NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Saturday.

4 cases are from Lincoln County 1 case is from Thomas 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=IwAR2GbpDPxwhW6ypLXlPIQxhkyDAXXO0ZTd4GlVWosPngK6vrOcdJR_oLKPM#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Saturday.WCDHD gave the following case breakdown:4 cases are from Lincoln County 1 case is from Thomas County1 case is from yesterday (8/21/2020)4 cases are from today (8/22/2020)*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=IwAR2GbpDPxwhW6ypLXlPIQxhkyDAXXO0ZTd4GlVWosPngK6vrOcdJR_oLKPM#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598150310933.png" alt="Provided by WCDHD" />
 <figcaption>Provided by WCDHD</figcaption>
 </figure>

WCDHD reports 5 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Saturday

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A Union Pacific train derailed on Saturday afternoon, just east of North Platte.

Sources tell The Post the train was eastbound and there are approximately 30 cars "in the dirt." The derailment occurred on the main track.

UP spokesperson Raquel Espinoza says crews are responding to a derailment on a rail line that parallels Highway 30 near Maxwell, NE, today at approximately 6:00 p.m. CDT. 

Espinoza says there were no injuries. 38 rail cars derailed from the train, which was traveling from North Platte, Nebraska, to Little Rock, Arkansas. The accident is under investigation.

Here is a video posted by Facebook user Alice Yost:

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A Union Pacific train derailed on Saturday afternoon, just east of North Platte.Sources tell The Post the train was eastbound and there are approximately 30 cars "in the dirt." The derailment occurred on the main track.UP spokesperson Raquel Espinoza says crews are responding to a derailment on a rail line that parallels Highway 30 near Maxwell, NE, today at approximately 6:00 p.m. CDT. Espinoza says there were no injuries. 38 rail cars derailed from the train, which was traveling from North Platte, Nebraska, to Little Rock, Arkansas. The accident is under investigation.Here is a video posted by Facebook user Alice Yost:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Falice.yost.1%2Fvideos%2F4300889449983253%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>

</div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6fD5LO-bz_4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 UP train derails between North Platte and Maxwell

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-NebraskaLand National Bank is now accepting applications for NebraskaLand University (NLU), a financial literacy scholarship program. NLU is a six course financial literacy program designed to educate students on budgeting, savings, credit, loans, career development, identity theft protection, paying for college and more.&nbsp; The curriculum uses a combination of established financial literacy materials and unique lesson plans created and instructed by Senior and Executive Officers at NebraskaLand National Bank.&nbsp;

Class size is limited.&nbsp; Students must complete an application for the program.&nbsp; All North Platte and surrounding area high school seniors are eligible.&nbsp; Each graduate of the program will receive a $250.00 academic scholarship provided by NebraskaLand National Bank.&nbsp; To be eligible for the NLU Scholarship, students must complete all six courses and participate in the capstone essay contest.&nbsp; Essays will be judged by a Bank committee and the top three will earn $1,000, $750, and $500 scholarships.&nbsp;

NebraskaLand University is a free program for students.&nbsp; Applications are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalanduniversity.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLandUniversity.com</a>.&nbsp; The application deadline is September 8, 2020.

Due to the evolving pandemic, classroom structure is subject to change at any time.

News ReleaseNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-NebraskaLand National Bank is now accepting applications for NebraskaLand University (NLU), a financial literacy scholarship program. NLU is a six course financial literacy program designed to educate students on budgeting, savings, credit, loans, career development, identity theft protection, paying for college and more.&nbsp; The curriculum uses a combination of established financial literacy materials and unique lesson plans created and instructed by Senior and Executive Officers at NebraskaLand National Bank.&nbsp;Class size is limited.&nbsp; Students must complete an application for the program.&nbsp; All North Platte and surrounding area high school seniors are eligible.&nbsp; Each graduate of the program will receive a $250.00 academic scholarship provided by NebraskaLand National Bank.&nbsp; To be eligible for the NLU Scholarship, students must complete all six courses and participate in the capstone essay contest.&nbsp; Essays will be judged by a Bank committee and the top three will earn $1,000, $750, and $500 scholarships.&nbsp;NebraskaLand University is a free program for students.&nbsp; Applications are available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskalanduniversity.com/" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLandUniversity.com</a>.&nbsp; The application deadline is September 8, 2020.Due to the evolving pandemic, classroom structure is subject to change at any time.

Nebraskaland National Bank accepting applications for scholarship program

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, along with AKRS Equipment Solutions, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation, is launching its second annual<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NzY2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9UYWtlRW1IdW50aW5nLyJ9.N1dTRnxfwDL7PBKk_Uizlh3VO_u9ZDAARMOxdjRgegw/s/497221905/br/82676680547-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;Take ’em Hunting&nbsp;</a>challenge to hunters starting Sept. 1.

Participants are encouraged to introduce someone new to hunting during the 2020-2021 hunting seasons, and then upload a photo of their trip to the Game and Parks website. Those who do will be registered to win prizes, including a camo John Deere 590 XUV crossover utility vehicle from AKRS valued at $15,300, among others.

Last year, 2,175 mentors participated, bringing nearly 1,580 first-time hunters into the field to hunt upland, waterfowl, deer, turkey and more.

“Many of us remember someone teaching us the ropes of hunting and inspiring us to have a role in our state’s conservation,” said Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “With this challenge, we hope others are inspired, too, while making memories that last a lifetime.”

Hunting is critical to future conservation of our natural resources. Every time a hunter buys a hunting permit or habitat stamp, his or her purchase directly funds programs that support habitat conservation, hunting access, wildlife research and much more. Additionally, excise taxes that hunters pay on firearms, ammunition and other hunting equipment generate an additional $1 billion for conservation work each year.

“In order to maintain our cherished natural resources, we must recruit a new generation of hunters,” Douglas said. “The best thing a hunter can do for conservation is to introduce someone new to hunting.”

Hunting is a great way to spend time outdoors, experience nature, unwind and make memories with friends and family. The Take ’em Hunting effort offers an extra incentive for hunters to take someone along for a hunt. Special youth seasons are an especially great time to take young hunters out.

