GRAND ISLAND, Neb.— Nebraskans – get ready to rock! The Big Rock Summer Tour is coming to the 2020 Nebraska State Fair. Ratt, Skid Row and Quiet Riot will perform on Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m., at the Heartland Events Center.

“This is a head banger’s dream,” said Nebraska State Fair Executive Director, Lori Cox. “Fans of 80s hair metal won’t want to miss this incredible lineup. This is 30 years of rock in one amazing night.”

Tickets for the concert go on sale online only Friday, March 13 at 10 a.m. Prices are $29 for reserved seats, $39 for reserved floor seats and $49 for pit tickets. Gate admission is included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased here:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskastatefair.cmail19.com/t/r-l-jhiullky-uidiajhjk-y/" target="_blank">https://www.etix.com/ticket/k/9040584/big-rock-summer-tourrattskid-rowquiet-riot-grand-island-nebraska-state-fair</a>

Ratt was instrumental in the creation of the Los Angeles glam rock scene of the 80s. The influence of their music and image shaped generations of rock bands worldwide. With albums certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum by the RIAA, led by the five-time platinum “Out Of The Cellar;” RATT boasts no less than nine Top 40 rock hits - “Round And Round,” “Back For More,” “Wanted Man,” “Lay It Down,” “You’re In Love,” “Dance,” “Way Cool, Jr.,” ”Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job” and “Givin’ Yourself Away.”&nbsp;

Skid Row was the first heavy-metal band to debut at No.1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart with their 1991 sophomore release “Slave to The Grind,” which was fueled by the hits ”Monkey Business and the album’s title track. Their self-titled 1989 debut album included the anthems “Youth Gone Wild,” “I Remember You” and “18 And Life” and has sold more than 5 million albums. The band has sold more than 22 million albums worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Quiet Riot is a rock-and-roll phenomenon, famously described as the first heavy-metal band to the top of the pop chart at #1 on Billboard magazine. The Los Angeles quartet became an overnight sensation thanks to their 1983 smash album “Metal Health”.

The 2020 Nebraska State Fair runs August 28 - September 7, Grand Island, NE. For more information visit StateFair.org.

Nebraska State Fair is an annual 11-day event held Aug. 28 - Sept. 7, 2020,&nbsp;in Grand Island, Nebraska. For&nbsp;151&nbsp;years the Fair has&nbsp;entertained&nbsp;families and&nbsp;is home to arguably the finest facilities in the country, hosting competitive livestock and horse shows, a milking parlor and birthing pavilion, a gift shop and a large indoor shopping experience. Featuring the&nbsp;state’s&nbsp;largest carnival, guests will find more than 60 food stands, 8,000 competitive exhibits and a wide variety of equine shows and motorsports.

Raising Nebraska, a remarkable agriculture education center operated by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln also resides on the grounds.

News ReleaseGRAND ISLAND, Neb.— Nebraskans – get ready to rock! The Big Rock Summer Tour is coming to the 2020 Nebraska State Fair. Ratt, Skid Row and Quiet Riot will perform on Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m., at the Heartland Events Center.“This is a head banger’s dream,” said Nebraska State Fair Executive Director, Lori Cox. “Fans of 80s hair metal won’t want to miss this incredible lineup. This is 30 years of rock in one amazing night.”Tickets for the concert go on sale online only Friday, March 13 at 10 a.m. Prices are $29 for reserved seats, $39 for reserved floor seats and $49 for pit tickets. Gate admission is included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased here:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskastatefair.cmail19.com/t/r-l-jhiullky-uidiajhjk-y/" target="_blank">https://www.etix.com/ticket/k/9040584/big-rock-summer-tourrattskid-rowquiet-riot-grand-island-nebraska-state-fair</a>Ratt was instrumental in the creation of the Los Angeles glam rock scene of the 80s. The influence of their music and image shaped generations of rock bands worldwide. With albums certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum by the RIAA, led by the five-time platinum “Out Of The Cellar;” RATT boasts no less than nine Top 40 rock hits - “Round And Round,” “Back For More,” “Wanted Man,” “Lay It Down,” “You’re In Love,” “Dance,” “Way Cool, Jr.,” ”Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job” and “Givin’ Yourself Away.”&nbsp;Skid Row was the first heavy-metal band to debut at No.1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart with their 1991 sophomore release “Slave to The Grind,” which was fueled by the hits ”Monkey Business and the album’s title track. Their self-titled 1989 debut album included the anthems “Youth Gone Wild,” “I Remember You” and “18 And Life” and has sold more than 5 million albums. The band has sold more than 22 million albums worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;Quiet Riot is a rock-and-roll phenomenon, famously described as the first heavy-metal band to the top of the pop chart at #1 on Billboard magazine. The Los Angeles quartet became an overnight sensation thanks to their 1983 smash album “Metal Health”.The 2020 Nebraska State Fair runs August 28 - September 7, Grand Island, NE. For more information visit StateFair.org.ABOUT NEBRASKA STATE FAIRNebraska State Fair is an annual 11-day event held Aug. 28 - Sept. 7, 2020,&nbsp;in Grand Island, Nebraska. For&nbsp;151&nbsp;years the Fair has&nbsp;entertained&nbsp;families and&nbsp;is home to arguably the finest facilities in the country, hosting competitive livestock and horse shows, a milking parlor and birthing pavilion, a gift shop and a large indoor shopping experience. Featuring the&nbsp;state’s&nbsp;largest carnival, guests will find more than 60 food stands, 8,000 competitive exhibits and a wide variety of equine shows and motorsports.Raising Nebraska, a remarkable agriculture education center operated by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln also resides on the grounds.

Ratt, Skid Row and Quiet Riot to perform at Nebraska State Fair

After battling multiple sclerosis for twelve years my wife was in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital. The care had been good and everyone was attentive. The physician in charge of her care pulled me aside one day and said, "Glenn, you know, there comes a time for all of us and your wife has suffered with this disease for a long time. Don't you think it's time we let her go on?" He then added, "We can let her go on or we can try to extend her life as long as possible." "Doc," I replied, "I want her to live as long as possible." "Good enough," he said, "That's what we will try to do."

She lived about two weeks or so after that conversation. During those two weeks she spent quality time with family, her sons and I. She had visitors who had conversations with her. Before her death she was able to speak clearly to me and state her thoughts and wishes. I remember the day we had to take her back to the nursing home that she ate one of the better meals that she had eaten in several weeks. Those two weeks was time that I know she would not have wanted to have given up, nor would I.

I have found it interesting looking back now that a couple of the nurses at the nursing home stated to me the day that we got her back to the nursing home, "Glenn, we are so sorry." It was like they were saying they were sorry about my wife's death and looking back, that's exactly what they were talking about. It was like the hospital had said to the nursing home staff, "There is nothing more to be done and it's time to let her die." My question all along has been did they let her die, or did they push or move her death along a little faster? It seemed after her meal that she enjoyed, that she suddenly started going downhill fast, became quieter, groggy and eventually lulled into a sleep in which she never woke up and passed away.

A friend of mine had a stroke recently. A lady who I know who used to work in the hospital said, "After seven days, Medicare will give the hospital an ultimatum. Either she is going to get better or they will tell the hospital to unhook her and let her die." She had a living will and so the hospital staff used the living will to state, "This is what she wants."

I've taken note lately that every place I go is pushing a living will document at me. I'm going to have one, but I'll write it. I don't need an insurance provider or Medicare writing my living will for me. Whose advantage is the living will for if they have written the document and I have merely signed it? It's more for their bottom line.

