Today is Tuesday, March 3, the 63rd day of 2020. There are 303 days left in the year.

On March 3, "The Star-Spangled Banner" became the national anthem of the United States as President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution.

In 1791, Congress passed a measure taxing distilled spirits; it was the first internal revenue act in U.S. history.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure creating the National Academy of Sciences.

In 1894, British Prime Minister William Gladstone submitted his resignation to Queen Victoria, ending his fourth and final premiership.

In 1934, bank robber John Dillinger escaped from the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, Indiana, along with another prisoner, Herbert Youngblood.

In 1943, in London's East End, 173 people died in a crush of bodies at the Bethnal Green tube station, which was being used as a wartime air raid shelter.

In 1974, a Turkish Airlines DC-10 crashed shortly after takeoff from Orly Airport in Paris, killing all 346 people on board.

In 1985, coal miners in Britain voted to end a year-long strike that proved to be the longest and most violent walkout in British history.

In 1991, motorist Rodney King was severely beaten by Los Angeles police officers in a scene captured on amateur video. Twenty-five people were killed when a United Airlines Boeing 737-200 crashed while approaching the Colorado Springs airport.

In 1996, Israel declared "total war" against the militant group Hamas after a bus bomb in Jerusalem killed 19 people, including the bomber, the third such suicide attack in eight days.

In 2001, a plane carrying members of a National Guard engineering crew crashed in heavy rain near Macon, Ga., killing all 21 people on board.

In 2002, voters in Switzerland approved joining the United Nations, abandoning almost 200 years of formal neutrality.

Ten years ago: Appearing before a White House audience of invited guests, many wearing white medical coats, President Barack Obama firmly rejected calls from Republicans to draft new health care legislation from scratch. Greece announced painful new austerity measures, cutting salaries for government workers and raising sales taxes as it tried to snuff out a financial crisis threatening Europe's economy. British politician Michael Foot died in north London at age 96.

Five years ago: In a direct challenge to the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood before Congress and bluntly warned the U.S. that an emerging nuclear agreement with Iran would pave "Iran's path to the bomb." President Barack Obama pushed back sternly, saying the U.S. would never sign such a deal and that Netanyahu was offering no useful alternative.

One year ago: A tornado roared into the small community of Beauregard, Alabama, killing 23 people; it was the nation’s deadliest tornado in nearly six years.

Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Mike Pender (The Searchers) is 79. Movie producer-director George Miller is 75. Actress Hattie Winston is 75. Singer Jennifer Warnes is 73. Actor-director Tim Kazurinsky is 70. Singer-musician Robyn Hitchcock is 67. Actor Robert Gossett is 66. Rock musician John Lilley is 66. Actress Miranda Richardson is 62. Rock musician John Bigham is 61. Radio personality Ira Glass is 61. Actress Mary Page Keller is 59. Olympic track and field gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is 58. Former NFL player and College Football Hall of Famer Herschel Walker is 58. Actress Laura Harring is 56. Contemporary Christian musician Duncan Phillips (Newsboys) is 56. Rapper-actor Tone Loc (lohk) is 54. Actress Julie Bowen is 50. Country singer Brett Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 49. Actor David Faustino is 46. Gospel singer Jason Crabb is 43. Singer Ronan Keating (Boyzone) is 43. Rapper Lil' Flip is 39. Actress Jessica Biel is 38. Rock musician Blower (AKA Joe Garvey) (Hinder) is 36. Musician Brett Hite (Frenship) is 34. Pop singer Camila Cabello is 23. Actor Thomas Barbusca (TV: "The Mick") is 17. Actress Reylynn Caster is 17.

Thought for Today: "Nothing is really real unless it happens on television." — Daniel J. Boorstin, educator and Librarian of Congress (1914-2004).

Today in HistoryToday is Tuesday, March 3, the 63rd day of 2020. There are 303 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 3, "The Star-Spangled Banner" became the national anthem of the United States as President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution.On this date:In 1791, Congress passed a measure taxing distilled spirits; it was the first internal revenue act in U.S. history.In 1845, Florida became the 27th state.In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure creating the National Academy of Sciences.In 1894, British Prime Minister William Gladstone submitted his resignation to Queen Victoria, ending his fourth and final premiership.In 1934, bank robber John Dillinger escaped from the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, Indiana, along with another prisoner, Herbert Youngblood.In 1943, in London's East End, 173 people died in a crush of bodies at the Bethnal Green tube station, which was being used as a wartime air raid shelter.In 1974, a Turkish Airlines DC-10 crashed shortly after takeoff from Orly Airport in Paris, killing all 346 people on board.In 1985, coal miners in Britain voted to end a year-long strike that proved to be the longest and most violent walkout in British history.In 1991, motorist Rodney King was severely beaten by Los Angeles police officers in a scene captured on amateur video. Twenty-five people were killed when a United Airlines Boeing 737-200 crashed while approaching the Colorado Springs airport.In 1996, Israel declared "total war" against the militant group Hamas after a bus bomb in Jerusalem killed 19 people, including the bomber, the third such suicide attack in eight days.In 2001, a plane carrying members of a National Guard engineering crew crashed in heavy rain near Macon, Ga., killing all 21 people on board.In 2002, voters in Switzerland approved joining the United Nations, abandoning almost 200 years of formal neutrality.Ten years ago: Appearing before a White House audience of invited guests, many wearing white medical coats, President Barack Obama firmly rejected calls from Republicans to draft new health care legislation from scratch. Greece announced painful new austerity measures, cutting salaries for government workers and raising sales taxes as it tried to snuff out a financial crisis threatening Europe's economy. British politician Michael Foot died in north London at age 96.Five years ago: In a direct challenge to the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood before Congress and bluntly warned the U.S. that an emerging nuclear agreement with Iran would pave "Iran's path to the bomb." President Barack Obama pushed back sternly, saying the U.S. would never sign such a deal and that Netanyahu was offering no useful alternative.One year ago: A tornado roared into the small community of Beauregard, Alabama, killing 23 people; it was the nation’s deadliest tornado in nearly six years.Today's Birthdays: Singer-musician Mike Pender (The Searchers) is 79. Movie producer-director George Miller is 75. Actress Hattie Winston is 75. Singer Jennifer Warnes is 73. Actor-director Tim Kazurinsky is 70. Singer-musician Robyn Hitchcock is 67. Actor Robert Gossett is 66. Rock musician John Lilley is 66. Actress Miranda Richardson is 62. Rock musician John Bigham is 61. Radio personality Ira Glass is 61. Actress Mary Page Keller is 59. Olympic track and field gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is 58. Former NFL player and College Football Hall of Famer Herschel Walker is 58. Actress Laura Harring is 56. Contemporary Christian musician Duncan Phillips (Newsboys) is 56. Rapper-actor Tone Loc (lohk) is 54. Actress Julie Bowen is 50. Country singer Brett Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 49. Actor David Faustino is 46. Gospel singer Jason Crabb is 43. Singer Ronan Keating (Boyzone) is 43. Rapper Lil' Flip is 39. Actress Jessica Biel is 38. Rock musician Blower (AKA Joe Garvey) (Hinder) is 36. Musician Brett Hite (Frenship) is 34. Pop singer Camila Cabello is 23. Actor Thomas Barbusca (TV: "The Mick") is 17. Actress Reylynn Caster is 17.Thought for Today: "Nothing is really real unless it happens on television." — Daniel J. Boorstin, educator and Librarian of Congress (1914-2004).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History-March 3

LINCOLN, Neb.-Nebraska is a pro-life state that respects the dignity of human life.&nbsp; You can see it in everything from how Nebraskans care for their neighbors to how legislators fight to protect preborn babies.&nbsp; While we have made great strides over the years, we have more work to do.&nbsp; You may be surprised to learn this: It is still legal in Nebraska to perform dismemberment abortions.

