OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Union Pacific's first-quarter profit improved 6%, but the railroad expects shipping volume to plummet 25% in the second quarter because of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The railroad said Thursday it earned $1.47 billion, or $2.15 per share, in the first quarter. That's up from $1.39 billion, or $1.93 per share, a year ago.

The results topped Wall Street expectations. The seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected earnings of $1.86 per share, on average.

The railroad's revenue declined 3% to $5.23 billion. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $5.11 billion.

Union Pacific said the number of carloads of freight it delivered in the first quarter fell 7%, but the volume has declined sharply since then as automakers closed their plants and other manufacturers slowed production because of the virus outbreak.

The Omaha, Nebraska-based company operates 32,400 miles of track in 23 Western states.

Union Pacific Corp. shares have fallen 19% since the beginning of the year, while the S&amp;P 500 index has dropped 13%. The stock has decreased 17% in the last 12 months.

OMAHA, Neb.-Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2020 first-quarter net income of $1.5 billion, or $2.15 per diluted share. This compares to $1.4 billion, or $1.93 per diluted share, in the first quarter 2019.

"Against the backdrop of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic and a challenging volume environment, we leveraged productivity to deliver strong financial results, including an all time best operating ratio of 59 percent," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We also made substantial improvement in employee safety, which is a testament to our dedicated employees. Our rail network has never run better, providing a safer, more reliable and efficient service product to our customers."

Operating revenue of $5.2 billion was down 3 percent in first quarter 2020, compared to first quarter 2019. First quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, decreased 7 percent compared to 2019. Industrial volumes increased compared to 2019, while bulk and premium shipments declined. In addition:

Diluted Share&nbsp;&nbsp;First Quarter 2019

Summary of First Quarter Freight Revenues

Union Pacific expects second quarter 2020 carload volumes to be down around 25 percent, compared to the second quarter 2019. Although the situation is fluid and highly uncertain, the Company fully expects to maintain sufficient liquidity to sustain an extended period of lower volumes.

"Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they perform the work necessary to move the goods communities need during this national emergency," Fritz said. "The eighteen month implementation of Unified Plan 2020 has put our company in a position of strength, with a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity, as we face today's fluid and uncertain situation. We remain focused on providing a highly consistent, reliable and efficient service product for our customers."

First Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call

Union Pacific will webcast its first quarter 2020 earnings release presentation live at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.up.com/up/investor/index.htm" target="_blank">www.up.com/investor</a>&nbsp;and via teleconference on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, the webcast can be accessed directly through the following&nbsp;<a href="https://services.choruscall.com/links/unp200423QjK0JRkU.html" target="_blank">link</a>. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877/407-8293 (or for international participants, 201/689-8349).

From the Associated PressJOSH FUNKAP Business WriterOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Union Pacific's first-quarter profit improved 6%, but the railroad expects shipping volume to plummet 25% in the second quarter because of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.The railroad said Thursday it earned $1.47 billion, or $2.15 per share, in the first quarter. That's up from $1.39 billion, or $1.93 per share, a year ago.The results topped Wall Street expectations. The seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected earnings of $1.86 per share, on average.The railroad's revenue declined 3% to $5.23 billion. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $5.11 billion.Union Pacific said the number of carloads of freight it delivered in the first quarter fell 7%, but the volume has declined sharply since then as automakers closed their plants and other manufacturers slowed production because of the virus outbreak.The Omaha, Nebraska-based company operates 32,400 miles of track in 23 Western states.Union Pacific Corp. shares have fallen 19% since the beginning of the year, while the S&amp;P 500 index has dropped 13%. The stock has decreased 17% in the last 12 months.News Release (UP)OMAHA, Neb.-Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2020 first-quarter net income of $1.5 billion, or $2.15 per diluted share. This compares to $1.4 billion, or $1.93 per diluted share, in the first quarter 2019."Against the backdrop of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic and a challenging volume environment, we leveraged productivity to deliver strong financial results, including an all time best operating ratio of 59 percent," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We also made substantial improvement in employee safety, which is a testament to our dedicated employees. Our rail network has never run better, providing a safer, more reliable and efficient service product to our customers."<h2>First Quarter Summary</h2>Operating revenue of $5.2 billion was down 3 percent in first quarter 2020, compared to first quarter 2019. First quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, decreased 7 percent compared to 2019. Industrial volumes increased compared to 2019, while bulk and premium shipments declined. In addition:<ol>
 <li>Quarterly freight revenue declined 3 percent, compared to first quarter 2019, as positive business mix and core pricing gains were offset by lower volumes and decreased fuel surcharge revenue.</li><li>Union Pacific's 59 percent operating ratio represented a quarterly record and the fourth consecutive quarter below 60 percent, improving 4.6 points compared to first quarter 2019.</li>
 </ol>OperatingRatioEarnings Per&nbsp;Diluted Share&nbsp;&nbsp;First Quarter 2019&nbsp; 2019 Payroll Tax Refund&nbsp; 2019 Weather Expense&nbsp; Fuel Impact&nbsp; Core Results63.6%(0.8) pts0.8 pts0.8 pts3.8 pts$1.93($0.05)$0.05$0.04$0.18&nbsp;First Quarter 202059.0%$2.15<ol>
 <li>The $1.87 per gallon average quarterly diesel fuel price in first quarter 2020 was 10 percent lower than first quarter 2019.</li><li>Fuel consumption rate, measured in gallons of fuel per thousand gross ton-miles (GTMs, improved 5% compared to first quarter 2019, achieving a first quarter record in 2020.</li><li>Union Pacific's reportable personal injury rate of 0.80 incidents per 200,000 employee hours decreased 11 percent compared to first quarter 2019.</li><li>Quarterly freight car velocity was 209 daily miles per car, an 8 percent improvement compared to first quarter 2019.</li><li>Quarterly locomotive productivity was 131 GTMs per horsepower day, an 18 percent improvement compared to first quarter 2019.</li><li>Average maximum train length was 8,396 feet, a 15 percent increase compared to first quarter 2019.</li><li>The Company repurchased 14.3 million shares in first quarter 2020 at an aggregate cost of $2.6 billion.</li>
 </ol><h2>Summary of First Quarter Freight Revenues</h2><ol>
 <li>Industrial up 3 percent</li><li>Bulk down 5 percent</li><li>Premium down 6 percent</li>
 </ol><h2>2020 Outlook</h2>Union Pacific expects second quarter 2020 carload volumes to be down around 25 percent, compared to the second quarter 2019. Although the situation is fluid and highly uncertain, the Company fully expects to maintain sufficient liquidity to sustain an extended period of lower volumes."Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they perform the work necessary to move the goods communities need during this national emergency," Fritz said. "The eighteen month implementation of Unified Plan 2020 has put our company in a position of strength, with a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity, as we face today's fluid and uncertain situation. We remain focused on providing a highly consistent, reliable and efficient service product for our customers."<h2>First Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call</h2>Union Pacific will webcast its first quarter 2020 earnings release presentation live at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.up.com/up/investor/index.htm" target="_blank">www.up.com/investor</a>&nbsp;and via teleconference on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, the webcast can be accessed directly through the following&nbsp;<a href="https://services.choruscall.com/links/unp200423QjK0JRkU.html" target="_blank">link</a>. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877/407-8293 (or for international participants, 201/689-8349).