Your life is worth more than the bottom line. We all will likely be out of control at the end of life. Don't make it so easy for those who don't even know you to take your life away from you.

Click here for -&gt;&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfiQCs3A2e_LWxlarxQIFNfdCL1htIABm9VsmWLzrDBIcETmTSjqH5qF_mOvKQKSPtQOyVgTQ-zfiwlG2ke9pC8VAtFJL4mhcGrq-m5nzyVMk2mSFfSVIYczFSO8kFQ6-CFfbifflGgKPJd-keq_HkK8kcip6a3sdxs8w9BvC7zTR7_fH12omRJ7VLpnqNA7cnlGxaHLrVKvhS2TIeB1da_tofqlebK5nAKegiFlynF68&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">Books By Glenn Mollette&nbsp;</a>, Read his latest book Uncommon SenseMusic by Glenn Mollette through<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfuiQEhG36oKaN2UVvIt4sS8-pEpiAD1xCk3veyicBZhODoqkVUTEjMKAbol5aMty-e65PIxdB-M8t1-C9UukceWmfnBjn0WBN-HIrjGPaA7zRiU6f_1v-qBTlqVa38LmwC0a_bEDqtrOM6NzJsHOO8owZtLubfomF2VTE6_D_bFq&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">&nbsp;iTunes&nbsp;</a>and all music dealersContact him at GMollette@aol.com. &nbsp; Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfmhXsOrgBxCWT6hw0Z9aXrmzhFRoEEAgfZ3-oI_wNk2734BaGDyvumD3pFhBJpmqaXHjjaSHPwTEa5tzL44VlG-Fuqwbqr91_EBDsXms87gjdSFE6g6TepjXAYnVZP6VXA==&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">www.glennmollette.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Like his facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfuzLwqfBN-FRPt4xHmxEcPG8Y7lfRXE02F625DwwRX6kkVmB977fpmviErm7MyROo4fWvnJKutNxz989N71gCzoDMRsUR3Q0k_NEV_ZcsQY-iF78irMugTbpxkyz-rIgO0q_AyiKXgRM&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/glennmollette</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584032762080.jpeg" alt="Dr. Glenn Mollette (Photo: Facebook)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Glenn Mollette (Photo: Facebook)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Glenn MolletteAfter battling multiple sclerosis for twelve years my wife was in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital. The care had been good and everyone was attentive. The physician in charge of her care pulled me aside one day and said, "Glenn, you know, there comes a time for all of us and your wife has suffered with this disease for a long time. Don't you think it's time we let her go on?" He then added, "We can let her go on or we can try to extend her life as long as possible." "Doc," I replied, "I want her to live as long as possible." "Good enough," he said, "That's what we will try to do."She lived about two weeks or so after that conversation. During those two weeks she spent quality time with family, her sons and I. She had visitors who had conversations with her. Before her death she was able to speak clearly to me and state her thoughts and wishes. I remember the day we had to take her back to the nursing home that she ate one of the better meals that she had eaten in several weeks. Those two weeks was time that I know she would not have wanted to have given up, nor would I.I have found it interesting looking back now that a couple of the nurses at the nursing home stated to me the day that we got her back to the nursing home, "Glenn, we are so sorry." It was like they were saying they were sorry about my wife's death and looking back, that's exactly what they were talking about. It was like the hospital had said to the nursing home staff, "There is nothing more to be done and it's time to let her die." My question all along has been did they let her die, or did they push or move her death along a little faster? It seemed after her meal that she enjoyed, that she suddenly started going downhill fast, became quieter, groggy and eventually lulled into a sleep in which she never woke up and passed away.A friend of mine had a stroke recently. A lady who I know who used to work in the hospital said, "After seven days, Medicare will give the hospital an ultimatum. Either she is going to get better or they will tell the hospital to unhook her and let her die." She had a living will and so the hospital staff used the living will to state, "This is what she wants."I've taken note lately that every place I go is pushing a living will document at me. I'm going to have one, but I'll write it. I don't need an insurance provider or Medicare writing my living will for me. Whose advantage is the living will for if they have written the document and I have merely signed it? It's more for their bottom line.Your life is worth more than the bottom line. We all will likely be out of control at the end of life. Don't make it so easy for those who don't even know you to take your life away from you.Click here for -&gt;&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfiQCs3A2e_LWxlarxQIFNfdCL1htIABm9VsmWLzrDBIcETmTSjqH5qF_mOvKQKSPtQOyVgTQ-zfiwlG2ke9pC8VAtFJL4mhcGrq-m5nzyVMk2mSFfSVIYczFSO8kFQ6-CFfbifflGgKPJd-keq_HkK8kcip6a3sdxs8w9BvC7zTR7_fH12omRJ7VLpnqNA7cnlGxaHLrVKvhS2TIeB1da_tofqlebK5nAKegiFlynF68&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">Books By Glenn Mollette&nbsp;</a>, Read his latest book Uncommon SenseMusic by Glenn Mollette through<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfuiQEhG36oKaN2UVvIt4sS8-pEpiAD1xCk3veyicBZhODoqkVUTEjMKAbol5aMty-e65PIxdB-M8t1-C9UukceWmfnBjn0WBN-HIrjGPaA7zRiU6f_1v-qBTlqVa38LmwC0a_bEDqtrOM6NzJsHOO8owZtLubfomF2VTE6_D_bFq&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">&nbsp;iTunes&nbsp;</a>and all music dealersContact him at GMollette@aol.com. &nbsp; Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfmhXsOrgBxCWT6hw0Z9aXrmzhFRoEEAgfZ3-oI_wNk2734BaGDyvumD3pFhBJpmqaXHjjaSHPwTEa5tzL44VlG-Fuqwbqr91_EBDsXms87gjdSFE6g6TepjXAYnVZP6VXA==&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">www.glennmollette.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Like his facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW7WSHzgPr2Z63DRUPoaVS2FKEQqDba1zwNgfu41Fj_FTdo6OrUYfuzLwqfBN-FRPt4xHmxEcPG8Y7lfRXE02F625DwwRX6kkVmB977fpmviErm7MyROo4fWvnJKutNxz989N71gCzoDMRsUR3Q0k_NEV_ZcsQY-iF78irMugTbpxkyz-rIgO0q_AyiKXgRM&amp;c=U-O2aNUba-8ayjvAE3k1ai09un_g_q_ng57vEY-nQcZBdGFrU0vpvg==&amp;ch=3VzI6_bggOr85lLqDim-y3HfKSHZR6BU5mqRUAjesVtYaQ5GKAH5Kg==" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/glennmollette</a>

Column: Who will decide your death?

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State Fair has hired a forensic investigation firm to look into the fair's finances.

Beth Smith, who heads the state fair board, said Wednesday that the fair staff discovered during an internal review "activity that is suspicious in nature and warrants further investigation."

The fair has been in contact with the offices of the state attorney general and state auditor, Smith said, and the Nebraska State Patrol will also investigate.

Fair staffers discovered the irregular numbers on Feb. 24, said the fair executive director, Lori Cox.

"And it was troubling enough that we determined at that point that we needed to reach out for additional assistance," Cox told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theindependent.com/news/local/update-nebraska-state-fair-finances-under-investigation/article_ea143954-63e2-11ea-9814-9fa720766ab4.html" target="_blank">The Grand Island Independent</a>.

The fair board approved a budget at a Nov. 22 meeting during which members learned the 2019 fair lost a projected $1.4 million. Patrick Kopke, the fair's chief of finance and administration, resigned at that meeting after telling the board that changes were needed to avoid bankruptcy.