Thankfully, State Senator Suzanne Geist is taking steps to end this horrific practice.&nbsp; This session, she has introduced a bill (LB 814) to end the brutal practice of dismemberment abortion in Nebraska.&nbsp; This type of abortion usually takes place between 13 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.&nbsp; The barbaric procedure literally rips apart a preborn child, piece by piece, to destroy the life of the baby.&nbsp;

Developmentally, babies make incredible strides between 13 and 24 weeks.&nbsp; Early in this stage, a baby’s sex becomes clear.&nbsp; During this window of time, little boys or girls start to move their eyes, and they begin to hear.&nbsp; Around 16 weeks, an ultrasound can detect them moving their arms and legs. &nbsp;A few weeks later, a baby will begin to suck his or her thumb.&nbsp; Babies born prematurely at the end of this stage (24 weeks) have a survival rate of around 60-70%. &nbsp;Improvements in neonatal care are constantly increasing these odds as well as making survival a possibility even earlier in pregnancy.

Imagine watching a sleeping baby girl peacefully suck her thumb inside of her mother’s womb.&nbsp; Then consider the horror of seeing that same baby girl flail her tiny arms and legs as an abortionist uses forceps to clutch at her body.&nbsp; If you could stomach the sight, you would see the baby’s life gruesomely destroyed as the abortionist dissevered her body, bit by bit, grasping and crushing her little skull as part of the process.&nbsp;

Dr. Kathi Aultman is a retired, board-certified Ob/Gyn and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with more than 35 years of experience. &nbsp;She has both received an abortion and performed many of them, including dismemberment abortions. &nbsp;Her experiences working as an abortionist, as well as giving birth to a baby of her own, convinced her of the cruelty of dismemberment abortion.

Dr. Aultman testified at the Legislature’s hearing on LB 814 in support of the bill. &nbsp;“A major benefit of this legislation is that it will spare mothers the agony and guilt of knowing that they consented to a procedure which caused their child to be torn limb from limb while it was alive,” she said. “It also protects medical personnel from the emotional trauma of knowing they assisted in this gruesome procedure on a live baby.”

Dr. Aultman’s concerns are echoed by other abortionists who testify of the psychological trauma that they and their staffs underwent after performing dismemberment abortions.&nbsp; During a dismemberment abortion, the baby’s severed limbs and other tissues are placed on a tray. &nbsp;Medical staff then have to account for each piece to make sure no parts of the body remain inside the mother to cause infection.

Kristen New formerly worked as a counselor for three years at abortion clinics, and she also testified in support of Senator Geist’s bill.&nbsp; Kristen witnessed a dismemberment abortion up close.&nbsp; She held the hand of the mother about to have the procedure as she was sedated and put to sleep. &nbsp;Kristen then eyed the ultrasound screen as the abortion occurred.&nbsp; She could not endure watching its brutality and had to excuse herself from the room.&nbsp; After the abortion ended, she insisted on seeing the baby’s dead body.&nbsp; Looking at the boy’s once-perfectly formed body, now pulled apart and clinically arranged on a tray, disgusted and horrified her.&nbsp; The sickening experience motivated her to quit her job.

These stories make a compelling case for ending this method of abortion.&nbsp; Senators have the opportunity this session to act quickly and decisively to end this horrendous form of abortion.&nbsp; The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on this bill this week.&nbsp; I encourage Nebraskans to contact their State Senators to voice support for LB 814.&nbsp; Their information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Ccf4dd2ec25a2428ed09208d7beefdb00%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637187809707233828&amp;sdata=wnlyeQZedWfhxBXZSLIj1Hq0CQO3ttJomCRisAtRr%2FM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp; If you have questions about LB 814, I invite you to contact me by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 402-471-2244.

By Governor Pete RickettsLINCOLN, Neb.-Nebraska is a pro-life state that respects the dignity of human life.&nbsp; You can see it in everything from how Nebraskans care for their neighbors to how legislators fight to protect preborn babies.&nbsp; While we have made great strides over the years, we have more work to do.&nbsp; You may be surprised to learn this: It is still legal in Nebraska to perform dismemberment abortions.Thankfully, State Senator Suzanne Geist is taking steps to end this horrific practice.&nbsp; This session, she has introduced a bill (LB 814) to end the brutal practice of dismemberment abortion in Nebraska.&nbsp; This type of abortion usually takes place between 13 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.&nbsp; The barbaric procedure literally rips apart a preborn child, piece by piece, to destroy the life of the baby.&nbsp;Developmentally, babies make incredible strides between 13 and 24 weeks.&nbsp; Early in this stage, a baby’s sex becomes clear.&nbsp; During this window of time, little boys or girls start to move their eyes, and they begin to hear.&nbsp; Around 16 weeks, an ultrasound can detect them moving their arms and legs. &nbsp;A few weeks later, a baby will begin to suck his or her thumb.&nbsp; Babies born prematurely at the end of this stage (24 weeks) have a survival rate of around 60-70%. &nbsp;Improvements in neonatal care are constantly increasing these odds as well as making survival a possibility even earlier in pregnancy.Imagine watching a sleeping baby girl peacefully suck her thumb inside of her mother’s womb.&nbsp; Then consider the horror of seeing that same baby girl flail her tiny arms and legs as an abortionist uses forceps to clutch at her body.&nbsp; If you could stomach the sight, you would see the baby’s life gruesomely destroyed as the abortionist dissevered her body, bit by bit, grasping and crushing her little skull as part of the process.&nbsp;Dr. Kathi Aultman is a retired, board-certified Ob/Gyn and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with more than 35 years of experience. &nbsp;She has both received an abortion and performed many of them, including dismemberment abortions. &nbsp;Her experiences working as an abortionist, as well as giving birth to a baby of her own, convinced her of the cruelty of dismemberment abortion.Dr. Aultman testified at the Legislature’s hearing on LB 814 in support of the bill. &nbsp;“A major benefit of this legislation is that it will spare mothers the agony and guilt of knowing that they consented to a procedure which caused their child to be torn limb from limb while it was alive,” she said. “It also protects medical personnel from the emotional trauma of knowing they assisted in this gruesome procedure on a live baby.”Dr. Aultman’s concerns are echoed by other abortionists who testify of the psychological trauma that they and their staffs underwent after performing dismemberment abortions.&nbsp; During a dismemberment abortion, the baby’s severed limbs and other tissues are placed on a tray. &nbsp;Medical staff then have to account for each piece to make sure no parts of the body remain inside the mother to cause infection.Kristen New formerly worked as a counselor for three years at abortion clinics, and she also testified in support of Senator Geist’s bill.&nbsp; Kristen witnessed a dismemberment abortion up close.&nbsp; She held the hand of the mother about to have the procedure as she was sedated and put to sleep. &nbsp;Kristen then eyed the ultrasound screen as the abortion occurred.&nbsp; She could not endure watching its brutality and had to excuse herself from the room.&nbsp; After the abortion ended, she insisted on seeing the baby’s dead body.&nbsp; Looking at the boy’s once-perfectly formed body, now pulled apart and clinically arranged on a tray, disgusted and horrified her.&nbsp; The sickening experience motivated her to quit her job.These stories make a compelling case for ending this method of abortion.&nbsp; Senators have the opportunity this session to act quickly and decisively to end this horrendous form of abortion.&nbsp; The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on this bill this week.&nbsp; I encourage Nebraskans to contact their State Senators to voice support for LB 814.&nbsp; Their information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Ccf4dd2ec25a2428ed09208d7beefdb00%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637187809707233828&amp;sdata=wnlyeQZedWfhxBXZSLIj1Hq0CQO3ttJomCRisAtRr%2FM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp; If you have questions about LB 814, I invite you to contact me by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 402-471-2244.

