The Ogallala KOA Journey campground, located at 221 Road East 85 in Ogallala, is now open for the 2021 summer camping season.

The Ogallala KOA Journey is one of over 515 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the Kampgrounds of America system in the U.S. and Canada.

“The past year has been a challenging one and our campground owners and their staff are excited to welcome guests to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Kampgrounds of America CEO and President Toby O’Rourke. “We saw an increase in new and current campers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic wanting to recreate safely, and we’re proud to continue that trend into the 2021 summer camping season.”

KOA’s 2020 Special COVID-19 North American Camping Report found that camping is considered the safest way to travel and vacation among both campers and non-campers.

“Unlike other forms of travel, camping offers natural social distancing,” O’Rourke said. “Whether you prefer a tent, a Cabin or an RV site, you can rest assured that a stay at any of our campgrounds will offer a safe way to kick-back and relax.”

Guests are encouraged to visit the campground’s page at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9rZk1-2Fg8r3kZIGPKJcAoRKk-3D17B7_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJjBCvj0-2B06IuCuL6L3IxAq-2BJIx4SC-2FiQG59fx2-2BpK89fCXHz0FkMSF71atkDbr0h7lzAoq5QwGd1LbCtzvnbomOom2lqsinByu8csfH4o6CS138YXG3yLOU-2FqMwjZtgkyC8VNBQ8VE7t8E0DODtIHfY-3D" target="_blank">KOA.com</a>&nbsp;prior to booking to learn about any local precautions or restrictions that may reflect localized mandates.

To learn more, campers can pick up a new 2021 Edition of the KOA Directory for free at any KOA campground. A travel atlas of every state and Canadian province, the KOA Directory includes descriptive listings of every KOA campground as well as detailed maps and directions to each location. A digital edition of the 2021 KOA Directory is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=Infa1vUXabWHRBYXAi-2FksRWqE9GC5-2FJd134cHCMBSBdtgZHnGJE5R19pkzISex-2BYgH2-2BUuyaPT3VgHBnY9s1o3laFui1GAKEq3fnoDkHRQE-3D5ZvV_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJjrgfHpO-2Bm6XNqa9acXgFYEf-2FTrJ-2FB079e-2Byb6X81EMljX-2FYmtUvWZifc1pxvQVvu1VduX19UMF-2F0w2XOe8-2BnSm0ufEBOLygk7hVJnDE28v0wTKn0JOI-2BG22l-2FqNuhFNoDpkzT8RvYn6eMxqL4pmQRM-3D" target="_blank">http://koa.uberflip.com/i/937536-2021-koa-digital-directory/</a>.

For even more information about the newest KOA camping locations, as well as get great camping tips, tricks and recipes, campers can subscribe to the KOA blog at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9pscCnWJU4lbNggahrKWpR4-3Dtor2_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJqiwOMJW5nmxDfiRsD6LdEb8umhrBoUFPemeNKxu1x6gG8KBcW4bCPJxXofzuHbGIdfeeIY6AD1RpLt7R6cRnWsyq3sQWp3sRjjbMY-2FO-2BDs46Z8LoSqMhqmeAgPDM6CMCCo4I07VYxow7-2BBIoC85UKI-3D" target="_blank">www.koa.com/blog</a>.

Born on the banks of the Yellowstone River in 1962, Kampgrounds of America is celebrating its 59th Anniversary in 2021. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9oakvAV-2F7kWWMAzrzrKG5Y4-3DDw8x_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJs5Wl0apX0KVZWWb-2FYESAn55s-2BDF-2FOcpohywhNAg3Nbok-2B9pRnOlbbW9tNgRyFUVSkbOwA-2Bo9oF1LGpsWtvI-2FssRWTbh2DRD-2BXbxdYOVLSkRIWETdATSs-2FBM2-2BZ26ZYYHgJ1WFB4aT-2BTsnr2RqBc3aQ-3D" target="_blank">www.KOA.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617717086959.png" alt="Photo: KOA Campgrounds" />
 <figcaption>Photo: KOA Campgrounds</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release KOAThe Ogallala KOA Journey campground, located at 221 Road East 85 in Ogallala, is now open for the 2021 summer camping season.The Ogallala KOA Journey is one of over 515 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the Kampgrounds of America system in the U.S. and Canada.“The past year has been a challenging one and our campground owners and their staff are excited to welcome guests to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Kampgrounds of America CEO and President Toby O’Rourke. “We saw an increase in new and current campers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic wanting to recreate safely, and we’re proud to continue that trend into the 2021 summer camping season.”KOA’s 2020 Special COVID-19 North American Camping Report found that camping is considered the safest way to travel and vacation among both campers and non-campers.“Unlike other forms of travel, camping offers natural social distancing,” O’Rourke said. “Whether you prefer a tent, a Cabin or an RV site, you can rest assured that a stay at any of our campgrounds will offer a safe way to kick-back and relax.”Guests are encouraged to visit the campground’s page at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9rZk1-2Fg8r3kZIGPKJcAoRKk-3D17B7_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJjBCvj0-2B06IuCuL6L3IxAq-2BJIx4SC-2FiQG59fx2-2BpK89fCXHz0FkMSF71atkDbr0h7lzAoq5QwGd1LbCtzvnbomOom2lqsinByu8csfH4o6CS138YXG3yLOU-2FqMwjZtgkyC8VNBQ8VE7t8E0DODtIHfY-3D" target="_blank">KOA.com</a>&nbsp;prior to booking to learn about any local precautions or restrictions that may reflect localized mandates.To learn more, campers can pick up a new 2021 Edition of the KOA Directory for free at any KOA campground. A travel atlas of every state and Canadian province, the KOA Directory includes descriptive listings of every KOA campground as well as detailed maps and directions to each location. A digital edition of the 2021 KOA Directory is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=Infa1vUXabWHRBYXAi-2FksRWqE9GC5-2FJd134cHCMBSBdtgZHnGJE5R19pkzISex-2BYgH2-2BUuyaPT3VgHBnY9s1o3laFui1GAKEq3fnoDkHRQE-3D5ZvV_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJjrgfHpO-2Bm6XNqa9acXgFYEf-2FTrJ-2FB079e-2Byb6X81EMljX-2FYmtUvWZifc1pxvQVvu1VduX19UMF-2F0w2XOe8-2BnSm0ufEBOLygk7hVJnDE28v0wTKn0JOI-2BG22l-2FqNuhFNoDpkzT8RvYn6eMxqL4pmQRM-3D" target="_blank">http://koa.uberflip.com/i/937536-2021-koa-digital-directory/</a>.For even more information about the newest KOA camping locations, as well as get great camping tips, tricks and recipes, campers can subscribe to the KOA blog at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9pscCnWJU4lbNggahrKWpR4-3Dtor2_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJqiwOMJW5nmxDfiRsD6LdEb8umhrBoUFPemeNKxu1x6gG8KBcW4bCPJxXofzuHbGIdfeeIY6AD1RpLt7R6cRnWsyq3sQWp3sRjjbMY-2FO-2BDs46Z8LoSqMhqmeAgPDM6CMCCo4I07VYxow7-2BBIoC85UKI-3D" target="_blank">www.koa.com/blog</a>.Born on the banks of the Yellowstone River in 1962, Kampgrounds of America is celebrating its 59th Anniversary in 2021. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9oakvAV-2F7kWWMAzrzrKG5Y4-3DDw8x_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhPHJU6cqKTt0WnmfvS8j-2F-2BBtjHMcvx8jBYMNnOPPz9PeW7XrePbLg7xYJpLLRyPPFmggb-2FWE6uze8HeLEZA4V8ICq5rqjtCgsSltK-2Fb40BJs5Wl0apX0KVZWWb-2FYESAn55s-2BDF-2FOcpohywhNAg3Nbok-2B9pRnOlbbW9tNgRyFUVSkbOwA-2Bo9oF1LGpsWtvI-2FssRWTbh2DRD-2BXbxdYOVLSkRIWETdATSs-2FBM2-2BZ26ZYYHgJ1WFB4aT-2BTsnr2RqBc3aQ-3D" target="_blank">www.KOA.com</a>.