Prizes will be given away throughout the challenge Sept. 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, with the grand prize utility vehicle winner announced in June 2021. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NzY2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9UYWtlRW1IdW50aW5nIn0.WA2JTJ1n7Ywf5ALx-h6uLRl4uX4qTYAXjdL1m9Hxx-A/s/497221905/br/82676680547-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/TakeEmHunting</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, along with AKRS Equipment Solutions, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation, is launching its second annual<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NzY2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9UYWtlRW1IdW50aW5nLyJ9.N1dTRnxfwDL7PBKk_Uizlh3VO_u9ZDAARMOxdjRgegw/s/497221905/br/82676680547-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;Take ’em Hunting&nbsp;</a>challenge to hunters starting Sept. 1.Participants are encouraged to introduce someone new to hunting during the 2020-2021 hunting seasons, and then upload a photo of their trip to the Game and Parks website. Those who do will be registered to win prizes, including a camo John Deere 590 XUV crossover utility vehicle from AKRS valued at $15,300, among others.Last year, 2,175 mentors participated, bringing nearly 1,580 first-time hunters into the field to hunt upland, waterfowl, deer, turkey and more.“Many of us remember someone teaching us the ropes of hunting and inspiring us to have a role in our state’s conservation,” said Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “With this challenge, we hope others are inspired, too, while making memories that last a lifetime.”Hunting is critical to future conservation of our natural resources. Every time a hunter buys a hunting permit or habitat stamp, his or her purchase directly funds programs that support habitat conservation, hunting access, wildlife research and much more. Additionally, excise taxes that hunters pay on firearms, ammunition and other hunting equipment generate an additional $1 billion for conservation work each year.“In order to maintain our cherished natural resources, we must recruit a new generation of hunters,” Douglas said. “The best thing a hunter can do for conservation is to introduce someone new to hunting.”Hunting is a great way to spend time outdoors, experience nature, unwind and make memories with friends and family. The Take ’em Hunting effort offers an extra incentive for hunters to take someone along for a hunt. Special youth seasons are an especially great time to take young hunters out.Prizes will be given away throughout the challenge Sept. 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, with the grand prize utility vehicle winner announced in June 2021. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NzY2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9UYWtlRW1IdW50aW5nIn0.WA2JTJ1n7Ywf5ALx-h6uLRl4uX4qTYAXjdL1m9Hxx-A/s/497221905/br/82676680547-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/TakeEmHunting</a>.

Take ’em Hunting launches second year of mentorship challenge

Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on August 24,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:00 A.M.

Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on August 24,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:15 A.M.

2.	Approve
minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting

Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.

4.	9:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:

Adjourn
or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization
and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

5.	9:30
A.M.	Discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution by Lincoln County 


	determining
the final allocation of levy for political subdivisions under the
county

6.	9:40
A.M.	Discuss and consider taking action to approve exceeding the
budget

	limit
by an additional one percent (1%) for the 2020-2021 fiscal year
Lincoln County,

	Discuss
and consider setting September 14, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. for public
hearing

	to
receive comments on the proposed 2020-2021 fiscal year Lincoln
County, NE

Discuss
and consider setting September 14, 2020 immediately following the
close of the budget hearing for the purpose of receiving comments
relating to setting the final tax

request
at a different amount than the prior year

7.	9:50
A.M.	Discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution to enter into an
Interlocal

	Agreement
to provide additional police services to the Village of Wallace

8.	10:00
A.M.	Discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution to enter into an
Interlocal

	Agreement
to provide library services of the Village Library with the Village
of 


9.	10:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider entering into a contract with
Mid-Continental 


	Restoration
Co., Inc. for tuck pointing work on the Lincoln County Courthouse

	Discuss
and consider authorizing the Chairman to sign the Form 17 –
Purchasing

	Agent
Appointment form concerning sales tax for the project

10.	10:30
A.M.	Discuss and consider proposal from Shelco Asphalt and Paving for

Hear
concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, and their
representative

Conduct
2020-2021 Lincoln County Budget Work Session

NOTICE
OF HEARING AND AGENDAMonday,
August 24, 2020Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to be held on August 24,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:00 A.M.Meeting
of the Lincoln County Board of Equalization to be held on August 24,
2020 at the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Commissioners Room at
9:15 A.M.1.	Open
with prayer2.	Approve
minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting	held
August 17, 20203.	Consider
the following:<ul>
 <li>Claims
	&amp; Treasurer’s Receipts
	</li><li>Re-appointment
	of Amy Johnston for a 4 year term on the North Platte/Lincoln County
	Visitor’s Bureau Advisory Board
	</li><li>Approval
	of report from the County Treasurer on property taxes which are
	uncollectible and need to be stricken per Nebraska State Statute
	77-1738
	</li><li>Authorizing
	the Chairman to sign Special Designated Liquor License Applications
	submitted by Pal’s Brewing Company for the Pumpkin Patch Festival
	on October 2, October 9, October 16, October 23 &amp; October 30,
	2020
</li>
 </ul>Recess
as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and convene as the
Lincoln County Board of Equalization.4.	9:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider the following:<ul>
 <li>Approve
	minutes regarding the Lincoln County Board of Equalization meeting
</li>
 </ul>held
on August 17, 2020<ul>
 <li>Certificates
	of correction and refund as submitted by the County Assessor	
</li>
 </ul>Adjourn
or recess to time certain as the Lincoln County Board of Equalization
and reconvene as the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.5.	9:30
A.M.	Discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution by Lincoln County 
	determining
the final allocation of levy for political subdivisions under the
county	levy
limit6.	9:40
A.M.	Discuss and consider taking action to approve exceeding the
budget	limit
by an additional one percent (1%) for the 2020-2021 fiscal year
Lincoln County,	NE
budget	Discuss
and consider setting September 14, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. for public
hearing	to
receive comments on the proposed 2020-2021 fiscal year Lincoln
County, NE	budgetDiscuss
and consider setting September 14, 2020 immediately following the
close of the budget hearing for the purpose of receiving comments
relating to setting the final taxrequest
at a different amount than the prior year7.	9:50
A.M.	Discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution to enter into an
Interlocal	Agreement
to provide additional police services to the Village of Wallace8.	10:00
A.M.	Discuss and consider adoption of a Resolution to enter into an
Interlocal	Agreement
to provide library services of the Village Library with the Village
of 
	Sutherland9.	10:15
A.M.	Discuss and consider entering into a contract with
Mid-Continental 
	Restoration
Co., Inc. for tuck pointing work on the Lincoln County Courthouse	Discuss
and consider authorizing the Chairman to sign the Form 17 –
Purchasing	Agent
Appointment form concerning sales tax for the project10.	10:30
A.M.	Discuss and consider proposal from Shelco Asphalt and Paving for	the
Hershey-Dickens Road ProjectHear
concerns from Elected Officials, Department Heads, and their
representativeConduct
2020-2021 Lincoln County Budget Work Session								Rebecca
J. Rossell								Lincoln
County Clerk

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners Agenda (August 24, 2020)

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a staff recommendation to authorize one lottery and one auction permit for the 2021 bighorn sheep season when it meets Aug. 28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

The meeting will start at 9 a.m. at Peter Kiewit Lodge.