Eight fair employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/63754ac7ae644bbfbb8a0fab4798dfdb" target="_blank">lost their jobs</a>&nbsp;in December as fair officials took steps to firm up finances.

Cox told the Grand Island Rotary Club earlier this month that, "Financially, we couldn't be more solid."

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State Fair has hired a forensic investigation firm to look into the fair's finances.Beth Smith, who heads the state fair board, said Wednesday that the fair staff discovered during an internal review "activity that is suspicious in nature and warrants further investigation."The fair has been in contact with the offices of the state attorney general and state auditor, Smith said, and the Nebraska State Patrol will also investigate.Fair staffers discovered the irregular numbers on Feb. 24, said the fair executive director, Lori Cox."And it was troubling enough that we determined at that point that we needed to reach out for additional assistance," Cox told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theindependent.com/news/local/update-nebraska-state-fair-finances-under-investigation/article_ea143954-63e2-11ea-9814-9fa720766ab4.html" target="_blank">The Grand Island Independent</a>.The fair board approved a budget at a Nov. 22 meeting during which members learned the 2019 fair lost a projected $1.4 million. Patrick Kopke, the fair's chief of finance and administration, resigned at that meeting after telling the board that changes were needed to avoid bankruptcy.Eight fair employees&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/63754ac7ae644bbfbb8a0fab4798dfdb" target="_blank">lost their jobs</a>&nbsp;in December as fair officials took steps to firm up finances.Cox told the Grand Island Rotary Club earlier this month that, "Financially, we couldn't be more solid."

State Fair hires investigators to check suspicious activity

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Mid-Plains Community College has postponed its groundbreaking ceremony for the Imperial Campus expansion due to impending weather.

The ceremony, which was supposed to take place March 13, has been rescheduled for noon to 1 p.m. (MDT) March 18 at the campus, 1324 Broadway St., in Imperial. The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Mid-Plains Community College has postponed its groundbreaking ceremony for the Imperial Campus expansion due to impending weather.The ceremony, which was supposed to take place March 13, has been rescheduled for noon to 1 p.m. (MDT) March 18 at the campus, 1324 Broadway St., in Imperial. The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

MPCC postpones groundbreaking ceremony for Imperial campus

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-One of North Platte Community College’s longest-serving employees will retire next month.

Jerry Thompson, NPCC’s vehicle maintenance technician, has worked at the college for 41 years – 42 if you count his first year, which was part-time. His last day will be April 10.

“I hired on in March of 1978 and then just never left,” Thompson said.

Thompson has lived in North Platte his entire life. He entered the U.S. Navy after graduating from North Platte High School in 1971, serving as a machinist’s mate petty officer second class where he was submarine qualified.

“I went into diesel mechanics because I worked in the engine room on a diesel-electric submarine and thought diesel mechanics was as good of a job as any,” Thompson said. “I figured I would go through the program at NPCC, using the GI Bill, then go to work for a diesel shop somewhere.”

He never got the chance. Thompson was still in college when the first-year diesel instructor, Gerald Bevins, asked him if he would be interested in a part-time job. It consisted primarily of mowing the NPCC North Campus and keeping the college’s lawnmowers and a handful of vehicles maintained.

“I jumped on it,” Thompson said. “I was just married at that time and only had a part-time job at a package store. My wife was working full-time while I went to school. Gerald referred me to Bill Powers who gave me the job.”

Thompson hadn’t graduated, yet, when Jim Doyle, then the dean of vocational instruction, offered to make Thompson’s job full-time.

“The rest is history,” Thompson said. “I never regretted not working at a diesel shop, although I did get to do some of that kind of work at the college. NPCC has diesel buses along with other diesel equipment that has to be kept up.”

His job remained pretty much the same over the years – fueling and servicing the college’s fleet, rotating tires, changing oil and generally making sure vehicles were ready to take out on the road along with maintaining the fuel pumps and keeping records of everything vehicle-related.

The number and kind of vehicles he was responsible for, however, changed drastically.

“When I started, the college had five cars, including an old ’56 mail car, but only two of them were ever really driven anywhere,” Thompson said. “At that time, the college didn’t have any community campuses, and employees in North Platte rarely traveled to McCook. Similarly, McCook employees rarely traveled to North Platte, even though the campuses are all under the same umbrella.”

The college’s initial vehicles came from a military surplus organization in Lincoln. Eventually, Don Wilson, former auto body instructor, began purchasing wrecked cars at auctions.&nbsp;

“He would usually get them from Denver, then his auto body class would fix them up and the school would use them,” Thompson said. “The college then moved up to buying program vehicles, and more recently, it has been able to secure new ones. They sit in a bus barn now instead of beside a fence lining a field, and the number has increased to five cars, two buses, a 15-passenger van, four mini-vans and eight pickups.”

The thing that has changed the most during Thompson’s time at the college, however, has been the people. Coincidentally, that’s also what he’s going to miss the most.

“I’ve seen a lot of them come and go, and I’ve enjoyed every one,” Thompson said. “I’m not going to miss getting up at 5 a.m. to be at the college at 6, but I am going to miss those relationships I built. It has always been the sense of family that kept me at NPCC.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584030674891.jpeg" alt="Jerry Thompson" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Thompson</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-One of North Platte Community College’s longest-serving employees will retire next month.Jerry Thompson, NPCC’s vehicle maintenance technician, has worked at the college for 41 years – 42 if you count his first year, which was part-time. His last day will be April 10.“I hired on in March of 1978 and then just never left,” Thompson said.Thompson has lived in North Platte his entire life. He entered the U.S. Navy after graduating from North Platte High School in 1971, serving as a machinist’s mate petty officer second class where he was submarine qualified.“I went into diesel mechanics because I worked in the engine room on a diesel-electric submarine and thought diesel mechanics was as good of a job as any,” Thompson said. “I figured I would go through the program at NPCC, using the GI Bill, then go to work for a diesel shop somewhere.”He never got the chance. Thompson was still in college when the first-year diesel instructor, Gerald Bevins, asked him if he would be interested in a part-time job. It consisted primarily of mowing the NPCC North Campus and keeping the college’s lawnmowers and a handful of vehicles maintained.“I jumped on it,” Thompson said. “I was just married at that time and only had a part-time job at a package store. My wife was working full-time while I went to school. Gerald referred me to Bill Powers who gave me the job.”Thompson hadn’t graduated, yet, when Jim Doyle, then the dean of vocational instruction, offered to make Thompson’s job full-time.“The rest is history,” Thompson said. “I never regretted not working at a diesel shop, although I did get to do some of that kind of work at the college. NPCC has diesel buses along with other diesel equipment that has to be kept up.”His job remained pretty much the same over the years – fueling and servicing the college’s fleet, rotating tires, changing oil and generally making sure vehicles were ready to take out on the road along with maintaining the fuel pumps and keeping records of everything vehicle-related.The number and kind of vehicles he was responsible for, however, changed drastically.“When I started, the college had five cars, including an old ’56 mail car, but only two of them were ever really driven anywhere,” Thompson said. “At that time, the college didn’t have any community campuses, and employees in North Platte rarely traveled to McCook. Similarly, McCook employees rarely traveled to North Platte, even though the campuses are all under the same umbrella.”The college’s initial vehicles came from a military surplus organization in Lincoln. Eventually, Don Wilson, former auto body instructor, began purchasing wrecked cars at auctions.&nbsp;“He would usually get them from Denver, then his auto body class would fix them up and the school would use them,” Thompson said. “The college then moved up to buying program vehicles, and more recently, it has been able to secure new ones. They sit in a bus barn now instead of beside a fence lining a field, and the number has increased to five cars, two buses, a 15-passenger van, four mini-vans and eight pickups.”The thing that has changed the most during Thompson’s time at the college, however, has been the people. Coincidentally, that’s also what he’s going to miss the most.“I’ve seen a lot of them come and go, and I’ve enjoyed every one,” Thompson said. “I’m not going to miss getting up at 5 a.m. to be at the college at 6, but I am going to miss those relationships I built. It has always been the sense of family that kept me at NPCC.”

