KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - The emerald ash borer has been found in Kearney, marking the first time the destructive insect has been confirmed in the state outside of eastern Nebraska, officials announced Monday.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed the emerald ash borer was found in a tree along a Kearney street after it was first spotted by city parks and recreation staff. The insect was found in Omaha in 2016 but the Buffalo County confirmation is the first time its spread has been confirmed so far west.

The invasive beetle, which attacks and slowly kills ash trees, was first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and now has been found in 35 states.

Eight Nebraska counties are under quarantine, which prohibits ash nursery stock from leaving those areas and regulating the movement of products including hardwood firewood and mulch.

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - The emerald ash borer has been found in Kearney, marking the first time the destructive insect has been confirmed in the state outside of eastern Nebraska, officials announced Monday.The Nebraska Department of Agriculture confirmed the emerald ash borer was found in a tree along a Kearney street after it was first spotted by city parks and recreation staff. The insect was found in Omaha in 2016 but the Buffalo County confirmation is the first time its spread has been confirmed so far west.The invasive beetle, which attacks and slowly kills ash trees, was first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and now has been found in 35 states.Eight Nebraska counties are under quarantine, which prohibits ash nursery stock from leaving those areas and regulating the movement of products including hardwood firewood and mulch.

Emerald ash borer found in Kearney as insect spreads west

LINCOLN, Neb. – The mountain biking trails at Platte River State Park near Louisville are among many topics featured in the July issue of Nebraskaland Magazine.

Regional editor Eric Fowler’s story profiles 4.4 miles of new trail at the eastern Nebraska park, which has long been a destination for regional mountain bikers who say it has become worthy of national attention.

Also in the July issue, associate editor Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley writes about overcoming challenges in getting the right fit for a shotgun, with insights from gunsmith Stephen Reynolds of Herman and Greg Preston of Blair.

For lake lovers, regional editor Julie Geiser profiles the many developments and improvements at Nebraska’s largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy, and adjacent Lake Ogallala.

Also of interest to anglers, Editor Jeff Kurrus provides techniques for catching bass in July and his pursuit for the perfect tackle box.

Those interested in birds, plants and insects will find stories about wood pewees, red-headed woodpeckers, wasp mantidflies and stinkhorns.

Introduced with the name Outdoor Nebraska in 1926, Nebraskaland is the conservation and parks magazine of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. With remarkable photography from staff and readers, the publication offers a wide variety of tips for enjoying the outdoors, recipes and stories about Nebraska’s natural resources and history.

The magazine is available by subscription or at retailers throughout the state. To subscribe or read the digital version, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjkuMjM2NTUwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWFnYXppbmUub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.1oer6W6jm7sa4YYP2eGgzdKgBB5ycwb2SbBjkQ6Z1pk/s/497221905/br/80446243029-l" target="_blank">nebraskalandmagazine.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593463391415.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-ipjqu">https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-ipjqu</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-ipjqu">https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-ipjqu</a></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. – The mountain biking trails at Platte River State Park near Louisville are among many topics featured in the July issue of Nebraskaland Magazine.Regional editor Eric Fowler’s story profiles 4.4 miles of new trail at the eastern Nebraska park, which has long been a destination for regional mountain bikers who say it has become worthy of national attention.Also in the July issue, associate editor Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley writes about overcoming challenges in getting the right fit for a shotgun, with insights from gunsmith Stephen Reynolds of Herman and Greg Preston of Blair.For lake lovers, regional editor Julie Geiser profiles the many developments and improvements at Nebraska’s largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy, and adjacent Lake Ogallala.Also of interest to anglers, Editor Jeff Kurrus provides techniques for catching bass in July and his pursuit for the perfect tackle box.Those interested in birds, plants and insects will find stories about wood pewees, red-headed woodpeckers, wasp mantidflies and stinkhorns.Introduced with the name Outdoor Nebraska in 1926, Nebraskaland is the conservation and parks magazine of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. With remarkable photography from staff and readers, the publication offers a wide variety of tips for enjoying the outdoors, recipes and stories about Nebraska’s natural resources and history.The magazine is available by subscription or at retailers throughout the state. To subscribe or read the digital version, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjkuMjM2NTUwNDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWFnYXppbmUub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.1oer6W6jm7sa4YYP2eGgzdKgBB5ycwb2SbBjkQ6Z1pk/s/497221905/br/80446243029-l" target="_blank">nebraskalandmagazine.com</a>.

New mountain biking trails featured in July Nebraskaland

LINCOLN, Neb. — Six $1,000 scholarships are available to Nebraska schools starting up&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjkuMjM2NDYxNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi90cm91dGludGhlY2xhc3Nyb29tLyJ9.F9enZOFjWL69zDiQmGw6gaLNab_bPIocmYHPvMNxj2k/s/497221905/br/80436263328-l" target="_blank">Trout in the Classroom</a>, a science-based program that allows students to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process by raising trout from eggs.

Scholarship applications, as well as program participation applications, are due August 31, 2020.

Nebraska Game &amp; Parks Commission educators designed Trout in the Classroom curriculum as an opportunity for scientific learning for students in second through twelfth grade. Participating educators receive curriculum; training for setting up their cold-water aquarium and caring for their fish; and technical assistance throughout the school year. After the aquarium is set up in a classroom, Game and Parks provides participating schools rainbow trout eggs.

While caring for their new “class pet,” students learn how all aspects of a trout’s life cycle, food web, and habitat are interconnected and affected by the environment. Students take ownership of caring for both their trout and the aquarium habitat by testing water quality and feeding the fish while monitoring their growth and development. As the program progresses, students see connections between their trout, water resources, the environment and themselves.

Nebraska Trout in the Classroom is sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission with funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and Nebraska Trout Unlimited Chapter 710.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjkuMjM2NDYxNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi90cm91dGludGhlY2xhc3Nyb29tLyJ9.VR4JoDrrgPOPWc0a3Exuu6NF7ejzp0ktJtLK-Ej_pxo/s/497221905/br/80436263328-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/TroutInTheClassroom</a>&nbsp;or contact Grace Gaard at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:grace.gaard@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">grace.gaard@nebraska.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593460888535.png" alt="Rainbow trout fingerlings, averaging about 1 inch, swim in an aquarium at Patriot Elementary School in Papillion. | Jeff Kurrus, NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission" />
 <figcaption>Rainbow trout fingerlings, averaging about 1 inch, swim in an aquarium at Patriot Elementary School in Papillion. | Jeff Kurrus, NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. — Six $1,000 scholarships are available to Nebraska schools starting up&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjkuMjM2NDYxNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi90cm91dGludGhlY2xhc3Nyb29tLyJ9.F9enZOFjWL69zDiQmGw6gaLNab_bPIocmYHPvMNxj2k/s/497221905/br/80436263328-l" target="_blank">Trout in the Classroom</a>, a science-based program that allows students to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process by raising trout from eggs.Scholarship applications, as well as program participation applications, are due August 31, 2020.Nebraska Game &amp; Parks Commission educators designed Trout in the Classroom curriculum as an opportunity for scientific learning for students in second through twelfth grade. Participating educators receive curriculum; training for setting up their cold-water aquarium and caring for their fish; and technical assistance throughout the school year. After the aquarium is set up in a classroom, Game and Parks provides participating schools rainbow trout eggs.While caring for their new “class pet,” students learn how all aspects of a trout’s life cycle, food web, and habitat are interconnected and affected by the environment. Students take ownership of caring for both their trout and the aquarium habitat by testing water quality and feeding the fish while monitoring their growth and development. As the program progresses, students see connections between their trout, water resources, the environment and themselves.Nebraska Trout in the Classroom is sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission with funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and Nebraska Trout Unlimited Chapter 710.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjkuMjM2NDYxNzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi90cm91dGludGhlY2xhc3Nyb29tLyJ9.VR4JoDrrgPOPWc0a3Exuu6NF7ejzp0ktJtLK-Ej_pxo/s/497221905/br/80436263328-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/TroutInTheClassroom</a>&nbsp;or contact Grace Gaard at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:grace.gaard@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">grace.gaard@nebraska.gov</a>.

Scholarships available for Trout in the Classroom Program

Severe weather possible in the area Tuesday

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska health officials say the number of reported coronavirus cases in the state is approaching 19,000.

As of Monday, the state reported 18,899 cases of COVID-19, according to the Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker</a>. That is an increase of 375 cases since Friday evening.

The number of deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak in the state increased by 1 to 267 between Friday and Monday.

More than two-thirds of the coronavirus cases reported in the state are in five Nebraska counties: Douglas, Dakota, Lancaster, Hall and Sarpy counties. Each of those counties has reported more than 1,000 cases.

