PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - When the new coronavirus surfaced at Saint Raphael Academy after a school group returned from a trip to Italy, officials decided to close the Rhode Island Catholic high school for two weeks.

Instead of cancelling classes, the school in Pawtucket instituted "virtual days" where students are expected to work from home, check for assignments through an online portal and occasionally chat with teachers.

A few miles away, a public charter school also closed after a teacher who attended the same Italy trip awaited test results. But at Achievement First, the two days off were treated like snow days - no special assignments and no expectation that kids keep up their schoolwork.

As more schools across the United States close their doors because of the coronavirus, they are confronted with a dilemma in weighing whether to shut down and move classes online, which could leave behind the many students who don't have computers, home internet access or parents with flexible work schedules. As the closures accelerate, children at some schools, like Saint Raphael, will be able to continue some form of learning, while children at schools with fewer technological or other resources, may simply miss out.

The deep technological and wealth gap that exists nationwide between poor and affluent students has made the coronavirus outbreak even more challenging for school officials, who are wrestling with not only health and safety decisions but also questions about the ethics of school closures.

These deliberations have been playing out in schools all around the country during the outbreak, from urban districts in New York, Seattle and Los Angeles to rural ones in Nebraska and Pennsylvania.

"If we shut down for a week or two weeks, and some of the kids can do it but some can't, what do you do?" said Edward Albert, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools. "There are some places that don't even have phone service."

Although widespread closures are a new development in the United States, they are already a reality in nations that have been hit harder by the virus. The United Nations' education agency, UNESCO, says nearly 300 million children in 22 countries on three continents were being affected by school closures last week. In response, it has begun supporting online learning programs.

In hard-hit Washington, education officials recommended against schools moving instruction online unless they can ensure equal access for all students, including those with disabilities or without internet access. The state's education agency advised schools that it would make more sense to cancel school and make up classes at the end of the year.

"We are putting out a word of caution about the equity lens," said Rhett Nelson, director of alternative learning at the state's education department. "We want to discourage practices that disproportionately impact certain populations, especially those that are more at risk."

Schools also have to consider whether closures are actually beneficial to public health. Very few cases have been found in children and teenagers, and experts caution schools to think about factors such as harms to children's education and absenteeism among health care workers whose kids have to stay home.

"There's not strong evidence that closing schools will have a meaningful public health benefit," said Jennifer Nuzzo of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore.

In Los Angeles, teachers are raising concerns about an emergency plan to move classes online. So far, it's unclear how the district would reach students whose families can't afford laptops or internet service, said Alex Orozco, of the district's teachers union. New York officials say they're considering closings only as a last resort, citing concerns that it would disrupt daily life for thousands of families.

Some districts plan to distribute Wi-Fi hotspots to students without internet access, and others say they will provide computers to every student. Public schools&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/40804eed4cae5b12baf8ec41875f4e54" target="_blank">in Miami</a>&nbsp;say they're readying more than 200,000 laptops ready to go home in case classes move online.

In the Northshore School District near Seattle, which shifted its classes online as of Monday, officials are loaning computers and hotspots to students who need them. They're also providing to-go meals to address concerns about children who get free lunch going hungry.

Dozens of U.S. schools have announced closures of one or two days to disinfect schools, and some are shutting down for longer. Public schools in Scarsdale, New York, are canceling classes through March 18 with no plans to move online after a school worker tested positive. The 64,000-student Elk Grove Unified School District near Sacramento, California, closed through Friday after a district family was placed on quarantine.

Colleges were also moving classes online, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b93446430cd4320cdf4095df3f596178" target="_blank">the University of Washington</a>, Stanford University, Princeton University and Columbia.

The closures have proved to be a boon for some online schools and tech companies that help schools teach online. Many say they're seeing increased demand for services, while some are offering to help schools for free. Among them is Google, which is giving schools free access to larger video conferences.

The Leyden High School District near Chicago has been offering "E-Learning Days" for four years when bad weather arrives. All students are given tablets, and they can get free Wi-Fi hotspots if needed. But the practice is normally used only a day at a time, and Superintendent Nick Polyak questions whether it could be sustained for longer stretches.

"We could do something really high-quality for a week. If it's a month, I don't know that we could," Polyak said. "Not every student can just log on to a computer and participate. What do we do with our English language students? What to do with cafeteria workers and bus drivers? Do they just lose pay?"

Similar concerns have led some schools to plan for outright closures rather than virtual classes. An hour outside Lincoln, Nebraska, officials at Johnson-Brock Public School say they aren't considering online options because internet accessibility is too spotty in their rural community. Instead, the district of 250 students would plan to close and make up days later.

Some other schools are planning for low-tech options, like packets of work that could be sent home every week. Even schools equipped with technology are considering that option for younger students who don't use online learning software.

At the charter school in Providence, Achievement First closed for cleaning while it awaited a teacher's coronavirus test results. She ended up testing negative and the school reopened after just two days.

Soraida Morales' three children attend the school. She still had to go to work at her pharmacy job, but was able to depend on her parents for childcare while she worked. They are also fortunate to have a laptop at home, a luxury that many families in the district don't have. The school serves a large number of English language learners, and the vast majority are considered economically disadvantaged.

Holly Taylor Coolman has two sophomores at the Pawtucket Catholic school shut down for two weeks. She and her husband are both college professors and have the flexibility to stay home with them and their 4th grader, a decision they made so they would not put anyone else at risk. She jokes that her family is in "quaranteen" as she keeps her kids on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HTCoolman/status/1235274285385764868?s=20" target="_blank">a strict schedule</a>&nbsp;to keep up with coursework online.

She also recognizes that her family is fortunate to have the flexibility they do, and she wonders about what other families will do who don't have the same kind of privilege.

"There's this much bigger question about how are kids faring right now, who don't have two parents at home or don't have any parent at home," she said.

