SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home.

Just after 10a.m. Wednesday, firefighters responded to a fire at a home at 2206 SW Duane Street in Topeka. Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and heavy flames coming from the rear of the two-story home.

&nbsp;Two adults, two children and two cats were able to escape the flames prior to the fire department’s arrival..

The Estimated dollar loss – $50,000.00; of which $45,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $5,000.00 is associated with contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located in the home.

The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651140555915.png" alt="Heavy smoke from the Wednesday house fire -photo by Phil Anderson- photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Heavy smoke from the Wednesday house fire -photo by Phil Anderson- photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home.Just after 10a.m. Wednesday, firefighters responded to a fire at a home at 2206 SW Duane Street in Topeka. Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and heavy flames coming from the rear of the two-story home.&nbsp;Two adults, two children and two cats were able to escape the flames prior to the fire department’s arrival..The Estimated dollar loss – $50,000.00; of which $45,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $5,000.00 is associated with contents loss. Working smoke detectors were not located in the home.The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation.

2 adults, 2 children and pets escape Kansas house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration is taking steps to expand availability of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-8587aec18a3d1fc5013426f1c02d9af6">the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid</a>, seeking to reassure doctors that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-fa6cd0dcc9dec4d1076b14a521e9a6e5">there is ample supply</a>&nbsp;for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus.

Paxlovid, produced by Pfizer, was first approved in December. Supply of the regimen was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">initially very limited</a>, but COVID-19 cases across the country have fallen and manufacturing has increased. The White House is now moving to raise awareness of the pill and taking steps to make it easier to access.

The White House said Tuesday it is stepping up outreach to doctors, letting them know they shouldn’t think twice about prescribing the pill to eligible patients. Also, the drug will now be distributed directly to pharmacies, in addition to existing distribution channels run by states. That is expected to boost the number of sites from 20,000 to more than 30,000 next week and eventually to 40,000 locations.

The administration used the pharmacy channel to boost availability of COVID-19 vaccines more than a year ago.

“Paxlovid will be widely available everywhere in America,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator. The drug and antivirals like it “are the key essential tools that we’re going to need to get through the rest of this pandemic,” he said.

Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-kamala-harris-dadf170fbacfd57922cdf51d59e87cdb">Kamala Harris</a>, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, is taking Paxlovid after discussing it with her physicians.

Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. About 300 Americans are now dying each day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus</a>, down from more than 2,600 during the height of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-chicago-illinois-e8727a5e7b1df775d692877e94f8cb73">the omicron wave</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.

The U.S. has ordered enough supply of the pills for 20 million people, which is estimated to last for several more months. The administration has warned that subsequent deliveries are dependent on Congress approving additional COVID-19 response funding.

“What we need to do is to help American physicians and nurse practitioners and others who can prescribe understand that we now have plenty available and anybody who is eligible, anybody who has high risk, should be getting Paxlovid,” Jha said.

He also encouraged people who test positive to contact their doctors to determine their eligibility for the drug that might prevent severe outcomes.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer’s drug for adults and children age 12 or older with a positive COVID-19 test and early symptoms who face the highest risk of severe outcomes. That includes older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease, though the drug is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver problems.

The administration is also working to expand the number of test-to-treat sites that provide a one-stop shop for those with COVID-19 to get tested for the virus, consult with a medical professional if they’re positive and fill a prescription for Paxlovid on site. Currently there are 2,200 locations nationwide, and the administration hopes support from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and pharmacy companies will enable more sites to come online in the coming weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651093961654.png" alt="“Paxlovid will be widely available everywhere in America,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>“Paxlovid will be widely available everywhere in America,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration is taking steps to expand availability of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-8587aec18a3d1fc5013426f1c02d9af6">the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid</a>, seeking to reassure doctors that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-business-health-medication-fa6cd0dcc9dec4d1076b14a521e9a6e5">there is ample supply</a>&nbsp;for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus.Paxlovid, produced by Pfizer, was first approved in December. Supply of the regimen was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">initially very limited</a>, but COVID-19 cases across the country have fallen and manufacturing has increased. The White House is now moving to raise awareness of the pill and taking steps to make it easier to access.The White House said Tuesday it is stepping up outreach to doctors, letting them know they shouldn’t think twice about prescribing the pill to eligible patients. Also, the drug will now be distributed directly to pharmacies, in addition to existing distribution channels run by states. That is expected to boost the number of sites from 20,000 to more than 30,000 next week and eventually to 40,000 locations.The administration used the pharmacy channel to boost availability of COVID-19 vaccines more than a year ago.“Paxlovid will be widely available everywhere in America,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator. The drug and antivirals like it “are the key essential tools that we’re going to need to get through the rest of this pandemic,” he said.Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-kamala-harris-dadf170fbacfd57922cdf51d59e87cdb">Kamala Harris</a>, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, is taking Paxlovid after discussing it with her physicians.Paxlovid, when administered within five days of symptoms appearing, has been proven to bring about a 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease. About 300 Americans are now dying each day from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus</a>, down from more than 2,600 during the height of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-chicago-illinois-e8727a5e7b1df775d692877e94f8cb73">the omicron wave</a>&nbsp;earlier this year.The U.S. has ordered enough supply of the pills for 20 million people, which is estimated to last for several more months. The administration has warned that subsequent deliveries are dependent on Congress approving additional COVID-19 response funding.“What we need to do is to help American physicians and nurse practitioners and others who can prescribe understand that we now have plenty available and anybody who is eligible, anybody who has high risk, should be getting Paxlovid,” Jha said.He also encouraged people who test positive to contact their doctors to determine their eligibility for the drug that might prevent severe outcomes.The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer’s drug for adults and children age 12 or older with a positive COVID-19 test and early symptoms who face the highest risk of severe outcomes. That includes older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease, though the drug is not recommended for patients with severe kidney or liver problems.The administration is also working to expand the number of test-to-treat sites that provide a one-stop shop for those with COVID-19 to get tested for the virus, consult with a medical professional if they’re positive and fill a prescription for Paxlovid on site. Currently there are 2,200 locations nationwide, and the administration hopes support from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and pharmacy companies will enable more sites to come online in the coming weeks.

Biden administration expands availability of COVID antiviral pill

Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an employee of the Beatrice State Development Center (BSDC) following an investigation into an incident that occurred in 2021.

In October 2021, NSP was informed of an incident involving a BSDC patient and a staff member. Following investigation, with assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab, Allen Evans, 30, of Beatrice, was arrested for first degree sexual assault and tampering with evidence.

Evans was arrested Tuesday afternoon and lodged in Gage County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651110121716.png" alt="Evans" />
 <figcaption>Evans</figcaption>
 </figure>By NEBRASKA STATE PATROLInvestigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested an employee of the Beatrice State Development Center (BSDC) following an investigation into an incident that occurred in 2021.In October 2021, NSP was informed of an incident involving a BSDC patient and a staff member. Following investigation, with assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab, Allen Evans, 30, of Beatrice, was arrested for first degree sexual assault and tampering with evidence.Evans was arrested Tuesday afternoon and lodged in Gage County Jail.

Beatrice Development Center employee accused of sexually assaulting patient

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for the 2018 stabbing death of his girlfriend's ex-husband. Prosecutors said in a news release Wednesday that Vincenzo Anecio Lucasta was sentenced earlier this month to 258 months in prison for the death of 57-year-old David Paterno, of Shawnee. 

Lucasta pleaded no contest in January to second-degree intentional murder in in the case. Officers found Paterno mortally wounded in his home on Aug. 8, 2018, after a neighbor heard a loud fight inside the home. 

