonker he was under arrest, they say he pulled away from them and physically resisted their efforts to arrest him.&nbsp; 

Police say Yonker was quickly taken into custody and jailed on suspicion of burglary and resisting arrest.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598381960725.jpeg" alt="Terry Yonker" />
 <figcaption>Terry Yonker</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man has been arrested after he allegedly entered an unoccupied residence and helped himself to a shower.According to North Platte police, On August 23, 2020, at 1:06 p.m., officers responded to a suspicious activity call in the 300 Block of West 10th Street.&nbsp; Police say officers were advised that an unknown male was inside a residence that belonged to someone who was currently incarcerated.&nbsp; Officers arrived and reported they were able to see a shadow moving inside the home and, upon announcing their presence, they heard a door shut inside.&nbsp; According to police, officers then made contact with Terry Yonker inside the residence, who had decided to help himself to a shower and advised he had permission to be there.&nbsp; Officers contacted the resident in jail, who confirmed Yonker did not have permission to be in his house.&nbsp; Police found that Yonker entered the residence by removing the screen from a window. When officers notified Yonker he was under arrest, they say he pulled away from them and physically resisted their efforts to arrest him.&nbsp; Police say Yonker was quickly taken into custody and jailed on suspicion of burglary and resisting arrest.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

North Platte man accused of breaking into home, taking shower

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Eleven Nebraska lawmakers made a long-shot attempt Tuesday to bring the Legislature into a special session focused on the coronavirus pandemic and law enforcement.

The lawmakers filed paperwork with the secretary of state's office to ask their colleagues whether they would support a special session. The secretary of state's office will now survey all state lawmakers.

At least 33 of the Legislature's 49 senators would have to endorse the idea of a special session, an outcome that's extremely unlikely. Lawmakers finished their regular session less than two weeks ago after passing a major tax package. The session was also marred by nasty public disputes.

Nine of the 11 senators calling for a special session are Democrats in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. One is a Republican who often sides with Democrats and one is a left-leaning independent.

Special sessions are generally triggered by governors and focus on one specific topic. The proposed special session would focus on changing police powers, increasing civilian oversight of police, providing protections for workers threatened by the coronavirus, and other related issues.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Eleven Nebraska lawmakers made a long-shot attempt Tuesday to bring the Legislature into a special session focused on the coronavirus pandemic and law enforcement.The lawmakers filed paperwork with the secretary of state's office to ask their colleagues whether they would support a special session. The secretary of state's office will now survey all state lawmakers.At least 33 of the Legislature's 49 senators would have to endorse the idea of a special session, an outcome that's extremely unlikely. Lawmakers finished their regular session less than two weeks ago after passing a major tax package. The session was also marred by nasty public disputes.Nine of the 11 senators calling for a special session are Democrats in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. One is a Republican who often sides with Democrats and one is a left-leaning independent.Special sessions are generally triggered by governors and focus on one specific topic. The proposed special session would focus on changing police powers, increasing civilian oversight of police, providing protections for workers threatened by the coronavirus, and other related issues.

11 Nebraska senators make long-shot call for special session

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's top elections official said Tuesday that he won't put three measures to legalize casino gambling on the November ballot, arguing that the language they used was misleading and confusing.

The decision by Republican Secretary of State Bob Evnen means voters won't get to decide the issue this year unless a court overturns his decision. Supporters of the ballot measures filed an immediate legal challenge, and the dispute is likely headed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.

"This was incredibly unfair and unjustified," said Lynne McNally, executive vice president of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, a leading sponsor. "I feel that the basis of his decision was invalid."

Lance Morgan, the CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc., another prominent sponsor, said Evnen's decision "denied the constitutional rights of hundreds of thousands of Nebraska voters who exercised their right to be heard on the ballot in November."

McNally said Evnen's office reviewed the ballot language for problems before the campaign started gathering signatures and raised no objections at the time. She added that the ballot language has been publicly available for more than a year.

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

Gambling advocates also tried a ballot drive in 2016 but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0a5ac264e43d449b8003714deef6778c" target="_blank">failed to gather enough signatures</a>. Evnen said organizers of this year's drive collected the required number of signatures to qualify. But he said letters submitted to him from the attorneys of gambling opponents pointed out what he considers to be misleading ballot language.

"I'm trying to follow the law. I believe that I have," Evnen said at a Capitol press conference. "And I believe that ultimately, the courts will tell me whether I'm right or wrong."

The gambling drive was spearheaded by horse-racing advocates and Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which poured millions of dollars into the effort.

But it also has several wealthy and well-connected opponents, including Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. The letters to Evnen were sent a few days before Ricketts criticized casino gambling in his&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gambling-nebraska-losing-bet" target="_blank">weekly column</a>.

Because Evnen made the decision to remove the measures from the ballot, state lawyers will litigate the case at taxpayer expense instead of privately funded gambling opposition groups.

The three measures would have changed Nebraska's constitution to allow gambling and created two laws to regulate and tax the industry. If passed, some of the tax revenue would be funneled into a state property tax credit.

The petition sponsors proposed three separate measures because combining them likely would have violated Nebraska's single-subject rule, which bars activists from bunching multiple questions together to try to force a yes-or-no vote on all of them.

Evnen took issue with one of the ballot measures that said casino gambling would only be allowed at state-licensed racetracks. He said the statement was "materially misleading" to voters because the measure would also allow casinos on tribal lands in Nebraska, even if they don't have a racetrack.