Governor's Weekly Column: Ending the Disgrace of Dismemberment Abortion

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday that federal officials are urging states to seek whatever federal resources they need to prepare for the COVID-19 virus as it spreads in the United States and to focus as much as possible on prevention.

Ricketts said he's aiming to ensure that Nebraska is the "best-prepared state" to handle the virus if any cases are confirmed outside of quarantine areas. His comments came after a conference call that included governors, Vice President Mike Pence and state and federal health officials.

Ricketts said Nebraska is well-positioned thanks to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a major quarantine center for exposed patients, but people should remain vigilant. He said medical center officials are in regular contact with U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, which handles budget issues.

Ricketts said federal officials emphasized the need for prevention with thorough hand-washing and avoiding contact with sick people.

"We want people to be aware of it," he said. "Nobody should be panicked, but this is something we need to take seriously."

Ricketts said he and other governors expect to discuss the situation weekly with Pence until further notice.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday that federal officials are urging states to seek whatever federal resources they need to prepare for the COVID-19 virus as it spreads in the United States and to focus as much as possible on prevention.Ricketts said he's aiming to ensure that Nebraska is the "best-prepared state" to handle the virus if any cases are confirmed outside of quarantine areas. His comments came after a conference call that included governors, Vice President Mike Pence and state and federal health officials.Ricketts said Nebraska is well-positioned thanks to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a major quarantine center for exposed patients, but people should remain vigilant. He said medical center officials are in regular contact with U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, which handles budget issues.Ricketts said federal officials emphasized the need for prevention with thorough hand-washing and avoiding contact with sick people."We want people to be aware of it," he said. "Nobody should be panicked, but this is something we need to take seriously."Ricketts said he and other governors expect to discuss the situation weekly with Pence until further notice.

Ricketts: Pence pledged to help states with virus outbreak

SCOTTSBLUFF ― Test results were negative for a patient at Regional West Medical Center whose illness was investigated for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Regional West Chief Medical Officer Matthew Bruner, MD, FACOG, said the tests were conducted out of an abundance of caution based on the CDC’s guidelines after consultation with the state epidemiologist.

“We followed our standard infectious disease protocols, which includes isolating the patient and notifying the state health department, to provide the best care for the patient and to minimize the risk of disease transmission,” said Dr. Bruner.

Anyone in the western Nebraska region who has potentially been exposed to the novel coronavirus and experiences flu-like symptoms should not go to the hospital or a clinic. At the sign of symptoms, they should call Regional West Community Health or Regional&nbsp;West Emergency Department&nbsp;<a href="tel:+13086353711">308-635-3711.</a>&nbsp;Healthcare providers will determine if the patient can be cared for at home or if hospitalization is necessary.

For the latest information, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx</a>.

SCOTTSBLUFF ― Test results were negative for a patient at Regional West Medical Center whose illness was investigated for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).Regional West Chief Medical Officer Matthew Bruner, MD, FACOG, said the tests were conducted out of an abundance of caution based on the CDC’s guidelines after consultation with the state epidemiologist.“We followed our standard infectious disease protocols, which includes isolating the patient and notifying the state health department, to provide the best care for the patient and to minimize the risk of disease transmission,” said Dr. Bruner.Anyone in the western Nebraska region who has potentially been exposed to the novel coronavirus and experiences flu-like symptoms should not go to the hospital or a clinic. At the sign of symptoms, they should call Regional West Community Health or Regional&nbsp;West Emergency Department&nbsp;<a href="tel:+13086353711">308-635-3711.</a>&nbsp;Healthcare providers will determine if the patient can be cared for at home or if hospitalization is necessary.For the latest information, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx</a>.

Regional West patient tests negative for COVID-19

OMAHA, Neb. (UNMC)-The 37th&nbsp;annual Children’s Dental Day on March 6 at the college in Lincoln. Children’s Dental Day is a statewide outreach program that has a significant impact on the oral health of children in Nebraska.

During the event, UNMC dental and dental hygiene students, postgraduate dental residents, faculty and staff will provide free dental care to over 200 low-income and underserved children from communities across Nebraska. The children will receive dental cleanings, restorations, extractions and other essential dental care, as well as education on the importance of oral health.

“For some of these children, this will be their first visit to a dentist.&nbsp;Left untreated, oral health conditions can have serious consequences, including needless pain and suffering, difficulty chewing, difficulty speaking and lost days in school,” said Jillian Wallen, B.D.S.,&nbsp;assistant dean for extramural activities and outreach for the UNMC College of Dentistry.&nbsp;“By providing the dental care these children need, the College of Dentistry continues to play a critical role in improving oral health throughout Nebraska.”

Started in 2001, the UNMC College of Dentistry has held 36 Children’s Dental Days in Lincoln and western Nebraska, treating more than 6,000 children and providing more than $3 million in dental services to low-income and underserved children.&nbsp;The event is part of the American Dental Association’s oral health care program for underserved children, Give Kids A Smile.&nbsp;

This year, the children are coming from Columbus, Crete, Fremont, Grand Island, Hastings, Lexington, Lincoln and Omaha. They have been identified and prescreened by volunteers in their communities, including College of Dentistry alumni. Many of these volunteers will attend the event with the children to provide emotional support. Additionally, students from the UNMC College of Nursing will provide wellness checks and students from other local colleges will provide clinical assistance and translation services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583180996884.jpeg" alt="Dental Day fun. (UNMC Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dental Day fun. (UNMC Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (UNMC)-The 37th&nbsp;annual Children’s Dental Day on March 6 at the college in Lincoln. Children’s Dental Day is a statewide outreach program that has a significant impact on the oral health of children in Nebraska.During the event, UNMC dental and dental hygiene students, postgraduate dental residents, faculty and staff will provide free dental care to over 200 low-income and underserved children from communities across Nebraska. The children will receive dental cleanings, restorations, extractions and other essential dental care, as well as education on the importance of oral health.“For some of these children, this will be their first visit to a dentist.&nbsp;Left untreated, oral health conditions can have serious consequences, including needless pain and suffering, difficulty chewing, difficulty speaking and lost days in school,” said Jillian Wallen, B.D.S.,&nbsp;assistant dean for extramural activities and outreach for the UNMC College of Dentistry.&nbsp;“By providing the dental care these children need, the College of Dentistry continues to play a critical role in improving oral health throughout Nebraska.”Started in 2001, the UNMC College of Dentistry has held 36 Children’s Dental Days in Lincoln and western Nebraska, treating more than 6,000 children and providing more than $3 million in dental services to low-income and underserved children.&nbsp;The event is part of the American Dental Association’s oral health care program for underserved children, Give Kids A Smile.&nbsp;This year, the children are coming from Columbus, Crete, Fremont, Grand Island, Hastings, Lexington, Lincoln and Omaha. They have been identified and prescreened by volunteers in their communities, including College of Dentistry alumni. Many of these volunteers will attend the event with the children to provide emotional support. Additionally, students from the UNMC College of Nursing will provide wellness checks and students from other local colleges will provide clinical assistance and translation services.

UNMC College of Dentistry to host  37th annual Children’s Dental Day March 6

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.-Officials at a Scottsbluff hospital say a patient there is being tested and monitored for the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

Officials say a patient at Regional West Medical Center has been placed under a Person of Interest investigation, in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and upon a recommendation from the Nebraska State Epidemiologist.

“We continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines and are working closely with the State Epidemiologist and their team of experts as we wait for the test results. We are exercising the utmost caution and have appropriately isolated the patient in the hospital as we continue to provide care for the other patients in the medical center,” said&nbsp;Regional West Chief Medical Officer Matthew Bruner.

