The City of Chadron is reminding all citizens not to flush items down the toilet besides toilet paper. Even though a product is small enough to be flushed, does not mean it should be.

Flushing items that are not to be flushed, including those labeled “flushable” can lead to problems in the sewer pipes, the wastewater treatment plant and the environment.


The City of Chadron is reminding all citizens not to flush items down the toilet besides toilet paper. Even though a product is small enough to be flushed, does not mean it should be.Flushing items that are not to be flushed, including those labeled “flushable” can lead to problems in the sewer pipes, the wastewater treatment plant and the environment.
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City of Chadron reminds residents to only flush toilet paper

Watch Mayor Michael B. Hancock and executive directors from the City and County of Denver announce a Stay At Home order and other important updates to Denver’s COVID-19 response.

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCityandCountyofDenver%2Fvideos%2F824664988040407%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Watch Mayor Michael B. Hancock and executive directors from the City and County of Denver announce a Stay At Home order and other important updates to Denver’s COVID-19 response.

VIDEO: Mayor of Denver issues Stay at Home order

From Dalsey Lambley, Edward Jones Financial Advisor

In today's challenging times,&nbsp;Edward&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;financial advisors are thinking about the health of their clients, their families&nbsp;and their colleagues, what's happening in their communities and the effect of Covid-19 on the markets.

Local Financial Advisors&nbsp;Dalsey Lambley &amp; Rich Otto&nbsp;are taking steps to protect the health and well-being of clients, associates, families and communities. To help mitigate this crisis, they are suspending face-to-face visits with clients, holding virtual meetings and training sessions and ensuring office spaces are sanitized and disinfected.

Of course, people's financial situations also weigh on their minds. the current market selloff is certainly concerning, but it seems to be driven more by fear and panic than by economic or financial reality.

Monetary and fiscal policy are necessary, but at the end of the day, it will be the medical progress that will dictate the timeline for reducing market volatility and the ultimate rebound in stocks.

Edward&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;expects daily volatility to persist until new virus cases begin to slow, but investors should find optimism in these facts: prior to the epidemic, unemployment was near a 50-year low, with solid wage growth; there was an uptick in the housing market, which may accelerate due to declining mortgage rates; and the Federal Reserve has cut short-term interest rates back to near 0 percent.

Furthermore, the drop in investment prices may indicate that the financial markets have already "priced in" the likelihood of a short-term recession. This could mean that investors have already endured much of the stock market pain. Yet, even a short recession&nbsp;is of concern since it's likely to bring at least a temporary disruption to an otherwise strong labor market.

For investors wondering what to do now,&nbsp;Dalsey and Rich&nbsp;offer these suggestions:

First, remember why you're investing. With the market decline, people will be tempted to change their investment strategies. But they need to keep in mind that most of their financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement are long-term in nature - a lot longer-term than the shelf life of the coronavirus. If investors have established a long-term strategy that's appropriate for their needs, they should stick with it regardless of today's headlines.

However, individuals who are particularly concerned over the current results of their investment statements might want to evaluate their risk tolerance. For those who may be losing sleep over what is going&nbsp;on in the markets, it is possible the portfolio is positioned&nbsp;too aggressively for the amount of risk that feels comfortable. In that case, investors are advised to work with&nbsp;their financial advisor to consider adjusting the investment mix to include more fixed-income securities, which can provide some downside protection; but there is a trade-off because this might be affecting long-term growth potential.

Finally, now might actually be a good time for investors to consider actually adding to their portfolios. Right now, many stocks are at their best values&nbsp;in more than a decade. For those needing to rebalance a portfolio, this could be a good time to do so.

Ultimately, investors need to realize that, while these are somewhat uncharted times, the temptation to panic should be fought. Emotions are running high right now, and while everyone's top priority should be to protect themselves, their families and their communities, it is still important not to lose sight of their financial well-being. For that, the best thing to do is look past short-term downturns and maintain the discipline to keep investing in all types of markets.

Edward&nbsp;Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments its financial advisors offer to the location of its branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm's 18,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients and care for $1 trillion in assets under management. Visit our website at&nbsp;edwardjones.com and recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.



From Dalsey Lambley, Edward Jones Financial AdvisorIn today's challenging times,&nbsp;Edward&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;financial advisors are thinking about the health of their clients, their families&nbsp;and their colleagues, what's happening in their communities and the effect of Covid-19 on the markets.Local Financial Advisors&nbsp;Dalsey Lambley &amp; Rich Otto&nbsp;are taking steps to protect the health and well-being of clients, associates, families and communities. To help mitigate this crisis, they are suspending face-to-face visits with clients, holding virtual meetings and training sessions and ensuring office spaces are sanitized and disinfected.Of course, people's financial situations also weigh on their minds. the current market selloff is certainly concerning, but it seems to be driven more by fear and panic than by economic or financial reality.Monetary and fiscal policy are necessary, but at the end of the day, it will be the medical progress that will dictate the timeline for reducing market volatility and the ultimate rebound in stocks.Edward&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;expects daily volatility to persist until new virus cases begin to slow, but investors should find optimism in these facts: prior to the epidemic, unemployment was near a 50-year low, with solid wage growth; there was an uptick in the housing market, which may accelerate due to declining mortgage rates; and the Federal Reserve has cut short-term interest rates back to near 0 percent.Furthermore, the drop in investment prices may indicate that the financial markets have already "priced in" the likelihood of a short-term recession. This could mean that investors have already endured much of the stock market pain. Yet, even a short recession&nbsp;is of concern since it's likely to bring at least a temporary disruption to an otherwise strong labor market.For investors wondering what to do now,&nbsp;Dalsey and Rich&nbsp;offer these suggestions:First, remember why you're investing. With the market decline, people will be tempted to change their investment strategies. But they need to keep in mind that most of their financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement are long-term in nature - a lot longer-term than the shelf life of the coronavirus. If investors have established a long-term strategy that's appropriate for their needs, they should stick with it regardless of today's headlines.However, individuals who are particularly concerned over the current results of their investment statements might want to evaluate their risk tolerance. For those who may be losing sleep over what is going&nbsp;on in the markets, it is possible the portfolio is positioned&nbsp;too aggressively for the amount of risk that feels comfortable. In that case, investors are advised to work with&nbsp;their financial advisor to consider adjusting the investment mix to include more fixed-income securities, which can provide some downside protection; but there is a trade-off because this might be affecting long-term growth potential.Finally, now might actually be a good time for investors to consider actually adding to their portfolios. Right now, many stocks are at their best values&nbsp;in more than a decade. For those needing to rebalance a portfolio, this could be a good time to do so.Ultimately, investors need to realize that, while these are somewhat uncharted times, the temptation to panic should be fought. Emotions are running high right now, and while everyone's top priority should be to protect themselves, their families and their communities, it is still important not to lose sight of their financial well-being. For that, the best thing to do is look past short-term downturns and maintain the discipline to keep investing in all types of markets.Edward&nbsp;Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments its financial advisors offer to the location of its branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm's 18,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients and care for $1 trillion in assets under management. Visit our website at&nbsp;edwardjones.com and recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

Edward Jones: Support for community is a top priority

Goodlettsville, Tennessee – As the heightened demand for household essentials offered by Dollar General stores continues across the country amid COVID-19 concerns, the Company plans to nearly double its normal hiring rate and add up to 50,000 employees by the end of April as it continues to diligently work to support customers’ needs.

“We are proud to serve as one of America’s essential retailers, and we believe our customers are relying on us now more than ever to provide an affordable, convenient retail option,” said Kathy Reardon, Dollar General’s senior vice president and chief people officer. “The Dollar General family continues to do its part in helping our customers and neighbors during these unprecedented times. We invite individuals looking to start or grow a career, as well as for those whose job may be temporarily impacted by COVID-19,&nbsp;to apply for opportunities to help further our mission of&nbsp;Serving Others.”

