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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592496021675.png" alt="Harmon and Centennial Pools Scheduled to Open 20.png" />
 <figcaption>Harmon and Centennial Pools Scheduled to Open 20.png</figcaption>
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Kearney announces opening of city pools

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — Crews are battling a wildfire that has burned 200 acres on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota. 

The fire was 35 percent contained as of mid-morning Wednesday, according to InciWeb, an incident information system website managed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. 

A statement on the website calls it “a human-caused fire in steep timber on the Pine Ridge Reservation driven by high winds.” 

The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Department and Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Management have requested additional resources to fight the wildfire located about 6 miles north of the town of Pine Ridge.

 The Rapid City Journal reports the fire began Tuesday evening and lessened overnight, but became active again Wednesday morning.

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — Crews are battling a wildfire that has burned 200 acres on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota. The fire was 35 percent contained as of mid-morning Wednesday, according to InciWeb, an incident information system website managed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. A statement on the website calls it “a human-caused fire in steep timber on the Pine Ridge Reservation driven by high winds.” The Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Department and Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Management have requested additional resources to fight the wildfire located about 6 miles north of the town of Pine Ridge. The Rapid City Journal reports the fire began Tuesday evening and lessened overnight, but became active again Wednesday morning.

Crews battle fire on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon on Interstate 80 near Cozad.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., troopers responded to mile marker 223, where a female was found on the side of the road with a pickup and a trailer. A deceased male was found in the passenger seat of the pickup. Two children were also located in the vehicle and are safe.

There is no threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing. Interstate 80 is now open in both directions of travel in the area.

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an incident that occurred this afternoon on Interstate 80 near Cozad.At approximately 3:15 p.m., troopers responded to mile marker 223, where a female was found on the side of the road with a pickup and a trailer. A deceased male was found in the passenger seat of the pickup. Two children were also located in the vehicle and are safe.There is no threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing. Interstate 80 is now open in both directions of travel in the area.

NSP investigating death on Interstate 80 near Cozad

Mr. Jeff Steinbeck, Hershey High School Principal, has been named Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals Region V High School Principal of the Year for 2019-2020.&nbsp; This award recognizes a secondary school principal that exemplifies quality leadership in education.&nbsp; The award is voted on by members of the region.&nbsp; Region V extends from McCook to Valentine and west to the state line and consists of approximately 45 principals. NSASSP is affiliated with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

“I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to belong to and work with the Region V principals group.&nbsp; This group is comprised of individuals with a wealth of knowledge and experience and I am very honored to be selected for this award” states Steinbeck.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Jeff is very deserving of this award,” states Jane Davis, Hershey Public Schools Superintendent.&nbsp; “Jeff is a wonderful role model for others and he is committed to making a difference in the lives of his students and staff each and every day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592438346941.png" alt="Jeff Steinbeck (Photo: Hershey Public Schools)" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Steinbeck (Photo: Hershey Public Schools)</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseMr. Jeff Steinbeck, Hershey High School Principal, has been named Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals Region V High School Principal of the Year for 2019-2020.&nbsp; This award recognizes a secondary school principal that exemplifies quality leadership in education.&nbsp; The award is voted on by members of the region.&nbsp; Region V extends from McCook to Valentine and west to the state line and consists of approximately 45 principals. NSASSP is affiliated with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.“I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to belong to and work with the Region V principals group.&nbsp; This group is comprised of individuals with a wealth of knowledge and experience and I am very honored to be selected for this award” states Steinbeck.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Jeff is very deserving of this award,” states Jane Davis, Hershey Public Schools Superintendent.&nbsp; “Jeff is a wonderful role model for others and he is committed to making a difference in the lives of his students and staff each and every day.”

Hershey High School principal named 'Principal of the Year'

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), with assistance from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Hayes County Sheriff’s Office, and Frontier County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested a man following a hit and run crash involving a pedestrian Tuesday evening.

At approximately 8:05 p.m. Tuesday, NSP received a report of a car-pedestrian crash near Red Willow Reservoir on Highway 83. Upon arrival at the scene, the female victim reported that she had been engaged in a road rage incident that had lasted for several miles.

The victim stated that both vehicles had stopped near the reservoir and she had exited her vehicle to confront the other driver. As another vehicle arrived, which was driven by the boyfriend of the victim, the suspect vehicle, a Ford F-150, accelerated, struck the woman, and drove away. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and her boyfriend followed the F-150 as is fled the scene, but eventually lost sight of the vehicle.

Law enforcement officers from several agencies searched the area for the vehicle, which was located at approximately 9:30 p.m. not far from the location of the initial incident. The driver, Dewaine Nichols, 50, of North Platte, was contacted and taken into custody without incident.

Nichols was medically cleared and lodged in Frontier County Jail for assault and attempted motor vehicle homicide, as well as an active warrant from Lincoln County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592423615002.png" alt="Dewaine Nichols" />
 <figcaption>Dewaine Nichols</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), with assistance from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Hayes County Sheriff’s Office, and Frontier County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested a man following a hit and run crash involving a pedestrian Tuesday evening.At approximately 8:05 p.m. Tuesday, NSP received a report of a car-pedestrian crash near Red Willow Reservoir on Highway 83. Upon arrival at the scene, the female victim reported that she had been engaged in a road rage incident that had lasted for several miles.The victim stated that both vehicles had stopped near the reservoir and she had exited her vehicle to confront the other driver. As another vehicle arrived, which was driven by the boyfriend of the victim, the suspect vehicle, a Ford F-150, accelerated, struck the woman, and drove away. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and her boyfriend followed the F-150 as is fled the scene, but eventually lost sight of the vehicle.Law enforcement officers from several agencies searched the area for the vehicle, which was located at approximately 9:30 p.m. not far from the location of the initial incident. The driver, Dewaine Nichols, 50, of North Platte, was contacted and taken into custody without incident.Nichols was medically cleared and lodged in Frontier County Jail for assault and attempted motor vehicle homicide, as well as an active warrant from Lincoln County.&nbsp;

North Platte man charged with attempted motor vehicle homicide after hit-and-run

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has announced its spring 2020 dean’s list for students enrolled in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health professions. &nbsp; To qualify for the dean’s list, nursing and the allied health students must be enrolled for 12 or more hours during the semester and have a grade point average of 3.75 or above. To qualify for the pharmacy dean’s list, students must place in the top 20 percent of their class and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or above. Dental students must be in the top 10 percent of their class for the semester. The following is a list of students, their hometowns and the colleges in which they are enrolled. &nbsp;

UNMC College of Nursing Omaha Division

Elkhorn -- Eleanor Schmidt, Makenzie Smith

Grand Island -- Laura Lowry, Ashley Moseley, Mallory Woods

La Vista -- Eric Lange, Makayla Murphy, Carlos Oliva

Lincoln -- Mary Andrew, Brooke Kreikemeier, Amy Li

Omaha -- Jazmin Aguilar Salazar, Fatema Bhagat, Sarah Carlson, Mary Carney, Amber Caylor, Sara Cipolla, Garrett Connor, Kyle Crain, Gessica Gdowski, Juliann Hellman, Jason Hinze, Marissa Jankuski, Elizabeth Kangas, Olivia Keilig, Taylor King, Mia LaHood, Nicole Lathrop, Mary Lindsay, Emma Lonergan, Jacqueline Lopez-Ortiz, Kira Luxon, Lesley Marquez, Megan Ruzicka, Cole Scheidle, Samantha Scott, Dannika Shanahan, Tristan Stanley, Sarah Taylor, Shaun Warkentin

Papillion -- Lindsey Bartman, Brooke Cousino, Jacquelynn Edwards, Lindsay Hinman, Ashley Jennings, Rachel Mattley, Madasen Sortino

UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division

Chadron -- Alida Johnson, Danielle Johnson

Elkhorn -- Kathleen Shewchuk, Kathleen Todd

Grand Island – McKayla Harder, Ashtyn Keezer

Gretna -- Kennedy Ayer, Joshua Gasper, Shelby Jones, Kylie Otto

Hastings -- Elizabeth Clark, Kierstin Curtis

Lincoln -- Mary Andrew, Amber Attarzadeh, Elizabeth Burks, Airasol Bustamante, Michelle Carpenter, Jared Cottrell, Samantha Crook, Claire Gehring, Chloe Gillespie, Justin Graham, Julia Haack, Elizabeth Hale, Savannah Hanus, Rachel Hardy, Kristy Hoxmeier, Alison King, Sopha Kongmanyvong, Lindsay Kracman, Kenzee Kucera, Alexandra Lee, Miranda Lynch, Kaitlyn Malone, Jessica Reid, Bayleigh Roberts, Emma Scholtes, Olivia Spence, Courtney Stephens, Miranda Stott, Jocelyn Tierney, D.C., Christopher Williams, Leah Wilson, Kaitlin Zvolanek