The Commission also will consider recommendations to:

• increase various nonresident hunt, fish and big game permit fees. A public hearing is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. Central Time for proposed amendments relating to fees for licenses and permits. The nonresident fees recommended to increase for 2021 include various small game (hunt), fish, deer, antelope and turkey permits, antelope applications and some stamps;

• amend wildlife regulations to allow the agency director, in the interest of public health, to determine that physical check stations are not prudent during the November firearm deer season, October antelope or muzzleloader season or any elk season, and allow the animal to be checked via internet or telephone;

• amend wildlife regulations regarding threatened and endangered species to add the thick-billed longspur (formerly McCown’s longspur) and the timber rattlesnake to the threatened list and remove the river otter from the threatened list;

• change sport fishing regulations to add the following areas to the list of those where no live baitfish may be used or possessed: Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area, Dundy County; Avocet Wildlife Management Area, Grant County; Wilbur Reservoir, Saline County; Big Elk, Sarpy County; and West Papillion 6, Sarpy County;

• approve the City of Chadron Deer Management Plan;

• approve permitting of hunting in some state parks and state historical parks; and

• approve budget requests for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

The commissioners also will hear an update on the planning process for the Berggren Plan for Pheasants, as well as a staff environmental report.

A complete agenda is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5Njc2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb21taXNzaW9uZXJzLyJ9.JpXSr1toM_UM0EmrBcyBy_yc8DNl7ypCuEbputurFrg/s/497221905/br/82667135756-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/commissioners</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598061656537.png" alt="Photo: publicdomainpictures.net" />
 <figcaption>Photo: publicdomainpictures.net</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a staff recommendation to authorize one lottery and one auction permit for the 2021 bighorn sheep season when it meets Aug. 28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.The meeting will start at 9 a.m. at Peter Kiewit Lodge.The Commission also will consider recommendations to:• increase various nonresident hunt, fish and big game permit fees. A public hearing is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. Central Time for proposed amendments relating to fees for licenses and permits. The nonresident fees recommended to increase for 2021 include various small game (hunt), fish, deer, antelope and turkey permits, antelope applications and some stamps;• amend wildlife regulations to allow the agency director, in the interest of public health, to determine that physical check stations are not prudent during the November firearm deer season, October antelope or muzzleloader season or any elk season, and allow the animal to be checked via internet or telephone;• amend wildlife regulations regarding threatened and endangered species to add the thick-billed longspur (formerly McCown’s longspur) and the timber rattlesnake to the threatened list and remove the river otter from the threatened list;• change sport fishing regulations to add the following areas to the list of those where no live baitfish may be used or possessed: Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area, Dundy County; Avocet Wildlife Management Area, Grant County; Wilbur Reservoir, Saline County; Big Elk, Sarpy County; and West Papillion 6, Sarpy County;• approve the City of Chadron Deer Management Plan;• approve permitting of hunting in some state parks and state historical parks; and• approve budget requests for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.The commissioners also will hear an update on the planning process for the Berggren Plan for Pheasants, as well as a staff environmental report.A complete agenda is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5Njc2NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb21taXNzaW9uZXJzLyJ9.JpXSr1toM_UM0EmrBcyBy_yc8DNl7ypCuEbputurFrg/s/497221905/br/82667135756-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/commissioners</a>.

Commissioners to consider 2021 bighorn sheep season

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The interim director of Nebraska's Division of Developmental Disabilities will assume the job full-time starting next week, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday.

Ricketts said he has appointed Tony Green, of Omaha, to the position within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Green has served as the division's interim director since March 2020, and previously worked as its deputy director. He replaces Courtney Miller, who stepped down in April to take a new job in the federal government.

Green began his career as a services coordinator within the division in 1990.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598061136232.png" alt="Tony Green" />
 <figcaption>Tony Green</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The interim director of Nebraska's Division of Developmental Disabilities will assume the job full-time starting next week, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday.Ricketts said he has appointed Tony Green, of Omaha, to the position within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.Green has served as the division's interim director since March 2020, and previously worked as its deputy director. He replaces Courtney Miller, who stepped down in April to take a new job in the federal government.Green began his career as a services coordinator within the division in 1990.

Ricketts picks new Nebraska developmental disabilities head

Frightening calls from the school nurse. Waiting in vain for word from school officials. Canceled sports practices. Marching bands in quarantine.

For countless families across the country, the school year is opening in disarray and confusion, with coronavirus outbreaks triggering sudden closings, mass quarantines and deep anxiety among parents.

Schools in at least 10 states have had students and staff test positive for the virus since they began opening. The outbreaks have occurred in a variety of school settings: marching bands, high school football teams, elementary classrooms, high schools.

A Colorado high school shut down for two weeks after two students tested positive. Football teams in Utah canceled practices and games after several players came down with the virus. The entire football team and marching band in a small Alabama town were placed under quarantine because of exposure to the virus, the second time the team had to be quarantined this summer.

Michigan is reporting 14 outbreaks at schools. Mississippi started the week with about 2,000 students and 600 teachers in quarantine; the state has had 245 cases of coronavirus in teachers and about 200 in students since districts began returning to school in late July.

Joel Barnes got the call from the school nurse on Aug. 6: His 14-year-old son had been exposed to COVID-19 by a classmate at their high school in Corinth, Mississippi, and needed to be picked up right away.

By that time, Barnes and his wife had heard through the grapevine - mainly Facebook - that at least six people at the school had tested positive and more than 100 students were being told to quarantine. The district posted the information on Facebook, but never followed up with personal communication, Barnes said.

He and his wife decided to keep their son, a freshman, home to learn online even though he tested negative for the coronavirus. "It's not as difficult as worrying about him being exposed to COVID again," Barnes said.

He says he's grateful the district released some limited information, but he's frustrated there wasn't more - and that the state attorney general said schools were not required to inform parents of outbreaks.

"I do understand that there are state and federal laws governing what you can say about students," said Barnes, a retired teacher, "but you're not giving out names, you're just giving out numbers."

"This is a national public health crisis," he said. On top of that, he added, "I have significant health issues, and it would not be good for me to be around someone who has it or to get it myself."