Officials urge anyone in the western Nebraska region who has potentially been exposed to COVID-19 and experiences flu-like symptoms to call Regional West Community Health or Regional West Emergency Department at 308-635-3711.

No further information on the patient was released at this time.

Officials say the hospital is operating under "normal conditions."

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.-Officials at a Scottsbluff hospital say a patient there is being tested and monitored for the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.Officials say a patient at Regional West Medical Center has been placed under a Person of Interest investigation, in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and upon a recommendation from the Nebraska State Epidemiologist.“We continue to follow the CDC’s guidelines and are working closely with the State Epidemiologist and their team of experts as we wait for the test results. We are exercising the utmost caution and have appropriately isolated the patient in the hospital as we continue to provide care for the other patients in the medical center,” said&nbsp;Regional West Chief Medical Officer Matthew Bruner.Officials urge anyone in the western Nebraska region who has potentially been exposed to COVID-19 and experiences flu-like symptoms to call Regional West Community Health or Regional West Emergency Department at 308-635-3711.No further information on the patient was released at this time.Officials say the hospital is operating under "normal conditions."

Patient at Scottsbluff hospital being tested/monitored for COVID-19 novel cornavirus

Today is Monday, March 2, the 62nd day of 2020. There are 304 days left in the year.

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. (Philadelphia won, 169-147.)

In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.

In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act.

In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to January 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.

In 1933, the motion picture "King Kong" had its world premiere at New York's Radio City Music Hall and the Roxy.

In 1939, Roman Catholic Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli (puh-CHEL'-ee) was elected pope on his 63rd birthday; he took the name Pius XII. The Massachusetts legislature voted to ratify the Bill of Rights, 147 years after the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution had gone into effect. (Georgia and Connecticut soon followed.)

In 1940, the cartoon character Elmer Fudd made his debut in the Warner Bros. animated short "Elmer's Candid Camera," in which the title character finds himself pitted against a rascally rabbit that was a precursor to Bugs Bunny.

In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.

In 1972, the United States launched the Pioneer 10 space probe, which flew past Jupiter in late 1973, sending back images and scientific data.

In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.

In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons, the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.

In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)

In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.

Ten years ago: Authorities in San Diego County found the body of 17-year-old Chelsea King, who'd been missing since Feb. 25, 2010. (John Albert Gardner III later pleaded guilty to raping and murdering King and another victim, 14-year-old Amber Dubois; he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

Five years ago: Iraqi forces launched a large-scale offensive to take Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit from the Islamic State group, the first step in a campaign to reclaim parts of northern Iraq from the Sunni extremists. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who rose to become the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress, announced she would not seek re-election when her fifth term ended.

One year ago: Bernie Sanders kicked off his 2020 presidential campaign, proclaiming himself the Democrat best prepared to beat Donald Trump. Speaking at a conservative conference in Washington, President Donald Trump railed against the policies of “socialism” in a continued attempt to portray Democrats as out of touch with ordinary Americans.

Today's Birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 90. Former Soviet President and Nobel peace laureate Mikhail S. Gorbachev is 89. Actress Barbara Luna is 81. Author John Irving is 78. Actress Cassie Yates is 69. Actress Laraine Newman is 68. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 67. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 65. Singer Jay Osmond is 65. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 64. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 62. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 61. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 58. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 57. Actor Daniel Craig is 52. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 48. Rock musician Casey (formerly w/Jimmie's Chicken Shack) is 44. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 43. Actress Heather McComb is 43. Actress Rebel Wilson is 40. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard is 39. NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 38. NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist is 38. Musician Mike "McDuck" Olson (Lake Street Dive) is 37. Actor Robert Iler is 35. Actress Nathalie Emmanuel is 31. Country singer Luke Combs is 30. Singer-rapper-actress Becky G is 23.

Thought for Today: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." — Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka "Dr. Seuss", American children's author (born this day, 1904; died 1991).

Today in HistoryToday is Monday, March 2, the 62nd day of 2020. There are 304 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a game against the New York Knicks, an NBA record that still stands. (Philadelphia won, 169-147.)On this date:In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote.In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act.In 1932, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, which moved the date of the presidential inauguration from March 4 to January 20, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.In 1933, the motion picture "King Kong" had its world premiere at New York's Radio City Music Hall and the Roxy.In 1939, Roman Catholic Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli (puh-CHEL'-ee) was elected pope on his 63rd birthday; he took the name Pius XII. The Massachusetts legislature voted to ratify the Bill of Rights, 147 years after the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution had gone into effect. (Georgia and Connecticut soon followed.)In 1940, the cartoon character Elmer Fudd made his debut in the Warner Bros. animated short "Elmer's Candid Camera," in which the title character finds himself pitted against a rascally rabbit that was a precursor to Bugs Bunny.In 1943, the three-day Battle of the Bismarck Sea began in the southwest Pacific during World War II; U.S. and Australian warplanes were able to inflict heavy damage on an Imperial Japanese convoy.In 1972, the United States launched the Pioneer 10 space probe, which flew past Jupiter in late 1973, sending back images and scientific data.In 1985, the government approved a screening test for AIDS that detected antibodies to the virus, allowing possibly contaminated blood to be excluded from the blood supply.In 1989, representatives from the 12 European Community nations agreed to ban all production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons, the synthetic compounds blamed for destroying the Earth's ozone layer, by the end of the 20th century.In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (The company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers.)In 1995, the Internet search engine website Yahoo! was incorporated by founders Jerry Yang and David Filo.Ten years ago: Authorities in San Diego County found the body of 17-year-old Chelsea King, who'd been missing since Feb. 25, 2010. (John Albert Gardner III later pleaded guilty to raping and murdering King and another victim, 14-year-old Amber Dubois; he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)Five years ago: Iraqi forces launched a large-scale offensive to take Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit from the Islamic State group, the first step in a campaign to reclaim parts of northern Iraq from the Sunni extremists. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who rose to become the longest-serving woman in the history of Congress, announced she would not seek re-election when her fifth term ended.One year ago: Bernie Sanders kicked off his 2020 presidential campaign, proclaiming himself the Democrat best prepared to beat Donald Trump. Speaking at a conservative conference in Washington, President Donald Trump railed against the policies of “socialism” in a continued attempt to portray Democrats as out of touch with ordinary Americans.Today's Birthdays: Actor John Cullum is 90. Former Soviet President and Nobel peace laureate Mikhail S. Gorbachev is 89. Actress Barbara Luna is 81. Author John Irving is 78. Actress Cassie Yates is 69. Actress Laraine Newman is 68. Former Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., is 67. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is 65. Singer Jay Osmond is 65. Pop musician John Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 64. Former tennis player Kevin Curren is 62. Country singer Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) is 61. Rock singer Jon Bon Jovi is 58. Blues singer-musician Alvin Youngblood Hart is 57. Actor Daniel Craig is 52. Actor Richard Ruccolo is 48. Rock musician Casey (formerly w/Jimmie's Chicken Shack) is 44. Rock singer Chris Martin (Coldplay) is 43. Actress Heather McComb is 43. Actress Rebel Wilson is 40. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard is 39. NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is 38. NHL goalie Henrik Lundqvist is 38. Musician Mike "McDuck" Olson (Lake Street Dive) is 37. Actor Robert Iler is 35. Actress Nathalie Emmanuel is 31. Country singer Luke Combs is 30. Singer-rapper-actress Becky G is 23.Thought for Today: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." — Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka "Dr. Seuss", American children's author (born this day, 1904; died 1991).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History-March 2

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A ballot campaign seeking to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska announced new support Monday from a group led by a former state senator and a firm that helps pass statewide ballot measures.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said it is working with ADOPT, a coalition led by former state Sen. Tommy Garrett, of Bellevue. Garrett is an outspoken supporter of medical marijuana and previously introduced legalization bills in the Legislature.