Omaha -- Audrey Gregan, Grace Herrmann, Ann Kawamoto, Kara&nbsp;&nbsp; Lemkau, Johnna Lowe, Farrell Nelson, Emma Ourada, Nora Schuele, Rachel Speckmann, Abigail Tabaka, Rachel Tolbert

UNMC College of Nursing Kearney Division

Grand Island -- Bailey Coslor, Julie Hunter, Reagan Ostdiek

Kearney -- Marquette Bontz, Ashley Cattau, Katherine Cleveland, Delaney Eckhoff, Shelby Engels, Madalyn Houlden, Anna Nelson, Mykayla Tincher, Evan Uden

UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division&nbsp;(Scottsbluff)

Alliance -- Shayleen Behm, Megan Boness, Kennedy Cyza

News ReleaseThe University of Nebraska Medical Center has announced its spring 2020 dean’s list for students enrolled in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health professions. &nbsp; To qualify for the dean’s list, nursing and the allied health students must be enrolled for 12 or more hours during the semester and have a grade point average of 3.75 or above. To qualify for the pharmacy dean’s list, students must place in the top 20 percent of their class and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or above. Dental students must be in the top 10 percent of their class for the semester. The following is a list of students, their hometowns and the colleges in which they are enrolled. &nbsp;UNMC College of Nursing Omaha DivisionAlda -- Samantha SonnenfeldBellevue -- Krysti Castro, Duewa PartlowColumbus -- Summer SmejkalElkhorn -- Eleanor Schmidt, Makenzie SmithGrand Island -- Laura Lowry, Ashley Moseley, Mallory WoodsGretna -- Hannah Brandon, Amy SchmitLa Vista -- Eric Lange, Makayla Murphy, Carlos OlivaLincoln -- Mary Andrew, Brooke Kreikemeier, Amy LiNorfolk -- Myles SudbeckOmaha -- Jazmin Aguilar Salazar, Fatema Bhagat, Sarah Carlson, Mary Carney, Amber Caylor, Sara Cipolla, Garrett Connor, Kyle Crain, Gessica Gdowski, Juliann Hellman, Jason Hinze, Marissa Jankuski, Elizabeth Kangas, Olivia Keilig, Taylor King, Mia LaHood, Nicole Lathrop, Mary Lindsay, Emma Lonergan, Jacqueline Lopez-Ortiz, Kira Luxon, Lesley Marquez, Megan Ruzicka, Cole Scheidle, Samantha Scott, Dannika Shanahan, Tristan Stanley, Sarah Taylor, Shaun WarkentinPapillion -- Lindsey Bartman, Brooke Cousino, Jacquelynn Edwards, Lindsay Hinman, Ashley Jennings, Rachel Mattley, Madasen SortinoPlattsmouth -- Paige BlankmanRoca -- Sarah KlostermeyerSeward -- Jennifer KophamerSouth Sioux City -- Brisa Medina GamezTekamah -- Taylor MclaughlinFort Collins, CO -- Jamie RickertCarroll, IA -- Emily StanzykUNMC College of Nursing Lincoln DivisionAdams -- Lauren PardeAppleton -- Nicole DunneAurora -- Lillian EppBeatrice -- Joscelyn ZimmermanBurchard -- Michelle WehrbeinChadron -- Alida Johnson, Danielle JohnsonClearwater -- Sierra SchroederColumbus -- Hannah MielakCreighton -- Randy WilmesDenton -- KyAna McCandless StewartElkhorn -- Kathleen Shewchuk, Kathleen ToddElm Creek -- Brooke ClabaughFremont -- Emily CallawayGrand Island – McKayla Harder, Ashtyn KeezerGretna -- Kennedy Ayer, Joshua Gasper, Shelby Jones, Kylie OttoHallam -- Sarah HowatHastings -- Elizabeth Clark, Kierstin CurtisHenderson -- Ellie SteingardHickman -- Stephanie MackeHoskins -- Bailey WetzelKearney -- Julia Bauer, Elizabeth ThornLincoln -- Mary Andrew, Amber Attarzadeh, Elizabeth Burks, Airasol Bustamante, Michelle Carpenter, Jared Cottrell, Samantha Crook, Claire Gehring, Chloe Gillespie, Justin Graham, Julia Haack, Elizabeth Hale, Savannah Hanus, Rachel Hardy, Kristy Hoxmeier, Alison King, Sopha Kongmanyvong, Lindsay Kracman, Kenzee Kucera, Alexandra Lee, Miranda Lynch, Kaitlyn Malone, Jessica Reid, Bayleigh Roberts, Emma Scholtes, Olivia Spence, Courtney Stephens, Miranda Stott, Jocelyn Tierney, D.C., Christopher Williams, Leah Wilson, Kaitlin ZvolanekNehawka -- Amanda JamisonOmaha -- Audrey Gregan, Grace Herrmann, Ann Kawamoto, Kara&nbsp;&nbsp; Lemkau, Johnna Lowe, Farrell Nelson, Emma Ourada, Nora Schuele, Rachel Speckmann, Abigail Tabaka, Rachel TolbertO’Neill -- Caleigh MilesPapillion -- Keylee Bruck, Ayme SumpterRavenna – Paige LucasRoca – Hannah OellingSutton -- Sydney Griess, Gina OsterhausSwanton -- Wendi HaufleValley –&nbsp; Nicole BakkenWaverly -- Emma ScheelYork -- Allison HottovyGranada Hills, CA -- John Schultz VISimi Valley, CA -- Autumn PiferHighlands Ranch, CO -- Shilan SchechterWheaton, IL -- Megan BougadisDerby, KS -- Jessica StrawnOverland Park, KS -- Adelaide GundersonStilwell, KS -- Hannah ScottenMaple Grove, MN -- Grace SullivanNew Prague, MN -- Serena ThomasWoodbury, MN -- Callie KahrerMaxwell, NM -- MaKenna EarlSioux falls, SD -- Hilary VondraMcKinney, TX -- Mallory KundeeUNMC College of Nursing Kearney DivisionArlington -- Hannah ThompsonBlue Hill -- Lindsey HaferGeneva -- Sophia FrookGothenburg -- Sydney GruberGrand Island -- Bailey Coslor, Julie Hunter, Reagan OstdiekHastings -- Larissa BruceHay Springs – Cydney JancikHoldrege -- Rebecca SchulzJuniata -- Claire RasmussenKearney -- Marquette Bontz, Ashley Cattau, Katherine Cleveland, Delaney Eckhoff, Shelby Engels, Madalyn Houlden, Anna Nelson, Mykayla Tincher, Evan UdenLodgepole -- Kathryn ErnestMcCook -- Riley KotschwarOmaha -- Elizabeth RockwellOrd -- Tessa CoppOverton -- Shae Ann GrayekPlattsmouth -- Allie BleckeSchuyler -- Preston HallScotia -- Michelle BruhaStuart -- Maycey ForkerThedford -- Tristan HaakeWymore -- Emily ZvolanekGrover Beach, CA-- Riley HubbellUNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division&nbsp;(Scottsbluff)Alliance -- Shayleen Behm, Megan Boness, Kennedy CyzaBayard -- Shelby DicksonGering -- Samantha O'LearyHershey -- Hannah HarwagerLincoln -- Sophia LaPortaMorrill – Jessica WenzelNelson -- Cherokee Frahm-ThayerOmaha -- Patrick NitchalsPetersburg -- Jenny BeckmanScottsbluff -- Becky Adams, Katelyn Allison, Devin Beaver, Yarrow Corymb, Rebecca Goldrick, Anna Peterson, Shannon Piccone, Marisa ServidoHolyoke, CO -- Danielle LenzPueblo West, CO -- Samantha DeNardoSeatac, WA -- Helen NelsonJay Em, WY -- Nichole SmithUNMC College of Nursing Northern Division&nbsp;(Norfolk)Bellwood -- Anthony EickmeierClarkson -- Brooke JindraColumbus -- Christopher Bailly, Sarita Bailly, Miroslav Manso RodriguezCrete -- Evelyn SeguraGrand Island -- Amelia IversenHubbard -- Skyler MillerLincoln -- Kaci LeppkyNorfolk -- Megan O'Driscoll, Luke Roth, Andrea SteffenOakland -- Hannah BrudigamOmaha -- Seth GreenfieldO‘Neill -- Tami Jo MarcellusPapillion -- Allison GradovillePlattsmouth -- Bethany QuinnPonca -- Bailie BodlakSeward -- McKayla TooveyTekamah -- Olivia DeemerVerdigre -- Haylee KlawitterWakefield -- Megan BorgWest Point -- Jesse Moises PrietoWilcox -- Emily BergstromCollege of Dentistry (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a delay in the release of part of the dean’s list. A release will be sent to each of the students’ hometown papers once I get the rest of the names which will be about 10 names.)DentistryBlair -- Gabriella HurovHartington -- Tracy PeitzLincoln –Samantha NelsonOmaha -- Jai Mediratta, Brandon ToscanoSt. Louis, MO -- Jason WahidiSioux Falls, SD -- Allie KothBrookings, SD -- Devyn ProdoehlCheyenne, WY -- Colton AllenShaoxing, China -- Yike LiDental HygieneLincoln -- Brianna Hellings, Yahia Al SarhaniCollege of PharmacyBellevue -- Ashley LopezBlair -- Vance JanssenBridgeport -- Quentin BaxterBroken Bow -- Andrew FlintColumbus -- Matthew SchrunkGretna -- Cheyenne JohnsonHay Springs -- Jennifer ScherbarthHickman -- Bridget BucherHowells -- Morgan PritchardLincoln -- Ashley Bogus, Trevor Grace, Madeleine KoenigMcCook -- Megan VetrovskyMilford -- Alexandra KenneyOmaha -- Rachel Ballard, Samantha Brodersen, Cory Durbin, Terese Lewis, Meghan Schuff ZimmermanPapillion -- Brady CaverzagieSpringfield -- Molly KernanSutton -- Nicholas HohenseeWest Point -- Sarah ArduserWisner -- Jenni LueshenLittle Rock, AR -- Chase PetersenWalnut, IA -- Minden HuntrodsOverland Park, KS -- Shailendra SelvarajSylvia, KS -- Riley BowenRapid City, SD -- Dominic PoeppelYankton, SD -- Taylor RuterOakville, Ontario, Canada -- Dianne OsiemoFoshan, China -- Yufei ShiHandan, China -- Yadi LiuJiangxi Province, China -- Ken ChenWeifang, China -- Anlin WangNanjing, China -- Xiaoqing WangMacau, China -- Cheng Ieng WongFuijan, China -- Shushan WuBuon Ma Thuot, Vietnam -- Thuan LuongCollege of Allied Health ProfessionsAdams -- Caty WeberAuburn -- Cierra Wynn&nbsp;Blair -- Anna Bohling, Kiley Gosker&nbsp;Columbus -- Kylie Schnell&nbsp;Cozad -- Erika Smith&nbsp;Elm Creek -- Monica Meier&nbsp;Ewing -- Sarah Hawk&nbsp;Genoa -- Taylor Sutton&nbsp;Grand Island -- Ileana Gonzalez, Sophia Mittelstaedt&nbsp;Homer -- Daeja Ford&nbsp;Kearney -- Colten Kreager, Anna Wall&nbsp;Lincoln -- Hope Dillman, Allison Ediger, Joy Glynn, Michael Gries&nbsp;McCook -- Hannah Kohl&nbsp;North Platte -- Hayley Schanou&nbsp;Omaha -- Jaiden Becker, Jacob Goodwin, Patrick ODonnell, Margaret Sindelar, Lauren Teaford, John Waller&nbsp;Papillion -- Kelsie Ienn, Michaela McClellen, Lauren Williams&nbsp;Randolph -- Katelyn Backhaus, Colleen Korth&nbsp;Schuyler -- Natalie Stewart&nbsp;Shelby -- Delaney Belt&nbsp;Springfield -- Kathryn Scanlan&nbsp;Sterling -- Hannah Jasa&nbsp;Utica -- Caroline HahnWest Fork, AR -- Victoria SeamanModesto, CA --&nbsp;Karlee Hall&nbsp;Council Bluffs, IA --&nbsp;Briggs Bowen, Mary Harrill&nbsp;Carroll, IA -- Jessica VennerHoney Creek, IA Ashley MurraySterling, MA -- Cory KeithDetroit, MI -- Wayne Howell&nbsp;