Thompson bids farewell to NPCC after more than 40 years

The test result for the parent of the Chadron student has tested negative for COVID-19. No further testing for COVID-19 in this situation is needed.

Panhandle Public Health District supports the decision to limit spectators at the Boy’s State Basketball tournament as a public health measure to prevent the spread. Social distancing at this early stage in our area will make a big difference on the impact of COVID-19.

Panhandle Public Health District continues to monitor the unfolding COVID-19 epidemic to anticipate its impact on the Panhandle. We are working as a unified command with Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Managers, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department on this evolving situation. We will continue to communicate important updates to the public and our partners. The CDC is putting out updated guidance daily; for the most up to date information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

We recommend that you call public health (308-262-5764) if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Please call before seeking health care. Public health is working with health care providers, the state health department, and CDC to determine if there is a need to be tested for COVID-19.

Residents are also encouraged to review their family preparedness plans in the event that coronavirus disease 2019 continues to spread in the United States.

People can help protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:

· Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Avoid close contact with sick people and stay home if you are sick. Social distancing has been key in reducing spread.

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does NOT currently recommend the general public use facemasks.

PPHD is working with state health officials to continue to take action to prevent the spread of disease and protect the health of Nebraskans, including:

· Sharing the latest guidance and information with hospitals, health care providers, first responders, and local and state labs. We have been holding weekly updates with hospitals and clinics.

· Assessing our health care system’s readiness to identify, monitor, and treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

· Engaging in active and ongoing communication with state and federal partners as part of the overall national response to this emerging public health threat.

· Reviewing and enhancing response plans with emergency management and partners to be ready for the detection of COVID-19 in the panhandle.

· With the state and other local health department partners, we have a system in place to track and monitor cases in an effort to immediately detect secondary cases and minimize the potential for ongoing, undetected, person-to-person transmission. There are no cases in the Panhandle.

To learn more about COVID-19, go to https://www.cdc.gov/covid19.

PPHD will keep you posted in this quickly changing environment.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

By Panhandle Public Health DistrictThe test result for the parent of the Chadron student has tested negative for COVID-19. No further testing for COVID-19 in this situation is needed.Panhandle Public Health District supports the decision to limit spectators at the Boy’s State Basketball tournament as a public health measure to prevent the spread. Social distancing at this early stage in our area will make a big difference on the impact of COVID-19.Panhandle Public Health District continues to monitor the unfolding COVID-19 epidemic to anticipate its impact on the Panhandle. We are working as a unified command with Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Managers, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department on this evolving situation. We will continue to communicate important updates to the public and our partners. The CDC is putting out updated guidance daily; for the most up to date information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.We recommend that you call public health (308-262-5764) if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Please call before seeking health care. Public health is working with health care providers, the state health department, and CDC to determine if there is a need to be tested for COVID-19.Residents are also encouraged to review their family preparedness plans in the event that coronavirus disease 2019 continues to spread in the United States.People can help protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:· Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.· Avoid close contact with sick people and stay home if you are sick. Social distancing has been key in reducing spread.· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.The CDC does NOT currently recommend the general public use facemasks.PPHD is working with state health officials to continue to take action to prevent the spread of disease and protect the health of Nebraskans, including:· Sharing the latest guidance and information with hospitals, health care providers, first responders, and local and state labs. We have been holding weekly updates with hospitals and clinics.· Assessing our health care system’s readiness to identify, monitor, and treat patients with coronavirus disease 2019.· Engaging in active and ongoing communication with state and federal partners as part of the overall national response to this emerging public health threat.· Reviewing and enhancing response plans with emergency management and partners to be ready for the detection of COVID-19 in the panhandle.· With the state and other local health department partners, we have a system in place to track and monitor cases in an effort to immediately detect secondary cases and minimize the potential for ongoing, undetected, person-to-person transmission. There are no cases in the Panhandle.To learn more about COVID-19, go to https://www.cdc.gov/covid19.PPHD will keep you posted in this quickly changing environment.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

Chadron resident tests negative for COVID-19

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (March 10, 2020) – The American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals who are feeling well to give blood or platelets to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent shortages as concerns about the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, rise in the U.S.Cold and flu season has already impacted the nation’s ability to maintain its blood supply. 

As the number of coronavirus cases grows in the U.S., the number of people eligible to give blood for patients in need could decrease further.

“We’re asking the American people to help keep the blood supply stable during this challenging time. As communities across the country prepare for this public health emergency, it’s critical that plans include a readily available blood supply for hospital patients,” said Chris Hrouda, president, Red Cross Blood Services. “As fears of coronavirus rise, low donor participation could harm blood availability at hospitals, and the last thing a patient should worry about is whether lifesaving blood will be on the shelf when they need it most.”

Please make an appointment to donate blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324051&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Blood donors with type O blood and platelet donors are especially needed right now. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood. There are no data or evidence that this coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus, including this coronavirus, from a transfusion.

The Red Cross only collects blood from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation – and who meet other eligibility requirements, available at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324051&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>.

At each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees follow thorough safety protocols including wearing gloves, routinely wiping down donor-touched areas, using sterile collection sets for every donation, and preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub. These mitigation measures will help ensure blood recipient safety, as well as staff and donor safety in reducing contact with those who may potentially have this respiratory infection.

Blood drive hosts play an important role.

Blood drive hosts also play a critical role in maintaining a sufficient blood supply and are asked to keep hosting blood drives for patients who rely on lifesaving blood. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions.

The Red Cross, with the help of its blood drive hosts and blood donors, can help ensure the safety and availability of the U.S. blood supply for patients including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.“Keep giving, keep hosting blood drives,” said Hrouda. “Patients across the country need our help.”

To learn more about hosting a blood drive for patients in need, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324051&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>.Red Cross is committed to blood supply safety.

The top priority of the Red Cross is the safety of our valued staff, blood donors and blood recipients, and we are committed to transparency with the American public during this evolving public health emergency. 

There are no data or evidence that this coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus including this coronavirus, from a transfusion.

Nonetheless, the Red Cross has implemented new blood donation deferrals out of an abundance of caution. Individuals are asked to postpone their donation for 28 days following:

As the situation evolves, the Red Cross will continue to evaluate all emerging risks in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and industry partners to determine if additional intervention strategies are needed. Together, we stand ready to keep the American public informed and prepared.