Union Pacific reports strong first quarter of 2020

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Daily reports of giant meat-processing plants closing because workers tested positive for the coronavirus have called into question whether slaughterhouses can remain virus-free.

According to experts, the answer may be no.

Given that the plants employ thousands of people who often work side by side carving meat, social distancing is all but impossible. Because of that, the risk of catching the virus will likely remain even as companies take steps to increase worker protections.

"It's not that people aren't trying. It's just that it is very difficult to control this illness," said Dennis Burson, an animal science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The list of companies dealing with infected workers has been growing every day at plants across the country. Among the latest was the closure Wednesday of Tyson Foods' huge pork-processing plant in Waterloo, Iowa, after numerous workers tested positive. That follows closures of a Smithfield Foods pork plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; a JBS beef plant in Greeley, Colorado; and many others. Some, including the Tyson pork plant in Perry, Iowa, have reopened after deep cleanings.

The closures shouldn't cause any immediate meat shortages or big price jumps at supermarkets, but as Purdue University economist Jason Lusk noted, "It's a very fluid and volatile situation to keep an eye out for in the days to come."

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, whose state leads the nation in pork production, acknowledged the likelihood of "clusters of positive cases" at meat-processing plants but said the operations must&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad" target="_blank">remain open.</a>

"Without them, people's lives and our food supply will be impacted," Reynolds said.

At least 10 worker deaths linked to the virus have been reported at meat-processing plants nationwide, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80 percent of beef and pork workers and 33 percent of poultry workers nationwide.

In an attempt to protect workers, companies have started checking employee temperatures, staggering breaks and altering start times. Owners said they have also done more to clean plants, added more break space, slowed production lines so workers can spread out and added plastic shields between workstations.

"We are looking for countless ways of ensuring we have good, healthy social distancing in our plants. It's not impossible despite the number of people in our plants," said Hector Gonzalez, Tyson's senior vice president of human resources.

Major companies, including Smithfield, Tyson, Cargill and JBS, said they have relaxed their attendance and sick leave policies to encourage sick workers to stay home and allow them to be paid.

Still, workplace safety expert Celeste Monforton said it's difficult to ensure people working so closely together won't spread the virus.

"The scary thing is you know if it could happen in one plant, the potential is there for a lot of other plants," said Monforton, a lecturer in public health at Texas State University. "Unless you're super vigilant, this is a recipe for disaster."

Even companies with the best intention may struggle because plant layouts make 6-foot distancing difficult, said Jim Roth, director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University. Precautions such as face masks and plastic shields can help but likely won't eliminate the risk, he said. Some plants can spread workers out by slowing down operations, but that's not possible everywhere and would reduce a plant's capacity.

"They were constructed to have people stand next to each other and work, and that's very difficult to change," Roth said.

Edgar Fields, president of the Southeast Council of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents thousands of poultry workers, said it's hard to know if the precautions will protect workers.

"We say 6 feet . but what is enough?" Fields asked. "What else is it that we can ask them to do to try to protect their employees when they walk in the door and when they walk out. I don't know. All of this is new."

Alejandra Wehunt, 22, of Gainesville, Georgia, said she stopped going to work at a poultry processing plant after a coworker tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

"I have a young daughter. I live with my grandmother. I have seizures and heart problems. I can't catch anything," said Wehunt. "If one person got it, probably many others have it too."

Wehunt said the plant manager at the Gold Creek Foods plant had told workers that they had to show up to work or risked losing their jobs, despite the pandemic.

"Why are we losing our jobs because we don't want to put our health in jeopardy," she said.

A Gold Creek Foods spokesman didn't respond to phone calls seeking comment.

Joshua Specht, a University of Notre Dame history professor who has studied the meat industry, said it relies on workers at the margins of society - including recent immigrants - who don't have a safety net and therefore feel pressure to continue working even if they are ill.

"With workers in close proximity, working long hours, and feeling pressure to continue even when sick, the meat industry is at particular risk for pandemic-related disruptions," Specht said.

By JOSH FUNK-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Daily reports of giant meat-processing plants closing because workers tested positive for the coronavirus have called into question whether slaughterhouses can remain virus-free.According to experts, the answer may be no.Given that the plants employ thousands of people who often work side by side carving meat, social distancing is all but impossible. Because of that, the risk of catching the virus will likely remain even as companies take steps to increase worker protections."It's not that people aren't trying. It's just that it is very difficult to control this illness," said Dennis Burson, an animal science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.The list of companies dealing with infected workers has been growing every day at plants across the country. Among the latest was the closure Wednesday of Tyson Foods' huge pork-processing plant in Waterloo, Iowa, after numerous workers tested positive. That follows closures of a Smithfield Foods pork plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; a JBS beef plant in Greeley, Colorado; and many others. Some, including the Tyson pork plant in Perry, Iowa, have reopened after deep cleanings.The closures shouldn't cause any immediate meat shortages or big price jumps at supermarkets, but as Purdue University economist Jason Lusk noted, "It's a very fluid and volatile situation to keep an eye out for in the days to come."Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, whose state leads the nation in pork production, acknowledged the likelihood of "clusters of positive cases" at meat-processing plants but said the operations must&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad" target="_blank">remain open.</a>"Without them, people's lives and our food supply will be impacted," Reynolds said.At least 10 worker deaths linked to the virus have been reported at meat-processing plants nationwide, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80 percent of beef and pork workers and 33 percent of poultry workers nationwide.In an attempt to protect workers, companies have started checking employee temperatures, staggering breaks and altering start times. Owners said they have also done more to clean plants, added more break space, slowed production lines so workers can spread out and added plastic shields between workstations."We are looking for countless ways of ensuring we have good, healthy social distancing in our plants. It's not impossible despite the number of people in our plants," said Hector Gonzalez, Tyson's senior vice president of human resources.Major companies, including Smithfield, Tyson, Cargill and JBS, said they have relaxed their attendance and sick leave policies to encourage sick workers to stay home and allow them to be paid.Still, workplace safety expert Celeste Monforton said it's difficult to ensure people working so closely together won't spread the virus."The scary thing is you know if it could happen in one plant, the potential is there for a lot of other plants," said Monforton, a lecturer in public health at Texas State University. "Unless you're super vigilant, this is a recipe for disaster."Even companies with the best intention may struggle because plant layouts make 6-foot distancing difficult, said Jim Roth, director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University. Precautions such as face masks and plastic shields can help but likely won't eliminate the risk, he said. Some plants can spread workers out by slowing down operations, but that's not possible everywhere and would reduce a plant's capacity."They were constructed to have people stand next to each other and work, and that's very difficult to change," Roth said.Edgar Fields, president of the Southeast Council of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents thousands of poultry workers, said it's hard to know if the precautions will protect workers."We say 6 feet . but what is enough?" Fields asked. "What else is it that we can ask them to do to try to protect their employees when they walk in the door and when they walk out. I don't know. All of this is new."Alejandra Wehunt, 22, of Gainesville, Georgia, said she stopped going to work at a poultry processing plant after a coworker tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus."I have a young daughter. I live with my grandmother. I have seizures and heart problems. I can't catch anything," said Wehunt. "If one person got it, probably many others have it too."Wehunt said the plant manager at the Gold Creek Foods plant had told workers that they had to show up to work or risked losing their jobs, despite the pandemic."Why are we losing our jobs because we don't want to put our health in jeopardy," she said.A Gold Creek Foods spokesman didn't respond to phone calls seeking comment.Joshua Specht, a University of Notre Dame history professor who has studied the meat industry, said it relies on workers at the margins of society - including recent immigrants - who don't have a safety net and therefore feel pressure to continue working even if they are ill."With workers in close proximity, working long hours, and feeling pressure to continue even when sick, the meat industry is at particular risk for pandemic-related disruptions," Specht said.