Ogallala KOA Journey campground open for 2021 season

Panhandle residents 18 and older can self-schedule for their COVID vaccine with two easy steps:

The two steps are encouraged to ease the vaccine process. Residents can easily get vaccinated this week. There is no charge for the vaccine. For the Moderna shot, the second dose is needed to produce the best immunity results. Johnson and Johnson (one dose) is widely available throughout the Panhandle. Don’t wait, if you are 18 or older, it’s your turn.&nbsp;

Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn.<a>&nbsp;People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Unified Command confirms 18 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, March 29. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.

By PPHDPanhandle residents 18 and older can self-schedule for their COVID vaccine with two easy steps:<ul>
 <li>Register on the vaccinate.ne.gov website.</li><li>For the corresponding counties, pick a location, day, and time that works for you.&nbsp;Dates and times will be added to the links as they are made available.</li><li>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a></li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a></li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a></li><li>Garden:&nbsp;sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;– a provider will call you</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Scottsbluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a></li>
 </ul>The two steps are encouraged to ease the vaccine process. Residents can easily get vaccinated this week. There is no charge for the vaccine. For the Moderna shot, the second dose is needed to produce the best immunity results. Johnson and Johnson (one dose) is widely available throughout the Panhandle. Don’t wait, if you are 18 or older, it’s your turn.&nbsp;Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn.<a>&nbsp;People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.Unified Command confirms 18 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, March 29. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617665359535.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-April 5, 2021<ul>
 <li>Total Tests Conducted: 36,793</li><li>Positive: 8,912</li><li>Last 14 days (active) cases: 85</li><li>Last week’s cases: 18</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 4.48%</li><li>Deaths: 191</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 0</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 536</li><li>Doubling time (November 15, 2020 – April 5, 2021): 141 days</li>
 </ul>Avoid the Three Cs:<ul>
 <li>Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others</li><li>Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with</li><li>Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation</li>
 </ul>Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617665402002.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

PPHD: Be ready for spring activities by getting your COVID shot

SIDNEY -&nbsp;On Thursday, April 1, WNCC Aviation students Yemin An, age 21 of Seoul, South Korea, and&nbsp;Zhaoxin Chen, age 24 of Xi'an, China, were tragically killed while working on an airplane engine inside the Aviation Maintenance facility in Sidney.

Both students were sophomores enrolled in Western Nebraska Community College's Aviation Maintenance Technician program.

"We are mourning the loss of two outstanding students, Yemin and Zhaoxin," WNCC President Dr. Carmen Simone said. "This was a devastating accident and their families have our deepest and most sincere condolences."

The Cheyenne County Coroner's office disclosed the identities of the students earlier yesterday afternoon. The families of Yemin and Zhaoxin have been notified with the assistance of the South Korean and Chinese embassies.

The Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office, Sidney Police Department, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are continuing their investigations and WNCC will continue to cooperate however possible. Further details are unavailable at this time.

WNCC has organized a Crisis Response Team to work with students, instructors, and all others that have been affected by this tragedy.&nbsp;Counseling services are available for students and employees.

SIDNEY -&nbsp;On Thursday, April 1, WNCC Aviation students Yemin An, age 21 of Seoul, South Korea, and&nbsp;Zhaoxin Chen, age 24 of Xi'an, China, were tragically killed while working on an airplane engine inside the Aviation Maintenance facility in Sidney.Both students were sophomores enrolled in Western Nebraska Community College's Aviation Maintenance Technician program."We are mourning the loss of two outstanding students, Yemin and Zhaoxin," WNCC President Dr. Carmen Simone said. "This was a devastating accident and their families have our deepest and most sincere condolences."The Cheyenne County Coroner's office disclosed the identities of the students earlier yesterday afternoon. The families of Yemin and Zhaoxin have been notified with the assistance of the South Korean and Chinese embassies.The Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office, Sidney Police Department, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are continuing their investigations and WNCC will continue to cooperate however possible. Further details are unavailable at this time.WNCC has organized a Crisis Response Team to work with students, instructors, and all others that have been affected by this tragedy.&nbsp;Counseling services are available for students and employees.

WNCC mourns the loss of 2 aviation students

LINCOLN –Alliance will represent the 88th&nbsp;location in the Runza®&nbsp;Restaurant chain. 

Franchisees Neal &amp; Lora Blomenkamp plan to open the store along Highway 385 this fall.

 The Blomenkamp’s also own the Runza®&nbsp;Restaurant locations in Chadron, Gering and Scottsbluff.

“We are proud to expand our store network and excited to bring a Runza®&nbsp;Restaurant to the area,” stated Donald Everett, Jr., President of Runza®&nbsp;National.

“Alliance is a thriving community and we are pleased to be part of the growth,” said Neal Blomenkamp.

Runza®&nbsp;Restaurants – famous for the Runza®&nbsp;Sandwich with its delicious blend of ground beef, cabbage, onions and secret spices baked inside homemade bread; made-to-order hamburgers; and homemade onion rings – operates and franchises restaurants in Nebraska (82), Colorado (Longmont &amp; Loveland), Iowa (Clarinda &amp; Council Bluffs), and Kansas (Lawrence). Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.runza.com/">www.runza.com</a>

LINCOLN –Alliance will represent the 88th&nbsp;location in the Runza®&nbsp;Restaurant chain. Franchisees Neal &amp; Lora Blomenkamp plan to open the store along Highway 385 this fall. The Blomenkamp’s also own the Runza®&nbsp;Restaurant locations in Chadron, Gering and Scottsbluff.“We are proud to expand our store network and excited to bring a Runza®&nbsp;Restaurant to the area,” stated Donald Everett, Jr., President of Runza®&nbsp;National.“Alliance is a thriving community and we are pleased to be part of the growth,” said Neal Blomenkamp.Runza®&nbsp;Restaurants – famous for the Runza®&nbsp;Sandwich with its delicious blend of ground beef, cabbage, onions and secret spices baked inside homemade bread; made-to-order hamburgers; and homemade onion rings – operates and franchises restaurants in Nebraska (82), Colorado (Longmont &amp; Loveland), Iowa (Clarinda &amp; Council Bluffs), and Kansas (Lawrence). Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.runza.com/">www.runza.com</a>

Runza Restaurant to open in Alliance

By Larry Pape, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – As anglers, we mean to be good stewards of our environment.

Sometimes, though, we leave something behind. It could be a bait container lid that blew off or a small wad of fishing line in a snag. It all adds up, is a direct reflection on anglers, and is an environmental hazard.

The problem with shoreline litter is twofold. Litter is just plain ugly and embarrassing. The view of a lake scene is never improved by a misplaced drink container. But the big issue is that litter damages the shoreline environment and the animals that live there.

Plastic trash has the greatest potential for impact. Many types are persistent and will maintain their original shapes for years. Plastics can suffocate and impair animals and habitats by being ingested, entangling, or covering them with an impenetrable layer of synthetic material. Moving water often concentrates these materials along shorelines where many animals live, making the problems worse.

Let’s believe the last person who fished in your spot did not intend to leave that bottle cap there. And, trust that the person following you would not pick it up the cap. If you plan ahead and have a garbage bag ready to stow away refuse, you can improve a little piece of nature in a few minutes. A plastic shopping bag works wonderful and folds up into a corner of your tackle box.

Pick it up on a bigger scale and hold a shoreline cleanup event. You can go solo, or call on your friends, scout troop, or any conscientious group and convince them to join you. Suggest they wear old clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty. An old broom handle with a utility hook screwed into the end works wonderful for reaching out farther than you want to wade. Garbage bags work, but large mesh bags drain away the excess water, and can be reused. Small city parks with ponds and state parks with lakes will love you for doing this, but you might contact them in advance to let them know your intentions.

Fishing line is a particularly big hazard for wildlife. Ducks, muskrats, crayfish and fish all get tangled in lost or discarded fishing line. The injuries caused by entanglement and appendage strangulation are horrible and often result in prolonged illness resulting in death.

The Nebraska Fish and Game Association, a non-profit of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their passion for fishing and hunting through information and education, resolved to help by making fishing line disposal an important issue and easier for the public to accomplish.