Dollar General currently operates more than 16,300 stores in 45 states, and approximately 75 percent of the American population is within five miles of a Dollar General. The Company also operates 17 traditional distribution centers, five DG Fresh cold storage facilities and its private fleet network. Candidates can learn more about a variety of opportunities across the Dollar General network and apply for available openings&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTVIhV2zSr4vcwVajumLvwqj59CcFVzI0YzW5ghOMT4x1-2ByqdFr8gWWSWbtjlOf-2BCYnLD097y9VMFQe6Jgc80eFmBr-2BfYZlxPa-2BgV0YYM9idwmVb_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXo9TtmY9YE0vnwxUDR5BozD5oQqFPKb03xLV42aq9ThuSufxcq47tnXW4Pf-2B-2FfUzNqsKOrsVPXq2YYklSzeiuybmFR0FMoxEjZaYAJxDy9esj2m8qr0WTYzZqUqq0wlskKRXyT1HrjABw7ti3MCHr-2FXrBDAQzq2eAbvHoTRF4FBOoRt0xTFGwZNcYNeXr9IqV9izM3qf4l5LnwAPEoVc0vXLcc890u0V7IlAWMLL4bEiY85wgWx9oMcqk8II0flWWc-3D" target="_blank">here</a>.

Dollar General is proud to invest in its employees as a competitive advantage. In keeping with that commitment, the Company provides employees with competitive wages, world-class and award-winning training and development programs and expansive benefits including day-one eligibility to telemedicine,&nbsp;health insurance coverage options, 401K savings and retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, Dollar General’s Employee Assistance Foundation, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and much more.

While Dollar General currently anticipates the majority of these roles to be temporary, the Company has a strong track record of career growth and anticipates providing long-term career growth opportunities to some of these new employees.&nbsp; In the past five years alone, Dollar General has added approximately 35,000 net new jobs to the American economy, growing its workforce from 105,000 employees in February 2015 to more than 143,000 current employees.

Dollar General was recently listed among&nbsp;Fortune&nbsp;magazine’s 2020 list of World’s Most Admired Companies and named as&nbsp;Mass Market Retailer’s Retailer of the Year.

For additional information, photographs or items to supplement a story, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=VnIC4pyKWBIZdl2xIfjF4OZw4PECLpLRai82oEOjdZsI7ZBGzsP5uw9KvorddQcJbrV6_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXo9TtmY9YE0vnwxUDR5BozD5oQqFPKb03xLV42aq9ThuSufxcq47tnXW4Pf-2B-2FfUzNqsKOrsVPXq2YYklSzeiuybmFR0FMoxEjZaYAJxDy9esuIbhKVzv-2FOHLdN7Zq5S8lU24TLvgi8qEm-2Bu4UXxAaWEYROEaTA3bMYYuv9-2BwNYYyrtmzkXY1U3WuFqGwMrJHXPo8z64COPH1Zb9dwgE07AHjBLdoM3fFCmU68ki-2BSgR70C-2FNLM6n4sMjIWMc8DReUs-3D" target="_blank">Dollar General Newsroom&nbsp;</a>or contact the Media Relations Department at 1-877-944-DGPR (3477) or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dgpr@dg.com" target="_blank">dgpr@dg.com</a>.

Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 16,278&nbsp;stores in 44 states as of January 31, 2020. In addition to high-quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America's most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter &amp; Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg's, General Mills, and PepsiCo. Learn more about Dollar General at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=qa2IbKGitjgQYp6e-2BOdtLerrV13NHhb5UL9S4pkGvuI25LOI8A8RpmH-2BazMYGRSRXeYzKFY5E-2BDUVfPBJ733L149LQQnW1qzwfmPDhJreRALVJDncTERgjHk96SFC7UGJqq7tjk9li416D9-2Fp4yjcxwsMJdR7Bewz-2BzW8O7sK9M6dWF6TyDubIGG6FDx-2BxvnneCg-2BjDa-2BDLV9ymtYxuipimFP84uFE9SD6pv8WtW7yx48eM98u8zPiLQhUD6LLggKPDNW1l9pEW6bdYRybccgQ-3D-3D3iGO_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXo9TtmY9YE0vnwxUDR5BozD5oQqFPKb03xLV42aq9ThuSufxcq47tnXW4Pf-2B-2FfUzNqsKOrsVPXq2YYklSzeiuybmFR0FMoxEjZaYAJxDy9esoEXzrjvJv9VtVAZ8ASiL3JYDFtvqCQchBkXSuUmkZdGNW1q50eKeKdJwaL4EExHw9OBG4NIpR3prMYBYYbgVG5npFAhDPlDMEql4-2BuZQWYKQrGhpjJa1OnwGtB1d6bbTcMjOSEXR8Pb7PGBskG-2FC3k-3D" target="_blank">www.dollargeneral.com</a>.

Goodlettsville, Tennessee – As the heightened demand for household essentials offered by Dollar General stores continues across the country amid COVID-19 concerns, the Company plans to nearly double its normal hiring rate and add up to 50,000 employees by the end of April as it continues to diligently work to support customers’ needs.“We are proud to serve as one of America’s essential retailers, and we believe our customers are relying on us now more than ever to provide an affordable, convenient retail option,” said Kathy Reardon, Dollar General’s senior vice president and chief people officer. “The Dollar General family continues to do its part in helping our customers and neighbors during these unprecedented times. We invite individuals looking to start or grow a career, as well as for those whose job may be temporarily impacted by COVID-19,&nbsp;to apply for opportunities to help further our mission of&nbsp;Serving Others.”Dollar General currently operates more than 16,300 stores in 45 states, and approximately 75 percent of the American population is within five miles of a Dollar General. The Company also operates 17 traditional distribution centers, five DG Fresh cold storage facilities and its private fleet network. Candidates can learn more about a variety of opportunities across the Dollar General network and apply for available openings&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTVIhV2zSr4vcwVajumLvwqj59CcFVzI0YzW5ghOMT4x1-2ByqdFr8gWWSWbtjlOf-2BCYnLD097y9VMFQe6Jgc80eFmBr-2BfYZlxPa-2BgV0YYM9idwmVb_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXo9TtmY9YE0vnwxUDR5BozD5oQqFPKb03xLV42aq9ThuSufxcq47tnXW4Pf-2B-2FfUzNqsKOrsVPXq2YYklSzeiuybmFR0FMoxEjZaYAJxDy9esj2m8qr0WTYzZqUqq0wlskKRXyT1HrjABw7ti3MCHr-2FXrBDAQzq2eAbvHoTRF4FBOoRt0xTFGwZNcYNeXr9IqV9izM3qf4l5LnwAPEoVc0vXLcc890u0V7IlAWMLL4bEiY85wgWx9oMcqk8II0flWWc-3D" target="_blank">here</a>.Dollar General is proud to invest in its employees as a competitive advantage. In keeping with that commitment, the Company provides employees with competitive wages, world-class and award-winning training and development programs and expansive benefits including day-one eligibility to telemedicine,&nbsp;health insurance coverage options, 401K savings and retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, Dollar General’s Employee Assistance Foundation, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and much more.While Dollar General currently anticipates the majority of these roles to be temporary, the Company has a strong track record of career growth and anticipates providing long-term career growth opportunities to some of these new employees.&nbsp; In the past five years alone, Dollar General has added approximately 35,000 net new jobs to the American economy, growing its workforce from 105,000 employees in February 2015 to more than 143,000 current employees.Dollar General was recently listed among&nbsp;Fortune&nbsp;magazine’s 2020 list of World’s Most Admired Companies and named as&nbsp;Mass Market Retailer’s Retailer of the Year.For additional information, photographs or items to supplement a story, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=VnIC4pyKWBIZdl2xIfjF4OZw4PECLpLRai82oEOjdZsI7ZBGzsP5uw9KvorddQcJbrV6_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXo9TtmY9YE0vnwxUDR5BozD5oQqFPKb03xLV42aq9ThuSufxcq47tnXW4Pf-2B-2FfUzNqsKOrsVPXq2YYklSzeiuybmFR0FMoxEjZaYAJxDy9esuIbhKVzv-2FOHLdN7Zq5S8lU24TLvgi8qEm-2Bu4UXxAaWEYROEaTA3bMYYuv9-2BwNYYyrtmzkXY1U3WuFqGwMrJHXPo8z64COPH1Zb9dwgE07AHjBLdoM3fFCmU68ki-2BSgR70C-2FNLM6n4sMjIWMc8DReUs-3D" target="_blank">Dollar General Newsroom&nbsp;</a>or contact the Media Relations Department at 1-877-944-DGPR (3477) or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dgpr@dg.com" target="_blank">dgpr@dg.com</a>.About Dollar General CorporationDollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 16,278&nbsp;stores in 44 states as of January 31, 2020. In addition to high-quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America's most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter &amp; Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg's, General Mills, and PepsiCo. Learn more about Dollar General at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=qa2IbKGitjgQYp6e-2BOdtLerrV13NHhb5UL9S4pkGvuI25LOI8A8RpmH-2BazMYGRSRXeYzKFY5E-2BDUVfPBJ733L149LQQnW1qzwfmPDhJreRALVJDncTERgjHk96SFC7UGJqq7tjk9li416D9-2Fp4yjcxwsMJdR7Bewz-2BzW8O7sK9M6dWF6TyDubIGG6FDx-2BxvnneCg-2BjDa-2BDLV9ymtYxuipimFP84uFE9SD6pv8WtW7yx48eM98u8zPiLQhUD6LLggKPDNW1l9pEW6bdYRybccgQ-3D-3D3iGO_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXo9TtmY9YE0vnwxUDR5BozD5oQqFPKb03xLV42aq9ThuSufxcq47tnXW4Pf-2B-2FfUzNqsKOrsVPXq2YYklSzeiuybmFR0FMoxEjZaYAJxDy9esoEXzrjvJv9VtVAZ8ASiL3JYDFtvqCQchBkXSuUmkZdGNW1q50eKeKdJwaL4EExHw9OBG4NIpR3prMYBYYbgVG5npFAhDPlDMEql4-2BuZQWYKQrGhpjJa1OnwGtB1d6bbTcMjOSEXR8Pb7PGBskG-2FC3k-3D" target="_blank">www.dollargeneral.com</a>.