UNMC announces dean's list for spring 2020

Michael Vargas is saving lives one flight at a time.&nbsp;

As a flight paramedic for Great Plains Health LifeNet, Vargas’ line of work is fueled by adrenaline and comes with new challenges every day.&nbsp; &nbsp;

“That’s what I love about it,” Vargas said. “My job is all about trying to keep people alive – being there for them on their worst day and trying to make that day a little bit better.”&nbsp;

Vargas always knew he wanted to go into the emergency services, but his initial plan, when he graduated from North Platte High School in 2005, was to become a fire fighter.&nbsp;

“I figured the best way to do that was to go into the Army, but at that time, to be a firefighter you had to be in the Reserves,” Vargas said. “I wanted to be active duty, so I took the medical route instead and fell in love with it.”&nbsp;

Vargas served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army from 2005-06. After sustaining an injury, he received a medical discharge and took a job doing ground transport for the Midwest Medical Transport Company.

His experience in the military prompted him to continue on in the medical field and pursue civilian paramedic school using the GI Bill.&nbsp;

“I chose Mid-Plains Community College for that because I could take the classes in North Platte, where I had moved back to so that I could be closer to family,” said Vargas. “I loved MPCC. The teachers were great. The instruction was great. The course I chose was very hands-on and very intense. You had to know what you had to know to save a life.”

While in school, Vargas also worked as an emergency room technician at Great Plains Health. He officially became a paramedic in the spring of 2010.&nbsp;

“I moved to Atlantic, Iowa for three and a half years to get some 911 medic experience,” Vargas said. “After that, I applied to start flying with Midwest MedAir, back in North Platte in July of 2013. When LifeNet took over, I started flying for them. That was in November of 2014.”&nbsp;

He had to have three to five years of critical care experience, pass an entry exam and take a certification test to become a flight paramedic. Reaching that level was a tremendous honor.&nbsp;

“The flight paramedic certification is the highest achievable certification for a paramedic,” said Vargas. “I was working as a tech in the ER when I decided I wanted to go for that. I told everyone at the time that I would be back, and I was.”&nbsp;

He soon found that working in an air ambulance was unlike anything he had ever experienced on the ground.&nbsp;

“There’s a lot more at stake,” Vargas said. “We care for the sickest of the sick patients. Basically, we take them from a hospital where an entire staff can’t care for them, put them in a small vehicle where it’s just me and my partner and have to safely deliver them to a facility that can care for them.”&nbsp;

Most of the transports are time sensitive. He sees everything – from strokes to heart attacks to trauma victims. &nbsp;

“It’s an investment, and it’s not for everyone, especially the weak of heart,” Vargas said. “Your heart has to be fully in it because once you commit, it’s all or nothing. For me, it’s been very, very rewarding.”&nbsp;

More information about MPCC, its EMT- Paramedic program and its Accelerated Paramedic program can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">mpcc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592408552018.png" alt="Michael Vargas (Photo: MPCC)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Vargas (Photo: MPCC)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCMichael Vargas is saving lives one flight at a time.&nbsp;He’s also living out his dream.&nbsp;As a flight paramedic for Great Plains Health LifeNet, Vargas’ line of work is fueled by adrenaline and comes with new challenges every day.&nbsp; &nbsp;“That’s what I love about it,” Vargas said. “My job is all about trying to keep people alive – being there for them on their worst day and trying to make that day a little bit better.”&nbsp;Vargas always knew he wanted to go into the emergency services, but his initial plan, when he graduated from North Platte High School in 2005, was to become a fire fighter.&nbsp;“I figured the best way to do that was to go into the Army, but at that time, to be a firefighter you had to be in the Reserves,” Vargas said. “I wanted to be active duty, so I took the medical route instead and fell in love with it.”&nbsp;Vargas served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army from 2005-06. After sustaining an injury, he received a medical discharge and took a job doing ground transport for the Midwest Medical Transport Company.His experience in the military prompted him to continue on in the medical field and pursue civilian paramedic school using the GI Bill.&nbsp;“I chose Mid-Plains Community College for that because I could take the classes in North Platte, where I had moved back to so that I could be closer to family,” said Vargas. “I loved MPCC. The teachers were great. The instruction was great. The course I chose was very hands-on and very intense. You had to know what you had to know to save a life.”While in school, Vargas also worked as an emergency room technician at Great Plains Health. He officially became a paramedic in the spring of 2010.&nbsp;“I moved to Atlantic, Iowa for three and a half years to get some 911 medic experience,” Vargas said. “After that, I applied to start flying with Midwest MedAir, back in North Platte in July of 2013. When LifeNet took over, I started flying for them. That was in November of 2014.”&nbsp;He had to have three to five years of critical care experience, pass an entry exam and take a certification test to become a flight paramedic. Reaching that level was a tremendous honor.&nbsp;“The flight paramedic certification is the highest achievable certification for a paramedic,” said Vargas. “I was working as a tech in the ER when I decided I wanted to go for that. I told everyone at the time that I would be back, and I was.”&nbsp;He soon found that working in an air ambulance was unlike anything he had ever experienced on the ground.&nbsp;“There’s a lot more at stake,” Vargas said. “We care for the sickest of the sick patients. Basically, we take them from a hospital where an entire staff can’t care for them, put them in a small vehicle where it’s just me and my partner and have to safely deliver them to a facility that can care for them.”&nbsp;Most of the transports are time sensitive. He sees everything – from strokes to heart attacks to trauma victims. &nbsp;“It’s an investment, and it’s not for everyone, especially the weak of heart,” Vargas said. “Your heart has to be fully in it because once you commit, it’s all or nothing. For me, it’s been very, very rewarding.”&nbsp;More information about MPCC, its EMT- Paramedic program and its Accelerated Paramedic program can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mpcc.edu/" target="_blank">mpcc.edu</a>.