Lucasta had initially been charged with first-degree murder. In addition to prison, he was required to register as a violent offender April 15, according to online KBI records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643320420372.png" alt="Lucasta-photo KBI offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Lucasta-photo KBI offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for the 2018 stabbing death of his girlfriend's ex-husband. Prosecutors said in a news release Wednesday that Vincenzo Anecio Lucasta was sentenced earlier this month to 258 months in prison for the death of 57-year-old David Paterno, of Shawnee. Lucasta pleaded no contest in January to second-degree intentional murder in in the case. Officers found Paterno mortally wounded in his home on Aug. 8, 2018, after a neighbor heard a loud fight inside the home. Lucasta had initially been charged with first-degree murder. In addition to prison, he was required to register as a violent offender April 15, according to online KBI records.

Kan. man sentenced for murder of girlfriend's ex-husband

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/27/nebraska-state-sen-rich-pahls-ardent-opponent-of-tax-exemptions-has-died/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha, who won re-election to his post after being term-limited in 2012, has died.

Pahls, 78, had missed the last few weeks of the 2022 session of the Nebraska Legislature with an undisclosed illness.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Examiner learned of his passing Wednesday. The cause of death has not been determined.

A
 native of Kansas, Pahls was an educator before becoming an elected 
official, serving eventually as an administrator in the Millard Public 
Schools.

He
 was first elected to the Legislature in 2004 and was re-elected in 
2008. At the end of that term in 2012, he was required to leave the 
Unicameral due to term limits.&nbsp;

Pahls
 served a term on the Omaha City Council before reclaiming a seat in the
 Legislature in 2020, beating Tim Royers by about 1,000 votes in the 
Millard-area District 31.

A longtime friend, Bob Borgeson, said Pahls was “an excellent educator, a great friend, a smart guy and a well-rounded guy.”

“I
 thought he was a great representative for the Millard area,” said 
Borgeson, who had talked with Pahls a week ago about endorsing him in 
Borgeson’s race for the Legislature in District 12.

State
 Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk, who served on the Legislature’s Revenue 
Committee with Pahls, called him a “great friend and a true public 
servant” who worked with him to find “common ground” between urban and 
rural Nebraska.

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Revenue Committee, said Pahl’s death is a “huge loss.”&nbsp;

“He dedicated his whole life to public service, as a teacher, a principal and the Legislature,” Linehan said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts praised Pahls in a 
statement: “Senator Pahls was a dedicated public servant and a great 
man. &nbsp;He was committed to improving his community, first as an educator 
and then through elected service. &nbsp;Nebraska lost a true leader today. 
&nbsp;Susanne and I are praying for the Pahls family, the Millard community, 
and the countless Nebraskans Sen. Pahls impacted as they mourn his 
loss.”

Ricketts ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through the end of Thursday, April 28.

On
 the Revenue Committee, Pahls, a registered Republican, was known for 
arguing against Nebraska’s long list of sales tax exemptions, saying 
that if they were eliminated, property taxes could be dramatically 
decreased.

This year, in his absence, state lawmakers 
passed a Pahls bill that extended the state turnback tax funding that 
helps finance Omaha’s CHI Health Center arena and Ralston’s Liberty 
First Credit Union Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651084743763.png" alt="State Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha. (Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communication)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha. (Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communication)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/27/nebraska-state-sen-rich-pahls-ardent-opponent-of-tax-exemptions-has-died/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — State Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha, who won re-election to his post after being term-limited in 2012, has died.Pahls, 78, had missed the last few weeks of the 2022 session of the Nebraska Legislature with an undisclosed illness.&nbsp;The Nebraska Examiner learned of his passing Wednesday. The cause of death has not been determined.A
 native of Kansas, Pahls was an educator before becoming an elected 
official, serving eventually as an administrator in the Millard Public 
Schools.He
 was first elected to the Legislature in 2004 and was re-elected in 
2008. At the end of that term in 2012, he was required to leave the 
Unicameral due to term limits.&nbsp;Pahls
 served a term on the Omaha City Council before reclaiming a seat in the
 Legislature in 2020, beating Tim Royers by about 1,000 votes in the 
Millard-area District 31.A longtime friend, Bob Borgeson, said Pahls was “an excellent educator, a great friend, a smart guy and a well-rounded guy.”“I
 thought he was a great representative for the Millard area,” said 
Borgeson, who had talked with Pahls a week ago about endorsing him in 
Borgeson’s race for the Legislature in District 12.State
 Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk, who served on the Legislature’s Revenue 
Committee with Pahls, called him a “great friend and a true public 
servant” who worked with him to find “common ground” between urban and 
rural Nebraska.Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who chairs the Revenue Committee, said Pahl’s death is a “huge loss.”&nbsp;“He dedicated his whole life to public service, as a teacher, a principal and the Legislature,” Linehan said.Gov. Pete Ricketts praised Pahls in a 
statement: “Senator Pahls was a dedicated public servant and a great 
man. &nbsp;He was committed to improving his community, first as an educator 
and then through elected service. &nbsp;Nebraska lost a true leader today. 
&nbsp;Susanne and I are praying for the Pahls family, the Millard community, 
and the countless Nebraskans Sen. Pahls impacted as they mourn his 
loss.”Ricketts ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through the end of Thursday, April 28.On
 the Revenue Committee, Pahls, a registered Republican, was known for 
arguing against Nebraska’s long list of sales tax exemptions, saying 
that if they were eliminated, property taxes could be dramatically 
decreased.This year, in his absence, state lawmakers 
passed a Pahls bill that extended the state turnback tax funding that 
helps finance Omaha’s CHI Health Center arena and Ralston’s Liberty 
First Credit Union Arena.

Pahls, longtime Nebraska lawmaker, dies in office

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man accused of being drunk when he crashed into an SUV, killing its driver, has pleaded guilty to a felony county of vehicular homicide while under the influence. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 24-year-old Ulises Pantoja entered the plea Tuesday in Sarpy County District Court and faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced at a later date. 

Investigators say Pantoja was excessively speeding and drunk when he ran through a stop sign the night of Nov. 24. 

Officials say he hit the SUV driven by 37-year-old Candice McDowell, an Omaha mother of four who was driving home from work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651078102669.png" alt="Pantoja photo Sarpy Co." />
 <figcaption>Pantoja photo Sarpy Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man accused of being drunk when he crashed into an SUV, killing its driver, has pleaded guilty to a felony county of vehicular homicide while under the influence. The Omaha World-Herald reports that 24-year-old Ulises Pantoja entered the plea Tuesday in Sarpy County District Court and faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced at a later date. Investigators say Pantoja was excessively speeding and drunk when he ran through a stop sign the night of Nov. 24. Officials say he hit the SUV driven by 37-year-old Candice McDowell, an Omaha mother of four who was driving home from work.

Man pleads guilty to DUI crash that killed Omaha woman

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A <a href="https://www.materdeiparish.org/staff/view/id/3873">Catholic priest in</a> Topeka suspended from his public duties after being accused of sexually abusing a minor will not face criminal charges in the case.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay's office will not file charges against the Rev. John Pilcher after reviewing the results of an investigation conducted by the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Bureau of Investigation, Kagay told the Capital-Journal this week.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced last September that it had suspended<a href="https://www.materdeiparish.org/staff/view/id/3873"> Pilcher, </a>of Mater Dei parish, but said Pilcher denied the allegation and fully cooperated with the investigation.

The archdiocese said it will continue with evaluating Pilcher’s status as a priest.

“Be assured you will soon receive a communication from the Archdiocese upon final resolution of this matter,” a statement from the archdiocese that was read to Mater Dei parishioners this week said.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The pastor of a Catholic parish in Topeka has been suspended from his public duties after being accused of sexually abusing a minor, the archdiocese for northeast Kansas announced Monday.