Dollar General to hire up to 50,000 new employees to support operations

"Hands .. washing hands. Reaching out .. don't touch me. I won't touch you!"

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Stay safe out there! “Hands... washing hands..” 🎶 <a href="https://t.co/QaRB1qZshp">pic.twitter.com/QaRB1qZshp</a>&mdash; Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilDiamond/status/1241584423927074818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>"Hands .. washing hands. Reaching out .. don't touch me. I won't touch you!"

Neil Diamond offers up coronavirus update to 'Sweet Caroline'

By&nbsp;Michelle Robinson,&nbsp;Box Butte County Assessor

The Box Butte Assessor’s Office has locked its doors to the public. This is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to keep employees and the public safe. 

The office is fully staffed and will continue to service constituents via phone, email, and mail.

Personal property filers can mail their depreciation schedule worksheet by May 1st&nbsp;and still be in compliance. 

Filers may also go online to&nbsp;<a href="https://personalpropertyonline.us/" target="_blank">https://personalpropertyonline.us/</a>&nbsp;to complete their filing.

Another option is to email the depreciation schedule worksheet to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bbassor@telecomwest.net" target="_blank">bbassor@telecomwest.net</a>. This email is safe and confidential.

Homestead exemption applicants are encouraged to call the office with questions.

There are two upcoming deadlines for assessment offices:

May 1st&nbsp;for personal property to be eligible for the personal property tax exemption.

As of today, 3/23/2020, there is no extension for either of these deadlines. We will make notice if there are changes.

Please call the office with any questions. We are here to serve and help. (308) 762-6100.

By&nbsp;Michelle Robinson,&nbsp;Box Butte County AssessorThe Box Butte Assessor’s Office has locked its doors to the public. This is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to keep employees and the public safe. The office is fully staffed and will continue to service constituents via phone, email, and mail.Personal property filers can mail their depreciation schedule worksheet by May 1st&nbsp;and still be in compliance. Filers may also go online to&nbsp;<a href="https://personalpropertyonline.us/" target="_blank">https://personalpropertyonline.us/</a>&nbsp;to complete their filing. Another option is to email the depreciation schedule worksheet to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bbassor@telecomwest.net" target="_blank">bbassor@telecomwest.net</a>. This email is safe and confidential.Homestead exemption applicants are encouraged to call the office with questions.There are two upcoming deadlines for assessment offices:May 1st&nbsp;for personal property to be eligible for the personal property tax exemption.June 30th&nbsp;for homestead exemption.As of today, 3/23/2020, there is no extension for either of these deadlines. We will make notice if there are changes.Please call the office with any questions. We are here to serve and help. (308) 762-6100.

Box Butte Co. Assessor's Office locks its doors, staff continues to work 

SACRAMENTO, Calif.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;U.S. Small Business Administration is offering&nbsp;low-interest&nbsp;federal disaster loans for working capital to Nebraska small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov.&nbsp;Pete Ricketts on March 17, 2020.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Nebraska and the neighboring counties below.

Neighboring Colorado counties:&nbsp; Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Weld and Yuma;

Neighboring Iowa counties:&nbsp; Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury;

Neighboring Kansas counties:&nbsp; Brown, Cheyenne, Decatur, Doniphan, Jewell, Marshall, Nemaha, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Smith and Washington;

Neighboring Missouri counties:&nbsp; Atchison and Holt;

Neighboring South Dakota counties:&nbsp; Bennett, Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Clay, Fall River, Gregory, Oglala Lakota, Todd, Tripp, Union and Yankton;

Neighboring Wyoming counties:&nbsp; Goshen, Laramie and Niobrara.

“SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist Nebraska small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19,” said Administrator Carranza.

SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.

“Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2&nbsp;million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Carranza.

“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Carranza added.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__disasterloan.sba.gov_ela%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DCu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo%26r%3Dhj_plkhQR_oEAtHGKucmS15JgP9NT6emdS8UL1_RDOE%26m%3DqhHaL5Vx52naG6vWXOwAsPtMhBI3HJ-oZYnK7pYsNI4%26s%3DsnzY42adYBp9fhEs89zid7t_fbnJUPRTQWL8JtLG_JY%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C9923d51fe7b2487f5b2c08d7cf2c268f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637205660850098092&amp;sdata=q5pP6n76Am6N0gotaO7JqyJTtAZ%2FNDilT5p5DYDp4AY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela</a>. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800)&nbsp;659-2955 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:disastercustomerservice@sba.gov" target="_blank">disastercustomerservice@sba.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800)&nbsp;877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort&nbsp;Worth, TX&nbsp; 76155.

The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020.

For more information about Coronavirus, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttp-253A-252F-252Fwww.coronavirus.gov-252F-26data-3D02-257C01-257CElizabeth.yearwood-2540sba.gov-257Cde9d1e91440e4535f45808d7cd22aa14-257C3c89fd8a7f684667aa1541ebf2208961-257C1-257C0-257C637203421249091763-26sdata-3DaPb2JgbYjxC7japgK7xcRtLt3K-252F5WOKmAvo3RSpOjJc-253D-26reserved-3D0%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DCu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo%26r%3Dhj_plkhQR_oEAtHGKucmS15JgP9NT6emdS8UL1_RDOE%26m%3DqhHaL5Vx52naG6vWXOwAsPtMhBI3HJ-oZYnK7pYsNI4%26s%3DCL1doYVFXwe54yhLFxnjj8B3bCImsEs6LmX5k5EPbjs%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C9923d51fe7b2487f5b2c08d7cf2c268f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637205660850108051&amp;sdata=gbSpxu4IjtBL89GGk6%2B88ePyh%2Fdpz6kcbvWeHewCthk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Coronavirus.gov</a>.

For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.sba.gov_coronavirus%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DCu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo%26r%3Dhj_plkhQR_oEAtHGKucmS15JgP9NT6emdS8UL1_RDOE%26m%3DqhHaL5Vx52naG6vWXOwAsPtMhBI3HJ-oZYnK7pYsNI4%26s%3D9rEutcb_Znr4XTI7eOH6hesJarjECSsvQZ6b_AO2mU0%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C9923d51fe7b2487f5b2c08d7cf2c268f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637205660850108051&amp;sdata=DKw%2BK81Q2HyUO2x9EpPQAw1P3UxbgTp1sy7d19Igz%2FE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">SBA.gov/coronavirus</a>.

