By&nbsp;Dave Ostdiek, Nebraska Extension Communication Specialist

Curious about research projects under way at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center? Now anybody with access to the internet can follow them whenever it’s convenient.

Archived video presentations from the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center’s virtual field day, “Panhandle Agricultural Research and Technology Tour – Plus” (PARTT Plus), are now live on the Panhandle Center website. This event, held in December 2020 over Zoom, supplemented the in-person field day held in August. Speakers from that PARTT event and other specialists presented updates on research from 2020, much of which will be carried on in 2021 and future years.

The archive contains all of the recorded talks, along with the question-and-answer sessions that followed. It contains short talks about dry edible bean research, including entomology, weed management, breeding, pathology, and on-farm research. There are also talks focused on irrigation management and water-quality research, cow-calf feeding and grazing research, and an overview of economics for the Panhandle region as of December 2020.

The archive, typed transcripts and more information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/panhandle/partt-plus/" target="_blank">https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/panhandle/partt-plus/</a>.

Or, navigate your browser to the Panhandle Center’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandle.unl.edu/" target="_blank">https://panhandle.unl.edu</a>. A hyperlink to the PARTT Plus page is featured near the top of the Panhandle Center’s homepage.

Typed transcripts and captions are being added to the videos as they are completed, expanding access to the videos to anyone.

Support from PARTT Plus comes from University of Nebraska – Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, and 21st&nbsp;Century.

The PARTT Plus archive joins other virtual field days from 2020 on the Panhandle Center website, including the Yonts Water Policy Conference the High Plains Ag Lab June field day, and the High Plains Ag Lab annual research update.

By&nbsp;Dave Ostdiek, Nebraska Extension Communication SpecialistCurious about research projects under way at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center? Now anybody with access to the internet can follow them whenever it’s convenient.Archived video presentations from the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center’s virtual field day, “Panhandle Agricultural Research and Technology Tour – Plus” (PARTT Plus), are now live on the Panhandle Center website. This event, held in December 2020 over Zoom, supplemented the in-person field day held in August. Speakers from that PARTT event and other specialists presented updates on research from 2020, much of which will be carried on in 2021 and future years.The archive contains all of the recorded talks, along with the question-and-answer sessions that followed. It contains short talks about dry edible bean research, including entomology, weed management, breeding, pathology, and on-farm research. There are also talks focused on irrigation management and water-quality research, cow-calf feeding and grazing research, and an overview of economics for the Panhandle region as of December 2020.The archive, typed transcripts and more information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/panhandle/partt-plus/" target="_blank">https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/panhandle/partt-plus/</a>.Or, navigate your browser to the Panhandle Center’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://panhandle.unl.edu/" target="_blank">https://panhandle.unl.edu</a>. A hyperlink to the PARTT Plus page is featured near the top of the Panhandle Center’s homepage.Typed transcripts and captions are being added to the videos as they are completed, expanding access to the videos to anyone.Support from PARTT Plus comes from University of Nebraska – Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, and 21st&nbsp;Century.The PARTT Plus archive joins other virtual field days from 2020 on the Panhandle Center website, including the Yonts Water Policy Conference the High Plains Ag Lab June field day, and the High Plains Ag Lab annual research update.

PARTT Plus virtual field day archived on Panhandle Center website

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakotans now have the option to text 911 when they’re unable to make a 911 voice call. 

The text, like a phone call, will be routed to a local dispatch center.

 Officials said texting should only be used when someone can’t safely make a voice call, such as in situations involving an active shooter, domestic violence or a home invasion. 

Texting to 911 can also be used by people who lose the ability to speak because of a medical crisis.

 The South Dakota Department of Public Safety issued some guidelines, including first texting location and type of emergency. 

Photo or video texts cannot be received by dispatchers.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakotans now have the option to text 911 when they’re unable to make a 911 voice call. The text, like a phone call, will be routed to a local dispatch center. Officials said texting should only be used when someone can’t safely make a voice call, such as in situations involving an active shooter, domestic violence or a home invasion. Texting to 911 can also be used by people who lose the ability to speak because of a medical crisis. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety issued some guidelines, including first texting location and type of emergency. Photo or video texts cannot be received by dispatchers.

Texting 911 now an option in South Dakota

The Nebraska Legislature is halfway through its 2021 session.&nbsp; Senators are working on passing a budget that controls spending and delivers on Nebraskans’ top priority—property tax relief.&nbsp; The Unicameral is also working to achieve other important objectives like providing veterans tax relief, replacing the crumbling Nebraska State Penitentiary, and expanding our state’s broadband infrastructure.