The Rev. John Pilcher of Mater Dei parish denies the allegation and is fully cooperating, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said. He will remain on leave until an investigation is complete and an independent review board has made a recommendation to Archbishop Joseph Naumann.

The archdiocese said that law enforcement was notified and announcement about the allegation made at all weekend Masses.

The parish includes two churches, Assumption across the street north of the Statehouse and Holy Name in central Topeka. They once were in separate parishes that merged in 2006.

The archdiocese said anyone with knowledge about the case regarding Pilcher or about any other misconduct should contact civil authorities first, then make a report to its confidential report line.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632783786235.png" alt="Rev. John Pilcher photo courtesy Mater Dei Catholic Church" />
 <figcaption>Rev. John Pilcher photo courtesy Mater Dei Catholic Church</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A <a href="https://www.materdeiparish.org/staff/view/id/3873">Catholic priest in</a> Topeka suspended from his public duties after being accused of sexually abusing a minor will not face criminal charges in the case.Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay's office will not file charges against the Rev. John Pilcher after reviewing the results of an investigation conducted by the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Bureau of Investigation, Kagay told the Capital-Journal this week.The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas announced last September that it had suspended<a href="https://www.materdeiparish.org/staff/view/id/3873"> Pilcher, </a>of Mater Dei parish, but said Pilcher denied the allegation and fully cooperated with the investigation.The archdiocese said it will continue with evaluating Pilcher’s status as a priest.“Be assured you will soon receive a communication from the Archdiocese upon final resolution of this matter,” a statement from the archdiocese that was read to Mater Dei parishioners this week said.--------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The pastor of a Catholic parish in Topeka has been suspended from his public duties after being accused of sexually abusing a minor, the archdiocese for northeast Kansas announced Monday.The Rev. John Pilcher of Mater Dei parish denies the allegation and is fully cooperating, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said. He will remain on leave until an investigation is complete and an independent review board has made a recommendation to Archbishop Joseph Naumann.The archdiocese said that law enforcement was notified and announcement about the allegation made at all weekend Masses.The parish includes two churches, Assumption across the street north of the Statehouse and Holy Name in central Topeka. They once were in separate parishes that merged in 2006.The archdiocese said anyone with knowledge about the case regarding Pilcher or about any other misconduct should contact civil authorities first, then make a report to its confidential report line.

DA won't bring charges against Kan. priest accused of sex crimes

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/26/environmental-group-raises-concerns-about-new-groundwater-contamination-at-alten-plant/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN
 — An environmental watchdog group is raising concerns about new 
groundwater sampling that shows some high concentrations of pesticides 
in the vicinity of the AltEn ethanol plant in Mead.

Eight
 of the nine test wells recently drilled showed some level of pesticide 
contamination, according to the Perivallon Group, a collection of 
environmental groups concerned about long-term contamination in the 
vicinity of the plant.

The
 AltEn plant had been using waste seed corn, coated in pesticides, to 
produce ethanol. The facility was shut down last year by the Nebraska 
Department of Environment and Energy, which then sued the plant for 
violating state environmental rules.

In
 a news release, Perivallon spokesman Al Davis said the testing of wells
 sunk 50 feet below AltEn’s wastewater lagoons shows significant 
leaching of the toxic solution from the lagoons.

Davis said NDEE has documented for some time that there are holes in the damaged liners.

“Once
 again, we see that the efforts of the Nebraska Department of 
Environment and Energy, the AltEn Facility Response Group and AltEn LLC 
have not been enough to protect the aquifer from contamination,” Davis 
said.

Davis, a former state senator, was recently 
chosen as State Sen. Carol Blood’s running mate in her campaign for 
Nebraska governor. Blood, of Bellevue, &nbsp;has led the charge in the 
Nebraska Legislature to clean up the AltEn mess and hold those 
responsible accountable.

A
 phone message left with NewFields, one of the companies involved in the
 response at AltEn, was not immediately returned Tuesday afternoon. NDEE
 also did not respond immediately to an email seeking comment.

Earlier
 this year, some Mead officials said they were glad “some progress” was 
being made to clean up the plant site. “We are finally seeing some 
progress,” the Rev. John Schnell, pastor of Mead Covenant Church, said 
in February.

In
 February, Jim Macy, director of the NDEE, said his agency was visiting 
the AltEn site three times a week and was working closely with a group 
of six seed corn companies who volunteered to clean up the site at no 
cost to the state.

The
 AltEn plant has drawn national alarm as an environmental concern since 
it was revealed a year ago that the plant had, for years, been using 
contaminated seed corn. The leftover “seed cake,” after being used for 
ethanol, had been spread on nearby farm fields until the NDEE halted 
that practice.

Now
 piles of wet cake cover 16 acres at the plant. The piles were recently 
covered with a plaster-like covering called Posi-shell. About 180 
million gallons of polluted wastewater are held in the wastewater 
lagoons.

NDEE records indicate that monitoring wells were drilled last month to a depth of up to 55 feet.

Perivallon
 said that of most concern are the levels of three contaminants found in
 the groundwater: Mefenoxam, a fungicide, which tested at 2,700 
micrograms per liter; Thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid, at 2,000 micrograms
 per liter; and the insecticide Chlorantraniliprole, which tested at 960
 micrograms per liter.

Judy
 Wu-Smart, the lead entomologist at the Bee Lab at the nearby&nbsp; 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln research station, said the levels of 
pesticides are not yet at the level to cause “acute toxicity” in 
mammals, but she said they present a lethal risk for aquatic 
invertebrates and beneficial insects. A significant drop in the bee 
population near the AltEn plant in recent years has drawn concerns.

Davis said that his group is also concerned about a “mysterious drop” in the levels of wastewater lagoons at the AltEn site.&nbsp;

That, he said, may be the reason contaminants have leeched into the groundwater.