The K-12 clusters have mirrored the situation at colleges and universities that have had to shut down in-person learning and switch to virtual classes, albeit for different reasons. Many of the college outbreaks have been traced back to fraternity and sorority gatherings, crowded bars and a lack of masks and social distancing. Students around the country have been suspended for violating bans on campus parties and gatherings.

High school students have been flouting mask and social distancing rules as well. At a high school football stadium Thursday in Utah, the athletic director stopped the game, grabbed the public-address microphone and told the crowd that play would not continue until fans complied with mask and social-distancing requirements.

The developments offer a glimpse into the future for schools around the country still deciding whether to return students to the classroom and weighing the risk of broader community infection if they reopen.

U.S. health officials on Friday released a study they said showed that the right measures can keep spread of the virus low in child-care centers.

The study looked for evidence of spread of the virus at 666 child-care programs in Rhode Island that were open last month. The state required centers to reduce the number of people in programs to no more than 20, including staff. It also required adults to wear masks at all times, daily symptom screening of children and adults, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines. The CDC does not currently recommend that universal symptom screenings be conducted by schools.

Nearly 19,000 kids attended. Investigators identified only 52 confirmed and probable cases, including 30 children and 22 adults. The children ranged from less than one year old to 12, with a median age of 5.

The CDC study does seem to show that day care centers and even schools can be reopened in some places, said Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

But, he quickly added, that's only in places where spread of the virus is low, and where schools and day care centers are able to do a lot of work to stay on top of new infections.

In Omaha, Nebraska, Jared Wagenknecht said he was tucking his daughter into bed earlier this month when she looked him in the eyes and said, "Daddy, I hope the coronavirus goes away before August 11." That was the day she would start first grade.

Instead, Wagenknecht's daughter and others in the K-12 district of more than 50,000 students are being taught remotely, after a plan for alternate in-person school days was scrapped.

Thirty-five confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Omaha-area schools in the early weeks of the school year. Many suburban Omaha districts, including the high school where Wagenknecht teaches social studies, have opted for 100% classroom teaching. So while he goes to school every day, his daughter learns from home.

"As a parent and educator, yes, we want students back to school," Wagenknecht said. But he added: "The only way we're going to be able to be in school very long and stay back is to get the infection rate down."

In Tennessee, many parents have watched in dismay as Gov. Bill Lee's administration waffled for weeks on how much information the state would provide on outbreaks in schools. Tennessee was one of the earliest states to begin reopening schools, while also experiencing one of the fastest per-capita spreads in the country.

The Republican's health secretary had initially declared such information would not be released, only for Lee to later reverse course.

But after two weeks of no new information, Lee flipped again when his top education and health officials announced the state was barred by federal privacy laws from releasing such data. The governor changed course again Thursday when he said his administration would ask the federal government for permission to release it.

Parents and education officials have been outraged over the lack of transparency.

John Little, a father of a sixth grader who has been doing virtual schooling since Aug. 4, said he was "dumbfounded" when he heard Lee say privacy laws prevented the release of more detailed data. He and other families are looking to the governor to help them make informed decisions.

"I just think releasing this information is the right thing to do," Little said.

By TAMMY WEBBER-Associated Press Frightening calls from the school nurse. Waiting in vain for word from school officials. Canceled sports practices. Marching bands in quarantine.For countless families across the country, the school year is opening in disarray and confusion, with coronavirus outbreaks triggering sudden closings, mass quarantines and deep anxiety among parents.Schools in at least 10 states have had students and staff test positive for the virus since they began opening. The outbreaks have occurred in a variety of school settings: marching bands, high school football teams, elementary classrooms, high schools.A Colorado high school shut down for two weeks after two students tested positive. Football teams in Utah canceled practices and games after several players came down with the virus. The entire football team and marching band in a small Alabama town were placed under quarantine because of exposure to the virus, the second time the team had to be quarantined this summer.Michigan is reporting 14 outbreaks at schools. Mississippi started the week with about 2,000 students and 600 teachers in quarantine; the state has had 245 cases of coronavirus in teachers and about 200 in students since districts began returning to school in late July.Joel Barnes got the call from the school nurse on Aug. 6: His 14-year-old son had been exposed to COVID-19 by a classmate at their high school in Corinth, Mississippi, and needed to be picked up right away.By that time, Barnes and his wife had heard through the grapevine - mainly Facebook - that at least six people at the school had tested positive and more than 100 students were being told to quarantine. The district posted the information on Facebook, but never followed up with personal communication, Barnes said.He and his wife decided to keep their son, a freshman, home to learn online even though he tested negative for the coronavirus. "It's not as difficult as worrying about him being exposed to COVID again," Barnes said.He says he's grateful the district released some limited information, but he's frustrated there wasn't more - and that the state attorney general said schools were not required to inform parents of outbreaks."I do understand that there are state and federal laws governing what you can say about students," said Barnes, a retired teacher, "but you're not giving out names, you're just giving out numbers.""This is a national public health crisis," he said. On top of that, he added, "I have significant health issues, and it would not be good for me to be around someone who has it or to get it myself."The K-12 clusters have mirrored the situation at colleges and universities that have had to shut down in-person learning and switch to virtual classes, albeit for different reasons. Many of the college outbreaks have been traced back to fraternity and sorority gatherings, crowded bars and a lack of masks and social distancing. Students around the country have been suspended for violating bans on campus parties and gatherings.High school students have been flouting mask and social distancing rules as well. At a high school football stadium Thursday in Utah, the athletic director stopped the game, grabbed the public-address microphone and told the crowd that play would not continue until fans complied with mask and social-distancing requirements.The developments offer a glimpse into the future for schools around the country still deciding whether to return students to the classroom and weighing the risk of broader community infection if they reopen.U.S. health officials on Friday released a study they said showed that the right measures can keep spread of the virus low in child-care centers.The study looked for evidence of spread of the virus at 666 child-care programs in Rhode Island that were open last month. The state required centers to reduce the number of people in programs to no more than 20, including staff. It also required adults to wear masks at all times, daily symptom screening of children and adults, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines. The CDC does not currently recommend that universal symptom screenings be conducted by schools.Nearly 19,000 kids attended. Investigators identified only 52 confirmed and probable cases, including 30 children and 22 adults. The children ranged from less than one year old to 12, with a median age of 5.The CDC study does seem to show that day care centers and even schools can be reopened in some places, said Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.But, he quickly added, that's only in places where spread of the virus is low, and where schools and day care centers are able to do a lot of work to stay on top of new infections.In Omaha, Nebraska, Jared Wagenknecht said he was tucking his daughter into bed earlier this month when she looked him in the eyes and said, "Daddy, I hope the coronavirus goes away before August 11." That was the day she would start first grade.Instead, Wagenknecht's daughter and others in the K-12 district of more than 50,000 students are being taught remotely, after a plan for alternate in-person school days was scrapped.Thirty-five confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Omaha-area schools in the early weeks of the school year. Many suburban Omaha districts, including the high school where Wagenknecht teaches social studies, have opted for 100% classroom teaching. So while he goes to school every day, his daughter learns from home."As a parent and educator, yes, we want students back to school," Wagenknecht said. But he added: "The only way we're going to be able to be in school very long and stay back is to get the infection rate down."In Tennessee, many parents have watched in dismay as Gov. Bill Lee's administration waffled for weeks on how much information the state would provide on outbreaks in schools. Tennessee was one of the earliest states to begin reopening schools, while also experiencing one of the fastest per-capita spreads in the country.The Republican's health secretary had initially declared such information would not be released, only for Lee to later reverse course.But after two weeks of no new information, Lee flipped again when his top education and health officials announced the state was barred by federal privacy laws from releasing such data. The governor changed course again Thursday when he said his administration would ask the federal government for permission to release it.Parents and education officials have been outraged over the lack of transparency.John Little, a father of a sixth grader who has been doing virtual schooling since Aug. 4, said he was "dumbfounded" when he heard Lee say privacy laws prevented the release of more detailed data. He and other families are looking to the governor to help them make informed decisions."I just think releasing this information is the right thing to do," Little said.