Fishing line recycling bins are available at most boat ramps and busy fishing areas across the state. These are PVC tubes on a post that are maintained by NEFGA volunteers. Steve Wagle, one of the directors of this program, said the most important aspect is to educate the public on the hazards of fishing line, and get it off the shoreline. The used fishing string can then be recycled into other products or placed securely as waste.

Justin Haag, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission public information officer, in 2018 was in the right place to save a fishing line entangled American robin. See and hear him described it in a Nebraskaland Afield and Afloat blog at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MDUuMzgyNjA4ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWFnYXppbmUub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8yMDE4LzA2L3JlY3ljbGVmaXNoaW5nbGluZS8ifQ.IXOB0kSTaRRDqMa3Fl3SDshIL-v6Bzsdr_IaEvbfNWo/s/497221906/br/101486504148-l" target="_blank">magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2018/06/recyclefishingline</a>.

By Larry Pape, Nebraska Game and Parks CommissionLINCOLN, Neb. – As anglers, we mean to be good stewards of our environment.Sometimes, though, we leave something behind. It could be a bait container lid that blew off or a small wad of fishing line in a snag. It all adds up, is a direct reflection on anglers, and is an environmental hazard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617653142895.jpeg" alt="Litter is left along the shoreline at Pawnee State Recreation Area in Lancaster County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)" />
 <figcaption>Litter is left along the shoreline at Pawnee State Recreation Area in Lancaster County. (Nebraskaland Magazine/NGPC)</figcaption>
 </figure>The problem with shoreline litter is twofold. Litter is just plain ugly and embarrassing. The view of a lake scene is never improved by a misplaced drink container. But the big issue is that litter damages the shoreline environment and the animals that live there.Plastic trash has the greatest potential for impact. Many types are persistent and will maintain their original shapes for years. Plastics can suffocate and impair animals and habitats by being ingested, entangling, or covering them with an impenetrable layer of synthetic material. Moving water often concentrates these materials along shorelines where many animals live, making the problems worse.But there is a solution. Pick it up!Let’s believe the last person who fished in your spot did not intend to leave that bottle cap there. And, trust that the person following you would not pick it up the cap. If you plan ahead and have a garbage bag ready to stow away refuse, you can improve a little piece of nature in a few minutes. A plastic shopping bag works wonderful and folds up into a corner of your tackle box.Pick it up on a bigger scale and hold a shoreline cleanup event. You can go solo, or call on your friends, scout troop, or any conscientious group and convince them to join you. Suggest they wear old clothes and shoes that can get wet and dirty. An old broom handle with a utility hook screwed into the end works wonderful for reaching out farther than you want to wade. Garbage bags work, but large mesh bags drain away the excess water, and can be reused. Small city parks with ponds and state parks with lakes will love you for doing this, but you might contact them in advance to let them know your intentions.Fishing line is a particularly big hazard for wildlife. Ducks, muskrats, crayfish and fish all get tangled in lost or discarded fishing line. The injuries caused by entanglement and appendage strangulation are horrible and often result in prolonged illness resulting in death.The Nebraska Fish and Game Association, a non-profit of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their passion for fishing and hunting through information and education, resolved to help by making fishing line disposal an important issue and easier for the public to accomplish.Fishing line recycling bins are available at most boat ramps and busy fishing areas across the state. These are PVC tubes on a post that are maintained by NEFGA volunteers. Steve Wagle, one of the directors of this program, said the most important aspect is to educate the public on the hazards of fishing line, and get it off the shoreline. The used fishing string can then be recycled into other products or placed securely as waste.Justin Haag, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission public information officer, in 2018 was in the right place to save a fishing line entangled American robin. See and hear him described it in a Nebraskaland Afield and Afloat blog at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA0MDUuMzgyNjA4ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWFnYXppbmUub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8yMDE4LzA2L3JlY3ljbGVmaXNoaW5nbGluZS8ifQ.IXOB0kSTaRRDqMa3Fl3SDshIL-v6Bzsdr_IaEvbfNWo/s/497221906/br/101486504148-l" target="_blank">magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2018/06/recyclefishingline</a>.

Good angler stewardship means picking up shoreline litter, recycling line

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has cleared a path for adults of all ages to sign up for a coronavirus vaccination, but state officials say they’re still trying to overcome “vaccination hesitancy,” especially in some minority communities. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts says state officials have ramped up their outreach efforts to residents including Hispanics, who are now catching the virus and getting hospitalized at proportionally higher rates than the state’s general population. 

Josie Rodriguez, a state administrator who works to promote the vaccine to minority groups, says officials are working to overcome “vaccine hesitancy” among many of those populations.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has cleared a path for adults of all ages to sign up for a coronavirus vaccination, but state officials say they’re still trying to overcome “vaccination hesitancy,” especially in some minority communities. Gov. Pete Ricketts says state officials have ramped up their outreach efforts to residents including Hispanics, who are now catching the virus and getting hospitalized at proportionally higher rates than the state’s general population. Josie Rodriguez, a state administrator who works to promote the vaccine to minority groups, says officials are working to overcome “vaccine hesitancy” among many of those populations.

Nebraska officials pushing back against 'vaccine hesitancy'

The Chadron Police Department is warning residents of a text messaging scam.&nbsp;

On April 2 the Chadron Police Department was notified of a text messaging scam that happened to a local resident. The scam was reported again on April 3 by another person.

"The text message scam was directed to the recipient by first name and stated they needed a favor. The person who sent the message represented themselves as the leader of a local church," Chadron Police Lt. Richard Hickstein said. "The recipient answered the text message inquiring what was needed and the scammer asked the recipient to give him a call. Once the scammer was called...the scammer advised the recipient he would have just called, but he was in a meeting. The scammer then requested the recipient to purchase I-Tunes gift cards for some women battling cancer in the hospital. The scammer advised he could not do the purchases himself due to his busy schedule, but he would reimburse the recipient the next day. Once the recipient indicated they would be willing to help purchase the gift cards, the scammer requested 3 cards for $100 per card...then instructed the recipient to scratch the silver lining laced at the back of the card and send the numbers to him, so he could send the money to the cancer patients easily. Once the transaction was completed, the scammer then asked the recipient to purchase more cards. Fortunately, the recipient realized they were being scammed and ceased any further transactions and reported the incident."

Scams involving the use of text messaging are on the rise. 

"We would like to remind everyone to never give out personal or financial information over text message or over the phone,"&nbsp;Hickstein said. "

The Federal Trade Commission Website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam">https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam</a>, has good information for people to read on how to avoid phone and text message scams, block the scams from your electronic devices and provides resources on how to report scams."&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Chadron Police Department is warning residents of a text messaging scam.&nbsp;On April 2 the Chadron Police Department was notified of a text messaging scam that happened to a local resident. The scam was reported again on April 3 by another person."The text message scam was directed to the recipient by first name and stated they needed a favor. The person who sent the message represented themselves as the leader of a local church," Chadron Police Lt. Richard Hickstein said. "The recipient answered the text message inquiring what was needed and the scammer asked the recipient to give him a call. Once the scammer was called...the scammer advised the recipient he would have just called, but he was in a meeting. The scammer then requested the recipient to purchase I-Tunes gift cards for some women battling cancer in the hospital. The scammer advised he could not do the purchases himself due to his busy schedule, but he would reimburse the recipient the next day. Once the recipient indicated they would be willing to help purchase the gift cards, the scammer requested 3 cards for $100 per card...then instructed the recipient to scratch the silver lining laced at the back of the card and send the numbers to him, so he could send the money to the cancer patients easily. Once the transaction was completed, the scammer then asked the recipient to purchase more cards. Fortunately, the recipient realized they were being scammed and ceased any further transactions and reported the incident."Scams involving the use of text messaging are on the rise. "We would like to remind everyone to never give out personal or financial information over text message or over the phone,"&nbsp;Hickstein said. "

The Federal Trade Commission Website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam">https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam</a>, has good information for people to read on how to avoid phone and text message scams, block the scams from your electronic devices and provides resources on how to report scams."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron PD warning residents of text messaging scam 

🎙 Post Podcast: Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center

By Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center Director&nbsp;

The results are in for the Carnegie Arts Center’s 28th Anniversary Show.&nbsp;

 The Anniversary show is a juried and judged exhibit. First, pieces are submitted by artists for juror selection. Carnegie had 71 pieces submitted.