March 10-31:ArthurArthur3/11/2020: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Arthur High School, 111 Marshall Street

ChaseImperial3/24/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chase County High School, 520 East 9th Street

DeuelBig Springs3/10/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., South Platte High School (MT, 610 Plum StreetChappell3/30/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Chappell Fire Hall, 1650 2nd Street

DundyBenkelman3/11/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., 4-H Exhibit Building, 70495 Ave&nbsp; 338, Fairgrounds

FrontierEustis3/20/2020: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Eustis-Farnam Public School, 504 N. Ingall Street

FurnasCambridge3/26/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cambridge High School, 1003 Nelson St

GardenOshkosh3/27/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Garden County Schools, 200 West 4th Street

HitchcockTrenton3/23/2020: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hitchcock County High School, 318 West D Street

KeithOgallala3/18/2020: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ogallala Fair Building, 1100 West 3rd3/19/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Ogallala Fair Building, 1100 West 3rd

LincolnNorth Platte3/25/2020: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Great Plains Health, 601 West LeotaSutherland3/30/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sutherland Public Schools, 401 WalnutWallace3/20/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Wallace High School, 151 N. Wallace Road

LoganStapleton3/25/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Stapleton High School, 702 F Street, POB 128

Red WillowMc Cook3/18/2020: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ed Thomas YMCA of McCook, 901 West E St

Blood donation process blood donation takes about an hour from start to finish, but the actual donation itself only takes about 8-10 minutes. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. 

To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324050&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324049&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">Red Cross Blood Donor App</a>.To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (March 10, 2020) – The American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals who are feeling well to give blood or platelets to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent shortages as concerns about the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, rise in the U.S.Cold and flu season has already impacted the nation’s ability to maintain its blood supply. As the number of coronavirus cases grows in the U.S., the number of people eligible to give blood for patients in need could decrease further.“We’re asking the American people to help keep the blood supply stable during this challenging time. As communities across the country prepare for this public health emergency, it’s critical that plans include a readily available blood supply for hospital patients,” said Chris Hrouda, president, Red Cross Blood Services. “As fears of coronavirus rise, low donor participation could harm blood availability at hospitals, and the last thing a patient should worry about is whether lifesaving blood will be on the shelf when they need it most.”Please make an appointment to donate blood now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324051&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Blood donors with type O blood and platelet donors are especially needed right now. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood. There are no data or evidence that this coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus, including this coronavirus, from a transfusion.The Red Cross only collects blood from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation – and who meet other eligibility requirements, available at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324051&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>. At each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees follow thorough safety protocols including wearing gloves, routinely wiping down donor-touched areas, using sterile collection sets for every donation, and preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub. These mitigation measures will help ensure blood recipient safety, as well as staff and donor safety in reducing contact with those who may potentially have this respiratory infection.Blood drive hosts play an important role.Blood drive hosts also play a critical role in maintaining a sufficient blood supply and are asked to keep hosting blood drives for patients who rely on lifesaving blood. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions.The Red Cross, with the help of its blood drive hosts and blood donors, can help ensure the safety and availability of the U.S. blood supply for patients including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.“Keep giving, keep hosting blood drives,” said Hrouda. “Patients across the country need our help.”To learn more about hosting a blood drive for patients in need, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324051&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>.Red Cross is committed to blood supply safety. The top priority of the Red Cross is the safety of our valued staff, blood donors and blood recipients, and we are committed to transparency with the American public during this evolving public health emergency. There are no data or evidence that this coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus including this coronavirus, from a transfusion.Nonetheless, the Red Cross has implemented new blood donation deferrals out of an abundance of caution. Individuals are asked to postpone their donation for 28 days following:<ol>
 <li>Travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea;</li><li>Diagnosis of COVID-19, contact with a person who has or is suspected to have the virus.</li>
 </ol>As the situation evolves, the Red Cross will continue to evaluate all emerging risks in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and industry partners to determine if additional intervention strategies are needed. Together, we stand ready to keep the American public informed and prepared.Upcoming blood donation opportunities: March 10-31:ArthurArthur3/11/2020: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Arthur High School, 111 Marshall Street_______________ChaseImperial3/24/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chase County High School, 520 East 9th Street_______________DeuelBig Springs3/10/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., South Platte High School (MT, 610 Plum StreetChappell3/30/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Chappell Fire Hall, 1650 2nd Street_______________DundyBenkelman3/11/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., 4-H Exhibit Building, 70495 Ave&nbsp; 338, Fairgrounds_______________FrontierEustis3/20/2020: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Eustis-Farnam Public School, 504 N. Ingall Street_______________FurnasCambridge3/26/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Cambridge High School, 1003 Nelson St_______________GardenOshkosh3/27/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Garden County Schools, 200 West 4th Street_______________HitchcockTrenton3/23/2020: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hitchcock County High School, 318 West D Street_______________KeithOgallala3/18/2020: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ogallala Fair Building, 1100 West 3rd3/19/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Ogallala Fair Building, 1100 West 3rd_______________LincolnNorth Platte3/25/2020: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Great Plains Health, 601 West LeotaSutherland3/30/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sutherland Public Schools, 401 WalnutWallace3/20/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Wallace High School, 151 N. Wallace Road_______________LoganStapleton3/25/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Stapleton High School, 702 F Street, POB 128_______________Red WillowMc Cook3/18/2020: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ed Thomas YMCA of McCook, 901 West E StBlood donation process blood donation takes about an hour from start to finish, but the actual donation itself only takes about 8-10 minutes. Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324050&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b52%3e4-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=1726304&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=324049&amp;Action=Follow+Link" target="_blank">Red Cross Blood Donor App</a>.To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Red Cross urges healthy individuals to give blood amid coronavirus concerns

KIMBALL, Neb. (AP) - A judge has declared a mistrial in the case against a Kimball man accused of intentional child abuse for the death of his 7-month-old daughter.

Station&nbsp;<a href="https://kneb.com/regional-news/mistrial-for-kimball-man-charged-with-intentional-child-abuse-resulting-in-death/" target="_blank">KNEB</a>&nbsp;reported that the jury deliberated for more than 10 hours and then informed the judge Tuesday that it couldn't reach a unanimous verdict regarding Alexander Romero. The judge then declared the mistrial and scheduled a hearing for April 7.

Kimball County District Court records say the 24-year-old Kimball man gave police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d4eaab6f2fd94f50923af2ae2bddfbf9" target="_blank">two versions</a>&nbsp;of what happened to his daughter on March 31 last year. In one he said she was injured when she fell off a futon. In the second he said he'd been "playfully running" with her when he tripped and fell. He told officers he placed her on the futon when he went to find his phone. He says she then fell.

The records say doctors who examined the girl say her injuries could not have been caused by an accidental fall.

KIMBALL, Neb. (AP) - A judge has declared a mistrial in the case against a Kimball man accused of intentional child abuse for the death of his 7-month-old daughter.Station&nbsp;<a href="https://kneb.com/regional-news/mistrial-for-kimball-man-charged-with-intentional-child-abuse-resulting-in-death/" target="_blank">KNEB</a>&nbsp;reported that the jury deliberated for more than 10 hours and then informed the judge Tuesday that it couldn't reach a unanimous verdict regarding Alexander Romero. The judge then declared the mistrial and scheduled a hearing for April 7.Kimball County District Court records say the 24-year-old Kimball man gave police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d4eaab6f2fd94f50923af2ae2bddfbf9" target="_blank">two versions</a>&nbsp;of what happened to his daughter on March 31 last year. In one he said she was injured when she fell off a futon. In the second he said he'd been "playfully running" with her when he tripped and fell. He told officers he placed her on the futon when he went to find his phone. He says she then fell.The records say doctors who examined the girl say her injuries could not have been caused by an accidental fall.

Mistrial declared in Kimball man's fatal child abuse case

NEW YORK (AP) — Tom Hanks says he and wife Rita Wilson have tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Hanks says in a statement Wednesday that the couple are in Australia and felt tired, with colds, body aches and slight fevers.  The Oscar-winner says they were tested because of their symptoms and in his words, “to play things right.” 