The campaign said it has also hired 1st Tuesday Campaigns, a national group based in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles that has worked with ballot campaigns in other states.

Sen. Anna Wishart, of Lincoln, who co-chairs the ballot campaign, said ADOPT "reflects a broad coalition of Nebraskans that support access to medical cannabis and recognizes the health and economic benefits of passing this initiative."

Opponents have argued that the drug could have harmful unintended consequences for youths and other potential users.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A ballot campaign seeking to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska announced new support Monday from a group led by a former state senator and a firm that helps pass statewide ballot measures.Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana said it is working with ADOPT, a coalition led by former state Sen. Tommy Garrett, of Bellevue. Garrett is an outspoken supporter of medical marijuana and previously introduced legalization bills in the Legislature.The campaign said it has also hired 1st Tuesday Campaigns, a national group based in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles that has worked with ballot campaigns in other states.Sen. Anna Wishart, of Lincoln, who co-chairs the ballot campaign, said ADOPT "reflects a broad coalition of Nebraskans that support access to medical cannabis and recognizes the health and economic benefits of passing this initiative."Opponents have argued that the drug could have harmful unintended consequences for youths and other potential users.

Nebraska medical marijuana campaign announces new support

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583170529546.png" alt="police activity 2 28 20 to 3 2 20.png" />
 <figcaption>police activity 2 28 20 to 3 2 20.png</figcaption>
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North Platte Police Call Log (2.28.20-3.2.20

KEARNEY, Neb. (NSP)-With sorrow, Nebraska State Patrol announces the passing of Trooper Dale Fahnholz, 47, of rural Kearney. Trooper Fahnholz suffered a medical emergency at his home Sunday afternoon, March 1. He was transported to Kearney Regional Hospital, where he passed away.

“Today is a sad day for our entire Nebraska State Patrol family,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Dale served Nebraska with honor for 26 years and was well known throughout central Nebraska. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues in Troop C during this difficult time.”

Trooper Fahnholz began his career as a Carrier Enforcement Officer stationed in North Platte in 1994 before transitioning to Trooper in 1995, stationed in Lexington. He transferred to Kearney in 1997, where he served for the rest of his career. During his time in Kearney, Trooper Fahnholz worked in both the Patrol Division and Investigative Services. Prior to joining NSP, Fahnholz served as a Deputy for the Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office.

Trooper Fahnholz is survived by his wife and two sons. Funeral arrangements are pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583170026784.jpeg" alt="Trooper Dale Fahnholz #227 (NSP Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Trooper Dale Fahnholz #227 (NSP Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb. (NSP)-With sorrow, Nebraska State Patrol announces the passing of Trooper Dale Fahnholz, 47, of rural Kearney. Trooper Fahnholz suffered a medical emergency at his home Sunday afternoon, March 1. He was transported to Kearney Regional Hospital, where he passed away.“Today is a sad day for our entire Nebraska State Patrol family,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Dale served Nebraska with honor for 26 years and was well known throughout central Nebraska. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues in Troop C during this difficult time.”Trooper Fahnholz began his career as a Carrier Enforcement Officer stationed in North Platte in 1994 before transitioning to Trooper in 1995, stationed in Lexington. He transferred to Kearney in 1997, where he served for the rest of his career. During his time in Kearney, Trooper Fahnholz worked in both the Patrol Division and Investigative Services. Prior to joining NSP, Fahnholz served as a Deputy for the Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office.Trooper Fahnholz is survived by his wife and two sons. Funeral arrangements are pending.

NSP trooper dies unexpectedly in rural Kearney

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasing Management Association, began formally surveying its membership in 1931 to gauge business conditions.

The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group uses the same methodology as the national survey to consult supply managers and business leaders. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss oversees the report.

The overall index ranges between 0 and 100. Growth neutral is 50, and a figure greater than 50 indicates growth in that factor over the next three to six months.

Here are the state-by-state results for February:

Arkansas: The overall index for Arkansas sank to 52.7 in February from 59.0 in January. Index components were new orders at 58.9, production or sales at 52.1, delivery lead time at 53.5, inventories at 51.5 and employment at 47.7.

Iowa: Iowa's overall index dropped last month to 53.1 from 55.7 in January. Index components were new orders at 59.9, production or sales at 54.0, delivery lead time at 52.3, employment at 51.3 and inventories at 48.1.

Kansas: The state's overall index declined to 54.7 in February, compared with 58.4 in January. Kansas' index components were new orders at 66.4, production or sales at 52.7, delivery lead time at 53.1, employment at 51.1 and inventories at 50.3.

Minnesota: Minnesota's overall index sank to 53.3 last month from January's 57.9. Index components were new orders at 64.9, production or sales at 53.1, delivery lead time at 52.8, inventories at 49.6 and employment at 46.1.

Missouri: The state's overall index slumped to 51.1 from 56.2 in January. Index components for Missouri were new orders at 60.0, production or sales at 54.4, delivery lead time at 52.0, inventories at 43.3 and employment at 45.7.

Nebraska: Nebraska's overall index for February tumbled to 54.7 from 58.8 in January. Index components were new orders at 68.8, production or sales at 52.1, delivery lead time at 51.4, inventories at 53.5 and employment at 47.7.

North Dakota: The state's overall index inched up in February to 52.7 from 52.0 in January. Index components for North Dakota were new orders at 53.4, production or sales at 63.8, delivery lead time at 52.7, employment at 44.4 and inventories at 49.1.

Oklahoma: For only the second time since October, Oklahoma's overall index remained above growth neutral, but it slid in February to 51.5 from January's 52.2. Index components were new orders at 58.7, production or sales at 54.7, delivery lead time at 46.8, inventories at 51.8 and employment at 45.4.

South Dakota: South Dakota's overall index plummeted to 54.1 last month from January's regional high of 59.3. Index components were new orders at 69.0, production or sales at 52.1, delivery lead time at 50.1, inventories at 47.7 and employment at 51.6.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasing Management Association, began formally surveying its membership in 1931 to gauge business conditions.The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group uses the same methodology as the national survey to consult supply managers and business leaders. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss oversees the report.The overall index ranges between 0 and 100. Growth neutral is 50, and a figure greater than 50 indicates growth in that factor over the next three to six months.Here are the state-by-state results for February:Arkansas: The overall index for Arkansas sank to 52.7 in February from 59.0 in January. Index components were new orders at 58.9, production or sales at 52.1, delivery lead time at 53.5, inventories at 51.5 and employment at 47.7.Iowa: Iowa's overall index dropped last month to 53.1 from 55.7 in January. Index components were new orders at 59.9, production or sales at 54.0, delivery lead time at 52.3, employment at 51.3 and inventories at 48.1.Kansas: The state's overall index declined to 54.7 in February, compared with 58.4 in January. Kansas' index components were new orders at 66.4, production or sales at 52.7, delivery lead time at 53.1, employment at 51.1 and inventories at 50.3.Minnesota: Minnesota's overall index sank to 53.3 last month from January's 57.9. Index components were new orders at 64.9, production or sales at 53.1, delivery lead time at 52.8, inventories at 49.6 and employment at 46.1.Missouri: The state's overall index slumped to 51.1 from 56.2 in January. Index components for Missouri were new orders at 60.0, production or sales at 54.4, delivery lead time at 52.0, inventories at 43.3 and employment at 45.7.Nebraska: Nebraska's overall index for February tumbled to 54.7 from 58.8 in January. Index components were new orders at 68.8, production or sales at 52.1, delivery lead time at 51.4, inventories at 53.5 and employment at 47.7.North Dakota: The state's overall index inched up in February to 52.7 from 52.0 in January. Index components for North Dakota were new orders at 53.4, production or sales at 63.8, delivery lead time at 52.7, employment at 44.4 and inventories at 49.1.Oklahoma: For only the second time since October, Oklahoma's overall index remained above growth neutral, but it slid in February to 51.5 from January's 52.2. Index components were new orders at 58.7, production or sales at 54.7, delivery lead time at 46.8, inventories at 51.8 and employment at 45.4.South Dakota: South Dakota's overall index plummeted to 54.1 last month from January's regional high of 59.3. Index components were new orders at 69.0, production or sales at 52.1, delivery lead time at 50.1, inventories at 47.7 and employment at 51.6.