The
 shallow aquifer in that area, the Todd Valley Aquifer,&nbsp; spans about a 
third of Saunders County and stretches from Mead to Ashland, Parivallon 
said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651068619326.png" alt="The AltEn Ethanol plant south of Mead, Nebraska, is now closed. It is subject to a clean-up order from state environmental regulators. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The AltEn Ethanol plant south of Mead, Nebraska, is now closed. It is subject to a clean-up order from state environmental regulators. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/26/environmental-group-raises-concerns-about-new-groundwater-contamination-at-alten-plant/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN
 — An environmental watchdog group is raising concerns about new 
groundwater sampling that shows some high concentrations of pesticides 
in the vicinity of the AltEn ethanol plant in Mead.Eight
 of the nine test wells recently drilled showed some level of pesticide 
contamination, according to the Perivallon Group, a collection of 
environmental groups concerned about long-term contamination in the 
vicinity of the plant.The
 AltEn plant had been using waste seed corn, coated in pesticides, to 
produce ethanol. The facility was shut down last year by the Nebraska 
Department of Environment and Energy, which then sued the plant for 
violating state environmental rules.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651068684010.jpeg" alt="Former State Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis (Courtesy Davis for Legislature campaign)" />
 <figcaption>Former State Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis (Courtesy Davis for Legislature campaign)</figcaption>
 </figure>In
 a news release, Perivallon spokesman Al Davis said the testing of wells
 sunk 50 feet below AltEn’s wastewater lagoons shows significant 
leaching of the toxic solution from the lagoons.<h2>Holes in liners</h2>Davis said NDEE has documented for some time that there are holes in the damaged liners.“Once
 again, we see that the efforts of the Nebraska Department of 
Environment and Energy, the AltEn Facility Response Group and AltEn LLC 
have not been enough to protect the aquifer from contamination,” Davis 
said.Davis, a former state senator, was recently 
chosen as State Sen. Carol Blood’s running mate in her campaign for 
Nebraska governor. Blood, of Bellevue, &nbsp;has led the charge in the 
Nebraska Legislature to clean up the AltEn mess and hold those 
responsible accountable.A
 phone message left with NewFields, one of the companies involved in the
 response at AltEn, was not immediately returned Tuesday afternoon. NDEE
 also did not respond immediately to an email seeking comment.<h2>‘Some progress’</h2>Earlier
 this year, some Mead officials said they were glad “some progress” was 
being made to clean up the plant site. “We are finally seeing some 
progress,” the Rev. John Schnell, pastor of Mead Covenant Church, said 
in February.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651068709867.jpeg" alt="Jim Macy, director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Jim Macy, director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>In
 February, Jim Macy, director of the NDEE, said his agency was visiting 
the AltEn site three times a week and was working closely with a group 
of six seed corn companies who volunteered to clean up the site at no 
cost to the state.The
 AltEn plant has drawn national alarm as an environmental concern since 
it was revealed a year ago that the plant had, for years, been using 
contaminated seed corn. The leftover “seed cake,” after being used for 
ethanol, had been spread on nearby farm fields until the NDEE halted 
that practice.Now
 piles of wet cake cover 16 acres at the plant. The piles were recently 
covered with a plaster-like covering called Posi-shell. About 180 
million gallons of polluted wastewater are held in the wastewater 
lagoons.NDEE records indicate that monitoring wells were drilled last month to a depth of up to 55 feet.Perivallon
 said that of most concern are the levels of three contaminants found in
 the groundwater: Mefenoxam, a fungicide, which tested at 2,700 
micrograms per liter; Thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid, at 2,000 micrograms
 per liter; and the insecticide Chlorantraniliprole, which tested at 960
 micrograms per liter.<h2>Beneficial insects at risk</h2>Judy
 Wu-Smart, the lead entomologist at the Bee Lab at the nearby&nbsp; 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln research station, said the levels of 
pesticides are not yet at the level to cause “acute toxicity” in 
mammals, but she said they present a lethal risk for aquatic 
invertebrates and beneficial insects. A significant drop in the bee 
population near the AltEn plant in recent years has drawn concerns.Davis said that his group is also concerned about a “mysterious drop” in the levels of wastewater lagoons at the AltEn site.&nbsp;That, he said, may be the reason contaminants have leeched into the groundwater.The
 shallow aquifer in that area, the Todd Valley Aquifer,&nbsp; spans about a 
third of Saunders County and stretches from Mead to Ashland, Parivallon 
said.

Group raises concerns about contamination at Neb. ethanol plant

WASHINGTON, DC.&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Tuesday participated in the committee’s hearing on her bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ED39FFA4-8F1D-4211-80F9-1B4F3EBD11CA">Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act</a>.

During her opening remarks and line of questioning, Sen. Fischer highlighted how herlegislation&nbsp;would&nbsp;ensure every segment of the beef supply chain can succeed. She also noted&nbsp;that&nbsp;while there is near universal concern over the lack of&nbsp;price&nbsp;discovery&nbsp;and market&nbsp;transparency,&nbsp;voluntary efforts to address these concerns have largely failed&nbsp;from a lack of packer participation.&nbsp;Furthermore,&nbsp;instead of being in the driver’s seat,&nbsp;as was claimed by some witnesses, family ranchers often face a “take it or leave it” market.&nbsp;Finally, Sen. Fischer heard from a producer&nbsp;witness how increases&nbsp;in&nbsp;negotiated&nbsp;sales have not resulted in the economic losses some opponents have predicted.

Two panels of witnesses appeared before the committee. Panel one consisted of&nbsp;USDA Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets Andy Green&nbsp;and&nbsp;USDA Administrator for Agricultural Marketing Service&nbsp;Bruce Summers.&nbsp;Panel Two consisted of&nbsp;William Ruffin of Ruffin Farms, Kansas Livestock Association and Tiffany Cattle Company President-elect Shawn Tiffany, Ziesch Ranch Owner/Operator Shelly Ziesch, and Colorado State Agricultural &amp; Resource Economics Professor Dr. Stephen Koontz.

WASHINGTON, DC.&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Tuesday participated in the committee’s hearing on her bipartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ED39FFA4-8F1D-4211-80F9-1B4F3EBD11CA">Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act</a>.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/36fRJqLsVz4?start=8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>During her opening remarks and line of questioning, Sen. Fischer highlighted how herlegislation&nbsp;would&nbsp;ensure every segment of the beef supply chain can succeed. She also noted&nbsp;that&nbsp;while there is near universal concern over the lack of&nbsp;price&nbsp;discovery&nbsp;and market&nbsp;transparency,&nbsp;voluntary efforts to address these concerns have largely failed&nbsp;from a lack of packer participation.&nbsp;Furthermore,&nbsp;instead of being in the driver’s seat,&nbsp;as was claimed by some witnesses, family ranchers often face a “take it or leave it” market.&nbsp;Finally, Sen. Fischer heard from a producer&nbsp;witness how increases&nbsp;in&nbsp;negotiated&nbsp;sales have not resulted in the economic losses some opponents have predicted.Two panels of witnesses appeared before the committee. Panel one consisted of&nbsp;USDA Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets Andy Green&nbsp;and&nbsp;USDA Administrator for Agricultural Marketing Service&nbsp;Bruce Summers.&nbsp;Panel Two consisted of&nbsp;William Ruffin of Ruffin Farms, Kansas Livestock Association and Tiffany Cattle Company President-elect Shawn Tiffany, Ziesch Ranch Owner/Operator Shelly Ziesch, and Colorado State Agricultural &amp; Resource Economics Professor Dr. Stephen Koontz.

🎥 Ag Committee hearing on Sen. Fischer’s cattle price discovery, transparency act

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, will pay $497,500 to a woman who was injured when she says police fired rubber bullets during racial justice protests in 2020. 

Elise Poole sued the city after she was struck by a rubber bullet during protests near downtown Lincoln on May 31, 2020. 

The lawsuit claimed that Poole was trying to flee after law enforcement officers fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters.

 Her attorney said she was struck in the face by a rubber bullet and needed emergency surgery to reattach her nose. 

The city of Lincoln does not admit liability. 

City Attorney Yohance Christie said officials do not know exactly what caused Poole's injuries.

By Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, will pay $497,500 to a woman who was injured when she says police fired rubber bullets during racial justice protests in 2020. Elise Poole sued the city after she was struck by a rubber bullet during protests near downtown Lincoln on May 31, 2020. The lawsuit claimed that Poole was trying to flee after law enforcement officers fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters. Her attorney said she was struck in the face by a rubber bullet and needed emergency surgery to reattach her nose. The city of Lincoln does not admit liability. City Attorney Yohance Christie said officials do not know exactly what caused Poole's injuries.

Nebraska city settles with woman injured during 2020 protest

NEW YORK (AP) — Three out of every four U.S. children have been infected with the coronavirus and more than half of all Americans had signs of previous infections, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers estimated in a report Tuesday.

The researchers examined blood samples from more than 200,000 Americans and looked for virus-fighting antibodies made from infections, not vaccines.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7117e3.htm?s_cid=mm7117e3_w" target="_blank">They found</a>&nbsp;that signs of past infection rose dramatically between December and February, when the more contagious omicron variant surged through the U.S.

For Americans of all ages, about 34% had signs of prior infection in December. Just two months later, 58% did.

“I did expect it to increase. I did not expect it to increase quite this much,” said Dr. Kristie Clarke, co-leader of a CDC team that tracks the extent of coronavirus infections.

The news came as Pfizer sought permission to offer a booster dose to kids ages 5 to 11, just like people 12 and older can get.