MPCC alum soars as flight paramedic

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-North Platte Police have arrested another man in connection to a North Platte home invasion.

According to police, on June 4, 2020, at 4:21 a.m., Officers were called to the 200 Block of North North Park Drive for a disturbance.&nbsp; Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the residents of the house.&nbsp; The victims stated they were woken up to noises inside the house.&nbsp; One victim stated when she woke up, she observed three unknown males standing in her bedroom.&nbsp; It was reported to officers that the males had masks on and that they were brandishing firearms.&nbsp; 

The three males were confronted by the residents and departed without further incident, prior to officers arriving.&nbsp; Officers were able to view security footage from the home and confirmed that the males were armed with handguns and entered the residence without permission.&nbsp; During the investigation, Officers were able to identify 31-year-old Ted Lewis as one of the male subjects.&nbsp;

On June 5, 2020, at 12:28 p.m., Officers were called to a suspicious vehicle in the 500 Block of East Philip.&nbsp; Officers located the vehicle in the alley of the 800 Block of South Chestnut.&nbsp; At this time, Officers had contact with Lewis who was a passenger in the vehicle.&nbsp; During contact with Lewis, it was observed by officers that he was wearing similar clothing to what was seen on the security footage from the previous incident.&nbsp; 

Lewis then left the scene and entered a residence in the 800 Block of South Chestnut.&nbsp; 

Officers and Investigators with the North Platte Police Department applied for a search warrant for the residence, which was granted.&nbsp; The warrant was served on June 5, 2020, at 4:12 p.m. and Lewis was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; Lewis was placed under arrest for Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Prohibited Person, Terroristic Threats, and Burglary.&nbsp; Lewis was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Jail.&nbsp; 

Throughout the investigation, Investigators developed probable cause to arrest 33-year-old Patrick Murphy in connection to the incident.&nbsp; 

On June 16, 2020, Murphy was contacted by Officers and taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; Murphy was arrested on suspicion of burglary, terroristic threats, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592392212794.png" alt="Patrick Murphy" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Murphy</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-North Platte Police have arrested another man in connection to a North Platte home invasion.According to police, on June 4, 2020, at 4:21 a.m., Officers were called to the 200 Block of North North Park Drive for a disturbance.&nbsp; Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the residents of the house.&nbsp; The victims stated they were woken up to noises inside the house.&nbsp; One victim stated when she woke up, she observed three unknown males standing in her bedroom.&nbsp; It was reported to officers that the males had masks on and that they were brandishing firearms.&nbsp; The three males were confronted by the residents and departed without further incident, prior to officers arriving.&nbsp; Officers were able to view security footage from the home and confirmed that the males were armed with handguns and entered the residence without permission.&nbsp; During the investigation, Officers were able to identify 31-year-old Ted Lewis as one of the male subjects.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592402103067.png" alt="Ted Lewis, Jr." />
 <figcaption>Ted Lewis, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 5, 2020, at 12:28 p.m., Officers were called to a suspicious vehicle in the 500 Block of East Philip.&nbsp; Officers located the vehicle in the alley of the 800 Block of South Chestnut.&nbsp; At this time, Officers had contact with Lewis who was a passenger in the vehicle.&nbsp; During contact with Lewis, it was observed by officers that he was wearing similar clothing to what was seen on the security footage from the previous incident.&nbsp; Lewis then left the scene and entered a residence in the 800 Block of South Chestnut.&nbsp; Officers and Investigators with the North Platte Police Department applied for a search warrant for the residence, which was granted.&nbsp; The warrant was served on June 5, 2020, at 4:12 p.m. and Lewis was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; Lewis was placed under arrest for Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Prohibited Person, Terroristic Threats, and Burglary.&nbsp; Lewis was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Jail.&nbsp; Throughout the investigation, Investigators developed probable cause to arrest 33-year-old Patrick Murphy in connection to the incident.&nbsp; On June 16, 2020, Murphy was contacted by Officers and taken into custody without incident.&nbsp; Murphy was arrested on suspicion of burglary, terroristic threats, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Police make another arrest in connection to North Platte home invasion

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have announced fraud charges against six Nigerian men accused of scamming two Nebraska businesses and two Nebraska residents and attempting to steal more than $6 million.

The men, who are not in custody, were indicted at different times in 2016 and 2019, but their indictments were under seal until this week, the U.S. Attorney General for Nebraska said in a news release Tuesday.

Investigators said the men are accused of scams that included posing as company executives - using those executives' emails in a fraud called "spoofing" - to order company employees to wire company money for a business purpose. Another scam involved starting online romances with victims, who were then asked to wire money to the scammers' bank accounts.

Two Nebraska businesses lost about $1 million, prosecutors said, and two people were persuaded to send nearly $500,000 to the scammers.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have announced fraud charges against six Nigerian men accused of scamming two Nebraska businesses and two Nebraska residents and attempting to steal more than $6 million.The men, who are not in custody, were indicted at different times in 2016 and 2019, but their indictments were under seal until this week, the U.S. Attorney General for Nebraska said in a news release Tuesday.Investigators said the men are accused of scams that included posing as company executives - using those executives' emails in a fraud called "spoofing" - to order company employees to wire company money for a business purpose. Another scam involved starting online romances with victims, who were then asked to wire money to the scammers' bank accounts.Two Nebraska businesses lost about $1 million, prosecutors said, and two people were persuaded to send nearly $500,000 to the scammers.

6 Nigerians indicted on fraud charges over Nebraska scams

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revive a permit program that allows new oil and gas pipelines to cross waterways with little review.

 Earlier this year, a Montana judge suspended the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' permit program. Environmental groups seeking to block the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada argued it allows companies to skirt responsibility for damage done to water bodies. 

U.S. District Judge Brian Morris ruled that Army Corps officials improperly reauthorized the program, which he said could harm wildlife and wildlife habitat. Industry representatives say the ruling delays dozens of pipeline projects across the U.S.&nbsp;

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revive a permit program that allows new oil and gas pipelines to cross waterways with little review. Earlier this year, a Montana judge suspended the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' permit program. Environmental groups seeking to block the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada argued it allows companies to skirt responsibility for damage done to water bodies. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris ruled that Army Corps officials improperly reauthorized the program, which he said could harm wildlife and wildlife habitat. Industry representatives say the ruling delays dozens of pipeline projects across the U.S.&nbsp;

Trump administration takes Keystone dispute to Supreme Court

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Vote for the NEBRASKAland DAYS Buffalo Bill Rodeo<figure>
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LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to six state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on July 4. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging them to be especially careful this year.

Visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks but should be mindful of the dry conditions that exist across the state this year. Additionally, guests should follow recommended social-distancing, gathering-size and hygiene recommendations in light of the COVID-19 health crisis.

The areas that will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on July 4 are Branched Oak (Liebers Point only, Fort Kearny, Memphis, Fremont Lakes, Pawnee and Wagon Train.

Signs at recreation areas will point the way to designated fireworks sites and boundaries will be clearly marked. The use of fireworks elsewhere in state areas or at other times is prohibited.

Only fireworks approved for sale in Nebraska by the state fire marshal are permitted, and visitors must pick up expended fireworks and deposit them in appropriate containers. Minor children must be supervised when discharging fireworks. Use, possession and the discharging of fireworks is at the sole risk of the users.