Midwest Economy: February state-by-state glance

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Four of the Americans who were exposed to a new virus on a cruise ship in Japan and were being monitored at an Omaha hospital have been released from quarantine, the facility said Monday.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center said two of them never tested positive for the new coronavirus and were cleared for release Monday. Two others left quarantine on Sunday after testing negative.

Eleven more people who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess two weeks ago all tested positive for COVID-19. They will have to test negative three times, 24 hours apart, before they will be allowed to leave quarantine.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts greeted Jeri Seratti-Goldman and Joanne Kirkland as they left the National Quarantine Unit on Monday.

"It has been wonderful. We have been treated with nothing but respect," said Kirkland, of Knoxville, Tennessee, about her experience in quarantine.

But Kirkland and Seratti-Goldman said leaving is bittersweet because their husbands remain in quarantine.

Seratti-Goldman said she is looking forward to seeing her children and her dogs when she gets home to Santa Clarita, California.

Kirkland said she worries about how she will be received by friends.

"My only question is, will my friends shun me after this?" Kirkland said.

By JOSH FUNK-Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Four of the Americans who were exposed to a new virus on a cruise ship in Japan and were being monitored at an Omaha hospital have been released from quarantine, the facility said Monday.The University of Nebraska Medical Center said two of them never tested positive for the new coronavirus and were cleared for release Monday. Two others left quarantine on Sunday after testing negative.Eleven more people who were evacuated from the Diamond Princess two weeks ago all tested positive for COVID-19. They will have to test negative three times, 24 hours apart, before they will be allowed to leave quarantine.Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts greeted Jeri Seratti-Goldman and Joanne Kirkland as they left the National Quarantine Unit on Monday."It has been wonderful. We have been treated with nothing but respect," said Kirkland, of Knoxville, Tennessee, about her experience in quarantine.But Kirkland and Seratti-Goldman said leaving is bittersweet because their husbands remain in quarantine.Seratti-Goldman said she is looking forward to seeing her children and her dogs when she gets home to Santa Clarita, California.Kirkland said she worries about how she will be received by friends."My only question is, will my friends shun me after this?" Kirkland said.

4 Americans exposed to virus on cruise ship leave quarantine

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each year, but only a fortunate few get debated because of a quirky rule that only lets lawmakers designate one bill each as a priority.

So, if the other, non-priority bills have little chance of being approved, do they serve a purpose?

Consider last week's hearing on a constitutional amendment to require voters to show government-issued identification at the polls. The proposal wasn't prioritized this year, has repeatedly been rejected and will almost certainly die at the end of the session, but its sponsor said it's still important to raise the issue.

"Even if you know it's not going to pass, you hear about it from your constituents," said Sen. Andrew La Grone, of Gretna. "It's important enough to them that you want to make sure you press the issue. A lot of times, if you don't introduce a bill, the conversation falls by the wayside and then those issues that are important to your constituents don't get heard."

La Grone said he prioritizes bills based on what would do the most good for his constituents and what has the most realistic chance of passing.

This year, he picked a measure that would provide tax deductions for people who contribute to one of Nebraska's state-sponsored college savings plans. La Grone said he chose the bill because he has a lot of young families in his fast-growing district who want to save for their children's education. He also was a legislative aide to former Nebraska Sen. John Murante, who now oversees the college savings plans as state treasurer.

The "priority bill" system was adopted in 1981 to give senators at least one opportunity to pass a bill each year, said Patrick O'Donnell, the longtime clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. O'Donnell said lawmakers at the time didn't want the speaker of the legislature to have the power to kill bills by sticking them at the bottom of the legislative agenda.

Under the system, each senator gets one priority. Most legislative committees can designate two priorities, and the speaker of the legislature gets 25. The speaker's priority bills are generally noncontroversial measures. Committee priorities are sometimes dubbed "Christmas tree bills" because they can squeeze many loosely related proposals into one package.

The system generally forces lawmakers to focus on the one or two issues that are most important to them, said Sen. Mike Groene, of North Platte. Some lawmakers prioritize bills that ultimately fail because they want a public debate. But Groene said he aims to prioritize bills with decent prospects.

"If you're going to do all that work to try to get it out to the floor, you've really got to believe that it's going to pass," he said.

Lawmakers still have a few narrow ways to get around the system. For instance, bills introduced in odd-numbered years may get held over to the following year and debated early in that year's session, before any other bills have been prioritized. Lawmakers can also prioritize legislation that they support but didn't personally sponsor, freeing up the sponsor to prioritize something else.

Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer said lawmakers will sometimes introduce longshot bills to help them identify problems and unintended consequences that they can address in future versions. Unlike most other state legislatures, Nebraska's process guarantees a hearing for every bill, no matter how far-fetched.

"Sometimes the only way you can get public input is to have a public hearing," Scheer said. "It helps you define and focus your bill."

Sen. John McCollister, of Omaha, said the process works well considering that lawmakers have limited time in each session but are free to introduce as many bills as they want. Senators introduced a total of 482 bills this year, plus 739 that can be carried over from last year's session.

"You need some kind of system to bring some bills to the top of that list," McCollister said. "The priority system works pretty well for that."

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each year, but only a fortunate few get debated because of a quirky rule that only lets lawmakers designate one bill each as a priority.So, if the other, non-priority bills have little chance of being approved, do they serve a purpose?Legislators say yes.Consider last week's hearing on a constitutional amendment to require voters to show government-issued identification at the polls. The proposal wasn't prioritized this year, has repeatedly been rejected and will almost certainly die at the end of the session, but its sponsor said it's still important to raise the issue."Even if you know it's not going to pass, you hear about it from your constituents," said Sen. Andrew La Grone, of Gretna. "It's important enough to them that you want to make sure you press the issue. A lot of times, if you don't introduce a bill, the conversation falls by the wayside and then those issues that are important to your constituents don't get heard."La Grone said he prioritizes bills based on what would do the most good for his constituents and what has the most realistic chance of passing.This year, he picked a measure that would provide tax deductions for people who contribute to one of Nebraska's state-sponsored college savings plans. La Grone said he chose the bill because he has a lot of young families in his fast-growing district who want to save for their children's education. He also was a legislative aide to former Nebraska Sen. John Murante, who now oversees the college savings plans as state treasurer.The "priority bill" system was adopted in 1981 to give senators at least one opportunity to pass a bill each year, said Patrick O'Donnell, the longtime clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. O'Donnell said lawmakers at the time didn't want the speaker of the legislature to have the power to kill bills by sticking them at the bottom of the legislative agenda.Under the system, each senator gets one priority. Most legislative committees can designate two priorities, and the speaker of the legislature gets 25. The speaker's priority bills are generally noncontroversial measures. Committee priorities are sometimes dubbed "Christmas tree bills" because they can squeeze many loosely related proposals into one package.The system generally forces lawmakers to focus on the one or two issues that are most important to them, said Sen. Mike Groene, of North Platte. Some lawmakers prioritize bills that ultimately fail because they want a public debate. But Groene said he aims to prioritize bills with decent prospects."If you're going to do all that work to try to get it out to the floor, you've really got to believe that it's going to pass," he said.Lawmakers still have a few narrow ways to get around the system. For instance, bills introduced in odd-numbered years may get held over to the following year and debated early in that year's session, before any other bills have been prioritized. Lawmakers can also prioritize legislation that they support but didn't personally sponsor, freeing up the sponsor to prioritize something else.Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer said lawmakers will sometimes introduce longshot bills to help them identify problems and unintended consequences that they can address in future versions. Unlike most other state legislatures, Nebraska's process guarantees a hearing for every bill, no matter how far-fetched."Sometimes the only way you can get public input is to have a public hearing," Scheer said. "It helps you define and focus your bill."Sen. John McCollister, of Omaha, said the process works well considering that lawmakers have limited time in each session but are free to introduce as many bills as they want. Senators introduced a total of 482 bills this year, plus 739 that can be carried over from last year's session."You need some kind of system to bring some bills to the top of that list," McCollister said. "The priority system works pretty well for that."