In the CDC report, the most striking increase was in children. The percentage of those 17 and under with antibodies rose from about 45% in December to about 75% in February.

The older people were, the less likely they had evidence of past infections. That may be because older adults have higher vaccination rates and they may be more likely to take other COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing masks and avoiding crowds, Clarke said.

Reported COVID-19 cases had a huge surge in December and January, then fell almost as dramatically as they had risen. But daily case counts have been trending up again in recent weeks.

The case numbers are believed to be an undercount, but officials do think recent increases reflect a true rise in infections. Many COVID-19 infections are mild enough that patients do not seek care or confirmatory lab tests. CDC officials say they plan to release a study soon that estimates that in recent months there were three infections for every reported case.

Another recent trend: U.S. health officials say they have seen two weeks of increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations, though the numbers remain relatively low. Hospital admissions number about 1,600 per day, a 9% increase in the prior week, the CDC reported.

Available evidence nevertheless offers reason to be hopeful about how the pandemic is going, officials suggested.

“We are not anticipating more severe disease from some of these subvariants, but we are actively studying them,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday.

The tests that showed how many people had previous infections can detect antibodies for one to two years after infection, and possibly longer. Studies have shown previous infection can protect some people against severe disease and hospitalization, but CDC officials stressed that the previously infected should still get COVID-19 vaccines.

The study looked for any detectable level of antibodies; it did not distinguish how many people had antibody levels that might be protective. Scientists are still trying to understand what role these kinds of antibodies play in protection from future virus exposures.

Officials continue to urge Americans to get vaccines and boosters, which offer additional protection against COVID-19 for all, including those who were previously infected.

Currently the U.S. offers a booster dose starting at age 12 but Pfizer and BioNTech on Tuesday asked the Food and Drug Administration to allow healthy elementary-age kids to also get one -- about six months after their last shot. The companies cited a small study showing the extra shot for kids ages 5 to 11 revved up antibodies capable of fighting the super-contagious omicron variant. Pfizer’s kid-size shots are a third of the dose given to anyone 12 or older.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="COVID vaccine for children photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>COVID vaccine for children photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Three out of every four U.S. children have been infected with the coronavirus and more than half of all Americans had signs of previous infections, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers estimated in a report Tuesday.The researchers examined blood samples from more than 200,000 Americans and looked for virus-fighting antibodies made from infections, not vaccines.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7117e3.htm?s_cid=mm7117e3_w" target="_blank">They found</a>&nbsp;that signs of past infection rose dramatically between December and February, when the more contagious omicron variant surged through the U.S.For Americans of all ages, about 34% had signs of prior infection in December. Just two months later, 58% did.“I did expect it to increase. I did not expect it to increase quite this much,” said Dr. Kristie Clarke, co-leader of a CDC team that tracks the extent of coronavirus infections.The news came as Pfizer sought permission to offer a booster dose to kids ages 5 to 11, just like people 12 and older can get.In the CDC report, the most striking increase was in children. The percentage of those 17 and under with antibodies rose from about 45% in December to about 75% in February.The older people were, the less likely they had evidence of past infections. That may be because older adults have higher vaccination rates and they may be more likely to take other COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing masks and avoiding crowds, Clarke said.Reported COVID-19 cases had a huge surge in December and January, then fell almost as dramatically as they had risen. But daily case counts have been trending up again in recent weeks.The case numbers are believed to be an undercount, but officials do think recent increases reflect a true rise in infections. Many COVID-19 infections are mild enough that patients do not seek care or confirmatory lab tests. CDC officials say they plan to release a study soon that estimates that in recent months there were three infections for every reported case.Another recent trend: U.S. health officials say they have seen two weeks of increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations, though the numbers remain relatively low. Hospital admissions number about 1,600 per day, a 9% increase in the prior week, the CDC reported.Available evidence nevertheless offers reason to be hopeful about how the pandemic is going, officials suggested.“We are not anticipating more severe disease from some of these subvariants, but we are actively studying them,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday.The tests that showed how many people had previous infections can detect antibodies for one to two years after infection, and possibly longer. Studies have shown previous infection can protect some people against severe disease and hospitalization, but CDC officials stressed that the previously infected should still get COVID-19 vaccines.The study looked for any detectable level of antibodies; it did not distinguish how many people had antibody levels that might be protective. Scientists are still trying to understand what role these kinds of antibodies play in protection from future virus exposures.Officials continue to urge Americans to get vaccines and boosters, which offer additional protection against COVID-19 for all, including those who were previously infected.Currently the U.S. offers a booster dose starting at age 12 but Pfizer and BioNTech on Tuesday asked the Food and Drug Administration to allow healthy elementary-age kids to also get one -- about six months after their last shot. The companies cited a small study showing the extra shot for kids ages 5 to 11 revved up antibodies capable of fighting the super-contagious omicron variant. Pfizer’s kid-size shots are a third of the dose given to anyone 12 or older.___

CDC estimates 3 in 4 kids have had coronavirus infections

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Collecting piñon nuts has been tradition for Native American and Hispanic families in the Southwestern U.S. for generations.

But environmentalists are concerned that without the pinyon jay — a very social bird that essentially plants the next generation of trees by stashing away the seeds — it’s possible the piñon forests of New Mexico, Nevada and other Western states could face another reproductive hurdle in the face of climate change, persistent drought and more severe wildfires.

The Washington, D.C.-based group Defenders of Wildlife filed a petition Monday with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the bird under the Endangered Species Act, saying the once common species plays an integral role in the high desert ecosystem.

The group points to research that shows pinyon jay numbers have declined by an estimated 80% over the last five decades, a rate even faster than the greater sage grouse.

Patricia Estrella, who represents the group in New Mexico, said that while population declines are well documented, the exact cause remains unclear as multiple threats are at play.

“Not only is it difficult to tease apart the effects of interacting factors, together they create even greater threats through positive feedbacks,” Estrella wrote in the petition. “Successful conservation of the pinyon jay requires addressing and ameliorating multiple threats simultaneously.”

Piñon-juniper forests cover more than 75,000 square miles (194,249 square kilometers) in the United States, and wildlife managers in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, and New Mexico already have classified the bird as a species of greatest conservation need.

Nearly 60% of the jay’s remaining population can be found in New Mexico and Nevada, but its range also includes central Oregon and parts of California, Utah, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Mexico’s northern Baja California.

Pale blue with a white bib, the pinyon jay typically mates for life. When food is abundant, they can nest more than once a year.

Their home range can be large, with the birds fanning out over hundreds of miles when food is scarce.

Research highlighted in the petition notes that more piñon and juniper woodlands are being cleared around the West for housing developments, agriculture, and solar and wind energy projects, and as land managers look to reduce the threat of wildfire.

The Biden administration’s infrastructure push includes $500 million over five years for prescribed burns, $500 million for mechanical tree harvesting and another $500 million for clearing fuel breaks. Defenders of Wildlife and others are concerned that managers will be able to move ahead with many projects without public input or more detailed environmental reviews.

The petition states that studies documenting the effects of woodland reduction on pinyon jay populations are few, but some scientists are recommending that land managers avoid nesting and foraging sites.

When the piñon crop is good, jays start the morning by eating seeds. Then they collect seeds, congregate in the tree tops and depart together to caching areas that are usually open spaces where less snow accumulates in the winter.

Research has shown they have excellent memory and recover more cached seeds than other types of jays or nutcrackers, but the seeds that go uncollected are left to germinate.

According to the petition, the loss of piñon trees would disproportionately affect Native American and Hispanic communities in the Southwest. Each fall, families make the trek to the forest to harvest the seeds.