The state said that 41% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 49% of its intensive care beds and 79% of its ventilators remained available Monday.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, 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.

Out of the 18,899 cases of coronavirus in the state, 13,322 people have recovered.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska health officials say the number of reported coronavirus cases in the state is approaching 19,000.As of Monday, the state reported 18,899 cases of COVID-19, according to the Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker</a>. That is an increase of 375 cases since Friday evening.The number of deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak in the state increased by 1 to 267 between Friday and Monday.More than two-thirds of the coronavirus cases reported in the state are in five Nebraska counties: Douglas, Dakota, Lancaster, Hall and Sarpy counties. Each of those counties has reported more than 1,000 cases.The state said that 41% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 49% of its intensive care beds and 79% of its ventilators remained available Monday.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, 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.Out of the 18,899 cases of coronavirus in the state, 13,322 people have recovered.

Nebraska reports 18,899 coronavirus cases, 267 deaths

Americans hope they will never be bullied by a police officer. A man or woman with a badge and a gun can be an intimidating figure. If a cop pulls you over and bullies you, what can you do? Americans are at the mercy of bad cops. Who hasn't been afraid of a police officer at one time or another? Police reform is obviously needed in America. Black people or any people should never have to live in fear of a police officer who wants to prove that he or she has authority. We need good police officers who will protect us and help us. I believe the majority of officers are good people. However, this is no excuse to allow the bad ones to be out in uniform menacing anyone. 

Americans hope they can work. I recently saw too many stores closed or boarded up in Cleveland, Ohio. While visiting in the city I had hoped to stay at one hotel but learned this entire huge hotel has been totally closed due to the pandemic but hopes to reopen in August. These types of closures and boarded up businesses are good for no one. Americans know that living on unemployment cannot be a long-term lifestyle. Unemployment runs out. Typically, Americans can make more money working but the extra federal boost has been a major help to Americans. Americans mentally feel better and make more money when they are working jobs and bringing home a paycheck. While Covid-19 has made it difficult for us, we must embrace all the necessary precautions and safety measures so we might ensure keeping our country working.

Americans hope for a cure to Covid-19. Our present-day Americans have never faced anything like this before. America and the world have faced pandemics in the past but we have been fortunate to this point. Our time has come now to live through, survive and overcome this virus that has taken so many hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. We must support and pray for those who are working so hard for a cure.  

Americans hope to get our lives back. We miss social gatherings. We miss going to our places of worship. Only so much can be done at home for so long. Working at home, watching worship at home and doing everything at home is not all that much fun for many Americans. Some thought it would be great to do everything from home but many have gotten tired of never leaving the house. Many Americans will welcome the opportunity to go back to work, to church and the local gathering spots. 

As we celebrate our independence, we look to God, pray for our leaders and have hope that we all will grasp and stand firm on this truth from our Declaration of Independence, "that all people are created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." May we each hold to and extend this hope to every American. 

Click here for -&gt; Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense

Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers

Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette

     additional biographical, Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. He is the author of 12 books including Uncommon Sense. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593455054720.jpeg" alt="Dr. Glenn Mollette" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Glenn Mollette</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Glenn Mollette Americans hope they will never be bullied by a police officer. A man or woman with a badge and a gun can be an intimidating figure. If a cop pulls you over and bullies you, what can you do? Americans are at the mercy of bad cops. Who hasn't been afraid of a police officer at one time or another? Police reform is obviously needed in America. Black people or any people should never have to live in fear of a police officer who wants to prove that he or she has authority. We need good police officers who will protect us and help us. I believe the majority of officers are good people. However, this is no excuse to allow the bad ones to be out in uniform menacing anyone. Americans hope they can work. I recently saw too many stores closed or boarded up in Cleveland, Ohio. While visiting in the city I had hoped to stay at one hotel but learned this entire huge hotel has been totally closed due to the pandemic but hopes to reopen in August. These types of closures and boarded up businesses are good for no one. Americans know that living on unemployment cannot be a long-term lifestyle. Unemployment runs out. Typically, Americans can make more money working but the extra federal boost has been a major help to Americans. Americans mentally feel better and make more money when they are working jobs and bringing home a paycheck. While Covid-19 has made it difficult for us, we must embrace all the necessary precautions and safety measures so we might ensure keeping our country working.Americans hope for a cure to Covid-19. Our present-day Americans have never faced anything like this before. America and the world have faced pandemics in the past but we have been fortunate to this point. Our time has come now to live through, survive and overcome this virus that has taken so many hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. We must support and pray for those who are working so hard for a cure. Americans hope to get our lives back. We miss social gatherings. We miss going to our places of worship. Only so much can be done at home for so long. Working at home, watching worship at home and doing everything at home is not all that much fun for many Americans. Some thought it would be great to do everything from home but many have gotten tired of never leaving the house. Many Americans will welcome the opportunity to go back to work, to church and the local gathering spots. As we celebrate our independence, we look to God, pray for our leaders and have hope that we all will grasp and stand firm on this truth from our Declaration of Independence, "that all people are created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." May we each hold to and extend this hope to every American. Click here for -&gt; Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon SenseMusic by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealersContact him at GMollette@aol.com. Learn more at www.glennmollette.com Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette additional biographical, Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. He is the author of 12 books including Uncommon Sense. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

COLUMN July 4th-America's Hope

LINCOLN, NEB. – As Nebraska farmers and ranchers continue to suffer the negative economic and market effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nebraska Farm Bureau is urging President Trump to use the “full powers” of his office to enforce the Phase One China trade deal. Provisions of the agreement obligate China to make $36.5 billion in U.S. agriculture purchases in 2020.

“While some agricultural purchases have been made, China is woefully behind in terms of meeting the agriculture targets outlined in the in the Phase One deal,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. “In order to reach the $36.5 billion in imports China agreed to, purchases must drastically increase, and that must start today.”

In a letter to President Trump, Nelson pointed out that as of the end of April, China had imported approximately $4.6 billion worth of agricultural goods. The amount falls far short of the pace set back in 2017 of $7.1 billion; the last year of normal trade relations between the two countries.

China has been a vital market for Nebraska farmers and rancher, serving as a consistent top three market for Nebraska agriculture products year in and year out. Prior to 2018, Nebraska agriculture exports to China ranged from $936 million to more than $1 billion, equating to 15 percent of Nebraska’s total agriculture exports. The value of exports to China during that time equated to roughly $19,300 per farm in Nebraska.

“For more than two years, Nebraska’s farm and ranch families have felt the economic consequences of the trade war with China…a war they both understand and largely support. However, that support is based on the promise of more export markets and a better deal for farmers and ranchers when the dust settles. Now is the time to ensure China fully complies and meets their agricultural import targets as part of this historic agreement,” said Nelson.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 58,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

News Release (NEFB)LINCOLN, NEB. – As Nebraska farmers and ranchers continue to suffer the negative economic and market effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nebraska Farm Bureau is urging President Trump to use the “full powers” of his office to enforce the Phase One China trade deal. Provisions of the agreement obligate China to make $36.5 billion in U.S. agriculture purchases in 2020.“While some agricultural purchases have been made, China is woefully behind in terms of meeting the agriculture targets outlined in the in the Phase One deal,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. “In order to reach the $36.5 billion in imports China agreed to, purchases must drastically increase, and that must start today.”In a letter to President Trump, Nelson pointed out that as of the end of April, China had imported approximately $4.6 billion worth of agricultural goods. The amount falls far short of the pace set back in 2017 of $7.1 billion; the last year of normal trade relations between the two countries.China has been a vital market for Nebraska farmers and rancher, serving as a consistent top three market for Nebraska agriculture products year in and year out. Prior to 2018, Nebraska agriculture exports to China ranged from $936 million to more than $1 billion, equating to 15 percent of Nebraska’s total agriculture exports. The value of exports to China during that time equated to roughly $19,300 per farm in Nebraska.“For more than two years, Nebraska’s farm and ranch families have felt the economic consequences of the trade war with China…a war they both understand and largely support. However, that support is based on the promise of more export markets and a better deal for farmers and ranchers when the dust settles. Now is the time to ensure China fully complies and meets their agricultural import targets as part of this historic agreement,” said Nelson.The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 58,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefb.org/" target="_blank">www.nefb.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm Bureau urges Trump to use 'full powers' to enforce Phase 1 China deal

Study: Nebraska ranks 3rd in 'Best States to Survive an Apocalypse'

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man faces felony charges after allegedly killing his dog with a baseball bat and then burying it in his backyard.

