WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the gravest U.S. economic crisis in decades, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered U.S. Senators contrasting views Tuesday of what the government’s most urgent priority should be.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPDl_xETXoI">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>Senator Moran's turn at questioning Mnuchin and Powell.

Striking a theme frequently pushed by President Donald Trump, Mnuchin warned that prolonged business shutdowns would pose long-term threats to the economy, from widespread bankruptcies for small businesses to long-term unemployment for millions of Americans.

“There is risk of permanent damage,” Mnuchin said.

Powell, by contrast, stressed, as he has in recent weeks, that the nation is gripped by an economic shock “without modern precedent” and that Congress must consider providing further financial aid soon to support states, localities, businesses and individuals to prevent an even deeper recession.

“What Congress has done to date has been remarkably timely and forceful,” Powell said. “But we need to step back and ask, ’Is it enough?”

Their points of emphasis reflect the contours of a debate occurring across the country, among individuals, business people and political leaders, about when and under what circumstances the economy should reopen and what further help the government can or should provide.

Mnuchin and Powell offered their views at an oversight hearing of the Senate Banking Committee at which members of both parties questioned them about when their agencies will distribute more of the emergency aid that Congress provided in late March to struggling small businesses and households.

Powell said that a highly anticipated lending program the Fed is creating for small businesses should be operating by the end of the month. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abbc3e930e7d8cff7da05bbd7921ee2">in a turnaround</a>, Mnuchin said the Treasury is now prepared to absorb some losses in that program, which is funded by Treasury. Doing so could enable the Fed to take on further risk with the program and help more struggling companies.

During the hearing, Mnuchin clashed sharply with Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts over the administration’s support for a phased reopening of the economy and over its reluctance to require that all companies that receive government aid keep their workers on the payroll.

Brown charged that the Trump administration was risking the lives of lower-income workers by supporting reopening efforts and was doing so simply to boost financial markets. He asserted that the administration hasn’t done enough to protect front-line workers — by, for example, ramping up viral testing — even as most states start allowing restaurants, stores and gyms to reopen.

“The administration wants to put more workers at risk to boost the stock market,” Brown said.

“Your characterization is unfair,” Mnuchin responded.

The hearing was the first in a planned series of quarterly oversight sessions focused on spending programs authorized in the $2 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">federal relief package</a>&nbsp;that is overseen by the Treasury Department and Fed. They include the $660 billion small business lending facility, known as the paycheck protection program, as well as $46 billion in grants to airlines and $454 billion to support the Fed’s lending.

The Fed announced in March that it would set up the Main Street Lending Program, which will provide up to $600 billion in loans to medium-sized businesses that are too large to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury has provided $75 billion, drawn from the $454 billion set aside by Congress, to cover any losses from the Main Street program.

Mnuchin said that under some scenarios the Treasury could lose some or all of that $75 billion.

“Our intention is that we intend to take some losses,” he said.

The Fed has also said it will buy debt issued by state and local governments, which are facing plummeting revenues as the viral outbreak has eliminated tens of millions of jobs and slashed income tax and sales tax revenue. At the same time, states and cities are facing much higher health care costs.

Yet the Fed’s program will make it easier for governments to borrow in the municipal bond market. Powell, under questioning, said that states might need more direct help from the federal government to avoid laying off workers, with the unemployment rate, at 14.7%, already the highest since the Great Depression.

Mnuchin came under sharp questioning from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who charged that he wasn’t doing enough to force companies that receive aid from the Main Street Lending program, as well as other aid provided by the Fed and Treasury, to keep workers on their payrolls.

The senator pressed Mnuchin to ensure that the loans include that requirement. When Mnuchin declined to commit to that change, Warren said, “You’re boosting your Wall Street buddies.”

Mnuchin told Warren that the legislation providing the funds includes restrictions on top executive pay and on company dividends and stock buybacks.

Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far, the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $530 billion “to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.” The loans need not be repaid as long as the borrowing business uses 75% of the money to cover workers’ paychecks.

But many small companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/380b07b9292ea7ae4d382f091d99bf10">say the terms are too onerous</a>. To have the loans forgiven, they must rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds, even if they have little business or work for them to do. These companies argue that they might have to lay off their workers again at the end of the eight weeks — and may have little money left to help ramp up when business does return.

Mnuchin, pressed about those issues and about opening the loan program to more nonprofits, said his department was considering making changes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government’s $2 trillion relief package.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472163-1/fed-reserve-chair-powell-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-testify-cares-act-coronavirus-relief-bill&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;Tuesday's hearing that started at 9a.m. CDT

Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program, which initially provided $349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems.

Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted. A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies ended up receiving money that Mnuchin demanded be paid back to the government.

<a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mnuchin%20Testimony%205-19-201.pdf">Click here to read</a> Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's opening statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A small, overlooked federal agency is shouldering a massive relief effort for the nation’s small businesses and their workers left reeling by the pandemic.

The Small Business Administration has committed to auditing every sizable emergency loan it approves.

But six weeks after the $600 billion-plus program was launched, the agency has yet to make public the recipients of taxpayer aid.

A signature piece of Congress’ multitrillion-dollar pandemic rescue, the unprecedented lending program is targeted to help small employers stay afloat and preserve jobs in a cratering economy losing tens of millions of them.

“Our swift action supported or saved 30 million American jobs at least,” President Donald Trump said at a White House event on small business late last month with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

Managing the program fell to the SBA, an agency with some 3,200 employees and an $819 million annual budget that’s one-tenth the size of the Commerce Department’s. On at least two occasions last month, the SBA’s computer system slowed under the crush of loan applications, creating a bottleneck. The agency says it has processed 4.2 million loans for some $530 billion in awards.

The need for a detailed public accounting of the small-business relief program is amplified by controversy over how it has unfolded since early April. It’s important as a way for the public to know whether the program is working as Congress intended.

Several hundred publicly traded companies received hundreds of millions of the low-interest, potentially forgivable loans. They tapped the federal aid despite their likely ability to get the money from private financial sources. Some had market values well over $100 million, and many had executives earning millions annually.

On its website, the SBA says it “is becoming more transparent, participatory and collaborative through open government.” It cites, among other things, its Freedom of Information Act program and improvements to online services.

So far, the agency has only provided general information, such as the total amounts of loans awarded in a given time period.

With huge amounts of money flying out the government’s door in a crisis, full public disclosure can help prevent fraud and improper spending, says Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis and expert in government ethics.

Otherwise, “the risks to taxpayers are greater,” Clark said. “I would think the SBA would be proactive in making information public.”