News ReleaseSACRAMENTO, Calif.&nbsp;– The&nbsp;U.S. Small Business Administration is offering&nbsp;low-interest&nbsp;federal disaster loans for working capital to Nebraska small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov.&nbsp;Pete Ricketts on March 17, 2020.The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of Nebraska and the neighboring counties below.Neighboring Colorado counties:&nbsp; Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Weld and Yuma;Neighboring Iowa counties:&nbsp; Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury;Neighboring Kansas counties:&nbsp; Brown, Cheyenne, Decatur, Doniphan, Jewell, Marshall, Nemaha, Norton, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Smith and Washington;Neighboring Missouri counties:&nbsp; Atchison and Holt;Neighboring South Dakota counties:&nbsp; Bennett, Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Clay, Fall River, Gregory, Oglala Lakota, Todd, Tripp, Union and Yankton;Neighboring Wyoming counties:&nbsp; Goshen, Laramie and Niobrara.“SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist Nebraska small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19,” said Administrator Carranza.SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.“Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2&nbsp;million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Carranza.“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Carranza added.Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__disasterloan.sba.gov_ela%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DCu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo%26r%3Dhj_plkhQR_oEAtHGKucmS15JgP9NT6emdS8UL1_RDOE%26m%3DqhHaL5Vx52naG6vWXOwAsPtMhBI3HJ-oZYnK7pYsNI4%26s%3DsnzY42adYBp9fhEs89zid7t_fbnJUPRTQWL8JtLG_JY%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C9923d51fe7b2487f5b2c08d7cf2c268f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637205660850098092&amp;sdata=q5pP6n76Am6N0gotaO7JqyJTtAZ%2FNDilT5p5DYDp4AY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela</a>. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800)&nbsp;659-2955 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:disastercustomerservice@sba.gov" target="_blank">disastercustomerservice@sba.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800)&nbsp;877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort&nbsp;Worth, TX&nbsp; 76155.The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020.For more information about Coronavirus, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com_-3Furl-3Dhttp-253A-252F-252Fwww.coronavirus.gov-252F-26data-3D02-257C01-257CElizabeth.yearwood-2540sba.gov-257Cde9d1e91440e4535f45808d7cd22aa14-257C3c89fd8a7f684667aa1541ebf2208961-257C1-257C0-257C637203421249091763-26sdata-3DaPb2JgbYjxC7japgK7xcRtLt3K-252F5WOKmAvo3RSpOjJc-253D-26reserved-3D0%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DCu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo%26r%3Dhj_plkhQR_oEAtHGKucmS15JgP9NT6emdS8UL1_RDOE%26m%3DqhHaL5Vx52naG6vWXOwAsPtMhBI3HJ-oZYnK7pYsNI4%26s%3DCL1doYVFXwe54yhLFxnjj8B3bCImsEs6LmX5k5EPbjs%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C9923d51fe7b2487f5b2c08d7cf2c268f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637205660850108051&amp;sdata=gbSpxu4IjtBL89GGk6%2B88ePyh%2Fdpz6kcbvWeHewCthk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Coronavirus.gov</a>.For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.sba.gov_coronavirus%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3DCu5g146wZdoqVuKpTNsYHeFX_rg6kWhlkLF8Eft-wwo%26r%3Dhj_plkhQR_oEAtHGKucmS15JgP9NT6emdS8UL1_RDOE%26m%3DqhHaL5Vx52naG6vWXOwAsPtMhBI3HJ-oZYnK7pYsNI4%26s%3D9rEutcb_Znr4XTI7eOH6hesJarjECSsvQZ6b_AO2mU0%26e%3D&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C9923d51fe7b2487f5b2c08d7cf2c268f%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637205660850108051&amp;sdata=DKw%2BK81Q2HyUO2x9EpPQAw1P3UxbgTp1sy7d19Igz%2FE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">SBA.gov/coronavirus</a>.

SBA offers disaster assistance to Nebraska small businesses economically impacted by COVID-19

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has increased from 14 to 21. Gov. Kristi Noem told reporters during a conference call Sunday that one of the new cases was in Brown County and the other six were in Beadle County. 

She said all seven people apparently contracted the virus by traveling or having contact with someone else who had it. 

She said Beadle County appears to be on the verge of community spread and local leaders should take “serious action” to limit group sizes. She stopped short of issuing any orders, however.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has increased from 14 to 21. Gov. Kristi Noem told reporters during a conference call Sunday that one of the new cases was in Brown County and the other six were in Beadle County. She said all seven people apparently contracted the virus by traveling or having contact with someone else who had it. She said Beadle County appears to be on the verge of community spread and local leaders should take “serious action” to limit group sizes. She stopped short of issuing any orders, however.

South Dakota up to 21 cases; governor not ordering closures

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska voters may still get a chance to legalize medical marijuana and casino gambling even though the new coronavirus has forced activists to stop collecting signatures to place the issues on the November ballot. 

Organizers from both campaigns say they’re confident they’ll have enough signatures to qualify before the July 2 deadline to submit their petitions, even though they’ve pulled their circulators off the streets. 

Both groups say they had already gathered a large number before the pandemic forced the closure of public buildings and cancellation of major events where circulators often work.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska voters may still get a chance to legalize medical marijuana and casino gambling even though the new coronavirus has forced activists to stop collecting signatures to place the issues on the November ballot. Organizers from both campaigns say they’re confident they’ll have enough signatures to qualify before the July 2 deadline to submit their petitions, even though they’ve pulled their circulators off the streets. Both groups say they had already gathered a large number before the pandemic forced the closure of public buildings and cancellation of major events where circulators often work.

Virus not likely to stop Nebraska marijuana, casino measures

WASHINGTON — The White House is urging commercial labs to prioritize the testing of hospital patients as they work to clear a backlog of tests for the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/223431462181095/">Click here to watch</a> Sunday's Coronavirus Task force briefing

Vice President Mike Pence says the Department of Health and Human Services will issue formal guidance Monday, but that the federal government is encouraging all labs to “prioritize inpatient testing.”

Pence says the government hopes to have the backlog of existing tests — a milestone the White House hoped to reach on Monday — cleared by the middle of the week.

The White House is encouraging those without symptoms against seeking testing, warning it depletes already scarce supplies of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he’s ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ship mobile hospital centers to the hard-hit states of Washington, California and New York amid the coronavirus pandemic. For New York, that would mean another 1,000 hospital beds.

Trump is also revealing for the first time the number of respirators and other personal protective equipment sent to the hard-hit states by the federal government. It comes as state and local leaders have appealed on the federal government to provide far more, and as Trump has held off on using his fully authorities under the Defense Production Act to marshal the private sector’s capabilities.

Trump says it’s up to states to try to get the materials first. He says: "We're sort of a backup for states."

Trump says he’s also giving governors in those three states in calling up their national guard, keeping it under local control but providing federal funding. @Michael Tackett

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584917179545.png" alt="Vice President Mike Pence during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Mike Pence during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The White House is urging commercial labs to prioritize the testing of hospital patients as they work to clear a backlog of tests for the coronavirus.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/videos/223431462181095/">Click here to watch</a> Sunday's Coronavirus Task force briefingVice President Mike Pence says the Department of Health and Human Services will issue formal guidance Monday, but that the federal government is encouraging all labs to “prioritize inpatient testing.”Pence says the government hopes to have the backlog of existing tests — a milestone the White House hoped to reach on Monday — cleared by the middle of the week.The White House is encouraging those without symptoms against seeking testing, warning it depletes already scarce supplies of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers.___WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he’s ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ship mobile hospital centers to the hard-hit states of Washington, California and New York amid the coronavirus pandemic. For New York, that would mean another 1,000 hospital beds.Trump is also revealing for the first time the number of respirators and other personal protective equipment sent to the hard-hit states by the federal government. It comes as state and local leaders have appealed on the federal government to provide far more, and as Trump has held off on using his fully authorities under the Defense Production Act to marshal the private sector’s capabilities.Trump says it’s up to states to try to get the materials first. He says: "We're sort of a backup for states."Trump says he’s also giving governors in those three states in calling up their national guard, keeping it under local control but providing federal funding. @Michael Tackett___

White House urges labs to prioritize tests for coronavirus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House churned late into the night over a now nearly $2 trillion economic rescue package, as the coronavirus crisis deepened, the nation shut down and the first U.S. senator tested positive for the disease.

As President Donald Trump took to the podium in the White House briefing room and promised to help Americans who feel afraid and isolated as the pandemic spreads, the Senate voted Sunday against advancing the rescue package. But talks continued on Capitol Hill.

“I think you’ll get there. To me it’s not very complicated: We have to help the worker. We have to save the companies,” Trump said.