The nuts are usually roasted and salted, but their popularity now extends beyond Southwest cuisine, including pancakes, brownies, pizza and salad toppings.

It will be up to the Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether there’s enough information in the petition to warrant further review. That could take months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651021394037.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Collecting piñon nuts has been tradition for Native American and Hispanic families in the Southwestern U.S. for generations.But environmentalists are concerned that without the pinyon jay — a very social bird that essentially plants the next generation of trees by stashing away the seeds — it’s possible the piñon forests of New Mexico, Nevada and other Western states could face another reproductive hurdle in the face of climate change, persistent drought and more severe wildfires.The Washington, D.C.-based group Defenders of Wildlife filed a petition Monday with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the bird under the Endangered Species Act, saying the once common species plays an integral role in the high desert ecosystem.The group points to research that shows pinyon jay numbers have declined by an estimated 80% over the last five decades, a rate even faster than the greater sage grouse.Patricia Estrella, who represents the group in New Mexico, said that while population declines are well documented, the exact cause remains unclear as multiple threats are at play.“Not only is it difficult to tease apart the effects of interacting factors, together they create even greater threats through positive feedbacks,” Estrella wrote in the petition. “Successful conservation of the pinyon jay requires addressing and ameliorating multiple threats simultaneously.”Piñon-juniper forests cover more than 75,000 square miles (194,249 square kilometers) in the United States, and wildlife managers in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, and New Mexico already have classified the bird as a species of greatest conservation need.Nearly 60% of the jay’s remaining population can be found in New Mexico and Nevada, but its range also includes central Oregon and parts of California, Utah, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Mexico’s northern Baja California.Pale blue with a white bib, the pinyon jay typically mates for life. When food is abundant, they can nest more than once a year.Their home range can be large, with the birds fanning out over hundreds of miles when food is scarce.Research highlighted in the petition notes that more piñon and juniper woodlands are being cleared around the West for housing developments, agriculture, and solar and wind energy projects, and as land managers look to reduce the threat of wildfire.The Biden administration’s infrastructure push includes $500 million over five years for prescribed burns, $500 million for mechanical tree harvesting and another $500 million for clearing fuel breaks. Defenders of Wildlife and others are concerned that managers will be able to move ahead with many projects without public input or more detailed environmental reviews.The petition states that studies documenting the effects of woodland reduction on pinyon jay populations are few, but some scientists are recommending that land managers avoid nesting and foraging sites.When the piñon crop is good, jays start the morning by eating seeds. Then they collect seeds, congregate in the tree tops and depart together to caching areas that are usually open spaces where less snow accumulates in the winter.Research has shown they have excellent memory and recover more cached seeds than other types of jays or nutcrackers, but the seeds that go uncollected are left to germinate.According to the petition, the loss of piñon trees would disproportionately affect Native American and Hispanic communities in the Southwest. Each fall, families make the trek to the forest to harvest the seeds.The nuts are usually roasted and salted, but their popularity now extends beyond Southwest cuisine, including pancakes, brownies, pizza and salad toppings.It will be up to the Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether there’s enough information in the petition to warrant further review. That could take months.

Protections sought for Western bird linked to piñon forests

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, will pay $497,500 to a woman who says she was injured when police fired rubber bullets during racial justice protests in May 2020.

Elise Poole, who is now 20, alleged in a lawsuit that she was fleeing from tear gas fired by law enforcement officers at protesters near downtown Lincoln on May 31, 2020, when she was hit by a rubber bullet.

She required emergency surgery to reattach her nose and will require further surgery to regain normal breathing, according to her attorney.

Daniel Gutman, an attorney litigating the case on behalf of the ACLU of Nebraska, said the lawsuit successfully held law enforcement accountable for responding to peaceful protests with dangerous weapons, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-shot-in-face-during-protests-settles-federal-lawsuit-against-city/article_17e9b538-672f-5041-b068-615fec6bde69.html#tracking-source=most-popular-homepage" target="_blank">reported.</a>

City Attorney Yohance Christie said officials don’t know what caused Poole’s injury. He said gasoline, fireworks and other dangerous objects were thrown at officers during the May 29-June 1 protests and more than two dozen officers were injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590779116902.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The city of Lincoln, Nebraska, will pay $497,500 to a woman who says she was injured when police fired rubber bullets during racial justice protests in May 2020.Elise Poole, who is now 20, alleged in a lawsuit that she was fleeing from tear gas fired by law enforcement officers at protesters near downtown Lincoln on May 31, 2020, when she was hit by a rubber bullet.She required emergency surgery to reattach her nose and will require further surgery to regain normal breathing, according to her attorney.Daniel Gutman, an attorney litigating the case on behalf of the ACLU of Nebraska, said the lawsuit successfully held law enforcement accountable for responding to peaceful protests with dangerous weapons, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/woman-shot-in-face-during-protests-settles-federal-lawsuit-against-city/article_17e9b538-672f-5041-b068-615fec6bde69.html#tracking-source=most-popular-homepage" target="_blank">reported.</a>City Attorney Yohance Christie said officials don’t know what caused Poole’s injury. He said gasoline, fireworks and other dangerous objects were thrown at officers during the May 29-June 1 protests and more than two dozen officers were injured.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A 7-year-old girl from St. Mary's, Kansas is hospitalized in critical condition after a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">freak accident.</a>

On Saturday, Quinlynn Irene Jones, a second grader at St. Mary’s Grade school was hit in the head by a falling tree branch, according to an online fundraiser. She suffered a brain injury.

The <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/quinlynn-joness-medical-expenses?qid=55153829189515f738668628e0a513d8">GoFundMe </a>is for any medical expenses and/or time off work that her mother will miss as she will be staying by her side.

" For any updates on this sweet girl you can join her page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">Facebook named, Quinlynns Climb."&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651009943245.png" alt="Photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A 7-year-old girl from St. Mary's, Kansas is hospitalized in critical condition after a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">freak accident.</a>On Saturday, Quinlynn Irene Jones, a second grader at St. Mary’s Grade school was hit in the head by a falling tree branch, according to an online fundraiser. She suffered a brain injury.The <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/quinlynn-joness-medical-expenses?qid=55153829189515f738668628e0a513d8">GoFundMe </a>is for any medical expenses and/or time off work that her mother will miss as she will be staying by her side." For any updates on this sweet girl you can join her page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">Facebook named, Quinlynns Climb."&nbsp;</a>

Kansas girl critically injured after struck by wind blown tree limb

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/three-to-join-the-nebraska-business-hall-of-fame/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

Leaders
 of a construction company, a private equity firm and a manufacturer of 
animal health products are to be inducted May 2 into the Nebraska 
Business Hall of Fame.

The
 three are Mike McCarthy of McCarthy Capital of Omaha; John Sampson of 
Sampson Construction of Lincoln; and Gloria Thesenvitz of Nova-Tech Inc.
 of Grand Island.

They
 will join about 120 others who have been inducted into the hall 
established in 1992 by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and
 the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business. Honorees are 
chosen for their work in growing businesses that make a mark on 
Nebraska’s economy and quality of life.

“Our
 three inductees are leaders in their industries and great examples for 
our students and other entrepreneurs who want to lead the future of 
business,” said Kathy Farrell of UNL.

Bryan
 Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber, the largest statewide 
business association, said this year’s inductees have the drive and 
vision that have “brought about game-changing opportunities in both 
their communities and quality of life for others.”

Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia.

McCarthy
 founded the private equity firm that bears his name in 1986. He has 
served on nonprofit boards including the Omaha Community Foundation, 
Creighton University and Omaha Zoological Society. He currently chairs 
the Heritage Services board and is on others including Peter Kiewit Sons
 and Union Pacific Corp.