Asked by news organizations for information on the companies receiving loans and when it might be provided, the SBA has said it’s too consumed now by the urgent effort of helping small businesses through the economic downturn. It says specific loan data may be released sometime “in the near future.”

“At this time, the agency is focusing its efforts on assisting small businesses during this unprecedented disruption to the economy,” the SBA says. “The agency recognizes the need to balance the interests of transparency with the privacy and confidentiality issues release of loan information raises.”

The loans made to big deep-pocketed companies in the Paycheck Protection Program meant that less money was available for smaller businesses. Publicly shamed, big corporations, including national restaurant chains Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said they would return their loans.

It was news reports of big companies receiving loans that sparked the public outcry. The Associated Press and several other news organizations combed through voluminous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission to unearth public companies that had received PPP loans. The SBA did not make the information public.

That may be surprising because, until now, the SBA has regularly released information on businesses that have borrowed under its main lending program, the so-called 7(a) program.

In fact, the loan application for the Paycheck Protection Program includes this notice to potential borrowers: Under the Freedom of Information Act and with certain exceptions, the SBA “must supply information reflected in agency files and records to a person requesting it.”

Several news organizations, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, have sued the SBA in federal court over its not having released the loan data despite several FOIA requests. They accuse the agency of violating the FOIA law. The SBA has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Amid the public outcry, Mnuchin recently threatened criminal prosecution and warned companies they must return the money if they falsely certified that they needed federal aid to operate and couldn’t get it elsewhere. SBA set a deadline of Monday for companies with improperly received loans to return the money without penalty.

But last week, SBA issued revised guidance indicating that criminal action won’t be pursued if companies found to have falsely certified their needs return the money.

Elsewhere in the government, the Treasury Department recently released an accounting of its emergency lending program for airlines and air cargo carriers under the pandemic relief legislation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589905117701.png" alt="As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Jerry Moran attended the virtual hearing&nbsp; with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell " />
 <figcaption>As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Jerry Moran attended the virtual hearing&nbsp; with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the gravest U.S. economic crisis in decades, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered U.S. Senators contrasting views Tuesday of what the government’s most urgent priority should be.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPDl_xETXoI">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>Senator Moran's turn at questioning Mnuchin and Powell.Striking a theme frequently pushed by President Donald Trump, Mnuchin warned that prolonged business shutdowns would pose long-term threats to the economy, from widespread bankruptcies for small businesses to long-term unemployment for millions of Americans.“There is risk of permanent damage,” Mnuchin said.Powell, by contrast, stressed, as he has in recent weeks, that the nation is gripped by an economic shock “without modern precedent” and that Congress must consider providing further financial aid soon to support states, localities, businesses and individuals to prevent an even deeper recession.“What Congress has done to date has been remarkably timely and forceful,” Powell said. “But we need to step back and ask, ’Is it enough?”Their points of emphasis reflect the contours of a debate occurring across the country, among individuals, business people and political leaders, about when and under what circumstances the economy should reopen and what further help the government can or should provide.Mnuchin and Powell offered their views at an oversight hearing of the Senate Banking Committee at which members of both parties questioned them about when their agencies will distribute more of the emergency aid that Congress provided in late March to struggling small businesses and households.Powell said that a highly anticipated lending program the Fed is creating for small businesses should be operating by the end of the month. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abbc3e930e7d8cff7da05bbd7921ee2">in a turnaround</a>, Mnuchin said the Treasury is now prepared to absorb some losses in that program, which is funded by Treasury. Doing so could enable the Fed to take on further risk with the program and help more struggling companies.During the hearing, Mnuchin clashed sharply with Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts over the administration’s support for a phased reopening of the economy and over its reluctance to require that all companies that receive government aid keep their workers on the payroll.Brown charged that the Trump administration was risking the lives of lower-income workers by supporting reopening efforts and was doing so simply to boost financial markets. He asserted that the administration hasn’t done enough to protect front-line workers — by, for example, ramping up viral testing — even as most states start allowing restaurants, stores and gyms to reopen.“The administration wants to put more workers at risk to boost the stock market,” Brown said.“Your characterization is unfair,” Mnuchin responded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589897693671.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during Tuesday's virtual Senate Banking Committee hearing" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during Tuesday's virtual Senate Banking Committee hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>The hearing was the first in a planned series of quarterly oversight sessions focused on spending programs authorized in the $2 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">federal relief package</a>&nbsp;that is overseen by the Treasury Department and Fed. They include the $660 billion small business lending facility, known as the paycheck protection program, as well as $46 billion in grants to airlines and $454 billion to support the Fed’s lending.The Fed announced in March that it would set up the Main Street Lending Program, which will provide up to $600 billion in loans to medium-sized businesses that are too large to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury has provided $75 billion, drawn from the $454 billion set aside by Congress, to cover any losses from the Main Street program.Mnuchin said that under some scenarios the Treasury could lose some or all of that $75 billion.“Our intention is that we intend to take some losses,” he said.The Fed has also said it will buy debt issued by state and local governments, which are facing plummeting revenues as the viral outbreak has eliminated tens of millions of jobs and slashed income tax and sales tax revenue. At the same time, states and cities are facing much higher health care costs.Yet the Fed’s program will make it easier for governments to borrow in the municipal bond market. Powell, under questioning, said that states might need more direct help from the federal government to avoid laying off workers, with the unemployment rate, at 14.7%, already the highest since the Great Depression.Mnuchin came under sharp questioning from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who charged that he wasn’t doing enough to force companies that receive aid from the Main Street Lending program, as well as other aid provided by the Fed and Treasury, to keep workers on their payrolls.The senator pressed Mnuchin to ensure that the loans include that requirement. When Mnuchin declined to commit to that change, Warren said, “You’re boosting your Wall Street buddies.”Mnuchin told Warren that the legislation providing the funds includes restrictions on top executive pay and on company dividends and stock buybacks.Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far, the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $530 billion “to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.” The loans need not be repaid as long as the borrowing business uses 75% of the money to cover workers’ paychecks.But many small companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/380b07b9292ea7ae4d382f091d99bf10">say the terms are too onerous</a>. To have the loans forgiven, they must rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds, even if they have little business or work for them to do. These companies argue that they might have to lay off their workers again at the end of the eight weeks — and may have little money left to help ramp up when business does return.Mnuchin, pressed about those issues and about opening the loan program to more nonprofits, said his department was considering making changes.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government’s $2 trillion relief package.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472163-1/fed-reserve-chair-powell-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-testify-cares-act-coronavirus-relief-bill&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;Tuesday's hearing that started at 9a.m. CDTLawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program, which initially provided $349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems.Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted. A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies ended up receiving money that Mnuchin demanded be paid back to the government.<a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mnuchin%20Testimony%205-19-201.pdf">Click here to read</a> Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's opening statement.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — A small, overlooked federal agency is shouldering a massive relief effort for the nation’s small businesses and their workers left reeling by the pandemic.The Small Business Administration has committed to auditing every sizable emergency loan it approves.But six weeks after the $600 billion-plus program was launched, the agency has yet to make public the recipients of taxpayer aid.A signature piece of Congress’ multitrillion-dollar pandemic rescue, the unprecedented lending program is targeted to help small employers stay afloat and preserve jobs in a cratering economy losing tens of millions of them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462219509.png" alt="President Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force meeting last month. -Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force meeting last month. -Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our swift action supported or saved 30 million American jobs at least,” President Donald Trump said at a White House event on small business late last month with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.Managing the program fell to the SBA, an agency with some 3,200 employees and an $819 million annual budget that’s one-tenth the size of the Commerce Department’s. On at least two occasions last month, the SBA’s computer system slowed under the crush of loan applications, creating a bottleneck. The agency says it has processed 4.2 million loans for some $530 billion in awards.The need for a detailed public accounting of the small-business relief program is amplified by controversy over how it has unfolded since early April. It’s important as a way for the public to know whether the program is working as Congress intended.Several hundred publicly traded companies received hundreds of millions of the low-interest, potentially forgivable loans. They tapped the federal aid despite their likely ability to get the money from private financial sources. Some had market values well over $100 million, and many had executives earning millions annually.On its website, the SBA says it “is becoming more transparent, participatory and collaborative through open government.” It cites, among other things, its Freedom of Information Act program and improvements to online services.So far, the agency has only provided general information, such as the total amounts of loans awarded in a given time period.With huge amounts of money flying out the government’s door in a crisis, full public disclosure can help prevent fraud and improper spending, says Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis and expert in government ethics.Otherwise, “the risks to taxpayers are greater,” Clark said. “I would think the SBA would be proactive in making information public.”Asked by news organizations for information on the companies receiving loans and when it might be provided, the SBA has said it’s too consumed now by the urgent effort of helping small businesses through the economic downturn. It says specific loan data may be released sometime “in the near future.”“At this time, the agency is focusing its efforts on assisting small businesses during this unprecedented disruption to the economy,” the SBA says. “The agency recognizes the need to balance the interests of transparency with the privacy and confidentiality issues release of loan information raises.”The loans made to big deep-pocketed companies in the Paycheck Protection Program meant that less money was available for smaller businesses. Publicly shamed, big corporations, including national restaurant chains Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said they would return their loans.It was news reports of big companies receiving loans that sparked the public outcry. The Associated Press and several other news organizations combed through voluminous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission to unearth public companies that had received PPP loans. The SBA did not make the information public.That may be surprising because, until now, the SBA has regularly released information on businesses that have borrowed under its main lending program, the so-called 7(a) program.In fact, the loan application for the Paycheck Protection Program includes this notice to potential borrowers: Under the Freedom of Information Act and with certain exceptions, the SBA “must supply information reflected in agency files and records to a person requesting it.”Several news organizations, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, have sued the SBA in federal court over its not having released the loan data despite several FOIA requests. They accuse the agency of violating the FOIA law. The SBA has declined to comment on the lawsuit.Amid the public outcry, Mnuchin recently threatened criminal prosecution and warned companies they must return the money if they falsely certified that they needed federal aid to operate and couldn’t get it elsewhere. SBA set a deadline of Monday for companies with improperly received loans to return the money without penalty.But last week, SBA issued revised guidance indicating that criminal action won’t be pursued if companies found to have falsely certified their needs return the money.Elsewhere in the government, the Treasury Department recently released an accounting of its emergency lending program for airlines and air cargo carriers under the pandemic relief legislation.&nbsp;