 The three-member jury selected 63 pieces from 38 artists to be in the show. 

There are seven media categories including: oil and acrylic; watercolor and gouache; pastel, ink, pencil; mixed media; photography; three-dimensional; and youth. 

 This past week, artist and WNCC art instructor, Yelena Khanevskya, from Scottsbluff, NE served as our judge. 

 Best of Show went to “Let Days Speak” by Rachel Brownlee. 

 In the Mixed Media category First Place went to “Morning Preen” by Tom Samson. Second Place went to “3D Starry Night” by Michael Mittlestadt. Honorable Mentions went to “The Next Generation” by Tom Samson and “Forelsket” by Sydnie Waldron. 

In the Oil and Acrylic category First Place went to “Paradise Revisited” by Robert Peltz.  Second Place went to “Niobrara Trail Road” by Rick Yusten.  Honorable Mentions went to “5 Cottonwoods on Fall Platte” by Ben Darling and “To Good Ships and Friendships” by Jana Van Housen.

 In the Pen, Pencil, Ink, Pastel, and Charcoal category First Place went to “Falling” by Gretchen Peters.  Second Place went to “Powwow Dancer” by MelloDe McCart. Honorable Mentions went to “Glass Gem Corn” by Ann Darling and “All A’ Board” by JeanAnn Curry-Hess. 

In the Watercolor category First Place went to “Never been to Spain” by Clarice Hynes.  Second Place went to “Pond on Grace Coolidge Creek” by Joy Price.  Honorable Mentions went to “While it Lasts” by Clarice Hynes and “Rangeland” by Linda Dabbs.

  In the Three-Dimensional category First Place wen to “When Pigs Fly” by Becci Thomas.  Second Place went to “Driftwood Sunflowers” by Linda Dabbs. Honorable Mentions went to “Nebraska” by Pam Perry and “What Else is Left to Say” by Sydnie Waldron.

 In the Photography category First Place went to “The Last Weld” by Selah Strand.  Second Place went to “Heavy Metal XII” by Trudy Waterman.  Honorable Mentions went to “Shadow in the Time of a Discarded Past” by Garald Horst and “Rainbow over the Rosebud” by Ned Day. 

In the Youth category First Place went to “Six Feet!” by Carver Hauptman.  Second Place went to “Silent Wisdom” by Ayvrie Waldron.  Honorable Mentions went to “Digital Landmark” by Kaelyn Mazanec and “Playing with Reflections” by Carver Hauptman. 

 You will be able to see these amazing artworks on display until May 15.

 Thank you to all our local business sponsors that make this huge exhibit possible. 

The businesses that support arts opportunities for your community through their sponsorship of this exhibit include Bruce Furniture, Seasons of Hope Counseling, and Bernie's Hardware, Gregory’s Insurance, Alliance Grocery Kart, Western Potato, and Bates Gould Funeral Home. 

Also, a huge thanks to our operational grantors: Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Peter Kiewit Foundation.

By Kyren Gibson, Carnegie Arts Center Director&nbsp;The results are in for the Carnegie Arts Center’s 28th Anniversary Show.&nbsp; The Anniversary show is a juried and judged exhibit. First, pieces are submitted by artists for juror selection. Carnegie had 71 pieces submitted. The three-member jury selected 63 pieces from 38 artists to be in the show. There are seven media categories including: oil and acrylic; watercolor and gouache; pastel, ink, pencil; mixed media; photography; three-dimensional; and youth. This past week, artist and WNCC art instructor, Yelena Khanevskya, from Scottsbluff, NE served as our judge. Best of Show went to “Let Days Speak” by Rachel Brownlee. In the Mixed Media category First Place went to “Morning Preen” by Tom Samson. Second Place went to “3D Starry Night” by Michael Mittlestadt. Honorable Mentions went to “The Next Generation” by Tom Samson and “Forelsket” by Sydnie Waldron. In the Oil and Acrylic category First Place went to “Paradise Revisited” by Robert Peltz. Second Place went to “Niobrara Trail Road” by Rick Yusten. Honorable Mentions went to “5 Cottonwoods on Fall Platte” by Ben Darling and “To Good Ships and Friendships” by Jana Van Housen. In the Pen, Pencil, Ink, Pastel, and Charcoal category First Place went to “Falling” by Gretchen Peters. Second Place went to “Powwow Dancer” by MelloDe McCart. Honorable Mentions went to “Glass Gem Corn” by Ann Darling and “All A’ Board” by JeanAnn Curry-Hess. In the Watercolor category First Place went to “Never been to Spain” by Clarice Hynes. Second Place went to “Pond on Grace Coolidge Creek” by Joy Price. Honorable Mentions went to “While it Lasts” by Clarice Hynes and “Rangeland” by Linda Dabbs. In the Three-Dimensional category First Place wen to “When Pigs Fly” by Becci Thomas. Second Place went to “Driftwood Sunflowers” by Linda Dabbs. Honorable Mentions went to “Nebraska” by Pam Perry and “What Else is Left to Say” by Sydnie Waldron. In the Photography category First Place went to “The Last Weld” by Selah Strand. Second Place went to “Heavy Metal XII” by Trudy Waterman. Honorable Mentions went to “Shadow in the Time of a Discarded Past” by Garald Horst and “Rainbow over the Rosebud” by Ned Day. In the Youth category First Place went to “Six Feet!” by Carver Hauptman. Second Place went to “Silent Wisdom” by Ayvrie Waldron. Honorable Mentions went to “Digital Landmark” by Kaelyn Mazanec and “Playing with Reflections” by Carver Hauptman. You will be able to see these amazing artworks on display until May 15. Thank you to all our local business sponsors that make this huge exhibit possible. The businesses that support arts opportunities for your community through their sponsorship of this exhibit include Bruce Furniture, Seasons of Hope Counseling, and Bernie's Hardware, Gregory’s Insurance, Alliance Grocery Kart, Western Potato, and Bates Gould Funeral Home. Also, a huge thanks to our operational grantors: Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Peter Kiewit Foundation.

Carnegie Arts Center announces 28th Anniversary Show results 

The Chadron Police Department will join law enforcement agencies nationwide April 8-12 to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of texting and distracted driving. 

This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort.

According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. While fatalities from motor-vehicle crashes decreased slightly from 2018, distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%. 

NHTSA also reported that the number of deaths linked to driver distraction was 3,142 nationwide, or almost 9% of all fatalities in 2019. This represents a 10% increase over the year 2018, or 284 more fatalities. The distraction figure was the largest increase in causes of traffic deaths reported for 2019.

Violating Nebraska’s distracted-driving laws can be costly - NE Statute(s) §60-6,179.01, Use of handheld wireless communication device; prohibited acts; enforcement; violation; penalty and §60-6,179.02, Operator of commercial motor vehicle; operator of certain passenger motor vehicle; operator of school bus; texting while driving prohibited; exception; use of handheld mobile telephone while driving prohibited; exception; violation; penalty.

First Offense: $200, Second Offense: $300, Third and Subsequent Offenses: $500 Fines assessed under NE Statue §60-4,182, Point system; offenses enumerated.

The Chadron Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. 