By MICHELLE R. SMITH-Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - When the new coronavirus surfaced at Saint Raphael Academy after a school group returned from a trip to Italy, officials decided to close the Rhode Island Catholic high school for two weeks.Instead of cancelling classes, the school in Pawtucket instituted "virtual days" where students are expected to work from home, check for assignments through an online portal and occasionally chat with teachers.A few miles away, a public charter school also closed after a teacher who attended the same Italy trip awaited test results. But at Achievement First, the two days off were treated like snow days - no special assignments and no expectation that kids keep up their schoolwork.As more schools across the United States close their doors because of the coronavirus, they are confronted with a dilemma in weighing whether to shut down and move classes online, which could leave behind the many students who don't have computers, home internet access or parents with flexible work schedules. As the closures accelerate, children at some schools, like Saint Raphael, will be able to continue some form of learning, while children at schools with fewer technological or other resources, may simply miss out.The deep technological and wealth gap that exists nationwide between poor and affluent students has made the coronavirus outbreak even more challenging for school officials, who are wrestling with not only health and safety decisions but also questions about the ethics of school closures.These deliberations have been playing out in schools all around the country during the outbreak, from urban districts in New York, Seattle and Los Angeles to rural ones in Nebraska and Pennsylvania."If we shut down for a week or two weeks, and some of the kids can do it but some can't, what do you do?" said Edward Albert, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools. "There are some places that don't even have phone service."Although widespread closures are a new development in the United States, they are already a reality in nations that have been hit harder by the virus. The United Nations' education agency, UNESCO, says nearly 300 million children in 22 countries on three continents were being affected by school closures last week. In response, it has begun supporting online learning programs.In hard-hit Washington, education officials recommended against schools moving instruction online unless they can ensure equal access for all students, including those with disabilities or without internet access. The state's education agency advised schools that it would make more sense to cancel school and make up classes at the end of the year."We are putting out a word of caution about the equity lens," said Rhett Nelson, director of alternative learning at the state's education department. "We want to discourage practices that disproportionately impact certain populations, especially those that are more at risk."Schools also have to consider whether closures are actually beneficial to public health. Very few cases have been found in children and teenagers, and experts caution schools to think about factors such as harms to children's education and absenteeism among health care workers whose kids have to stay home."There's not strong evidence that closing schools will have a meaningful public health benefit," said Jennifer Nuzzo of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore.In Los Angeles, teachers are raising concerns about an emergency plan to move classes online. So far, it's unclear how the district would reach students whose families can't afford laptops or internet service, said Alex Orozco, of the district's teachers union. New York officials say they're considering closings only as a last resort, citing concerns that it would disrupt daily life for thousands of families.Some districts plan to distribute Wi-Fi hotspots to students without internet access, and others say they will provide computers to every student. Public schools&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/40804eed4cae5b12baf8ec41875f4e54" target="_blank">in Miami</a>&nbsp;say they're readying more than 200,000 laptops ready to go home in case classes move online.In the Northshore School District near Seattle, which shifted its classes online as of Monday, officials are loaning computers and hotspots to students who need them. They're also providing to-go meals to address concerns about children who get free lunch going hungry.Dozens of U.S. schools have announced closures of one or two days to disinfect schools, and some are shutting down for longer. Public schools in Scarsdale, New York, are canceling classes through March 18 with no plans to move online after a school worker tested positive. The 64,000-student Elk Grove Unified School District near Sacramento, California, closed through Friday after a district family was placed on quarantine.Colleges were also moving classes online, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b93446430cd4320cdf4095df3f596178" target="_blank">the University of Washington</a>, Stanford University, Princeton University and Columbia.The closures have proved to be a boon for some online schools and tech companies that help schools teach online. Many say they're seeing increased demand for services, while some are offering to help schools for free. Among them is Google, which is giving schools free access to larger video conferences.The Leyden High School District near Chicago has been offering "E-Learning Days" for four years when bad weather arrives. All students are given tablets, and they can get free Wi-Fi hotspots if needed. But the practice is normally used only a day at a time, and Superintendent Nick Polyak questions whether it could be sustained for longer stretches."We could do something really high-quality for a week. If it's a month, I don't know that we could," Polyak said. "Not every student can just log on to a computer and participate. What do we do with our English language students? What to do with cafeteria workers and bus drivers? Do they just lose pay?"Similar concerns have led some schools to plan for outright closures rather than virtual classes. An hour outside Lincoln, Nebraska, officials at Johnson-Brock Public School say they aren't considering online options because internet accessibility is too spotty in their rural community. Instead, the district of 250 students would plan to close and make up days later.Some other schools are planning for low-tech options, like packets of work that could be sent home every week. Even schools equipped with technology are considering that option for younger students who don't use online learning software.At the charter school in Providence, Achievement First closed for cleaning while it awaited a teacher's coronavirus test results. She ended up testing negative and the school reopened after just two days.Soraida Morales' three children attend the school. She still had to go to work at her pharmacy job, but was able to depend on her parents for childcare while she worked. They are also fortunate to have a laptop at home, a luxury that many families in the district don't have. The school serves a large number of English language learners, and the vast majority are considered economically disadvantaged.Holly Taylor Coolman has two sophomores at the Pawtucket Catholic school shut down for two weeks. She and her husband are both college professors and have the flexibility to stay home with them and their 4th grader, a decision they made so they would not put anyone else at risk. She jokes that her family is in "quaranteen" as she keeps her kids on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HTCoolman/status/1235274285385764868?s=20" target="_blank">a strict schedule</a>&nbsp;to keep up with coursework online.She also recognizes that her family is fortunate to have the flexibility they do, and she wonders about what other families will do who don't have the same kind of privilege."There's this much bigger question about how are kids faring right now, who don't have two parents at home or don't have any parent at home," she said.

As outbreak spreads, schools face dilemma in going online

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583774066701.png" alt="This information was provided by the North Platte Police Department." />
 <figcaption>This information was provided by the North Platte Police Department.</figcaption>
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North Platte Police Activity (3.6.20-3.9.20

North Platte Community College students are inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during a ceremony last year. The 2020 PTK induction ceremony is scheduled for March 15.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NPCC)-North Platte Community College’s Alpha Beta Theta chapter will induct more than 30 new members into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society March 15.

An induction ceremony is planned for 1:30 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Theater on NPCC’s South Campus. The event is open to the public.

Dr. David Potter, NPCC speech instructor, will be the guest speaker, and Dr. Pete Johnson, psychology instructor, will deliver the benediction. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony.

PTK is the world's largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students. Students are invited to join based on their grade point average. To be considered, they must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours through the college and have a GPA of at least 3.5. They also must maintain a GPA of 3.25 to remain a PTK member.

Inclusion allows students to network with professionals at state and national conferences and serves as an experience to list on résumés. Those who advance to a four-year college or university may be able transfer into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest honor society for liberal arts and sciences.

NPCC inductees will be presented with yellow stoles to wear at commencement May 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583772204001.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Community College students are inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during a ceremony last year. The 2020 PTK induction ceremony is scheduled for March 15.By Heather Johnson-MPCCNORTH PLATTE, Neb. (NPCC)-North Platte Community College’s Alpha Beta Theta chapter will induct more than 30 new members into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society March 15.An induction ceremony is planned for 1:30 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Theater on NPCC’s South Campus. The event is open to the public.Dr. David Potter, NPCC speech instructor, will be the guest speaker, and Dr. Pete Johnson, psychology instructor, will deliver the benediction. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony.PTK is the world's largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students. Students are invited to join based on their grade point average. To be considered, they must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours through the college and have a GPA of at least 3.5. They also must maintain a GPA of 3.25 to remain a PTK member.Inclusion allows students to network with professionals at state and national conferences and serves as an experience to list on résumés. Those who advance to a four-year college or university may be able transfer into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest honor society for liberal arts and sciences.NPCC inductees will be presented with yellow stoles to wear at commencement May 8.

Public invited to NPCC PTK induction ceremony

A man is in emergency protective custody after an incident that led to a North Platte police officer being stabbed with a used needle. At around 3:23 a.m., on Monday, officers responded to the 600 block of West Leota Street after it was reported that a male subject was outside, upset and refusing to leave. Police say officers arrived and made contact with the subject. Police say the man's actions along with statements he was making gave the officers probable cause to place him in emergency protective custody.

The man was transported to Great Plains Health for evaluation, according to police, and while receiving treatment became very unruly and uncooperative with medical staff.

At one point, police say the man attempted to bite a member of the medical staff, but an officer was able to intervene. Police say the man was then able to get a needle away from medical personnel and stab an officer in the arm.

The officer sustained what police say are minor injuries to his arm.

The man was placed in emergency protective custody and was also placed under arrest on suspicion of assault on an officer.&nbsp;

Police say because criminal charges are pending, they are not releasing the man's identity.

A man is in emergency protective custody after an incident that led to a North Platte police officer being stabbed with a used needle. At around 3:23 a.m., on Monday, officers responded to the 600 block of West Leota Street after it was reported that a male subject was outside, upset and refusing to leave. Police say officers arrived and made contact with the subject. Police say the man's actions along with statements he was making gave the officers probable cause to place him in emergency protective custody.The man was transported to Great Plains Health for evaluation, according to police, and while receiving treatment became very unruly and uncooperative with medical staff.At one point, police say the man attempted to bite a member of the medical staff, but an officer was able to intervene. Police say the man was then able to get a needle away from medical personnel and stab an officer in the arm.The officer sustained what police say are minor injuries to his arm.The man was placed in emergency protective custody and was also placed under arrest on suspicion of assault on an officer.&nbsp;Police say because criminal charges are pending, they are not releasing the man's identity.

North Platte officer stabbed by needle during disturbance at hospital

Today is Monday, March 9, the 69th day of 2020. There are 297 days left in the year.

