The North Platte Public Library will
be relaxing some restrictions for the public, beginning on June 1,
2020, based on the Governor’s phase II DHM rules.

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 some restrictions for the public, beginning on June 1,
2020, based on the Governor’s phase II DHM rules.

HOURS
OF OPERATION<ol>
 <li>
	Hours for the general public:
	Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – all public are required to use
	hand sanitizer upon entering the building.
	</li><li>
	Hours for vulnerable
	population: 8:00AM – 9:00 AM. It is expected and encouraged that the vulnerable population use hand sanitizer and wear masks during their visit.
	</li><li>
	Saturday and Sunday: The library is closed – the book drop will be open.
</li>
 </ol>RESTRICTIONS/MODIFICATIONS<ol>
 <li>The library is only open to individuals that
	are 14 years of age and
	older.
	</li><li>
	A time limit of 60 minutes per
	visit per day will be
	enforced.
	</li><li>
	A maximum of 25 people (excluding
	library staff) will
	be allowed in the facility at any time
	</li><li>
	Library materials now have firm due
	dates and should be returned before the due date.
	As of June 1, 2020, library fines will start accruing. We have implemented a 7 day grace period so fines will not generate during item quarantine. Library books that have remained in homes during the COVID19 closure, should be returned in the library’s book drop. Requests that have not been picked up in the allotted 7 days now will be allowed to expire and move on to the next person on the
	request list without penalty.
	</li><li>
	All account holders are continued to be
	encouraged to limit the number of items they have out to no more
	then 20 (7 of which can be DVDs) at any given time due to the
	quarantine process delaying the item the check-in process by 72-96
	hours. Full check out receipts will have recently returned items on
	the list. 
	
	</li><li>
	Tables with up to 4 chairs have been spaced 6 feet apart, to maintain social distancing. All wingback chairs and comfortable seating has been removed from the library’s main floor.
	</li><li>
	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.
	</li><li><a></a>
	Holds may be placed 24 hours ahead of your
	visit to limit your time and interactions at the library – please
	allow 24 hours for staff to pull your requests before your visit –
	items may be requested using the following methods:
	
			Online catalog at
			<a href="http://catalog.nppl.online/">http://catalog.nppl.online</a>
			By phone at 308-535-8036 X3301
			
			By email to
			library@ci.north-platte.ne.us
		
	
	</li><li>
			Online catalog at
			<a href="http://catalog.nppl.online/">http://catalog.nppl.online</a>
			</li><li>
			By phone at 308-535-8036 X3301
			</li><li>
			By email to
			library@ci.north-platte.ne.us
		</li><li>
	All persons visiting the library will need
	to check-in and out with a library teammate before entering the main
	area of the library.
	</li><li>
	All persons will be asked 3 questions and be required to use hand sanitizer. Masks are encouraged.
	
			What is your first name?
			We ask this so you can be paged over the intercom if you exceed
			your 30-minute visit.
			
			Have you been traveling outside of
			the country? If so, please
			wait 14 days before entering the library. This is being asked as
			part of Phase II Guidelines.
			
			Have you or anybody in your household
			been sick or running a temperature within the last week?
			If so, please wait 10 days from symptom onset, plus 72 hours
			symptom-free before visiting the library. We ask this because of
			<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html">CDC
			Guidelines for What to Do If You Are Sick</a>.
		
		The Library will provide hand sanitizer
		and all persons will be required to use the sanitizer at the check
		in the station prior to entering the main area of the library. This is
		for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library
		materials by the virus.
	
	</li><li>
			What is your first name?
			We ask this so you can be paged over the intercom if you exceed
			your 30-minute visit.
			</li><li>
			Have you been traveling outside of
			the country? If so, please
			wait 14 days before entering the library. This is being asked as
			part of Phase II Guidelines.
			</li><li>
			Have you or anybody in your household
			been sick or running a temperature within the last week?
			If so, please wait 10 days from symptom onset, plus 72 hours
			symptom-free before visiting the library. We ask this because of
			<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html">CDC
			Guidelines for What to Do If You Are Sick</a>.
		</li><li>
		The Library will provide hand sanitizer
		and all persons will be required to use the sanitizer at the check
		in the station prior to entering the main area of the library. This is
		for the safety of all citizens to limit contamination of library
		materials by the virus.
	</li><li>
	ALL second-floor services, including
	computers, genealogy, periodicals, young adult collections, faxing,
	and photocopying services are unavailable to the public. Staff will
	get you items or perform faxing or copying for you, but the public
	needs to remain on the first floor.
	</li><li>
	Four computer stations will be available for a 60-minute visit. Very limited computer assistance is available due to social distancing guidelines.
	</li><li>
	ALL group programming is cancelled until
	further notice, due to social distancing guidelines. 
	
	</li><li>
	The Creation Station is closed to the
	public until further notice. 
	
	</li><li>
	Public Restrooms are open, however they
	are only cleaned once a day and should only be used in an emergency
	situation.
	</li><li>
	All library staff continue to wear masks
	and may be further protected as their comfort level dictates.
</li>
 </ol>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.

North Platte Public Library announces 2nd phase of reopening modifications

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the great work being done by the agriculture and tourism industries to overcome the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; He also announced the communities where Test Nebraska will operate during the first week of June.

Greg Ibach, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, joined the Governor for this afternoon’s briefing.&nbsp; He gave an update on the USDA’s efforts to provide assistance to Nebraskans adversely impacted by the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Nebraska Tourism Executive Director John Ricks also attended today’s press conference to talk about the 2020 Passport Program.&nbsp; Each year, Nebraska Tourism hosts the program to incentivize travelers to visit restaurants and attractions across the state.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601301456&amp;sdata=YgqEdBFDV3EG5v%2FBDYHNiWAJyR97yr4RdWvzMGFyjMo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska will operate in the following communities next week:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron, Alliance, Scottsbluff, Sidney, Broken Bow, Burwell, St. Paul, Valentine, O’Neill, Norfolk, Columbus, York, Lincoln, Fremont, Bellevue, and Omaha.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information on the specific locations of the testing sites will be posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601301456&amp;sdata=YgqEdBFDV3EG5v%2FBDYHNiWAJyR97yr4RdWvzMGFyjMo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;soon.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was recently added to the President’s coronavirus task force to represent ag interests.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Early on in the battle against the virus, President Trump declared food processors as essential businesses.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re grateful to Governor Ricketts for his cooperation with the USDA and other government agencies to establish safety protocols for packing plants.&nbsp; The protocols have called for additional shielding, masking, and social distancing (when possible). &nbsp;This has helped to provide a safer environment in these workplaces.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the pandemic, USDA graders and inspectors have been actively ensuring our food safety.&nbsp; I’m pleased to report that no food processors have been delayed on account of USDA regulatory services being unavailable.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The USDA announced the provision of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments a little over a week ago.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;CFAP payments are direct payments to farmers and ranchers.&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;There are four main “buckets” of payments for Nebraskans:

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Traditional crop payments (soybeans, corn, wheat)

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The USDA is also very involved in feeding programs across America.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;In Nebraska, we’re going to deliver 1 million pounds of food—valued at almost $1.3 million—to food banks for distribution to those who need assistance.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2018 was the first year ever that visitor expenditures in Nebraska, on a percentage basis, outperformed the national average.&nbsp; Nebraska once again outpaced the national average in 2019.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tourism in Nebraska had great momentum heading into 2020, but the coronavirus has been tough for the industry.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;In March alone, the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s revenues, which come from a 1% tax on lodging, were down 59%.&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We estimate that visitor expenditures in Nebraska dropped about $152.6 million year-over-year in March.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The relaxation of the directed health measures will help the tourism industry a lot.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;For instance, the Henry Doorly Zoo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and Omaha Storm Chasers baseball games will all be open to visitors—on a limited basis—next month.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s a lot of pent up demand.&nbsp; People want to go out and take part in activities.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska’s tourism website (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fvisitnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601311409&amp;sdata=6D4gC7k%2Fcpk4zh2VRuRVcYQi7fQX65xKo%2BmY2OrfBuc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">visitnebraska.com</a>) is bucking the national trend of decreased travel interest. &nbsp;We’ve actually seen a 15% uptick in domestic web traffic from March 1st&nbsp;to now.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Passport Program will start on June 1, 2020.&nbsp; It has been highly successful and is now in its tenth year.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can order a Passport through&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskapassport.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601311409&amp;sdata=W0hMDkrxMH5jEidleIZ%2B7qdSZ4EvS6wgbRQsMexbzeY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com</a>.&nbsp; There’s also a Passport app available.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Passport Program provides incentives for travelers to visit Nebraska businesses and attractions.&nbsp; The program had about a $24 million financial impact in 2019.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, the Passport Program will be extended to October 31, 2020.&nbsp; Only 1 of our 70 Passport stops has had to pull out of the program.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re encouraging everyone to practice physical distancing as they’re out and about exploring our beautiful state.