'Priority bills' force Nebraska lawmakers to be choosy

PENDER, Neb. (AP) - Authorities are trying to find an inmate who escaped from the Thurston County Jail in northeast Nebraska.

Cody Murphree, 26, fled the jail in Pender around 1 p.m. Sunday. Murphree, who is from Pilger, was in custody awaiting sentencing on robbery and weapons convictions.

Details about his escape haven't been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583157743878.png" alt="Cody Murphree" />
 <figcaption>Cody Murphree</figcaption>
 </figure>PENDER, Neb. (AP) - Authorities are trying to find an inmate who escaped from the Thurston County Jail in northeast Nebraska.Cody Murphree, 26, fled the jail in Pender around 1 p.m. Sunday. Murphree, who is from Pilger, was in custody awaiting sentencing on robbery and weapons convictions.Details about his escape haven't been released.

Authorities seek inmate who fled northeast Nebraska jail

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in March. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAyMjEuMTc1NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.Il7hokLmMTjC3KJ-Mp-8FOnEOLDeMFtjIoGtIMQljJU/br/75257853700-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;for more event details and a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes.

March 1-14 – Archery paddlefish permit application period

March 2 – Fisheries public informational meeting, Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District, Chadron

March 3 – Fisheries public informational meeting, Mid-Plains Community College North Campus, North Platte

March 7 – Jesse James in Nebraska, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort Calhoun

March 7, 14, 21, 28 – Marsh Madness, Ponca State Park, Ponca

March 10 – Little Saplings Early Childhood Nature Discovery Program, Schramm Education Center, Gretna

March 10 – Nebraska Wildlife Trunks Training, Education Service Unit #2, Fremont

March 11, 16, 18, 30 – Project WILD and Aquatic WILD Educator Workshop, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Henzlik Hall, Lincoln

March 14-15 – Conversations with Your Conservation Officer, Schramm Education Center, Gretna

March 15 – Schramm Sunday Speaker Series, Schramm Education Center, Gretna

March 19-20 – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting, Central Community College, Hastings

March 20 – Growing Up WILD Educator Workshop, Crete Public Library, Crete

March 21 – NASP State Tournament, Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln

March 21 – Spring Equinox: Traditions and Celebrations, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, Gering

March 25 – Archery spring turkey hunting season opens

March 26 – It’s Owl Good, Code Beer Company, Lincoln

March 30 – Animal Misfits, Boiler Brewing Company, Lincoln

March 31 – Trapping seasons close for muskrat and beaver

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in March. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAyMjEuMTc1NTc5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.Il7hokLmMTjC3KJ-Mp-8FOnEOLDeMFtjIoGtIMQljJU/br/75257853700-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;for more event details and a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes.March 1-14 – Archery paddlefish permit application periodMarch 2 – Fisheries public informational meeting, Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District, ChadronMarch 3 – Fisheries public informational meeting, Mid-Plains Community College North Campus, North PlatteMarch 7 – Jesse James in Nebraska, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort CalhounMarch 7, 14, 21, 28 – Marsh Madness, Ponca State Park, PoncaMarch 10 – Little Saplings Early Childhood Nature Discovery Program, Schramm Education Center, GretnaMarch 10 – Nebraska Wildlife Trunks Training, Education Service Unit #2, FremontMarch 11, 16, 18, 30 – Project WILD and Aquatic WILD Educator Workshop, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Henzlik Hall, LincolnMarch 14 – Crow hunting season closesMarch 14-15 – Conversations with Your Conservation Officer, Schramm Education Center, GretnaMarch 15 – Schramm Sunday Speaker Series, Schramm Education Center, GretnaMarch 19-20 – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting, Central Community College, HastingsMarch 20 – Growing Up WILD Educator Workshop, Crete Public Library, CreteMarch 21 – NASP State Tournament, Lancaster Event Center, LincolnMarch 21 – Spring Equinox: Traditions and Celebrations, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, GeringMarch 25 – Archery spring turkey hunting season opensMarch 26 – It’s Owl Good, Code Beer Company, LincolnMarch 30 – Animal Misfits, Boiler Brewing Company, LincolnMarch 31 – Trapping seasons close for muskrat and beaver

Nebraska Outdoor Calendar-March 2020

1867 - Nebraska was admitted to the Union as the 37th state.

1855 - Territorial Legislature created Johnson and Otoe counties.

1857 - Jesse Lowe was elected mayor in Omaha's first city elections.

1911 - Fire wiped out a block in the Ogallala business district. It was the second devastating fire in the town in less than six months.

1854 - The U.S. Senate passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, organizing the Kansas and Nebraska territories.

2008 - Omaha billionaire investor Warren Buffett said the U.S. economy was essentially in a recession even if it hadn't met the technical definition of one yet.

1913 - Village of Duncan in Platte County was incorporated.

1951 - Clifford Battershaw went to the Douglas County Jail and pulled a gun, helping his brother Dewey and fellow inmate Victor Sweet escape. The men took two hostages and left the jail on a streetcar. They were later cornered by lawmen in Arizona, who killed Dewey and wounded Clifford and Sweet.

1860 - Nebraska Territory voters rejected a proposal to form a state constitution.

1855 - Lancaster County was created by an act of the Territorial Legislature; Dodge County was organized on the same day.

1987 - U.S. Sen. Edward Zorinsky died of a heart attack after performing in the Omaha Press Club show.

1874 - Infantry troops from the Sioux Expedition at Fort Laramie arrived at the Red Cloud Agency in northwest Nebraska to quell an uprising by Sioux Indians.

1929 - A shed where dynamite and other materials were stored caught fire and exploded in Scribner, killing six firefighters and injuring 35 other people.

1950 - A blizzard descended on the state, building drifts 10 feet high. Property and livestock damage was estimated at $2.7 million.

1953 - Chet Calkins, chief of police in O'Neill, was found shot to death in his car. More than a year later a railroad worker from Long Pine confessed to the killing and was sentenced to life in prison.

1955 - Construction of Interstate 80 began in Nebraska at Kimball.

1956 - Omaha police arrested a 20-year-old woman for drag-racing on city streets. One officer said it was the first time police had caught a woman drag-racing.

1930 - John R. Ellis, mayor of Beatrice, announced he was dropping his bid for re-election because he had suffered a heart attack.

1966 - Author Mari Sandoz died in New York City.

1930 - Lena Madesin Phillips, a New York attorney, told a meeting of Business and Professional Women in Omaha that women should receive "equal pay for equal work" as they compete with men in the job market.

1987 - Gov. Kay Orr appointed Omaha businessman David Karnes to fill out the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Edward Zorinsky, who died of a heart attack five days earlier.

1918 - Lt. Gov. William Nichol was born in Windsor, Colo.