Evnen said another measure amounted to unconstitutional "logrolling" because it offered money for property tax credits, but only if the gambling legalization measure went into effect. He argued that the third measure was potentially confusing to voters.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's top elections official said Tuesday that he won't put three measures to legalize casino gambling on the November ballot, arguing that the language they used was misleading and confusing.The decision by Republican Secretary of State Bob Evnen means voters won't get to decide the issue this year unless a court overturns his decision. Supporters of the ballot measures filed an immediate legal challenge, and the dispute is likely headed to the Nebraska Supreme Court."This was incredibly unfair and unjustified," said Lynne McNally, executive vice president of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, a leading sponsor. "I feel that the basis of his decision was invalid."Lance Morgan, the CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc., another prominent sponsor, said Evnen's decision "denied the constitutional rights of hundreds of thousands of Nebraska voters who exercised their right to be heard on the ballot in November."McNally said Evnen's office reviewed the ballot language for problems before the campaign started gathering signatures and raised no objections at the time. She added that the ballot language has been publicly available for more than a year.Supporters of the citizen petition drive announced last month said they had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/82b334f235a843ed90ad58550fff2aaf" target="_blank">gathered more than enough signatures</a>&nbsp;to submit the issue to voters. They launched the campaign after Nebraska lawmakers repeatedly rejected measures to legalize casino gambling.Gambling advocates also tried a ballot drive in 2016 but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0a5ac264e43d449b8003714deef6778c" target="_blank">failed to gather enough signatures</a>. Evnen said organizers of this year's drive collected the required number of signatures to qualify. But he said letters submitted to him from the attorneys of gambling opponents pointed out what he considers to be misleading ballot language."I'm trying to follow the law. I believe that I have," Evnen said at a Capitol press conference. "And I believe that ultimately, the courts will tell me whether I'm right or wrong."The gambling drive was spearheaded by horse-racing advocates and Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which poured millions of dollars into the effort.But it also has several wealthy and well-connected opponents, including Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts. The letters to Evnen were sent a few days before Ricketts criticized casino gambling in his&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gambling-nebraska-losing-bet" target="_blank">weekly column</a>.Because Evnen made the decision to remove the measures from the ballot, state lawyers will litigate the case at taxpayer expense instead of privately funded gambling opposition groups.The three measures would have changed Nebraska's constitution to allow gambling and created two laws to regulate and tax the industry. If passed, some of the tax revenue would be funneled into a state property tax credit.The petition sponsors proposed three separate measures because combining them likely would have violated Nebraska's single-subject rule, which bars activists from bunching multiple questions together to try to force a yes-or-no vote on all of them.Evnen took issue with one of the ballot measures that said casino gambling would only be allowed at state-licensed racetracks. He said the statement was "materially misleading" to voters because the measure would also allow casinos on tribal lands in Nebraska, even if they don't have a racetrack.Evnen said another measure amounted to unconstitutional "logrolling" because it offered money for property tax credits, but only if the gambling legalization measure went into effect. He argued that the third measure was potentially confusing to voters.

Nebraska elections head: Gambling measure won't make ballot

Eagle Radio once again has been recognized for its outstanding
work on the air within its Nebraska radio footprint.&nbsp; At the annual Nebraska Broadcasters
Association virtual awards ceremony recently, the company took home three
awards for programming in radio broadcasting.

North Platte radio stations KELN/KNPQ/KOOQ were honored with
two Gold Awards; On-Air Announcer Scott Carlson in the Community Service
category for his interview with a Callaway senior whose school
year ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;
The second Gold honor was awarded in the Best Promotional Announcement
category for the stations’ Carrie Underwood Codeword Contest Giveaway promo,
which was produced by Program Director Dave Lee.

Chadron radio station KQSK was honored with a Bronze
Award.&nbsp; Sports Director Dave Collins
earned his third award over the last five years in the Best Sportscast category;
it’s his fifth overall as a member of the Eagle Radio team since joining the
stations in 2015.

Nebraska Market Manager Olivia Hasenauer said, “Our
production team in Nebraska and company-wide is top notch. Eagle and our
employee owners pride themselves on always giving 100% service to our
communities through building strong relationships and results for local
businesses and advertisers, as well as providing high-quality on-air and online
information and entertainment. We are proud to keep our communities connected!”&nbsp;


Hasenauer continued, “We're full spectrum when it comes to
the awards won this year for our Nebraska stations, including sports
broadcasting, community service and promotions. Our team continues to excel and
we were well represented once again at the Nebraska Broadcasters Association
Pinnacle Awards ceremony.”

Eagle Radio of Alliance/Chadron operates KAAQ 105.9 FM, KCNB
94.7 FM, KCOW 1400 AM/92.5 FM, KQSK 97.5 FM, and PanhandlePost.com. Eagle Radio
of North Platte operates KELN 97.1 FM, KNPQ 107.3 FM, KOOQ 1410 AM/98.1 FM, and
NorthPlattePost.com. Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a
Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee owners. The company operates
28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the
company offers online solutions, web development, video production, and
creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For
more, visit eagleradio.net

Eagle Radio once again has been recognized for its outstanding
work on the air within its Nebraska radio footprint.&nbsp; At the annual Nebraska Broadcasters
Association virtual awards ceremony recently, the company took home three
awards for programming in radio broadcasting.North Platte radio stations KELN/KNPQ/KOOQ were honored with
two Gold Awards; On-Air Announcer Scott Carlson in the Community Service
category for his interview with a Callaway senior whose school
year ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;
The second Gold honor was awarded in the Best Promotional Announcement
category for the stations’ Carrie Underwood Codeword Contest Giveaway promo,
which was produced by Program Director Dave Lee.Chadron radio station KQSK was honored with a Bronze
Award.&nbsp; Sports Director Dave Collins
earned his third award over the last five years in the Best Sportscast category;
it’s his fifth overall as a member of the Eagle Radio team since joining the
stations in 2015.Nebraska Market Manager Olivia Hasenauer said, “Our
production team in Nebraska and company-wide is top notch. Eagle and our
employee owners pride themselves on always giving 100% service to our
communities through building strong relationships and results for local
businesses and advertisers, as well as providing high-quality on-air and online
information and entertainment. We are proud to keep our communities connected!”&nbsp;
Hasenauer continued, “We're full spectrum when it comes to
the awards won this year for our Nebraska stations, including sports
broadcasting, community service and promotions. Our team continues to excel and
we were well represented once again at the Nebraska Broadcasters Association
Pinnacle Awards ceremony.”About Eagle Radio:Eagle Radio of Alliance/Chadron operates KAAQ 105.9 FM, KCNB
94.7 FM, KCOW 1400 AM/92.5 FM, KQSK 97.5 FM, and PanhandlePost.com. Eagle Radio
of North Platte operates KELN 97.1 FM, KNPQ 107.3 FM, KOOQ 1410 AM/98.1 FM, and
NorthPlattePost.com. Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a
Kansas-based media company with over 165 employee owners. The company operates
28 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the
company offers online solutions, web development, video production, and
creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For
more, visit eagleradio.net

Eagle Radio wins three Nebraska Broadcasters Association Awards

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) - A Mitchell man died in a crash near Scottsbluff over the weekend, authorities in western Nebraska said.