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%2F7u4935btgmn2h0e%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.28.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601321366&amp;sdata=Lp2pJQmELTQWyCEXNEbV1mJy7fzrB2C7zTNxa8sMi%2F0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590752710474.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach (standing, second from left, and Nebraska Tourism Executive Director John Ricks (standing, far left) at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach (standing, second from left, and Nebraska Tourism Executive Director John Ricks (standing, far left) at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the great work being done by the agriculture and tourism industries to overcome the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; He also announced the communities where Test Nebraska will operate during the first week of June.Greg Ibach, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, joined the Governor for this afternoon’s briefing.&nbsp; He gave an update on the USDA’s efforts to provide assistance to Nebraskans adversely impacted by the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;Nebraska Tourism Executive Director John Ricks also attended today’s press conference to talk about the 2020 Passport Program.&nbsp; Each year, Nebraska Tourism hosts the program to incentivize travelers to visit restaurants and attractions across the state.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601301456&amp;sdata=YgqEdBFDV3EG5v%2FBDYHNiWAJyR97yr4RdWvzMGFyjMo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska will operate in the following communities next week:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron, Alliance, Scottsbluff, Sidney, Broken Bow, Burwell, St. Paul, Valentine, O’Neill, Norfolk, Columbus, York, Lincoln, Fremont, Bellevue, and Omaha.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information on the specific locations of the testing sites will be posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601301456&amp;sdata=YgqEdBFDV3EG5v%2FBDYHNiWAJyR97yr4RdWvzMGFyjMo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;soon.Greg Ibach: Agriculture·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was recently added to the President’s coronavirus task force to represent ag interests.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Early on in the battle against the virus, President Trump declared food processors as essential businesses.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re grateful to Governor Ricketts for his cooperation with the USDA and other government agencies to establish safety protocols for packing plants.&nbsp; The protocols have called for additional shielding, masking, and social distancing (when possible). &nbsp;This has helped to provide a safer environment in these workplaces.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the pandemic, USDA graders and inspectors have been actively ensuring our food safety.&nbsp; I’m pleased to report that no food processors have been delayed on account of USDA regulatory services being unavailable.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The USDA announced the provision of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments a little over a week ago.o&nbsp;&nbsp;CFAP payments are direct payments to farmers and ranchers.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;There are four main “buckets” of payments for Nebraskans:§&nbsp;&nbsp;Traditional crop payments (soybeans, corn, wheat)§&nbsp;&nbsp;Livestock payments§&nbsp;&nbsp;Dairy payments§&nbsp;&nbsp;Specialty crop payments·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The USDA is also very involved in feeding programs across America.o&nbsp;&nbsp;In Nebraska, we’re going to deliver 1 million pounds of food—valued at almost $1.3 million—to food banks for distribution to those who need assistance.&nbsp;John Ricks: Tourism·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2018 was the first year ever that visitor expenditures in Nebraska, on a percentage basis, outperformed the national average.&nbsp; Nebraska once again outpaced the national average in 2019.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tourism in Nebraska had great momentum heading into 2020, but the coronavirus has been tough for the industry.o&nbsp;&nbsp;In March alone, the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s revenues, which come from a 1% tax on lodging, were down 59%.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;We estimate that visitor expenditures in Nebraska dropped about $152.6 million year-over-year in March.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The relaxation of the directed health measures will help the tourism industry a lot.o&nbsp;&nbsp;For instance, the Henry Doorly Zoo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and Omaha Storm Chasers baseball games will all be open to visitors—on a limited basis—next month.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s a lot of pent up demand.&nbsp; People want to go out and take part in activities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska’s tourism website (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fvisitnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601311409&amp;sdata=6D4gC7k%2Fcpk4zh2VRuRVcYQi7fQX65xKo%2BmY2OrfBuc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">visitnebraska.com</a>) is bucking the national trend of decreased travel interest. &nbsp;We’ve actually seen a 15% uptick in domestic web traffic from March 1st&nbsp;to now.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Passport Program will start on June 1, 2020.&nbsp; It has been highly successful and is now in its tenth year.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can order a Passport through&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraskapassport.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601311409&amp;sdata=W0hMDkrxMH5jEidleIZ%2B7qdSZ4EvS6wgbRQsMexbzeY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">nebraskapassport.com</a>.&nbsp; There’s also a Passport app available.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Passport Program provides incentives for travelers to visit Nebraska businesses and attractions.&nbsp; The program had about a $24 million financial impact in 2019.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, the Passport Program will be extended to October 31, 2020.&nbsp; Only 1 of our 70 Passport stops has had to pull out of the program.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re encouraging everyone to practice physical distancing as they’re out and about exploring our beautiful state.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%2F7u4935btgmn2h0e%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.28.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd7fce83c56a049dad08208d80358312b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637263024601321366&amp;sdata=Lp2pJQmELTQWyCEXNEbV1mJy7fzrB2C7zTNxa8sMi%2F0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts overviews coronavirus relief for Ag producers

LINCOLN, Neb.-Nebraska Tourism’s 2020 Nebraska Passport program officially begins on Monday, June 1. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes, while also supporting Nebraska’s tourism destinations. Travelers will have from June 1 through October 31 to visit attractions and receive stamps.

“We are looking forward to the start of the Nebraska Passport program. Not only is the Passport a great way to experience what the state has to offer, it’s a great way to support the tourism destinations in our state when they need it most,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “We feel that the Nebraska Passport fits well into social distancing and desired group sizes and can be tailored by anyone to fit their comfort level as the recovery process begins.”

Due to COVID-19, the original start date of the Nebraska Passport program was delayed. Governor Pete Ricketts is asking that all participants follow&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c6eafae98b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">directed health measures</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=96430e1585&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">recommendations on protecting yourself and others</a>&nbsp;while traveling.

Some additional changes have been made to the program because of COVID-19. Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano in Omaha will no longer be participating in the Nebraska Passport. All participants will be given a freebie stamp for that stop. Additionally, due to COVID-19 some stops have had to adjust their business hours and some will be reopening at a date later than June 1, so please check&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7740186abf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>&nbsp;for updates before beginning your Passport travels.&nbsp;

Passports will be available at participating stops starting June 1 or can be ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1a90c63af4&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are also encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone and get digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Program updates will be sent out regularly through the app.

Details on the Passport Program can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5ec80176c4&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>&nbsp;or for more information on Nebraska’s other tourism opportunities go to&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9ee1f8bc12&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>.

News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Nebraska Tourism’s 2020 Nebraska Passport program officially begins on Monday, June 1. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel throughout the state collecting stamps to earn prizes, while also supporting Nebraska’s tourism destinations. Travelers will have from June 1 through October 31 to visit attractions and receive stamps.“We are looking forward to the start of the Nebraska Passport program. Not only is the Passport a great way to experience what the state has to offer, it’s a great way to support the tourism destinations in our state when they need it most,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “We feel that the Nebraska Passport fits well into social distancing and desired group sizes and can be tailored by anyone to fit their comfort level as the recovery process begins.”Due to COVID-19, the original start date of the Nebraska Passport program was delayed. Governor Pete Ricketts is asking that all participants follow&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=c6eafae98b&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">directed health measures</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=96430e1585&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">recommendations on protecting yourself and others</a>&nbsp;while traveling.Some additional changes have been made to the program because of COVID-19. Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano in Omaha will no longer be participating in the Nebraska Passport. All participants will be given a freebie stamp for that stop. Additionally, due to COVID-19 some stops have had to adjust their business hours and some will be reopening at a date later than June 1, so please check&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=7740186abf&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>&nbsp;for updates before beginning your Passport travels.&nbsp;Passports will be available at participating stops starting June 1 or can be ordered at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=1a90c63af4&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>. Participants are also encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App on their smartphone and get digital stamps, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. Program updates will be sent out regularly through the app.Details on the Passport Program can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=5ec80176c4&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">NebraskaPassport.com</a>&nbsp;or for more information on Nebraska’s other tourism opportunities go to&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=9ee1f8bc12&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">VisitNebraska.com</a>.

Nebraska Passport officially begins June 1

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's tourism industry has lost millions of dollars in revenue to the coronavirus pandemic and will face major challenges as it tries to recover, the state's tourism director said Thursday.

Nebraska Tourism Commission Executive Director John Ricks said visitor spending was $152.6 million lower in March than it was at the same time last year. The tourism commission's revenue from a state lodging tax dropped nearly 60% as well, indicating that hotels and motels were severely hit.

"The effects have been rapid, and I'll use the word 'devastating,'" Ricks said at a news conference with Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Ricks said he's hopeful that the governor's recent moves to ease social-distancing restrictions on Monday will help, although he said the recovery will be largely driven by how much people fear the virus.