Quarantines, closures: Confusion reigns as schools reopen

Brent A Sinsel, 41, Sutherland and Rebecca A Denton, 31, Aurora

Triston B Crook, 21, Tucson AZ and Ellary A McConnell, 19, North Platte

Thyron M Zafra, 28, North Platte and Jacqueline Grace J Fernandez, 34, North Platte

David A Diaz Jr, 50, North Platte and Christina L Nelson, 38, North Platte

Jacob H Willard, 21, Maywood and Savannah L Thomas, 19, Seneca

Published August 21, 2020Brent A Sinsel, 41, Sutherland and Rebecca A Denton, 31, AuroraTriston B Crook, 21, Tucson AZ and Ellary A McConnell, 19, North PlatteThyron M Zafra, 28, North Platte and Jacqueline Grace J Fernandez, 34, North PlatteDavid A Diaz Jr, 50, North Platte and Christina L Nelson, 38, North PlatteJacob H Willard, 21, Maywood and Savannah L Thomas, 19, Seneca

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses

Health officials have reported 34 new positive cases in the West Central District Health Department Jurisdiction on Friday.

32 cases from Lincoln County One case is from Hooker County One case is from Logan County

26 of the cases are from yesterday (8/20/2020)

8 of the cases are from today (8/21/2020)

Health officials have reported 34 new positive cases in the West Central District Health Department Jurisdiction on Friday.The cases include:32 cases from Lincoln County One case is from Hooker County One case is from Logan County26 of the cases are from yesterday (8/20/2020)8 of the cases are from today (8/21/2020)*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.WCDHD Dashboard<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598043460510.png" alt="covid update august 21 2020.png" />
 <figcaption>covid update august 21 2020.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

WCDHD: 34 new cases of COVID-19 in jurisdiction, 32 in Lincoln County

Three graduates from North Platte Community College have been recognized for excellence in their studies and beyond.

Haiden Kreber, of Sutherland, was selected to receive NPCC’s Presidential Award. The Presidential Award is given to an outstanding student who has excelled in academics, leadership and service to the college and community.

Luke Christen, of Anselmo, was honored with the Vice President of Instruction Award, for excellence in the classroom and demonstrated commitment to continued academic achievement.

The Student Services Award went to Mariah Brown, of North Platte. That award is presented to an outstanding student leader who has demonstrated a commitment to co-curricular achievement.

The recognitions would have been made during an awards convocation at the college in the spring, but the ceremony was cancelled due to COVID.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598030120113.png" alt="Mariah Brown, Luke Christen, Haiden Kreber" />
 <figcaption>Mariah Brown, Luke Christen, Haiden Kreber</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCThree graduates from North Platte Community College have been recognized for excellence in their studies and beyond.Haiden Kreber, of Sutherland, was selected to receive NPCC’s Presidential Award. The Presidential Award is given to an outstanding student who has excelled in academics, leadership and service to the college and community.Luke Christen, of Anselmo, was honored with the Vice President of Instruction Award, for excellence in the classroom and demonstrated commitment to continued academic achievement.The Student Services Award went to Mariah Brown, of North Platte. That award is presented to an outstanding student leader who has demonstrated a commitment to co-curricular achievement.The recognitions would have been made during an awards convocation at the college in the spring, but the ceremony was cancelled due to COVID.

NPCC recognizes graduates for excellence

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, has been issued for Calamus Reservoir in Loup and Garfield counties, Johnson Lake in Gosper and Dawson counties and Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County.

A health alert remains in effect at Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County, Rockford Lake in Gage County and Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County.

Visitors to Calamus, Johnson Lake, Bluestem, Willow Creek, Rockford and Wagon Train state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK. Dog owners are urged to keep pets out of the water and not allow them to ingest lake water.

Samples taken by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy on Aug. 17-18 were above the health alert threshold of 8 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

This is a lower threshold than previous years, based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations. Previously, the state had set a limit of 20 ppb, but adopted the new limits after concluding that the new EPA threshold is based on the best scientific evidence available, and is protective of public health.

Lakes with beaches and those that allow power boating are tested weekly through the summer, and sampling results will be updated every Friday. Health alerts are lifted immediately when algal toxin levels are below 8 ppb. To view weekly data for the lakes sampled, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NTY0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlcS1paXMubmUuZ292L3pzL2J3LyJ9.ytkl-H2biblAF-UFhAt8kaCEeC7uy4zzABVQWIMWue0/s/497221905/br/82654001177-l" target="_blank">deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/</a>.