The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on U.S. Highway 26 just west of Scottsbluff, killing Joshua Green, 34, of Mitchell, the Scottbluff Star-Herald reported. Investigators said Green had been driving a large sport utility vehicle when he drove onto the shoulder, overcorrected and hit an embankment.

The Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office said Green had been involved in a confrontation and had reportedly threatened to stab another person before he left the scene in the SUV. Authorities were searching for the SUV when the crash occurred, officials said.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) - A Mitchell man died in a crash near Scottsbluff over the weekend, authorities in western Nebraska said.The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday on U.S. Highway 26 just west of Scottsbluff, killing Joshua Green, 34, of Mitchell, the Scottbluff Star-Herald reported. Investigators said Green had been driving a large sport utility vehicle when he drove onto the shoulder, overcorrected and hit an embankment.The Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office said Green had been involved in a confrontation and had reportedly threatened to stab another person before he left the scene in the SUV. Authorities were searching for the SUV when the crash occurred, officials said.

Western Nebraska man killed in crash near Scottsbluff

As Governor, property tax relief has been my number one priority.&nbsp; Every year, I’ve worked with State Senators to increase the amount of state relief from local property taxes.&nbsp; From 2015-2019, we nearly doubled the amount of direct property tax relief from $140 million annually to $275 million annually.&nbsp; This relief helps pay your annual property tax bill.&nbsp; It is applied directly to your property tax bill, and appears as a credit on your statement. &nbsp;I have also proposed many other ideas about how to make structural changes to Nebraska’s property tax system over the years.

Last week, we celebrated a giant step forward in delivering substantial property tax relief. &nbsp;In the final days of the recent legislative session, senators voted to approve LB 1107, which incorporates some of the property tax relief measures I’ve advocated over the years. &nbsp;This bill not only delivers significant property tax relief to Nebraskans, but also reforms 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; Getting the bill to the finish line was a generational accomplishment that will grow Nebraska for years to come.&nbsp;

Property tax relief is LB 1107’s biggest priority by far, which is a good thing for our farmers, ranchers, and working families.&nbsp; From historic flooding to the ongoing pandemic, Nebraskans have encountered unprecedented challenges over the last 18 months.&nbsp;

The bill delivers property tax relief in two forms.&nbsp; One, it puts into law a minimum level of funding of $275 million annually for the existing Property Tax Credit Relief Fund.&nbsp; This is the same relief mentioned above that is applied directly to your property tax bill. &nbsp;This measure will ensure that this level of relief continues into the future.

Second, it creates a new refundable income tax credit based on your property taxes paid to schools.&nbsp; Once the tax credit is phased in, the state will provide an additional $375 million in property tax relief.&nbsp; The relief from this credit will be delivered to you when you file your state income tax return.&nbsp; After the credit is phased in, the amount of credit from the state will grow as property valuations grow.

What will this relief mean for you?&nbsp; In Lancaster County, a home valued at $201,584 with a property tax bill of $3,395 will experience a 17% overall reduction in its property tax bill.&nbsp; A 980-acre farm in Hamilton County will see $14,179 of property tax relief for a 21% reduction on its property tax bill. &nbsp;These scenarios are based on property tax data available to us today.

Under these property tax relief programs, the state will deliver a total of $650 million in annual property tax relief.&nbsp; This is more than a four-fold increase in relief since I took office.&nbsp; And relief will continue to grow in the coming years.&nbsp; LB 1107 contains an escalator that grows the property tax relief as property valuations go up, helping to ensure that relief from the state continues to make a difference on your property tax bill.

In addition to property tax relief, LB 1107 also makes important reforms to the state’s business tax incentive program.&nbsp; Reforming and renewing our tax incentives keeps Nebraska economically competitive. &nbsp;Unlike other state incentive programs, Nebraska’s tax incentives are performance-based.&nbsp; Tax benefits aren’t given in the hopes of future investment.&nbsp; They’re only earned by businesses that have already created verifiable jobs in the Cornhusker State.&nbsp; This feature ensures that incentives reward actual job creation in Nebraska.&nbsp; Action by Senators ensures that Nebraska will continue to have this important tool to help recruit great jobs to communities across our state.

Finally, LB 1107 supports Nebraska’s bid for a major project at UNMC in Omaha. &nbsp;Due to coronavirus, Nebraskans are more familiar than ever with the great work done at UNMC. &nbsp;UNMC is in the running for a huge federal investment in an academic medical facility that would put UNMC at the forefront of the United States’ strategic response to future pandemics and other public health hazards.&nbsp; Additionally, the project has the potential to create 8,700 great-paying jobs.&nbsp;

The significance of LB 1107 cannot be overstated.&nbsp; This is a major win for Nebraskans and the communities we live in across the state.&nbsp; And it wouldn’t have happened without the commitment of so many everyday people who have been coming to the Capitol, writing their Senators, and asking for property tax relief for years. &nbsp;I want to extend a major thank you to the citizens of Nebraska who persisted in contacting their Senators and giving voice to the urgent need for property tax relief.&nbsp; I also want to thank Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk who helped shepherd LB 1107 through the legislative process.&nbsp; His leadership was critical to the tax relief bill’s success.

As we continue to work to get Nebraska growing in the coming months, LB 1107 will give the people of our state major relief from property taxes and help us bring more great job opportunities here to the Good Life.&nbsp; If you have questions about what LB 1107 will mean for your family or business, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Thank you to each and every one of you who put time and energy into making property tax relief happen in 2020!

Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsAs Governor, property tax relief has been my number one priority.&nbsp; Every year, I’ve worked with State Senators to increase the amount of state relief from local property taxes.&nbsp; From 2015-2019, we nearly doubled the amount of direct property tax relief from $140 million annually to $275 million annually.&nbsp; This relief helps pay your annual property tax bill.&nbsp; It is applied directly to your property tax bill, and appears as a credit on your statement. &nbsp;I have also proposed many other ideas about how to make structural changes to Nebraska’s property tax system over the years.Last week, we celebrated a giant step forward in delivering substantial property tax relief. &nbsp;In the final days of the recent legislative session, senators voted to approve LB 1107, which incorporates some of the property tax relief measures I’ve advocated over the years. &nbsp;This bill not only delivers significant property tax relief to Nebraskans, but also reforms 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; Getting the bill to the finish line was a generational accomplishment that will grow Nebraska for years to come.&nbsp;Property tax relief is LB 1107’s biggest priority by far, which is a good thing for our farmers, ranchers, and working families.&nbsp; From historic flooding to the ongoing pandemic, Nebraskans have encountered unprecedented challenges over the last 18 months.&nbsp;The bill delivers property tax relief in two forms.&nbsp; One, it puts into law a minimum level of funding of $275 million annually for the existing Property Tax Credit Relief Fund.&nbsp; This is the same relief mentioned above that is applied directly to your property tax bill. &nbsp;This measure will ensure that this level of relief continues into the future.Second, it creates a new refundable income tax credit based on your property taxes paid to schools.&nbsp; Once the tax credit is phased in, the state will provide an additional $375 million in property tax relief.&nbsp; The relief from this credit will be delivered to you when you file your state income tax return.&nbsp; After the credit is phased in, the amount of credit from the state will grow as property valuations grow.What will this relief mean for you?&nbsp; In Lancaster County, a home valued at $201,584 with a property tax bill of $3,395 will experience a 17% overall reduction in its property tax bill.&nbsp; A 980-acre farm in Hamilton County will see $14,179 of property tax relief for a 21% reduction on its property tax bill. &nbsp;These scenarios are based on property tax data available to us today.Under these property tax relief programs, the state will deliver a total of $650 million in annual property tax relief.&nbsp; This is more than a four-fold increase in relief since I took office.&nbsp; And relief will continue to grow in the coming years.&nbsp; LB 1107 contains an escalator that grows the property tax relief as property valuations go up, helping to ensure that relief from the state continues to make a difference on your property tax bill.In addition to property tax relief, LB 1107 also makes important reforms to the state’s business tax incentive program.&nbsp; Reforming and renewing our tax incentives keeps Nebraska economically competitive. &nbsp;Unlike other state incentive programs, Nebraska’s tax incentives are performance-based.&nbsp; Tax benefits aren’t given in the hopes of future investment.&nbsp; They’re only earned by businesses that have already created verifiable jobs in the Cornhusker State.&nbsp; This feature ensures that incentives reward actual job creation in Nebraska.&nbsp; Action by Senators ensures that Nebraska will continue to have this important tool to help recruit great jobs to communities across our state.Finally, LB 1107 supports Nebraska’s bid for a major project at UNMC in Omaha. &nbsp;Due to coronavirus, Nebraskans are more familiar than ever with the great work done at UNMC. &nbsp;UNMC is in the running for a huge federal investment in an academic medical facility that would put UNMC at the forefront of the United States’ strategic response to future pandemics and other public health hazards.&nbsp; Additionally, the project has the potential to create 8,700 great-paying jobs.&nbsp;The significance of LB 1107 cannot be overstated.&nbsp; This is a major win for Nebraskans and the communities we live in across the state.&nbsp; And it wouldn’t have happened without the commitment of so many everyday people who have been coming to the Capitol, writing their Senators, and asking for property tax relief for years. &nbsp;I want to extend a major thank you to the citizens of Nebraska who persisted in contacting their Senators and giving voice to the urgent need for property tax relief.&nbsp; I also want to thank Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk who helped shepherd LB 1107 through the legislative process.&nbsp; His leadership was critical to the tax relief bill’s success.As we continue to work to get Nebraska growing in the coming months, LB 1107 will give the people of our state major relief from property taxes and help us bring more great job opportunities here to the Good Life.&nbsp; If you have questions about what LB 1107 will mean for your family or business, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp; Thank you to each and every one of you who put time and energy into making property tax relief happen in 2020!

COLUMN Gov. Ricketts: A big deal for Nebraska

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598360931004.png" alt="police activity august 24 to 25 2020.png" />
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North Platte Police Call Log (August 24-25, 2020)

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt held a press conference to discuss the start of the 2020-2021 academic year in Nebraska’s K-12 schools.

John Wyvill, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, joined the Governor and Commissioner Blomstedt.&nbsp; He talked about the challenges of the coronavirus for kids with special needs, and the plans in place to ensure their educational and social success this fall.