Stopping virus a huge challenge at crowded US meat plants

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Seven additional deaths related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday.

Three deaths were in Hall County. They were women in their 60s and 70s, and a man in his 60s -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.

One was a Hamilton County woman in her 90s. -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.

Three deaths were in Douglas County, they were all men in their 60s and 70s. –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/" target="_blank">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/&nbsp;</a>

A new COVID-19 case has been reported in Fillmore County.

Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 45, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 1,813. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.

In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/&nbsp;</a>

DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;

Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html&nbsp;</a>.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.

Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Seven additional deaths related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Wednesday.Three deaths were in Hall County. They were women in their 60s and 70s, and a man in his 60s -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.One was a Hamilton County woman in her 90s. -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.Three deaths were in Douglas County, they were all men in their 60s and 70s. –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/" target="_blank">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/&nbsp;</a>A new COVID-19 case has been reported in Fillmore County.Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 45, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 1,813. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/&nbsp;</a>DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Stay home.&nbsp; No non-essential errands and no social gatherings.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limits.</li><li>Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop alone.&nbsp; Do this only once a week and do not take your family with you.</li><li>Help kids social distance. Play at home, no group sports and no playgrounds.</li><li>Help seniors stay at home.&nbsp; This can be done by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term facilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise daily.&nbsp; Do your best to stay as healthy and safe as you can.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html&nbsp;</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

7 additional COVID-19 related deaths reported in Nebraska on Wednesday

Nebraska Joint Information Center daily update

LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, during his daily COVID-19 briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans to take an online assessment as part of the State’s Test Nebraska plan.&nbsp; The Governor also announced that Ed and Leta Olson have received the 2020 Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska. &nbsp;The Olsons were selected as this year’s award recipients in recognition of the wise stewardship they have long practiced on their farm in eastern Nebraska.

L. Lynn Rex, Executive Director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, joined Gov. Ricketts at today’s news conference.&nbsp; She talked about the most frequent issues encountered by city officials during the pandemic.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Test Nebraska initiative is accelerating our ability to defeat the virus and get Nebraskans back to work.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of this morning, nearly 20,000 Nebraskans had already completed an assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C5f5f2d5f0e7c42ab3f1208d7e7047ccc%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231878765083954&amp;sdata=fWPxJKZi5hPWc3zvI9SWAVeT9W%2BU%2BA54%2BQwTIrMLYHg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We need every Nebraskan to go online now and to fill out this quick assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, the website is&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C5f5f2d5f0e7c42ab3f1208d7e7047ccc%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231878765093950&amp;sdata=n5W%2FLPkQBqmRzwUDGYcOkdGxZsXX5NrzWV1CLrvWszw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.&nbsp; Please go on social media and use #TestNebraskaChallenge to challenge five friends to do the same!

Gov. Ricketts: Earth Day / Leopold Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today is Earth Day.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to take a moment to thank our farmers and ranchers across Nebraska who are the state’s original conservationists.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Typically around this time of year, we honor a family with the Leopold Conservation Award.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation by American farmers, ranchers, and foresters in 21 states.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While this year’s award winners cannot be with us today, I want to announce that the Olson family of Burt County is the 15th&nbsp;recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the 815 acres Ed and Leta Olson farm, 115 acres are enrolled in conservation programs to create filter strips, shelterbelts, and pollinator habitat.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ed has adopted a variety of conservation practices to decrease erosion, protect water quality, and increase soil health.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Olsons will be presented with the $10,000 award at a public event later this year.

L. Lynn Rex: Nebraska Municipalities

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During this pandemic, our 529 cities and villages are doing everything possible to limit the spread of COVID-19.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Municipalities are supporting our EMTs, police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;They’re also supporting healthcare workers at municipal nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our municipal officials are addressing three issues on a regular basis.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Issues relating to parks and playground equipment.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;It is great to get exercise but please comply with the CDC recommendations regarding parks.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are not feeling well, please do not go to the park.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the park is crowded, please leave and come back another time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Go to the park closest to your home to avoid traveling long distances and having to stop to use facilities.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As you walk or jog through the park, remember to “social distance” by staying at least six feet away from others.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not use or let children use playground equipment.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Ways to avoid sewer backups and other issues by not flushing certain items.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Municipal sewer systems are designed to treat toilet paper.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Please do not flush paper towels, baby wipes, moist towelettes, and other such items.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Most municipalities have ordinances that make flushing these types of items a violation subject to a penalty.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Flushing these types of items will result in raw sewage backing up into your basement, expensive repairs to sewer facilities, and environmental hazards.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID-19 moratoriums on utility disconnects.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Municipal officials understand that COVID-19 may affect some customers’ ability to pay monthly bills.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Lash Chaffin, League Utilities Section Director, has recommended that municipalities adopt a moratorium policy on disconnects for customers for 45 days or longer and most municipalities have done so.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers affected by COVID-19 and with difficulty paying bills should contact their municipality.&nbsp;

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers will be asked to commit to a payment plan since the bills are still owed.