On March 9, 1945, during World War II, U.S. B-29 bombers began launching incendiary bomb attacks against Tokyo, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths.

In 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad, ruled 7-1 in favor of a group of illegally enslaved Africans who were captured off the U.S. coast after seizing control of a Spanish schooner, La Amistad; the justices ruled that the Africans should be set free.

In 1916, more than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa (VEE’-uh) attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans. During the First World War, Germany declared war on Portugal.

In 1933, Congress, called into special session by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, began its "hundred days" of enacting New Deal legislation.

In 1959, Mattel's Barbie doll, created by Ruth Handler, made its public debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, raised the standard for public officials to prove they'd been libeled in their official capacity by news organizations.

In 1976, a cable car in the Italian ski resort of Cavalese fell some 700 feet to the ground when a supporting line snapped, killing 43 people.

In 1981, Dan Rather made his debut as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News."

In 1987, Chrysler Corp. announced it had agreed to buy the financially ailing American Motors Corp.

In 1989, the Senate rejected President George H.W. Bush's nomination of John Tower to be defense secretary by a vote of 53-47. (The next day, Bush tapped Wyoming Rep. Dick Cheney, who went on to win unanimous Senate approval.)

In 1997, gangsta rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles; he was 24.

In 2005, Dan Rather signed off for the last time as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News."

In 2009, President Barack Obama lifted George W. Bush-era limits on using federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research.

Ten years ago: Vice President Joe Biden, visiting Israel, condemned an Israeli plan to build hundreds of homes in east Jerusalem. Former television producer Robert "Joe" Halderman pleaded guilty in New York to attempted grand larceny for trying to blackmail talk show host David Letterman. (Halderman was sentenced to six months in jail; he actually served four.) Doris "Granny D" Haddock, a New Hampshire woman who'd walked across the country at age 89 to promote campaign finance reform, died at age 100.

Five years ago: In northwestern Argentina, two helicopters collided and burst into flames shortly after taking off near the remote settlement of Villa Castelli, killing both pilots and eight French nationals. (Among the victims were Olympic champion swimmer Camille Muffat (moo-FAY’, Olympic bronze-medalist boxer Alexis Vastine and pioneering sailor Florence Arthaud, who were contestants on a European reality TV show which was being shot in the sparsely populated region.) Solar Impulse 2, a Swiss-made solar-powered aircraft, took off from Abu Dhabi just after daybreak in a historic first attempt to fly around the world without a drop of fossil fuel (however, overheated batteries grounded the plane in Hawaii). Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Watch in San Francisco.

One year ago: R&amp;B singer R. Kelly walked out of a Chicago jail after someone who officials said did not want to be publicly identified paid $161,000 that Kelly owed in back child support. (Kelly would be arrested in July and ordered held without bond as he awaited sex-related charges in Chicago and New York.) Julia Ruth Stevens, the last surviving daughter of Hall of Fame baseball slugger Babe Ruth, died at an assisted living facility in Nevada at the age of 102; she had been a decades-long champion of Ruth’s legacy.

Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. James L. Buckley, Conservative-N.Y., is 97. Singer Lloyd Price is 87. Actress Joyce Van Patten is 86. Country singer Mickey Gilley is 84. Actress Trish Van Devere is 79. Singer-musician John Cale (The Velvet Underground) is 78. Singer Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 78. Former ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 77. Rock musician Robin Trower is 75. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 72. Country musician Jimmie Fadden (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 72. Actress Jaime Lyn Bauer is 71. Magazine editor Michael Kinsley is 69. TV newscaster Faith Daniels is 63. Actress Linda Fiorentino is 62. Actor Tom Amandes is 61. Actor-director Lonny Price is 61. Country musician Rusty Hendrix (Confederate Railroad) is 60. Actress Juliette Binoche is 56. Rock musician Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) is 52. Rock musician Shannon Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) is 50. Rapper C-Murder (AKA C-Miller) is 49. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 49. Actress Jean Louisa Kelly is 48. Actor Kerr Smith is 48. Actor Oscar Isaac is 41. Comedian Jordan Klepper (TV: "The Daily Show") is 41. Rapper Chingy is 40. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is 40. Rock musician Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) is 39. Roots rock musician Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes) is 37. NHL defenseman Brent Burns is 35. Actress Brittany Snow is 34. Rapper Bow Wow is 33. Rapper YG is 30. Actor Luis Armand Garcia is 28. Actress Cierra Ramirez is 25.

Thought for Today: "Anybody who wants the presidency so much that he'll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office." — David Broder (1929-2011).

Today in HistoryToday is Monday, March 9, the 69th day of 2020. There are 297 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 9, 1945, during World War II, U.S. B-29 bombers began launching incendiary bomb attacks against Tokyo, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths.On this date:In 1841, the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. The Amistad, ruled 7-1 in favor of a group of illegally enslaved Africans who were captured off the U.S. coast after seizing control of a Spanish schooner, La Amistad; the justices ruled that the Africans should be set free.In 1916, more than 400 Mexican raiders led by Pancho Villa (VEE’-uh) attacked Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans. During the First World War, Germany declared war on Portugal.In 1933, Congress, called into special session by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, began its "hundred days" of enacting New Deal legislation.In 1959, Mattel's Barbie doll, created by Ruth Handler, made its public debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York.In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court, in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, raised the standard for public officials to prove they'd been libeled in their official capacity by news organizations.In 1976, a cable car in the Italian ski resort of Cavalese fell some 700 feet to the ground when a supporting line snapped, killing 43 people.In 1981, Dan Rather made his debut as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News."In 1987, Chrysler Corp. announced it had agreed to buy the financially ailing American Motors Corp.In 1989, the Senate rejected President George H.W. Bush's nomination of John Tower to be defense secretary by a vote of 53-47. (The next day, Bush tapped Wyoming Rep. Dick Cheney, who went on to win unanimous Senate approval.)In 1997, gangsta rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher Wallace) was killed in a still-unsolved drive-by shooting in Los Angeles; he was 24.In 2005, Dan Rather signed off for the last time as principal anchorman of "The CBS Evening News."In 2009, President Barack Obama lifted George W. Bush-era limits on using federal dollars for embryonic stem cell research.Ten years ago: Vice President Joe Biden, visiting Israel, condemned an Israeli plan to build hundreds of homes in east Jerusalem. Former television producer Robert "Joe" Halderman pleaded guilty in New York to attempted grand larceny for trying to blackmail talk show host David Letterman. (Halderman was sentenced to six months in jail; he actually served four.) Doris "Granny D" Haddock, a New Hampshire woman who'd walked across the country at age 89 to promote campaign finance reform, died at age 100.Five years ago: In northwestern Argentina, two helicopters collided and burst into flames shortly after taking off near the remote settlement of Villa Castelli, killing both pilots and eight French nationals. (Among the victims were Olympic champion swimmer Camille Muffat (moo-FAY’, Olympic bronze-medalist boxer Alexis Vastine and pioneering sailor Florence Arthaud, who were contestants on a European reality TV show which was being shot in the sparsely populated region.) Solar Impulse 2, a Swiss-made solar-powered aircraft, took off from Abu Dhabi just after daybreak in a historic first attempt to fly around the world without a drop of fossil fuel (however, overheated batteries grounded the plane in Hawaii). Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled the Apple Watch in San Francisco.One year ago: R&amp;B singer R. Kelly walked out of a Chicago jail after someone who officials said did not want to be publicly identified paid $161,000 that Kelly owed in back child support. (Kelly would be arrested in July and ordered held without bond as he awaited sex-related charges in Chicago and New York.) Julia Ruth Stevens, the last surviving daughter of Hall of Fame baseball slugger Babe Ruth, died at an assisted living facility in Nevada at the age of 102; she had been a decades-long champion of Ruth’s legacy.Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. James L. Buckley, Conservative-N.Y., is 97. Singer Lloyd Price is 87. Actress Joyce Van Patten is 86. Country singer Mickey Gilley is 84. Actress Trish Van Devere is 79. Singer-musician John Cale (The Velvet Underground) is 78. Singer Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 78. Former ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 77. Rock musician Robin Trower is 75. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 72. Country musician Jimmie Fadden (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 72. Actress Jaime Lyn Bauer is 71. Magazine editor Michael Kinsley is 69. TV newscaster Faith Daniels is 63. Actress Linda Fiorentino is 62. Actor Tom Amandes is 61. Actor-director Lonny Price is 61. Country musician Rusty Hendrix (Confederate Railroad) is 60. Actress Juliette Binoche is 56. Rock musician Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) is 52. Rock musician Shannon Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) is 50. Rapper C-Murder (AKA C-Miller) is 49. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 49. Actress Jean Louisa Kelly is 48. Actor Kerr Smith is 48. Actor Oscar Isaac is 41. Comedian Jordan Klepper (TV: "The Daily Show") is 41. Rapper Chingy is 40. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is 40. Rock musician Chad Gilbert (New Found Glory) is 39. Roots rock musician Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes) is 37. NHL defenseman Brent Burns is 35. Actress Brittany Snow is 34. Rapper Bow Wow is 33. Rapper YG is 30. Actor Luis Armand Garcia is 28. Actress Cierra Ramirez is 25.Thought for Today: "Anybody who wants the presidency so much that he'll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office." — David Broder (1929-2011).