Khaleem Baringer, 21, of Kearney is charged in Buffalo County Court with felony use of a weapon to commit a felony and intentional felony animal cruelty of his dog, Mary Jane, a week ago, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/kearney-man-accused-of-beating-dog-with-baseball-bat-killing-it-and-burying-it-in/article_b7129079-9cd0-5de5-83d7-ad04e13c6aca.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

A witness told police Baringer hit the dog several times in the head with the bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel.

Records show the dog was stabbed at least once before it was wrapped it in several towels and buried behind a shed in the yard.

Police found blood spatter on the wall and window of the master bedroom, in the bathroom, and inside and outside of a trash can.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593445687261.png" alt="Khaleem Baringer" />
 <figcaption>Khaleem Baringer</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska man faces felony charges after allegedly killing his dog with a baseball bat and then burying it in his backyard.Khaleem Baringer, 21, of Kearney is charged in Buffalo County Court with felony use of a weapon to commit a felony and intentional felony animal cruelty of his dog, Mary Jane, a week ago, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/kearney-man-accused-of-beating-dog-with-baseball-bat-killing-it-and-burying-it-in/article_b7129079-9cd0-5de5-83d7-ad04e13c6aca.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.A witness told police Baringer hit the dog several times in the head with the bat after it defecated on the floor and nipped at a woman as she tried to place the dog into a kennel.Records show the dog was stabbed at least once before it was wrapped it in several towels and buried behind a shed in the yard.Police found blood spatter on the wall and window of the master bedroom, in the bathroom, and inside and outside of a trash can.

Nebraska man faces felony charges after dog brutally killed

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte woman has been arrested on suspicion of numerous narcotics possession charges.

On January 18, 2020, Officers responded to the 3200 Block of South Newberry for suspicious people walking around vehicles. 

 Upon arrival, Officers made contact with 29-year-old Kelby Pierce and 32-year-old Josiah Negley.  Officers spoke with both subjects and learned that Negley had several warrants out for his arrest.  Negley was placed under arrest at this time. 

According to police, Officers learned that one of Negley's warrants was a Federal Indictment for possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Officers also learned that Negley was still believed to be involved with the distribution of narcotics. 

 With this information, police say Officers located Pierce's vehicle in the parking lot.  A Nebraska State Patrol K9 assisted with the investigation and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.  The vehicle was seized and a search warrant was later granted and executed.  During the search of the vehicle, Officers located prescription pills and several suspected narcotics. 

 The suspected narcotics were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for testing. 

 On June 11, 2020, the lab results confirmed that the narcotics located were identified as LSD, cocaine, mushrooms, ecstasy, methamphetamine and ketamine. 

 On June 26, 2020, Officers made contact with Pierce at the Police Department.  Pierce was placed under arrest for the narcotics allegations.  

Pierce was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Jail for numerous counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593438152456.png" alt="Kelby Pierce" />
 <figcaption>Kelby Pierce</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte woman has been arrested on suspicion of numerous narcotics possession charges.On January 18, 2020, Officers responded to the 3200 Block of South Newberry for suspicious people walking around vehicles. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with 29-year-old Kelby Pierce and 32-year-old Josiah Negley. Officers spoke with both subjects and learned that Negley had several warrants out for his arrest. Negley was placed under arrest at this time. According to police, Officers learned that one of Negley's warrants was a Federal Indictment for possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Officers also learned that Negley was still believed to be involved with the distribution of narcotics. With this information, police say Officers located Pierce's vehicle in the parking lot. A Nebraska State Patrol K9 assisted with the investigation and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. The vehicle was seized and a search warrant was later granted and executed. During the search of the vehicle, Officers located prescription pills and several suspected narcotics. The suspected narcotics were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for testing. On June 11, 2020, the lab results confirmed that the narcotics located were identified as LSD, cocaine, mushrooms, ecstasy, methamphetamine and ketamine. On June 26, 2020, Officers made contact with Pierce at the Police Department. Pierce was placed under arrest for the narcotics allegations. Pierce was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Jail for numerous counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

North Platte woman arrested on numerous narcotics charges after lab results returned

Today is Monday, June 29, the 181st day of 2020. There are 185 days left in the year.

On June 29, 1613, London’s original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed, was destroyed by a fire sparked by a cannon shot during a performance of “Henry VIII.”

In 1520, Montezuma II, the ninth and last emperor of the Aztecs, died in Tenochtitlan (tay-nohch-TEET’-lahn) under unclear circumstances (some say he was killed by his own subjects; others, by the Spanish).

In 1767, Britain approved the Townshend Revenue Act, which imposed import duties on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper and tea shipped to the American colonies. (Colonists bitterly protested, prompting Parliament to repeal the duties — except for tea.)

In 1776, the Virginia state constitution was adopted, and Patrick Henry was made governor.

In 1880, France annexed Tahiti, which became a French colony on December 30, 1880.

In 1927, the first trans-Pacific airplane flight was completed as U.S. Army Air Corps Lt. Lester J. Maitland and Lt. Albert F. Hegenberger arrived at Wheeler Field in Hawaii aboard the Bird of Paradise, an Atlantic-Fokker C-2, after flying 2,400 miles from Oakland, California, in 25 hours, 50 minutes.

In 1933, actor-director Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle died in New York at age 46.

In 1946, authorities in British-ruled Palestine arrested more than 2,700 Jews in an attempt to stamp out extremists.

In 1970, the United States ended a two-month military offensive into Cambodia.

In 1974, Isabel Martinez de Peron was sworn in as acting president of Argentina, two days before the death of her ailing husband, President Juan Peron.

In 1995, the space shuttle Atlantis and the Russian Mir space station linked in orbit, beginning a historic five-day voyage as a single ship. A department store in Seoul (sohl), South Korea, collapsed, killing at least 500 people. Actress Lana Turner died in Century City, California, at age 74.

In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-3, that President George W. Bush’s plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violated U.S. and international law.

In 2009, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff received a 150-year sentence for his multibillion-dollar fraud.

Ten years ago: China and Taiwan signed a tariff-slashing trade pact that boosted economic ties and further eased political tensions six decades after the rivals split amid civil war. Talk show host Larry King announced he would step down from his CNN show in the autumn after 25 years on the air.

Five years ago: A deeply divided Supreme Court upheld the use of a controversial drug, midazolam (mih-DAZ'-oh-lam), in lethal-injection executions. (Executions that employed midazolam took longer than usual and raised concerns that the drug did not perform its intended task of putting inmates into a coma-like sleep.) A car bomb killed Egypt’s chief prosecutor, Hisham Barakat, in the country’s first assassination of a senior official in 25 years. Stanley Cup winners Nicklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger and Sergei Fedorov and former NHL star Phil Housley were among the seven newcomers in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

One year ago: Former New York City police detective Luis Alvarez, who was a leader in the fight to maintain the Sept. 11 Victims Compensation Fund, died of cancer at the age of 53. In Major League Baseball’s first game in Europe, the New York Yankees outlasted the Boston Red Sox 17-13 in a London game that stretched for four hours and 42 minutes, just three minutes shy of the record for a nine-inning game.

Today’s Birthdays: Songwriter L. Russell Brown is 80. Singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys is 77. Actor Gary Busey is 76. Comedian Richard Lewis is 73. Actor-turned-politican-turned-radio personality Fred Grandy is 72. Rock musician Ian Paice (Deep Purple) is 72. Singer Don Dokken (Dokken) is 67. Rock singer Colin Hay (Men At Work) is 67. Actress Maria Conchita Alonso is 65. Actress Kimberlin Brown (TV: “The Bold and the Beautiful”) is 59. Actress Sharon Lawrence is 59. Actress Amanda Donohoe is 58. Actress Judith Hoag is 57. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter is 57. Rhythm and blues singer Stedman Pearson (Five Star) is 56. Actress Kathleen Wilhoite is 56. Producer-writer Matthew Weiner is 55. Musician Dale Baker is 54. Actress Melora Hardin is 53. Actor Brian D’Arcy James is 52. Actress Christina Chang is 49. Rap DJ Shadow is 48. Actor Lance Barber is 47. Actor-dancer Will Kemp is 43. Actress Zuleikha Robinson is 43. Rock musician Sam Farrar is 42. Actor Luke Kirby is 42. Country musician Todd Sansom (Marshall Dyllon) is 42. Singer Nicole Scherzinger is 42. Comedian-writer Colin Jost (johst) is 38. Actress Lily Rabe is 38. Rhythm and blues singer Aundrea Fimbres is 37. NBA forward Kawhi Leonard is 29. Actress Camila Mendes (TV: “Riverdale”) is 26.