The relaxed rules will allow for larger crowds at public events. Bars and Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, a major tourist attraction, will reopen for the first time in months. Ricketts is forging ahead even though Nebraska continues to see deaths from and confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 10 new deaths and 357 new cases reported on Wednesday.

The state's total deaths since the outbreak began stood Thursday at 163, while total confirmed cases reached nearly 13,000, according to Nebraska's online virus tracking site.

The site also showed the virus putting pressure on the state's hospitals. Nebraska's medical centers were 43% full, with 1,662 of the state's 3,882 hospital beds still available, and 319 of the state's 737 intensive care unit beds available, according to the website.

Ricketts has said he's trying to strike a balance between protecting the public and keeping businesses and jobs afloat.

Ricks, the tourism director, said he expects a gradual return to normal, given that many residents are staying away from large public gatherings out of fear that could catch or spread the virus.

He said travel industry officials predict that most tourists won't want to venture very far at first and will likely travel by car, "and that bodes well for Nebraska."

Unlike major tourism centers, Nebraska has traditionally relied on in-state travelers and visitors from neighboring states. Ricks said the state's official&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.com/" target="_blank">tourism website</a>&nbsp;has seen a bump in traffic during the pandemic, while most other states have reported declines.

"There's a lot of pent-up demand out there," Ricks said. "People want to go out and do things."

Meanwhile, the new numbers came as a nursing home in central Nebraska emerged as a hot spot for the virus, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/state_and_regional/its-very-bad-13-die-in-coronavirus-outbreak-at-aurora-nursing-home/article_630aa12e-5685-5165-a4cc-624c7aaa3e58.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Thursday. Westfield Quality Care of Aurora, just east of Grand Island, has seen 13 of its 64 residents die of the virus, while 33 have tested positive. Another 24 employees at the home also have been infected by the virus.

For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's tourism industry has lost millions of dollars in revenue to the coronavirus pandemic and will face major challenges as it tries to recover, the state's tourism director said Thursday.Nebraska Tourism Commission Executive Director John Ricks said visitor spending was $152.6 million lower in March than it was at the same time last year. The tourism commission's revenue from a state lodging tax dropped nearly 60% as well, indicating that hotels and motels were severely hit."The effects have been rapid, and I'll use the word 'devastating,'" Ricks said at a news conference with Gov. Pete Ricketts.Ricks said he's hopeful that the governor's recent moves to ease social-distancing restrictions on Monday will help, although he said the recovery will be largely driven by how much people fear the virus.The relaxed rules will allow for larger crowds at public events. Bars and Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, a major tourist attraction, will reopen for the first time in months. Ricketts is forging ahead even though Nebraska continues to see deaths from and confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 10 new deaths and 357 new cases reported on Wednesday.The state's total deaths since the outbreak began stood Thursday at 163, while total confirmed cases reached nearly 13,000, according to Nebraska's online virus tracking site.The site also showed the virus putting pressure on the state's hospitals. Nebraska's medical centers were 43% full, with 1,662 of the state's 3,882 hospital beds still available, and 319 of the state's 737 intensive care unit beds available, according to the website.Ricketts has said he's trying to strike a balance between protecting the public and keeping businesses and jobs afloat.Ricks, the tourism director, said he expects a gradual return to normal, given that many residents are staying away from large public gatherings out of fear that could catch or spread the virus.He said travel industry officials predict that most tourists won't want to venture very far at first and will likely travel by car, "and that bodes well for Nebraska."Unlike major tourism centers, Nebraska has traditionally relied on in-state travelers and visitors from neighboring states. Ricks said the state's official&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.com/" target="_blank">tourism website</a>&nbsp;has seen a bump in traffic during the pandemic, while most other states have reported declines."There's a lot of pent-up demand out there," Ricks said. "People want to go out and do things."Meanwhile, the new numbers came as a nursing home in central Nebraska emerged as a hot spot for the virus, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/state_and_regional/its-very-bad-13-die-in-coronavirus-outbreak-at-aurora-nursing-home/article_630aa12e-5685-5165-a4cc-624c7aaa3e58.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Thursday. Westfield Quality Care of Aurora, just east of Grand Island, has seen 13 of its 64 residents die of the virus, while 33 have tested positive. Another 24 employees at the home also have been infected by the virus.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Official: Virus was 'devastating' for Nebraska tourism

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Great Plains Health
is proud to announce its most recent expansion of services with the
opening of Great Plains Health Brain &amp; Spine and the addition of
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon W. Lee Warren, MD, FACS. 


“Great
Plains Health Brain &amp; Spine is the first neurosurgery service
line in North Platte and we couldn’t be more excited for the
patients of our region,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health CEO.
“Patients will no longer have to travel out of town for this
much-needed medical-surgical specialty.”


The
clinic will open June 15 and is located at 516 W. Leota Street in
North Platte, across from the hospital. 


“Neurological
disorders, brain tumors, back and neck pain and injuries to the brain
and spine are some of the most painful, devastating and often
life-threatening problems people can encounter,” said Dr. Warren.
“I am honored to be able to close the neurosurgery gap in North
Platte and surrounding communities and bring my experience to the
area. My wife Lisa and I are extremely excited to move to the
community and feel blessed to be given this opportunity.” 


Dr.
Warren is a board-certified neurosurgeon and a retired Major of the
United States Air Force. He is an Iraq War veteran and performed over
200 brain and spine surgeries in a tent hospital at Balad Air Base in
2004-5. He served 14 years in the military, retiring as chairman of
neurosurgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.


Dr. Warren holds a
bachelor of science in biochemistry from Oklahoma Christian
University and a medical degree from the University of Oklahoma
College of Medicine. He received his neurosurgery training, including
a fellowship in epilepsy surgery, at Allegheny General Hospital in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.


He most recently
practiced at The Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming. 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590716562707.png" alt="W. Lee Warren, MD, FACS" />
 <figcaption>W. Lee Warren, MD, FACS</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Great Plains Health
is proud to announce its most recent expansion of services with the
opening of Great Plains Health Brain &amp; Spine and the addition of
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon W. Lee Warren, MD, FACS. 
“Great
Plains Health Brain &amp; Spine is the first neurosurgery service
line in North Platte and we couldn’t be more excited for the
patients of our region,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health CEO.
“Patients will no longer have to travel out of town for this
much-needed medical-surgical specialty.”
The
clinic will open June 15 and is located at 516 W. Leota Street in
North Platte, across from the hospital. 
“Neurological
disorders, brain tumors, back and neck pain and injuries to the brain
and spine are some of the most painful, devastating and often
life-threatening problems people can encounter,” said Dr. Warren.
“I am honored to be able to close the neurosurgery gap in North
Platte and surrounding communities and bring my experience to the
area. My wife Lisa and I are extremely excited to move to the
community and feel blessed to be given this opportunity.” 
Dr.
Warren is a board-certified neurosurgeon and a retired Major of the
United States Air Force. He is an Iraq War veteran and performed over
200 brain and spine surgeries in a tent hospital at Balad Air Base in
2004-5. He served 14 years in the military, retiring as chairman of
neurosurgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Warren holds a
bachelor of science in biochemistry from Oklahoma Christian
University and a medical degree from the University of Oklahoma
College of Medicine. He received his neurosurgery training, including
a fellowship in epilepsy surgery, at Allegheny General Hospital in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He most recently
practiced at The Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming.

Great Plains Health Brain & Spine set to open June 15

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A two-vehicle accident involving a car and a fuel tanker has temporarily closed highway 83 at State Farm Road and at North Lake Road.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says the accident happened around 2:00 p.m. on South Highway 83 near Prairie Mart.

Authorities say the vehicle, a four-door sedan, rolled over due to the impact and the fuel tanker did catch fire.

No further details were released as the crash remains under investigation. No report on injuries was given.&nbsp;

Law enforcement currently has South Highway 83 closed at State Farm Road as you leave North Platte and at North Lake Road as you come into the city. Traffic is being rerouted.

Officials say the crash caused diesel fuel to spill on the highway. Crews are responding to clean that up.

We'll have more information as it becomes available.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A two-vehicle accident involving a car and a fuel tanker has temporarily closed highway 83 at State Farm Road and at North Lake Road.The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says the accident happened around 2:00 p.m. on South Highway 83 near Prairie Mart.Authorities say the vehicle, a four-door sedan, rolled over due to the impact and the fuel tanker did catch fire.No further details were released as the crash remains under investigation. No report on injuries was given.&nbsp;Law enforcement currently has South Highway 83 closed at State Farm Road as you leave North Platte and at North Lake Road as you come into the city. Traffic is being rerouted.Officials say the crash caused diesel fuel to spill on the highway. Crews are responding to clean that up.We'll have more information as it becomes available.

Law enforcement, rescue on scene of two-vehicle accident south of North Platte



Leesburg, Va. — SkillsUSA has named 24 SkillsUSA schools as Models of Excellence for 2020. The annual program recognizes the exceptional integration of personal, workplace and technical skills into SkillsUSA chapter activities. This is the highest honor bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA, which is among the largest student organizations for career and technical education.