Today in History-March 9

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - The entry deadline is March 31 for the Nebraska Handwriting Contest, the 30th.

The contest is aimed at promoting and encouraging good penmanship and is open to Nebraska residents in four age categories: 12 and younger, ages 13-16, ages 17-49 and ages 50 and older.

It is administered by the Teacher Education Department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Contestants will be provided text to copy for their entries, which must be written in any of the various styles of cursive handwriting and not printed. Rules and text to be copied are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.unk.edu/academics/coe/handwriting-contest/" target="_blank">available</a>&nbsp;online.

Entries should be mailed to: Nebraska Handwriting Contest, Attention: Julie Agard, University of Nebraska at Kearney/Department of Teacher Education, Kearney, NE, 68849.

Contact Agard at 308-865-8556 for more information.

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - The entry deadline is March 31 for the Nebraska Handwriting Contest, the 30th.The contest is aimed at promoting and encouraging good penmanship and is open to Nebraska residents in four age categories: 12 and younger, ages 13-16, ages 17-49 and ages 50 and older.It is administered by the Teacher Education Department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.Contestants will be provided text to copy for their entries, which must be written in any of the various styles of cursive handwriting and not printed. Rules and text to be copied are&nbsp;<a href="http://www.unk.edu/academics/coe/handwriting-contest/" target="_blank">available</a>&nbsp;online.Entries should be mailed to: Nebraska Handwriting Contest, Attention: Julie Agard, University of Nebraska at Kearney/Department of Teacher Education, Kearney, NE, 68849.Contact Agard at 308-865-8556 for more information.

Entry deadline March 31 for Nebraska Handwriting Contest

Andrew J Woodcock, 21, North Platte and Ashley R McConnaughey, 20, North Platte

Thomas A Dowhower, 67, North Platte and Debra A Devlin, 59, North Platte

Robert J Ponce, 52, North Platte and Dianne M Brown, 59, North Platte

Earl S Craghead, 49, Leavenworth, KS and Elizabeth L Crawford, 49, Leavenworth, KS

Andrew J Elsten, 20, North Platte and Bailey M Miller, 19, North Platte

Kade M Erickson, 24, North Platte and Samantha M Tagwerker, 23, North Platte

Week of March 2, 2020Andrew J Woodcock, 21, North Platte and Ashley R McConnaughey, 20, North PlatteThomas A Dowhower, 67, North Platte and Debra A Devlin, 59, North PlatteRobert J Ponce, 52, North Platte and Dianne M Brown, 59, North PlatteEarl S Craghead, 49, Leavenworth, KS and Elizabeth L Crawford, 49, Leavenworth, KSAndrew J Elsten, 20, North Platte and Bailey M Miller, 19, North PlatteKade M Erickson, 24, North Platte and Samantha M Tagwerker, 23, North Platte

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are asking dozens of people who attended a Special Olympics basketball tournament last week in Fremont to self-quarantine after learning a woman infected with COVID-19 also attended the event.

The woman spent most of the day on February 29 at the Fremont Family YMCA, where the tournament was held, according to a news release Saturday from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Health officials have urged the tournament's players, coaches and team staff members to self-quarantine and monitor themselves until March 14 for symptoms of the virus, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. They're also asked to self-report to the Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank">public health online system</a>&nbsp;or call their local health departments for next steps.

About 500 people attended the event from Fremont, Omaha, Lincoln and other areas in eastern Nebraska, officials said. Spectators and other people who were in the YMCA building that same day are at much lower risk than the direct participants of the tournament.

Several institutions in Fremont, including Fremont Public Schools, Archbishop Bergan Catholic Schools, Trinity Lutheran School, Midland University and the YMCA, canceled or postponed all activities effective immediately.

The 36-year-old infected Omaha woman who attended the tournament tested positive Friday for COVID-19 after being taken to an Omaha emergency room Thursday. Health officials say she had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a15879ffff522207f29c630e835833f" target="_blank">recently traveled</a>&nbsp;to the United Kingdom and first started showing symptoms of a respiratory illness on Feb. 24. She returned to Nebraska on Feb. 27.

By MARGERY A. BECK-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are asking dozens of people who attended a Special Olympics basketball tournament last week in Fremont to self-quarantine after learning a woman infected with COVID-19 also attended the event.The woman spent most of the day on February 29 at the Fremont Family YMCA, where the tournament was held, according to a news release Saturday from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Health officials have urged the tournament's players, coaches and team staff members to self-quarantine and monitor themselves until March 14 for symptoms of the virus, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. They're also asked to self-report to the Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx" target="_blank">public health online system</a>&nbsp;or call their local health departments for next steps.About 500 people attended the event from Fremont, Omaha, Lincoln and other areas in eastern Nebraska, officials said. Spectators and other people who were in the YMCA building that same day are at much lower risk than the direct participants of the tournament.Several institutions in Fremont, including Fremont Public Schools, Archbishop Bergan Catholic Schools, Trinity Lutheran School, Midland University and the YMCA, canceled or postponed all activities effective immediately.The 36-year-old infected Omaha woman who attended the tournament tested positive Friday for COVID-19 after being taken to an Omaha emergency room Thursday. Health officials say she had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a15879ffff522207f29c630e835833f" target="_blank">recently traveled</a>&nbsp;to the United Kingdom and first started showing symptoms of a respiratory illness on Feb. 24. She returned to Nebraska on Feb. 27.

Nebraska urges voluntary quarantine of tournament-goers

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - It's time to spring forward again, as the country makes the switch to daylight saving time.

Like those in almost all other states, residents in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri will trade an hour of sleep starting Sunday morning for an extra hour of sunlight in the evening.

The government expanded daylight saving time in 2007 in an effort to save energy. It now begins on the second Sunday in March and continues until the first Sunday in November. Neither Hawaii nor Arizona observe daylight saving time. Several U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also forgo daylight saving time.

The official change occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday, local time, although people often change their clocks before going to bed Saturday night.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - It's time to spring forward again, as the country makes the switch to daylight saving time.Like those in almost all other states, residents in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri will trade an hour of sleep starting Sunday morning for an extra hour of sunlight in the evening.The government expanded daylight saving time in 2007 in an effort to save energy. It now begins on the second Sunday in March and continues until the first Sunday in November. Neither Hawaii nor Arizona observe daylight saving time. Several U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also forgo daylight saving time.The official change occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday, local time, although people often change their clocks before going to bed Saturday night.Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1.