Today in HistoryToday is Monday, June 29, the 181st day of 2020. There are 185 days left in the year.Today’s Highlight in History:On June 29, 1613, London’s original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed, was destroyed by a fire sparked by a cannon shot during a performance of “Henry VIII.”On this date:In 1520, Montezuma II, the ninth and last emperor of the Aztecs, died in Tenochtitlan (tay-nohch-TEET’-lahn) under unclear circumstances (some say he was killed by his own subjects; others, by the Spanish).In 1767, Britain approved the Townshend Revenue Act, which imposed import duties on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper and tea shipped to the American colonies. (Colonists bitterly protested, prompting Parliament to repeal the duties — except for tea.)In 1776, the Virginia state constitution was adopted, and Patrick Henry was made governor.In 1880, France annexed Tahiti, which became a French colony on December 30, 1880.In 1927, the first trans-Pacific airplane flight was completed as U.S. Army Air Corps Lt. Lester J. Maitland and Lt. Albert F. Hegenberger arrived at Wheeler Field in Hawaii aboard the Bird of Paradise, an Atlantic-Fokker C-2, after flying 2,400 miles from Oakland, California, in 25 hours, 50 minutes.In 1933, actor-director Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle died in New York at age 46.In 1946, authorities in British-ruled Palestine arrested more than 2,700 Jews in an attempt to stamp out extremists.In 1970, the United States ended a two-month military offensive into Cambodia.In 1974, Isabel Martinez de Peron was sworn in as acting president of Argentina, two days before the death of her ailing husband, President Juan Peron.In 1995, the space shuttle Atlantis and the Russian Mir space station linked in orbit, beginning a historic five-day voyage as a single ship. A department store in Seoul (sohl), South Korea, collapsed, killing at least 500 people. Actress Lana Turner died in Century City, California, at age 74.In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-3, that President George W. Bush’s plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violated U.S. and international law.In 2009, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff received a 150-year sentence for his multibillion-dollar fraud.Ten years ago: China and Taiwan signed a tariff-slashing trade pact that boosted economic ties and further eased political tensions six decades after the rivals split amid civil war. Talk show host Larry King announced he would step down from his CNN show in the autumn after 25 years on the air.Five years ago: A deeply divided Supreme Court upheld the use of a controversial drug, midazolam (mih-DAZ'-oh-lam), in lethal-injection executions. (Executions that employed midazolam took longer than usual and raised concerns that the drug did not perform its intended task of putting inmates into a coma-like sleep.) A car bomb killed Egypt’s chief prosecutor, Hisham Barakat, in the country’s first assassination of a senior official in 25 years. Stanley Cup winners Nicklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger and Sergei Fedorov and former NHL star Phil Housley were among the seven newcomers in the Hockey Hall of Fame.One year ago: Former New York City police detective Luis Alvarez, who was a leader in the fight to maintain the Sept. 11 Victims Compensation Fund, died of cancer at the age of 53. In Major League Baseball’s first game in Europe, the New York Yankees outlasted the Boston Red Sox 17-13 in a London game that stretched for four hours and 42 minutes, just three minutes shy of the record for a nine-inning game.Today’s Birthdays: Songwriter L. Russell Brown is 80. Singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys is 77. Actor Gary Busey is 76. Comedian Richard Lewis is 73. Actor-turned-politican-turned-radio personality Fred Grandy is 72. Rock musician Ian Paice (Deep Purple) is 72. Singer Don Dokken (Dokken) is 67. Rock singer Colin Hay (Men At Work) is 67. Actress Maria Conchita Alonso is 65. Actress Kimberlin Brown (TV: “The Bold and the Beautiful”) is 59. Actress Sharon Lawrence is 59. Actress Amanda Donohoe is 58. Actress Judith Hoag is 57. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter is 57. Rhythm and blues singer Stedman Pearson (Five Star) is 56. Actress Kathleen Wilhoite is 56. Producer-writer Matthew Weiner is 55. Musician Dale Baker is 54. Actress Melora Hardin is 53. Actor Brian D’Arcy James is 52. Actress Christina Chang is 49. Rap DJ Shadow is 48. Actor Lance Barber is 47. Actor-dancer Will Kemp is 43. Actress Zuleikha Robinson is 43. Rock musician Sam Farrar is 42. Actor Luke Kirby is 42. Country musician Todd Sansom (Marshall Dyllon) is 42. Singer Nicole Scherzinger is 42. Comedian-writer Colin Jost (johst) is 38. Actress Lily Rabe is 38. Rhythm and blues singer Aundrea Fimbres is 37. NBA forward Kawhi Leonard is 29. Actress Camila Mendes (TV: “Riverdale”) is 26.

Today in History-June 29

OGALLALA, Neb. (AP) - A Kansas man has been sentenced to four years of probation in a Nebraska crash that killed four Iowa motorcyclists.

The Kearney Hub&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kearneyhub.com/news/state/kansas-man-sentenced-to-probation-for-2017-crash-that-killed-4-near-ogallala/article_a6558d22-3e89-5a47-a918-24d409ccbaf3.html" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;that Jeser Cisneros-Hernandez, 24, of Liberal, Kansas, also was ordered Friday to serve 400 hours of community service. He pleaded no contest in February to reckless and willful vehicular homicide. Prosecutors dropped three more counts and two other charges in return for his pleas.

Cisneros-Hernandez's vehicle hit two motorcycles carrying two people each on July 1, 2017, near Ogallala, prosecutors have said.

Two of them were 54-year-old Sheila Matheny and 61-year-old James Matheny, from Bedford, Iowa. The other motorcyclists were 58-year-old Michal Weese and 59-year-old Jerolyn Weese, who lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Cisneros-Hernandez told investigators he was traveling on about an hour of sleep after his work shift in Sidney, Montana, and was heading home to Liberal, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1567093537444.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OGALLALA, Neb. (AP) - A Kansas man has been sentenced to four years of probation in a Nebraska crash that killed four Iowa motorcyclists.The Kearney Hub&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kearneyhub.com/news/state/kansas-man-sentenced-to-probation-for-2017-crash-that-killed-4-near-ogallala/article_a6558d22-3e89-5a47-a918-24d409ccbaf3.html" target="_blank">reports</a>&nbsp;that Jeser Cisneros-Hernandez, 24, of Liberal, Kansas, also was ordered Friday to serve 400 hours of community service. He pleaded no contest in February to reckless and willful vehicular homicide. Prosecutors dropped three more counts and two other charges in return for his pleas.Cisneros-Hernandez's vehicle hit two motorcycles carrying two people each on July 1, 2017, near Ogallala, prosecutors have said.Two of them were 54-year-old Sheila Matheny and 61-year-old James Matheny, from Bedford, Iowa. The other motorcyclists were 58-year-old Michal Weese and 59-year-old Jerolyn Weese, who lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa.Cisneros-Hernandez told investigators he was traveling on about an hour of sleep after his work shift in Sidney, Montana, and was heading home to Liberal, Kansas.

Man gets probation in crash that killed 4 motorcyclists in Keith County

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) has reported another positive case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.

This is a female in her 80s, actively isolating at home. This case is under investigation.

WCDHD Dashboard:&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2nJLnKRjtmWJBxErz3es9pFBlKNWTQ2VQiQ3ogwaWqiZ2qEDvYlyYXNy4#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Dashboard1?publish=yes" target="_blank">https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) has reported another positive case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.This is a female in her 80s, actively isolating at home. This case is under investigation.WCDHD Dashboard:&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2nJLnKRjtmWJBxErz3es9pFBlKNWTQ2VQiQ3ogwaWqiZ2qEDvYlyYXNy4#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Dashboard1?publish=yes" target="_blank">https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593299593927.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Lincoln County woman in her 80s tests positive for COVID-19

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man is in custody following a standoff on Saturday morning.

The following is a statement for the North Platte Police Department.


Members
of the North Platte Police Department were called to the 2400 block
of East E St. several times in the past 12 hours.  The North Platte
911 Center received several reports of disturbances at that location
throughout the night.  



At
approximately 4:11 AM, police officers responded to 2405 East E St.
on the report that the resident was throwing things at the neighbor’s
house.  The resident of 2405 East E St., Wesley Hawkins, was the
suspect in the other disturbance reports that were received
throughout the night.  He went inside when officers arrived, likely
because he was aware of an active misdemeanor Lincoln County warrant
for his arrest on a stalking charge.


During
the police response at 4:11 AM, Wesley Hawkins came outside of his
home and yelled at the officers.  Wesley also fired multiple shots
from a small caliber handgun in the direction of the responding
officers.  A safe perimeter was established and the suspect retreated
into his home.  Mr. Hawkins came out periodically to yell at officers
at the scene and continued to fire several shots from firearms. 
Approximately 20 shots were heard by officers at the scene.