“Our Models of Excellence represent the very best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “These students represent America’s future skilled workforce and are future leaders in their local communities. It is a tremendous honor for these chapters and the recognition validates these outstanding SkillsUSA programs.”

The top 24 SkillsUSA chapters selected as Models of Excellence will be evaluated in June for top honors. A panel of judges will evaluate each of these highest-level schools based on their goals, plan of action, results, evaluation and SkillsUSA Framework integration. Business and industry partners will conduct finalist interviews with students and advisors, and then help select the top three schools to be recognized on June 26 during the National Leadership and Skills Conference Virtual Recognition Session.

The focus of Models of Excellence is student-led activation. These students learn and practice the skills that every employer seeks, including leadership, initiative, communication, teamwork and problem solving by taking the lead on all SkillsUSA activities. Their SkillsUSA instructors take the education of these students to the next level by guiding them, but never doing the work for them, elevating learning from classroom instruction to successful application of skills.

Congratulations to the following schools on being named Models of Excellence:

Center for Advanced Technical Studies (S.C.)

Gloucester County Institute of Technology (N.J.)

Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (Mass.)

New Madrid County R-I Technical Skills Center (Mo.)

Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education (Ariz.)

The Models of Excellence program promotes the intentional learning of personal, workplace and technical skills outlined in the SkillsUSA Framework for student development. Specific characteristics defined within each skill area provide tangible benchmarks for student achievement and chapter programming. Achievement is measured by student efforts in implementing essential workplace skills including personal responsibility, integrity, work ethic and organization in chapter activities. The hands-on approach of this program actualizes the SkillsUSA mission of empowering members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. The top three schools receive national recognition and the opportunity to share their stories through SkillsUSA in publications and trainings.

Leesburg, Va. — SkillsUSA has named 24 SkillsUSA schools as Models of Excellence for 2020. The annual program recognizes the exceptional integration of personal, workplace and technical skills into SkillsUSA chapter activities. This is the highest honor bestowed on chapters by SkillsUSA, which is among the largest student organizations for career and technical education.“Our Models of Excellence represent the very best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “These students represent America’s future skilled workforce and are future leaders in their local communities. It is a tremendous honor for these chapters and the recognition validates these outstanding SkillsUSA programs.”The top 24 SkillsUSA chapters selected as Models of Excellence will be evaluated in June for top honors. A panel of judges will evaluate each of these highest-level schools based on their goals, plan of action, results, evaluation and SkillsUSA Framework integration. Business and industry partners will conduct finalist interviews with students and advisors, and then help select the top three schools to be recognized on June 26 during the National Leadership and Skills Conference Virtual Recognition Session.The focus of Models of Excellence is student-led activation. These students learn and practice the skills that every employer seeks, including leadership, initiative, communication, teamwork and problem solving by taking the lead on all SkillsUSA activities. Their SkillsUSA instructors take the education of these students to the next level by guiding them, but never doing the work for them, elevating learning from classroom instruction to successful application of skills.Congratulations to the following schools on being named Models of Excellence:Cape Cod Tech (Mass.)Catawba Valley Community College (N.C.)Centauri High School (Colo.)Center for Advanced Technical Studies (S.C.)Central High School (Wyo.)Forsyth Central High School (Ga.)Gloucester County Institute of Technology (N.J.)Greater Lowell Tech High (Mass.)Grovetown High School (Ga.)Kofa High School (Ariz.)Lanier Technical College (Ga.)Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (Mass.)New Madrid County R-I Technical Skills Center (Mo.)North Platte High School (Neb.)Norwalk High School (Calif.)Plymouth South Technical Studies (Mass.)Sandy Creek High School (Ga.)Statesboro High School (Ga.)Union Grove High School (Ga.)Upper Valley Career Center (Ohio)Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education (Ariz.)Watertown High School (Wis.)Willow Canyon High School (Ariz.)Woodland High School (Wash.)The Models of Excellence program promotes the intentional learning of personal, workplace and technical skills outlined in the SkillsUSA Framework for student development. Specific characteristics defined within each skill area provide tangible benchmarks for student achievement and chapter programming. Achievement is measured by student efforts in implementing essential workplace skills including personal responsibility, integrity, work ethic and organization in chapter activities. The hands-on approach of this program actualizes the SkillsUSA mission of empowering members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. The top three schools receive national recognition and the opportunity to share their stories through SkillsUSA in publications and trainings.

North Platte High School receives national recognition from SkillsUSA

The following students qualified for the President’s List at Mid-Plains Community College during the 2020 spring term. To make the list, each student had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours in college-level courses and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 or greater on a 4.0 scale.

Cozad - Kaitlyn Kleinknecht, Tatiana Orozco

Culbertson - Kiera Barr, Suzette Dutcher, Adelina Wilcox

McCook - Wade Burkert, Madison Cooper, Deanne Crocker, Stephen Guthrie, Kyle Kinne, Adrienne LaBay, Tyler Lytle, Nicholas Macfee, Brittanie Nolan, Rebecca O’Connor, Mary Osborne, Bria Simmonds, Ethan Wilcox, Alexander Wolvin

North Platte - Blake Barner, Alyssa Bergeron, Ty Brouillette, Noel Burrell, Tanner Collins, Blayden Gilbert, Elizabeth Goentzel, Kali Griesfeller, Regan Gutschenritter, Matthew Haynes, Shayla Hecht, Caleb Horne, Stephanie Johnson, Adam Kelsey, McKynzie Kelsey, Sungmoon Kim, Nicholas Lemke, Jenny Lim, Jade Lovitt, Sophia Maizo, Gabrielle Menghini, Duane Miller, Megan Morash, Angel Murphy, Jade Osborn, Shane Roebuck, Megan Shannon, Jaylee Sheets, Sylvan Singh, Amanda Smith, Carlye Stoppkotte, Bryson Walker, Daniel Wardyn, David Wellnitz, Ashtyn Winder, Lucas Zimbelman

Ogallala - McKenna Headley, Madison Mendoza, Conner Stevens

Sutherland - Dewey Davis, Erica Hopping, Bonita Naughtin

Holly - Kallie Cathcart, Mercedes Rodriguez

The following students qualified for the Dean’s List during the 2020 spring term at Mid-Plains Community College. To be eligible, they had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours of college-level courses and maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 – 3.89 on a 4.0 scale.

Culbertson - Lydia Hagan, Derrek Mintling, Matthew Searcey

Gothenburg - Austin Macek, Sydney Mullin, Rusty Viter

McCook - Emily Laurie, Dylan Lepper, Julia Lytle, Trevor Oberg, Laurel Schmidt, Kyle Van Pelt

North Platte - Haley Ablard, Emily Anderson, Trey Bahler, Mariah Brown, Karen Buresh, Micah Daily, Nicholas Doucet, Danny Fourtner, Paula Fritz, Emilee Gibson, Zachary Halsted, Chelsey Hardy, Rainah Holm, James Keller, Haiden Kreber, J’Naea Matlock, Aubyrne McClintock, Maxwell McIntosh, Autumn Miller, Thomas Moss, Peyton Negley, Cailey Nutt, Ashleigh Olson, Lauren Pell, Shelby Rathbun, Nichole Rawn, Michael Richey, Sabrina Rivera, Carlos Romero, Samantha Sonneman, Samuel Stacy, Kassandra Stahl, Leannah Vasquez, Gary White, Riley Wiese, Kade Wroot