At this halfway point in the legislative session, Senators are sorting the worthwhile bills from the unnecessary ones.&nbsp; It’s just as important for them to stop bad legislation as to enact good laws.&nbsp; There are a number of proposals that are pending about which I have concerns.&nbsp; In this column, I’ll share some information about three of the proposals that I am opposing this session.

LB 147 (Bailouts for Omaha Public School Pensions).&nbsp;This legislation would entangle the State of Nebraska in the administration of the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) pension fund.&nbsp; The OPS pension fund is a mess.&nbsp; It faces a $848 million shortfall due to the mismanagement of the trustees appointed by the school district to oversee the Omaha School Employees Retirement System&nbsp;(OSERS).&nbsp;

The State of Nebraska has stepped in to set the investment strategy for the OPS pension system.&nbsp; This is wise, so that the system doesn’t make bad investment decisions again.&nbsp; LB 147, however, would take the next step of making state government responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the OPS pension, including disbursing pension funds. &nbsp;This would put the State on a slippery slope toward taking on the huge financial liability resulting from the pension fund’s poor investments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraskans value local control of basic government services.&nbsp; Our communities take pride in managing their own affairs.&nbsp; This control comes with responsibility.&nbsp; When local political subdivisions make bad decisions, it’s their duty to assume responsibility for the consequences and work to set things right.&nbsp; In the case of the OPS pension fund, bad investment decisions led to huge losses.&nbsp; The Omaha World-Herald reports that over 20% of the funds “remain locked into those poor investments by contract.”&nbsp;

A State takeover of administering the day-to-day affairs of the fund is a step towards exposing state taxpayers to liability for bad decisions made by the OSERS trustees.&nbsp; Senators should oppose passing a law that could eventually lead the State to inherit the financial problem.&nbsp; After OPS finishes shoring up their pension fund, we can revisit whether the State should play a role in managing it for them.

LB 298 (Benefits for Illegal Immigrants). &nbsp;This bill would grant unemployment benefits to certain categories of illegal immigrants living in Nebraska.&nbsp; This would weaken existing state law that forbids spending taxpayer money to give unemployment benefits to people illegally residing in our state. &nbsp;The current crisis at our nation’s border with Mexico shows the consequences of watering down immigration laws.&nbsp; Nebraska shouldn’t follow suit.&nbsp;

Nebraska was built by pioneers in search of opportunities. &nbsp;We have welcoming communities, and we’re creating great jobs for families looking to make a new start.&nbsp; Our respect for law and order is one of the things that makes the Good Life the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.&nbsp; I oppose any attempt by the Nebraska Legislature to sidestep our nation’s immigration laws. &nbsp;

LB 561 (Expanded Gambling).&nbsp;&nbsp;This proposal is being presented as a bill that would implement voters’ 2020 decision to legalize casino gambling in Nebraska.&nbsp; However, it’s actually an attempt to expand gambling beyond the scope approved by voters last fall.&nbsp; Among other things, LB 561 would authorize electronic keno in addition to what voters approved just last year.&nbsp; This portion of the bill was not introduced transparently.&nbsp; It was added as an amendment through a committee executive session without being previously discussed in a legislative hearing.&nbsp; Just a few years ago, in 2017, Senators fully debated a bill to authorize electronic keno and rejected it by a solid majority.

Nebraskans voted to allow for casino-style gambling at racetracks in Nebraska.&nbsp; The focus right now should be on implementing this ballot petition.&nbsp; The people of Nebraska did not vote to authorize electronic keno.&nbsp; I will oppose attempts to authorize forms of gambling beyond what the voters approved.