Full video of today’s press briefing will be available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2Fjibguxil57mbngd%2FAADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C5f5f2d5f0e7c42ab3f1208d7e7047ccc%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231878765093950&amp;sdata=jW391yKHNAR6pK%2FJoozr%2B9bSAmjOziY9Cu6NRZDPTu8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>&nbsp;after 5:00pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587604690389.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) provides an update on the State’s response to COVID-19&nbsp;at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) provides an update on the State’s response to COVID-19&nbsp;at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, during his daily COVID-19 briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans to take an online assessment as part of the State’s Test Nebraska plan.&nbsp; The Governor also announced that Ed and Leta Olson have received the 2020 Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska. &nbsp;The Olsons were selected as this year’s award recipients in recognition of the wise stewardship they have long practiced on their farm in eastern Nebraska.L. Lynn Rex, Executive Director of the League of Nebraska Municipalities, joined Gov. Ricketts at today’s news conference.&nbsp; She talked about the most frequent issues encountered by city officials during the pandemic.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Test Nebraska initiative is accelerating our ability to defeat the virus and get Nebraskans back to work.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of this morning, nearly 20,000 Nebraskans had already completed an assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C5f5f2d5f0e7c42ab3f1208d7e7047ccc%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231878765083954&amp;sdata=fWPxJKZi5hPWc3zvI9SWAVeT9W%2BU%2BA54%2BQwTIrMLYHg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We need every Nebraskan to go online now and to fill out this quick assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, the website is&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C5f5f2d5f0e7c42ab3f1208d7e7047ccc%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231878765093950&amp;sdata=n5W%2FLPkQBqmRzwUDGYcOkdGxZsXX5NrzWV1CLrvWszw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.&nbsp; Please go on social media and use #TestNebraskaChallenge to challenge five friends to do the same!Gov. Ricketts: Earth Day / Leopold Award·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today is Earth Day.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to take a moment to thank our farmers and ranchers across Nebraska who are the state’s original conservationists.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Typically around this time of year, we honor a family with the Leopold Conservation Award.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation by American farmers, ranchers, and foresters in 21 states.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While this year’s award winners cannot be with us today, I want to announce that the Olson family of Burt County is the 15th&nbsp;recipient of the Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the 815 acres Ed and Leta Olson farm, 115 acres are enrolled in conservation programs to create filter strips, shelterbelts, and pollinator habitat.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ed has adopted a variety of conservation practices to decrease erosion, protect water quality, and increase soil health.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Olsons will be presented with the $10,000 award at a public event later this year.L. Lynn Rex: Nebraska Municipalities·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During this pandemic, our 529 cities and villages are doing everything possible to limit the spread of COVID-19.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Municipalities are supporting our EMTs, police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.o&nbsp;&nbsp;They’re also supporting healthcare workers at municipal nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our municipal officials are addressing three issues on a regular basis.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Issues relating to parks and playground equipment.§&nbsp;&nbsp;It is great to get exercise but please comply with the CDC recommendations regarding parks.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are not feeling well, please do not go to the park.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the park is crowded, please leave and come back another time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Go to the park closest to your home to avoid traveling long distances and having to stop to use facilities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As you walk or jog through the park, remember to “social distance” by staying at least six feet away from others.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not use or let children use playground equipment.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Ways to avoid sewer backups and other issues by not flushing certain items.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Municipal sewer systems are designed to treat toilet paper.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Please do not flush paper towels, baby wipes, moist towelettes, and other such items.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Most municipalities have ordinances that make flushing these types of items a violation subject to a penalty.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Flushing these types of items will result in raw sewage backing up into your basement, expensive repairs to sewer facilities, and environmental hazards.o&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID-19 moratoriums on utility disconnects.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Municipal officials understand that COVID-19 may affect some customers’ ability to pay monthly bills.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Lash Chaffin, League Utilities Section Director, has recommended that municipalities adopt a moratorium policy on disconnects for customers for 45 days or longer and most municipalities have done so.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers affected by COVID-19 and with difficulty paying bills should contact their municipality.&nbsp;§&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers will be asked to commit to a payment plan since the bills are still owed.Full video of today’s press briefing will be available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fsh%2Fjibguxil57mbngd%2FAADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C5f5f2d5f0e7c42ab3f1208d7e7047ccc%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231878765093950&amp;sdata=jW391yKHNAR6pK%2FJoozr%2B9bSAmjOziY9Cu6NRZDPTu8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>&nbsp;after 5:00pm.

Gov. Ricketts encourages Nebraskans to take 'Test Nebraska' assessment, addresses issues facing municipalities 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Someone threw a rock through a window of the Nebraska Republican party's downtown Lincoln headquarters Wednesday - the fourth act of vandalism at the building in two years.

Three people were in the building opening mail when the rock went through a window of the state party's executive director, Ryan Hamilton, who was in another part of the building installing security cameras, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/crime/vandals-damage-nebraska-republican-party-office-in-lincoln/article_9abe6a7f-be1c-588d-aeb6-2ffda0202dd9.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Police estimated the damage at $200, but Hamilton said it would likely cost more because the windows are older and a general contractor might need to fix them.

"The hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans who vote to put their trust in Republicans are not going to be cowed by any small-time vandal," he said.

Lincoln Police spokeswoman Officer Erin Spilker said there was no evidence the vandalism was targeted or a political statement.

Police investigated three vandalism reports at the headquarters in 2018, including someone spray-painting "Abolish ICE" on the building, a BB being fired through the front window, and someone painting "resist" on the building. No arrests have been made in any of the incidents.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb on Wednesday condemned the vandalism and said it had no place in Nebraska politics.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Someone threw a rock through a window of the Nebraska Republican party's downtown Lincoln headquarters Wednesday - the fourth act of vandalism at the building in two years.Three people were in the building opening mail when the rock went through a window of the state party's executive director, Ryan Hamilton, who was in another part of the building installing security cameras, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/crime/vandals-damage-nebraska-republican-party-office-in-lincoln/article_9abe6a7f-be1c-588d-aeb6-2ffda0202dd9.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Police estimated the damage at $200, but Hamilton said it would likely cost more because the windows are older and a general contractor might need to fix them."The hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans who vote to put their trust in Republicans are not going to be cowed by any small-time vandal," he said.Lincoln Police spokeswoman Officer Erin Spilker said there was no evidence the vandalism was targeted or a political statement.Police investigated three vandalism reports at the headquarters in 2018, including someone spray-painting "Abolish ICE" on the building, a BB being fired through the front window, and someone painting "resist" on the building. No arrests have been made in any of the incidents.Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb on Wednesday condemned the vandalism and said it had no place in Nebraska politics.

Vandals do minor damage to GOP headquarters in Lincoln

April 22, 2020 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Today, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) launched a new Traffic Count Dashboard as an informational resource for Nebraskans. 

The NDOT has been reporting traffic data since March 1 to track the impact of COVID-19 on statewide traffic volumes. For the week of April 12 through April 18, statewide traffic volumes were down 35 percent compared to the 2016-2018 average. 

The Traffic Count Dashboard will be updated weekly and can be viewed using the following link: <a href="https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce">https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce</a>

The data compares 2020’s traffic to the historical three year (2016-18) average daily traffic for each day of the week for that month and then averages the difference in traffic for each week by category. Data for 2019 was excluded due to the impacts of flooding on highways. For example, March 15-21 is calculated by finding the difference in March 15, 2020, vs. the historical average Sunday traffic for March, March 16, 2020, vs. the historic average Monday in March, etc. Then each day is averaged together to get a weekly average change in traffic.&nbsp;

Statewide Total is a weighted average of all categories. The NDOT maintains a system of 67 continuous traffic counters statewide. These are often called automatic traffic recorders (ATRs). These counters collect traffic volume and classification data 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Data is then relayed to NDOT twice per week.&nbsp;

For more information/data about ATRs and links to the Annual ATR and March 2020 reports: https://dot.nebraska.gov/media/3811/annual-traffic-count-data.pdf https://dot.nebraska.gov/media/7569/autotrfrecorddata.pdf