The 63-year-old actor said they will be tested, observed and isolated for as long as necessary. 

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583980646971.jpeg" alt="Tom Hanks (Source: TIFF 2019 tom hanks John Bauld from Toronto, Canada)" />
 <figcaption>Tom Hanks (Source: TIFF 2019 tom hanks John Bauld from Toronto, Canada)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Tom Hanks says he and wife Rita Wilson have tested positive for the coronavirus. Hanks says in a statement Wednesday that the couple are in Australia and felt tired, with colds, body aches and slight fevers. The Oscar-winner says they were tested because of their symptoms and in his words, “to play things right.” The 63-year-old actor said they will be tested, observed and isolated for as long as necessary. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The works of three Nebraska photographers and artists are on display through April 11 at Ash Hollow State Historical Park in Garden County.

Renowned nature photographer Michael Forsberg of Lincoln, artist Jean Jensen of Lewellen and photographer Kylee Warren of Lewellen will exhibit their work. The displays are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, or by appointment. Michael Forsberg’s imagery of wildlife and landscapes has long been revered for its contribution to conservation. Forsberg’s exhibit consists of more than 20 prints of wildlife and landscapes with an emphasis on the northern Great Plains.

Jensen will show several pieces from her collection featuring local scenery and wildlife. She is skilled in watercolor, pastel and oil, using brilliant colors to capture the essence of flowers, wildlife, people and landscapes.

Warren has a lifelong interest in conservation, storytelling, traveling and birds, especially sandhill cranes. She will be the keynote speaker at the exhibit open house on March 15, from 2 to 3 p.m. MT at the park’s visitor center. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids. A park entry permit also is required.

Ash Hollow also is a vendor for hunting, fishing and park permits. Call the park office at 308-778-5651 for more information or to schedule a tour. The visitor center is closed, but it will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. The park grounds remain open for activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – The works of three Nebraska photographers and artists are on display through April 11 at Ash Hollow State Historical Park in Garden County.Renowned nature photographer Michael Forsberg of Lincoln, artist Jean Jensen of Lewellen and photographer Kylee Warren of Lewellen will exhibit their work. The displays are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, or by appointment. Michael Forsberg’s imagery of wildlife and landscapes has long been revered for its contribution to conservation. Forsberg’s exhibit consists of more than 20 prints of wildlife and landscapes with an emphasis on the northern Great Plains.Jensen will show several pieces from her collection featuring local scenery and wildlife. She is skilled in watercolor, pastel and oil, using brilliant colors to capture the essence of flowers, wildlife, people and landscapes.Warren has a lifelong interest in conservation, storytelling, traveling and birds, especially sandhill cranes. She will be the keynote speaker at the exhibit open house on March 15, from 2 to 3 p.m. MT at the park’s visitor center. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids. A park entry permit also is required.Ash Hollow also is a vendor for hunting, fishing and park permits. Call the park office at 308-778-5651 for more information or to schedule a tour. The visitor center is closed, but it will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. The park grounds remain open for activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing.

Ash Hollow SHP hosting exhibit of three Nebraska photographers, artist

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-If you banked on Spring's arrival and put away the winter duds, you may want to start airing them out because winter isn't done with Nebraska yet.

The National Weather Service says confidence is growing for accumulating snowfall Friday afternoon through Saturday.

Forecasters at this point say North Platte can expect to see four to six inches of the white stuff when all is said and done.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-If you banked on Spring's arrival and put away the winter duds, you may want to start airing them out because winter isn't done with Nebraska yet.The National Weather Service says confidence is growing for accumulating snowfall Friday afternoon through Saturday.Forecasters at this point say North Platte can expect to see four to six inches of the white stuff when all is said and done.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584008210200.png" alt="winter weather 3 12 20.PNG" />
 <figcaption>winter weather 3 12 20.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte expected to get 4 to 6 inches of snow Friday

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska moved a step closer Wednesday to creating a new state commission focused on African American affairs, similar to existing groups that represent Latino Americans and Native Americans.

The measure won first-round approval in the Legislature on a 32-0 vote.

The new, 14-member commission would meet quarterly and be allowed to hire an executive director. Commission members would receive $50 a day while performing commission duties, plus expense reimbursement.

The bill by Sen. Justin Wayne, of Omaha, would also require the commission to work with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs and the Commission on Latino Americans to conduct a study on disparities in government contracting every two years, starting in 2022.

Two additional votes are required before the bill goes to the governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583960054536.png" alt="Senator Justin Wayne" />
 <figcaption>Senator Justin Wayne</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska moved a step closer Wednesday to creating a new state commission focused on African American affairs, similar to existing groups that represent Latino Americans and Native Americans.The measure won first-round approval in the Legislature on a 32-0 vote.The new, 14-member commission would meet quarterly and be allowed to hire an executive director. Commission members would receive $50 a day while performing commission duties, plus expense reimbursement.The bill by Sen. Justin Wayne, of Omaha, would also require the commission to work with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs and the Commission on Latino Americans to conduct a study on disparities in government contracting every two years, starting in 2022.Two additional votes are required before the bill goes to the governor.

Nebraska moves to create African American Affairs commission

The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak's affect on sports around the globe (all times EDT):

NCAA President Mark Emmert says NCAA Division I basketball tournament games will be played without fans in the arenas because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Emmert said in a statement Wednesday he made the decision to conduct both the men's and women's tournaments, which begin next week, with only essential staff and limited family in attendance.

NASCAR and IndyCar plan to race as scheduled this weekend, with IndyCar continuing to move ahead with its season-opening race through the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

The three-day downtown street festival draws about 130,000 people. There will be additional hand-washing and sanitizing stations.

NASCAR will race at Altanta Motor Speedway, but said officials Wednesday all driver interviews will be done with the drivers either on risers or with 6-foot buffers around them. The pre-race driver meeting will be held in open-air locations and attendance will be restricted to drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and select officials and dignitaries.

The promoters of the Long Beach Grand Prix, scheduled for April outside of Los Angeles, said Wednesday the race is still planned.

Roger Penske, readying for his first Indianapolis 500 as owner of the race, told The Associated Press by text message he's approaching the scheduled May 24 race "day by day" while noting the 500 is nearly 90 days away.

A global esports league with teams in North America, Europe and Asia is canceling all matches through March and April because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Overwatch League launched an ambitious home-and-away schedule for its 20 franchises in February but already had postponed all events in China and South Korea due to the outbreak. The league announced the latest cancellations in a statement Wednesday.

The league's players come from countries around the globe. OWL says it is "considering the various options available to esports."

Blizzard Entertainment, which operates the Overwatch and Call of Duty Leagues, said scheduling considerations also are being addressed for the latter.

The World Figure Skating Championships set for next week in Montreal have been canceled due to public health concerns related to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Quebec Province Health Minister Danielle McCann made the announcement Wednesday.

The event was scheduled to bring nearly 200 skaters from more than 50 countries to Montreal. It is the premier competition of the skating season in non-Olympic years. It is scheduled for Stockholm next year.

On Saturday, the Women's World Hockey Championships in Nova Scotia were called off.

Nebraska is the latest state to limit attendance or cancel a state high school championship tournament.

The Nebraska boys' basketball tournament will be played as scheduled Thursday through Saturday, but the only fans allowed into the venues will be participants' immediate families.

The Lincoln and Lancaster County Health Department recommended limiting spectators because of concern about the spread of coronavirus. Health officials announced this week that a Crofton High School student who attended the girls' tournament in Lincoln last week was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Ohio announced that only participants' families and media will be allowed to attend winter sports postseason tournaments.