Daylight-saving time to see clocks set 1-hour ahead

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A house fire Saturday morning on the north side of North Platte was quickly extinguished by the North Platte Fire Department.

The report of a structure fire at 1808 North Madison came in at around 9:15 this morning.

Firefighters on the scene say no one was injured and it appeared that no one was home at the time of the fire.

Scanner traffic indicates that one cat succumbed to the fire. No firefighters were injured in the process.

Fire Marshal George Lewis is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583596737534.jpeg" alt="Firefighters extinguished a house fire at 1808 North Madison on Saturday morning." />
 <figcaption>Firefighters extinguished a house fire at 1808 North Madison on Saturday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Post StaffNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A house fire Saturday morning on the north side of North Platte was quickly extinguished by the North Platte Fire Department.The report of a structure fire at 1808 North Madison came in at around 9:15 this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583597053955.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters on the scene say no one was injured and it appeared that no one was home at the time of the fire.Scanner traffic indicates that one cat succumbed to the fire. No firefighters were injured in the process.Fire Marshal George Lewis is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

Fire department quickly extinguishes North Platte house fire

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).&nbsp;

“As we receive news of the first case of coronavirus in our state, I continue to urge Nebraskans to practice healthy habits to avoid transmitting germs,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “Like a snowstorm, Nebraskans should be planning in case they need to be at home for an extended period, and they should also plan in case schools close. &nbsp;At the same time, I want to assure Nebraskans that State leaders and medical professionals across Nebraska are doing their utmost to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on public health.”

The case is travel-related.&nbsp; The patient is a woman in her 30s from Douglas county who recently returned from England at the end of February. &nbsp;She started experiencing symptoms and was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital on March 5. &nbsp;Yesterday, public health officials received notification that this person could possibly have the virus, and they immediately ordered COVID-19 testing, which came back positive this afternoon. &nbsp;Currently, she is being transferred from the progressive care unit at Methodist Hospital to the Biocontainment Unit at Nebraska Medicine / the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). &nbsp;

DHHS is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the local health department to identify additional people who came in close contact with this person in order to decrease the spread of the illness.&nbsp; These people will be self-isolated and actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms.&nbsp; If they start experiencing symptoms, they will immediately undergo further testing.

“DHHS and its public health and healthcare system partners have been monitoring this situation very closely with the knowledge that we could see travel-related cases here in Nebraska,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. &nbsp;“We quickly recognized we had a potential coronavirus 2019 case and took immediate action. &nbsp;Our goal is to protect Nebraskans and prevent the spread of the disease.”

This is a travel-related case, and it’s important to remember that there isn’t evidence of COVID-19 spreading in Nebraska communities at this time.

Travelers who recently returned from China are also self-isolating and being actively monitored by their local health department. &nbsp;Travelers who returned from countries with community spread of COVID-19 within the last 14 days are also being actively monitored.

“Ensuring the health of Nebraskans is our main priority,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. &nbsp;“These actions are meant to help decrease the risk of disease spreading in the community. &nbsp;However, even with these actions, we may see additional confirmed cases in Nebraska.”

Nebraskans all have a role to play in this response, and DHHS continues to urge Nebraskans to take action to prepare, if they haven’t already.&nbsp;

Make sure you have two weeks’ worth of food and water, check regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply, and think through what you would do if schools and childcare centers close or you have to work from home. &nbsp;Here’s where you can find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid19&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2606c5a6e6524546647d08d7c2271a90%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637191345522865711&amp;sdata=w5Gm02CvIQxIZ3OV%2B6fENgqTEG2UaIRjpVF1EN5E4FA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp; For information on building a readiness kit, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ready.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2606c5a6e6524546647d08d7c2271a90%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637191345522865711&amp;sdata=9B5eZtepbOYPJ1hQ5h7GGG69m8tdY7VRuu8FwbUaAec%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.ready.gov</a>.

Practicing good health habits can help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease and other respiratory infections:

Nebraskans can find useful and reliable information to keep them informed on&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;and its Facebook and Twitter sites as well as local health department websites and social media sites.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 continues to evolve. &nbsp;The virus originated in China and has spread beyond the country’s borders with cases now reported in multiple other countries including the United States.

Nebraska public health leaders will continue to address this threat. &nbsp;Here are steps they are already taking:

News ReleaseLINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).&nbsp;“As we receive news of the first case of coronavirus in our state, I continue to urge Nebraskans to practice healthy habits to avoid transmitting germs,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp; “Like a snowstorm, Nebraskans should be planning in case they need to be at home for an extended period, and they should also plan in case schools close. &nbsp;At the same time, I want to assure Nebraskans that State leaders and medical professionals across Nebraska are doing their utmost to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on public health.”The case is travel-related.&nbsp; The patient is a woman in her 30s from Douglas county who recently returned from England at the end of February. &nbsp;She started experiencing symptoms and was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital on March 5. &nbsp;Yesterday, public health officials received notification that this person could possibly have the virus, and they immediately ordered COVID-19 testing, which came back positive this afternoon. &nbsp;Currently, she is being transferred from the progressive care unit at Methodist Hospital to the Biocontainment Unit at Nebraska Medicine / the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). &nbsp;DHHS is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the local health department to identify additional people who came in close contact with this person in order to decrease the spread of the illness.&nbsp; These people will be self-isolated and actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms.&nbsp; If they start experiencing symptoms, they will immediately undergo further testing.“DHHS and its public health and healthcare system partners have been monitoring this situation very closely with the knowledge that we could see travel-related cases here in Nebraska,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. &nbsp;“We quickly recognized we had a potential coronavirus 2019 case and took immediate action. &nbsp;Our goal is to protect Nebraskans and prevent the spread of the disease.”This is a travel-related case, and it’s important to remember that there isn’t evidence of COVID-19 spreading in Nebraska communities at this time.Travelers who recently returned from China are also self-isolating and being actively monitored by their local health department. &nbsp;Travelers who returned from countries with community spread of COVID-19 within the last 14 days are also being actively monitored.“Ensuring the health of Nebraskans is our main priority,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. &nbsp;“These actions are meant to help decrease the risk of disease spreading in the community. &nbsp;However, even with these actions, we may see additional confirmed cases in Nebraska.”Nebraskans all have a role to play in this response, and DHHS continues to urge Nebraskans to take action to prepare, if they haven’t already.&nbsp;Make sure you have two weeks’ worth of food and water, check regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply, and think through what you would do if schools and childcare centers close or you have to work from home. &nbsp;Here’s where you can find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid19&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2606c5a6e6524546647d08d7c2271a90%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637191345522865711&amp;sdata=w5Gm02CvIQxIZ3OV%2B6fENgqTEG2UaIRjpVF1EN5E4FA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp; For information on building a readiness kit, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ready.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2606c5a6e6524546647d08d7c2271a90%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637191345522865711&amp;sdata=9B5eZtepbOYPJ1hQ5h7GGG69m8tdY7VRuu8FwbUaAec%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.ready.gov</a>.Practicing good health habits can help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease and other respiratory infections:<ol>
 <li>Stay home if you are sick.</li><li>Avoid close contact with those who are sick.</li><li>Wash hands often with soap and water&nbsp;for at least 20 seconds. &nbsp;If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.</li><li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth&nbsp;with unwashed hands.</li><li>Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or&nbsp;sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash.</li><li>Clean and disinfect frequently&nbsp;touched objects and surfaces.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Nebraskans can find useful and reliable information to keep them informed on&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;and its Facebook and Twitter sites as well as local health department websites and social media sites.The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 continues to evolve. &nbsp;The virus originated in China and has spread beyond the country’s borders with cases now reported in multiple other countries including the United States.Nebraska public health leaders will continue to address this threat. &nbsp;Here are steps they are already taking:<ol>
 <li>Sharing the latest guidance and information&nbsp;with local health departments, hospitals, health care providers, first responders, and local and state labs through our extensive Health Alert Network to ensure a well-coordinated response in Nebraska.</li><li>Engaging in active and ongoing communication with the CDC&nbsp;and other state and federal partners as part of the overall national response to this emerging public health threat.</li><li>Reviewing and enhancing response plans.</li><li>Monitoring Nebraskans returning from countries with community transmission of coronavirus disease 2019&nbsp;to ensure timely medical care if needed and minimize the potential risk to others.</li><li>Facilitating confirmatory testing, isolation, and monitoring of Nebraskans experiencing symptoms&nbsp;to identify cases as soon as possible.</li><li>Having a system in place to track and monitor people&nbsp;who have contact with a confirmed case in an effort to immediately detect secondary cases and minimize the potential for ongoing, undetected, person-to-person transmission.</li><li>Updating&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;and DHHS social media sites&nbsp;with the latest resources and information to help keep Nebraskans informed.</li>
 </ol>

Governor Ricketts issues statement on first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb.-Health officials in Nebraska say the first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been confirmed in the state.