<a></a>
Assistance
was requested from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the
Nebraska State Patrol. Members of the NSP SWAT team were activated
and responded to the scene. Attempts to get Mr. Hawkins to
voluntarily exit his home were unsuccessful. A search warrant was
obtained and the tactical team used an armored vehicle to deploy a
chemical agent into the home. At 9:38 AM, Wesley Hawkins was taken
into custody. Mr. Hawkins was taken to the Lincoln County Detention
Center after being arrested for attempted 1st
degree assault on a police officer, use of a weapon during the
commission of a felony, and terroristic threats.


Neither
the suspect nor officers were injured during the incident.  This
incident had a positive outcome due to the resources made available
by a cooperative, multi-agency response. 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593274212699.png" alt="Wesley Hawkins" />
 <figcaption>Wesley Hawkins</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man is in custody following a standoff on Saturday morning.The following is a statement for the North Platte Police Department.
Members
of the North Platte Police Department were called to the 2400 block
of East E St. several times in the past 12 hours. The North Platte
911 Center received several reports of disturbances at that location
throughout the night. 

At
approximately 4:11 AM, police officers responded to 2405 East E St.
on the report that the resident was throwing things at the neighbor’s
house. The resident of 2405 East E St., Wesley Hawkins, was the
suspect in the other disturbance reports that were received
throughout the night. He went inside when officers arrived, likely
because he was aware of an active misdemeanor Lincoln County warrant
for his arrest on a stalking charge.
During
the police response at 4:11 AM, Wesley Hawkins came outside of his
home and yelled at the officers. Wesley also fired multiple shots
from a small caliber handgun in the direction of the responding
officers. A safe perimeter was established and the suspect retreated
into his home. Mr. Hawkins came out periodically to yell at officers
at the scene and continued to fire several shots from firearms. 
Approximately 20 shots were heard by officers at the scene.<a></a>
Assistance
was requested from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the
Nebraska State Patrol. Members of the NSP SWAT team were activated
and responded to the scene. Attempts to get Mr. Hawkins to
voluntarily exit his home were unsuccessful. A search warrant was
obtained and the tactical team used an armored vehicle to deploy a
chemical agent into the home. At 9:38 AM, Wesley Hawkins was taken
into custody. Mr. Hawkins was taken to the Lincoln County Detention
Center after being arrested for attempted 1st
degree assault on a police officer, use of a weapon during the
commission of a felony, and terroristic threats.
Neither
the suspect nor officers were injured during the incident. This
incident had a positive outcome due to the resources made available
by a cooperative, multi-agency response.

North Platte man in custody after standoff, firing shots at law enforcement

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State health figures show the number of hospital beds available in Nebraska has dropped below 40% as the state continues to see more COVID-19 cases confirmed. 

The state's online coronavirus tracker shows that as of Thursday, 2,330 of the state's total 3,834 hospital beds were occupied. 

That left 1,504, or 39%, of hospital beds available. The site also shows that 43% of intensive care unit beds and 78% of ventilators in the state were available. 

The state saw another 125 cases of the virus reported on Thursday, to take the state's total to 18,346. 

There also were three new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total to 260.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State health figures show the number of hospital beds available in Nebraska has dropped below 40% as the state continues to see more COVID-19 cases confirmed. The state's online coronavirus tracker shows that as of Thursday, 2,330 of the state's total 3,834 hospital beds were occupied. That left 1,504, or 39%, of hospital beds available. The site also shows that 43% of intensive care unit beds and 78% of ventilators in the state were available. The state saw another 125 cases of the virus reported on Thursday, to take the state's total to 18,346. There also were three new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total to 260.

Available hospital beds drop in Nebraska as virus cases rise

LINCOLN, Neb. – Roads on several state wildlife management areas (WMAs) remain closed, partially closed or are intermittently closed because of poor conditions. County roads leading to the areas also may be closed.

These closures are due to damage from the flood of 2019 along with continued high water table in some areas and local rainfall making roads impassable. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission continues to work to get vehicle access open to these areas.

The impacted WMAs include: Randal W. Schilling, Cass County; Goose Lake, Holt County; Peru Bottoms and Peru Boat Ramp, Nemaha County; South Pine, Brown County; Twin Lakes, Rock County; Defair Lake, Grant County; Cottonwood/Steverson and Big Alkali, Cherry County; Bufflehead and Kea West, Buffalo County; Loup River Public Power District and Don Dworack, Nance County; Bazile Creek and Niobrara Confluence, Knox County; Parshall Bridge, Boyd County; and Spencer Dam, Holt County; Rose Creek, Jefferson County.

For more information on closures at Game and Parks properties, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjYuMjM1NzQ4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi93ZWF0aGVyY2xvc3VyZXMvIn0.GvqJyRwzSG-uPeynyt979yXkQ5jtXInVmHSX0gz_5ZM/s/401498001/br/80393870444-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/weatherclosures</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Roads on several state wildlife management areas (WMAs) remain closed, partially closed or are intermittently closed because of poor conditions. County roads leading to the areas also may be closed.These closures are due to damage from the flood of 2019 along with continued high water table in some areas and local rainfall making roads impassable. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission continues to work to get vehicle access open to these areas.The impacted WMAs include: Randal W. Schilling, Cass County; Goose Lake, Holt County; Peru Bottoms and Peru Boat Ramp, Nemaha County; South Pine, Brown County; Twin Lakes, Rock County; Defair Lake, Grant County; Cottonwood/Steverson and Big Alkali, Cherry County; Bufflehead and Kea West, Buffalo County; Loup River Public Power District and Don Dworack, Nance County; Bazile Creek and Niobrara Confluence, Knox County; Parshall Bridge, Boyd County; and Spencer Dam, Holt County; Rose Creek, Jefferson County.For more information on closures at Game and Parks properties, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjYuMjM1NzQ4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi93ZWF0aGVyY2xvc3VyZXMvIn0.GvqJyRwzSG-uPeynyt979yXkQ5jtXInVmHSX0gz_5ZM/s/401498001/br/80393870444-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/weatherclosures</a>.-30-&nbsp;