A park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering state recreation areas.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to six state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on July 4. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging them to be especially careful this year.Visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks but should be mindful of the dry conditions that exist across the state this year. Additionally, guests should follow recommended social-distancing, gathering-size and hygiene recommendations in light of the COVID-19 health crisis.The areas that will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on July 4 are Branched Oak (Liebers Point only, Fort Kearny, Memphis, Fremont Lakes, Pawnee and Wagon Train.Signs at recreation areas will point the way to designated fireworks sites and boundaries will be clearly marked. The use of fireworks elsewhere in state areas or at other times is prohibited.Only fireworks approved for sale in Nebraska by the state fire marshal are permitted, and visitors must pick up expended fireworks and deposit them in appropriate containers. Minor children must be supervised when discharging fireworks. Use, possession and the discharging of fireworks is at the sole risk of the users.A park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering state recreation areas.

Six Nebraska state recreation areas will allow fireworks on July 4

OMAHA-United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Logan Spanel, age 30, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for violating the Lacey Act. &nbsp;The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants.&nbsp; Spanel admitted to two misdemeanor counts of the illegal taking of wildlife in interstate commerce and was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson to five years of probation during which Spanel may not hunt, trap, or assist, or be present with anyone engaged in those activities. Spanel&nbsp;was ordered to pay a $7,500 fine and forfeited a custom 300 caliber bolt-action rifle with a Sig Sauer tactical scope and SilencerCo suppressor utilized in one of the unlawful hunts.

An investigation determined that between November 2016 and November, 2017, Spanel was employed by Hidden Hills Outfitters (HHO, a commercial big game guiding and outfitting business located near Broken Bow, Nebraska, and provided hunting and guiding services to HHO clients.&nbsp; The investigation determined that during a number of these hunts, Spanel guided and assisted HHO clients in unlawful hunting activities which included hunting and taking mule deer without a valid permit, upon property without landowner permission, and with prohibited weapons, all of which are in violation of Nebraska State law or regulation.

In December, 2016, during the Nebraska muzzleloader deer season, Spanel personally hunted and killed a 195-inch mule deer north of Brewster, Nebraska, while accompanied and assisted by an HHO owner.&nbsp; SPANEL, knowing he had not yet acquired a valid permit, killed the mule deer with a .17 caliber rifle.&nbsp; Nebraska state law prohibits hunting or taking deer without first purchasing and possessing a valid permit and prohibits the use of center-fire rifles during the muzzleloader deer season.&nbsp; Spanel later transported the deer in interstate commerce by enlisting another HHO guide to deliver the trophy parts to a taxidermist near Palisade, Colorado.&nbsp;

In September, 2017, Spanel, an HHO owner, and a repeat HHO hunting client attempted to locate and recover a 190-inch mule deer named "Inline" that the Missouri client shot and wounded with archery equipment the prior evening north of Ogallala, Nebraska.&nbsp; After entering upon adjacent property without permission of the landowner, Spanel located, shot, and killed the deer with a suppressed rifle, knowing the weapon was prohibited for use during the archery season.&nbsp; Spanel engaged in an unlawful sale and transport of wildlife in interstate commerce by providing guiding and outfitting services for the unlawful take of the mule deer intended for subsequent transport to the client’s Missouri taxidermist.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Today’s sentencing is a continuation of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters.&nbsp;&nbsp;To date, twenty-seven (27) defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $248,048 in fines and restitution for underlying violations related to deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area.

The operation was a joint investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.

News Release OMAHA-United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Logan Spanel, age 30, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for violating the Lacey Act. &nbsp;The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking in interstate commerce "tainted" (i.e., taken in violation of a law or regulation) wildlife, fish, or indigenous plants.&nbsp; Spanel admitted to two misdemeanor counts of the illegal taking of wildlife in interstate commerce and was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson to five years of probation during which Spanel may not hunt, trap, or assist, or be present with anyone engaged in those activities. Spanel&nbsp;was ordered to pay a $7,500 fine and forfeited a custom 300 caliber bolt-action rifle with a Sig Sauer tactical scope and SilencerCo suppressor utilized in one of the unlawful hunts.An investigation determined that between November 2016 and November, 2017, Spanel was employed by Hidden Hills Outfitters (HHO, a commercial big game guiding and outfitting business located near Broken Bow, Nebraska, and provided hunting and guiding services to HHO clients.&nbsp; The investigation determined that during a number of these hunts, Spanel guided and assisted HHO clients in unlawful hunting activities which included hunting and taking mule deer without a valid permit, upon property without landowner permission, and with prohibited weapons, all of which are in violation of Nebraska State law or regulation.In December, 2016, during the Nebraska muzzleloader deer season, Spanel personally hunted and killed a 195-inch mule deer north of Brewster, Nebraska, while accompanied and assisted by an HHO owner.&nbsp; SPANEL, knowing he had not yet acquired a valid permit, killed the mule deer with a .17 caliber rifle.&nbsp; Nebraska state law prohibits hunting or taking deer without first purchasing and possessing a valid permit and prohibits the use of center-fire rifles during the muzzleloader deer season.&nbsp; Spanel later transported the deer in interstate commerce by enlisting another HHO guide to deliver the trophy parts to a taxidermist near Palisade, Colorado.&nbsp;In September, 2017, Spanel, an HHO owner, and a repeat HHO hunting client attempted to locate and recover a 190-inch mule deer named "Inline" that the Missouri client shot and wounded with archery equipment the prior evening north of Ogallala, Nebraska.&nbsp; After entering upon adjacent property without permission of the landowner, Spanel located, shot, and killed the deer with a suppressed rifle, knowing the weapon was prohibited for use during the archery season.&nbsp; Spanel engaged in an unlawful sale and transport of wildlife in interstate commerce by providing guiding and outfitting services for the unlawful take of the mule deer intended for subsequent transport to the client’s Missouri taxidermist.&nbsp; &nbsp;Today’s sentencing is a continuation of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by owners, guides, and clients of Hidden Hills Outfitters.&nbsp;&nbsp;To date, twenty-seven (27) defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $248,048 in fines and restitution for underlying violations related to deer taken within baited areas; deer, pronghorn, and wild turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective hunting seasons; deer taken during closed season hours, from the road, or without a valid permit; and mule deer taken within the Mule Deer Conservation Area.The operation was a joint investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.

Broken Bow man gets probation, fine for illegally taking wildlife

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Nebraska State Troopers have seized approximately five pounds of cocaine and arrested a New York woman following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Lexington.

At approximately 1:10 p.m. Monday, a trooper observed an eastbound Buick Enclave speeding at mile marker 243 in Dawson County. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected clandestine activity.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers located approximately five pounds of cocaine hidden inside a backpack, which was stored inside a suitcase in the cargo area of the vehicle.

The driver, Amanda Stuart, 40, of Buffalo, New York, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. Stuart was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

News ReleaseNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Nebraska State Troopers have seized approximately five pounds of cocaine and arrested a New York woman following a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Lexington.At approximately 1:10 p.m. Monday, a trooper observed an eastbound Buick Enclave speeding at mile marker 243 in Dawson County. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected clandestine activity.During a search of the vehicle, troopers located approximately five pounds of cocaine hidden inside a backpack, which was stored inside a suitcase in the cargo area of the vehicle.The driver, Amanda Stuart, 40, of Buffalo, New York, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. Stuart was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

Troopers find 5 lbs of cocaine during traffic stop near Lexington

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) - Authorities in western Nebraska have identified a motorcyclist who died in a collision with a car near Scottsbluff.

William Muhr, 61, of Morrill, died in the Sunday morning crash on Highway 26, the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday in a news release.

Muhr was found unresponsive at the scene, officials said. He was taken to a Scottsbluff hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Another motorcyclist who had been riding alongside Muhr told investigators he had been riding behind his friend on the highway and saw an oncoming car fail to negotiate a curve in the road, hitting Muhr.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) - Authorities in western Nebraska have identified a motorcyclist who died in a collision with a car near Scottsbluff.William Muhr, 61, of Morrill, died in the Sunday morning crash on Highway 26, the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday in a news release.Muhr was found unresponsive at the scene, officials said. He was taken to a Scottsbluff hospital, where he was pronounced dead.Another motorcyclist who had been riding alongside Muhr told investigators he had been riding behind his friend on the highway and saw an oncoming car fail to negotiate a curve in the road, hitting Muhr.

Sheriff ID's motorcyclist killed in western Nebraska crash

Lincoln – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Peterson and a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general asked Google and Apple to ensure all contact tracing and exposure notification apps related to COVID-19 adequately protect consumers’ personal information. Specifically, the coalition asked Google and Apple to guarantee that such apps, when available to consumers, are affiliated with a public health authority and removed from Google Play and the App Store once no longer needed by public health authorities.