Piyush Srivastav, incoming Chair of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools also spoke at this morning’s briefing.&nbsp; As a parent of a middle-school student and supporter of LPS, he shared his perspective on the importance of in-school learning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598349862867.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) and NDE Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt (standing, far left) at Monday’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) and NDE Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt (standing, far left) at Monday’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt held a press conference to discuss the start of the 2020-2021 academic year in Nebraska’s K-12 schools.John Wyvill, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, joined the Governor and Commissioner Blomstedt.&nbsp; He talked about the challenges of the coronavirus for kids with special needs, and the plans in place to ensure their educational and social success this fall.Piyush Srivastav, incoming Chair of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools also spoke at this morning’s briefing.&nbsp; As a parent of a middle-school student and supporter of LPS, he shared his perspective on the importance of in-school learning.Gov. Ricketts: Start of School<ul>
 <li>As schools reopen, we want to continue to emphasize how important in-person learning is for the overall well-being of kids and their families.</li><li>The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health and well-being of Americans.</li><li>We’ve highlighted the risks associated with severe measures at coronavirus briefings over the past few months. The CDC is reporting a sharp rise in Americans considering suicide.There has also been a sharp increase in substance abuse.</li><li>The CDC is reporting a sharp rise in Americans considering suicide.</li><li>There has also been a sharp increase in substance abuse.</li><li>For people that need help, we want to remind them of the resources that are available: Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)</li><li>Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660</li><li>Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258</li><li>National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)</li><li>Education plays an important role in helping kids learn and growing the overall social well-being of a child.</li><li>In person learning is important for many reasons… Many students with special needs can’t receive the services they need over an iPad.Students from many families rely on school meals to supplement their nutrition.Teachers are often the top reporters of child abuse, meaning some abuse will go unreported when schools rely only on remote learning.Not every parent can devote time and attention to oversee remote learning.</li><li>Many students with special needs can’t receive the services they need over an iPad.</li><li>Students from many families rely on school meals to supplement their nutrition.</li><li>Teachers are often the top reporters of child abuse, meaning some abuse will go unreported when schools rely only on remote learning.</li><li>Not every parent can devote time and attention to oversee remote learning.</li>
 </ul>Commissioner Blomstedt: Start of School<ul>
 <li>As students come back and schools gain experience, we can continue to develop safer practices.</li><li>We’re especially focused on individual student needs during this time.&nbsp; Parents and schools are working together closely to address issues and provide high-quality instruction for students with disabilities, individual education plans, or other special needs.</li><li>Social and emotional well-being are particularly important during the pandemic.&nbsp; With my own children, I’ve seen the excitement of students to be back in class, interacting with their friends and teachers.&nbsp;</li><li>Right now, a key part of the school environment is helping students and families learn to be thoughtful and safe in public settings.</li><li>I’d like to thank our teachers. &nbsp;They have to figure out what’s best for their particular setting and then adapt as needed. &nbsp;We encourage their innovation as we navigate this school year.</li><li>As a reminder, all of our back-to-school guidance is available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd16e9b0be58e4950859608d848744043%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637339011410508925&amp;sdata=e64fIFWfRu17V0k%2FlfSxYRL7dp4%2FvKLNMPYRqX4dJBQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>.</li>
 </ul>John Wyvill: Start of School<ul>
 <li>Based on our experience at the end of last school year, we have firsthand knowledge that the disruption of school has been challenging for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.&nbsp;</li><li>We have a duty to these students to provide them with an appropriate education.</li><li>Working in a remote environment is not the best scenario for these students.</li><li>Parents or guardians may not have the training and skills to cope in a remote environment in order to set up students for success.</li><li>The social/emotional challenge is evident in the deaf and hard-of-hearing student population.&nbsp; Without school, they may feel cut off from peers and have difficulty connecting with their friends.</li><li>The Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is here to help Nebraskans during this time of uncertainty (<a href="https://ncdhh.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">ncdhh.nebraska.gov</a>).&nbsp; Nebraska Hands &amp; Voices, a nonprofit organization, is another helpful resource for the deaf and hard of hearing (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.handsandvoicesne.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd16e9b0be58e4950859608d848744043%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637339011410508925&amp;sdata=OnIjqmMzsIIrr%2FXlxdOodvm5e9XVv71RdfYptqSWnGg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.handsandvoicesne.org</a>).</li>
 </ul>Piyush Srivastav: Start of School<ul>
 <li>I’m a small business owner here in Lincoln, and I have a daughter who attends Lincoln Public Schools (LPS).</li><li>After reviewing the changes that LPS has made to mitigate the risk of the coronavirus, we felt comfortable sending our daughter to school for in-person learning. Wearing face coveringsLimiting movement throughout school buildingsSpacing desks farther apartCanceling assembliesChanging lunch procedures</li><li>Wearing face coverings</li><li>Limiting movement throughout school buildings</li><li>Spacing desks farther apart</li><li>Canceling assemblies</li><li>Changing lunch procedures</li><li>We’ve asked our daughter detailed questions about the changes, and we feel very comfortable with how LPS is handling this situation.</li><li>Our daughter sees numerous advantages with in-person learning. Better quality of learningBetter interaction with teachersBetter interaction with peers for group projectsEase of exchanging ideas</li><li>Better quality of learning</li><li>Better interaction with teachers</li><li>Better interaction with peers for group projects</li><li>Ease of exchanging ideas</li><li>After one week of school at LPS, my understanding is that more students are opting for in-school learning.</li><li>With in-person learning, mental health needs can be more readily identified and addressed.&nbsp; In-person learning also provides better access to good nutrition.</li><li>At LPS Foundation, we’ve given over $400,000 in coronavirus-related assistance to families.</li><li>LPS has worked very hard in collaboration with the city and local health department to come up with a comprehensive plan to tackle the challenges brought on by the pandemic.</li>
 </ul>Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska<ul>
 <li>All Nebraskans are eligible for testing through Test Nebraska.</li><li>I encourage Nebraskans to sign up, take the assessment, and schedule a time to get tested.</li><li>We are pleased to announce that a new Test Nebraska site in South Omaha opens today.</li><li>It will operate from 1:00-6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.</li><li>The site is located at Metropolitan Community College’s South Omaha Campus.</li><li>We encourage anyone who needs a test to sign up and get tested.</li><li>The latest schedule is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.testnebraska.com%2Fen&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd16e9b0be58e4950859608d848744043%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637339011410518882&amp;sdata=vL90m%2Fuy212RT%2Fh5mowbjscUo4GCiCAeBM5fc17Vhwg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.</li>
 </ul>

Gov. Ricketts, Education Commissioner discuss start of school year

On Monday, the State of Nebraska issued updated guidance for local governments seeking Coronavirus Relief Fund reimbursement.&nbsp; 

New guidance now allows qualified applicants to seek “reimbursement for presumptive payroll expenses for public safety employees for the period March 1, 2020 thru May 31, 2020.”

A copy of the guidance issued to counties, cities, municipalities, and villages can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.nebraska.gov/assets/Revised%20Guidance%20to%20Local%20Governments.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. &nbsp;Additional FAQ can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.nebraska.gov/assets/CRF%20Public%20Safety%20Payroll%20Reimmbursement.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

On Monday, the State of Nebraska issued updated guidance for local governments seeking Coronavirus Relief Fund reimbursement.&nbsp; New guidance now allows qualified applicants to seek “reimbursement for presumptive payroll expenses for public safety employees for the period March 1, 2020 thru May 31, 2020.”A copy of the guidance issued to counties, cities, municipalities, and villages can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.nebraska.gov/assets/Revised%20Guidance%20to%20Local%20Governments.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. &nbsp;Additional FAQ can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.nebraska.gov/assets/CRF%20Public%20Safety%20Payroll%20Reimmbursement.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts provides additional coronavirus relief to local governments

North Platte Community College students Peyton Negley, of North Platte, and Tania Morales, of Yuma, Colo., organize items for a COVID-19 testing station Monday on the North Platte Community College South Campus.