🎥 Who got what? Moran questions small-business virus relief effort

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say a Rapid City man who died in a shootout with police last week was positive for COVID-19. 

South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg said Monday that the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Rapid City Police Department confirmed that 30-year-old Anthony Angel was positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus. 

Ravnsborg says all police officers and DCI agents who were potentially exposed came back negative. 

A Rapid City police officer shot Angel on Wednesday night after a routine traffic stop escalated into a shootout. Angel died the next day. 

The officer who fired has not been identified and was placed on administrative leave. No officers were hurt.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say a Rapid City man who died in a shootout with police last week was positive for COVID-19. South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg said Monday that the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Rapid City Police Department confirmed that 30-year-old Anthony Angel was positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus. Ravnsborg says all police officers and DCI agents who were potentially exposed came back negative. A Rapid City police officer shot Angel on Wednesday night after a routine traffic stop escalated into a shootout. Angel died the next day. The officer who fired has not been identified and was placed on administrative leave. No officers were hurt.

Man killed in shootout with Rapid City police had COVID-19

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The coronavirus has sparked concerns about how private medical information is being used. 

An Associated Press review shows that health officials in at least 35 U.S. states are sharing the addresses of those who test positive for coronavirus to first responders who request it. Ten of those states also share names. 

Law enforcement officials say first responders use the information to take extra precautions that help them avoid contracting and spreading the disease.

 But civil liberty and community activists have expressed concerns of potential profiling in African American and Hispanic communities that already have an uneasy relationship with law enforcement.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The coronavirus has sparked concerns about how private medical information is being used. An Associated Press review shows that health officials in at least 35 U.S. states are sharing the addresses of those who test positive for coronavirus to first responders who request it. Ten of those states also share names. Law enforcement officials say first responders use the information to take extra precautions that help them avoid contracting and spreading the disease. But civil liberty and community activists have expressed concerns of potential profiling in African American and Hispanic communities that already have an uneasy relationship with law enforcement.

COVID-19 data sharing with law enforcement sparks concern

LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Police say a 48-year-old woman who refused to put on a mask when being treated for COVID-19 at a Nebraska hospital spit on the walls and floor and punched a nurse.

 The Lincoln Journal Star reports Nyadak Tut of Lincoln was charged  with felony assault on a health care professional. 

A nurse at CHI St. Elizabeth told police Tut left her room without wearing a mask. An arrest affidavit says the nurse followed Tut, asking her to put on a mask.

 Tut started spitting. When the nurse tried to call security, Tut punched her in the face. 

Police arrested Tut after she was medically cleared from the hospital.

LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Police say a 48-year-old woman who refused to put on a mask when being treated for COVID-19 at a Nebraska hospital spit on the walls and floor and punched a nurse. The Lincoln Journal Star reports Nyadak Tut of Lincoln was charged with felony assault on a health care professional. A nurse at CHI St. Elizabeth told police Tut left her room without wearing a mask. An arrest affidavit says the nurse followed Tut, asking her to put on a mask. Tut started spitting. When the nurse tried to call security, Tut punched her in the face. Police arrested Tut after she was medically cleared from the hospital.

Hospital patient refuses to wear mask, punches nurse

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that COVID-19 testing will come to several new communities this week.&nbsp; Test Nebraska will&nbsp;continue in Lincoln and Omaha, and other Test Nebraska mobile sites will open in North Platte, Scottsbluff, Thedford, West Point, and Dakota City.&nbsp; Additionally, the National Guard will conduct testing in David City, Fremont, Omaha, and Wahoo in conjunction with the State’s public health lab.

At this afternoon’s press conference, the Governor also designated May 17-23, 2020 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in Nebraska.&nbsp; Dr. James E. Smith, emergency medicine physician at Great Plains Health and chair of the State’s EMS Board, accepted the official proclamation on behalf of the state’s EMS professionals.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the month of May, we are reminding people to follow our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home.&nbsp; Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limit.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work. &nbsp;Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports and no playgrounds.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7Cddcdd8dd72ba4ed3d06a08d7fb720738%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637254339478551843&amp;sdata=G7rSDG%2BSnlIgbxdi8HCh4ioAttG0midTnFOq9WHHRvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week we are deploying testing in the following communities:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;National Guard: Wahoo, Omaha, Fremont, and David City

o&nbsp;&nbsp;National Guard with Test Nebraska: Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Thedford, West Point, and Dakota City.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emergency rooms and Emergency Medical Services professionals across the state have been helping to deliver outstanding care throughout the pandemic.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to thank every professional and volunteer who is helping take care of people during this very difficult time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They have some of the hardest jobs in the state.&nbsp; They take care of people in tough situations when their health is on the line.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To honor their work, I am signing a proclamation declaring Emergency Medical Services Week in Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Nebraskans call 9-1-1, a host of people spring into action to provide help.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;A dispatcher quickly gathers critical information to determine which assets to deploy to the situation.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;A law enforcement officer may be the first to arrive on the scene, rendering life-saving treatment such as CPR, defibrillation, or stopping active bleeding while EMS personnel are on the way.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS providers then arrive.&nbsp; They may be first responders, EMTs, paramedics, or nurses. &nbsp;Firefighters also assist in giving care while helping to extricate the victim.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;The patient is then rapidly transported to an emergency department, while treatment is administered in a moving vehicle or in the back of a helicopter.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;At the emergency department, hospital staff seek to treat and stabilize patients. &nbsp;In some cases, EMS personnel must again transport critically injured patients to a higher level of care.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dedicated maintenance personnel keep ambulances and aircrafts at a mission-ready status. &nbsp;Drivers and pilots have the difficult task of providing timely and safe transportation.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-clinical staff in offices, hospitals, EMS bases, fire agencies, and government agencies give much-needed support to the system.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Training agencies work tirelessly to equip EMS staff to the best of their abilities.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the end of the day, someone has to make the conscious decision to answer the call for help.&nbsp; This call requires them to put their lives and well-being on the line.&nbsp; This has been especially true during the pandemic.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, there’s always someone left behind—a spouse, child, parent, or friend—who watches their loved one walk out the door to answer the call and who prays for their safety.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, the EMS community is supporting those affected by the crisis while also responding to the everyday emergencies that continue to occur.&nbsp; During the pandemic, they’ve faced challenges such as limited personal protective equipment (PPE) or having teammates stricken by the virus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now more than ever, it is important that we honor and celebrate our EMS professionals as they support the health and wellbeing of our state and our nation.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/yvn48f11f0xpq7r/Press%20Conf%205.18.2020.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589884349223.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, and the chair of the State’s EMS Board,&nbsp;Dr. James E. Smith (standing on far left, at today’s briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, and the chair of the State’s EMS Board,&nbsp;Dr. James E. Smith (standing on far left, at today’s briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that COVID-19 testing will come to several new communities this week.&nbsp; Test Nebraska will&nbsp;continue in Lincoln and Omaha, and other Test Nebraska mobile sites will open in North Platte, Scottsbluff, Thedford, West Point, and Dakota City.&nbsp; Additionally, the National Guard will conduct testing in David City, Fremont, Omaha, and Wahoo in conjunction with the State’s public health lab.At this afternoon’s press conference, the Governor also designated May 17-23, 2020 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in Nebraska.&nbsp; Dr. James E. Smith, emergency medicine physician at Great Plains Health and chair of the State’s EMS Board, accepted the official proclamation on behalf of the state’s EMS professionals.Gov. Ricketts: Six Rules Reminder·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the month of May, we are reminding people to follow our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home.&nbsp; Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limit.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work. &nbsp;Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports and no playgrounds.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7Cddcdd8dd72ba4ed3d06a08d7fb720738%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637254339478551843&amp;sdata=G7rSDG%2BSnlIgbxdi8HCh4ioAttG0midTnFOq9WHHRvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week we are deploying testing in the following communities:o&nbsp;&nbsp;National Guard: Wahoo, Omaha, Fremont, and David Cityo&nbsp;&nbsp;National Guard with Test Nebraska: Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Thedford, West Point, and Dakota City.Gov. Ricketts: EMS Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emergency rooms and Emergency Medical Services professionals across the state have been helping to deliver outstanding care throughout the pandemic.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to thank every professional and volunteer who is helping take care of people during this very difficult time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They have some of the hardest jobs in the state.&nbsp; They take care of people in tough situations when their health is on the line.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To honor their work, I am signing a proclamation declaring Emergency Medical Services Week in Nebraska.Dr. Jim Smith: EMS Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Nebraskans call 9-1-1, a host of people spring into action to provide help.o&nbsp;&nbsp;A dispatcher quickly gathers critical information to determine which assets to deploy to the situation.o&nbsp;&nbsp;A law enforcement officer may be the first to arrive on the scene, rendering life-saving treatment such as CPR, defibrillation, or stopping active bleeding while EMS personnel are on the way.o&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS providers then arrive.&nbsp; They may be first responders, EMTs, paramedics, or nurses. &nbsp;Firefighters also assist in giving care while helping to extricate the victim.o&nbsp;&nbsp;The patient is then rapidly transported to an emergency department, while treatment is administered in a moving vehicle or in the back of a helicopter.o&nbsp;&nbsp;At the emergency department, hospital staff seek to treat and stabilize patients. &nbsp;In some cases, EMS personnel must again transport critically injured patients to a higher level of care.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dedicated maintenance personnel keep ambulances and aircrafts at a mission-ready status. &nbsp;Drivers and pilots have the difficult task of providing timely and safe transportation.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-clinical staff in offices, hospitals, EMS bases, fire agencies, and government agencies give much-needed support to the system.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Training agencies work tirelessly to equip EMS staff to the best of their abilities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the end of the day, someone has to make the conscious decision to answer the call for help.&nbsp; This call requires them to put their lives and well-being on the line.&nbsp; This has been especially true during the pandemic.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, there’s always someone left behind—a spouse, child, parent, or friend—who watches their loved one walk out the door to answer the call and who prays for their safety.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, the EMS community is supporting those affected by the crisis while also responding to the everyday emergencies that continue to occur.&nbsp; During the pandemic, they’ve faced challenges such as limited personal protective equipment (PPE) or having teammates stricken by the virus.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now more than ever, it is important that we honor and celebrate our EMS professionals as they support the health and wellbeing of our state and our nation.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/yvn48f11f0xpq7r/Press%20Conf%205.18.2020.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts announces new COVID-19 testing sites, proclaims 'EMS Week' in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is warning that the coronavirus pandemic will likely lead to state budget cuts and force lawmakers to water down two of his biggest priorities, including a property tax bill for farmers and homeowners and a new business incentive package. 