As the Legislature moves forward, I encourage Nebraskans to be vigilant about the bills being debated.&nbsp; Consider contacting your State Senator to give them a “halftime” briefing on the issues that matter to you. &nbsp;Their contact information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C0ae1389bd65f4d61281d08d8ee17b352%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637521132948120023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=8wwPxRL1txzo7z5G%2B%2BXgFuIu5gTrKfE0OAlfA%2BiRYxo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;By voicing your opinion, you can help ensure the Legislature puts the priorities of the people above special interests.&nbsp; If you have questions about my legislative priorities, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Legislature is halfway through its 2021 session.&nbsp; Senators are working on passing a budget that controls spending and delivers on Nebraskans’ top priority—property tax relief.&nbsp; The Unicameral is also working to achieve other important objectives like providing veterans tax relief, replacing the crumbling Nebraska State Penitentiary, and expanding our state’s broadband infrastructure.At this halfway point in the legislative session, Senators are sorting the worthwhile bills from the unnecessary ones.&nbsp; It’s just as important for them to stop bad legislation as to enact good laws.&nbsp; There are a number of proposals that are pending about which I have concerns.&nbsp; In this column, I’ll share some information about three of the proposals that I am opposing this session.LB 147 (Bailouts for Omaha Public School Pensions).&nbsp;This legislation would entangle the State of Nebraska in the administration of the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) pension fund.&nbsp; The OPS pension fund is a mess.&nbsp; It faces a $848 million shortfall due to the mismanagement of the trustees appointed by the school district to oversee the Omaha School Employees Retirement System&nbsp;(OSERS).&nbsp;The State of Nebraska has stepped in to set the investment strategy for the OPS pension system.&nbsp; This is wise, so that the system doesn’t make bad investment decisions again.&nbsp; LB 147, however, would take the next step of making state government responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the OPS pension, including disbursing pension funds. &nbsp;This would put the State on a slippery slope toward taking on the huge financial liability resulting from the pension fund’s poor investments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans value local control of basic government services.&nbsp; Our communities take pride in managing their own affairs.&nbsp; This control comes with responsibility.&nbsp; When local political subdivisions make bad decisions, it’s their duty to assume responsibility for the consequences and work to set things right.&nbsp; In the case of the OPS pension fund, bad investment decisions led to huge losses.&nbsp; The Omaha World-Herald reports that over 20% of the funds “remain locked into those poor investments by contract.”&nbsp;A State takeover of administering the day-to-day affairs of the fund is a step towards exposing state taxpayers to liability for bad decisions made by the OSERS trustees.&nbsp; Senators should oppose passing a law that could eventually lead the State to inherit the financial problem.&nbsp; After OPS finishes shoring up their pension fund, we can revisit whether the State should play a role in managing it for them.LB 298 (Benefits for Illegal Immigrants). &nbsp;This bill would grant unemployment benefits to certain categories of illegal immigrants living in Nebraska.&nbsp; This would weaken existing state law that forbids spending taxpayer money to give unemployment benefits to people illegally residing in our state. &nbsp;The current crisis at our nation’s border with Mexico shows the consequences of watering down immigration laws.&nbsp; Nebraska shouldn’t follow suit.&nbsp;Nebraska was built by pioneers in search of opportunities. &nbsp;We have welcoming communities, and we’re creating great jobs for families looking to make a new start.&nbsp; Our respect for law and order is one of the things that makes the Good Life the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.&nbsp; I oppose any attempt by the Nebraska Legislature to sidestep our nation’s immigration laws. &nbsp;LB 561 (Expanded Gambling).&nbsp;&nbsp;This proposal is being presented as a bill that would implement voters’ 2020 decision to legalize casino gambling in Nebraska.&nbsp; However, it’s actually an attempt to expand gambling beyond the scope approved by voters last fall.&nbsp; Among other things, LB 561 would authorize electronic keno in addition to what voters approved just last year.&nbsp; This portion of the bill was not introduced transparently.&nbsp; It was added as an amendment through a committee executive session without being previously discussed in a legislative hearing.&nbsp; Just a few years ago, in 2017, Senators fully debated a bill to authorize electronic keno and rejected it by a solid majority.Nebraskans voted to allow for casino-style gambling at racetracks in Nebraska.&nbsp; The focus right now should be on implementing this ballot petition.&nbsp; The people of Nebraska did not vote to authorize electronic keno.&nbsp; I will oppose attempts to authorize forms of gambling beyond what the voters approved.As the Legislature moves forward, I encourage Nebraskans to be vigilant about the bills being debated.&nbsp; Consider contacting your State Senator to give them a “halftime” briefing on the issues that matter to you. &nbsp;Their contact information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nebraskalegislature.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7C0ae1389bd65f4d61281d08d8ee17b352%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637521132948120023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=8wwPxRL1txzo7z5G%2B%2BXgFuIu5gTrKfE0OAlfA%2BiRYxo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.NebraskaLegislature.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;By voicing your opinion, you can help ensure the Legislature puts the priorities of the people above special interests.&nbsp; If you have questions about my legislative priorities, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 402-471-2244.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: Halftime at the Unicameral