April 22, 2020 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Today, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) launched a new Traffic Count Dashboard as an informational resource for Nebraskans. The NDOT has been reporting traffic data since March 1 to track the impact of COVID-19 on statewide traffic volumes. For the week of April 12 through April 18, statewide traffic volumes were down 35 percent compared to the 2016-2018 average. The Traffic Count Dashboard will be updated weekly and can be viewed using the following link: <a href="https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce">https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587590739580.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The data compares 2020’s traffic to the historical three year (2016-18) average daily traffic for each day of the week for that month and then averages the difference in traffic for each week by category. Data for 2019 was excluded due to the impacts of flooding on highways. For example, March 15-21 is calculated by finding the difference in March 15, 2020, vs. the historical average Sunday traffic for March, March 16, 2020, vs. the historic average Monday in March, etc. Then each day is averaged together to get a weekly average change in traffic.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>The column descriptions are as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Rural Highway are all non-interstate roads in areas under 5,000 population.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Omaha Streets &amp; Highways include all non-interstate roads in Douglas and Sarpy counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Lincoln Streets &amp; Highways include all non-interstate roads in Lancaster County.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Remaining Small Urban Streets &amp; Highways are all roads in cities with over 5,000 population outside of Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster counties. (This includes I-129).&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Statewide Total is a weighted average of all categories. The NDOT maintains a system of 67 continuous traffic counters statewide. These are often called automatic traffic recorders (ATRs). These counters collect traffic volume and classification data 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Data is then relayed to NDOT twice per week.&nbsp;For more information/data about ATRs and links to the Annual ATR and March 2020 reports: https://dot.nebraska.gov/media/3811/annual-traffic-count-data.pdf https://dot.nebraska.gov/media/7569/autotrfrecorddata.pdf

NDOT launches Traffic Count Dashboard

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A new Nebraska website designed to ramp up testing for the coronavirus logged about 20,000 new registrations on its first day, and the data that residents submit could help determine which parts of the state get tested first, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday.

Ricketts said the $27 million program, similar to ones&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb79c28687ad35ba9256d4311457eb52" target="_blank">Iowa&nbsp;</a>and Utah, will help state officials decide where to first use the 540,000 new tests that were included in the deal with a private contractor.

He said front-line medical and public safety workers will get first priority for testing, followed by people who report a lot of symptoms on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">Test Nebraska</a>&nbsp;website, followed by people with just a symptoms and then potentially people who are asymptomatic.

"Part of it, frankly, will be driven by people filling out the assessment," Ricketts said at his weekday coronavirus news conference. "So if you are interested in having free testing in your area, that's another good reason why you should go and fill out that assessment."

His comments added more detail to the plan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4680166177edf78b7f0ef9501f0efc6c" target="_blank">announced Tuesday</a>, which is designed to increase testing from the state's current capacity of 600 to 800 per day to 3,000 per day once it's fully running in about five weeks. It's virtually identical to a program announced in Iowa, which recorded 80,000 registrations within its first 24 hours.

Ricketts said the data that residents submit will belong to the state, can't be accessed by the companies administering it, and won't be sold to any other party. He said the information will eventually be destroyed. Like Iowa, Nebraska has signed a contract with Nomi Health, a Utah-based startup. The company and its subcontractors will run the website and mobile testing sites, with the goal of targeting where tests are needed most.

Ricketts said the costs will be covered with federal money from the recently approved coronavirus stimulus package.

Meanwhile, Nebraska state health officials reported a one-day jump of nine COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 42 since the outbreak began.

Three of the deaths reported late Tuesday by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from Hall County, which has emerged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/32570bd42a11adb89f82b0f3b7cee072" target="_blank">hot-spot for the virus&nbsp;</a>in the state. Those deaths included a man in his 70s, another man in his 90s, and a woman in her 70s.

Another four deaths were reported Tuesday out of the Omaha area in Douglas County - all men in their 60s and 70s with underlying health conditions.

The other deaths were a woman in her 50s form Seward County and a woman in her 80s from Adams County. Officials said both had underlying health conditions.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>showed 1,813 confirmed cases in the state as of Wednesday evening. Nearly 17,400 people had been tested for the virus statewide as of Wednesday evening, with nearly 15,500 testing negative for the illness.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A new Nebraska website designed to ramp up testing for the coronavirus logged about 20,000 new registrations on its first day, and the data that residents submit could help determine which parts of the state get tested first, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday.Ricketts said the $27 million program, similar to ones&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb79c28687ad35ba9256d4311457eb52" target="_blank">Iowa&nbsp;</a>and Utah, will help state officials decide where to first use the 540,000 new tests that were included in the deal with a private contractor.He said front-line medical and public safety workers will get first priority for testing, followed by people who report a lot of symptoms on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">Test Nebraska</a>&nbsp;website, followed by people with just a symptoms and then potentially people who are asymptomatic."Part of it, frankly, will be driven by people filling out the assessment," Ricketts said at his weekday coronavirus news conference. "So if you are interested in having free testing in your area, that's another good reason why you should go and fill out that assessment."His comments added more detail to the plan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4680166177edf78b7f0ef9501f0efc6c" target="_blank">announced Tuesday</a>, which is designed to increase testing from the state's current capacity of 600 to 800 per day to 3,000 per day once it's fully running in about five weeks. It's virtually identical to a program announced in Iowa, which recorded 80,000 registrations within its first 24 hours.Ricketts said the data that residents submit will belong to the state, can't be accessed by the companies administering it, and won't be sold to any other party. He said the information will eventually be destroyed. Like Iowa, Nebraska has signed a contract with Nomi Health, a Utah-based startup. The company and its subcontractors will run the website and mobile testing sites, with the goal of targeting where tests are needed most.Ricketts said the costs will be covered with federal money from the recently approved coronavirus stimulus package.Meanwhile, Nebraska state health officials reported a one-day jump of nine COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 42 since the outbreak began.Three of the deaths reported late Tuesday by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from Hall County, which has emerged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/32570bd42a11adb89f82b0f3b7cee072" target="_blank">hot-spot for the virus&nbsp;</a>in the state. Those deaths included a man in his 70s, another man in his 90s, and a woman in her 70s.Another four deaths were reported Tuesday out of the Omaha area in Douglas County - all men in their 60s and 70s with underlying health conditions.The other deaths were a woman in her 50s form Seward County and a woman in her 80s from Adams County. Officials said both had underlying health conditions.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>showed 1,813 confirmed cases in the state as of Wednesday evening. Nearly 17,400 people had been tested for the virus statewide as of Wednesday evening, with nearly 15,500 testing negative for the illness.

Nebraska virus testing website draws 20,000 on first day

&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the previous deadline for grant applications under the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) has been extended from May 15 to July 1, 2020.

“As a result of COVID-19, I have instructed our Department of Economic Development, which administers the DYTI program, to extend this year’s grant application deadline to July 1st,” said Gov. Ricketts. “This will give businesses and their partnering school districts additional time to prepare and submit plans for the 2020-2021 school year.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Launched by Gov. Ricketts in 2015, DYTI was designed to inspire Nebraska middle school students to explore careers in manufacturing and information technology. &nbsp;The program has since been expanded to involve additional disciplines, such as engineering and healthcare.