His comments came after lawmakers announced plans to resume their regular session on July 20.

 It’s not clear whether the property tax or business incentive measures had enough support to pass even before the pandemic. But the economic damage caused by business closures and social distancing has already led to a sharp downturn in state revenue, making it much harder to approve either proposal.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is warning that the coronavirus pandemic will likely lead to state budget cuts and force lawmakers to water down two of his biggest priorities, including a property tax bill for farmers and homeowners and a new business incentive package. His comments came after lawmakers announced plans to resume their regular session on July 20. It’s not clear whether the property tax or business incentive measures had enough support to pass even before the pandemic. But the economic damage caused by business closures and social distancing has already led to a sharp downturn in state revenue, making it much harder to approve either proposal.

Ricketts: Virus will force belt-tightening in state budget

LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) and many other law enforcement agencies across the state are teaming up to encourage seat belt use during the annual spring “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

“Travel patterns and road-trip vacations have certainly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s still important&nbsp;for everyone on the road to drive safely and buckle up,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers continue to patrol Nebraska’s roadways and will be working hard all summer to keep Nebraska safe.”

The campaign runs from May 18-May 31, which includes Memorial Day Weekend. The effort coincides with the mission of the&nbsp;Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) to continue the increase of seat belt use in Nebraska.

Troopers will perform high-visibility patrols throughout the campaign. This effort is made possible thanks in part to a&nbsp;grant for $25,000 from NDOT-HSO.

LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) and many other law enforcement agencies across the state are teaming up to encourage seat belt use during the annual spring “Click It or Ticket” campaign.“Travel patterns and road-trip vacations have certainly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s still important&nbsp;for everyone on the road to drive safely and buckle up,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers continue to patrol Nebraska’s roadways and will be working hard all summer to keep Nebraska safe.”The campaign runs from May 18-May 31, which includes Memorial Day Weekend. The effort coincides with the mission of the&nbsp;Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) to continue the increase of seat belt use in Nebraska.Troopers will perform high-visibility patrols throughout the campaign. This effort is made possible thanks in part to a&nbsp;grant for $25,000 from NDOT-HSO.

'Click It or Ticket' Campaign begins

The St. Agnes Academy 8th&nbsp;grade graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 13th,&nbsp;drive through style&nbsp;to comply with Social Distancing measures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.&nbsp;This date was exactly two months from the last day of their “regular” in class sessions. This 8th&nbsp;grade class, as well as the rest of the St. Agnes Academy Pre-K though grade 7 students and their families, was resilient and confronted the daunting&nbsp;task of on-line remote learning through Microsoft TEAMS, Facebook, Zoom, and Google Classroom as well as other packet instructions as assigned by the SAA staff. It was an extraordinary endeavor; one that will be looked back on with amazement for all affected&nbsp;by this unprecedented time in current history.

The staff and families made this once-in-a-lifetime celebration special even under the restricted circumstances. Seventh grade students “traditionally” host the graduation reception for the 8th&nbsp;grade&nbsp;class, but that wasn’t an option, so they displayed posters, sprayed silly string while staying by their family’s cars, cheering and honking car horns as the 8th&nbsp;Grade Graduates and their families drove past. Tentative plans include these graduates&nbsp;being recognized at a mass sometime in the future when attendance in the church is made possible. The 11 SAA 8th&nbsp;Grade Graduates include: Morgan LeMunyan, Jonah Amill, Matthias Benzel, Tate Thompson, Angel Trejo, Hailey Karell, Keegan Busch, Keaton&nbsp;Mann, Mario Rodriquez, Ava Weingart, and Mason Trumble. They plan to attend Alliance High School in the Fall of 2020.

St. Agnes Academy Pre-School Graduation was held in a similar style the previous week on May 7th. Pre-school Educator Jenell Martinez, Fr. Tim Stoner, and Principal, Rodney Wilhelm, were stationed on&nbsp;one side of the parking lot behind the specially decorated graduation station. Each car with the family and their graduate, wearing a graduation cap given to them upon entering the parking lot by paraeducator, Ashley Weingart, drove up one at a time where&nbsp;each graduate was given their diploma certificate through their car window.&nbsp;