Game and Parks announces several road closures on wildlife management areas

LINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts discussed the State of Nebraska’s Community CARES program.&nbsp; Through the initiative, the State is allocating $85 million to support community organizations such as food banks, shelters, and mental health care providers as they face increased demand for their services due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor to provide specifics on the Community CARES program. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, the State’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, and Caryn Vincent—Deputy Director of Public Health at DHHS—joined the Governor to emphasize the importance of keeping kids’ immunizations up-to-date.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F4xoete9a5angbqp%2FPress%2520Conf%25206.25.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Ce89f81aa31dc4185e21008d819d9524b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637287768459070504&amp;sdata=oYiuz3W6gVcllvQLoRV3CzobSyDlCS3gPwF8ePDjEzs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts discussed the State of Nebraska’s Community CARES program.&nbsp; Through the initiative, the State is allocating $85 million to support community organizations such as food banks, shelters, and mental health care providers as they face increased demand for their services due to the coronavirus pandemic.Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor to provide specifics on the Community CARES program. &nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, the State’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, and Caryn Vincent—Deputy Director of Public Health at DHHS—joined the Governor to emphasize the importance of keeping kids’ immunizations up-to-date.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska<ul>
 <li>We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Ce89f81aa31dc4185e21008d819d9524b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637287768459060542&amp;sdata=RGb8IyDepAUDtpa1i68MYLFHbBpcv8hFjQ0mezLIV4g%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.</li><li>All Nebraskans are now eligible to get tested. The last remaining limiting criteria has been lifted in Douglas County.</li><li>The last remaining limiting criteria has been lifted in Douglas County.</li><li>Test Nebraska mobile sites will be in the following communities in the next few days: Hastings, Imperial, North Platte, Omaha, Seward, South Sioux City, and Springfield.</li><li>Next week, Test Nebraska will also partner with the following hospitals and health centers to do testing: Blair Memorial HospitalCommunity Hospital in ColumbusGood Neighbor Health Center in ColumbusKearney Regional Medical CenterFaith Regional Health Services in NorfolkFranciscan Care Services in West PointYork General Hospital</li><li>Blair Memorial Hospital</li><li>Community Hospital in Columbus</li><li>Good Neighbor Health Center in Columbus</li><li>Kearney Regional Medical Center</li><li>Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk</li><li>Franciscan Care Services in West Point</li><li>York General Hospital</li>
 </ul>CEO Smith: Community CARES<ul>
 <li>Community CARES offers $85 million for Nebraska’s charities and providers to respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus.</li><li>Stabilization Grants - $40 million These grants offer direct assistance to charitable and provider organizations that have experienced losses or increased expenses due to the pandemic.</li><li>These grants offer direct assistance to charitable and provider organizations that have experienced losses or increased expenses due to the pandemic.</li><li>Response and Recovery Grants - $43 million These grants support charitable and provider organizations as they offer services in their communities.Services include meals, housing, behavioral health care, outreach to underserved populations, and more.</li><li>These grants support charitable and provider organizations as they offer services in their communities.Services include meals, housing, behavioral health care, outreach to underserved populations, and more.</li><li>Services include meals, housing, behavioral health care, outreach to underserved populations, and more.</li><li>Healthy Places Grants - $2 million These grants will be made as one-time payments to child care providers and centers of worship to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies.</li><li>These grants will be made as one-time payments to child care providers and centers of worship to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies.</li><li>Potential applicants can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CommunityCares" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/CommunityCares</a>&nbsp;for more information.</li><li>DHHS will also have a call center available to answer questions about the grants as of Monday, June 29th.&nbsp; The number is (833) 220-0018.</li>
 </ul>Dr. Anthone: Immunizations<ul>
 <li>Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements. &nbsp;They are among the most successful, cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death.</li><li>Vaccination can protect against 14 serious childhood diseases, including measles, mumps, flu, tetanus, polio, and whooping cough.</li><li>Vaccines not only help protect those who receive them, but they also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of disease.</li><li>Nebraska has a strong history of everyone working together—parents, health care providers, local health departments, public clinics, and schools—to make sure our children are immunized.</li><li>However, during the coronavirus pandemic, data is showing a decline in routine childhood vaccinations nationwide.</li><li>As families stay home to help slow the spread of the virus, many have missed routine vaccination appointments.</li><li>The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend every child continue to receive routine vaccinations during the coronavirus outbreak.</li>
 </ul>Caryn Vincent: Immunizations<ul>
 <li>As communities are opening up, it’s important for parents to work with their health care provider to make sure children stay up-to-date on routine vaccines.</li><li>If your child is due for a well-child visit or an immunization, call your health care provider’s office, local clinic, or health center and ask about how they are offering visits during the pandemic.</li><li>Many health care providers are taking extra steps to make sure visits are safe, such as: Having all staff and patients wear masksReducing the number of people in waiting roomsScheduling well-child visits at a different time of day than sick visits or at a different locationAllowing only one adult to accompany a child to appointmentsOffering telehealth appointments with separate, in-office appointments for immunizations</li><li>Having all staff and patients wear masks</li><li>Reducing the number of people in waiting rooms</li><li>Scheduling well-child visits at a different time of day than sick visits or at a different location</li><li>Allowing only one adult to accompany a child to appointments</li><li>Offering telehealth appointments with separate, in-office appointments for immunizations</li><li>DHHS offers the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. &nbsp;It’s a federally funded and state-operated vaccine supply program that provides vaccines to eligible children at no cost or low cost at various providers throughout the state.</li><li>Children are eligible for the VFC program if they are 18 years old or younger and meet at least one of the following requirements: Are American Indian or Alaska NativeAre eligible for MedicaidAre uninsuredAre underinsured</li><li>Are American Indian or Alaska Native</li><li>Are eligible for Medicaid</li><li>Are uninsured</li><li>Are underinsured</li><li>More information on the VFC program is available on the DHHS website:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/immunizations" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/immunizations</a>&nbsp;or by calling (800) 798-1696.</li>
 </ul>Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F4xoete9a5angbqp%2FPress%2520Conf%25206.25.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Ce89f81aa31dc4185e21008d819d9524b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637287768459070504&amp;sdata=oYiuz3W6gVcllvQLoRV3CzobSyDlCS3gPwF8ePDjEzs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts highlights 'Community CARES' program, encourages immunization

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - It's never been easy to be a Democrat in Nebraska, but somehow it keeps getting even harder.

The 29% of Nebraska voters registered as Democrats is the smallest in at least 50 years, and that's only one indication of the party's problems.

Just in the last week, the party&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db5b8e0b714d76827262eb0381574312" target="_blank">urged its U.S. Senate nominee to resign</a>&nbsp;after he admitted to sending sexually offensive text messages to a campaign staffer and its nominee in a largely rural congressional district ditched the party so he could run on the "Legal Marijuana Now" ticket. That followed a recent Democratic nominee for governor endorsing the Republican in the state's sole competitive U.S. House district.

The local Republican Party chapter in Omaha put it bluntly in a recent tweet: "Nebraska Dems have a dumpster fire on their hands."

Or as former Nebraska Democratic Party executive director Paul Landow noted, "For a Democrat to win statewide office, something really crazy would have to happen."

Although the last Democratic presidential candidate to win Nebraska was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, members of the party were once competitive. Democrat Bob Kerrey was elected governor and to the U.S. Senate in the 1980s and 1990s, and Ben Nelson served two terms as governor in the 1990s and was twice elected to the U.S. Senate. And in 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama won in an Omaha-based congressional district, thus earning a single Electoral College vote under Nebraska's unusual system.

But more than a decade has passed since a Democrat won a statewide election, and Republican nominees now aren't even seriously challenged.

Even some Republicans bemoan the situation.

"It's better to have competitive races, both in the primary and general elections," said J.L. Spray, a GOP national committee member and former state party chairman. "The voters should have a choice."

Democrats say their biggest problem is a lack of money, and they argue the national party is short-changing states like Nebraska in favor of states seen as more competitive in presidential politics.

Jane Kleeb, the state party chairwoman, noted that when Howard Dean was the Democratic Party's chairman, its national committee had a 50-state strategy that guaranteed at least $25,000 a month to every state party regardless of its size. That period of 2005 to 2009 coincided with Nelson's reelection to U.S. Senate and Obama's Electoral College win.

Later, Kleeb said the party reduced Nebraska's monthly share to $2,500 a month before raising it again to $10,000. But by then, she said the party had ceded too much ground to Republicans and had grown disconnected from rural voters, who tend to turn out in greater proportions than those in Omaha and Lincoln.

"We're having to rebuild relationships with voters who feel like the party has turned its backs on them," said Kleeb, who published a book this year on how Democrats could win in rural America. "Rural voters used to see our faces and hear our voices, and those years are now gone."

Kleeb said she's focused on rebuilding the party and trying to recruit strong candidates even though many are reluctant to jump into races with long odds.

As the general election approaches, Democrats are facing a host of problems, starting with the effort to unseat Republican Sen. Ben Sasse.

The Democratic nominee, Chris Janicek, was always a long shot, but after a staffer revealed he had sent her text messages asking whether his campaign ought to spend money "getting her laid," the party asked him to quit. Janicek has refused to step down, and under state law, the party can't force him off the ballot without his consent.

Unless a replacement is found there will be no Democrat listed in the 3rd Congressional District. Nominee Mark Elworth Jr. had been the nominee but opted to run as a marijuana party candidate.

In the typically competitive 2nd District, it's unclear whether it will damage Democrat Kara Eastman that the party's 2018 nominee for governor endorsed Republican incumbent Don Bacon.

Democrats who have won in Nebraska said they're surprised how dramatically the state's political climate has shifted.

When Kerrey, a decorated Navy SEAL, returned to Nebraska in 2012 to run for his old U.S. Senate seat, Republicans tagged him as an out-of-touch carpetbagger because he had been living in New York. Kerrey lost in a landslide to Republican Deb Fischer, a rancher and state senator.

"There was hardly any party when I ran in 2012," Kerrey said. "You get out of Omaha and Lincoln, and finding an elected Democrat is like hunting for a unicorn."

The problem, Kerrey said, is about ideology as much as it is about money and reflects a leftward move of the national Democratic Party.

"If your conclusions about social and economic policy are in the minority, then you're going to be in the minority," Kerrey said.

Even in the past, Democrats typically lost unless facing unpopular incumbents, said Kim Robak, a Democratic lieutenant governor under Nelson. Robak said Nelson was able to unseat then-Republican Gov. Kay Orr largely because Orr approved a tax package that some voters viewed as a tax increase.

"Since then, the Republicans have become a lot more careful," she said.

Nebraska Democrats have fared somewhat better in local elections and the nonpartisan Legislature, but they're still relegated to the minority.

Democrats thought they might have a winning candidate in Jane Raybould, a moderate Lincoln businesswoman and city councilwoman who ran for U.S. Senate in 2018. Raybould launched her campaign in the heat of President Donald Trump's trade war with China, outlining a pro-trade agenda as farmers struggled financially.