NPCC offered the free service to its students and employees as part of the TestNebraska initiative. The tests were administered by the West Central District Health Department. Negley and Morales assisted with registration and tracked attendance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598349605538.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Community College students Peyton Negley, of North Platte, and Tania Morales, of Yuma, Colo., organize items for a COVID-19 testing station Monday on the North Platte Community College South Campus.NPCC offered the free service to its students and employees as part of the TestNebraska initiative. The tests were administered by the West Central District Health Department. Negley and Morales assisted with registration and tracked attendance.

NPCC offers employees/students free COVID-19 testing

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598301438461.png" alt="police activity august 20 to 24 2020.png" />
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North Platte Police Call Log (August 20-24, 2020)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte woman has been arrested on assault charges after she allegedly struck two people with a vehicle.

According to North Platte Police, On August 23, 2020, at 6:15 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance near East 6th and McCabe Streets.&nbsp; 

Police say upon arrival, officers made contact with several subjects and located an injured victim on the ground.&nbsp; 

Officers learned that a disturbance had occurred several blocks away and continued as the two vehicles drove away.&nbsp; According to police, the vehicles met near the intersection of 6th and McCabe Streets where the occupants of both vehicles exited their vehicles to confront one another.&nbsp; Police say one victim also showed up in a different vehicle and also exited his vehicle.&nbsp; 

It was reported to officers that when the victim got out of his vehicle, 23-year-old Shantoya Charging Elk, got into the victim's car.&nbsp; Charging Elk then struck the two victims with the vehicle before fleeing the scene on foot. Officers located her a short time later.

Charging Elk was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of 2nd-degree Assault (two counts) and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.&nbsp; 

Police say one victim suffered minor injuries and the other victim was transported by EMS to Great Plains Health with unknown injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598300114654.jpeg" alt="Shantoya Charging Elk" />
 <figcaption>Shantoya Charging Elk</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte woman has been arrested on assault charges after she allegedly struck two people with a vehicle.According to North Platte Police, On August 23, 2020, at 6:15 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance near East 6th and McCabe Streets.&nbsp; Police say upon arrival, officers made contact with several subjects and located an injured victim on the ground.&nbsp; Officers learned that a disturbance had occurred several blocks away and continued as the two vehicles drove away.&nbsp; According to police, the vehicles met near the intersection of 6th and McCabe Streets where the occupants of both vehicles exited their vehicles to confront one another.&nbsp; Police say one victim also showed up in a different vehicle and also exited his vehicle.&nbsp; It was reported to officers that when the victim got out of his vehicle, 23-year-old Shantoya Charging Elk, got into the victim's car.&nbsp; Charging Elk then struck the two victims with the vehicle before fleeing the scene on foot. Officers located her a short time later.Charging Elk was taken into custody without incident on suspicion of 2nd-degree Assault (two counts) and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.&nbsp; Police say one victim suffered minor injuries and the other victim was transported by EMS to Great Plains Health with unknown injuries.

North Platte woman accused of striking two people with vehicle during altercation

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Nebraska State Troopers, with assistance from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies and McCook Police Officers, have taken four juveniles into custody following a pursuit in southwest Nebraska.

At approximately 8:10 a.m. today, troopers were informed that the McCook Police Department was in pursuit of a vehicle that had fled a traffic stop in McCook. The vehicle, a PT Cruiser, was identified as stolen out of Geneva. As the pursuit traveled northbound on Highway 83, troopers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle.

Troopers took over the pursuit as it continued to travel northbound on Highway 83. The vehicle continued driving on its rims as it entered North Platte. The driver eventually lost control and became stuck in a ditch on E Phillip Avenue. All four occupants were then taken into custody without further incident. The four juveniles were all identified as missing from central Nebraska.

The driver, a 16-year-old male, spat on a trooper after being taken into custody. He was cited for assault on a peace officer with bodily fluid, as well as flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The driver will be lodged at the Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Detention Center. The three passengers, all juvenile males, were remanded to probation officers.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598299611231.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Nebraska State Troopers, with assistance from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies and McCook Police Officers, have taken four juveniles into custody following a pursuit in southwest Nebraska.At approximately 8:10 a.m. today, troopers were informed that the McCook Police Department was in pursuit of a vehicle that had fled a traffic stop in McCook. The vehicle, a PT Cruiser, was identified as stolen out of Geneva. As the pursuit traveled northbound on Highway 83, troopers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks to slow the vehicle.Troopers took over the pursuit as it continued to travel northbound on Highway 83. The vehicle continued driving on its rims as it entered North Platte. The driver eventually lost control and became stuck in a ditch on E Phillip Avenue. All four occupants were then taken into custody without further incident. The four juveniles were all identified as missing from central Nebraska.The driver, a 16-year-old male, spat on a trooper after being taken into custody. He was cited for assault on a peace officer with bodily fluid, as well as flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The driver will be lodged at the Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Detention Center. The three passengers, all juvenile males, were remanded to probation officers.

4 missing juveniles arrested in North Platte following pursuit

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's education commissioner on Monday urged public schools to remain flexible for students and teachers as they resume classes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

State Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt said his agency will continue to help schools as needed while maintaining its largely hands-off approach that lets individual schools decide how to proceed.

In Nebraska, state education officials have released nonbinding public health guidelines for schools and worked with local districts to develop coronavirus plans. But they haven't imposed statewide requirements to specify whether schools should mandate masks or in-person attendance. School policies have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/70f77baed429e57eb6e309ed0f3be161" target="_blank">varied nationally as well</a>.

The result has been a patchwork of approaches throughout Nebraska, with some schools returning to in-class learning while others still provide online coursework. The latter has raised concerns among parents that their children are spending too much time in front of computer screens.

"If something's not working, we really encourage schools to adapt their plans based on what they ultimately think is best," Blomstedt said at a briefing with Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Blomstedt encouraged schools and teachers to stay flexible in how they manage classrooms to keep students engaged. He said schools should allow online students to have social time and break them up into smaller groups where they can interact more.