By Mrs. Laurie Gould, SAA Staff<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589829878905.jpeg" alt="Mrs. Martinez, Mr. Wilhelm, and Fr. Tim giving his blessing before this unique graduation ceremony.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mrs. Martinez, Mr. Wilhelm, and Fr. Tim giving his blessing before this unique graduation ceremony.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Agnes Academy 8th&nbsp;grade graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 13th,&nbsp;drive through style&nbsp;to comply with Social Distancing measures due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.&nbsp;This date was exactly two months from the last day of their “regular” in class sessions. This 8th&nbsp;grade class, as well as the rest of the St. Agnes Academy Pre-K though grade 7 students and their families, was resilient and confronted the daunting&nbsp;task of on-line remote learning through Microsoft TEAMS, Facebook, Zoom, and Google Classroom as well as other packet instructions as assigned by the SAA staff. It was an extraordinary endeavor; one that will be looked back on with amazement for all affected&nbsp;by this unprecedented time in current history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589829975794.jpeg" alt="The Johnson family giving thumbs up while they wait for their graduate’s turn." />
 <figcaption>The Johnson family giving thumbs up while they wait for their graduate’s turn.</figcaption>
 </figure>The staff and families made this once-in-a-lifetime celebration special even under the restricted circumstances. Seventh grade students “traditionally” host the graduation reception for the 8th&nbsp;grade&nbsp;class, but that wasn’t an option, so they displayed posters, sprayed silly string while staying by their family’s cars, cheering and honking car horns as the 8th&nbsp;Grade Graduates and their families drove past. Tentative plans include these graduates&nbsp;being recognized at a mass sometime in the future when attendance in the church is made possible. The 11 SAA 8th&nbsp;Grade Graduates include: Morgan LeMunyan, Jonah Amill, Matthias Benzel, Tate Thompson, Angel Trejo, Hailey Karell, Keegan Busch, Keaton&nbsp;Mann, Mario Rodriquez, Ava Weingart, and Mason Trumble. They plan to attend Alliance High School in the Fall of 2020.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589830017861.jpeg" alt="The Trumble family waiting for their graduate’s turn to receive his diploma.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Trumble family waiting for their graduate’s turn to receive his diploma.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Agnes Academy Pre-School Graduation was held in a similar style the previous week on May 7th. Pre-school Educator Jenell Martinez, Fr. Tim Stoner, and Principal, Rodney Wilhelm, were stationed on&nbsp;one side of the parking lot behind the specially decorated graduation station. Each car with the family and their graduate, wearing a graduation cap given to them upon entering the parking lot by paraeducator, Ashley Weingart, drove up one at a time where&nbsp;each graduate was given their diploma certificate through their car window.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589830178104.jpeg" alt="SAA school board president, Tom Burke, SAA Principal, Rodney Wilhelm, and Fr. Tim Stoner in front of the school on the blacktop presenting the graduates with their diplomas and awards.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>SAA school board president, Tom Burke, SAA Principal, Rodney Wilhelm, and Fr. Tim Stoner in front of the school on the blacktop presenting the graduates with their diplomas and awards.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Agnes Academy graduation 2020

CHADRON – Each spring, Chadron State College Blue Key and Cardinal Key national honor societies host an event called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=11003" target="_blank">Ivy Day</a>&nbsp;that include academic awards for seniors graduating in May and the previous December. This year, due to safety precautions to avoid spread of COVID-19, Ivy Day was one of many postponed campus activities. Ivy Day honors senior students who have excelled academically and each academic program recognizes its outstanding scholars. Students who graduate with honors also receive their medallions.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jim Powell congratulated the graduates on their academic accomplishments.

“These awards recognize years of outstanding performance. We are proud of you and look forward to hearing about your continued success in the next phase of your life. Go Eagles,” Powell said.

Ivy Day and the Platinum Eagle awards will resume in 2021.

Ainsworth: Wacey Gallegos, Molecular Biology

Alliance: Jordan Mak, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business; Jordan Mills, Physical Education; Kelly Steinman, Psychological Sciences

Chadron: Jacqueline Dailey, Rangeland Wildlife; Celeste Lee, Communication; Mikaela Stephenson, English Education

Drake: Elizabeth Rotherham, Justices Studies with an Emphasis in Pre-Law

Ellsworth: Mickenzie Brennan, Health Education

Gering: Michael Gillen, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business; Michael Gillen, Finance; Abby Kiesel, Elementary Education; Jefferson Lenoir, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business

Gordon: Toi Riggs, Social Work; Micah Scherbarth, Rangeland Livestock

Gurley: Mikaela Franzen, Family Consumer Sciences with an Emphasis in Education

Hampton: Courtney Smith, Theatre Stage Management

Juniata: Samuel Klammer, Outstanding Student in Business

Kimball: Kallie Bush, Music; Jessica Hanks, English Education

Mitchell: Edward Grentz, Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law

Morrill: Marina McCreary, Rangeland Ecology

North Platte: Elizabeth Fletcher, Elementary Education; Emily Parker, Social Work

Rushville: Rebecca Wellnitz, Human Biology

Scottsbluff: Spencer Griess, Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement; Katelyn Lambert, Communication; Jared Pilkington, Agribusiness

Thedford: Avery Taylor, Special Education

Colorado Springs: Nalani Stewart, Creative Writing

Grand Junction: Collier Westcott, Sports and Recreation Management

Snyder: Kaylee Osier, Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Forensic Studies; Shelby Wolever, Family Consumer Sciences with an Emphasis in Child Studies

Westminster: Alyssa Geist, Special Education

Burdock: Miles Englebert, Science-Biology

Elm Springs: Celine Trask, Accounting CPA

Estelline: Shanie Hollenbeck, Theatre Performance

Hill City: Taylor Sandven, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business

Greybull: Calder Forcella, Social Science

Huntley: Sara Kostur, Top Gun Award for the Top score on a National Exam in Business

Riverton: Rachel Mitchel, English Literature

Orlando, Fla.: Andrea Ponce, Psychological Sciences

Bremen, Ga.: Chessa Parker, Legal Studies

Nampa, Idaho: Leslie Beckman, Social Work

Saline, Kan.: Caitlin Gustafson, Biological Resources

Midland, Texas: Faith Nelson, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business

New Braunfels, Texas: Justin Williamson, Top Gun Award for the Top score on a National Exam in Business

West Valley, Utah: Melisa Kadic, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business, Accounting