If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. No text or post is worth ruining someone’s day — or taking a life. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

If you have any questions regarding the use of handheld mobile devices, stop by the Chadron Police Department located at 125 Main Street, Chadron, NE or call (308) 432-0510

The Chadron Police Department will join law enforcement agencies nationwide April 8-12 to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of texting and distracted driving. This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort.According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. While fatalities from motor-vehicle crashes decreased slightly from 2018, distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%. NHTSA also reported that the number of deaths linked to driver distraction was 3,142 nationwide, or almost 9% of all fatalities in 2019. This represents a 10% increase over the year 2018, or 284 more fatalities. The distraction figure was the largest increase in causes of traffic deaths reported for 2019.Violating Nebraska’s distracted-driving laws can be costly - NE Statute(s) §60-6,179.01, Use of handheld wireless communication device; prohibited acts; enforcement; violation; penalty and §60-6,179.02, Operator of commercial motor vehicle; operator of certain passenger motor vehicle; operator of school bus; texting while driving prohibited; exception; use of handheld mobile telephone while driving prohibited; exception; violation; penalty.First Offense: $200, Second Offense: $300, Third and Subsequent Offenses: $500 Fines assessed under NE Statue §60-4,182, Point system; offenses enumerated.Drive Safe Every TripThe Chadron Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. No text or post is worth ruining someone’s day — or taking a life. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.If you have any questions regarding the use of handheld mobile devices, stop by the Chadron Police Department located at 125 Main Street, Chadron, NE or call (308) 432-0510

Chadron PD joins nationwide 'U Drive. U Text. U Pay' campaign 

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) — Law enforcement and prosecutors are investigating after an inmate at the state prison in Tecumseh was attacked and repeatedly stabbed over the weekend. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the attack happened late Saturday morning in the prison's outside yard, when two inmates cut and stabbed another inmate in his arms and torso. 

Prison staff found two homemade weapons, and an investigation into the assault has begun. 

Prison officials say the Johnson County Attorney will review the findings of the investigation to determine whether to pursue criminal charges.

 Meanwhile, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services will go through its disciplinary process to punish the attackers by such means as docking good-time privileges.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) — Law enforcement and prosecutors are investigating after an inmate at the state prison in Tecumseh was attacked and repeatedly stabbed over the weekend. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the attack happened late Saturday morning in the prison's outside yard, when two inmates cut and stabbed another inmate in his arms and torso. Prison staff found two homemade weapons, and an investigation into the assault has begun. Prison officials say the Johnson County Attorney will review the findings of the investigation to determine whether to pursue criminal charges. Meanwhile, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services will go through its disciplinary process to punish the attackers by such means as docking good-time privileges.

Authorities investigating after Nebraska inmate attacked

Eyes are often called the “window to the soul”, but they can also be the “window to your health”. Most people know that it is essential to visit your primary physician for an annual check-up, but an annual eye exam is an important part of staying healthy as well.

The eye is the only area of the body where doctors can see small blood vessels with such clarity. So, during your annual physical exam, your physician will examine your eyes briefly with a handheld tool called an ophthalmoscope. This device gives your physician a great view of those blood vessels located on the back wall of your eye.

However, for a much more thorough understanding of your eye health, you need a dedicated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. These health care providers have an arsenal of tools and techniques at their disposal for examining the eye and screening for eye disease.

For example, when your optometrist or ophthalmologist looks at the back wall of your eye, they lower the lights in the room and use drops to dilate your eyes. This enhanced exam is more effective in detecting changes in or damage to those blood vessels which can be caused by high blood pressure or diabetes. As a result, eye doctors frequently refer patients to their primary care physicians in the early stages of these diseases.

When diabetes is diagnosed, medical doctors and eye specialists work hand in hand monitoring patients for complications from the disease. One such complication, diabetic retinopathy, damages the blood vessels of the retina and is the most common cause of blindness in American adults. This too can be detected during a dilated eye exam.

An eye specialist can also screen for glaucoma, a condition where fluid builds up in the eye causing increased pressure that can damage the optic nerve. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

Macular degeneration is another disease that your optometrist or ophthalmologist is trained to detect. This is an eye disorder associated with aging and results in damage to the central vision which at its worst can result in the permanent impairment of vision needed for reading and close-up sight.

It takes a team of providers to monitor and maintain your health. When scheduling your annual exams, do not ignore your eyes, as they can be the “window” we need to see what is going on in the rest of your body.

Jill Kruse, D.O. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit www.prairiedoc.org and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streaming most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

By Jill Kruse, D.O.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617580299482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eyes are often called the “window to the soul”, but they can also be the “window to your health”. Most people know that it is essential to visit your primary physician for an annual check-up, but an annual eye exam is an important part of staying healthy as well.The eye is the only area of the body where doctors can see small blood vessels with such clarity. So, during your annual physical exam, your physician will examine your eyes briefly with a handheld tool called an ophthalmoscope. This device gives your physician a great view of those blood vessels located on the back wall of your eye.However, for a much more thorough understanding of your eye health, you need a dedicated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. These health care providers have an arsenal of tools and techniques at their disposal for examining the eye and screening for eye disease.For example, when your optometrist or ophthalmologist looks at the back wall of your eye, they lower the lights in the room and use drops to dilate your eyes. This enhanced exam is more effective in detecting changes in or damage to those blood vessels which can be caused by high blood pressure or diabetes. As a result, eye doctors frequently refer patients to their primary care physicians in the early stages of these diseases.When diabetes is diagnosed, medical doctors and eye specialists work hand in hand monitoring patients for complications from the disease. One such complication, diabetic retinopathy, damages the blood vessels of the retina and is the most common cause of blindness in American adults. This too can be detected during a dilated eye exam.An eye specialist can also screen for glaucoma, a condition where fluid builds up in the eye causing increased pressure that can damage the optic nerve. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.Macular degeneration is another disease that your optometrist or ophthalmologist is trained to detect. This is an eye disorder associated with aging and results in damage to the central vision which at its worst can result in the permanent impairment of vision needed for reading and close-up sight.It takes a team of providers to monitor and maintain your health. When scheduling your annual exams, do not ignore your eyes, as they can be the “window” we need to see what is going on in the rest of your body.Jill Kruse, D.O. is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit www.prairiedoc.org and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streaming most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc Perspectives: The Window to your health

By Dave Bergmeier-<a href="https://www.hpj.com/bergmeier/sustainable-beef-whets-appetite-with-nebraska-plant/article_fa2ac76c-9335-11eb-bdbb-4fb3e51d9471.html#utm_source=hpj.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fhpj-weekly%2F%3F-dc%3D1617382803&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=read%20more">High Plains Journal</a>

Making a difference is easier said than done but it is a message Rusty Kemp takes to heart and is the impetus to the opening of a new beef plant in North Platte, Nebraska.

The McPherson County, Nebraska, cattle producer remembers a conversation he had on an overseas trade delegation trip to Japan and Vietnam. The trip, which was organized by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, occurred shortly after the August 2019 Tyson beef plant fire in Holcomb, Kansas, when the markets suffered a major decline in prices and the aftermath hit cattle producers hard. It led Kemp to have several conversations with the governor.

“The governor said, ‘Rusty if you can come up with a solution I will take a look at it and do what I can,’” Kemp said, as he remembered Ricketts telling him that finding a solution is the best way to solve a problem. Kemp remembered thinking to himself, “If we are going to solve this we have to do it ourselves.”

With that conversation in place, Kemp and a small group did their homework that ultimately led to Sustainable Beef LLC and a project that now has about 20 farm family operations committed to process beef in North Platte, Nebraska. The plant, in full operation, is estimated to process about 1,500 head of cattle a day. The business model commits to those owners who contract the cattle and Kemp said he does expect there will be some live buying too.

Besides a start-of-the-art plant, producers have committed to block chain technology that Kemp believes will provide benefits to the consumers too.

David Briggs, CEO of Sustainable Beef LLC, said the plant will employ about 875 workers when the plant is operational in 2023 and that excitement is felt by those who see the plant as a way to get Nebraska beef on the world stage as about a third of the meat is likely headed to international destinations, Briggs said.

Several factors reinforced the need for greater capacity in light of the Tyson plant fire in Holcomb, Kansas, in 2019, and then the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 interrupted the beef supply line, both men said.

Kemp said a Rabobank study indicated that the industry could easily add more than 5,000 head of cattle capacity per day to restore balance in the system and help farmers and ranchers and the entire supply chain. With the projected 1,500 head a day going through Sustainable Beef he hoped it would be encouraging to others to pursue expansion.

North Platte, with its location on Interstate Highway 80 and in the heart of cattle country, became a natural fit particularly as the city leaders were eager to develop an 80-acre piece of tract that was available but had little previous value, Briggs said.

The Sustainable Beef plant will be located on the east fringe of the community with access to Interstate Highway 80 on land that’s only previous purpose was tied to the community’s sewer system.

The plant will be about 340,000 square feet and the cost will be over $200 million.

“The city of North Platte has been great to work with,” Kemp said in concurring with Briggs.