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576618682077.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The following students qualified for the President’s List at Mid-Plains Community College during the 2020 spring term. To make the list, each student had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours in college-level courses and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 or greater on a 4.0 scale.NebraskaAnselmo - Luke ChristenBig Springs - Logan OsmeraBrady - Colton Lovitt, Emery SwanBroken Bow - Mahala SanchezBrule - Justin CandyCambridge - Eddie Jaeger, Audrey PaisleyCozad - Kaitlyn Kleinknecht, Tatiana OrozcoCulbertson - Kiera Barr, Suzette Dutcher, Adelina WilcoxElwood - Jaycee WootersGothenburg - Mark BosonGrant - Christopher TerryHershey - Caje NaranjoImperial - Kent SilvesterIndianola - Terasa Emmons, Dylan HofmanKearney - Makenzie KollarsLewellen - Shaun SwobodaLexington - Hana Brock, Weston KunkeeMcCook - Wade Burkert, Madison Cooper, Deanne Crocker, Stephen Guthrie, Kyle Kinne, Adrienne LaBay, Tyler Lytle, Nicholas Macfee, Brittanie Nolan, Rebecca O’Connor, Mary Osborne, Bria Simmonds, Ethan Wilcox, Alexander WolvinMerna - Cynthia HuhmanMullen - Alysen DanielsNorth Platte - Blake Barner, Alyssa Bergeron, Ty Brouillette, Noel Burrell, Tanner Collins, Blayden Gilbert, Elizabeth Goentzel, Kali Griesfeller, Regan Gutschenritter, Matthew Haynes, Shayla Hecht, Caleb Horne, Stephanie Johnson, Adam Kelsey, McKynzie Kelsey, Sungmoon Kim, Nicholas Lemke, Jenny Lim, Jade Lovitt, Sophia Maizo, Gabrielle Menghini, Duane Miller, Megan Morash, Angel Murphy, Jade Osborn, Shane Roebuck, Megan Shannon, Jaylee Sheets, Sylvan Singh, Amanda Smith, Carlye Stoppkotte, Bryson Walker, Daniel Wardyn, David Wellnitz, Ashtyn Winder, Lucas ZimbelmanOgallala - McKenna Headley, Madison Mendoza, Conner StevensOrd - Chance Williams, Wyatt WilliamsPaxton - Dalton PerlingerSutherland - Dewey Davis, Erica Hopping, Bonita NaughtinTrenton - Jayda Dwyer, Kyleigh ScottValentine - Sheyenne HammondVenango - Valerie PerezWauneta - Alejandra AlmanzaColoradoColorado Springs - Makenna BodetteDelta - KC CarlsonDenver - Dehje Belmore, Emily SanbornGranada - Austin JensenHolly - Kallie Cathcart, Mercedes RodriguezLa Junta - Mariah StruckmeyerMilliken - Morganne BrownSnyder - Amber WoleverWeldona - Ruby Valle MachadoWheat Ridge - Aurora StorrerMinnesotaUlen - Brooklyn SpencerNevadaLas Vegas - Justin PearsonOregonBend - Melody ReilleyUtahRichfield - Kristen MoganSpanish Fork - Genevieve HopkinsonWashingtonMonroe - Aiden FerryWyomingWheatland - Rudolph ZinsserAustraliaMark ZhangBoliviaMaria CanedoCanadaBritish ColumbiaVictoria - Erika McClungQuebecVal-des-Monts - Anthony Moniz KingsburyGermanyKoblenz - Deniz SariItalyRome - Tommaso MostardaCondove - Alice MidiriPolandWłocławek - Przemyslaw ZygmunciakSpainBarcelona - Paula Rosello-MateuUkraineKyiv - Slavomyr MarchenkoThe following students qualified for the Dean’s List during the 2020 spring term at Mid-Plains Community College. To be eligible, they had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours of college-level courses and maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 – 3.89 on a 4.0 scale.NebraskaArthur - MacKenna TurnerBig Springs - Alicia BrownBrady - Camron GaonaBroken Bow - Andrew JacobsenBrule - ReAnna Pierce, Emma SchrotbergerCambridge - Alexis BurkeCody - Sara FordCozad - Kali MeesterCulbertson - Lydia Hagan, Derrek Mintling, Matthew SearceyCurtis - Shannon GudaitisGothenburg - Austin Macek, Sydney Mullin, Rusty ViterImperial - Joel DaMoudeKimball - Jacob WalkerLexington - Karina MendozaLoomis - Ethan McKennaLoup City - Lake ReikofskiMarsland - Bailey OetkenMaxwell - Emily Breinig, Grace SommerMcCook - Emily Laurie, Dylan Lepper, Julia Lytle, Trevor Oberg, Laurel Schmidt, Kyle Van PeltMullen - Courtney RiceNorth Platte - Haley Ablard, Emily Anderson, Trey Bahler, Mariah Brown, Karen Buresh, Micah Daily, Nicholas Doucet, Danny Fourtner, Paula Fritz, Emilee Gibson, Zachary Halsted, Chelsey Hardy, Rainah Holm, James Keller, Haiden Kreber, J’Naea Matlock, Aubyrne McClintock, Maxwell McIntosh, Autumn Miller, Thomas Moss, Peyton Negley, Cailey Nutt, Ashleigh Olson, Lauren Pell, Shelby Rathbun, Nichole Rawn, Michael Richey, Sabrina Rivera, Carlos Romero, Samantha Sonneman, Samuel Stacy, Kassandra Stahl, Leannah Vasquez, Gary White, Riley Wiese, Kade WrootOconto - Marshall StillOgallala - Kimberly Bassett, Joshua Gill, Allison Houser, Annaliese Huffman, Kyle PodowskiOxford - Jacinda VollmerScotia - Colton GydesenSidney - Janay BrauerSutherland - Makenzie DerrThedford - Taylor Barent, Danya MintleWallace - Austin Hanson, Bryon HenryWalton - Zayne WatsonWellfleet - Mariah SchneiderCaliforniaRialto - Kayleigh BucioColoradoAult - Melanie FyeBroomfield - Megan Hernandez-BelewColorado Springs - Kaitlyn LordLakewood - Brittany BuiWindsor - Kali KelleyYuma - Viridiana Escobar, Taylor Hansen, Tania Morales LermaFloridaCoral Springs - Eduardo OjedaIllinoisQuincy - Nicholas WellmanIndianaGary - Treasure McCrimonKansasEffingham - Jade HollandsGlade - Trenton SolidaOregonHermiston - Jenna O’BrienSouth CarolinaAnderson - Yasnier LaureanoSouth DakotaRee Heights - Landon SivertsenTexasArgyle - Calvashawn DarthardDenton - Sydney SandfordMesquite - Jalyn ReagansThe Colony - Courtney MurrellAustraliaBrisbane - Jaiden HollyCanadaBritish ColumbiaChilliwack - Emma CindrichVictoria - Sophia KissEnglandManchester - Niamh KelshawMontenegroPodgorica - Boris MugosaSerbiaNovi Sad - Danilo MatovicSpainBarcelona - Nerea Castellano JarandillaMelilla - Carla Torrubia Cano

Mid-Plains Community College announces President's, Dean's Lists for spring 2020

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nearly 5,900 Nebraska residents applied for unemployment benefits last week, a number that appears to be stabilizing after a record-setting surge driven by the coronavirus pandemic.

The new numbers bring the total number of claims in Nebraska to 129,000 since mid-March, although not all of those people are still unemployed. The number of claims in one week peaked at a record-shattering 26,788 during the week that ended April 4, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Last week, state officials received 5,875 new jobless claims. That's up slightly from 5,839 the previous week, but down from the 6,408 reported the week before that.

Nebraska never imposed an official stay-at-home order, but many businesses were still forced to close because of state-mandated social distancing restrictions. Some of those restrictions have since been eased, and even more will be relaxed on June 1.

Nationwide,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a6e6f1304949a98e9def3d82092ce25e?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP" target="_blank">about 41 million people</a>&nbsp;have applied for aid since the virus outbreak intensified in March. About 21 million people are now receiving aid, which is a rough measure of the number of unemployed Americans.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nearly 5,900 Nebraska residents applied for unemployment benefits last week, a number that appears to be stabilizing after a record-setting surge driven by the coronavirus pandemic.The new numbers bring the total number of claims in Nebraska to 129,000 since mid-March, although not all of those people are still unemployed. The number of claims in one week peaked at a record-shattering 26,788 during the week that ended April 4, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.Last week, state officials received 5,875 new jobless claims. That's up slightly from 5,839 the previous week, but down from the 6,408 reported the week before that.Nebraska never imposed an official stay-at-home order, but many businesses were still forced to close because of state-mandated social distancing restrictions. Some of those restrictions have since been eased, and even more will be relaxed on June 1.Nationwide,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a6e6f1304949a98e9def3d82092ce25e?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP" target="_blank">about 41 million people</a>&nbsp;have applied for aid since the virus outbreak intensified in March. About 21 million people are now receiving aid, which is a rough measure of the number of unemployed Americans.

Nearly 129,000 Nebraskans have lost jobs since mid-March

LINCOLN, Neb. – While Community Fishing Nights will not be offered to the public this summer, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several online resources to help anglers of all experience levels.

To keep Nebraskans safe by maintaining social distancing in light of COVID-19, Game and Parks has cancelled Community Fishing Nights. These popular events have been held at waters across the state and are designed to introduce or reintroduce families and individuals to fishing. At these events, Game and Parks staff and Certified Fishing Instructors teach people fishing basics.

“While we are unable to get together for an evening of fishing with young and new anglers this summer, our website has multiple resources to help fill the void,” said Larry Pape, Game and Parks’ aquatic education specialist. “Game and Parks looks forward to fishing with Nebraskans next year at Community Fishing Nights.”

Game and Parks’ instructional and informational fishing materials online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MjguMjIxMzY3ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nLyJ9.xWZPgG9iT8SN_guasUqPE-fs34qlX57aodBlUmfRQBU/br/79194571771-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing</a>&nbsp;include:

Fishing Guide – This annual summary of fishing regulations and orders now also is available in Spanish. A Public Fishing Areas section details fishing waters by region, including special regulations and species available.