In a letter sent today to the Chief Executive Officers of Apple and Google, cosponsored by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, the Attorneys General acknowledge that while digital contact tracing and exposure notification tools are valuable in understanding the spread of COVID-19 and assisting public health authorities, these same technologies pose a risk to consumers’ privacy.

“Public health authorities across the country and throughout Nebraska are working diligently to understand the spread of COVID-19,” Attorney General Peterson said. “Contract tracing and exposure notification apps that collect sensitive information from consumers without meaningfully contributing to this understanding deserve no place in the App Store or on Google Play.”

The coalition expressed concern regarding contact tracing and exposure notification apps available to consumers in Google Play and the App Store, particularly the “free” apps that utilize GPS tracking, offer in-app purchases, and are not affiliated with any public health authority or legitimate research institution.

To protect consumers without interfering with public health efforts to monitor and address the spread of COVID-19, the letters ask Google and Apple to:

Click here for a copy of the letter:&nbsp;<a href="https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa">https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa</a>.

Lincoln – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Peterson and a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general asked Google and Apple to ensure all contact tracing and exposure notification apps related to COVID-19 adequately protect consumers’ personal information. Specifically, the coalition asked Google and Apple to guarantee that such apps, when available to consumers, are affiliated with a public health authority and removed from Google Play and the App Store once no longer needed by public health authorities.In a letter sent today to the Chief Executive Officers of Apple and Google, cosponsored by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, the Attorneys General acknowledge that while digital contact tracing and exposure notification tools are valuable in understanding the spread of COVID-19 and assisting public health authorities, these same technologies pose a risk to consumers’ privacy.“Public health authorities across the country and throughout Nebraska are working diligently to understand the spread of COVID-19,” Attorney General Peterson said. “Contract tracing and exposure notification apps that collect sensitive information from consumers without meaningfully contributing to this understanding deserve no place in the App Store or on Google Play.”The coalition expressed concern regarding contact tracing and exposure notification apps available to consumers in Google Play and the App Store, particularly the “free” apps that utilize GPS tracking, offer in-app purchases, and are not affiliated with any public health authority or legitimate research institution.To protect consumers without interfering with public health efforts to monitor and address the spread of COVID-19, the letters ask Google and Apple to:<ol>
 <li>Verify that every app labeled or marketed as related to contact tracing, COVID-19 contact tracing, or coronavirus contact tracing or exposure notification is affiliated with a municipal, county, state or federal public health authority, or a hospital or university in the U.S. that is working with such public health authorities;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Remove any app that cannot be verified as affiliated with one of the entities identified above; and</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Pledge to remove all COVID-19 / coronavirus related exposure notification and contact tracing apps, including those that utilize the new exposure notification application program interfaces (APIs) developed by Google and Apple, from Google Play and the App Store once the COVID-19 national emergency ends. In addition, the attorneys general asked Google and Apple to provide written confirmation to their offices once the apps have been removed or an explanation why removal of a particular app or apps would impair the public health authorities affiliated with each app.</li>
 </ol>Click here for a copy of the letter:&nbsp;<a href="https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa">https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa</a>.

Attorney General Peterson asks Apple, Google to ensure all contact tracing apps serve a public health purpose

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Democratic Party called on its U.S. Senate nominee to drop out of the race Tuesday after he made sexually repugnant comments about a campaign staffer in a group text with her and other staffers.

The party said its state executive committee voted unanimously on Monday evening to withdraw all of its resources from Chris Janicek's campaign.

Janicek, the owner of an Omaha cupcake bakery, is challenging Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, who is seeking a second term. Janicek accepted the Democratic nomination a little more than a month ago after winning a seven-candidate primary race, but the odds of winning in November were against him in Republican-dominated Nebraska even before his party withdrew its support.

"Our Democratic Party has no tolerance for sexual harassment," state Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb said in a statement. "Our party will not extend resources or any type of support to any candidate that violates our code of conduct and doesn't treat men and women with the dignity and respect they deserve."

The text messages, which were obtained by The Associated Press, were from a group chat involving Janicek and five other people, including the female staffer. At one point, he wrote that he had argued with her and then asked whether the campaign should spend money on "getting her laid."

"It will probably take three guys," he wrote, before describing in graphic detail an imagined group sex scene involving the female staffer.

He then tried walk back those comments as "a joke," and texted an apology to the group.

"I'm going on no sleep and a bunch of exuberant excitement and I think I was out of line," he wrote.

The female staffer texted back that she was appalled by his comments and could no longer support his campaign.

"You are my boss and a candidate running for Senate, (an) office held by just 100 Americans representing approximately 330 million of her people," she wrote. "There is zero tolerance for what you said."

Party officials said they demanded that Janicek withdraw as the party's nominee, which he refused to do.

The campaign staffer, who has since quit, filed a formal complaint with the party alleging that Janicek violated its code of conduct that prohibits sexual harassment.

In a brief phone interview, Janicek said he doesn't plan to drop out of the race. He alleged that the party was targeting him because he disagreed with its more liberal activists on issues such as abortion rights and gun control.

"They're using this as a crutch," he said.

Janicek didn't deny that he made offensive comments, but he said he apologized for them and assumed the matter would be kept private.

Vince Powers, a Lincoln attorney and former state party chairman who is representing the female staffer, said Janicek also apologized to his client in person, but that she still wants him out of the race. Powers said his client did not accept Janicek's apology.

"People go to work for Democratic candidates in an underdog race because they're idealists," Powers said. "So when you get a text like this, it's just devastating."

One of Janicek's primary opponents, Alisha Shelton, announced Tuesday that she would relaunch her campaign as a write-in candidate in the general election. Shelton said she has already received support from another former Democratic primary candidate, Angie Philips, and she called on Janicek to withdraw.

"I am deeply disturbed that this brave individual experienced sexual harassment in that manner," Shelton, of Omaha, said of the campaign staffer.

Party officials can only replace Janicek on the November general election ballot if he files a request with the Nebraska secretary of state's office to have his name removed. If Janicek does withdraw, the party would have a few months to field a replacement. The last day for the secretary of state's office to certify candidates this year is Sept. 11, which is 50 days before the general election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592328805118.png" alt="Chris Janicek" />
 <figcaption>Chris Janicek</figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Democratic Party called on its U.S. Senate nominee to drop out of the race Tuesday after he made sexually repugnant comments about a campaign staffer in a group text with her and other staffers.The party said its state executive committee voted unanimously on Monday evening to withdraw all of its resources from Chris Janicek's campaign.Janicek, the owner of an Omaha cupcake bakery, is challenging Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, who is seeking a second term. Janicek accepted the Democratic nomination a little more than a month ago after winning a seven-candidate primary race, but the odds of winning in November were against him in Republican-dominated Nebraska even before his party withdrew its support."Our Democratic Party has no tolerance for sexual harassment," state Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb said in a statement. "Our party will not extend resources or any type of support to any candidate that violates our code of conduct and doesn't treat men and women with the dignity and respect they deserve."The text messages, which were obtained by The Associated Press, were from a group chat involving Janicek and five other people, including the female staffer. At one point, he wrote that he had argued with her and then asked whether the campaign should spend money on "getting her laid.""It will probably take three guys," he wrote, before describing in graphic detail an imagined group sex scene involving the female staffer.He then tried walk back those comments as "a joke," and texted an apology to the group."I'm going on no sleep and a bunch of exuberant excitement and I think I was out of line," he wrote.The female staffer texted back that she was appalled by his comments and could no longer support his campaign."You are my boss and a candidate running for Senate, (an) office held by just 100 Americans representing approximately 330 million of her people," she wrote. "There is zero tolerance for what you said."Party officials said they demanded that Janicek withdraw as the party's nominee, which he refused to do.The campaign staffer, who has since quit, filed a formal complaint with the party alleging that Janicek violated its code of conduct that prohibits sexual harassment.In a brief phone interview, Janicek said he doesn't plan to drop out of the race. He alleged that the party was targeting him because he disagreed with its more liberal activists on issues such as abortion rights and gun control."They're using this as a crutch," he said.Janicek didn't deny that he made offensive comments, but he said he apologized for them and assumed the matter would be kept private.Vince Powers, a Lincoln attorney and former state party chairman who is representing the female staffer, said Janicek also apologized to his client in person, but that she still wants him out of the race. Powers said his client did not accept Janicek's apology."People go to work for Democratic candidates in an underdog race because they're idealists," Powers said. "So when you get a text like this, it's just devastating."One of Janicek's primary opponents, Alisha Shelton, announced Tuesday that she would relaunch her campaign as a write-in candidate in the general election. Shelton said she has already received support from another former Democratic primary candidate, Angie Philips, and she called on Janicek to withdraw."I am deeply disturbed that this brave individual experienced sexual harassment in that manner," Shelton, of Omaha, said of the campaign staffer.Party officials can only replace Janicek on the November general election ballot if he files a request with the Nebraska secretary of state's office to have his name removed. If Janicek does withdraw, the party would have a few months to field a replacement. The last day for the secretary of state's office to certify candidates this year is Sept. 11, which is 50 days before the general election.