Part of the investment into construction is employing consultants who have helped develop larger processing plants and they understand the importance of being a good corporate neighbor. Briggs said all of the parties are aware of the importance of addressing odor concerns and finding ways to mitigate it.

Briggs said construction of large processing plants have been rare in the past couple of decades as most projects have been tied to additions or smaller operations.

“It will add more capacity to the industry,” he said with a different ownership model from the “big four” packers are either family owned or by shareholders, he said.

Most of the cattle he expects will be from within 200 miles of North Platte.

Pete McClymont, executive vice president with Nebraska Cattlemen, Lincoln, said the project should provide a major injection of optimism for the cattle industry. The ownership group and community have embraced the opportunity and are on the same page.

McClymont says in his experiences is when the industry reduces capacity, and he has seen it in the Plains regions at Emporia, Kansas, and Plainview, Texas, not only are the communities hurt but also are farmers and ranchers.

“This is a specific site in a region where we needed expansion and it comes at time when also had good news when Tama, Iowa, announced it was adding capacity at National Beef,” McClymont said.

Total investment will be more than $100 million and will double the capacity of the plant to approximately 2,500 head per day, the company has stated. National Beef is also a major processor in Dodge City and Liberal, Kansas, and employs over 9,500 people.

“This is all good news for producers,” he said.

While there is always risk with new plants, whether new or expansion, oftentimes they do pay off and help producers and the industry.

McClymont remembers when U.S. Premium Beef began in the 1990s people in the industry watched it grow and develop and serve as a model on what producers can achieve.

The plant, with 875 jobs in a community of 25,500 people, should fit in well with North Platte’s industrial base with a school system that can accommodate families.

Sustainable Beef’s location means odor is less likely to drift over the community, McClymont said, which adds to the quality of life. He is also pleased with the latest technology for scrubbers and he said the plant will capture enough methane. A lagoon plant will capture enough methane that it is expected to provide 70% of the plant’s energy needs and that is good news not only for efficiency but also for stewardship.

With estimated processing of 400,000 head on an annual basis that is an important fact that is economic good news for the entire cattle industry, McClymont said.

About a third of the meat processed is expected to go overseas.

Kemp was able to see firsthand the enthusiasm Japanese consumers have about consuming high-quality beef and identify that with what Nebraska means. In addition, that means the remainder will be marketed as High Choice or Prime beef for consumers who value the taste and quality of Nebraska beef.

“Nebraska’s name resonates with high-quality beef, just like Kansas has wheat and California has wine, Sustainable Beef will be able to capture a part of the beef market that has high demand,” McClymont said.

Kemp believes the Sustainable Beef’s plant, when fully operated, has the potential to help improve the corn basis and feeder cattle basis in the region.

Glynn Tonsor, a professor in the department of agriculture economics at Kansas State University, said he was not surprised about the news of the development of Sustinable Beef as there has been quite a bit of industry chatter about the need to add processing capacity.

“The largest facilities today operate closer to 6,000 per head, per day per industry sources,” Tonsor said. “Accordingly a new plant at 1,500 head would be smaller than the larger facilities yet still larger than most existing and recently announced plants.”

The prices received by participants throughout the supply chain are dictated by many factors, he said.&nbsp;The derived demand for fed cattle is in part driven by total packing capacity in the industry.

There are a host of challenges and opportunities with any new venture, he said.&nbsp;Some of the opportunities associated with a new facility include the prospect of incorporating cutting-edge, modern technology that is not always available in older plants, but quickly adds it is always hard to speculate when trying to compare other facilities because capacity is always an important consideration.

Nebraska is a big cattle state and does have a ripple effect for producers throughout the High Plains, he said, and is likely to have an effect on not just the state hosting the facility.

“The U.S beef-cattle industry is truly global in nature,” Tonsor said.&nbsp;“Similarly, the feedlot-processing interface is not confined to any one state as cattle often cross borders to be harvested; I would expect that to continue and any new plant in the High Plains to have an effect on not just the state hosting the facility.&nbsp;

By Dave Bergmeier-<a href="https://www.hpj.com/bergmeier/sustainable-beef-whets-appetite-with-nebraska-plant/article_fa2ac76c-9335-11eb-bdbb-4fb3e51d9471.html#utm_source=hpj.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Flists%2Fhpj-weekly%2F%3F-dc%3D1617382803&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=read%20more">High Plains Journal</a>Making a difference is easier said than done but it is a message Rusty Kemp takes to heart and is the impetus to the opening of a new beef plant in North Platte, Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617575954565.jpg" alt="The Sustainable Beef plant will be located on the east fringe of the community with access to Interstate Highway 80 on land that’s only previous purpose was tied to the community’s sewer system. The plant will be about 340,000 square feet and the cost will be over $200 million." />
 <figcaption>The Sustainable Beef plant will be located on the east fringe of the community with access to Interstate Highway 80 on land that’s only previous purpose was tied to the community’s sewer system. The plant will be about 340,000 square feet and the cost will be over $200 million.</figcaption>
 </figure>The McPherson County, Nebraska, cattle producer remembers a conversation he had on an overseas trade delegation trip to Japan and Vietnam. The trip, which was organized by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, occurred shortly after the August 2019 Tyson beef plant fire in Holcomb, Kansas, when the markets suffered a major decline in prices and the aftermath hit cattle producers hard. It led Kemp to have several conversations with the governor.“The governor said, ‘Rusty if you can come up with a solution I will take a look at it and do what I can,’” Kemp said, as he remembered Ricketts telling him that finding a solution is the best way to solve a problem. Kemp remembered thinking to himself, “If we are going to solve this we have to do it ourselves.”With that conversation in place, Kemp and a small group did their homework that ultimately led to Sustainable Beef LLC and a project that now has about 20 farm family operations committed to process beef in North Platte, Nebraska. The plant, in full operation, is estimated to process about 1,500 head of cattle a day. The business model commits to those owners who contract the cattle and Kemp said he does expect there will be some live buying too.Besides a start-of-the-art plant, producers have committed to block chain technology that Kemp believes will provide benefits to the consumers too.2023 opening dateDavid Briggs, CEO of Sustainable Beef LLC, said the plant will employ about 875 workers when the plant is operational in 2023 and that excitement is felt by those who see the plant as a way to get Nebraska beef on the world stage as about a third of the meat is likely headed to international destinations, Briggs said.Several factors reinforced the need for greater capacity in light of the Tyson plant fire in Holcomb, Kansas, in 2019, and then the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 interrupted the beef supply line, both men said.Kemp said a Rabobank study indicated that the industry could easily add more than 5,000 head of cattle capacity per day to restore balance in the system and help farmers and ranchers and the entire supply chain. With the projected 1,500 head a day going through Sustainable Beef he hoped it would be encouraging to others to pursue expansion.North Platte, with its location on Interstate Highway 80 and in the heart of cattle country, became a natural fit particularly as the city leaders were eager to develop an 80-acre piece of tract that was available but had little previous value, Briggs said.The Sustainable Beef plant will be located on the east fringe of the community with access to Interstate Highway 80 on land that’s only previous purpose was tied to the community’s sewer system.The plant will be about 340,000 square feet and the cost will be over $200 million.“The city of North Platte has been great to work with,” Kemp said in concurring with Briggs.Part of the investment into construction is employing consultants who have helped develop larger processing plants and they understand the importance of being a good corporate neighbor. Briggs said all of the parties are aware of the importance of addressing odor concerns and finding ways to mitigate it.Briggs said construction of large processing plants have been rare in the past couple of decades as most projects have been tied to additions or smaller operations.“It will add more capacity to the industry,” he said with a different ownership model from the “big four” packers are either family owned or by shareholders, he said.Most of the cattle he expects will be from within 200 miles of North Platte.Great news for industryPete McClymont, executive vice president with Nebraska Cattlemen, Lincoln, said the project should provide a major injection of optimism for the cattle industry. The ownership group and community have embraced the opportunity and are on the same page.McClymont says in his experiences is when the industry reduces capacity, and he has seen it in the Plains regions at Emporia, Kansas, and Plainview, Texas, not only are the communities hurt but also are farmers and ranchers.“This is a specific site in a region where we needed expansion and it comes at time when also had good news when Tama, Iowa, announced it was adding capacity at National Beef,” McClymont said.Total investment will be more than $100 million and will double the capacity of the plant to approximately 2,500 head per day, the company has stated. National Beef is also a major processor in Dodge City and Liberal, Kansas, and employs over 9,500 people.“This is all good news for producers,” he said.While there is always risk with new plants, whether new or expansion, oftentimes they do pay off and help producers and the industry.McClymont remembers when U.S. Premium Beef began in the 1990s people in the industry watched it grow and develop and serve as a model on what producers can achieve.The plant, with 875 jobs in a community of 25,500 people, should fit in well with North Platte’s industrial base with a school system that can accommodate families.Sustainable Beef’s location means odor is less likely to drift over the community, McClymont said, which adds to the quality of life. He is also pleased with the latest technology for scrubbers and he said the plant will capture enough methane. A lagoon plant will capture enough methane that it is expected to provide 70% of the plant’s energy needs and that is good news not only for efficiency but also for stewardship.OpportunityWith estimated processing of 400,000 head on an annual basis that is an important fact that is economic good news for the entire cattle industry, McClymont said.About a third of the meat processed is expected to go overseas.Kemp was able to see firsthand the enthusiasm Japanese consumers have about consuming high-quality beef and identify that with what Nebraska means. In addition, that means the remainder will be marketed as High Choice or Prime beef for consumers who value the taste and quality of Nebraska beef.“Nebraska’s name resonates with high-quality beef, just like Kansas has wheat and California has wine, Sustainable Beef will be able to capture a part of the beef market that has high demand,” McClymont said.Kemp believes the Sustainable Beef’s plant, when fully operated, has the potential to help improve the corn basis and feeder cattle basis in the region.Glynn Tonsor, a professor in the department of agriculture economics at Kansas State University, said he was not surprised about the news of the development of Sustinable Beef as there has been quite a bit of industry chatter about the need to add processing capacity.“The largest facilities today operate closer to 6,000 per head, per day per industry sources,” Tonsor said. “Accordingly a new plant at 1,500 head would be smaller than the larger facilities yet still larger than most existing and recently announced plants.”The prices received by participants throughout the supply chain are dictated by many factors, he said.&nbsp;The derived demand for fed cattle is in part driven by total packing capacity in the industry.There are a host of challenges and opportunities with any new venture, he said.&nbsp;Some of the opportunities associated with a new facility include the prospect of incorporating cutting-edge, modern technology that is not always available in older plants, but quickly adds it is always hard to speculate when trying to compare other facilities because capacity is always an important consideration.Nebraska is a big cattle state and does have a ripple effect for producers throughout the High Plains, he said, and is likely to have an effect on not just the state hosting the facility.“The U.S beef-cattle industry is truly global in nature,” Tonsor said.&nbsp;“Similarly, the feedlot-processing interface is not confined to any one state as cattle often cross borders to be harvested; I would expect that to continue and any new plant in the High Plains to have an effect on not just the state hosting the facility.&nbsp;