Fishing Forecast – Use this to find some of the best places to fish for various fish species. The forecast uses survey data to determine likely populations and sizes of various fish species in different waters across the state.

Going Fishing Guide – This publication is a must-read for anyone new to angling. It includes equipment, tackle, knots, casting, techniques, fish identification, fish cleaning and much more.

YouTube – Game and Parks’ channel has several videos covering topics that would interest novice anglers.

Maps – Find fishing spots across the state and get a closer look at them by using the site’s maps, including interactive, lake contour and Public Access Atlas maps.

Other publications available online detail fishing specific areas such as the Sandhills, Omaha area, Interstate 80 lakes and trout waters.

In addition, the same site can be used to purchase fishing and park entry permits.

News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb. – While Community Fishing Nights will not be offered to the public this summer, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several online resources to help anglers of all experience levels.To keep Nebraskans safe by maintaining social distancing in light of COVID-19, Game and Parks has cancelled Community Fishing Nights. These popular events have been held at waters across the state and are designed to introduce or reintroduce families and individuals to fishing. At these events, Game and Parks staff and Certified Fishing Instructors teach people fishing basics.“While we are unable to get together for an evening of fishing with young and new anglers this summer, our website has multiple resources to help fill the void,” said Larry Pape, Game and Parks’ aquatic education specialist. “Game and Parks looks forward to fishing with Nebraskans next year at Community Fishing Nights.”Game and Parks’ instructional and informational fishing materials online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MjguMjIxMzY3ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9maXNoaW5nLyJ9.xWZPgG9iT8SN_guasUqPE-fs34qlX57aodBlUmfRQBU/br/79194571771-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/fishing</a>&nbsp;include:Fishing Guide – This annual summary of fishing regulations and orders now also is available in Spanish. A Public Fishing Areas section details fishing waters by region, including special regulations and species available.Fishing Forecast – Use this to find some of the best places to fish for various fish species. The forecast uses survey data to determine likely populations and sizes of various fish species in different waters across the state.Going Fishing Guide – This publication is a must-read for anyone new to angling. It includes equipment, tackle, knots, casting, techniques, fish identification, fish cleaning and much more.YouTube – Game and Parks’ channel has several videos covering topics that would interest novice anglers.Maps – Find fishing spots across the state and get a closer look at them by using the site’s maps, including interactive, lake contour and Public Access Atlas maps.Other publications available online detail fishing specific areas such as the Sandhills, Omaha area, Interstate 80 lakes and trout waters.In addition, the same site can be used to purchase fishing and park entry permits.

Community Fishing Nights cancelled, but Game and Parks offers online fishing resources

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska continued to see deaths from and confirmed cases of the new coronavirus rise this week, with 10 new deaths and 357 new cases reported on Wednesday.

The state's total deaths since the outbreak began stood Thursday at 163, while total confirmed cases reached nearly 13,000, according to Nebraska's online&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">virus tracking site</a>.

The site also showed the virus continuing to put pressure on the state's hospitals. The site said Nebraska's medical centers were 43% full, with 1,662 of the state's 3,882 hospital beds still available, and 319 of the state's 737 intensive care unit beds available.

The new numbers came as a nursing home in central Nebraska emerged as a hot spot for the virus, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/state_and_regional/its-very-bad-13-die-in-coronavirus-outbreak-at-aurora-nursing-home/article_630aa12e-5685-5165-a4cc-624c7aaa3e58.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Thursday. Westfield Quality Care of Aurora, just east of Grand Island, has seen 13 of its 64 residents die of the virus, while 33 have tested positive. Another 24 employees at the home also have been infected by the virus.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska continued to see deaths from and confirmed cases of the new coronavirus rise this week, with 10 new deaths and 357 new cases reported on Wednesday.The state's total deaths since the outbreak began stood Thursday at 163, while total confirmed cases reached nearly 13,000, according to Nebraska's online&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">virus tracking site</a>.The site also showed the virus continuing to put pressure on the state's hospitals. The site said Nebraska's medical centers were 43% full, with 1,662 of the state's 3,882 hospital beds still available, and 319 of the state's 737 intensive care unit beds available.The new numbers came as a nursing home in central Nebraska emerged as a hot spot for the virus, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/state_and_regional/its-very-bad-13-die-in-coronavirus-outbreak-at-aurora-nursing-home/article_630aa12e-5685-5165-a4cc-624c7aaa3e58.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Thursday. Westfield Quality Care of Aurora, just east of Grand Island, has seen 13 of its 64 residents die of the virus, while 33 have tested positive. Another 24 employees at the home also have been infected by the virus.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Number of COVID-19 deaths, cases jumps in Nebraska this week

Scotty C and Holly Carlini talk about the new 15-foot art obelisk that is nearing completion at the Prairie Arts Center.

Scotty C and Holly Carlini talk about the new 15-foot art obelisk that is nearing completion at the Prairie Arts Center.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/829794727&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/post-podcast-prairie-art-centers-new-obelisk-tower" title="Post Podcast: Prairie Art Center&#x27;s new Obelisk Tower" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Post Podcast: Prairie Art Center&#x27;s new Obelisk Tower</a></div></div>

🎧 Post Podcast: Prairie Art Center's new 15-foot Obelisk Tower

Some of the habits we’ve developed recently could serve us well in the future

MANHATTAN – Many of the healthy habits that Americans have been pushed toward during the COVID-19 pandemic could be well worth keeping as they return to some version of their previous lives, says Kansas State University nutrition specialist Sandy Procter.

“At this point, some of the early studies are just data points, but what it’s looking like is that some of these healthy habits cropping up during the pandemic would be good to keep,” Procter said. “Some of these things might have started out as personal inconveniences or changes, but we might want to consider looking at them for the longer run.”

One of the most important lessons learned during the first two months of the pandemic is also one of the most simple, she added.

“We’ve all been washing our hands a lot more frequently,” Procter said. “Wash your hands like you mean it, because we do mean it, and we will mean it from now on. It’s probably never going to go back to where it is an after-thought. It will hopefully stay present in everyone’s mind. Experts tell us this is really the biggest thing we can do to keep ourselves healthy.”

Procter said many extension professionals’ jobs have gotten busier during the pandemic. “The demand for timely information has increased,” she said. She and many of her colleagues have been working to remind consumers of the benefits of reducing trips to the grocery store, planning meals, reducing food waste, preparing home foods safely, and more.

She noted that shopping with a grocery list has been an important topic for a lot of reasons.

“I kind of think of cutting a shopping trip as something I can contribute to the overall good,” Procter said. “In our home, we’ve been trying to decrease those trips and decrease human contact, and thinking about those people who are in that store working. They need our business, but they don’t need additional contact. It’s just one little way I can contribute to hopefully making things better.”

Procter said taking fewer trips to the store also means that consumers must think more carefully about planning meals, which often leads to preparing creative, more healthful options and wasting less food. They’re also likely to save money.

“It’s sort of a combination of health effects and the cost benefit of cooking at home,” she said. “And quite frankly, it can be rewarding. It’s a real benefit for people to re-visit or expand their cooking at home, to learn that they have skills they didn’t know they had and to share those skills with other family members.”

Some other areas that Procter listed as important to “keep” in the future include:

Procter also urges consumers to continue thinking of their homes as “a self care center. Think of ways that health comes from our homes, including the activities or work that we do there, and the rest and respite we find there.”

“Keeping our home as a self care center could serve us well as a new healthy habit.”