DYTI grants are awarded to for-profit firms, who partner with area middle schools to implement hands-on courses and activities that increase students’ awareness and interest surrounding STEM skills and careers.

“There are so many high-paying careers right here in the state of Nebraska where businesses are telling us every single day, ‘we need talent, we need skilled workers,’” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins. “DYTI is such a great program because it addresses that need directly, and benefits our kids and our businesses at the same time.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

New to the program for 2020 are the following guidelines, as announced by DED earlier this year:

For more information on DTYI, including how to apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://opportunity.nebraska.gov/program/nebraska-developing-youth-talent-initiative" target="_blank">opportunity.nebraska.gov/program/nebraska-developing-youth-talent-initiative</a>.

For questions, contact DYTI Coordinator Karrissa Jyles at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:karrissa.jyles@nebraska.gov">karrissa.jyles@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-432-0912.

&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the previous deadline for grant applications under the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) has been extended from May 15 to July 1, 2020.“As a result of COVID-19, I have instructed our Department of Economic Development, which administers the DYTI program, to extend this year’s grant application deadline to July 1st,” said Gov. Ricketts. “This will give businesses and their partnering school districts additional time to prepare and submit plans for the 2020-2021 school year.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Launched by Gov. Ricketts in 2015, DYTI was designed to inspire Nebraska middle school students to explore careers in manufacturing and information technology. &nbsp;The program has since been expanded to involve additional disciplines, such as engineering and healthcare.DYTI grants are awarded to for-profit firms, who partner with area middle schools to implement hands-on courses and activities that increase students’ awareness and interest surrounding STEM skills and careers.“There are so many high-paying careers right here in the state of Nebraska where businesses are telling us every single day, ‘we need talent, we need skilled workers,’” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins. “DYTI is such a great program because it addresses that need directly, and benefits our kids and our businesses at the same time.”&nbsp;&nbsp;New to the program for 2020 are the following guidelines, as announced by DED earlier this year:<ol>
 <li>The grant period has been extended from 12 months to two years, allowing for more ramp-up time and a longer period of exposure.</li><li>Grants are now awarded at two levels: $50,000 or more (Signature Projects) or less than $50,000 (Visionary Projects).</li>
 </ol>For more information on DTYI, including how to apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://opportunity.nebraska.gov/program/nebraska-developing-youth-talent-initiative" target="_blank">opportunity.nebraska.gov/program/nebraska-developing-youth-talent-initiative</a>.For questions, contact DYTI Coordinator Karrissa Jyles at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:karrissa.jyles@nebraska.gov">karrissa.jyles@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or 402-432-0912.

Gov. Ricketts extends deadline for DYTI grant applications


The
North Platte Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce that it
has awarded the first Ugai Smolen Teacher Appreciation Scholarship to
2020 NPHS graduate Jack Carlson.
 



Jack
is the son of Lance and Vikki Carlson.  Jack is a 4-year honor roll
student who will also graduate with 41 credit hours from Mid-Plains
Community College.  He has been active in Music and Performance
participating in Band, Orchestra and Musicals.  In 2019, he was the
recipient of the Young Artist Award from UNL.  Jack will continue his
education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln.  He plans to study
Music Education or Music Performance on Violin.
 


<a></a>
The
Ugai Smolen Family gives the $5000, Ugai Smolen Family Teacher
Appreciation Scholarship to one graduating senior.&nbsp; Ten members
of the Ugai family, the last in 1979, graduated from North Platte
High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each of them benefited from the quality
education the teachers of the North Platte public schools
provided.&nbsp;&nbsp;This scholarship is given in deep appreciation
to the dedicated and generous teachers of the North Platte Public
Schools, including Beatrice Ugai who taught at Adams Junior High,
Jefferson and&nbsp;Lincoln elementary schools.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587577197742.png" alt="Jack Carlson" />
 <figcaption>Jack Carlson</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release NPPSF
The
North Platte Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce that it
has awarded the first Ugai Smolen Teacher Appreciation Scholarship to
2020 NPHS graduate Jack Carlson.
 

Jack
is the son of Lance and Vikki Carlson. Jack is a 4-year honor roll
student who will also graduate with 41 credit hours from Mid-Plains
Community College. He has been active in Music and Performance
participating in Band, Orchestra and Musicals. In 2019, he was the
recipient of the Young Artist Award from UNL. Jack will continue his
education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He plans to study
Music Education or Music Performance on Violin.
 
<a></a>
The
Ugai Smolen Family gives the $5000, Ugai Smolen Family Teacher
Appreciation Scholarship to one graduating senior.&nbsp; Ten members
of the Ugai family, the last in 1979, graduated from North Platte
High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each of them benefited from the quality
education the teachers of the North Platte public schools
provided.&nbsp;&nbsp;This scholarship is given in deep appreciation
to the dedicated and generous teachers of the North Platte Public
Schools, including Beatrice Ugai who taught at Adams Junior High,
Jefferson and&nbsp;Lincoln elementary schools.&nbsp;

Jack Carlson awarded first Ugai Smolen Teacher Appreciation Scholarship

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The&nbsp;regularly scheduled Homebuyer Education Class for May has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. We urge people who need to take this class prior to July, please contact our office at 308-534-5095.

The next face-to-face Homebuyer Education Class presented by Lincoln County Community Development Corporation is Saturday, July 11th at North Platte Community College-South Campus, McDonald-Belton Room 124, 601 West State Farm Road in North Platte, start time 9:00 am, is. This class is free of charge to Lincoln County residents. (There is a $25 fee for those outside Lincoln County.)

Classes are generally held on the first or second Saturday of the following months: January, March, May, July, September and November. Please call 308-534-5095 to register, or for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587576966396.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/106574022@N04/">Mark Moz</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/106574022@N04/">Mark Moz</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The&nbsp;regularly scheduled Homebuyer Education Class for May has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. We urge people who need to take this class prior to July, please contact our office at 308-534-5095.The next face-to-face Homebuyer Education Class presented by Lincoln County Community Development Corporation is Saturday, July 11th at North Platte Community College-South Campus, McDonald-Belton Room 124, 601 West State Farm Road in North Platte, start time 9:00 am, is. This class is free of charge to Lincoln County residents. (There is a $25 fee for those outside Lincoln County.)Classes are generally held on the first or second Saturday of the following months: January, March, May, July, September and November. Please call 308-534-5095 to register, or for more information.Flyer for the July class is attached.

May Homebuyer Education Class in North Platte cancelled 

News Release Center for Nursing Foundation


The year 2020 was designated as the “Year of the Nurse” by The
World Health Organization (WHO) long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Year of the Nurse” correlates with the 200th birthday of the
founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale (born May 12, 1820,
who is credited with the world’s original method of documenting and
studying how infections spread. Influenced by her work, nurses
continue to be concerned about the spread of communicable illness and
infection, and work unwaveringly toward prevention and recovery on
behalf of their patients and communities.