Health officials say the patient is a 36-year-old woman who traveled to the United Kingdom on February 18 and returned to her home in Omaha on February 27. It is believed that she contracted the virus during this trip.

According to officials, the woman was showing symptoms on February 24 and that she experienced mild symptoms until Thursday when she was brought Methodist Hospital with low blood oxygen levels and a pneumonia-like infection. Further testing revealed that she was positive for COVID-19.

The patient is currently being transferred to the biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Officials encouraged residents to continue practicing safe hand-washing procedures and to prepare for the possibility that schools and businesses may be forced to close.

Health officials are currently tracking where the woman has been in Nebraska.

OMAHA, Neb.-Health officials in Nebraska say the first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been confirmed in the state.Health officials say the patient is a 36-year-old woman who traveled to the United Kingdom on February 18 and returned to her home in Omaha on February 27. It is believed that she contracted the virus during this trip.According to officials, the woman was showing symptoms on February 24 and that she experienced mild symptoms until Thursday when she was brought Methodist Hospital with low blood oxygen levels and a pneumonia-like infection. Further testing revealed that she was positive for COVID-19.The patient is currently being transferred to the biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.Officials encouraged residents to continue practicing safe hand-washing procedures and to prepare for the possibility that schools and businesses may be forced to close.Health officials are currently tracking where the woman has been in Nebraska.

Nebraska officials report first confirmed case of COVID-19

Scotty C talks with Andrew Lee, one of six men running for Mayor of North Platte. Listen to Andrew's thoughts about what North Platte needs and how he plans to achieve those things if he is elected mayor. Check out Andrew's website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leefor/">www.leefornp.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/leefornp.</a>

Scotty C talks with Andrew Lee, one of six men running for Mayor of North Platte. Listen to Andrew's thoughts about what North Platte needs and how he plans to achieve those things if he is elected mayor. Check out Andrew's website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leefor/">www.leefornp.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/leefornp.</a><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: North Platte Mayoral Candidate Andrew Lee" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/iayn3-d59ab9?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=1&btn-skin=107&auto=0&download=1&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

Post Podcast: North Platte Mayoral Candidate Andrew Lee

OGALLALA, Neb. (AP) - The state game and parks commission will vote March 20 on banning both alcohol possession and consumption at Lake McConaughy and neighboring Lake Ogallala in western Nebraska.

The alcohol ban in the state-controlled areas is among several agreements the state worked out with local leaders to avert drastic cuts in access.

The commission had been considering access restrictions following complaints about overcrowding and rowdy behavior last Fourth of July. The proposed changes, which would have taken effect later this year, were meant to address the overcrowding on the lake's beaches.

But the commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/18c2a6a6c2c4e965e5a09ac255b8c152" target="_blank">delayed action</a>&nbsp;in January after hundreds of people showed up for a hearing on the proposed rules. Most said they wanted more law enforcement and greater attention to checkpoints, not a crackdown to limit access.

The pending agreement calls for local and state law enforcement to beef up their holiday presence, Ogallala Mayor Deb Schilz said. And local leaders would arrange more garbage pickups to relieve one burden on overwhelmed game and parks staffers.

Game and parks and the local advisory council will meet again after Labor Day to review the summer and make consider whether more changes are needed before summer 2021, Schilz said.

OGALLALA, Neb. (AP) - The state game and parks commission will vote March 20 on banning both alcohol possession and consumption at Lake McConaughy and neighboring Lake Ogallala in western Nebraska.The alcohol ban in the state-controlled areas is among several agreements the state worked out with local leaders to avert drastic cuts in access.The commission had been considering access restrictions following complaints about overcrowding and rowdy behavior last Fourth of July. The proposed changes, which would have taken effect later this year, were meant to address the overcrowding on the lake's beaches.But the commission&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/18c2a6a6c2c4e965e5a09ac255b8c152" target="_blank">delayed action</a>&nbsp;in January after hundreds of people showed up for a hearing on the proposed rules. Most said they wanted more law enforcement and greater attention to checkpoints, not a crackdown to limit access.The pending agreement calls for local and state law enforcement to beef up their holiday presence, Ogallala Mayor Deb Schilz said. And local leaders would arrange more garbage pickups to relieve one burden on overwhelmed game and parks staffers.Game and parks and the local advisory council will meet again after Labor Day to review the summer and make consider whether more changes are needed before summer 2021, Schilz said.

Alcohol ban, boosted patrol in plan for Lake McConaughy

Video courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDYZ14pci9s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Video courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol

Video: Images from memorial service for Trooper Dale Fahnholz

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's prisons released 45 inmates earlier than they should have because state officials failed to apply disciplinary sanctions to their sentences that would have kept them behind bars longer, the state corrections department acknowledged Thursday.

The Department of Correctional Services said 187 prisoners should have lost so-called "good time" credit for violations of prison policy, but the sanctions weren't properly counted on their sentences.

Of that group, 45 have already been released from prison and two of them have since committed low-level misdemeanors when they should have been incarcerated, said Director Scott Frakes. Frakes said one of the two faced charges of minor in possession of alcohol and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while the other was charged with trespassing.

In an interview, Frakes said state officials won't try to recapture the inmates who were released early because their infractions are considered violations of the department's administrative policies, not state law. He said the department has taken immediate steps to ensure that all entries into the state's prison records system are manually double-checked, and eventually he plans to automate the process.

"As much as we want to automate them, there's always a human component," Frakes said, adding that "we're striving for 100% perfection."

Nebraska's corrections department uses a system of "good time" credit to encourage good behavior. For every day served without a violation, inmates get one additional day taken off their official sentence. Prisoners who use drugs, start fights or get into other trouble can lose their credit, and thus have to spend more time behind bars.

Nebraska faced a similar problem in 2014, when the Omaha World-Herald revealed that corrections officials had miscalculated thousands of prison sentences that led to hundreds of inmates getting out of prison earlier than they should have. The debacle led to years of intense scrutiny that eventually uncovered other problems within the department, including persistent overcrowding and staffing shortages.

The amount of time assessed for inmate sanctions ranged from 15 to 180 days, the department said in a news release. Frakes said some of the rule violations not properly recorded happened as far back as 10 years ago. During that time period, prison officials logged more than 15,000 sanctions in their system.