Sustainable Beef whets appetite with Nebraska plant

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new state law aims to stop scams that target the financial assets of older Nebraskans. Jina Ragland, associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska, said older residents are especially susceptible to financial exploitation because they often have sizable assets and are not always able to recognize when it is happening to them. She noted elder financial exploitation is a significant problem, not just in Nebraska. "It's happening nationally," Ragland explained. "It's happening more and more, as our population ages. We do know it's often under-reported, and so hopefully this will be another way that we can bring light to some of these issues and stop them before they actually take place." Ragland pointed out financial professionals often are the first to recognize that an older adult is being victimized. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Slip/LB297.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act</a>&nbsp;authorizes broker-dealers and investment advisers to place a hold, for up to 30 business days, on suspicious transactions in older Nebraskans' accounts. The measure was signed into law by Gov. Pete Ricketts last week. <a href="http://investorprotection.org/downloads/IPT_EIFFE_Medical_Survey_News_Release_03-22-16.pdf" target="_blank">One out of five</a>&nbsp;older Americans experience financial exploitation, and the average victim&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/banksafe/" target="_blank">loses $120,000</a>. Ragland said scams range from criminals posing as grandchildren in need of cash, to false claims of winning sweepstakes. She stressed it's important to remember not to let anyone pressure you into handing over any personal or financial information. "If something is too good to be true, we would ask people to stop and pause," Ragland urged. "If it's the grandparent scam, and you have a grandchild calling, before you actually do anything, it may be hanging up the phone and then making a phone call back to the grandchild." Older Americans make up 12% of the population, but account for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer-action.org/press/articles/elder_fraud_guide_released_by_moneywie_partners" target="_blank">30% of victims</a>&nbsp;of consumer fraud crime. Legislative Bill 297 builds on legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB853.pdf" target="_blank">passed last year</a>&nbsp;authorizing banks and other financial institutions to place holds on customer transactions in cases of suspected financial exploitation. The new law is set to take effect in September.

From Nebraska News ConnectionEric GalatasLINCOLN, Neb. -- A new state law aims to stop scams that target the financial assets of older Nebraskans. Jina Ragland, associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Nebraska, said older residents are especially susceptible to financial exploitation because they often have sizable assets and are not always able to recognize when it is happening to them. She noted elder financial exploitation is a significant problem, not just in Nebraska. "It's happening nationally," Ragland explained. "It's happening more and more, as our population ages. We do know it's often under-reported, and so hopefully this will be another way that we can bring light to some of these issues and stop them before they actually take place." Ragland pointed out financial professionals often are the first to recognize that an older adult is being victimized. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/107/PDF/Slip/LB297.pdf" target="_blank">Nebraska Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act</a>&nbsp;authorizes broker-dealers and investment advisers to place a hold, for up to 30 business days, on suspicious transactions in older Nebraskans' accounts. The measure was signed into law by Gov. Pete Ricketts last week. <a href="http://investorprotection.org/downloads/IPT_EIFFE_Medical_Survey_News_Release_03-22-16.pdf" target="_blank">One out of five</a>&nbsp;older Americans experience financial exploitation, and the average victim&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/banksafe/" target="_blank">loses $120,000</a>. Ragland said scams range from criminals posing as grandchildren in need of cash, to false claims of winning sweepstakes. She stressed it's important to remember not to let anyone pressure you into handing over any personal or financial information. "If something is too good to be true, we would ask people to stop and pause," Ragland urged. "If it's the grandparent scam, and you have a grandchild calling, before you actually do anything, it may be hanging up the phone and then making a phone call back to the grandchild." Older Americans make up 12% of the population, but account for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumer-action.org/press/articles/elder_fraud_guide_released_by_moneywie_partners" target="_blank">30% of victims</a>&nbsp;of consumer fraud crime. Legislative Bill 297 builds on legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/106/PDF/Intro/LB853.pdf" target="_blank">passed last year</a>&nbsp;authorizing banks and other financial institutions to place holds on customer transactions in cases of suspected financial exploitation. The new law is set to take effect in September.

Protections from financial scams beefed up for older Nebraskans

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has sided with state prison officials in a lawsuit brought by an inmate who alleged that a 2015 riot worsened his health conditions. 

The court upheld a lower court’s ruling against inmate John Wizinsky, who sued the state for negligence. 

Wizinsky argued at trial that he missed one of his insulin shots for diabetes during the May 2015 riot at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. 

He was in protective custody at the time and testified that, during the riot, other inmates shouted threats at him and nearly beat to death another protective custody inmate. 

A district court judge ruled that the state wasn't negligent and that it was shielded from the lawsuit by sovereign immunity.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has sided with state prison officials in a lawsuit brought by an inmate who alleged that a 2015 riot worsened his health conditions. The court upheld a lower court’s ruling against inmate John Wizinsky, who sued the state for negligence. Wizinsky argued at trial that he missed one of his insulin shots for diabetes during the May 2015 riot at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. He was in protective custody at the time and testified that, during the riot, other inmates shouted threats at him and nearly beat to death another protective custody inmate. A district court judge ruled that the state wasn't negligent and that it was shielded from the lawsuit by sovereign immunity.