K-State Research and Extension has compiled numerous publications and other information to help people take care of themselves and others during tough times and good times. See a<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html">comprehensive list of resources online.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590601784459.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University nutrition specialist Sandy Procter" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University nutrition specialist Sandy Procter</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Some of the habits we’ve developed recently could serve us well in the future</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Many of the healthy habits that Americans have been pushed toward during the COVID-19 pandemic could be well worth keeping as they return to some version of their previous lives, says Kansas State University nutrition specialist Sandy Procter.“At this point, some of the early studies are just data points, but what it’s looking like is that some of these healthy habits cropping up during the pandemic would be good to keep,” Procter said. “Some of these things might have started out as personal inconveniences or changes, but we might want to consider looking at them for the longer run.”One of the most important lessons learned during the first two months of the pandemic is also one of the most simple, she added.“We’ve all been washing our hands a lot more frequently,” Procter said. “Wash your hands like you mean it, because we do mean it, and we will mean it from now on. It’s probably never going to go back to where it is an after-thought. It will hopefully stay present in everyone’s mind. Experts tell us this is really the biggest thing we can do to keep ourselves healthy.”Procter said many extension professionals’ jobs have gotten busier during the pandemic. “The demand for timely information has increased,” she said. She and many of her colleagues have been working to remind consumers of the benefits of reducing trips to the grocery store, planning meals, reducing food waste, preparing home foods safely, and more.She noted that shopping with a grocery list has been an important topic for a lot of reasons.“I kind of think of cutting a shopping trip as something I can contribute to the overall good,” Procter said. “In our home, we’ve been trying to decrease those trips and decrease human contact, and thinking about those people who are in that store working. They need our business, but they don’t need additional contact. It’s just one little way I can contribute to hopefully making things better.”Procter said taking fewer trips to the store also means that consumers must think more carefully about planning meals, which often leads to preparing creative, more healthful options and wasting less food. They’re also likely to save money.“It’s sort of a combination of health effects and the cost benefit of cooking at home,” she said. “And quite frankly, it can be rewarding. It’s a real benefit for people to re-visit or expand their cooking at home, to learn that they have skills they didn’t know they had and to share those skills with other family members.”Some other areas that Procter listed as important to “keep” in the future include:<ol>
 <li>Slowing down. “We’ve learned to take time to reflect on ourselves and connect with others,” she said.</li><li>Appreciation. “We’ve all realized how people everywhere have stepped up to improve the situation. Hopefully this isn’t just passing thankfulness, but instead something we can carry forward.”</li><li>Physical activity. Exercise is not just good for our physical health, Procter notes, but also good for mental health and stress relief.</li><li>Connecting with family. In addition to spending more time together, family members should keep up the commitment to stay in touch with extended family and friends, especially older adults who may live alone. “A phone call works wonders for helping people stay connected,” Procter said.</li>
 </ol>Procter also urges consumers to continue thinking of their homes as “a self care center. Think of ways that health comes from our homes, including the activities or work that we do there, and the rest and respite we find there.”“Keeping our home as a self care center could serve us well as a new healthy habit.”K-State Research and Extension has compiled numerous publications and other information to help people take care of themselves and others during tough times and good times. See a<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html">comprehensive list of resources online.</a>

Healthy living: Specialist shares possible pandemic positives

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State Colleges will welcome students back to campus one week earlier for the 2020 fall semester and end the semester before Thanksgiving.&nbsp;

In reaching the decision, the Nebraska State College System (NSCS) was guided by its commitment to:&nbsp;

Prior to the pandemic, the NSCS was already assessing transitions in its academic calendar to better meet the needs of its students. This new calendar will allow students to complete the fall term early, giving them the opportunity to take additional courses during the three-week December term, complete an internship, or return home and work until the start of the spring semester. Anticipated dates for the December term are Nov. 30 – Dec. 18.

“The unique nature of the State Colleges allows us to be flexible and provide this new option for our students to stay on track to complete their degree on time or early at an affordable rate,” said Paul Turman, Chancellor of the NSCS.

Each of the State Colleges is working through the details of this plan for their individual institutions. The 2020 Fall Academic Calendar for the State Colleges is:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589422678608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN –&nbsp;Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State Colleges will welcome students back to campus one week earlier for the 2020 fall semester and end the semester before Thanksgiving.&nbsp;In reaching the decision, the Nebraska State College System (NSCS) was guided by its commitment to:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>providing a high-quality, affordable undergraduate education that is accessible to all Nebraskans;&nbsp;</li><li>being a valuable partner to the rural communities we serve; and&nbsp;</li><li>the safety of all students, faculty, staff, and their families.</li>
 </ol>Prior to the pandemic, the NSCS was already assessing transitions in its academic calendar to better meet the needs of its students. This new calendar will allow students to complete the fall term early, giving them the opportunity to take additional courses during the three-week December term, complete an internship, or return home and work until the start of the spring semester. Anticipated dates for the December term are Nov. 30 – Dec. 18.“The unique nature of the State Colleges allows us to be flexible and provide this new option for our students to stay on track to complete their degree on time or early at an affordable rate,” said Paul Turman, Chancellor of the NSCS.Each of the State Colleges is working through the details of this plan for their individual institutions. The 2020 Fall Academic Calendar for the State Colleges is:<ol>
 <li>First day of classes: Aug.17</li><li>Removing Mid-Term Break (previously Oct. 19-20)</li><li>Last day of classes: Nov. 20</li><li>Final exams: Nov. 23-25</li><li>Commencement to be determined later based on public health directives</li>
 </ol>

Nebraska State Colleges to start early, Fall semester done before Thanksgiving

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will use its $1.1 billion share of federal coronavirus money to help small businesses, local governments, nonprofits and other groups hard-hit by the pandemic, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday.

Ricketts provided a first glimpse of the state's plan, which focuses heavily on small businesses and unemployment insurance for laid-off workers.

Nebraska will receive $1.25 billion under the federal CARES Act, the emergency law passed to help Americans with the pandemic. Of that amount, Omaha's Douglas County will get $166 million for its own virus-related expenses, reducing the state government's cut to about $1.1 billion.

Ricketts said he intends to hire outside auditors to track the huge influx of money and ensure that it doesn't get misspent. The law prohibits states from using its share on non-virus expenses or to replace lost tax revenue.

"We want to make sure that some day in the future, there isn't an audit by the federal government that comes back and says, 'Hey, this was not coronavirus-related that you spent this money on,'" Ricketts said at a news conference.

Ricketts said he plans to set aside $330 million for small businesses, defined as having five to 49 employees, and small livestock producers.

Business and producers can each apply for up to $12,000 in state grant money. Ricketts said many of those companies didn't have the connections or resources to seek previous rounds of federal aid before the application deadlines passed.

The largest chunk of the federal money, $427 million, will go to the state's unemployment trust fund that has been taxed by a surge of new jobless claims. Ricketts said he's hopeful the money set aside for small businesses will reduce the need for unemployment benefits, but he wanted to ensure the state had enough if needed.

Another $100 million will go to local governments to cover the costs of protective equipment, sanitizing buildings and employee overtime expenses. Ricketts said counties that want to qualify will have to reopen their courthouses for in-person visitors by June 8.

Ricketts said he'll use another $85 million to create a state grant program for groups that provide food, housing and other types of assistance. And another $80 million will be used to reimburse the state for its virus response.

Meanwhile, Nebraska's prisons, jails and detention centers continue to see staff infected with the new coronavirus, as the state's death toll and positive COVID-19 cases climbed Tuesday.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reported Tuesday that a staff member at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has tested positive for the virus. That marked the seventh staff member at the penitentiary and the 12th throughout the state's prisons system to test positive since the outbreak began.

Officials in Omaha also confirmed a third officer with the Douglas County Department of Corrections has tested positive and has been hospitalized with COVID-19, and an employee of the Douglas County Youth Center has also tested positive.

Word of those new cases came as the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker</a>&nbsp;showed three more deaths from the virus Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 153. Among those deaths was a ninth at a west Omaha nursing home that has been ravaged by the virus. Of the 79 residents at Life Care Center of Elkhorn, 68 have tested positive. Another 264 cases were confirmed Tuesday, bringing Nebraska's total cases to more than 12,600.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will use its $1.1 billion share of federal coronavirus money to help small businesses, local governments, nonprofits and other groups hard-hit by the pandemic, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday.Ricketts provided a first glimpse of the state's plan, which focuses heavily on small businesses and unemployment insurance for laid-off workers.Nebraska will receive $1.25 billion under the federal CARES Act, the emergency law passed to help Americans with the pandemic. Of that amount, Omaha's Douglas County will get $166 million for its own virus-related expenses, reducing the state government's cut to about $1.1 billion.Ricketts said he intends to hire outside auditors to track the huge influx of money and ensure that it doesn't get misspent. The law prohibits states from using its share on non-virus expenses or to replace lost tax revenue."We want to make sure that some day in the future, there isn't an audit by the federal government that comes back and says, 'Hey, this was not coronavirus-related that you spent this money on,'" Ricketts said at a news conference.Ricketts said he plans to set aside $330 million for small businesses, defined as having five to 49 employees, and small livestock producers.Business and producers can each apply for up to $12,000 in state grant money. Ricketts said many of those companies didn't have the connections or resources to seek previous rounds of federal aid before the application deadlines passed.The largest chunk of the federal money, $427 million, will go to the state's unemployment trust fund that has been taxed by a surge of new jobless claims. Ricketts said he's hopeful the money set aside for small businesses will reduce the need for unemployment benefits, but he wanted to ensure the state had enough if needed.Another $100 million will go to local governments to cover the costs of protective equipment, sanitizing buildings and employee overtime expenses. Ricketts said counties that want to qualify will have to reopen their courthouses for in-person visitors by June 8.Ricketts said he'll use another $85 million to create a state grant program for groups that provide food, housing and other types of assistance. And another $80 million will be used to reimburse the state for its virus response.Meanwhile, Nebraska's prisons, jails and detention centers continue to see staff infected with the new coronavirus, as the state's death toll and positive COVID-19 cases climbed Tuesday.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reported Tuesday that a staff member at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has tested positive for the virus. That marked the seventh staff member at the penitentiary and the 12th throughout the state's prisons system to test positive since the outbreak began.Officials in Omaha also confirmed a third officer with the Douglas County Department of Corrections has tested positive and has been hospitalized with COVID-19, and an employee of the Douglas County Youth Center has also tested positive.Word of those new cases came as the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker</a>&nbsp;showed three more deaths from the virus Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 153. Among those deaths was a ninth at a west Omaha nursing home that has been ravaged by the virus. Of the 79 residents at Life Care Center of Elkhorn, 68 have tested positive. Another 264 cases were confirmed Tuesday, bringing Nebraska's total cases to more than 12,600.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Ricketts outlines plans for $1.1 billion in coronavirus aid

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A 43-year-old North Platte man will face a charge of first-degree murder following a shooting last Friday.