Later, the Republican president suggested the remedies may be more harmful than the outbreak, vowing to reassess after the 15-day mark of the shutdown. “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF,” he tweeted.

Inside the otherwise emptied out Capitol, the draft aid bill was declared insufficient by Democrats, who argued it was tilted toward corporations and did too little to help workers and health care providers. Republicans returned to the negotiating table.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, exiting the Capitol just before midnight, struck an optimistic note: “We’re very close,” he said, adding negotiators would work through the night.

“Our nation cannot afford a game of chicken,” warned Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., his voice rising on the Senate floor Sunday night. His goal is to vote Monday. The Senate will re-convene at noon.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, sounded an optimistic note.

“This bill is going to affect this country and the lives of Americans, not just for the next few days, but in the next few months and years — so we have to make sure it is good, he said. ‘”There were some serious problems with the bill leader McConnell laid down. Huge amounts of corporate bailout funds without restrictions or without oversight — you wouldn’t even know who is getting the money. Not enough money for hospitals, nurses, PPE, masks, all the health care needs. No money for state and local government, many of whom would go broke. Many other things.”

But Schumer said they were making progress in dealing with those issues. “We’re getting closer and closer. And I’m very hopeful, is how I’d put it, that we can get a bill in the morning.”

With a population on edge and shell-shocked financial markets poised for the new work week, Washington labored under the size and scope of the rescue package that’s more ambitious than any in recent times — larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined.

Democrats say the largely GOP-led effort did not go far enough to provide health care and worker aid and fails to put restraints on a proposed $500 billion “slush fund” for corporations. They voted to block its advance.

Democrats won a concession — to provide four months of expanded unemployment benefits, rather than just three as proposed, according to an official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks. The jobless pay also extends to self-employed and so-called gig workers.

While the congressional leaders worked into the night, alarms were being sounded from coast to coast about the wave of coronavirus cases about to crash onto the nation’s health system.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had dire, urgent news from the pandemic’s U.S. epicenter: “April and May are going to be a lot worse,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

De Blasio, a Democrat, all but begged Washington to help procure ventilators and other medical supplies. He accused the Republican president of “not lifting a finger” to help.

Trump urged Congress to get a deal done and, during the Sunday briefing, responded to criticism that his administration was sluggish to act. He cited his cooperation with the three states hardest hit — New York, Washington and California — and invoked a measure to give governors flexibility in calling up the national guard under their control, while the federal government covers the bill.

But even as Trump stressed federal-local partnerships, some governors, including Republican Greg Abbott of Texas, expressed unhappiness with Washington’s response. The president himself took a swipe hours earlier at Gov. J. B. Pritzker, D-Ill., saying that he and “a very small group of certain other Governors, together with Fake News” should not be “blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings.”

This came as Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky announced he tested positive for the coronavirus. Paul, who is a doctor and close ally of the president, said in a tweet he was not showing symptoms and was in quarantine.

Paul was seen at a GOP senators’ lunch on Friday and swimming in the Senate gym pool on Sunday morning, heightening concerns. His office said he left the Senate immediately after learning his diagnosis.

A growing list of lawmakers have cycled in and out of isolation after exposure, and two members of the House have said they tested positive. Five senators were in self-quarantine Sunday evening and could not vote.

In recent days, Trump invoked the Defense Protection Act, a rarely used, decades-old authority that can be used to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators. Officials said Sunday that it would be used voluntarily and businesses would not be compelled to act.

“We are a country not based on nationalizing our business,” said Trump, who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats.

Two days after he lashed out at a reporter who asked about his message to frightened Americans, Trump said, “For those worried and afraid, please know as long as I am your president, you can feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you.”

But minutes later, when he learned that rival Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, was one of those in isolation, he declared, “Romney’s in isolation? Gee, that’s too bad.”

The urgency to act is mounting, as jobless claims skyrocket and the financial markets are set to re-open Monday eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what experts say is a looming recession. Stock futures declined sharply as Trump spoke Sunday evening.

Officials late Sunday put the price tag of the ballooning rescue package at nearly $2 trillion. That does not include additional measures being taken by the Federal Reserve to shore up the economy.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was leading a third day of nonstop talks on Capitol Hill, said the plan was meant to prop up the nation’s weakened economy for the next 10 to 12 weeks.

Central to the package is as much as $350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. There is also a one-time rebate check of about $1,200 per person, or $3,000 for a family of four, as well as the extended unemployment benefits.

Hospitals, Mnuchin said, will get approximately $110 billion for the expected influx of sick patients.

The treasury secretary said a significant part of the package will involve working with the Federal Reserve for up to $4 trillion of liquidity to support the economy with “broad-based lending programs.”

But Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have pushed for add-ons, including food security aid, small business loans and other measures for workers.

They warned the draft plan’s $500 billion for corporations does not put enough restraints on business, saying the ban on corporate stock buy-backs is weak and the limits on executive pay are only for two years.

“We’re not here to create a slush fund for Donald Trump and his family, or a slush fund for the Treasury Department to be able to hand out to their friends,” said Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “We’re here to help workers, we’re here to help hospitals.”

The president, when pressed by a reporter, dodged a question as to whether his own business would seek federal funds.

With Sunday’s failed vote, McConnell angrily blamed Pelosi, who returned to Washington for a top-level meeting, saying she “poured cold water” over the draft plan. But any measure from the Senate also needs to pass the House.

The details are coming from drafts of both bills circulating among lobbyists but not yet released to the public. They were obtained by The Associated Press.

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

WASHINGTON — The Senate has refused to advance the coronavirus rescue package in a procedural vote with Democrats rejecting a draft from Republicans and pushing for more aid for workers.

Negotiations are expected to continue into the evening Sunday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged senators to “signal to the public that we're ready to get this job done.” He wants passage by Monday.