Court sides with state in Nebraska prison riot lawsuit

The B117 COVID variant has been confirmed in the Panhandle. 

Confirmation was received late Friday of a teen male, teen female, and female in her 30s from the Nebraska Public Health Lab testing and notification from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Any close contacts identified will be quarantined to slow the spread.

This variant was initially detected in the UK and in the US this past December. This variant seems to spread more easily and quickly than other variants which may lead to more COVID cases with the potential for increased severity. Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time.

So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway.&nbsp;

“Finding this strain in the Panhandle reinforces the importance of getting your COVID vaccine. Consider it your molecular PPE and one of the best protection against this insidious virus. Now that it’s available to anyone over 18, we urge you to get it,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

Anyone in the Panhandle age 18 and older can get a COVID vaccine. Roughly 35% of Panhandle adults have received the COVID vaccine. People are urged to help friends, family, and neighbors sign up for theirs. This can be done by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov/">https://vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18339982275">833-998-2275.</a>

Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn.<a>&nbsp;People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact.</a>

If you have received your first dose and have not heard when you will receive your second dose, don’t fret, you will be contacted by the vaccine provider that administered your first dose. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/">www.pphd.org</a>.

By PPHDThe B117 COVID variant has been confirmed in the Panhandle. Confirmation was received late Friday of a teen male, teen female, and female in her 30s from the Nebraska Public Health Lab testing and notification from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Any close contacts identified will be quarantined to slow the spread.This variant was initially detected in the UK and in the US this past December. This variant seems to spread more easily and quickly than other variants which may lead to more COVID cases with the potential for increased severity. Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time.So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway.&nbsp;“Finding this strain in the Panhandle reinforces the importance of getting your COVID vaccine. Consider it your molecular PPE and one of the best protection against this insidious virus. Now that it’s available to anyone over 18, we urge you to get it,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.Anyone in the Panhandle age 18 and older can get a COVID vaccine. Roughly 35% of Panhandle adults have received the COVID vaccine. People are urged to help friends, family, and neighbors sign up for theirs. This can be done by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov/">https://vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;or calling&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18339982275">833-998-2275.</a>Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn.<a>&nbsp;People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact.</a>If you have received your first dose and have not heard when you will receive your second dose, don’t fret, you will be contacted by the vaccine provider that administered your first dose. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.Avoid the Three Cs:<ul>
 <li>Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others</li><li>Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with</li><li>Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation</li>
 </ul>Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/">www.pphd.org</a>.

B117 COVID variant found in the Panhandle

Lincoln – Strong ticket sales and a billion-dollar Mega Millions jackpot run resulted in the largest amount of proceeds transferred to the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery was established in 1993.

A total of $15,201,537, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales from the previous three months, was distributed the week of April 2 among the beneficiaries in the following manner:

Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $6,764,684; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $6,764,684; Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,520,154; and Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $152,015.

The latest transfer exceeded the previous record of $14,484,483 transferred in March 2016. A total of $818,993,865 in proceeds has been distributed since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993.

Nebraska Lottery Director Brian Rockey attributes the historic transfer amount to strong sales of Mega Millions and Powerball tickets during the quarter. “Mega Millions and Powerball started 2021 with record jackpots, including a $731.1 million Powerball jackpot for the January 20 drawing and a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot for the January 22 draw,” said Rockey. “Ticket sales for both games, in addition to continued growth in Scratch ticket sales, resulted in this unprecedented quarterly transfer to our beneficiary funds. We’re proud of our continuing mission of helping our beneficiaries build a better Nebraska with lottery proceeds.”

The increased transfer amount will have a direct impact in Nebraska. Projects funded with lottery proceeds range from critical habitat protection for wildlife and grants to Nebraska college students to enhancements to facilities at the Nebraska State Fair and assistance for problem gamblers.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $3 billion in total sales (since 1993) in June 2019. Sales for fiscal year 2020 totaled $183 million. Visit the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, for more information.

Lincoln – Strong ticket sales and a billion-dollar Mega Millions jackpot run resulted in the largest amount of proceeds transferred to the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery was established in 1993.A total of $15,201,537, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales from the previous three months, was distributed the week of April 2 among the beneficiaries in the following manner:Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $6,764,684; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $6,764,684; Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,520,154; and Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $152,015.The latest transfer exceeded the previous record of $14,484,483 transferred in March 2016. A total of $818,993,865 in proceeds has been distributed since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993.Nebraska Lottery Director Brian Rockey attributes the historic transfer amount to strong sales of Mega Millions and Powerball tickets during the quarter. “Mega Millions and Powerball started 2021 with record jackpots, including a $731.1 million Powerball jackpot for the January 20 drawing and a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot for the January 22 draw,” said Rockey. “Ticket sales for both games, in addition to continued growth in Scratch ticket sales, resulted in this unprecedented quarterly transfer to our beneficiary funds. We’re proud of our continuing mission of helping our beneficiaries build a better Nebraska with lottery proceeds.”The increased transfer amount will have a direct impact in Nebraska. Projects funded with lottery proceeds range from critical habitat protection for wildlife and grants to Nebraska college students to enhancements to facilities at the Nebraska State Fair and assistance for problem gamblers.Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.The Nebraska Lottery marked $3 billion in total sales (since 1993) in June 2019. Sales for fiscal year 2020 totaled $183 million. Visit the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, for more information.

Nebraska Lottery generates record amount for beneficiaries

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming lawmakers have advanced a proposal to set up a fund to sue states that move away from using coal to generate electricity.

 A bill to establish a $1.2 million legal fund in the top coal-mining state advanced without objection Tuesday to a final vote in the state Senate in the days ahead. 

The bill earlier passed the state House 53-7.

 Around 40% of the nation’s coal used in power plants comes from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reports coal production has been declining as utilities switch to gas, wind and solar power.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming lawmakers have advanced a proposal to set up a fund to sue states that move away from using coal to generate electricity. A bill to establish a $1.2 million legal fund in the top coal-mining state advanced without objection Tuesday to a final vote in the state Senate in the days ahead. The bill earlier passed the state House 53-7. Around 40% of the nation’s coal used in power plants comes from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana. The Casper Star-Tribune reports coal production has been declining as utilities switch to gas, wind and solar power.

Wyoming lawmakers move ahead with proposed coal lawsuit fund

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A health insurance lobbyist and former state official has been chosen as the next director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday that he has appointed Eric Dunning, of Omaha, to lead the state agency. 

Dunning has been the director of government affairs for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska since 2013. 

He has more than 15 years of experience as an attorney for the Nebraska Department of Insurance, and advised agency leaders on legal matters relating to insurance regulations. 

Dunning will start his new role on April 19 at a salary of $139,000. 

He replaces department director Bruce Ramge, who’s retiring this month as the state’s longest-serving insurance director.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A health insurance lobbyist and former state official has been chosen as the next director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday that he has appointed Eric Dunning, of Omaha, to lead the state agency. Dunning has been the director of government affairs for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska since 2013. He has more than 15 years of experience as an attorney for the Nebraska Department of Insurance, and advised agency leaders on legal matters relating to insurance regulations. Dunning will start his new role on April 19 at a salary of $139,000. He replaces department director Bruce Ramge, who’s retiring this month as the state’s longest-serving insurance director.

Ricketts names new Nebraska Department of Insurance director

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A decorated World War II veteran from South Dakota celebrated his 101st birthday with a special honor at the Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City. 

A new exhibit about Maurice “Morry” Crow’s extraordinary military service was unveiled at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum on base Wednesday, Crow’s birthday. 

Crow enlisted in the Army Air Force following the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

He was a B-17 flight engineer and top gunner, completing 30 missions in the European Theater in 1943 and 1944. 

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A decorated World War II veteran from South Dakota celebrated his 101st birthday with a special honor at the Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City. A new exhibit about Maurice “Morry” Crow’s extraordinary military service was unveiled at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum on base Wednesday, Crow’s birthday. Crow enlisted in the Army Air Force following the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was a B-17 flight engineer and top gunner, completing 30 missions in the European Theater in 1943 and 1944. Despite being wounded in combat and facing tall odds against the Nazi-German Luftwaffe, Crow not only survived, but was credited with an aerial victory against an attacking fighter.

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