For more information on harmful algal blooms, read this&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NTY0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGVxLm5lLmdvdi9OREVRUHJvZy5uc2YvT25XZWIvRU5WMDQyNjA3In0.My0VUK6jw1ByRBOOZjHbr_U4_tkROJi-GD-hFDC0KPk/s/497221905/br/82654001177-l" target="_blank">Fact Sheet</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598029880047.png" alt="Calamus Reservoir (Photo: outdoornebraska.gov)" />
 <figcaption>Calamus Reservoir (Photo: outdoornebraska.gov)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, has been issued for Calamus Reservoir in Loup and Garfield counties, Johnson Lake in Gosper and Dawson counties and Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County.A health alert remains in effect at Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County, Rockford Lake in Gage County and Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County.Visitors to Calamus, Johnson Lake, Bluestem, Willow Creek, Rockford and Wagon Train state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK. Dog owners are urged to keep pets out of the water and not allow them to ingest lake water.Samples taken by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy on Aug. 17-18 were above the health alert threshold of 8 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.This is a lower threshold than previous years, based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations. Previously, the state had set a limit of 20 ppb, but adopted the new limits after concluding that the new EPA threshold is based on the best scientific evidence available, and is protective of public health.Lakes with beaches and those that allow power boating are tested weekly through the summer, and sampling results will be updated every Friday. Health alerts are lifted immediately when algal toxin levels are below 8 ppb. To view weekly data for the lakes sampled, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NTY0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlcS1paXMubmUuZ292L3pzL2J3LyJ9.ytkl-H2biblAF-UFhAt8kaCEeC7uy4zzABVQWIMWue0/s/497221905/br/82654001177-l" target="_blank">deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/</a>.For more information on harmful algal blooms, read this&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjEuMjU5NTY0OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGVxLm5lLmdvdi9OREVRUHJvZy5uc2YvT25XZWIvRU5WMDQyNjA3In0.My0VUK6jw1ByRBOOZjHbr_U4_tkROJi-GD-hFDC0KPk/s/497221905/br/82654001177-l" target="_blank">Fact Sheet</a>.

Calamus, Johnson Lake, Bluestem, Willow Creek, Rockford, Wagon Train on health alert

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped in July compared to the previous month, but it was still higher than it was in July of last year.

The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.8% last month, compared to 5.5% in June, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor. The rate was 3.1% in July 2019.

Nebraska, which had the third-lowest rate of any state in June, now has the nation's second-lowest unemployment rate, behind Utah, which reported 4.5% unemployment. The national unemployment rate in July was 10.2%.

Unemployment claims surged in Nebraska and nationally as the coronavirus pandemic led to widespread social-distancing measures that forced businesses to close or scale back their operations.

Nebraska had 986,510 nonfarm jobs in July, an increase of 6,427 over the previous month but 40,112 less over the year.

Nebraska Commissioner of Labor John Albin said the state saw a significant increase in non-farm-related employment from June to July, including in the health care, leisure and hospitality industries.

The preliminary Omaha-area unemployment rate for July was 5.9%, which was down from June's 6.9%, the report said. The Lincoln-area preliminary rate declined to 5% from 5.7% in that time frame, and the Grand Island-area rate dropped to 5.4% from 6.2% in June.

Unemployment rates for Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha have not been seasonally adjusted and cannot be directly compared with the state unemployment rate.

Nebraska's unemployment in June was originally reported at 6.7%, but that percentage was later revised to 5.5% because of changes in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics adjusts the data.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped in July compared to the previous month, but it was still higher than it was in July of last year.The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.8% last month, compared to 5.5% in June, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor. The rate was 3.1% in July 2019.Nebraska, which had the third-lowest rate of any state in June, now has the nation's second-lowest unemployment rate, behind Utah, which reported 4.5% unemployment. The national unemployment rate in July was 10.2%.Unemployment claims surged in Nebraska and nationally as the coronavirus pandemic led to widespread social-distancing measures that forced businesses to close or scale back their operations.Nebraska had 986,510 nonfarm jobs in July, an increase of 6,427 over the previous month but 40,112 less over the year.Nebraska Commissioner of Labor John Albin said the state saw a significant increase in non-farm-related employment from June to July, including in the health care, leisure and hospitality industries.The preliminary Omaha-area unemployment rate for July was 5.9%, which was down from June's 6.9%, the report said. The Lincoln-area preliminary rate declined to 5% from 5.7% in that time frame, and the Grand Island-area rate dropped to 5.4% from 6.2% in June.Unemployment rates for Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha have not been seasonally adjusted and cannot be directly compared with the state unemployment rate.Nebraska's unemployment in June was originally reported at 6.7%, but that percentage was later revised to 5.5% because of changes in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics adjusts the data.

Nebraska unemployment falls to nation's second-lowest rate

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) - Police in southwestern Nebraska arrested a 79-year-old woman on suspicion of killing a 78-year-old man in McCook.

Police were called to a home Thursday morning and found the man dead following what investigators described only as a domestic situation, the McCook Gazette&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2829935.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Police said the woman was arrested on suspicion of causing the man's death.

Police had not released the names of the victim or the suspect or explained their relationship by Friday morning. Police also had not given any details on how the man was killed.

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) - Police in southwestern Nebraska arrested a 79-year-old woman on suspicion of killing a 78-year-old man in McCook.Police were called to a home Thursday morning and found the man dead following what investigators described only as a domestic situation, the McCook Gazette&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2829935.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Police said the woman was arrested on suspicion of causing the man's death.Police had not released the names of the victim or the suspect or explained their relationship by Friday morning. Police also had not given any details on how the man was killed.An autopsy will be performed in Omaha

79-year-old woman arrested in 78-year-old McCook man's death

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts on Thursday praised a new state law that will help lower property tax bills, offer tax incentives to businesses that create new jobs and possibly spur the creation of a major disaster-training facility in Omaha.

Ricketts held a ceremonial bill-signing outside the Capitol after officially approving the new law on Monday.

Lawmakers passed the measure as a compromise in the final days of this year's legislative session. Under the new law, homeowners will get a state income tax credit based on the amount of local property taxes they pay to their public schools.

It also offers new tax credits to replace the state's biggest business incentive program, the Nebraska Advantage Act, which expires this year. The law will also commit $300 million to a major disaster training facility in Omaha, but only if the federal government and private donors make specific funding commitments for the $2.6 billion project.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts on Thursday praised a new state law that will help lower property tax bills, offer tax incentives to businesses that create new jobs and possibly spur the creation of a major disaster-training facility in Omaha.Ricketts held a ceremonial bill-signing outside the Capitol after officially approving the new law on Monday.Lawmakers passed the measure as a compromise in the final days of this year's legislative session. Under the new law, homeowners will get a state income tax credit based on the amount of local property taxes they pay to their public schools.It also offers new tax credits to replace the state's biggest business incentive program, the Nebraska Advantage Act, which expires this year. The law will also commit $300 million to a major disaster training facility in Omaha, but only if the federal government and private donors make specific funding commitments for the $2.6 billion project.