But Democrats have resisted, arguing the nearly $1.4 trillion measure needs to bolster aid and put limits on how businesses can use the emergency dollars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584959546607.png" alt="Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the U.S. Senate floor just before 10:30 p.m. Sunday night-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the U.S. Senate floor just before 10:30 p.m. Sunday night-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House churned late into the night over a now nearly $2 trillion economic rescue package, as the coronavirus crisis deepened, the nation shut down and the first U.S. senator tested positive for the disease.As President Donald Trump took to the podium in the White House briefing room and promised to help Americans who feel afraid and isolated as the pandemic spreads, the Senate voted Sunday against advancing the rescue package. But talks continued on Capitol Hill.“I think you’ll get there. To me it’s not very complicated: We have to help the worker. We have to save the companies,” Trump said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1241935285916782593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Later, the Republican president suggested the remedies may be more harmful than the outbreak, vowing to reassess after the 15-day mark of the shutdown. “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF,” he tweeted.Inside the otherwise emptied out Capitol, the draft aid bill was declared insufficient by Democrats, who argued it was tilted toward corporations and did too little to help workers and health care providers. Republicans returned to the negotiating table.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, exiting the Capitol just before midnight, struck an optimistic note: “We’re very close,” he said, adding negotiators would work through the night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our nation cannot afford this game of chicken. We cannot afford the cynical partisanship. This is a national emergency. Not a partisan opportunity. Doctors, nurses, small business employees, laid-off Americans, and vulnerable seniors need help right now. <a href="https://t.co/zXPqodt8ZI">pic.twitter.com/zXPqodt8ZI</a>&mdash; Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) <a href="https://twitter.com/senatemajldr/status/1241929925923397634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Our nation cannot afford a game of chicken,” warned Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., his voice rising on the Senate floor Sunday night. His goal is to vote Monday. The Senate will re-convene at noon.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, sounded an optimistic note.“This bill is going to affect this country and the lives of Americans, not just for the next few days, but in the next few months and years — so we have to make sure it is good, he said. ‘”There were some serious problems with the bill leader McConnell laid down. Huge amounts of corporate bailout funds without restrictions or without oversight — you wouldn’t even know who is getting the money. Not enough money for hospitals, nurses, PPE, masks, all the health care needs. No money for state and local government, many of whom would go broke. Many other things.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just spoke in the Senate about how we’re making progress on a bill. The McConnell-GOP bill includes huge bailouts without protections for people and workers and without accountability. It has shortfalls of money for our hospitals &amp; medical workers. This needs to be changed. <a href="https://t.co/7ggVKrwV6l">pic.twitter.com/7ggVKrwV6l</a>&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/1241943851708841984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But Schumer said they were making progress in dealing with those issues. “We’re getting closer and closer. And I’m very hopeful, is how I’d put it, that we can get a bill in the morning.”With a population on edge and shell-shocked financial markets poised for the new work week, Washington labored under the size and scope of the rescue package that’s more ambitious than any in recent times — larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined.Democrats say the largely GOP-led effort did not go far enough to provide health care and worker aid and fails to put restraints on a proposed $500 billion “slush fund” for corporations. They voted to block its advance.Democrats won a concession — to provide four months of expanded unemployment benefits, rather than just three as proposed, according to an official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks. The jobless pay also extends to self-employed and so-called gig workers.While the congressional leaders worked into the night, alarms were being sounded from coast to coast about the wave of coronavirus cases about to crash onto the nation’s health system.New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had dire, urgent news from the pandemic’s U.S. epicenter: “April and May are going to be a lot worse,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”De Blasio, a Democrat, all but begged Washington to help procure ventilators and other medical supplies. He accused the Republican president of “not lifting a finger” to help.Trump urged Congress to get a deal done and, during the Sunday briefing, responded to criticism that his administration was sluggish to act. He cited his cooperation with the three states hardest hit — New York, Washington and California — and invoked a measure to give governors flexibility in calling up the national guard under their control, while the federal government covers the bill.But even as Trump stressed federal-local partnerships, some governors, including Republican Greg Abbott of Texas, expressed unhappiness with Washington’s response. The president himself took a swipe hours earlier at Gov. J. B. Pritzker, D-Ill., saying that he and “a very small group of certain other Governors, together with Fake News” should not be “blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings.”This came as Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky announced he tested positive for the coronavirus. Paul, who is a doctor and close ally of the president, said in a tweet he was not showing symptoms and was in quarantine.Paul was seen at a GOP senators’ lunch on Friday and swimming in the Senate gym pool on Sunday morning, heightening concerns. His office said he left the Senate immediately after learning his diagnosis.A growing list of lawmakers have cycled in and out of isolation after exposure, and two members of the House have said they tested positive. Five senators were in self-quarantine Sunday evening and could not vote.In recent days, Trump invoked the Defense Protection Act, a rarely used, decades-old authority that can be used to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators. Officials said Sunday that it would be used voluntarily and businesses would not be compelled to act.“We are a country not based on nationalizing our business,” said Trump, who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats.Two days after he lashed out at a reporter who asked about his message to frightened Americans, Trump said, “For those worried and afraid, please know as long as I am your president, you can feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you.”But minutes later, when he learned that rival Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, was one of those in isolation, he declared, “Romney’s in isolation? Gee, that’s too bad.”Trump said he was not being sarcastic.The urgency to act is mounting, as jobless claims skyrocket and the financial markets are set to re-open Monday eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what experts say is a looming recession. Stock futures declined sharply as Trump spoke Sunday evening.Officials late Sunday put the price tag of the ballooning rescue package at nearly $2 trillion. That does not include additional measures being taken by the Federal Reserve to shore up the economy.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was leading a third day of nonstop talks on Capitol Hill, said the plan was meant to prop up the nation’s weakened economy for the next 10 to 12 weeks.Central to the package is as much as $350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. There is also a one-time rebate check of about $1,200 per person, or $3,000 for a family of four, as well as the extended unemployment benefits.Hospitals, Mnuchin said, will get approximately $110 billion for the expected influx of sick patients.The treasury secretary said a significant part of the package will involve working with the Federal Reserve for up to $4 trillion of liquidity to support the economy with “broad-based lending programs.”But Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have pushed for add-ons, including food security aid, small business loans and other measures for workers.They warned the draft plan’s $500 billion for corporations does not put enough restraints on business, saying the ban on corporate stock buy-backs is weak and the limits on executive pay are only for two years.“We’re not here to create a slush fund for Donald Trump and his family, or a slush fund for the Treasury Department to be able to hand out to their friends,” said Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “We’re here to help workers, we’re here to help hospitals.”The president, when pressed by a reporter, dodged a question as to whether his own business would seek federal funds.With Sunday’s failed vote, McConnell angrily blamed Pelosi, who returned to Washington for a top-level meeting, saying she “poured cold water” over the draft plan. But any measure from the Senate also needs to pass the House.The details are coming from drafts of both bills circulating among lobbyists but not yet released to the public. They were obtained by The Associated Press.For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.WASHINGTON — The Senate has refused to advance the coronavirus rescue package in a procedural vote with Democrats rejecting a draft from Republicans and pushing for more aid for workers.Negotiations are expected to continue into the evening Sunday.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged senators to “signal to the public that we're ready to get this job done.” He wants passage by Monday.But Democrats have resisted, arguing the nearly $1.4 trillion measure needs to bolster aid and put limits on how businesses can use the emergency dollars.More voting is possible.

Senate refuses to advance coronavirus rescue package

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials have confirmed 11 new cases of coronavirus in Nebraska to give the state a total of 50 cases. 

Douglas County health officials reported nine new cases over the weekend. 

Six of the cases are related to travel, and three of the cases had contact with a previous positive case in the area. 

Health officials in Lancaster and Buffalo counties also announced the second cases in both those counties. 

Both of those new cases are family members of the first case in each county. 

For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials have confirmed 11 new cases of coronavirus in Nebraska to give the state a total of 50 cases. Douglas County health officials reported nine new cases over the weekend. Six of the cases are related to travel, and three of the cases had contact with a previous positive case in the area. Health officials in Lancaster and Buffalo counties also announced the second cases in both those counties. Both of those new cases are family members of the first case in each county. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Health officials confirm 11 new virus cases in Nebraska

By Whitney Baldwin, Community Table&nbsp;

 As of March 23rd we will be moving to delivery and drive up only. The preference is for us to mainly do delivery but we will have volunteers at the back door or the Masonic Center, it faces the Bank of the West drive thru, please do not get out of your car. A volunteer will bring you your meal.

We are also still providing breakfast at cardio from 7:30-8:30 a.m.&nbsp;

If you have already given us your address we will deliver to your home, do not come to the Masonic Center. Our delivery driver volunteers will be wearing gloves and will leave your meals on your front door step. They will knock or ring your doorbell and leave them there for you, to avoid contact during this time.

 In your bag on Monday you will find a questionnaire that we need filled out and put outside your door for our delivery drivers to pick up by Friday. This questionnaire is going to help us get you all the help that you may need during this time! 

If you need to add your address to the list for deliveries please either message the Community Table Facebook page or contact Whitney Baldwin at 308-455-9175. 

By Whitney Baldwin, Community Table&nbsp; As of March 23rd we will be moving to delivery and drive up only. The preference is for us to mainly do delivery but we will have volunteers at the back door or the Masonic Center, it faces the Bank of the West drive thru, please do not get out of your car. A volunteer will bring you your meal.We are also still providing breakfast at cardio from 7:30-8:30 a.m.&nbsp;If you have already given us your address we will deliver to your home, do not come to the Masonic Center. Our delivery driver volunteers will be wearing gloves and will leave your meals on your front door step. They will knock or ring your doorbell and leave them there for you, to avoid contact during this time. In your bag on Monday you will find a questionnaire that we need filled out and put outside your door for our delivery drivers to pick up by Friday. This questionnaire is going to help us get you all the help that you may need during this time! If you need to add your address to the list for deliveries please either message the Community Table Facebook page or contact Whitney Baldwin at 308-455-9175.

Community Table moving to food delivery, drive up  

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House are teetering on a nearly $1.4 trillion economic rescue package as the coronavirus pandemic deepens. No final decisions have been made. But the emerging package is expected to include

The measure would provide a quick, one-time stipend of about $1,200 per individual, $2,400 for couples, and $3,000 for family of four. The money would cut off at higher income levels.

An estimated $350 billion would be provided for small businesses to keep making payroll. Companies with 500 or fewer employees could tap up to $10 million in forgivable small business loans to keep paychecks flowing.

Workers who are eligible would receive up to 39 weeks of unemployment insurance through the end of 2020 if they are sidelined by the outbreak. The coverage would be retroactive to Jan. 27.

The bill includes an additional $242 billion in additional emergency funds to fight the virus and shore up for safety net programs. That includes money for food stamps, child nutrition, hospitals, the Centers for Disease Control and public health and transportation agencies.