But
there is a critical shortage of nurses nationwide, and the state of
Nebraska is not immune.

Currently,
Nebraska is understaffed by 4,062 nurses, and that number is
projected to increase to 5,436 in the year 2025, according to
statistics from the Nebraska Center for Nursing. Data from licensing
renewal surveys indicate the total number of Registered Nurses (RNs)
working in Nebraska is 23,754 which includes 1,784 Advanced Practical
Registered Nurses (APRNs, with an additional 5,004 Licensed
Practical Nurses (LPNs). There are five Nebraska counties with no RNs
or LPNs, and six different counties that report having only one RN.
The average age of both working RNs and LPNs is 45.

Nurses
provide care in many settings: urban and rural hospitals, clinics,
hospice programs, home health, public health, out-patient centers,
population health, hematology and oncology, k-12 education, colleges
and universities, skilled care and nursing home facilities,
behavioral health, industry, rehabilitation facilities, mental health
wellness, telehealth, parishes, research institutions, institutional
review boards, academia for health science programs, and insurance
companies to name just a few. Recruiting new nurses and retaining the current nursing staff is vital for the prevention of illness and the
overall healthcare of our state. The concern is heightened as nurses
and their families risk their own lives to care for those infected
with COVID-19.

Wednesday,
May 6, is National Nurses’ Day, and while many nurses may be unable
to pause their crucial work to celebrate, The Nebraska Center for
Nursing Foundation (NCFN) is determined to support our state’s
nursing workforce.

The
Nebraska Center for Nursing Foundation is a not-for-profit
organization that has been working diligently in to support the
growth of nursing in the state. After 20 years, it is time for this
organization to ask both nurses and the public to show their caring
support for those in the nursing field, a role essential to
individual and community well-being.

The
Foundation has a newly created Nebraska Nurse License Plate to honor
the importance of nurses in our state and to create a resource to
recruit and retain nurses in the workforce. Any Nebraskan can apply
to be among the first citizens to proudly display the license plate
on their vehicle.

The
support of all nursing careers is vital for the prevention of illness
and the overall healthcare of our state. The time seems very fitting
as nurses and their families are putting their lives on the line
during the current pandemic.

News Release Center for Nursing Foundation
The year 2020 was designated as the “Year of the Nurse” by The
World Health Organization (WHO) long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Year of the Nurse” correlates with the 200th birthday of the
founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale (born May 12, 1820,
who is credited with the world’s original method of documenting and
studying how infections spread. Influenced by her work, nurses
continue to be concerned about the spread of communicable illness and
infection, and work unwaveringly toward prevention and recovery on
behalf of their patients and communities.But
there is a critical shortage of nurses nationwide, and the state of
Nebraska is not immune.Currently,
Nebraska is understaffed by 4,062 nurses, and that number is
projected to increase to 5,436 in the year 2025, according to
statistics from the Nebraska Center for Nursing. Data from licensing
renewal surveys indicate the total number of Registered Nurses (RNs)
working in Nebraska is 23,754 which includes 1,784 Advanced Practical
Registered Nurses (APRNs, with an additional 5,004 Licensed
Practical Nurses (LPNs). There are five Nebraska counties with no RNs
or LPNs, and six different counties that report having only one RN.
The average age of both working RNs and LPNs is 45.Nurses
provide care in many settings: urban and rural hospitals, clinics,
hospice programs, home health, public health, out-patient centers,
population health, hematology and oncology, k-12 education, colleges
and universities, skilled care and nursing home facilities,
behavioral health, industry, rehabilitation facilities, mental health
wellness, telehealth, parishes, research institutions, institutional
review boards, academia for health science programs, and insurance
companies to name just a few. Recruiting new nurses and retaining the current nursing staff is vital for the prevention of illness and the
overall healthcare of our state. The concern is heightened as nurses
and their families risk their own lives to care for those infected
with COVID-19.Wednesday,
May 6, is National Nurses’ Day, and while many nurses may be unable
to pause their crucial work to celebrate, The Nebraska Center for
Nursing Foundation (NCFN) is determined to support our state’s
nursing workforce.The
Nebraska Center for Nursing Foundation is a not-for-profit
organization that has been working diligently in to support the
growth of nursing in the state. After 20 years, it is time for this
organization to ask both nurses and the public to show their caring
support for those in the nursing field, a role essential to
individual and community well-being.The
Foundation has a newly created Nebraska Nurse License Plate to honor
the importance of nurses in our state and to create a resource to
recruit and retain nurses in the workforce. Any Nebraskan can apply
to be among the first citizens to proudly display the license plate
on their vehicle.The
support of all nursing careers is vital for the prevention of illness
and the overall healthcare of our state. The time seems very fitting
as nurses and their families are putting their lives on the line
during the current pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic accentuates nursing shortage during WHO's 'Year of the Nurse'

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking to add more hunting and fishing access opportunities through its Open Fields and Waters Program.

Landowners are encouraged to consider allowing public, walk-in access on their property for hunting or fishing through the program. In exchange, landowners receive per-acre annual payments and liability protection through the Nebraska Recreational Liability Act.

Game and Parks is seeking to add enrollments within the following target areas:

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) – CRP acres in any part of the state will be considered, but the primary interest is within the eight Pheasant Opportunity Areas/Focus on Pheasants areas identified in the Berggren Plan for Pheasants (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjIuMjA0OTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9QaGVhc2FudFBsYW4vIn0.5Qvp9Y99qlWgO74pDh975zpFqRTMc_UuOOKIkSjOweA/br/77711054517-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/PheasantPlan</a>). Landowners can get up to $10 per acre for CRP, depending upon location and habitat quality.

Prairie-chicken and grouse opportunity – Sites are sought in the southern Panhandle and along a line from North Platte to Niobrara. High-quality grassland habitats with mixed-bag upland game hunting opportunities are desired. Antelope and/or mule deer opportunity is a plus.

Wetland Reserve Program Easements – Landowners who have Wetland Reserve Program Easements can receive up to $15 per acre for accessible portions of WRP easements with suitable habitats.

Northern bobwhite opportunity – Game and Parks seeks to target opportunities for quail hunting across the southern tier of Nebraska counties. All types of habitat that bobwhites use will be considered.

Fishing access – Farm ponds, small lakes, warm-water streams or rivers and cool-water streams with trout are all potential targets. Payment rates are per surface acre on lakes and ponds and per stream mile on streams or rivers.

Game and Parks received a $3 million Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Improvement Program grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will provide $1 million per year over the next three years for expansion of Open Fields and Waters.

Open Fields and Waters has added more than 112,000 acres since 2016. In 2019-2020, more than 750 landowners participated in the program statewide, providing public access on more than 346,000 land acres, 42 ponds and lakes, and more than 44 stream miles.

Game and Parks also will consider other hunting opportunities, as well. For information about enrolling in Open Fields and Waters, contact the nearest Game and Parks office. View a list of offices at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjIuMjA0OTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9sb2NhdGlvbnMvIn0.pYCjgH_JhG6sX9x_Vqm7gPv0DB42fwrpZHm0QsfDyU8/br/77711054517-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/locations</a>.