By Grant Schulte-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's prisons released 45 inmates earlier than they should have because state officials failed to apply disciplinary sanctions to their sentences that would have kept them behind bars longer, the state corrections department acknowledged Thursday.The Department of Correctional Services said 187 prisoners should have lost so-called "good time" credit for violations of prison policy, but the sanctions weren't properly counted on their sentences.Of that group, 45 have already been released from prison and two of them have since committed low-level misdemeanors when they should have been incarcerated, said Director Scott Frakes. Frakes said one of the two faced charges of minor in possession of alcohol and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while the other was charged with trespassing.In an interview, Frakes said state officials won't try to recapture the inmates who were released early because their infractions are considered violations of the department's administrative policies, not state law. He said the department has taken immediate steps to ensure that all entries into the state's prison records system are manually double-checked, and eventually he plans to automate the process."As much as we want to automate them, there's always a human component," Frakes said, adding that "we're striving for 100% perfection."Nebraska's corrections department uses a system of "good time" credit to encourage good behavior. For every day served without a violation, inmates get one additional day taken off their official sentence. Prisoners who use drugs, start fights or get into other trouble can lose their credit, and thus have to spend more time behind bars.Nebraska faced a similar problem in 2014, when the Omaha World-Herald revealed that corrections officials had miscalculated thousands of prison sentences that led to hundreds of inmates getting out of prison earlier than they should have. The debacle led to years of intense scrutiny that eventually uncovered other problems within the department, including persistent overcrowding and staffing shortages.The amount of time assessed for inmate sanctions ranged from 15 to 180 days, the department said in a news release. Frakes said some of the rule violations not properly recorded happened as far back as 10 years ago. During that time period, prison officials logged more than 15,000 sanctions in their system.

45 Nebraska prisoners released too early because of mix-up

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Republican senators from four states that have seen severe flooding from the Missouri River are backing legislation that would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to change its management of the river to reduce flooding risk.

The measure, which was introduced Thursday, follows criticism from residents of flooded areas that the Corps should give flood protection a higher priority than environmental, recreational and other needs.

The proposal would require the Corps to take steps to reduce flooding risks along the lower Missouri River by changing the way it manages the dams and strengthening levees along the river. The proposal is backed by all the senators from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

"After the historic flooding we saw over last spring and in previous years, it is clear that we need to fundamentally change the way the Missouri River is managed," said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. "Farmers, families, and local officials I've talked to are rightly concerned with the lack of progress that has been made in repairing damaged infrastructure and putting stronger protections in place for the future."

Flooding caused more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/84d773fba03f48dd8c18ec0eaa5198bc" target="_blank">$3 billion in damage</a>&nbsp;along the lower Missouri River last year as releases from dams upstream combined with heavy runoff from rain and melting snow to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15f799240ef84204b5e2f2f42aaa8043" target="_blank">damage levees</a>&nbsp;and inundate land along the river. Prolonged flooding also caused significant damage along the river in 2011.

"As evidenced by the recurring flooding in the lower basin, the current approach is not working. At the federal level, we need to work toward a long term solution to our region's flood control challenges," Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst said

The Missouri is the longest river in North America, running from Montana through the Dakotas and touching Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas before cutting across Missouri and entering the Mississippi River at St. Louis. The Corps manages the river's flow using six dams and reservoirs in Montana and the Dakotas.

Strengthening flood protections is popular in states that have endured flooding, but the idea may not be as popular with supporters of other approved uses of the river, such as recreation and protecting endangered species.

While the downstream states are pushing for more flood control efforts and having more water released from the reservoirs earlier in the year to prevent summer flooding, upstream states have been concerned about effects on wildlife and recreation especially during drought years.

Environmental groups that have pushed for greater protections for endangered species and habitat along the river might also oppose the push for more flood control.

Corps officials say flood protection remains their highest priority, but there are limits to what they can do to reduce flooding along the Missouri, especially along the lower river below the dams.

"We are aware people in the Missouri River Basin continue to be seriously impacted from flooding that occurred March through September 2019. We have worked hard to minimize damages caused. We're doing all we can to reduce the impacts of the historic floods," said Corps spokesman Mike Glasch.

The Corps said it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ffaa76c496a6c855dd3c498a3344d6cd" target="_blank">already working</a>&nbsp;with Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri to develop a study of flooding risk management along the river, but that study hasn't been funded yet.

Robert Criss, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying flooding for more than two decades, said the problem is that the Missouri has been made narrower over the years and the Corps has worked to maintain a defined channel for barge traffic even though few barges ever cross the river.

"The whole problem with flooding on the river is it has been narrowed too much for barge traffic," Criss said.

The Missouri used to be a wide waterway with wetlands and numerous channels running alongside each other. That allowed floodwaters to spread out and cause fewer problems. Criss said the modern river channel forces the floodwater into a narrow channel restricted by levees that speeds up the flow and increases damage.

Criss said that asking the Corps to do more to try and control the river isn't the answer.

"Empowering the guys that caused the problem is how you make problems persist," Criss said.

By JOSH FUNK-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Republican senators from four states that have seen severe flooding from the Missouri River are backing legislation that would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to change its management of the river to reduce flooding risk.The measure, which was introduced Thursday, follows criticism from residents of flooded areas that the Corps should give flood protection a higher priority than environmental, recreational and other needs.The proposal would require the Corps to take steps to reduce flooding risks along the lower Missouri River by changing the way it manages the dams and strengthening levees along the river. The proposal is backed by all the senators from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri."After the historic flooding we saw over last spring and in previous years, it is clear that we need to fundamentally change the way the Missouri River is managed," said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. "Farmers, families, and local officials I've talked to are rightly concerned with the lack of progress that has been made in repairing damaged infrastructure and putting stronger protections in place for the future."Flooding caused more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/84d773fba03f48dd8c18ec0eaa5198bc" target="_blank">$3 billion in damage</a>&nbsp;along the lower Missouri River last year as releases from dams upstream combined with heavy runoff from rain and melting snow to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15f799240ef84204b5e2f2f42aaa8043" target="_blank">damage levees</a>&nbsp;and inundate land along the river. Prolonged flooding also caused significant damage along the river in 2011."As evidenced by the recurring flooding in the lower basin, the current approach is not working. At the federal level, we need to work toward a long term solution to our region's flood control challenges," Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst saidThe Missouri is the longest river in North America, running from Montana through the Dakotas and touching Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas before cutting across Missouri and entering the Mississippi River at St. Louis. The Corps manages the river's flow using six dams and reservoirs in Montana and the Dakotas.Strengthening flood protections is popular in states that have endured flooding, but the idea may not be as popular with supporters of other approved uses of the river, such as recreation and protecting endangered species.While the downstream states are pushing for more flood control efforts and having more water released from the reservoirs earlier in the year to prevent summer flooding, upstream states have been concerned about effects on wildlife and recreation especially during drought years.Environmental groups that have pushed for greater protections for endangered species and habitat along the river might also oppose the push for more flood control.Corps officials say flood protection remains their highest priority, but there are limits to what they can do to reduce flooding along the Missouri, especially along the lower river below the dams."We are aware people in the Missouri River Basin continue to be seriously impacted from flooding that occurred March through September 2019. We have worked hard to minimize damages caused. We're doing all we can to reduce the impacts of the historic floods," said Corps spokesman Mike Glasch.The Corps said it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ffaa76c496a6c855dd3c498a3344d6cd" target="_blank">already working</a>&nbsp;with Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri to develop a study of flooding risk management along the river, but that study hasn't been funded yet.Robert Criss, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis who has been studying flooding for more than two decades, said the problem is that the Missouri has been made narrower over the years and the Corps has worked to maintain a defined channel for barge traffic even though few barges ever cross the river."The whole problem with flooding on the river is it has been narrowed too much for barge traffic," Criss said.The Missouri used to be a wide waterway with wetlands and numerous channels running alongside each other. That allowed floodwaters to spread out and cause fewer problems. Criss said the modern river channel forces the floodwater into a narrow channel restricted by levees that speeds up the flow and increases damage.Criss said that asking the Corps to do more to try and control the river isn't the answer."Empowering the guys that caused the problem is how you make problems persist," Criss said.

Senators urge changes to reduce Missouri River flooding

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NEBRASKAland Days: Tickets running out quickly for Luke Combs concert

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A former Nebraska lawmaker and anti-marijuana activist was confirmed Thursday to the state's public health board despite criticism from advocates who are pushing a ballot measure to legalize the drug for medicinal use.