Keith Allen made his preliminary court appearance in Lincoln County court via video on Tuesday where Judge Joel Jay arraigned him on a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting death of 25-year-old Brett Torres. Allen had initially been arrested on suspicion of 2nd-degree murder.

During the hearing, Allen stated that he could not afford an attorney and asked the court to appoint a public defender. He also asked if he might be granted work release. Judge Jay denied that request.

Upon the order of Judge Jay, Allen will remain in the custody of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office with no bond.

According to court records, prosecutors allege that on Friday, May 22, 2020, at around 2:32 p.m., Allen shot Torres multiple times with a .45 caliber handgun in an alley at A and Chestnut Streets in North Platte.&nbsp;

Police arrived and found Torres in a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Records say Torres was transported to Great Plains Health where he died from his injuries.

A statement from the North Platte Police Department says Allen called 911 and reported that he had shot Torres in self-defense. Police did not report finding any weapons in Torres' possession or inside the vehicle.

According to Nebraska statutes,&nbsp;

A person commits murder in the first degree if he or she kills another person (1) purposely and with deliberate and premeditated malice, or (2) in the perpetration of or attempt to perpetrate any sexual assault in the first degree, arson, robbery, kidnapping, hijacking of any public or private means of transportation, or burglary, or (3) by administering poison or causing the same to be done; or if by willful and corrupt perjury or subornation of the same he or she purposely procures the conviction and execution of any innocent person. The determination of whether murder in the first degree shall be punished as a Class I or Class IA felony shall be made pursuant to sections&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-2519">29-2519</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-2524">29-2524</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590602083849.png" alt="Keith Allen" />
 <figcaption>Keith Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A 43-year-old North Platte man will face a charge of first-degree murder following a shooting last Friday.Keith Allen made his preliminary court appearance in Lincoln County court via video on Tuesday where Judge Joel Jay arraigned him on a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting death of 25-year-old Brett Torres. Allen had initially been arrested on suspicion of 2nd-degree murder.During the hearing, Allen stated that he could not afford an attorney and asked the court to appoint a public defender. He also asked if he might be granted work release. Judge Jay denied that request.Upon the order of Judge Jay, Allen will remain in the custody of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office with no bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590602423428.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to court records, prosecutors allege that on Friday, May 22, 2020, at around 2:32 p.m., Allen shot Torres multiple times with a .45 caliber handgun in an alley at A and Chestnut Streets in North Platte.&nbsp;Police arrived and found Torres in a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.Records say Torres was transported to Great Plains Health where he died from his injuries.A statement from the North Platte Police Department says Allen called 911 and reported that he had shot Torres in self-defense. Police did not report finding any weapons in Torres' possession or inside the vehicle.According to Nebraska statutes,&nbsp;

A person commits murder in the first degree if he or she kills another person (1) purposely and with deliberate and premeditated malice, or (2) in the perpetration of or attempt to perpetrate any sexual assault in the first degree, arson, robbery, kidnapping, hijacking of any public or private means of transportation, or burglary, or (3) by administering poison or causing the same to be done; or if by willful and corrupt perjury or subornation of the same he or she purposely procures the conviction and execution of any innocent person. The determination of whether murder in the first degree shall be punished as a Class I or Class IA felony shall be made pursuant to sections&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-2519">29-2519</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-2524">29-2524</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Allen will be back in court on June 4.

Charges in fatal North Platte shooting upgraded to first-degree murder

LINCOLN, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested 18 impaired drivers and cited more than 20 motorists for driving more than 100 miles per hour during the Memorial Day weekend.

“Troopers were busy this weekend, even with wet weather across much of the state and reduced travel patterns due to the pandemic,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our team will remain vigilant as traffic increases and we encourage all motorists to follow traffic safety laws as we work together to keep Nebraska roads safe.”

Over the Memorial Day weekend, troopers arrested 18 people for driving under the influence. Troopers also cited 230 drivers for speeding, including 21 who were traveling at more than 100 miles per hour. Citations were also issued for open alcohol container (10, minor in possession of alcohol (7, driving under suspension (16, no proof of insurance (14, no seat belt (6, and improper child safety restraint (4).

Memorial Day weekend marked the start of NSP’s annual “100 Days of Summer” campaign. NSP and many other law enforcement agencies across Nebraska are also in the midst of the annual spring “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

LINCOLN, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) arrested 18 impaired drivers and cited more than 20 motorists for driving more than 100 miles per hour during the Memorial Day weekend.“Troopers were busy this weekend, even with wet weather across much of the state and reduced travel patterns due to the pandemic,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our team will remain vigilant as traffic increases and we encourage all motorists to follow traffic safety laws as we work together to keep Nebraska roads safe.”Over the Memorial Day weekend, troopers arrested 18 people for driving under the influence. Troopers also cited 230 drivers for speeding, including 21 who were traveling at more than 100 miles per hour. Citations were also issued for open alcohol container (10, minor in possession of alcohol (7, driving under suspension (16, no proof of insurance (14, no seat belt (6, and improper child safety restraint (4).Memorial Day weekend marked the start of NSP’s annual “100 Days of Summer” campaign. NSP and many other law enforcement agencies across Nebraska are also in the midst of the annual spring “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

Nebraska troopers arrest 18 impaired drivers over Memorial Day weekend

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's prisons, jails and detention centers continue to see staff infected with the new coronavirus, as the state's death toll and positive COVID-19 cases climbed Tuesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's prisons, jails and detention centers continue to see staff infected with the new coronavirus, as the state's death toll and positive COVID-19 cases climbed Tuesday.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reported Tuesday that a staff member at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has tested positive for the virus. That marked the seventh staff member at the penitentiary and the 12th throughout the state's prisons system to test positive since the outbreak began.Officials in Omaha also confirmed a third officer with the Douglas County Department of Corrections has tested positive and has been hospitalized with COVID-19, and an employee of the Douglas County Youth Center has also tested positive.Word of those new cases came as the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracker</a>&nbsp;showed three more deaths from the virus Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 153. Among those deaths was a ninth at a west Omaha nursing home that has been ravaged by the virus. Of the 79 residents at Life Care Center of Elkhorn, 68 have tested positive. Another 264 cases were confirmed Tuesday, bringing Nebraska's total cases to more than 12,600.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Number of virus cases at Nebraska prisons, detention centers rise

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The arts are always alive and well in North Platte, and the Prairie Arts Center (PAC) continues its mission to make sure it remains that way.

If you've driven by the PAC lately, you may have noticed an addition to the property, a 15-foot art Obelisk. An Obelisk is defined as a stone pillar, typically having a square or rectangular cross-section and a pyramidal top, set up as a monument or landmark.

PAC Executive Director Holly Carlini says local artists Wava Best, Sharon Skinner, and Patsy Smith have been working for years to create tiles that will adorn the Obelisk.

"The trio worked together to create each piece out of clay, puzzled the designs together, and then finally fired and glazed the tiles," said Carlini.

The end result, Carlini said, will be a beautiful, flowing, and cohesive tower that reflects the arts, nature, and our community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590593512462.png" alt="Local artists work on completing the new 15-foot art Obelisk at the Prairie Arts Center in Downtown North Platte." />
 <figcaption>Local artists work on completing the new 15-foot art Obelisk at the Prairie Arts Center in Downtown North Platte.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-North Platte PostNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The arts are always alive and well in North Platte, and the Prairie Arts Center (PAC) continues its mission to make sure it remains that way.If you've driven by the PAC lately, you may have noticed an addition to the property, a 15-foot art Obelisk. An Obelisk is defined as a stone pillar, typically having a square or rectangular cross-section and a pyramidal top, set up as a monument or landmark.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590594119687.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PAC Executive Director Holly Carlini says local artists Wava Best, Sharon Skinner, and Patsy Smith have been working for years to create tiles that will adorn the Obelisk."The trio worked together to create each piece out of clay, puzzled the designs together, and then finally fired and glazed the tiles," said Carlini.The end result, Carlini said, will be a beautiful, flowing, and cohesive tower that reflects the arts, nature, and our community.The tower will be completed on Thursday afternoon. So, the next time you drive or walk by the PAC, make sure you take a moment to observe this beautiful work of art.&nbsp;