In addition to the grant, Game and Parks uses funds from habitat stamp and hunting license sales, Pittman-Robertson funds (Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Act) and contributions from partners to fund the program and provide opportunities for hunting, trapping and fishing.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking to add more hunting and fishing access opportunities through its Open Fields and Waters Program.Landowners are encouraged to consider allowing public, walk-in access on their property for hunting or fishing through the program. In exchange, landowners receive per-acre annual payments and liability protection through the Nebraska Recreational Liability Act.Game and Parks is seeking to add enrollments within the following target areas:Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) – CRP acres in any part of the state will be considered, but the primary interest is within the eight Pheasant Opportunity Areas/Focus on Pheasants areas identified in the Berggren Plan for Pheasants (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjIuMjA0OTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9QaGVhc2FudFBsYW4vIn0.5Qvp9Y99qlWgO74pDh975zpFqRTMc_UuOOKIkSjOweA/br/77711054517-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/PheasantPlan</a>). Landowners can get up to $10 per acre for CRP, depending upon location and habitat quality.Prairie-chicken and grouse opportunity – Sites are sought in the southern Panhandle and along a line from North Platte to Niobrara. High-quality grassland habitats with mixed-bag upland game hunting opportunities are desired. Antelope and/or mule deer opportunity is a plus.Wetland Reserve Program Easements – Landowners who have Wetland Reserve Program Easements can receive up to $15 per acre for accessible portions of WRP easements with suitable habitats.Northern bobwhite opportunity – Game and Parks seeks to target opportunities for quail hunting across the southern tier of Nebraska counties. All types of habitat that bobwhites use will be considered.Fishing access – Farm ponds, small lakes, warm-water streams or rivers and cool-water streams with trout are all potential targets. Payment rates are per surface acre on lakes and ponds and per stream mile on streams or rivers.Game and Parks received a $3 million Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Improvement Program grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will provide $1 million per year over the next three years for expansion of Open Fields and Waters.Open Fields and Waters has added more than 112,000 acres since 2016. In 2019-2020, more than 750 landowners participated in the program statewide, providing public access on more than 346,000 land acres, 42 ponds and lakes, and more than 44 stream miles.Game and Parks also will consider other hunting opportunities, as well. For information about enrolling in Open Fields and Waters, contact the nearest Game and Parks office. View a list of offices at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjIuMjA0OTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9sb2NhdGlvbnMvIn0.pYCjgH_JhG6sX9x_Vqm7gPv0DB42fwrpZHm0QsfDyU8/br/77711054517-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/locations</a>.In addition to the grant, Game and Parks uses funds from habitat stamp and hunting license sales, Pittman-Robertson funds (Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Act) and contributions from partners to fund the program and provide opportunities for hunting, trapping and fishing.

Open Fields and Waters Program seeking new enrollments

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The benefits of art to one's mental health has been studied and proven for years. Because of this, the Prairie Arts Center (PAC) in North Platte is getting creative to make art available to the community.

PAC will be providing the "Images of Hope Art Walk" over the next few weeks.

"As PAC is closed to the public, community members have not been able to view artwork and gallery pieces, so we're bringing the artwork to the public," said PAC Executive Director Holly Carlini.

Area artists were asked to paint, draw, or create large artwork images that will be placed in the windows of PAC for the community to view.

PAC will also host prize giveaways on their Facebook page. Fans who answer questions about the Art Walk on Facebook will be eligible for prizes.

"This is a chance to spread color, a positive community message, and a fun outdoor activity that boosts creativity," Carlini said.

The artwork pieces will be placed in the windows over the next few weeks. Follow PAC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairieArtsCenter/">Facebook </a>for more details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587574497857.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The benefits of art to one's mental health has been studied and proven for years. Because of this, the Prairie Arts Center (PAC) in North Platte is getting creative to make art available to the community.PAC will be providing the "Images of Hope Art Walk" over the next few weeks."As PAC is closed to the public, community members have not been able to view artwork and gallery pieces, so we're bringing the artwork to the public," said PAC Executive Director Holly Carlini.Area artists were asked to paint, draw, or create large artwork images that will be placed in the windows of PAC for the community to view.PAC will also host prize giveaways on their Facebook page. Fans who answer questions about the Art Walk on Facebook will be eligible for prizes."This is a chance to spread color, a positive community message, and a fun outdoor activity that boosts creativity," Carlini said.The artwork pieces will be placed in the windows over the next few weeks. Follow PAC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairieArtsCenter/">Facebook </a>for more details.

Prairie Arts Center keeps art alive with 'Images of Hope Art Walk'

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska state health officials are reporting a one-day jump of nine COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 42 since the outbreak began.

Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>showed 1,722 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 16,500 people had been tested for the virus statewide as of Wednesday morning, with nearly 15,000 testing negative for the illness.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska state health officials are reporting a one-day jump of nine COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 42 since the outbreak began.Three of the deaths reported late Tuesday by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from Hall County, which has emerged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/32570bd42a11adb89f82b0f3b7cee072" target="_blank">hot-spot for the virus&nbsp;</a>in the state. Those deaths included a man in his 70s, another man in his 90s, and a woman in her 70s.Another four deaths were reported Tuesday out of the Omaha area in Douglas County - all men in their 60s and 70s with underlying health conditions.The other deaths were a woman in her 50s form Seward County and a woman in her 80s from Adams County. Officials said both had underlying health conditions.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>showed 1,722 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 16,500 people had been tested for the virus statewide as of Wednesday morning, with nearly 15,000 testing negative for the illness.

Nine new COVID-19 deaths reported in Nebraska on Tuesday

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has made available an online map that allows residents to track the number of COVID-19 cases in Nebraska by county.

The map is free to use and updated multiple times each day.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has made available an online map that allows residents to track the number of COVID-19 cases in Nebraska by county.The map is free to use and updated multiple times each day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585910824232.png" alt="<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">Click HERE to view the map</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">Click HERE to view the map</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

DHHS map allows residents to view latest COVID-19 numbers by county

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska outlet mall that announced plans to reopen this week amid the coronavirus pandemic appears to have backed away from those plans with an online post that says the opening is primarily for employees to get their stores ready for business. 

Officials with Nebraska Crossing, an upscale outlet mall near Omaha, say the only venue that would be open for in-person customers was a medical uniform store. The rest of the outlet will remain closed to the public. 

The outlet’s owner, Rod Yates, had previously outlined plans for a “soft opening” on Friday and described it as a case study of best practices for other malls.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska outlet mall that announced plans to reopen this week amid the coronavirus pandemic appears to have backed away from those plans with an online post that says the opening is primarily for employees to get their stores ready for business. Officials with Nebraska Crossing, an upscale outlet mall near Omaha, say the only venue that would be open for in-person customers was a medical uniform store. The rest of the outlet will remain closed to the public. The outlet’s owner, Rod Yates, had previously outlined plans for a “soft opening” on Friday and described it as a case study of best practices for other malls.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnexcrossing%2Fposts%2F2310165775753367&width=500" width="500" height="748" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>