In-person schooling is particularly important for children with disabilities because it allows them to interact socially with teachers and other students, said John Wybold, executive director of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

But some teachers have said they're worried that resuming classes in person will help spread the virus and threaten the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Nebraska doesn't have a specific statewide date for when schools must start, but virtually all of them have resumed classes in some form in the last few weeks.

"Teachers want to go back to school, they want to be with kids," Maddie Fennell, the executive director of the Nebraska State Education Association, said in a recent interview. "But they're concerned that there aren't enough safety measures being mandated instead of just suggested."

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Nebraska has confirmed 31,889 coronavirus cases and 378 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online tracking portal</a>. More than 340,000 people have gotten tested so far.

The tracking portal says 37% of hospital beds and 82% of its ventilators are available for patients if needed.

Ricketts has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/eca1c32a98a680f45220d4315815117c" target="_blank">said he's confident that schools are safe to reopen</a>&nbsp;with proper safety measures to try to keep the virus from spreading. On Monday, he said it's also important to bring children back to avoid the kind of social isolation that can contribute to mental health problems. He also argued that teachers are more likely to catch and report cases of child abuse.

"The overall well-being of our children is tied to our kids being back in school," he said.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's education commissioner on Monday urged public schools to remain flexible for students and teachers as they resume classes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.State Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt said his agency will continue to help schools as needed while maintaining its largely hands-off approach that lets individual schools decide how to proceed.In Nebraska, state education officials have released nonbinding public health guidelines for schools and worked with local districts to develop coronavirus plans. But they haven't imposed statewide requirements to specify whether schools should mandate masks or in-person attendance. School policies have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/70f77baed429e57eb6e309ed0f3be161" target="_blank">varied nationally as well</a>.The result has been a patchwork of approaches throughout Nebraska, with some schools returning to in-class learning while others still provide online coursework. The latter has raised concerns among parents that their children are spending too much time in front of computer screens."If something's not working, we really encourage schools to adapt their plans based on what they ultimately think is best," Blomstedt said at a briefing with Gov. Pete Ricketts.Blomstedt encouraged schools and teachers to stay flexible in how they manage classrooms to keep students engaged. He said schools should allow online students to have social time and break them up into smaller groups where they can interact more.In-person schooling is particularly important for children with disabilities because it allows them to interact socially with teachers and other students, said John Wybold, executive director of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.But some teachers have said they're worried that resuming classes in person will help spread the virus and threaten the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Nebraska doesn't have a specific statewide date for when schools must start, but virtually all of them have resumed classes in some form in the last few weeks."Teachers want to go back to school, they want to be with kids," Maddie Fennell, the executive director of the Nebraska State Education Association, said in a recent interview. "But they're concerned that there aren't enough safety measures being mandated instead of just suggested."For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.Nebraska has confirmed 31,889 coronavirus cases and 378 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online tracking portal</a>. More than 340,000 people have gotten tested so far.The tracking portal says 37% of hospital beds and 82% of its ventilators are available for patients if needed.Ricketts has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/eca1c32a98a680f45220d4315815117c" target="_blank">said he's confident that schools are safe to reopen</a>&nbsp;with proper safety measures to try to keep the virus from spreading. On Monday, he said it's also important to bring children back to avoid the kind of social isolation that can contribute to mental health problems. He also argued that teachers are more likely to catch and report cases of child abuse."The overall well-being of our children is tied to our kids being back in school," he said.

Official: Nebraska schools must stay flexible with virus

LINCOLN, Neb. –Nebraska has more than 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible lands across the state. The recently published 2020-2021 Public Access Atlas identifies and consolidates these public access resources for the benefit of Nebraska’s hunters, trappers and anglers.

Printed copies of this year’s atlas are available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices and service centers, and soon will be available wherever hunt and fish permits are sold. To request a printed copy of the atlas or other Game and Parks’ guides or publications, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjQuMjYwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9icm9jaHVyZXJlcXVlc3RzLyJ9.DuVabKpvx521L8FfZtYzbZs_0F3iNPlZnlrlT0WUNik/s/497221905/br/82723676572-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/brochurerequests</a>.

The Public Access Atlas also is available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjQuMjYwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9QdWJsaWNBY2Nlc3NBdGxhcy8ifQ.aUWJOpelVqNBQGHkqHhzU-1atB41Kq4nTi4FXyBqJwQ/s/497221905/br/82723676572-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas</a>&nbsp;in several different formats: interactive atlas map, digital flipbook, Google Earth KMZ files and downloadable single map sheets.

The atlas is updated annually and displays all publicly accessible lands throughout the state, including state, federal and conservation partner lands.

Private lands enrolled in Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program also are included in the atlas. Open Fields and Waters provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allowing walk-in, public access for hunting, trapping and/or fishing. Finding places to hunt and fish is a challenge for today’s hunters and anglers but, thanks to Nebraska’s landowners, well over 350,000 acres of private lands are available through this voluntary program.

LINCOLN, Neb. –Nebraska has more than 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible lands across the state. The recently published 2020-2021 Public Access Atlas identifies and consolidates these public access resources for the benefit of Nebraska’s hunters, trappers and anglers.Printed copies of this year’s atlas are available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices and service centers, and soon will be available wherever hunt and fish permits are sold. To request a printed copy of the atlas or other Game and Parks’ guides or publications, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjQuMjYwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9icm9jaHVyZXJlcXVlc3RzLyJ9.DuVabKpvx521L8FfZtYzbZs_0F3iNPlZnlrlT0WUNik/s/497221905/br/82723676572-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/brochurerequests</a>.The Public Access Atlas also is available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjQuMjYwMjkxMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9QdWJsaWNBY2Nlc3NBdGxhcy8ifQ.aUWJOpelVqNBQGHkqHhzU-1atB41Kq4nTi4FXyBqJwQ/s/497221905/br/82723676572-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas</a>&nbsp;in several different formats: interactive atlas map, digital flipbook, Google Earth KMZ files and downloadable single map sheets.The atlas is updated annually and displays all publicly accessible lands throughout the state, including state, federal and conservation partner lands.Private lands enrolled in Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program also are included in the atlas. Open Fields and Waters provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allowing walk-in, public access for hunting, trapping and/or fishing. Finding places to hunt and fish is a challenge for today’s hunters and anglers but, thanks to Nebraska’s landowners, well over 350,000 acres of private lands are available through this voluntary program.