Connecticut has canceled the remainder of its winter sports seasons as well as state tournaments.

Boys' and girls' basketball tournaments in New York and Pennsylvania have been disrupted because several schools have declined to host games, forcing them to be rescheduled.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he will be issuing an order regarding "mass gatherings" due to the coronavirus that will affect NCAA Tournament games in Cleveland and Dayton.

DeWine says the order will include banning spectators from games and that he'll be asking people to make "informed decisions."

During a news conference Wednesday, DeWine said he will issue an order in the next 24 to 36 hours. Dayton will host the NCAA's First Four next week at Dayton Arena, and first- and second-round games will be held in Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

"The order will be that there cannot be spectators there," DeWine said. "There certainly will be people - there will be TV people, there can be radio people there, there can be sports writers, certainly can be the media there. But we're not going to have the large crowd."

DeWine applauded the Mid-American Conference for closing its tournament games to the general public this week.

A Division III college athletic conference in the northeastern United States has canceled its conference schedule for the spring season.

The New England Small College Athletic Conference says the decision comes as many NESCAC schools have told students to return home and to complete the semester remotely because of the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision relates specifically to the conference regular-season and championship schedules. It does not discuss nonconference play.

The NESCAC comprises 11 institutions. They are Bates, Bowdoin and Colby colleges in Maine; Amherst College, Tufts University and Williams College in Massachusetts; Trinity College, Connecticut College and Wesleyan University in Connecticut; Middlebury College in Vermont; and Hamilton College in New York.

Skiing officials have called off the last races of the women's Alpine skiing World Cup because of public health concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision to call off the three-day event in Are, Sweden, hands Federica Brignone of Italy the overall title and denies Mikaela Shiffrin a return to racing this season.

Brignone becomes the first Italian women's overall champion in the 53-year history of the World Cup.

Shiffrin, the defending overall champion, had announced earlier Wednesday that she would compete at the event after taking a six-week break from the sport following the death of her father.

During her absence, Shiffrin lost her lead in the overall standings to Brignone, who is 153 points ahead of the American. There would have been a total of 300 points up for grabs in the last three races.

The International Ski Federation announced the cancellation less than 24 hours before the first race, Thursday's parallel giant slalom.

Next week's World Cup finals for both women and men in Cortina d'Ampezzo already had been canceled because of the virus outbreak in northern Italy.

The Fed Cup finals have been postponed indefinitely in response to concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus.

The 12-team women's tennis tournament was set to be played April 14-19 in Budapest, Hungary. The International Tennis Federation said it still hopes to stage the event in 2020, but did not announce a date.

The Fed Cup serves as a qualifying event for the Olympics and the ITF said it "is working closely with the IOC to address any impact this may have on athlete eligibility" for the Tokyo Games.

All playoff matches between lower-ranked teams, which were set to be played in eight locations around the world, were also postponed.

ITF President David Haggerty said "we are extremely disappointed to have to make this decision, but we will not risk the safety and welfare of players, captains, event staff or spectators."

The Fed Cup finals features a new format this year with 12 teams competing in four groups before a knockout phase. The United States is set to play Spain and Slovakia in Group C.

An exhibition baseball game in San Francisco between the Giants and Oakland Athletics has been canceled because of the virus outbreak.

The Bay Area teams were set to play at Oracle Park on March 24. That was two days before the start of the regular season in Major League Baseball.

The announcement came Wednesday after the San Francisco mayor banned gatherings of 1,000 or more people.

San Francisco is banning all large gatherings of more than 1,000 people for the next two weeks and the Golden State Warriors intend to play at least one home game without fans.

Mayor London Breed announced the ban Wednesday. She says she understands the order "is disruptive, but it is an important step to support public health." She says the Warriors are in support of the efforts, and the team announced it would host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night with no fans, making it the first NBA game set to be played in an empty arena.

The Warriors' next home game after that is March 25 against Atlanta.

Golden State also said all events through March 21 would be canceled or postponed. The G League Santa Cruz Warriors were set to host the Austin Spurs on Saturday, but that will be moved to Santa Cruz.

Fans will receive refunds, the team said.

The Mariners will move home games from Seattle through end of March following the state of Washington's decision to ban large group events in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Seattle had been scheduled to open the season at Safeco Field with a four-game series against Texas from March 26-29, then host Minnesota in a three-game series from March 30 through April 1.

The Mariners say they are working with the commissioner's office on alternative plans.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday announced a ban on all large gatherings in the three counties of the Seattle metro area through at least the end of March.

That decision affects the Seattle Mariners' first seven games of the season, when they host the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. It also applies to home games for the MLS Seattle Sounders, XFL Seattle Dragons and a pair of junior hockey teams in the area.

The restrictions do not include Spokane, where NCAA Tournament games are scheduled to take place next week. The men's first and second rounds are being played at the Spokane Arena, while early rounds of the women's tournament could end up being played on campus at Gonzaga.

Stanford is still willing to host the NCAA women's basketball tournament with a strict limit on spectators if selected to do so next week.

The school in Northern California said Wednesday that all sporting events on campus will be closed to the public through May 15 or until further notice in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Only participants, coaches, working staff, officials, credentialed media and a very limited number of family members, friends and guests of the competing teams will be allowed to attend. Santa Clara County announced a ban earlier this week of gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

The seventh-ranked Cardinal were expected to be picked as a host for the tournament that starts March 20. The top 16 teams are picked as hosts of the opening two rounds.