Ricketts celebrates new property tax, incentives law

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-As schools are back in session and the summer vacation season winds down, Nebraska State Troopers and officers from dozens of other law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska will participate in the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The campaign is part of a nationwide effort to remove impaired drivers from the road.

“Over the last few months, we’ve seen many people return to the road for summer trips. Traffic volume has increased since the early months of the pandemic, but so have issues on the roadways, including traffic fatalities”, said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). “As we close out the summer driving season, let’s work together to keep Nebraska roads safe.”

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” runs from August 21 through Labor Day, September 7. The operation will include troopers working overtime to enforce Nebraska’s traffic laws and monitor for impaired driving.

The effort also marks the conclusion of NSP’s “100 Days of Summer” initiative, which runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend every year. Since Memorial Day weekend, troopers have arrested nearly 250 motorists for driving under the influence.

“Traffic patterns have changed in recent months, but our troopers have remained diligent in their work to maintain safety on Nebraska’s roadways,” said Colonel Bolduc. “We encourage the public to do their part as well and always have a sober driver.”

The two-week campaign is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $20,000 from Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. In 2019, approximately 25% of fatal crashes on Nebraska roads involved alcohol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598010996672.png" alt="NSP Photo" />
 <figcaption>NSP Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-As schools are back in session and the summer vacation season winds down, Nebraska State Troopers and officers from dozens of other law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska will participate in the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The campaign is part of a nationwide effort to remove impaired drivers from the road.“Over the last few months, we’ve seen many people return to the road for summer trips. Traffic volume has increased since the early months of the pandemic, but so have issues on the roadways, including traffic fatalities”, said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). “As we close out the summer driving season, let’s work together to keep Nebraska roads safe.”“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” runs from August 21 through Labor Day, September 7. The operation will include troopers working overtime to enforce Nebraska’s traffic laws and monitor for impaired driving.The effort also marks the conclusion of NSP’s “100 Days of Summer” initiative, which runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend every year. Since Memorial Day weekend, troopers have arrested nearly 250 motorists for driving under the influence.“Traffic patterns have changed in recent months, but our troopers have remained diligent in their work to maintain safety on Nebraska’s roadways,” said Colonel Bolduc. “We encourage the public to do their part as well and always have a sober driver.”The two-week campaign is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $20,000 from Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. In 2019, approximately 25% of fatal crashes on Nebraska roads involved alcohol.

NSP to participate in 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign 

The risk dial moved up from a 2.27 to 2.46 this week, this falls within the elevated risk level. There were increases in the following data which contributed to the move in the risk dial: • Weekly Positivity Rate • Daily Hospitalization • Community Spread • Contact Tracing

The WCDHD risk dial is used to show our community how COVID-19 is impacting our area at a point-in-time. 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. Because our process is driven by the current data each week, we cannot predict when we will move the dial 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.

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.

For more information on the Risk Dial and for helpful documents, please visit our <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html?fbclid=IwAR2oP1qVPh3sZEq9SxUiY9K3DV_OMo2ZSSjQSLnbu9cirVD663uNS7ItyIk">COVID-19 Risk Dial </a>page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597967339647.png" alt="As of August 20, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of August 20, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>The risk dial moved up from a 2.27 to 2.46 this week, this falls within the elevated risk level. There were increases in the following data which contributed to the move in the risk dial: • Weekly Positivity Rate • Daily Hospitalization • Community Spread • Contact TracingThe WCDHD risk dial is used to show our community how COVID-19 is impacting our area at a point-in-time. 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. Because our process is driven by the current data each week, we cannot predict when we will move the dial 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.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.For more information on the Risk Dial and for helpful documents, please visit our <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html?fbclid=IwAR2oP1qVPh3sZEq9SxUiY9K3DV_OMo2ZSSjQSLnbu9cirVD663uNS7ItyIk">COVID-19 Risk Dial </a>page.

WCDHD moves COVID-19 Community Risk Dial up in Orange

NPHS Volleyball: Jamboree Tri against Kearney and Grand Island Central Catholic

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Nebraska State Patrol is working with the South Dakota National Guard to make sure a large military vehicle reaches its appropriate destination in South Dakota.

This morning, a trooper was made aware that the vehicle, which is used in engineering operations, was sitting on a parked trailer at the Interstate 80 on-ramp near Overton. The trooper found the vehicle and noticed markings which identified that it belongs to the South Dakota National Guard. NSP has since learned that the trailer was abandoned sometime yesterday by the driver of a trucking company contracted to move the vehicle for the Guard.

The vehicle, which is part of the South Dakota National Guard 211th&nbsp;Engineer Company, had been returning to South Dakota after a training mission in California. NSP is working with the South Dakota National Guard to return the vehicle to South Dakota, as well as locate the driver who abandoned the trailer and military vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597947938180.png" alt="NSP Photo" />
 <figcaption>NSP Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Nebraska State Patrol is working with the South Dakota National Guard to make sure a large military vehicle reaches its appropriate destination in South Dakota.This morning, a trooper was made aware that the vehicle, which is used in engineering operations, was sitting on a parked trailer at the Interstate 80 on-ramp near Overton. The trooper found the vehicle and noticed markings which identified that it belongs to the South Dakota National Guard. NSP has since learned that the trailer was abandoned sometime yesterday by the driver of a trucking company contracted to move the vehicle for the Guard.The vehicle, which is part of the South Dakota National Guard 211th&nbsp;Engineer Company, had been returning to South Dakota after a training mission in California. NSP is working with the South Dakota National Guard to return the vehicle to South Dakota, as well as locate the driver who abandoned the trailer and military vehicle.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNEStatePatrol%2Fposts%2F10157169559117133&width=500" width="500" height="722" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

NSP working to return large military vehicle abandoned near Overton

LINCOLN, Neb. – Dove hunting season begins soon and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has some reminders for hunters, as well as recommendations for areas to hunt.

Dove hunting is fun and a great way to introduce someone to hunting or to kick off your own upland game hunting spending time in the field with family and friends.