Still, Fischer coasted to reelection with nearly 58% of the vote in a year when wins elsewhere enabled Democrats to take control of the House.

Raybould said raising money was difficult as the state party's donor base is so small and out-of-state donors consider any Nebraska race to be unwinnable. Equally hard was convincing voters to consider a Democrat.

"It really is challenging to run for statewide office as a Democrat," she said. "You're already at a tremendous voter disadvantage. You're already facing an uphill battle."

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - It's never been easy to be a Democrat in Nebraska, but somehow it keeps getting even harder.The 29% of Nebraska voters registered as Democrats is the smallest in at least 50 years, and that's only one indication of the party's problems.Just in the last week, the party&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db5b8e0b714d76827262eb0381574312" target="_blank">urged its U.S. Senate nominee to resign</a>&nbsp;after he admitted to sending sexually offensive text messages to a campaign staffer and its nominee in a largely rural congressional district ditched the party so he could run on the "Legal Marijuana Now" ticket. That followed a recent Democratic nominee for governor endorsing the Republican in the state's sole competitive U.S. House district.The local Republican Party chapter in Omaha put it bluntly in a recent tweet: "Nebraska Dems have a dumpster fire on their hands."Or as former Nebraska Democratic Party executive director Paul Landow noted, "For a Democrat to win statewide office, something really crazy would have to happen."It wasn't always this way.Although the last Democratic presidential candidate to win Nebraska was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, members of the party were once competitive. Democrat Bob Kerrey was elected governor and to the U.S. Senate in the 1980s and 1990s, and Ben Nelson served two terms as governor in the 1990s and was twice elected to the U.S. Senate. And in 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama won in an Omaha-based congressional district, thus earning a single Electoral College vote under Nebraska's unusual system.But more than a decade has passed since a Democrat won a statewide election, and Republican nominees now aren't even seriously challenged.Even some Republicans bemoan the situation."It's better to have competitive races, both in the primary and general elections," said J.L. Spray, a GOP national committee member and former state party chairman. "The voters should have a choice."Democrats say their biggest problem is a lack of money, and they argue the national party is short-changing states like Nebraska in favor of states seen as more competitive in presidential politics.Jane Kleeb, the state party chairwoman, noted that when Howard Dean was the Democratic Party's chairman, its national committee had a 50-state strategy that guaranteed at least $25,000 a month to every state party regardless of its size. That period of 2005 to 2009 coincided with Nelson's reelection to U.S. Senate and Obama's Electoral College win.Later, Kleeb said the party reduced Nebraska's monthly share to $2,500 a month before raising it again to $10,000. But by then, she said the party had ceded too much ground to Republicans and had grown disconnected from rural voters, who tend to turn out in greater proportions than those in Omaha and Lincoln."We're having to rebuild relationships with voters who feel like the party has turned its backs on them," said Kleeb, who published a book this year on how Democrats could win in rural America. "Rural voters used to see our faces and hear our voices, and those years are now gone."Kleeb said she's focused on rebuilding the party and trying to recruit strong candidates even though many are reluctant to jump into races with long odds.As the general election approaches, Democrats are facing a host of problems, starting with the effort to unseat Republican Sen. Ben Sasse.The Democratic nominee, Chris Janicek, was always a long shot, but after a staffer revealed he had sent her text messages asking whether his campaign ought to spend money "getting her laid," the party asked him to quit. Janicek has refused to step down, and under state law, the party can't force him off the ballot without his consent.Unless a replacement is found there will be no Democrat listed in the 3rd Congressional District. Nominee Mark Elworth Jr. had been the nominee but opted to run as a marijuana party candidate.In the typically competitive 2nd District, it's unclear whether it will damage Democrat Kara Eastman that the party's 2018 nominee for governor endorsed Republican incumbent Don Bacon.Democrats who have won in Nebraska said they're surprised how dramatically the state's political climate has shifted.When Kerrey, a decorated Navy SEAL, returned to Nebraska in 2012 to run for his old U.S. Senate seat, Republicans tagged him as an out-of-touch carpetbagger because he had been living in New York. Kerrey lost in a landslide to Republican Deb Fischer, a rancher and state senator."There was hardly any party when I ran in 2012," Kerrey said. "You get out of Omaha and Lincoln, and finding an elected Democrat is like hunting for a unicorn."The problem, Kerrey said, is about ideology as much as it is about money and reflects a leftward move of the national Democratic Party."If your conclusions about social and economic policy are in the minority, then you're going to be in the minority," Kerrey said.Even in the past, Democrats typically lost unless facing unpopular incumbents, said Kim Robak, a Democratic lieutenant governor under Nelson. Robak said Nelson was able to unseat then-Republican Gov. Kay Orr largely because Orr approved a tax package that some voters viewed as a tax increase."Since then, the Republicans have become a lot more careful," she said.Nebraska Democrats have fared somewhat better in local elections and the nonpartisan Legislature, but they're still relegated to the minority.Democrats thought they might have a winning candidate in Jane Raybould, a moderate Lincoln businesswoman and city councilwoman who ran for U.S. Senate in 2018. Raybould launched her campaign in the heat of President Donald Trump's trade war with China, outlining a pro-trade agenda as farmers struggled financially.Still, Fischer coasted to reelection with nearly 58% of the vote in a year when wins elsewhere enabled Democrats to take control of the House.Raybould said raising money was difficult as the state party's donor base is so small and out-of-state donors consider any Nebraska race to be unwinnable. Equally hard was convincing voters to consider a Democrat."It really is challenging to run for statewide office as a Democrat," she said. "You're already at a tremendous voter disadvantage. You're already facing an uphill battle."

Democrats fight for relevance in red-state Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A western Nebraska attorney accused of accepting cocaine as payment for legal services has been disbarred.

The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday issued the notice of disbarment for Jon Worthman, 52. Worthman was arrested in January after a law enforcement informant sold him about an ounce of cocaine, the Nebraska State Patrol has said. An affidavit said that after his arrest, Worthman admitted to sometimes accepting cocaine as payment for legal fees.

Worthman, who had also served as the elected public defender for Box Butte County at the time of his arrest, has been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. He is free while awaiting trial on a $15,000 bond.

In Friday's notice, the state's high court said Worthman filed a motion to voluntarily surrender his law license. Worthman had been practicing law in the state since 1994.

Reached at his home in Alliance, Worthman declined to comment on both his case and his disbarment. Worthman's attorney, Maren Chalupka of Scottsbluff, was out of the office Friday and did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Worthman's next court hearing is set for July 30 for his request to suppress all prosecutors' evidence. He argues in the motion that a confidential informant police used to carry out a drug deal with Worthman is an unreliable source.

Worthman has pleaded not guilty. Online court records show he has waived his right to a jury trial. A trial date has not been set.

By MARGERY A. BECK-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A western Nebraska attorney accused of accepting cocaine as payment for legal services has been disbarred.The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday issued the notice of disbarment for Jon Worthman, 52. Worthman was arrested in January after a law enforcement informant sold him about an ounce of cocaine, the Nebraska State Patrol has said. An affidavit said that after his arrest, Worthman admitted to sometimes accepting cocaine as payment for legal fees.Worthman, who had also served as the elected public defender for Box Butte County at the time of his arrest, has been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. He is free while awaiting trial on a $15,000 bond.In Friday's notice, the state's high court said Worthman filed a motion to voluntarily surrender his law license. Worthman had been practicing law in the state since 1994.Reached at his home in Alliance, Worthman declined to comment on both his case and his disbarment. Worthman's attorney, Maren Chalupka of Scottsbluff, was out of the office Friday and did not immediately return a call seeking comment.Worthman's next court hearing is set for July 30 for his request to suppress all prosecutors' evidence. He argues in the motion that a confidential informant police used to carry out a drug deal with Worthman is an unreliable source.Worthman has pleaded not guilty. Online court records show he has waived his right to a jury trial. A trial date has not been set.

Nebraska Supreme Court disbars Scottsbluff lawyer found with cocaine

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The latest state health figures show the number of hospital beds available in Nebraska has dropped below 40% as the state continues to see more COVID-19 cases confirmed.

As of Thursday, 2,330 of the state's total 3,834 hospital beds were occupied, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker</a>. That left 1,504, or 39%, of hospital beds available.

The site also shows that 43% of intensive care unit beds and 78% of ventilators in the state were available. The state saw another 125 cases of the virus reported on Thursday, as well as three new COVID-19 deaths.