The measure includes $15.6 billion to augment the food stamp program, which helps feed around 40 million Low income people per year. It’s annual budget is around $70 billion.

The initial GOP plan called for $208 billion in loans to airlines and other industries, which would have to be repaid. Leaders are still negotiating the final number and how the money would be provided by the administration.

Negotiators are still hammering out whether there will be money give to the states, whose governors have requested billions to shore up their budgets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584913591839.png" alt="Sunday morning,&nbsp;U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hosted a meeting with congressional leadership and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin. "It is time to come together, finalize the results of our bipartisan discussions, and get the CARES Act to the President’s desk.." photo courtesy Sen. McConnell" />
 <figcaption>Sunday morning,&nbsp;U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hosted a meeting with congressional leadership and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin. "It is time to come together, finalize the results of our bipartisan discussions, and get the CARES Act to the President’s desk.." photo courtesy Sen. McConnell</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House are teetering on a nearly $1.4 trillion economic rescue package as the coronavirus pandemic deepens. No final decisions have been made. But the emerging package is expected to includeOne-time checks to AmericansThe measure would provide a quick, one-time stipend of about $1,200 per individual, $2,400 for couples, and $3,000 for family of four. The money would cut off at higher income levels.___Paycheck supportAn estimated $350 billion would be provided for small businesses to keep making payroll. Companies with 500 or fewer employees could tap up to $10 million in forgivable small business loans to keep paychecks flowing.___Unemployment expansionWorkers who are eligible would receive up to 39 weeks of unemployment insurance through the end of 2020 if they are sidelined by the outbreak. The coverage would be retroactive to Jan. 27.___Emergency funding, public healthThe bill includes an additional $242 billion in additional emergency funds to fight the virus and shore up for safety net programs. That includes money for food stamps, child nutrition, hospitals, the Centers for Disease Control and public health and transportation agencies.The measure includes $15.6 billion to augment the food stamp program, which helps feed around 40 million Low income people per year. It’s annual budget is around $70 billion.___Industry aidThe initial GOP plan called for $208 billion in loans to airlines and other industries, which would have to be repaid. Leaders are still negotiating the final number and how the money would be provided by the administration.___State aidNegotiators are still hammering out whether there will be money give to the states, whose governors have requested billions to shore up their budgets.

At a glance: Nearly $1.4 trillion coronavirus rescue package

NEW YORK (AP) — As in-person worship services are canceled or downsized amid the coronavirus outbreak, some churches across the U.S. are bracing for a painful drop in weekly contributions and possible cutbacks in programs and staff.

One church leader, Bishop Paul Egensteiner of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Metropolitan New York Synod, said some of the 190 churches in his region were unlikely to survive because of a two-pronged financial hit. Their offerings are dwindling, and they are losing income from tenants such as preschools which can no longer afford to rent church venues.

“As much as I’d like to help them, everybody's reserves are taking a hit because of the stock market,” Egensteiner said,

At Friendship Baptist Church in Baltimore, a mostly African American congregation of about 1,100, the Rev. Alvin Gwynn Sr. bucked the cancellation trend by holding services last Sunday. But attendance was down by about 50%, and Gwynn said the day’s offering netted about $5,000 compared to a normal intake of about $15,000.

“It cuts into our ministry,” he said. “If this keeps up, we can’t fund all our outreach to help other people.”

There was a brighter outcome at the Church of the Resurrection, a large United Methodist Church congregation that operates out of five locations in the Kansas City area.

Cathy Bien, the church’s communications director, said about 25,700 people logged in to join online worship last Sunday after in-person services were canceled. That compared to normal Sunday participation of 14,000 worshippers -– 8,000 in person and 6,000 online.

“It blew our minds,” Bien said. “They were coming from all over the country -– a lot of Methodists from other churches.”

The huge turnout didn’t translate into a larger than normal offering, although the church is still processing checks that were sent by some of the worshippers, Bien said. She expressed hope that financial support will remain robust as the church stresses the need to bolster food pantries and other community programs in the face of COVID-19.

t Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, giving was down modestly last weekend as the church cancelled in-person worship and made the service available online.

The pastor, Walter Kim, said some of his roughly 1,000 congregants have grown accustomed to online giving in recent years, but many worshippers still give in person at the services - an option not available for now.

“We’ll be asking them to sign up (for online giving) or mail a check,” said Kim. He will be urging congregants to bolster the church’s “mercy fund” for use assisting hard-up members of the community as job losses multiply.

In addition to his pastoral duties Kim is president of the National Association of Evangelicals, which represents more than 45,000 evangelical churches. The NAE will be co-hosting a two-day digital summit next week featuring videos from church leaders advising other pastors nationwide how to respond creatively and effectively to the virus outbreak.

The co-host is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/academic-centers/humanitarian-disaster-institute/covid-19/" target="_blank">Humanitarian Disaster Institute</a>&nbsp;at Wheaton College in Illinois, which already has offered resources to churches in response to COVID-19.

“Some changes are going to be required,” Kim said. “The church is a very creative institution. In the end it will find ways of fulfilling its mission.”

In Western Massachusetts, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield has indefinitely cancelled all public Masses, and recently rescinded permission for parishioners to pray individually at their churches.

Funeral Masses were still allowed with a maximum attendance of 25; the diocese said the times of those Masses were not to be shared in the media,

“Lack of access to the churches and Eucharist is particularly difficult for many older parishioners whose entire daily routine is built around getting up, out of the house, and going to Mass,” said the Rev. Mark Stelzer, who has served in the diocese as a parish priest and college chaplain.

The Rev. William Tourigny, pastor of Ste. Rose de Lima Church in Chicopee, Massachusetts, said his parish had a solid financial foundation and expected it could maintain all programs and staff payroll for the time being.

“For smaller faith-based communities with little or no reserved funds, difficult decisions will need to be made,” he said.

Joe Wright, executive director of the Bivocational and Small Church Leadership Network in Nashville said many pastors in the network have been holding regular in-person services, while monitoring the spread of the virus.

“Once the coronavirus rises to the level where it starts hitting smaller groups, then we’ll see even the smaller groups back away and seek ways to gather, probably electronically,” he said.

When that happens, Wright said, financial giving will depend on the church, especially the age of the congregations.

“Some churches with older congregations do not give electronically so the transition to that will be a little bit harder,” he said.

Ron Klassen, executive director of Rural Home Missionary Association, said it’s too early to say how the rural churches he represents are being impacted.

"My sense is that in the past, people rise up and, if anything, the giving might increase,” he said. “People are going to give. They’ll take care of their church and their community.”

In Baltimore, pastor Gwynn worries that tensions might rise past the point that church outreach programs can help.

“With all the uncertainty, I’m afraid this could turn into anarchy,” he said. “Not everybody’s patient. Not everybody’s law abiding.”

He even envisioned the possibility of a stampede toward the goods being doled out after church’s annual food drive.

“My biggest fear right now is what's happening to the minds of our people,” Gwynn said. “How long can we hold them together?’