Lawmakers voted 32-3 to approve John Kuehn for a seat on the Nebraska Board of Health. If voters legalize it in the November election, the 17-member board could end up imposing rules and regulations on doctors who offer medical marijuana.

Kuehn is a close ally of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, who appointed him to the seat, and both men strongly oppose legalizing the drug. Kuehn serves as co-chairman of Smart Approaches to Marijuana Nebraska, a group that recently launched a public campaign to highlight the dangers of the drug.

One lawmaker who is leading the petition drive to legalize medical marijuana questioned whether Kuehn would be fair in his new role.

"It's about making sure we have someone on the board of health who's not going to be biased," said Sen. Adam Morfeld, of Lincoln, a volunteer co-chairman of the petition group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.

Morfeld pointed to the governor's efforts to implement a Medicaid expansion ballot measure approved by voters in 2018. He has argued that administration officials are slow-walking the implementation and have added burdensome requirements to undermine the new law. Administration officials have denied the allegation, saying they need time to ensure everything will go smoothly when coverage begins in October.

Sen. Ernie Chambers, of Omaha, said he doesn't trust Kuehn to implement a medical marijuana law fairly if voters approve it.

"The governor is like Donald Trump. You think he's going to appoint someone who would go against an issue that he's already politicized?" Chambers said. "The governor's thumb is on John Kuehn when it comes to medical cannabis."

Kuehn's defenders said they were confident he would follow the law and argued that every board member has personal biases.

"I think it's inappropriate for us to assume that because he has taken a stand on an issue, that he would not comport himself with the law of the land," said Sen. Suzanne Geist, of Lincoln.

Others said Kuehn was well-qualified for a seat that few people want to fill. Kuehn's new position on the state health board is unpaid.

"These boards struggle to find qualified people to serve on them," said Sen. Julie Slama, of Peru.

State law requires a variety of health care professionals and laypeople to serve on the board, including surgeons, dentists, chiropractors, nurses and hospital administrators. Kuehn will represent veterinarians on the board. He's also a rancher and biology professor at Hastings College.

Kuehn served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2015 to 2019, but decided not to seek re-election to a second term. As a lawmaker, he played a major role in a legislative package to regulate prescription painkillers in response to the national opioid epidemic.

Sen. Sara Howard, of Omaha, said Kuehn "went to the mattresses" against his fellow veterinarians who opposed the opioid legislation.

"He really was a great help," said Howard, chairwoman of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee.

Kuehn also championed "Right to Farm" legislation to shield farmers from lawsuits and was a member of the Legislature's budget-writing Appropriations Committee. After Kuehn left office, Ricketts appointed him to the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, which projects how much tax revenue the state will collect. During Ricketts' first run for governor in 2014, Kuehn served on an agricultural task force to advise the campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583437276359.jpeg" alt="John Kuehn (Photo: Twitter)" />
 <figcaption>John Kuehn (Photo: Twitter)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A former Nebraska lawmaker and anti-marijuana activist was confirmed Thursday to the state's public health board despite criticism from advocates who are pushing a ballot measure to legalize the drug for medicinal use.Lawmakers voted 32-3 to approve John Kuehn for a seat on the Nebraska Board of Health. If voters legalize it in the November election, the 17-member board could end up imposing rules and regulations on doctors who offer medical marijuana.Kuehn is a close ally of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, who appointed him to the seat, and both men strongly oppose legalizing the drug. Kuehn serves as co-chairman of Smart Approaches to Marijuana Nebraska, a group that recently launched a public campaign to highlight the dangers of the drug.One lawmaker who is leading the petition drive to legalize medical marijuana questioned whether Kuehn would be fair in his new role."It's about making sure we have someone on the board of health who's not going to be biased," said Sen. Adam Morfeld, of Lincoln, a volunteer co-chairman of the petition group Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.Morfeld pointed to the governor's efforts to implement a Medicaid expansion ballot measure approved by voters in 2018. He has argued that administration officials are slow-walking the implementation and have added burdensome requirements to undermine the new law. Administration officials have denied the allegation, saying they need time to ensure everything will go smoothly when coverage begins in October.Sen. Ernie Chambers, of Omaha, said he doesn't trust Kuehn to implement a medical marijuana law fairly if voters approve it."The governor is like Donald Trump. You think he's going to appoint someone who would go against an issue that he's already politicized?" Chambers said. "The governor's thumb is on John Kuehn when it comes to medical cannabis."Kuehn's defenders said they were confident he would follow the law and argued that every board member has personal biases."I think it's inappropriate for us to assume that because he has taken a stand on an issue, that he would not comport himself with the law of the land," said Sen. Suzanne Geist, of Lincoln.Others said Kuehn was well-qualified for a seat that few people want to fill. Kuehn's new position on the state health board is unpaid."These boards struggle to find qualified people to serve on them," said Sen. Julie Slama, of Peru.State law requires a variety of health care professionals and laypeople to serve on the board, including surgeons, dentists, chiropractors, nurses and hospital administrators. Kuehn will represent veterinarians on the board. He's also a rancher and biology professor at Hastings College.Kuehn served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2015 to 2019, but decided not to seek re-election to a second term. As a lawmaker, he played a major role in a legislative package to regulate prescription painkillers in response to the national opioid epidemic.Sen. Sara Howard, of Omaha, said Kuehn "went to the mattresses" against his fellow veterinarians who opposed the opioid legislation."He really was a great help," said Howard, chairwoman of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee.Kuehn also championed "Right to Farm" legislation to shield farmers from lawsuits and was a member of the Legislature's budget-writing Appropriations Committee. After Kuehn left office, Ricketts appointed him to the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board, which projects how much tax revenue the state will collect. During Ricketts' first run for governor in 2014, Kuehn served on an agricultural task force to advise the campaign.

Former Nebraska senator confirmed to state health board

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A coalition of organizations has proposed a ballot measure that would create an independent citizens commission to oversee redistricting of Nebraska's congressional and state legislative districts.

The group Nebraskans for Independent Redistricting said in a news release that it had filed paperwork Thursday to begin the process for a petition drive. The gathering of signatures is expected to begin later this month.

It would establish a nine-member commission to determine Nebraska district lines for the U.S. House of Representatives and the Nebraska Legislature. It would require public meetings and an open sharing of maps and data being used by the commission. And it would bar lobbyists, elected officials, party leaders, current and former political candidates from serving on the commission, as well as members of their immediate families.

"Our political system isn't as fair as it should be because of gerrymandering," said former state Sen. DiAnna Schimek, one of three campaign co-leaders. "This is a common-sense solution that prevents elected officials from being able to redraw legislative districts for partisan or political interests."

Senators have repeatedly rejected efforts to create an independent commission to spearhead the once-a-decade ritual. A measure introduced this session has not advanced out of committee.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A coalition of organizations has proposed a ballot measure that would create an independent citizens commission to oversee redistricting of Nebraska's congressional and state legislative districts.The group Nebraskans for Independent Redistricting said in a news release that it had filed paperwork Thursday to begin the process for a petition drive. The gathering of signatures is expected to begin later this month.It would establish a nine-member commission to determine Nebraska district lines for the U.S. House of Representatives and the Nebraska Legislature. It would require public meetings and an open sharing of maps and data being used by the commission. And it would bar lobbyists, elected officials, party leaders, current and former political candidates from serving on the commission, as well as members of their immediate families."Our political system isn't as fair as it should be because of gerrymandering," said former state Sen. DiAnna Schimek, one of three campaign co-leaders. "This is a common-sense solution that prevents elected officials from being able to redraw legislative districts for partisan or political interests."Senators have repeatedly rejected efforts to create an independent commission to spearhead the once-a-decade ritual. A measure introduced this session has not advanced out of committee.

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