Sampson has
 been president and CEO of the construction company since 1995. Under 
his leadership, the business has completed more than $3 billion in 
commercial building projects in an eight-state area that includes 
Nebraska. He manages the firm’s resources at its five locations and has 
built relationships with community leaders.

Thesenvitz is
 founder and board chair for Nova-Tech, which provides products to the 
animal health industry in the U.S. and Canada. She is an advocate for 
education, jobs, women entrepreneurs and rural Nebraska and is the 
recipient of the Governor’s Bioscience Award and the Grand Island 
Independent’s Woman of the Year in 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650988089294.jpeg" alt="Mike McCarthy of McCarthy Capital (Courtesy of Mike McCarthy)" />
 <figcaption>Mike McCarthy of McCarthy Capital (Courtesy of Mike McCarthy)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/three-to-join-the-nebraska-business-hall-of-fame/">Nebraska Examiner</a>Leaders
 of a construction company, a private equity firm and a manufacturer of 
animal health products are to be inducted May 2 into the Nebraska 
Business Hall of Fame.The
 three are Mike McCarthy of McCarthy Capital of Omaha; John Sampson of 
Sampson Construction of Lincoln; and Gloria Thesenvitz of Nova-Tech Inc.
 of Grand Island.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650988140882.jpeg" alt="Gloria Thesenvitz of Nova-Tech Inc. (Courtesy of Gloria Thesenvitz)" />
 <figcaption>Gloria Thesenvitz of Nova-Tech Inc. (Courtesy of Gloria Thesenvitz)</figcaption>
 </figure>They
 will join about 120 others who have been inducted into the hall 
established in 1992 by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and
 the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business. Honorees are 
chosen for their work in growing businesses that make a mark on 
Nebraska’s economy and quality of life.“Our
 three inductees are leaders in their industries and great examples for 
our students and other entrepreneurs who want to lead the future of 
business,” said Kathy Farrell of UNL.Bryan
 Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber, the largest statewide 
business association, said this year’s inductees have the drive and 
vision that have “brought about game-changing opportunities in both 
their communities and quality of life for others.”Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650988171249.jpeg" alt="John Sampson of Sampson Construction (Courtesy of John Sampson)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>John Sampson of Sampson Construction (Courtesy of John Sampson)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>McCarthy
 founded the private equity firm that bears his name in 1986. He has 
served on nonprofit boards including the Omaha Community Foundation, 
Creighton University and Omaha Zoological Society. He currently chairs 
the Heritage Services board and is on others including Peter Kiewit Sons
 and Union Pacific Corp.Sampson has
 been president and CEO of the construction company since 1995. Under 
his leadership, the business has completed more than $3 billion in 
commercial building projects in an eight-state area that includes 
Nebraska. He manages the firm’s resources at its five locations and has 
built relationships with community leaders.Thesenvitz is
 founder and board chair for Nova-Tech, which provides products to the 
animal health industry in the U.S. and Canada. She is an advocate for 
education, jobs, women entrepreneurs and rural Nebraska and is the 
recipient of the Governor’s Bioscience Award and the Grand Island 
Independent’s Woman of the Year in 2017.

Three to join the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame

By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/25/three-republican-candidates-for-nebraska-governor-debate-taxes-water-broadband/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

HOLDREGE,
 Nebraska — Three of Nebraska’s top four GOP candidates for governor 
visited this agricultural hub Monday to debate taxes, water, broadband 
and more.

State
 Sen. Brett Lindstrom, former Sen. Theresa Thibodeau and Conklin Co. CEO
 Charles Herbster debated questions for an hour from reporters based in 
Kearney, Lexington and Axtell.&nbsp;

University
 of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen held a telephone town hall during 
Monday’s debate, the last before the May 10 primary election. Pillen has
 avoided debates with his fellow candidates. Instead, he attended 
candidate forums.

About
 200 people attended the Holdrege debate, hosted by NTV News at the 
Phelps County Agricultural Center. Each candidate spent significant time
 talking about plans to address property taxes.

Lindstrom
 got specific about state aid for schools, saying he wants to make sure 
every K-12 school district in Nebraska gets equalization aid. Right now,
 he said, 157 districts don’t.&nbsp;

His
 idea to change that: Work with the Legislature to redirect a portion of
 existing sales tax dollars over several years toward a goal of reducing
 property taxes by 20%.&nbsp;

Thibodeau
 said she wants to audit and cut spending on ineffective state programs 
and services so that every child in Nebraska can get the same amount of 
state aid to schools.

“If we grew food as much as we grow government, heck, nobody would ever go hungry,” Thibodeau said.

Herbster
 said he wants to rebuild Nebraska’s tax system from the bottom up, 
hoping to model what South Dakota does, with no income tax, or what Iowa
 does with a blended approach.

“People are leaving because we have a tax code that is driving business away, driving our young people away,” Herbster said.

On
 water, Lindstrom and Thibodeau backed Gov. Pete Ricketts’ plan to spend
 up to $500 million on the Perkins County Canal project to help Nebraska
 sue Colorado and protect water flows into Nebraska from the 
fast-growing state.

“We’ll
 see if it continues to be a $500 million project,” Lindstrom said. “But
 we will continue striving to protect Nebraska’s water rights.”

Herbster
 expressed skepticism about the cost, saying he didn’t feel he knew 
enough yet, without going to Colorado, to decide whether the state’s 
investment would be worthwhile.

Thibodeau
 criticized Herbster for not putting in the work she said was needed for
 his campaign, repeating criticism she leveled against Herbster when she
 quit the campaign as his running mate. She said she had already 
traveled to Colorado and talked to farmers.

She
 criticized Lindstrom for approving a six-cent gas tax increase in 2015.
 Lindstrom said&nbsp; Monday that the increase was an investment in 
maintaining Nebraska roads and bridges, including Interstate 80.

Lindstrom
 repeatedly emphasized the importance of investing state dollars to help
 make broadband more accessible in Nebraska’s rural communities. 
Herbster and Thibodeau agreed.

Thibodeau
 and Lindstrom said they want to keep the Nebraska Department of 
Education accountable to the elected Nebraska Board of Education, rather
 than place it under the governor’s control.&nbsp;

On
 the same question, Herbster repeated his criticism about the need for 
prayer in schools. He said school leaders need to stop treating parents 
like terrorists. He also said Nebraska has too many unwed mothers.&nbsp;

One
 of the evening’s exchanges concerned medical marijuana. Lindstrom said 
he supports efforts to make the drug available, as long as “we can do it
 responsibly.”

Thibodeau
 said she would support medical marijuana in pill or liquid form, but 
not if the law allows people with permits to grow marijuana plants at 
home for medical use.

Herbster
 said he’d leave the decision on medical marijuana up to Nebraska 
voters. If they approved it, he said, he would tax the substance and use
 the money to offset property taxes.

When
 a panelist asked about Pillen’s absence from debates, Thibodeau and 
Herbster repeated their criticisms of Pillen’s leadership. Lindstrom 
said it was Pillen’s choice not to participate.

Each
 candidate received a question geared toward them alone at one point 
during the debate. Lindstrom was asked what makes him conservative 
beyond his support for tax cuts.

He
 cited his pro-life stance with no exceptions, his A-rating from the 
National Rifle Association and his votes for property tax relief during 
eight years in the Legislature.

Thibodeau
 was asked why she decided to run for governor instead of remaining as 
Herbster’s running mate. She said she grew frustrated that Herbster 
wasn’t transparent or prepared.&nbsp;

Herbster
 was asked how he planned to work with women in the Legislature after 
the Nebraska Examiner’s report that eight women, including State Sen. 
Julie Slama, have alleged that he groped them.