2020-2021 Public Access Atlas now available

Heat advisory for Northern Nebraska today

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Deapartment reported six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Sunday.

5 cases are from Lincoln County 1 case is from Logan County

3 of these cases are from yesterday (8/22/2020)

3 of these cases are from today (8/23/2020)

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR1VagxowNhKu05Q6-be8rHh74O3iSiGZdlfq9hVyXizBKuaQp3BvDRzbl8#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598230531583.png" alt="From the West Central District Health Department" />
 <figcaption>From the West Central District Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Deapartment reported six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Sunday.The cases are as follows:5 cases are from Lincoln County 1 case is from Logan County3 of these cases are from yesterday (8/22/2020)3 of these cases are from today (8/23/2020)*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=IwAR1VagxowNhKu05Q6-be8rHh74O3iSiGZdlfq9hVyXizBKuaQp3BvDRzbl8#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

WCDHD reports 6 cases of COVID-19 in jurisdiction on Sunday

Mid-Plains Community College will offer free COVID-19 testing for its students and employees in North Platte on Monday.

Testing will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of the McDonald-Belton Building on the North Platte Community College South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.

Both walk-through and drive-through services will be available.

No pre-registration is necessary, but student or employee IDs are required.

The tests are part of the TestNebraska initiative. They will be administered by the West Central District Health Department and sent to Lincoln for analysis. Results typically take three to four business days.

The testing is open to anyone – regardless of whether they are showing symptoms.

“A Covid-19 test can determine if individuals have a current infection,” said Dr. Pat Beu, area associate dean of student life. “Testing enables them to know if they need to take preventive measures to protect themselves and others. That includes those who are asymptomatic, meaning that they are infected but are not manifesting symptoms.”

Questions about testing in North Platte can be directed to Beu at (308) 221-6452 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:beup@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">beup@mpcc.edu</a>.

Similar testing will be offered to students and employees with IDs at McCook Community College on Aug. 26. Also part of the TestNebraska initiative, those services will be conducted by Community Hospital.

The testing will be offered from 8-11:45 a.m. at the Upper Kelly Park Shelter House, just east of the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

The services will be walk-through only. Those who attend will be asked to wear masks covering their mouths and noses and maintain 6-feet of social distance while standing in line.

A QR code with a link to a survey will be available at the shelter. The survey must be filled out before testing. Test results will be emailed within three to four business days.

More information about testing in McCook is available through Dr. Brian Obert at (308) 345-8109 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:obertb@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">obertb@mpcc.edu</a>.

Mid-Plains Community College will offer free COVID-19 testing for its students and employees in North Platte on Monday.Testing will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of the McDonald-Belton Building on the North Platte Community College South Campus, 601 W. State Farm Rd.Both walk-through and drive-through services will be available.No pre-registration is necessary, but student or employee IDs are required.The tests are part of the TestNebraska initiative. They will be administered by the West Central District Health Department and sent to Lincoln for analysis. Results typically take three to four business days.The testing is open to anyone – regardless of whether they are showing symptoms.“A Covid-19 test can determine if individuals have a current infection,” said Dr. Pat Beu, area associate dean of student life. “Testing enables them to know if they need to take preventive measures to protect themselves and others. That includes those who are asymptomatic, meaning that they are infected but are not manifesting symptoms.”Questions about testing in North Platte can be directed to Beu at (308) 221-6452 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:beup@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">beup@mpcc.edu</a>.McCookSimilar testing will be offered to students and employees with IDs at McCook Community College on Aug. 26. Also part of the TestNebraska initiative, those services will be conducted by Community Hospital.The testing will be offered from 8-11:45 a.m. at the Upper Kelly Park Shelter House, just east of the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.The services will be walk-through only. Those who attend will be asked to wear masks covering their mouths and noses and maintain 6-feet of social distance while standing in line.A QR code with a link to a survey will be available at the shelter. The survey must be filled out before testing. Test results will be emailed within three to four business days.More information about testing in McCook is available through Dr. Brian Obert at (308) 345-8109 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:obertb@mpcc.edu" target="_blank">obertb@mpcc.edu</a>.

Mid-Plains Community College to offer COVID testing for students/employees

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Prominent Nebraska abortion opponent and state Right to Life Executive Director Julie Schmit-Albin died Saturday, one day short of her 64th birthday.

Schmit-Albin died Saturday after battling cancer, said Sandy Danek, interim director of Nebraska Right to Life. The longtime activist worked on and helped pass several anti-abortion laws in Nebraska while leading the state group since 1989.

A recent Nebraska legislative proclamation in her honor said Schmit-Albin was "fearfully respected" as a lobbyist and political advocate. The resolution said Schmit-Albin was a woman of keen knowledge, vast experience and far-reaching memory.

National Right to Life said in a news release the movement has lost a tireless worker.

"Julie loved life and dedicated her life to defending those unable to defend themselves. She fought, with great passion, for unborn children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities," said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life.

Schmit-Albin used her group's political power to give or hold back endorsements to political candidates based on their actions in office.

"Anyone who runs for public office without touching base with her does so at their peril," W. Don Nelson, former state director for U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, said in 2007.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598228856884.png" alt="Julie Schmit-Albin" />
 <figcaption>Julie Schmit-Albin</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Prominent Nebraska abortion opponent and state Right to Life Executive Director Julie Schmit-Albin died Saturday, one day short of her 64th birthday.Schmit-Albin died Saturday after battling cancer, said Sandy Danek, interim director of Nebraska Right to Life. The longtime activist worked on and helped pass several anti-abortion laws in Nebraska while leading the state group since 1989.A recent Nebraska legislative proclamation in her honor said Schmit-Albin was "fearfully respected" as a lobbyist and political advocate. The resolution said Schmit-Albin was a woman of keen knowledge, vast experience and far-reaching memory.National Right to Life said in a news release the movement has lost a tireless worker."Julie loved life and dedicated her life to defending those unable to defend themselves. She fought, with great passion, for unborn children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities," said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life.Schmit-Albin used her group's political power to give or hold back endorsements to political candidates based on their actions in office."Anyone who runs for public office without touching base with her does so at their peril," W. Don Nelson, former state director for U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, said in 2007.