The new numbers came as Gov. Pete Ricketts warned on Thursday that the state could see a spike in new cases if residents don't continue to take safety precautions like wearing masks in public places and keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from other people.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The latest state health figures show the number of hospital beds available in Nebraska has dropped below 40% as the state continues to see more COVID-19 cases confirmed.As of Thursday, 2,330 of the state's total 3,834 hospital beds were occupied, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker</a>. That left 1,504, or 39%, of hospital beds available.The site also shows that 43% of intensive care unit beds and 78% of ventilators in the state were available. The state saw another 125 cases of the virus reported on Thursday, as well as three new COVID-19 deaths.The new numbers came as Gov. Pete Ricketts warned on Thursday that the state could see a spike in new cases if residents don't continue to take safety precautions like wearing masks in public places and keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from other people.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, 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.

The North Platte Public Library will be relaxing more of the restrictions currently in place for the public, beginning on July 1, 2020, based on the Governor’s phase III DHM rules.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM – all public are required to use hand sanitizer upon entering the building.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday and Sunday: Library is closed – the book drop will be open.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Library is now open to people of all ages.&nbsp;Children ages 12 and under,&nbsp;must be accompanied by an adult.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adults and Children will be required to use hand sanitizer. Infants are expected to stay in a carrier or stroller. Hand Sanitizer usage is for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library materials by the virus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The drinking fountain is not available.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;A maximum of 50 people (excluding library staff)&nbsp;will be allowed in the facility at any time

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The entire second floor library collections and services, including Computer Services, are now accessible to the public.&nbsp;In order to maintain social distancing in computer areas; a maximum of eight (8) public TLC (Technology Learning Center) computers, two (2) genealogy area computers and one (1) young adult computer area, will be made available. The first floor computers are now library catalog access only computers. Please note that due to social distancing guidelines, computer assistance is very limited.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The Creation Station is now open with limited hours, by appointment only, with modifications and restrictions.&nbsp;Call 308-535-8036 X3320 to make an appointment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Group programming may be requested by contacting the Library Director. Due to social distancing guidelines, meeting room capacity is limited.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Teens Explore will be held July 9, 16, and 23, 2020 at 4:00PM, with a maximum of twenty-four (24) participants and one (1) library staff member.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;All persons visiting the library will need to check in with a library teammate and use hand sanitizer before entering the main area of the library. All persons will be asked their name and required to use hand sanitizer (provided by the Library). This is for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library materials by the virus. Masks are encouraged, but not required.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;All library staff are encouraged (but not required) to wear masks&nbsp;and may be further protected as their comfort level dictates.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Magazines and Newspapers&nbsp;will be available for the public to read. This is based on the early findings of the REALM Study (Reopening Archives, Libraries &amp; Museums):&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days" target="_blank">https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days</a>

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A maximum time limit of 60 minutes per visit per day will be enforced.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tables with a maximum of 6 chairs have been spaced 6 feet apart, to maintain social distancing.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All library materials must be returned through the book drop (not the front desk). The library’s book drop is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. All returned library materials are put through a 72 hour quarantine.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public Restrooms are open, however they are only cleaned once a day and should only be used in an emergency situation.

The North Platte Public Library reserves the right to modify (stricter or loosen) these provisions of service based on Health Care Directives from the West Central District Health Department and/or City of North Platte Administration.

You are using the library at your own risk. The North Platte Public Library is not responsible if you contract coronavirus or any other communicable disease. We are taking all precautions to protect our staff and our patrons.

The North Platte Public Library will be relaxing more of the restrictions currently in place for the public, beginning on July 1, 2020, based on the Governor’s phase III DHM rules.HOURS OF OPERATION·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday-Friday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM – all public are required to use hand sanitizer upon entering the building.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday and Sunday: Library is closed – the book drop will be open.RESTRICTIONS/MODIFICATIONS·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Library is now open to people of all ages.&nbsp;Children ages 12 and under,&nbsp;must be accompanied by an adult.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adults and Children will be required to use hand sanitizer. Infants are expected to stay in a carrier or stroller. Hand Sanitizer usage is for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library materials by the virus.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The drinking fountain is not available.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;A maximum of 50 people (excluding library staff)&nbsp;will be allowed in the facility at any time·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The entire second floor library collections and services, including Computer Services, are now accessible to the public.&nbsp;In order to maintain social distancing in computer areas; a maximum of eight (8) public TLC (Technology Learning Center) computers, two (2) genealogy area computers and one (1) young adult computer area, will be made available. The first floor computers are now library catalog access only computers. Please note that due to social distancing guidelines, computer assistance is very limited.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;The Creation Station is now open with limited hours, by appointment only, with modifications and restrictions.&nbsp;Call 308-535-8036 X3320 to make an appointment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Group programming may be requested by contacting the Library Director. Due to social distancing guidelines, meeting room capacity is limited.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Teens Explore will be held July 9, 16, and 23, 2020 at 4:00PM, with a maximum of twenty-four (24) participants and one (1) library staff member.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;All persons visiting the library will need to check in with a library teammate and use hand sanitizer before entering the main area of the library. All persons will be asked their name and required to use hand sanitizer (provided by the Library). This is for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library materials by the virus. Masks are encouraged, but not required.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;All library staff are encouraged (but not required) to wear masks&nbsp;and may be further protected as their comfort level dictates.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*NEW*&nbsp;Magazines and Newspapers&nbsp;will be available for the public to read. This is based on the early findings of the REALM Study (Reopening Archives, Libraries &amp; Museums):&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days" target="_blank">https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days</a>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A maximum time limit of 60 minutes per visit per day will be enforced.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tables with a maximum of 6 chairs have been spaced 6 feet apart, to maintain social distancing.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All library materials must be returned through the book drop (not the front desk). The library’s book drop is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. All returned library materials are put through a 72 hour quarantine.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public Restrooms are open, however they are only cleaned once a day and should only be used in an emergency situation.The North Platte Public Library reserves the right to modify (stricter or loosen) these provisions of service based on Health Care Directives from the West Central District Health Department and/or City of North Platte Administration.You are using the library at your own risk. The North Platte Public Library is not responsible if you contract coronavirus or any other communicable disease. We are taking all precautions to protect our staff and our patrons.

More restrictions to be loosened at North Platte Public Library July 1

LINCOLN, Neb. – Select state park area service centers will reopen to the public July 1 for customer service, information and permit sales.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Select state park area service centers will reopen to the public July 1 for customer service, information and permit sales.Amenities such as interpretive displays and gift shops will not be available. Restrooms may be open. All park service center visitors must wear a face mask. A list of service centers opening on July 1 can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjYuMjM1NjkxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9oZWFsdGhpbmZvLyJ9.r9OCoyX6KYe3axvNYg6Zo0T6du2I7EawYRBF22WKgg0/s/497221905/br/80387569797-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/healthinfo</a>.The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is continuing to make services and amenities available and is committed to keeping the public and its staff safe during the COVID-19 health crisis."We are pleased to continue to provide great opportunities for outdoor recreation at our beautiful state parks and recreation areas and further restore additional services to safely serve our patrons," Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas said.Additional restored services and amenities include:• RV and tent camping returned to Danish Alps State Recreation Area in Dakota County on June 26. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and modern restrooms and showers are open.• Guests again are able to enjoy restaurants at Platte River and Fort Robinson state parks as well as food service at the Fort Robinson Sutler’s Store and the marina at Lewis and Clark state recreation area. To ensure the safety of the public and employees, food service staff have implemented health department and Nebraska Restaurant Association recommendations. Self-serve options (salad bars, buffets, soda fountains) will not be available and menu selections may be reduced. To-go menu options will be available at some locations. For hours of operation, guests are advised to contact the park directly. Caddy’s Parkside Bar and Grille at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park opened earlier in June.• The year-to-date reservation process will return July 1 for cabins, lodge rooms meeting rooms, group lodges, cabooses, pavilions, and picnic shelters. This does not affect RV and tent camping, which – until further notice – will continue to allow reservations no more than 30 days in advance.• Special Occasion Permit applications for July will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants may be required to include a safety protocol for maintaining social distancing, group sizing and proper hygiene.• The outdoor shooting range at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will reopen July 1.• Some limited educational and recreational programming at select state park areas will begin July 1.For more information regarding state parks and the impacts of COVID-19, or to purchase a park entry permit, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjYuMjM1NjkxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.lRLp5DwC5N8FWNJMqGMx2aWtIuK4BgzLFPLOvpZip4c/s/497221905/br/80387569797-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>. Find park contact information at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA2MjYuMjM1NjkxMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9zdGF0ZXBhcmtzLyJ9.o63LDAx2SyWSG0LcChenmQMaBqTlru9ps22V4QyLJ70/s/497221905/br/80387569797-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/stateparks</a>.

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