1937 - Sarah Louise Meyer of Lincoln, the first female candidate for Ivy Day orator at the University of Nebraska, finished second to Frank Landis of Seward in a campus poll.

1987 - Omaha businessman David Karnes was sworn in as a U.S. senator. At 38, he was the youngest member of the Senate.

1984 - The Legislature impeached Attorney General Paul Douglas for his conduct in office and his personal business dealings involving the failed Commonwealth Savings Co. of Lincoln and one of its former officers. The Nebraska Supreme Court later acquitted Douglas of the impeachment charges.

1854 - Otoe and Missouria Indians ceded all claims to land west of the Missouri River except a small reservation on the Big Blue River.

1875 - Village of Edgar was incorporated.

1943 - A prisoner-of-war camp opened at Fort Robinson.

1854 - Omaha tribe ceded all land west of the Missouri River except a reservation in what is now Thurston County.

1855 - First Territorial Legislature adjourned.

1969 - Severe spring flooding caused by rains and melting winter snow in the upper Midwest began in Nebraska and eventually sent a 50-mile-long flood crest down the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

1922 - The old Kearney Cotton Mill, once the largest manufacturing plant in the state, was destroyed by fire.

1860 - William Jennings Bryan, "the great commoner" who was to lead the Populist movement, was born in Salem, Ill.

1903 - Fire destroyed about half the buildings in Springfield.

March 11855 - Brownville was incorporated.1867 - Nebraska was admitted to the Union as the 37th state.March 21855 - Territorial Legislature created Johnson and Otoe counties.1857 - Jesse Lowe was elected mayor in Omaha's first city elections.1911 - Fire wiped out a block in the Ogallala business district. It was the second devastating fire in the town in less than six months.March 31854 - The U.S. Senate passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, organizing the Kansas and Nebraska territories.1871 - Franklin County was organized.2008 - Omaha billionaire investor Warren Buffett said the U.S. economy was essentially in a recession even if it hadn't met the technical definition of one yet.March 41913 - Village of Duncan in Platte County was incorporated.1951 - Clifford Battershaw went to the Douglas County Jail and pulled a gun, helping his brother Dewey and fellow inmate Victor Sweet escape. The men took two hostages and left the jail on a streetcar. They were later cornered by lawmen in Arizona, who killed Dewey and wounded Clifford and Sweet.March 51860 - Nebraska Territory voters rejected a proposal to form a state constitution.March 61855 - Lancaster County was created by an act of the Territorial Legislature; Dodge County was organized on the same day.1987 - U.S. Sen. Edward Zorinsky died of a heart attack after performing in the Omaha Press Club show.March 71874 - Infantry troops from the Sioux Expedition at Fort Laramie arrived at the Red Cloud Agency in northwest Nebraska to quell an uprising by Sioux Indians.1929 - A shed where dynamite and other materials were stored caught fire and exploded in Scribner, killing six firefighters and injuring 35 other people.1950 - A blizzard descended on the state, building drifts 10 feet high. Property and livestock damage was estimated at $2.7 million.1953 - Chet Calkins, chief of police in O'Neill, was found shot to death in his car. More than a year later a railroad worker from Long Pine confessed to the killing and was sentenced to life in prison.March 81955 - Construction of Interstate 80 began in Nebraska at Kimball.1956 - Omaha police arrested a 20-year-old woman for drag-racing on city streets. One officer said it was the first time police had caught a woman drag-racing.March 91930 - John R. Ellis, mayor of Beatrice, announced he was dropping his bid for re-election because he had suffered a heart attack.March 101966 - Author Mari Sandoz died in New York City.March 111930 - Lena Madesin Phillips, a New York attorney, told a meeting of Business and Professional Women in Omaha that women should receive "equal pay for equal work" as they compete with men in the job market.1987 - Gov. Kay Orr appointed Omaha businessman David Karnes to fill out the unexpired term of U.S. Sen. Edward Zorinsky, who died of a heart attack five days earlier.March 121918 - Lt. Gov. William Nichol was born in Windsor, Colo.March 131937 - Sarah Louise Meyer of Lincoln, the first female candidate for Ivy Day orator at the University of Nebraska, finished second to Frank Landis of Seward in a campus poll.1987 - Omaha businessman David Karnes was sworn in as a U.S. senator. At 38, he was the youngest member of the Senate.March 141984 - The Legislature impeached Attorney General Paul Douglas for his conduct in office and his personal business dealings involving the failed Commonwealth Savings Co. of Lincoln and one of its former officers. The Nebraska Supreme Court later acquitted Douglas of the impeachment charges.March 151854 - Otoe and Missouria Indians ceded all claims to land west of the Missouri River except a small reservation on the Big Blue River.1875 - Village of Edgar was incorporated.1943 - A prisoner-of-war camp opened at Fort Robinson.March 161854 - Omaha tribe ceded all land west of the Missouri River except a reservation in what is now Thurston County.1855 - First Territorial Legislature adjourned.March 171969 - Severe spring flooding caused by rains and melting winter snow in the upper Midwest began in Nebraska and eventually sent a 50-mile-long flood crest down the Mississippi River and its tributaries.March 181922 - The old Kearney Cotton Mill, once the largest manufacturing plant in the state, was destroyed by fire.March 191860 - William Jennings Bryan, "the great commoner" who was to lead the Populist movement, was born in Salem, Ill.1903 - Fire destroyed about half the buildings in Springfield.1975 - Gov. Jim Exon signed legislation making the honey bee the state insect.March 201956 - Meeting in Columbus, representatives of Nebraska's rural electrification districts approved Rural Electrification Administration financing of a power plant to be built in Lexington by the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.2013 - Creighton University joined the Big East Conference.March 211890 - Gen. George Crook, who once headed the Army's Department of the Platte and led several campaigns against Indians throughout the West, died of heart failure.2008 - A jury clears a 16-year-old North Platte girl in the slayings of her mother and half sister.March 221937 - Creighton University debaters defeated St. Louis University on whether consumer cooperatives would contribute to the public welfare.March 231858 - Territorial Gov. Thomas Cuming died.1913 - More than 100 people were killed in a tornado that slashed through Omaha on Easter Sunday.1972 - The Legislature named the cottonwood the state tree, replacing the American elm.March 241969 - The steamboat Bertrand, which sank in the Missouri River at DeSoto north of Omaha in 1865 and was later excavated with much of its cargo intact, was named to the National Register of Historic Places.March 251920 - A state constitutional convention adjourned, to resume its work in October.2008 - The state Legislature rejects a bill that would have repealed the death penalty.March 261918 - Gov. Keith Neville called the Legislature into special session to make preparations relating to World War I.March 271867 - David Butler took office as the first governor of the state of Nebraska.1952 - Ranch hand Blaine Ellis killed a rancher, his wife and neighbor at a house near Merriman. Angry ranchers fanned out across the Sandhills looking for the killer. They trapped Ellis in a tool shed on a ranch near Gordon. Ellis refused to surrender and the ranchers opened fire, killing him.1955 - Inmates at the state penitentiary in Lincoln took two guards hostage. The revolt ended 65 hours later and the guards were released.March 281925 - The Legislature approved the state flag.March 291874 - An Army post in northwest Nebraska was named Camp Robinson (later Fort Robinson) in honor of Lt. Levi Robinson, who was killed by Indians the previous month.1937 - Dr. Floyd Kinyoun, Omaha city health director, urged people to be vaccinated against smallpox. Two cases had been reported in the previous two weeks.March 301916 - In Washington, Sen. Gilbert Hitchcock accused the Standard Oil Co. of reaping huge profits by monopolistic control of gasoline prices.March 311887 - The Legislature established Arthur County, named for President Chester A. Arthur.

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