With a statewide distribution and generous bag limits, dove hunting provides some excellent opportunities. Doves may be hunted statewide Sept. 1 – Oct. 30, with daily bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively. Bag and possession limits are for mourning, white-winged and Eurasian collared-doves in aggregate. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

Sunflower, millet and wheat, which generally provide good food sources and dove-hunting opportunities, have been planted at several wildlife management areas statewide. Game and Parks recommends hunters scout areas before they hunt. To view a list of these “dove fields,” see the 2020 Dove Hunting Fact Sheet at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9TbWFsbEdhbWVTcGVjaWVzLyJ9.MgMuTPlF1RLw9lHdfIGzOu11Ia405yAL22WRw98egMg/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/SmallGameSpecies</a>.

Other public lands throughout the state can provide good dove hunting opportunities, depending on local conditions. All of Nebraska’s publicly accessible lands (including state, federal, and private lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters Program) are displayed in the 2020-2021 Public Access Atlas, which can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9QdWJsaWNBY2Nlc3NBdGxhcy8ifQ.oaL0cxY31EocaxJkGU25gHgwhb6he3QAzbbAVLwVd78/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas</a>.

Nebraska residents 16 years and older and all nonresidents are required to have a valid Nebraska small game hunting permit, habitat stamp and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. Get the free HIP number at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9oaXAvIn0.lTIWiZLW-M9wkvcjEGJvn4tVn7T6bsaUVqWjydC3hqc/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/hip</a>&nbsp;or at any Game and Parks office. Federal and state migratory bird hunting stamps (duck stamps) are not required to hunt doves. Shotgun plugs are also required, restricting it to no more than three shells.

Dove hunters who find a leg band on a dove should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wd3JjLnVzZ3MuZ292L0JCTC9iYmxyZXRydi8ifQ.5zHyY5WvXJ_ozq22LfWe_kFuDDf3C8CGPhX0Z-S6M6M/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">reportband.gov</a>. In addition, randomly selected hunters will be asked to save one wing from each dove during the first week of the season and mail them postage-free to the Service.

It is unlawful to hunt on state recreation areas (SRA) until Sept. 8. Regulations prohibit any hunting on SRAs until the Tuesday following Labor Day.

Eurasian collared-doves also may be harvested between Oct. 31, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021, with bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively.

For summaries of hunting regulations, read the Small Game and Waterfowl Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.xnqkM09wVU0S0_FnflmZ0ckWPhyStKzvbDJSvcc8S4k/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">Outdoornebraska.gov/guides</a>. Purchase permits at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.4OjNg8EUjg0i7xDBRwvAHDrglQzixC6bjM_x38Y1HHI/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Dove hunting season begins soon and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has some reminders for hunters, as well as recommendations for areas to hunt.Dove hunting is fun and a great way to introduce someone to hunting or to kick off your own upland game hunting spending time in the field with family and friends.With a statewide distribution and generous bag limits, dove hunting provides some excellent opportunities. Doves may be hunted statewide Sept. 1 – Oct. 30, with daily bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively. Bag and possession limits are for mourning, white-winged and Eurasian collared-doves in aggregate. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.Sunflower, millet and wheat, which generally provide good food sources and dove-hunting opportunities, have been planted at several wildlife management areas statewide. Game and Parks recommends hunters scout areas before they hunt. To view a list of these “dove fields,” see the 2020 Dove Hunting Fact Sheet at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9TbWFsbEdhbWVTcGVjaWVzLyJ9.MgMuTPlF1RLw9lHdfIGzOu11Ia405yAL22WRw98egMg/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/SmallGameSpecies</a>.Other public lands throughout the state can provide good dove hunting opportunities, depending on local conditions. All of Nebraska’s publicly accessible lands (including state, federal, and private lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters Program) are displayed in the 2020-2021 Public Access Atlas, which can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9QdWJsaWNBY2Nlc3NBdGxhcy8ifQ.oaL0cxY31EocaxJkGU25gHgwhb6he3QAzbbAVLwVd78/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas</a>.Nebraska residents 16 years and older and all nonresidents are required to have a valid Nebraska small game hunting permit, habitat stamp and Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. Get the free HIP number at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9oaXAvIn0.lTIWiZLW-M9wkvcjEGJvn4tVn7T6bsaUVqWjydC3hqc/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/hip</a>&nbsp;or at any Game and Parks office. Federal and state migratory bird hunting stamps (duck stamps) are not required to hunt doves. Shotgun plugs are also required, restricting it to no more than three shells.Dove hunters who find a leg band on a dove should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5wd3JjLnVzZ3MuZ292L0JCTC9iYmxyZXRydi8ifQ.5zHyY5WvXJ_ozq22LfWe_kFuDDf3C8CGPhX0Z-S6M6M/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">reportband.gov</a>. In addition, randomly selected hunters will be asked to save one wing from each dove during the first week of the season and mail them postage-free to the Service.It is unlawful to hunt on state recreation areas (SRA) until Sept. 8. Regulations prohibit any hunting on SRAs until the Tuesday following Labor Day.Eurasian collared-doves also may be harvested between Oct. 31, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021, with bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively.For summaries of hunting regulations, read the Small Game and Waterfowl Guide at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9ndWlkZXMvIn0.xnqkM09wVU0S0_FnflmZ0ckWPhyStKzvbDJSvcc8S4k/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">Outdoornebraska.gov/guides</a>. Purchase permits at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA4MjAuMjU4OTMxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.4OjNg8EUjg0i7xDBRwvAHDrglQzixC6bjM_x38Y1HHI/s/497221905/br/82600429502-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.

Dove hunting season opens Sept. 1 in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Thursday named an engineering firm executive as the new director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

Thomas Riley, of Eagle, will head the agency starting Nov 1.

Riley serves as president of the Flatwater Group, a company he founded with offices in Lincoln and Imperial. The firm specializes in water resources engineering, restoration design and environmental engineering.

Riley is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received a bachelor of science in civil engineering and a master of science in civil engineering.

He replaces Jeff Fassett, who announced his retirement in January.

"Tom brings a wealth of experience in water resources planning and environmental engineering to the Department of Natural Resources," Ricketts said in a statement.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Thursday named an engineering firm executive as the new director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.Thomas Riley, of Eagle, will head the agency starting Nov 1.Riley serves as president of the Flatwater Group, a company he founded with offices in Lincoln and Imperial. The firm specializes in water resources engineering, restoration design and environmental engineering.Riley is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received a bachelor of science in civil engineering and a master of science in civil engineering.He replaces Jeff Fassett, who announced his retirement in January."Tom brings a wealth of experience in water resources planning and environmental engineering to the Department of Natural Resources," Ricketts said in a statement.

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