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584278183206.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — As in-person worship services are canceled or downsized amid the coronavirus outbreak, some churches across the U.S. are bracing for a painful drop in weekly contributions and possible cutbacks in programs and staff.One church leader, Bishop Paul Egensteiner of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Metropolitan New York Synod, said some of the 190 churches in his region were unlikely to survive because of a two-pronged financial hit. Their offerings are dwindling, and they are losing income from tenants such as preschools which can no longer afford to rent church venues.“As much as I’d like to help them, everybody's reserves are taking a hit because of the stock market,” Egensteiner said,At Friendship Baptist Church in Baltimore, a mostly African American congregation of about 1,100, the Rev. Alvin Gwynn Sr. bucked the cancellation trend by holding services last Sunday. But attendance was down by about 50%, and Gwynn said the day’s offering netted about $5,000 compared to a normal intake of about $15,000.“It cuts into our ministry,” he said. “If this keeps up, we can’t fund all our outreach to help other people.”There was a brighter outcome at the Church of the Resurrection, a large United Methodist Church congregation that operates out of five locations in the Kansas City area.Cathy Bien, the church’s communications director, said about 25,700 people logged in to join online worship last Sunday after in-person services were canceled. That compared to normal Sunday participation of 14,000 worshippers -– 8,000 in person and 6,000 online.“It blew our minds,” Bien said. “They were coming from all over the country -– a lot of Methodists from other churches.”The huge turnout didn’t translate into a larger than normal offering, although the church is still processing checks that were sent by some of the worshippers, Bien said. She expressed hope that financial support will remain robust as the church stresses the need to bolster food pantries and other community programs in the face of COVID-19.t Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, giving was down modestly last weekend as the church cancelled in-person worship and made the service available online.The pastor, Walter Kim, said some of his roughly 1,000 congregants have grown accustomed to online giving in recent years, but many worshippers still give in person at the services - an option not available for now.“We’ll be asking them to sign up (for online giving) or mail a check,” said Kim. He will be urging congregants to bolster the church’s “mercy fund” for use assisting hard-up members of the community as job losses multiply.In addition to his pastoral duties Kim is president of the National Association of Evangelicals, which represents more than 45,000 evangelical churches. The NAE will be co-hosting a two-day digital summit next week featuring videos from church leaders advising other pastors nationwide how to respond creatively and effectively to the virus outbreak.The co-host is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/academic-centers/humanitarian-disaster-institute/covid-19/" target="_blank">Humanitarian Disaster Institute</a>&nbsp;at Wheaton College in Illinois, which already has offered resources to churches in response to COVID-19.“Some changes are going to be required,” Kim said. “The church is a very creative institution. In the end it will find ways of fulfilling its mission.”In Western Massachusetts, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield has indefinitely cancelled all public Masses, and recently rescinded permission for parishioners to pray individually at their churches.Funeral Masses were still allowed with a maximum attendance of 25; the diocese said the times of those Masses were not to be shared in the media,“Lack of access to the churches and Eucharist is particularly difficult for many older parishioners whose entire daily routine is built around getting up, out of the house, and going to Mass,” said the Rev. Mark Stelzer, who has served in the diocese as a parish priest and college chaplain.The Rev. William Tourigny, pastor of Ste. Rose de Lima Church in Chicopee, Massachusetts, said his parish had a solid financial foundation and expected it could maintain all programs and staff payroll for the time being.“For smaller faith-based communities with little or no reserved funds, difficult decisions will need to be made,” he said.Joe Wright, executive director of the Bivocational and Small Church Leadership Network in Nashville said many pastors in the network have been holding regular in-person services, while monitoring the spread of the virus.“Once the coronavirus rises to the level where it starts hitting smaller groups, then we’ll see even the smaller groups back away and seek ways to gather, probably electronically,” he said.When that happens, Wright said, financial giving will depend on the church, especially the age of the congregations.“Some churches with older congregations do not give electronically so the transition to that will be a little bit harder,” he said.Ron Klassen, executive director of Rural Home Missionary Association, said it’s too early to say how the rural churches he represents are being impacted."My sense is that in the past, people rise up and, if anything, the giving might increase,” he said. “People are going to give. They’ll take care of their church and their community.”In Baltimore, pastor Gwynn worries that tensions might rise past the point that church outreach programs can help.“With all the uncertainty, I’m afraid this could turn into anarchy,” he said. “Not everybody’s patient. Not everybody’s law abiding.”He even envisioned the possibility of a stampede toward the goods being doled out after church’s annual food drive.“My biggest fear right now is what's happening to the minds of our people,” Gwynn said. “How long can we hold them together?’___

As offerings dwindle, some churches fear for their future

At an American Hospital Association press briefing today, hospital and health system leaders from across the country described the urgent need for federal aid to ensure that frontline medical personnel have the tools and resources they need to effectively respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

“We’ve already seen facilities facing shortages of needed equipment and high expenses in providing critical care and this hurts our country’s ability to respond,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “…The reality is that we are in a war in which hospitals and health systems are on the frontlines and our health care workers are putting their lives on the line to fight this battle … No one ever sends their troops into battle without the right protection and ammunition and tools.”

The AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aha.org/lettercomment/2020-03-19-aha-ama-and-ana-send-letter-congress-covid-19-funding">urged</a>&nbsp;congressional leaders to provide $100 billion to front line health care personnel and providers and direct federal agencies to infuse funds immediately so they can take the necessary steps to fight the pandemic.&nbsp;

Pollack also emphasized the need for having enough tests and getting the test results as quickly as possible in order to have a more accurate picture of the infection rate.&nbsp;

“Ensuring the safety of the patients, protecting health care workers and supporting the health and safety of our community is what we’re all about, and it requires every part of the health care sector to work together, from those on the front lines to the federal, state and local government,” Pollack said. “Equipped with the right tools, guidance and resources we will do our very best to protect lives and keep people healthy.”

Scott Graham, CEO of Three Rivers and North Valley Hospitals in rural Washington state said, “We’re trying to figure out how to stay in business.” Because of the mandates for social distancing and state’s cancellation of elective surgeries, he said “the revenue that typically comes in that we need to cover the cost of operating has dried up. …we are now in a negative cash position and are using credit. We will exhaust all avenues to make payroll in the next three or four weeks.”

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, One Brooklyn Health System in New York was relying on more than $20 million a month in support from New York State to keep its safety net hospitals open, said LaRay Brown, its president and CEO. “We had less than two weeks cash on hand before COVID-19,” she said. “We are now looking at an additional cost of $30-$34 million a month from projected staff increases to cover surge capacity” and replace staff who are on furlough, self-isolating or must care for their children while city schools are closed.

Kevin Donovan, president and CEO of LRGHealthcare in central New Hampshire, projects his health system’s freeze on elective services during the public health crisis will cost at least $50 million. “Prior to this crisis, much like my colleagues, we were in extremely poor financial condition,” he said, with “only a handful of cash on hand” and no debt capacity to borrow money.&nbsp;

“I think these stories are reflective of the experiences of thousands of hospitals across the country,” Pollack said. “That’s why the legislation being considered on the Hill right now is so important in terms of providing needed support.”

AHA News ReleaseAt an American Hospital Association press briefing today, hospital and health system leaders from across the country described the urgent need for federal aid to ensure that frontline medical personnel have the tools and resources they need to effectively respond to the COVID-19 crisis.“We’ve already seen facilities facing shortages of needed equipment and high expenses in providing critical care and this hurts our country’s ability to respond,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “…The reality is that we are in a war in which hospitals and health systems are on the frontlines and our health care workers are putting their lives on the line to fight this battle … No one ever sends their troops into battle without the right protection and ammunition and tools.”The AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aha.org/lettercomment/2020-03-19-aha-ama-and-ana-send-letter-congress-covid-19-funding">urged</a>&nbsp;congressional leaders to provide $100 billion to front line health care personnel and providers and direct federal agencies to infuse funds immediately so they can take the necessary steps to fight the pandemic.&nbsp;Pollack also emphasized the need for having enough tests and getting the test results as quickly as possible in order to have a more accurate picture of the infection rate.&nbsp;“Ensuring the safety of the patients, protecting health care workers and supporting the health and safety of our community is what we’re all about, and it requires every part of the health care sector to work together, from those on the front lines to the federal, state and local government,” Pollack said. “Equipped with the right tools, guidance and resources we will do our very best to protect lives and keep people healthy.”Scott Graham, CEO of Three Rivers and North Valley Hospitals in rural Washington state said, “We’re trying to figure out how to stay in business.” Because of the mandates for social distancing and state’s cancellation of elective surgeries, he said “the revenue that typically comes in that we need to cover the cost of operating has dried up. …we are now in a negative cash position and are using credit. We will exhaust all avenues to make payroll in the next three or four weeks.”Even before the COVID-19 crisis, One Brooklyn Health System in New York was relying on more than $20 million a month in support from New York State to keep its safety net hospitals open, said LaRay Brown, its president and CEO. “We had less than two weeks cash on hand before COVID-19,” she said. “We are now looking at an additional cost of $30-$34 million a month from projected staff increases to cover surge capacity” and replace staff who are on furlough, self-isolating or must care for their children while city schools are closed.Kevin Donovan, president and CEO of LRGHealthcare in central New Hampshire, projects his health system’s freeze on elective services during the public health crisis will cost at least $50 million. “Prior to this crisis, much like my colleagues, we were in extremely poor financial condition,” he said, with “only a handful of cash on hand” and no debt capacity to borrow money.&nbsp;“I think these stories are reflective of the experiences of thousands of hospitals across the country,” Pollack said. “That’s why the legislation being considered on the Hill right now is so important in terms of providing needed support.”

Coronavirus Update