Herbster
 said political hit jobs happen in political races and said “they” did 
the same to former President Donald Trump. He said he, as a born-again 
Christian, can work with anybody,&nbsp; “even those who have attacked me.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650988006420.png" alt="Three of the Nebraska GOP gubernatorial candidates, from left, Brett Lindstrom, Theresa Thibodeau and Charles Herbster. They participated in a debate in Holdrege, Nebraska, organized by NTV News. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Three of the Nebraska GOP gubernatorial candidates, from left, Brett Lindstrom, Theresa Thibodeau and Charles Herbster. They participated in a debate in Holdrege, Nebraska, organized by NTV News. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON SANDERFORD <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/04/25/three-republican-candidates-for-nebraska-governor-debate-taxes-water-broadband/">Nebraska Examiner</a>HOLDREGE,
 Nebraska — Three of Nebraska’s top four GOP candidates for governor 
visited this agricultural hub Monday to debate taxes, water, broadband 
and more.State
 Sen. Brett Lindstrom, former Sen. Theresa Thibodeau and Conklin Co. CEO
 Charles Herbster debated questions for an hour from reporters based in 
Kearney, Lexington and Axtell.&nbsp;University
 of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen held a telephone town hall during 
Monday’s debate, the last before the May 10 primary election. Pillen has
 avoided debates with his fellow candidates. Instead, he attended 
candidate forums.About
 200 people attended the Holdrege debate, hosted by NTV News at the 
Phelps County Agricultural Center. Each candidate spent significant time
 talking about plans to address property taxes.Lindstrom
 got specific about state aid for schools, saying he wants to make sure 
every K-12 school district in Nebraska gets equalization aid. Right now,
 he said, 157 districts don’t.&nbsp;His
 idea to change that: Work with the Legislature to redirect a portion of
 existing sales tax dollars over several years toward a goal of reducing
 property taxes by 20%.&nbsp;Thibodeau
 said she wants to audit and cut spending on ineffective state programs 
and services so that every child in Nebraska can get the same amount of 
state aid to schools.“If we grew food as much as we grow government, heck, nobody would ever go hungry,” Thibodeau said.Herbster
 said he wants to rebuild Nebraska’s tax system from the bottom up, 
hoping to model what South Dakota does, with no income tax, or what Iowa
 does with a blended approach.“People are leaving because we have a tax code that is driving business away, driving our young people away,” Herbster said.<h2>Conflict on Perkins County Canal</h2>On
 water, Lindstrom and Thibodeau backed Gov. Pete Ricketts’ plan to spend
 up to $500 million on the Perkins County Canal project to help Nebraska
 sue Colorado and protect water flows into Nebraska from the 
fast-growing state.“We’ll
 see if it continues to be a $500 million project,” Lindstrom said. “But
 we will continue striving to protect Nebraska’s water rights.”Herbster
 expressed skepticism about the cost, saying he didn’t feel he knew 
enough yet, without going to Colorado, to decide whether the state’s 
investment would be worthwhile.Thibodeau
 criticized Herbster for not putting in the work she said was needed for
 his campaign, repeating criticism she leveled against Herbster when she
 quit the campaign as his running mate. She said she had already 
traveled to Colorado and talked to farmers.She
 criticized Lindstrom for approving a six-cent gas tax increase in 2015.
 Lindstrom said&nbsp; Monday that the increase was an investment in 
maintaining Nebraska roads and bridges, including Interstate 80.Lindstrom
 repeatedly emphasized the importance of investing state dollars to help
 make broadband more accessible in Nebraska’s rural communities. 
Herbster and Thibodeau agreed.Thibodeau
 and Lindstrom said they want to keep the Nebraska Department of 
Education accountable to the elected Nebraska Board of Education, rather
 than place it under the governor’s control.&nbsp;On
 the same question, Herbster repeated his criticism about the need for 
prayer in schools. He said school leaders need to stop treating parents 
like terrorists. He also said Nebraska has too many unwed mothers.&nbsp;<h2>Medical marijuana</h2>One
 of the evening’s exchanges concerned medical marijuana. Lindstrom said 
he supports efforts to make the drug available, as long as “we can do it
 responsibly.”Thibodeau
 said she would support medical marijuana in pill or liquid form, but 
not if the law allows people with permits to grow marijuana plants at 
home for medical use.Herbster
 said he’d leave the decision on medical marijuana up to Nebraska 
voters. If they approved it, he said, he would tax the substance and use
 the money to offset property taxes.When
 a panelist asked about Pillen’s absence from debates, Thibodeau and 
Herbster repeated their criticisms of Pillen’s leadership. Lindstrom 
said it was Pillen’s choice not to participate.Each
 candidate received a question geared toward them alone at one point 
during the debate. Lindstrom was asked what makes him conservative 
beyond his support for tax cuts.He
 cited his pro-life stance with no exceptions, his A-rating from the 
National Rifle Association and his votes for property tax relief during 
eight years in the Legislature.Thibodeau
 was asked why she decided to run for governor instead of remaining as 
Herbster’s running mate. She said she grew frustrated that Herbster 
wasn’t transparent or prepared.&nbsp;Herbster
 was asked how he planned to work with women in the Legislature after 
the Nebraska Examiner’s report that eight women, including State Sen. 
Julie Slama, have alleged that he groped them.Herbster
 said political hit jobs happen in political races and said “they” did 
the same to former President Donald Trump. He said he, as a born-again 
Christian, can work with anybody,&nbsp; “even those who have attacked me.”

GOP candidates for Neb. governor debate taxes, water, broadband

MOSCOW(AP) —Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Monday that Ukraine risks provoking World War III and said the threat of a nuclear conflict “should not be underestimated.”

In an in-depth Russian TV interview, Lavrov blamed Ukraine for stalled talks between the two countries, and accused the United States and Britain of pressuring Kyiv not to reach agreement.

“Everyone is reciting incantations that in no case can we allow World War III,” Lavrov said, and accused Ukrainian leaders of provoking Russia by asking NATO to become involved in the conflict.

By providing weapons, NATO forces are “pouring oil on the fire,” he said, according to a Russian transcript on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.

Lavrov apparently made the remarks after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States wants “to see Russia weakened to the point where it can’t do things like invade Ukraine.”

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that only discussions between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin would bring resolution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650881393752.png" alt="U.S. Airmen prepare supply crates containing Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-armor systems, and other equipment bound for Ukraine at Dover Air Force Base in April 2022 -photo U.S.Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Airmen prepare supply crates containing Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-armor systems, and other equipment bound for Ukraine at Dover Air Force Base in April 2022 -photo U.S.Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW(AP) —Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Monday that Ukraine risks provoking World War III and said the threat of a nuclear conflict “should not be underestimated.”In an in-depth Russian TV interview, Lavrov blamed Ukraine for stalled talks between the two countries, and accused the United States and Britain of pressuring Kyiv not to reach agreement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650883422666.png" alt="Reporters who accompanied Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken to Poland&nbsp; on their way to meet with the Ukraine President were barred by Pentagon and State Department officials from reporting the Kyiv visit until the two men physically left Ukraine-photo U.S. Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>Reporters who accompanied Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken to Poland&nbsp; on their way to meet with the Ukraine President were barred by Pentagon and State Department officials from reporting the Kyiv visit until the two men physically left Ukraine-photo U.S. Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>“Everyone is reciting incantations that in no case can we allow World War III,” Lavrov said, and accused Ukrainian leaders of provoking Russia by asking NATO to become involved in the conflict.By providing weapons, NATO forces are “pouring oil on the fire,” he said, according to a Russian transcript on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.Lavrov apparently made the remarks after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States wants “to see Russia weakened to the point where it can’t do things like invade Ukraine.”Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that only discussions between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin would bring resolution.