Longview, Wash.: Elizabeth Dahl, Special Education

Thane West, India: Viraj Faria, Mathematics

South Surrey, Canada: Jeremy Bilbrey, Business Information Systems

Hanoi, Vietnam: Yen Nguyen, Communication

Chadron: Eli Goff, Alexandria Nobiling, Mikaela Stephenson

Gering: Brent Barge, Michael Gillen, Abby Kiesel

Scottsbluff: Katelyn Lambert, Jared Pilkington

By CSC College Relations<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589823772629.jpeg" alt="Dr. Randy Rhine, president of Chadron State College, exits Memorial Hall following graduate commencement May 10, 2014. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Randy Rhine, president of Chadron State College, exits Memorial Hall following graduate commencement May 10, 2014. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – Each spring, Chadron State College Blue Key and Cardinal Key national honor societies host an event called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=11003" target="_blank">Ivy Day</a>&nbsp;that include academic awards for seniors graduating in May and the previous December. This year, due to safety precautions to avoid spread of COVID-19, Ivy Day was one of many postponed campus activities. Ivy Day honors senior students who have excelled academically and each academic program recognizes its outstanding scholars. Students who graduate with honors also receive their medallions.Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jim Powell congratulated the graduates on their academic accomplishments.“These awards recognize years of outstanding performance. We are proud of you and look forward to hearing about your continued success in the next phase of your life. Go Eagles,” Powell said.Ivy Day and the Platinum Eagle awards will resume in 2021.Academic AwardsNebraskaAinsworth: Wacey Gallegos, Molecular BiologyAlliance: Jordan Mak, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business; Jordan Mills, Physical Education; Kelly Steinman, Psychological SciencesCambridge: Karla Whipple, MarketingChadron: Jacqueline Dailey, Rangeland Wildlife; Celeste Lee, Communication; Mikaela Stephenson, English EducationDrake: Elizabeth Rotherham, Justices Studies with an Emphasis in Pre-LawEllsworth: Mickenzie Brennan, Health EducationGering: Michael Gillen, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business; Michael Gillen, Finance; Abby Kiesel, Elementary Education; Jefferson Lenoir, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in BusinessGordon: Toi Riggs, Social Work; Micah Scherbarth, Rangeland LivestockGurley: Mikaela Franzen, Family Consumer Sciences with an Emphasis in EducationHampton: Courtney Smith, Theatre Stage ManagementJuniata: Samuel Klammer, Outstanding Student in BusinessKimball: Kallie Bush, Music; Jessica Hanks, English EducationMitchell: Edward Grentz, Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in LawMoorefield: John Klintworth, HistoryMorrill: Marina McCreary, Rangeland EcologyNorfolk: Blair Wagner, Criminal JusticeNorth Platte: Elizabeth Fletcher, Elementary Education; Emily Parker, Social WorkOmaha: Dan Preister, Business EducationPaxton: Joel Schroeder, Human BiologyPierce: Kayla Reinke, ArtRushville: Rebecca Wellnitz, Human BiologyScottsbluff: Spencer Griess, Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement; Katelyn Lambert, Communication; Jared Pilkington, AgribusinessThedford: Avery Taylor, Special EducationColoradoColorado Springs: Nalani Stewart, Creative WritingGrand Junction: Collier Westcott, Sports and Recreation ManagementGreeley: Caitlin Stroh, FinanceSnyder: Kaylee Osier, Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Forensic Studies; Shelby Wolever, Family Consumer Sciences with an Emphasis in Child StudiesTimnath: Travis Mills, General BusinessWestminster: Alyssa Geist, Special EducationSouth DakotaBurdock: Miles Englebert, Science-BiologyElm Springs: Celine Trask, Accounting CPAEstelline: Shanie Hollenbeck, Theatre PerformanceHill City: Taylor Sandven, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in BusinessRapid City: Lukas Klueber, ManagementWyomingCasper: Joseph Keating, ChemistryDouglas: Michaela Hill, Social WorkGreybull: Calder Forcella, Social ScienceHuntley: Sara Kostur, Top Gun Award for the Top score on a National Exam in BusinessRiverton: Rachel Mitchel, English LiteratureTorrington: Elias Chavez, Social ScienceOther States and CountriesOrlando, Fla.: Andrea Ponce, Psychological SciencesBremen, Ga.: Chessa Parker, Legal StudiesNampa, Idaho: Leslie Beckman, Social WorkSaline, Kan.: Caitlin Gustafson, Biological ResourcesMidland, Texas: Faith Nelson, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in BusinessNew Braunfels, Texas: Justin Williamson, Top Gun Award for the Top score on a National Exam in BusinessWest Valley, Utah: Melisa Kadic, Academic Achievement on a National Exam in Business, AccountingLongview, Wash.: Elizabeth Dahl, Special EducationThane West, India: Viraj Faria, MathematicsSouth Surrey, Canada: Jeremy Bilbrey, Business Information SystemsHanoi, Vietnam: Yen Nguyen, CommunicationSumma Cum LaudeNebraskaAlliance: Mitchell MartinBellwood: Mariah FazChadron: Eli Goff, Alexandria Nobiling, Mikaela StephensonDrake: Elizabeth RotherhamEllsworth: Mickenzie BrennanGering: Brent Barge, Michael Gillen, Abby KieselGothenburg: Jaime BurkinkKimball: Jessica HanksNorfolk: Travis MillikanNorth Platte: Elizabeth FletcherOshkosh: Courtney StegmanPaxton: Joel SchroederRushville: Rebecca WellnitzScottsbluff: Katelyn Lambert, Jared PilkingtonThedford: Avery TaylorSouth DakotaHill City: Taylor SandvenRapid City: Jon Hansen, Randee ThayerWyomingCasper: Joseph Keating, Rhett ReyesHulett: Kaycee MonnensLingle: Cody PowellRiverton: Rachel MitchellTorrington: Elias ChavezOther StatesBremen, Ga.: Chessa ParkerFountain Inn, S.C.: Lukasz SternikMagna Cum LaudeColoradoBrush: Kamille SweenieColorado Springs: Nalani StewartGrand Junction: Collier WestcottSnyder: Kaylee OsierNebraskaAlliance: Jordan Mills, Kelly SteinmanAshby: Brook JamisonBellwood: William ReiterChadron: Jackson Dickerson, Celeste LeeEmmet: Christa WentworthGering: Mason Marsh, Amanda Schultz, Zoë Van DykeGordon: Toi RiggsGretna: Jennifer SellersImperial: Sonya Ourada-SchilkeJuniata: Samuel KlammerLeigh: Kolton HeldNorfolk: Blair WagnerNorth Platte: Kimberli Harmon, Mitchell ParishScottsbluff: Ty Benson, Alissa SweleySouth DakotaSpearfish: Ashton BurdittSturgis: Christina CulverhouseWyomingSheridan: Annalee BaileyTen Sleep: Ashlee GorhamTorrington: Pamela PierceOther State and CountriesMidland, Texas: Faith NelsonSouth Surrey, Canada: Jeremy BilbreyHiroshima, Japan: Riku KitamuraCum LaudeColoradoColorado Springs: Braylee HarbertFort Collins: William MorganWiggins: Laura WalkerNebraskaAinsworth: Jayden PhilbenBridgeport: Cole RetchlessBroken Bow: Hannah SmithChadron: Jacqueline Dailey, Andrew SmithCurtis: Terri OsbornGrand Island: Tucker VahleGurley: Mikaela FranzenHenderson: Eve VanderneckHoldrege: Katie ReedKimball: Kallie BushMitchell: Edward GrentzMoorefield: John KlintworthNorth Platte: Kayleigh BacaPierce: Kayla ReinkeSouth DakotaBurdock: Miles EnglebertInterior: Logan BowersOnida: Kori WeischedelRapid City: Lukas KlueberWyomingCasper: Stevann BrownCheyenne: Alexandria WilliamsonGreybull: Calder ForcellaLovell: Brianna HarveyLusk: Rachel LashmettTorrington: David BeckerOther StatesNew Braunfels, Texas: Justin WilliamsonLongview, Wash.: Elizabeth Dahl

CSC announces academic awards for 2020 graduates

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Hotel and campground operators in the Black Hills say the past couple of months have been rough on business due to the coronavirus outbreak, but they’re encouraged that tourists are making reservations for summer travel. 