The NCAA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak's affect on sports around the globe (all times EDT):4:40 p.m.NCAA President Mark Emmert says NCAA Division I basketball tournament games will be played without fans in the arenas because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.Emmert said in a statement Wednesday he made the decision to conduct both the men's and women's tournaments, which begin next week, with only essential staff and limited family in attendance.4:30 p.m.NASCAR and IndyCar plan to race as scheduled this weekend, with IndyCar continuing to move ahead with its season-opening race through the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.The three-day downtown street festival draws about 130,000 people. There will be additional hand-washing and sanitizing stations.NASCAR will race at Altanta Motor Speedway, but said officials Wednesday all driver interviews will be done with the drivers either on risers or with 6-foot buffers around them. The pre-race driver meeting will be held in open-air locations and attendance will be restricted to drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and select officials and dignitaries.The promoters of the Long Beach Grand Prix, scheduled for April outside of Los Angeles, said Wednesday the race is still planned.Roger Penske, readying for his first Indianapolis 500 as owner of the race, told The Associated Press by text message he's approaching the scheduled May 24 race "day by day" while noting the 500 is nearly 90 days away.- Reporting by Jenna Fryer--4:25 p.m.A global esports league with teams in North America, Europe and Asia is canceling all matches through March and April because of the coronavirus pandemic.The Overwatch League launched an ambitious home-and-away schedule for its 20 franchises in February but already had postponed all events in China and South Korea due to the outbreak. The league announced the latest cancellations in a statement Wednesday.The league's players come from countries around the globe. OWL says it is "considering the various options available to esports."Blizzard Entertainment, which operates the Overwatch and Call of Duty Leagues, said scheduling considerations also are being addressed for the latter.--4:10 p.m.The World Figure Skating Championships set for next week in Montreal have been canceled due to public health concerns related to the spread of the new coronavirus.Quebec Province Health Minister Danielle McCann made the announcement Wednesday.The event was scheduled to bring nearly 200 skaters from more than 50 countries to Montreal. It is the premier competition of the skating season in non-Olympic years. It is scheduled for Stockholm next year.On Saturday, the Women's World Hockey Championships in Nova Scotia were called off.--4 p.m.Nebraska is the latest state to limit attendance or cancel a state high school championship tournament.The Nebraska boys' basketball tournament will be played as scheduled Thursday through Saturday, but the only fans allowed into the venues will be participants' immediate families.The Lincoln and Lancaster County Health Department recommended limiting spectators because of concern about the spread of coronavirus. Health officials announced this week that a Crofton High School student who attended the girls' tournament in Lincoln last week was diagnosed with COVID-19.Ohio announced that only participants' families and media will be allowed to attend winter sports postseason tournaments.Connecticut has canceled the remainder of its winter sports seasons as well as state tournaments.Boys' and girls' basketball tournaments in New York and Pennsylvania have been disrupted because several schools have declined to host games, forcing them to be rescheduled.- Reporting by Eric Olson--3:45 p.m.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he will be issuing an order regarding "mass gatherings" due to the coronavirus that will affect NCAA Tournament games in Cleveland and Dayton.DeWine says the order will include banning spectators from games and that he'll be asking people to make "informed decisions."During a news conference Wednesday, DeWine said he will issue an order in the next 24 to 36 hours. Dayton will host the NCAA's First Four next week at Dayton Arena, and first- and second-round games will be held in Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse."The order will be that there cannot be spectators there," DeWine said. "There certainly will be people - there will be TV people, there can be radio people there, there can be sports writers, certainly can be the media there. But we're not going to have the large crowd."DeWine applauded the Mid-American Conference for closing its tournament games to the general public this week.- Reporting by Tom Withers--3:35 p.m.A Division III college athletic conference in the northeastern United States has canceled its conference schedule for the spring season.The New England Small College Athletic Conference says the decision comes as many NESCAC schools have told students to return home and to complete the semester remotely because of the spread of the coronavirus.The decision relates specifically to the conference regular-season and championship schedules. It does not discuss nonconference play.The NESCAC comprises 11 institutions. They are Bates, Bowdoin and Colby colleges in Maine; Amherst College, Tufts University and Williams College in Massachusetts; Trinity College, Connecticut College and Wesleyan University in Connecticut; Middlebury College in Vermont; and Hamilton College in New York.--3:20 p.m.Skiing officials have called off the last races of the women's Alpine skiing World Cup because of public health concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus.The decision to call off the three-day event in Are, Sweden, hands Federica Brignone of Italy the overall title and denies Mikaela Shiffrin a return to racing this season.Brignone becomes the first Italian women's overall champion in the 53-year history of the World Cup.Shiffrin, the defending overall champion, had announced earlier Wednesday that she would compete at the event after taking a six-week break from the sport following the death of her father.During her absence, Shiffrin lost her lead in the overall standings to Brignone, who is 153 points ahead of the American. There would have been a total of 300 points up for grabs in the last three races.The International Ski Federation announced the cancellation less than 24 hours before the first race, Thursday's parallel giant slalom.Next week's World Cup finals for both women and men in Cortina d'Ampezzo already had been canceled because of the virus outbreak in northern Italy.--2:45 p.m.The Fed Cup finals have been postponed indefinitely in response to concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus.The 12-team women's tennis tournament was set to be played April 14-19 in Budapest, Hungary. The International Tennis Federation said it still hopes to stage the event in 2020, but did not announce a date.The Fed Cup serves as a qualifying event for the Olympics and the ITF said it "is working closely with the IOC to address any impact this may have on athlete eligibility" for the Tokyo Games.All playoff matches between lower-ranked teams, which were set to be played in eight locations around the world, were also postponed.ITF President David Haggerty said "we are extremely disappointed to have to make this decision, but we will not risk the safety and welfare of players, captains, event staff or spectators."The Fed Cup finals features a new format this year with 12 teams competing in four groups before a knockout phase. The United States is set to play Spain and Slovakia in Group C.--2:35 p.m.An exhibition baseball game in San Francisco between the Giants and Oakland Athletics has been canceled because of the virus outbreak.The Bay Area teams were set to play at Oracle Park on March 24. That was two days before the start of the regular season in Major League Baseball.The announcement came Wednesday after the San Francisco mayor banned gatherings of 1,000 or more people.___2:30 p.m.San Francisco is banning all large gatherings of more than 1,000 people for the next two weeks and the Golden State Warriors intend to play at least one home game without fans.Mayor London Breed announced the ban Wednesday. She says she understands the order "is disruptive, but it is an important step to support public health." She says the Warriors are in support of the efforts, and the team announced it would host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night with no fans, making it the first NBA game set to be played in an empty arena.The Warriors' next home game after that is March 25 against Atlanta.Golden State also said all events through March 21 would be canceled or postponed. The G League Santa Cruz Warriors were set to host the Austin Spurs on Saturday, but that will be moved to Santa Cruz.Fans will receive refunds, the team said.- Reporting by Janie McCauley--2:05 p.m.The Mariners will move home games from Seattle through end of March following the state of Washington's decision to ban large group events in response to the coronavirus outbreak.Seattle had been scheduled to open the season at Safeco Field with a four-game series against Texas from March 26-29, then host Minnesota in a three-game series from March 30 through April 1.The Mariners say they are working with the commissioner's office on alternative plans.Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday announced a ban on all large gatherings in the three counties of the Seattle metro area through at least the end of March.That decision affects the Seattle Mariners' first seven games of the season, when they host the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. It also applies to home games for the MLS Seattle Sounders, XFL Seattle Dragons and a pair of junior hockey teams in the area.The restrictions do not include Spokane, where NCAA Tournament games are scheduled to take place next week. The men's first and second rounds are being played at the Spokane Arena, while early rounds of the women's tournament could end up being played on campus at Gonzaga.___1:35 p.m.Stanford is still willing to host the NCAA women's basketball tournament with a strict limit on spectators if selected to do so next week.The school in Northern California said Wednesday that all sporting events on campus will be closed to the public through May 15 or until further notice in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.Only participants, coaches, working staff, officials, credentialed media and a very limited number of family members, friends and guests of the competing teams will be allowed to attend. Santa Clara County announced a ban earlier this week of gatherings of more than 1,000 people.The seventh-ranked Cardinal were expected to be picked as a host for the tournament that starts March 20. The top 16 teams are picked as hosts of the opening two rounds.The NCAA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.-- Reporting by Josh Dubow___1:20 p.m.One of college basketball's postseason invitational tournaments has been canceled.Organizers of the College Basketball Invitational, widely known as the CBI, say they've decided to cancel this year's event because of the "uncertainty about the coronavirus and the impact it is having on college campuses across the country."The tournament is played at campus sites for teams that aren't invited to the NCAA Tournament or the NIT.The statement issued Wednesday says officials look forward to bringing back the CBI in 2021.___1 p.m.The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told a congressional committee Wednesday that he would recommend the NBA not allow fans at games in response to the coronavirus.That answer by Dr. Anthony Fauci came hours before NBA owners are scheduled to meet to discuss the next steps in responding to the growing concern about the virus.Fauci was responding to a question from Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Wisconsin Republican, during a meeting of the House Oversight Committee. Grothman asked, "Is the NBA underreacting or is the Ivy League overreacting?" He was referencing how the Ivy League recently canceled its basketball tournaments, instead of having them played without fans in attendance or keeping the status quo."We would recommend that there not be large crowds," Fauci said. "If that means not having any people in the audience when the NBA plays, so be it. But as a public health official, anything that has crowds is something that would give a risk to spread."

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