Nebraska Democrats renounce their Senate pick over comments

Urgent need for blood donors to help prevent summer shortage$5 Amazon.com Gift Card for all who come to give in June


Beginning today and for a
limited time, the
American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma
donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into
whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time,
there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals
resume surgeries and treatments that require blood products. 


Antibody
testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced
antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed
symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time
of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also
undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test
result does not confirm infection or immunity.


COVID-19
antibody test results will be available within 7-10 days in the Red
Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test
has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.

“As
an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is pleased
to provide more information about COVID-19 to our valued donors,”
said Dr. Erin Goodhue, executive medical director of direct patient
care with the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “If you are feeling
healthy and well, please schedule an appointment to not only help
saves lives but also learn about your potential exposure to
COVID-19.”  


The
Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a
diagnostic test.

Donation
appointments can be made by
downloading the free <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html">Blood
Donor App</a>, visiting <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>,
calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor
Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Thanks to
Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5
Amazon.com Gift Card via email.*


To
protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors,
individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with
COVID-19 should postpone their donation. 


Each
Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest
standards of safety and infection control, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html">additional
precautions&nbsp;</a>–
including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings
for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the
health of all those in attendance. Donors are&nbsp;asked to schedule
an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to
wear a&nbsp;face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment
with&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;public
guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All
blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A
blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of
identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years
of age&nbsp;in most states&nbsp;(16 with parental consent&nbsp;where
allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally
good health may be eligible to <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">donate
blood</a>.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger
also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood
and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using
RapidPass®
to complete their pre-donation reading and health history
questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving
at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at
<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>
or
use the Blood Donor App.

<h2>Urgent need for blood donors to help prevent summer shortage$5 Amazon.com Gift Card for all who come to give in June</h2>News Release
Beginning today and for a
limited time, the
American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma
donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into
whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time,
there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals
resume surgeries and treatments that require blood products. 
Antibody
testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced
antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed
symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time
of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also
undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test
result does not confirm infection or immunity.
COVID-19
antibody test results will be available within 7-10 days in the Red
Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test
has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.“As
an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is pleased
to provide more information about COVID-19 to our valued donors,”
said Dr. Erin Goodhue, executive medical director of direct patient
care with the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “If you are feeling
healthy and well, please schedule an appointment to not only help
saves lives but also learn about your potential exposure to
COVID-19.” 
The
Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a
diagnostic test.
Donation
appointments can be made by
downloading the free <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html">Blood
Donor App</a>, visiting <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>,
calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor
Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
Thanks to
Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5
Amazon.com Gift Card via email.* 

Blood
drive safety precautions
To
protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors,
individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with
COVID-19 should postpone their donation. 

Each
Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest
standards of safety and infection control, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html">additional
precautions&nbsp;</a>–
including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings
for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the
health of all those in attendance. Donors are&nbsp;asked to schedule
an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to
wear a&nbsp;face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment
with&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;public
guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a></a>
About
blood donationAll
blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A
blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of
identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years
of age&nbsp;in most states&nbsp;(16 with parental consent&nbsp;where
allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally
good health may be eligible to <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">donate
blood</a>.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger
also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.Blood
and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using
RapidPass®
to complete their pre-donation reading and health history
questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving
at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at
<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>
or
use the Blood Donor App.

Red Cross now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Another employee in Nebraska's prison system has tested positive for COVID-19, as health officials in eastern Nebraska announced a second child in the Omaha area has been diagnosed with a rare and serious inflammatory condition that's linked to the new coronavirus.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said late Monday that the latest prison staffer to be infected works at the Omaha Correctional Center and is self-isolating at home. The latest case brings the number of prison employee infected statewide to 20.

Meanwhile, the Douglas County Health Department announced Tuesday that a teenage boy was briefly hospitalized in late May with the inflammatory condition and tested positive for COVID-19. Health officials said the boy had a brief history of a fever, sore throat and fatigue before he was hospitalized. It's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/03b4e6ec64068db9bc3eec47e025f24e" target="_blank">third case&nbsp;</a>of the condition in children recorded in the state.

The new cases came as Nebraska saw four more COVID-19 deaths recorded Monday, bringing the state's total to 220. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">state's online coronavirus tracker</a>&nbsp;also showed 126 new cases on Monday, to take the state's total to 16,851.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Another employee in Nebraska's prison system has tested positive for COVID-19, as health officials in eastern Nebraska announced a second child in the Omaha area has been diagnosed with a rare and serious inflammatory condition that's linked to the new coronavirus.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said late Monday that the latest prison staffer to be infected works at the Omaha Correctional Center and is self-isolating at home. The latest case brings the number of prison employee infected statewide to 20.Meanwhile, the Douglas County Health Department announced Tuesday that a teenage boy was briefly hospitalized in late May with the inflammatory condition and tested positive for COVID-19. Health officials said the boy had a brief history of a fever, sore throat and fatigue before he was hospitalized. It's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/03b4e6ec64068db9bc3eec47e025f24e" target="_blank">third case&nbsp;</a>of the condition in children recorded in the state.The new cases came as Nebraska saw four more COVID-19 deaths recorded Monday, bringing the state's total to 220. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">state's online coronavirus tracker</a>&nbsp;also showed 126 new cases on Monday, to take the state's total to 16,851.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal.

Another Nebraska prison staffer tests positive for COVID-19

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Paws-itive Partners announces they are cancelling Woofstock scheduled for August 22, 2020.&nbsp; "We were hoping the COVID-19 virus situation would be resolved but not knowing makes planning and preparation too difficult for our annual event," said Paws-itive Partners president Jo Mayber.&nbsp; The annual Woofstock draws hundreds of people and dogs to Memorial Park in North&nbsp;Platte.&nbsp; "We are disappointed, but it is best - for the safety&nbsp;of all - to cancel this year's celebration because of restrictions and uncertainties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Woofstock 2020 would be the thirteenth year attendees could enjoy a barbeque, raffles, vendor shopping, veterinary clinics&nbsp;services and dog ice cream. Although Woofstock's day-long event is cancelled, Paws-itive Partners is going forward with two of Woofstock's favorite hallmarks: dog contests and T-shirts.&nbsp;&nbsp; Paws-itive Partners vice president Lora Wood and daughters, Daytona and Rei, are working to take dog contests online.&nbsp; The public will be able to watch dogs compete on virtual viewing.&nbsp; For information about virtual dog contests check Paws-itive Partners' Facebook beginning August 1, 2020. This year's&nbsp;Woofstock T-shirts feature a COVID-19 theme.&nbsp; The T-shirts add a touch of humor to a very serious situation, commemorating the year Woofstock was cancelled and showing dogs wearing PPE masks.&nbsp; T-shirts are available from size small youth to 3X adult and prices range from $13 to $18.&nbsp; To order Woofstock T-shirts call 308-530-1516 or check Paws-itive Partners' Facebook page beginning June 26, 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

News ReleaseNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Paws-itive Partners announces they are cancelling Woofstock scheduled for August 22, 2020.&nbsp; "We were hoping the COVID-19 virus situation would be resolved but not knowing makes planning and preparation too difficult for our annual event," said Paws-itive Partners president Jo Mayber.&nbsp; The annual Woofstock draws hundreds of people and dogs to Memorial Park in North&nbsp;Platte.&nbsp; "We are disappointed, but it is best - for the safety&nbsp;of all - to cancel this year's celebration because of restrictions and uncertainties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Woofstock 2020 would be the thirteenth year attendees could enjoy a barbeque, raffles, vendor shopping, veterinary clinics&nbsp;services and dog ice cream. Although Woofstock's day-long event is cancelled, Paws-itive Partners is going forward with two of Woofstock's favorite hallmarks: dog contests and T-shirts.&nbsp;&nbsp; Paws-itive Partners vice president Lora Wood and daughters, Daytona and Rei, are working to take dog contests online.&nbsp; The public will be able to watch dogs compete on virtual viewing.&nbsp; For information about virtual dog contests check Paws-itive Partners' Facebook beginning August 1, 2020. This year's&nbsp;Woofstock T-shirts feature a COVID-19 theme.&nbsp; The T-shirts add a touch of humor to a very serious situation, commemorating the year Woofstock was cancelled and showing dogs wearing PPE masks.&nbsp; T-shirts are available from size small youth to 3X adult and prices range from $13 to $18.&nbsp; To order Woofstock T-shirts call 308-530-1516 or check Paws-itive Partners' Facebook page beginning June 26, 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Paws-ititve Partners cancels Woofstock 2020

By Renae Blum Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Mark Alberts’ dad could recall going out with his grade-school teacher to cut down a cedar Christmas tree, and they had to hunt to find one.