Hospitality businesses are preparing for visitors with extra cleaning protocols and safety practices.

 Visit Rapid City CEO Julie Schmitz Jensen tells the Rapid City Journal that businesses are familiar with the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

She says with safety protocol in place, it will not be a typical tourist season.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Hotel and campground operators in the Black Hills say the past couple of months have been rough on business due to the coronavirus outbreak, but they’re encouraged that tourists are making reservations for summer travel. Hospitality businesses are preparing for visitors with extra cleaning protocols and safety practices. Visit Rapid City CEO Julie Schmitz Jensen tells the Rapid City Journal that businesses are familiar with the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She says with safety protocol in place, it will not be a typical tourist season.&nbsp;

Black Hills tourism businesses say there's reason for hope

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Harnessing today's technology to the task of fighting the coronavirus pandemic is turning out to be more complicated than it first appeared. 

The first U.S. state-adopted smartphone apps for tracing the contacts of COVID-19 patients are running into technical glitches and so far have only been downloaded by a tiny fraction of residents. 

A second wave of tech-assisted pandemic surveillance tools backed by tech giants Apple and Google have other problems. 

All technology-based approaches for tracking the disease face major privacy issues, say groups like the ACLU, which has a new white paper on the danger of building a new surveillance state in the name of public health.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Harnessing today's technology to the task of fighting the coronavirus pandemic is turning out to be more complicated than it first appeared. The first U.S. state-adopted smartphone apps for tracing the contacts of COVID-19 patients are running into technical glitches and so far have only been downloaded by a tiny fraction of residents. A second wave of tech-assisted pandemic surveillance tools backed by tech giants Apple and Google have other problems. All technology-based approaches for tracking the disease face major privacy issues, say groups like the ACLU, which has a new white paper on the danger of building a new surveillance state in the name of public health.

Tech-assisted COVID-19 tracking is having some issues

By Amity Palmer,&nbsp;Director of Tourism/BBDC Assistant Director

-To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow!! Hope abounds in the blooms of Spring. Gardening whether for its beauty, sustenance, or any reason at all, is a wonderful way we can get out now and enjoy the weather. There are too many benefits to list here, but I encourage you to dig in the dirt and get to our local garden centers and floral shops for all your needs. Many of them offer pick up or delivery services to keep you safe during these difficult times. This is a timeless activity for all ages from babies to baby boomers! Never underestimate the healing power of a quiet moment in the garden.

-Cruisin’ the Butte is on for this Saturday with $5 popcorn sold to you right in your vehicle thanks to the Alliance Theatre and a huge celebration for our 2020 Senior class graduates.&nbsp; A very heartfelt congratulations goes out to our Alliance Senior class of 2020!!! For more details you can visit Alliance Nebraska, Our Hometown on Facebook.

-Please remember to follow your local, state, and national guidelines for health and safety for any activities. Also, due to the current evolving status of the COVID-19 virus, all events are subject to change. Please contact each event’s coordinator directly to verify any changes or cancellations.

By Amity Palmer,&nbsp;Director of Tourism/BBDC Assistant Director-To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow!! Hope abounds in the blooms of Spring. Gardening whether for its beauty, sustenance, or any reason at all, is a wonderful way we can get out now and enjoy the weather. There are too many benefits to list here, but I encourage you to dig in the dirt and get to our local garden centers and floral shops for all your needs. Many of them offer pick up or delivery services to keep you safe during these difficult times. This is a timeless activity for all ages from babies to baby boomers! Never underestimate the healing power of a quiet moment in the garden.-Cruisin’ the Butte is on for this Saturday with $5 popcorn sold to you right in your vehicle thanks to the Alliance Theatre and a huge celebration for our 2020 Senior class graduates.&nbsp; A very heartfelt congratulations goes out to our Alliance Senior class of 2020!!! For more details you can visit Alliance Nebraska, Our Hometown on Facebook.-Please remember to follow your local, state, and national guidelines for health and safety for any activities. Also, due to the current evolving status of the COVID-19 virus, all events are subject to change. Please contact each event’s coordinator directly to verify any changes or cancellations.

Box Butte Co. activity report, May 18 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say more cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed at a western Omaha nursing home that reported scores of cases last week.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that two more residents and five more staff members of Life Care Center of Elkhorn have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Last week, officials reported that 68 cases of the virus had been confirmed among residents and staff at the nursing facility in Omaha's Elkhorn community. 

The state's online coronavirus tracker showed no new COVID-19 deaths were reported Sunday, but 128 new cases were confirmed across the state.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials say more cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed at a western Omaha nursing home that reported scores of cases last week. The Omaha World-Herald reports that two more residents and five more staff members of Life Care Center of Elkhorn have tested positive for COVID-19. The new cases were reported Sunday. Last week, officials reported that 68 cases of the virus had been confirmed among residents and staff at the nursing facility in Omaha's Elkhorn community. The state's online coronavirus tracker showed no new COVID-19 deaths were reported Sunday, but 128 new cases were confirmed across the state.

More COVID-19 cases confirmed at Omaha nursing home

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Health officials say the first outbreak of the coronavirus at a nursing home in Wyoming has infected at least nine people.

 The Wyoming Department of Health said Sunday that five employees and four residents at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation have been found to have COVID-19 so far.

 A department spokesperson said more test results were pending, but officials believe all the residents and employees at the facility have been tested. The testing began after staff members became sick and sought medical care. 

It's not clear how the virus was introduced into the facility. 

There was an outbreak at an assisted living facility in Lander in March, but none at a nursing home until now.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Health officials say the first outbreak of the coronavirus at a nursing home in Wyoming has infected at least nine people. The Wyoming Department of Health said Sunday that five employees and four residents at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation have been found to have COVID-19 so far. A department spokesperson said more test results were pending, but officials believe all the residents and employees at the facility have been tested. The testing began after staff members became sick and sought medical care. It's not clear how the virus was introduced into the facility. There was an outbreak at an assisted living facility in Lander in March, but none at a nursing home until now.

Coronavirus Update