Today things have changed, and the Loess Canyons, a roughly 338,000-acre landscape south of North Platte, is overgrown with eastern redcedar, a hardy, drought-tolerant invasive species.

While once looked upon favorably, the hardy, drought-tolerant invasive species is now recognized for its harmful effects on the Great Plains, including increased wildfire risk, diminished wildlife habitat, reduced streamflow and rapid spread. The Loess Canyons is one of the most infested areas in Nebraska, according to experts, with tree coverage of more than 75 percent in some areas.

The tree is well adapted to the area’s fertile soils and crowds quickly into valuable grazing pastures. Studies show that in areas where grasslands have converted to a cedar woodland, livestock production decreases by 75 percent.

For the landowners in the Loess Canyons, the situation became clear. Doing nothing and lose the ability ranch in the area, said Scott Stout, a landowner and cattle producer, or do something.

After identifying prescribed fire as the best way to beat back the invasive eastern redcedar, they created two prescribed burn associations to conduct burns on each other’s properties. Each association has close to 60 paying members, and the larger of the two groups, the Loess Canyons Rangeland Alliance, has burned more than 85,000 acres since 2002.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have taken notice.

“This is one of the few examples where we’ve seen a community come together to confront this issue head-on,” said Dillon Fogarty, a doctoral student researching eastern redcedar at the university. They’re also the only group in the Great Plains that has successfully halted the tree’s spread in a hard-hit region, he said.

Prescribed fire wasn’t the first solution landowners turned to, though. They first used mechanical methods to cut trees back, said rancher Tell Deatrich, but the trees came back quickly and in greater numbers than before.

They then turned to prescribed fire, pooling their resources together in what has turned out to be an effective management technique and a cost-efficient one. Fire, Fogarty said, can stop an invasion before it becomes a problem, but also can restore the landscape after cedars establish.

“If you look around at a burn, you will see half a million [dollars] in equipment and labor being shared,” Deatrich said, so while burn prep can be expensive, the actual burn is cheap.

To participate, association members are asked only to do mandatory prep work on their property before a burn, provide lunch and water for the workers, and help at other burns.

“I help you, you help me, we both go help somebody else,” Alberts said. “That’s just the way it works.”

Through it all, safety remains paramount. “We’re all volunteers, we all have families, we all have operations at home,” Stout said. “Being able to go to a burn, do this burn safely, and then go home to our families is the utmost priority on all of our burns.”

Their efforts have paid off: Neither prescribed burn association has experienced any fire-related injuries.

While they initially encountered skepticism from other landowners and the public, the groups now have the local community’s support and both associations continually gain new members.

“Being successful has been, I think, the key to getting new members – people noticing what’s going on,” Deatrich said. The landowners themselves have noticed healthier grass, improved soil health, increased wildlife habitat, and a rejuvenated water cycle – natural side effects of reintroducing fire to the landscape, he said.

Asked what landowners in other parts of the state should know, Alberts said, “The cedars are coming. Take care of them now while they’re small.” He advised talking to local Natural Resources Conservation Service office, as well as to landowners who have managed redcedar.

“The best time to control cedars was 20 years ago,” he said. But that hasn’t stopped him from moving forward.

“I don’t want my kids or grandkids to say, ‘Why didn’t Dad take care of those when he could?’ ” he added. “The time to get them is now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592327196624.png" alt="Members of the Loess Canyons Rangeland Alliance conduct a 3,000-acre prescribed burn on April 22, 2020, to control eastern redcedar trees that have encroached on grasslands in southern Lincoln County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Loess Canyons Rangeland Alliance conduct a 3,000-acre prescribed burn on April 22, 2020, to control eastern redcedar trees that have encroached on grasslands in southern Lincoln County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Renae Blum Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionMark Alberts’ dad could recall going out with his grade-school teacher to cut down a cedar Christmas tree, and they had to hunt to find one.Today things have changed, and the Loess Canyons, a roughly 338,000-acre landscape south of North Platte, is overgrown with eastern redcedar, a hardy, drought-tolerant invasive species.While once looked upon favorably, the hardy, drought-tolerant invasive species is now recognized for its harmful effects on the Great Plains, including increased wildfire risk, diminished wildlife habitat, reduced streamflow and rapid spread. The Loess Canyons is one of the most infested areas in Nebraska, according to experts, with tree coverage of more than 75 percent in some areas.The tree is well adapted to the area’s fertile soils and crowds quickly into valuable grazing pastures. Studies show that in areas where grasslands have converted to a cedar woodland, livestock production decreases by 75 percent.For the landowners in the Loess Canyons, the situation became clear. Doing nothing and lose the ability ranch in the area, said Scott Stout, a landowner and cattle producer, or do something.After identifying prescribed fire as the best way to beat back the invasive eastern redcedar, they created two prescribed burn associations to conduct burns on each other’s properties. Each association has close to 60 paying members, and the larger of the two groups, the Loess Canyons Rangeland Alliance, has burned more than 85,000 acres since 2002.Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have taken notice.“This is one of the few examples where we’ve seen a community come together to confront this issue head-on,” said Dillon Fogarty, a doctoral student researching eastern redcedar at the university. They’re also the only group in the Great Plains that has successfully halted the tree’s spread in a hard-hit region, he said.Prescribed fire wasn’t the first solution landowners turned to, though. They first used mechanical methods to cut trees back, said rancher Tell Deatrich, but the trees came back quickly and in greater numbers than before.They then turned to prescribed fire, pooling their resources together in what has turned out to be an effective management technique and a cost-efficient one. Fire, Fogarty said, can stop an invasion before it becomes a problem, but also can restore the landscape after cedars establish.“If you look around at a burn, you will see half a million [dollars] in equipment and labor being shared,” Deatrich said, so while burn prep can be expensive, the actual burn is cheap.To participate, association members are asked only to do mandatory prep work on their property before a burn, provide lunch and water for the workers, and help at other burns.“I help you, you help me, we both go help somebody else,” Alberts said. “That’s just the way it works.”Through it all, safety remains paramount. “We’re all volunteers, we all have families, we all have operations at home,” Stout said. “Being able to go to a burn, do this burn safely, and then go home to our families is the utmost priority on all of our burns.”Their efforts have paid off: Neither prescribed burn association has experienced any fire-related injuries.While they initially encountered skepticism from other landowners and the public, the groups now have the local community’s support and both associations continually gain new members.“Being successful has been, I think, the key to getting new members – people noticing what’s going on,” Deatrich said. The landowners themselves have noticed healthier grass, improved soil health, increased wildlife habitat, and a rejuvenated water cycle – natural side effects of reintroducing fire to the landscape, he said.Asked what landowners in other parts of the state should know, Alberts said, “The cedars are coming. Take care of them now while they’re small.” He advised talking to local Natural Resources Conservation Service office, as well as to landowners who have managed redcedar.“The best time to control cedars was 20 years ago,” he said. But that hasn’t stopped him from moving forward.“I don’t want my kids or grandkids to say, ‘Why didn’t Dad take care of those when he could?’ ” he added. “The time to get them is now.”

Loess Canyons landowners band together to confront eastern redcedar

North Platte Police Call Log (June 15-16, 2020)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Investigators have arrested a Colorado man following an investigation into the electronic enticement of a child.

On Monday, investigators arrested Tyler Norton, 26, of Evans, Colorado after he arranged a meeting for sexual activity with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl. Norton had been actually been communicating with an undercover NSP investigator.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592306703279.png" alt="Tyler Norton" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Norton</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Investigators have arrested a Colorado man following an investigation into the electronic enticement of a child.On Monday, investigators arrested Tyler Norton, 26, of Evans, Colorado after he arranged a meeting for sexual activity with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl. Norton had been actually been communicating with an undercover NSP investigator.When Norton arrived for the arranged meeting Monday at a gas station in North Platte, he was arrested on suspicion enticement by electronic communications. He was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

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