The Alliance City Council recently approved $19,060 of ACE (Public Alliance for Community Energy) funds for the Alliance Recreation Center's new playground.&nbsp; ACE funds are used for community betterment projects.&nbsp; "First of all playgrounds build healthy kids," Alliance Recreation Center (ARC) Director Mara Andersen said. "Research shows that kids on the playground learn how to play. They build strong social skills, it improves their self-esteem. Playgrounds also encourage activity. That activity addresses obesity, but it also gives an opportunity to facilitate positive engagement between children and parents. Providing that positive environment is an opportunity to decrease the amount of time they spend potentially in negative things like drugs, alcohol and criminal activity. Playgrounds also impact classroom learning. Research shows that free play on the playground helps kids build their imagination, helps them develop their critical thinking skills, helps them build adaptive and social skills...also leadership skills and it actually increase their attention span." Andersen noted that the ARC's new playground would be used by the whole community.&nbsp; "Our playground extends community access not only to all of the general public, but also to those families who live east of Flack Avenue...who live out on Meadowlark...who live in Trailerville...who live on east 3rd Street," Andersen said. "All of those families right now have to cross a highway to access a playground. Our playground will provide access to those families." Andersen said kids participating in the ARC's afterschool program voted on this playground project.&nbsp; "They ask me all the time, when will they get their playground," Andersen said. "With ARC afterschool kids immediately this playground project will double the amount of play time that they receive during the school week. We will make an instant impact. You should also know the community supports it. " The ARC has raised $37, 745. The total playground cost is under $57,000. "First National Bank of Omaha noted the power of play in our project," Andersen said. "They turned around and they matched all of the monetary and in-kind donations that we received thus far. They granted us $25,000. They joined 76 other families and businesses here in town locally who already support this project. I wanted to let you know that the balance of just over $19,000 that I am requesting of you meets that project. Your support this year builds this playground this year." Andersen then went on to tell a story about a child in the ARC afterschool program.&nbsp; "I will refer to him as Ben, to keep his identity private," Andersen said. "He comes and sees me about everyday. I am not the program director, I am not the person in the classroom. Usually if they see me I'm more of the principal figure, which I&nbsp;definitely like. Ben comes and sees me when social situations get a little overwhelming for him. I say little, they're not little to him. Ben comes and builds puzzles in my office. He comes and tells me 4,000 things about his day. To say Ben's life is challenging, is putting it so very mildly. Ben is what we would consider an opportunity. He is the kind of opportunity that I'm asking you to invest in. 53% of ARC afterschool enrollment is identified as belonging to a low income household. It pretty well translates to what we are seeing already in the elementary schools. What we're doing in terms of supporting homework, providing the physical activity, providing this playground eventually...everything we're doing there are going to help kids like Ben right now, but also in the long term." Councilwoman Annora Bentley asked Andersen where the playground equipment would be located. Anderson said the playground would be located north of the ARC building where the old hockey rink is now.&nbsp; "We have a shovel ready project right here that we could get done this year that people could use," said Councilman Earl Jones. "I would really like to make a commitment to this project. I really believe in it. As a member of Activate Alliance I can attest to all the research that we have had that indicates how important this activity is. And it's not a huge ask." Mayor Mike Dafney had one problem with the project.&nbsp; "The only problem I have with it, is that you're duplicating a lot of the equipment that we have in our own parks," Dafney said. "That's my major hold up right now for me." Councilman Jones said he has a park near his residence.&nbsp; "The kids out at Meadows Trailer Court have the Lions park out there," Jones said. "Up on 16th Street they have a park up there. Where's the park for these kids? The Central Park has Central Park down there...Laing Lake for that area of town. Where's the park for that area of town Mike? I would like to see us do something for that section of town. The other thing I really like about this is. We get a playground that we don't have to maintain. The ARC does." Mayor Dafney said he understood.&nbsp; After a little more discussion, every council member voted to approve ACE funds for Alliance Recreation Center. "I appreciate your time," Andersen said. "And I appreciate that you have a lot of things on your plate. I just really wanted you to see that this is a project that I really do believe in and it's going to make such a great impact."&nbsp;&nbsp;

-Approved the Big Horn Avenue water main bid award to Hennings Construction of Gering.&nbsp;

-Approved to purchase two 2013 Ford Interceptors for the Alliane Police Department, a Viper NextGen 911 system and install four Motorola dispatch consoles and connection to the SRS at the law enforcement center.

-Heard a Strategic Plan presentation from Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens.

-Authorized the city to provide financial support up to $125,580 to the City of Alliance Public Transit grant renewal to the Nebraska Department of Transportation for an additional two years.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Alliance City Council recently approved $19,060 of ACE (Public Alliance for Community Energy) funds for the Alliance Recreation Center's new playground.&nbsp; ACE funds are used for community betterment projects.&nbsp; "First of all playgrounds build healthy kids," Alliance Recreation Center (ARC) Director Mara Andersen said. "Research shows that kids on the playground learn how to play. They build strong social skills, it improves their self-esteem. Playgrounds also encourage activity. That activity addresses obesity, but it also gives an opportunity to facilitate positive engagement between children and parents. Providing that positive environment is an opportunity to decrease the amount of time they spend potentially in negative things like drugs, alcohol and criminal activity. Playgrounds also impact classroom learning. Research shows that free play on the playground helps kids build their imagination, helps them develop their critical thinking skills, helps them build adaptive and social skills...also leadership skills and it actually increase their attention span." Andersen noted that the ARC's new playground would be used by the whole community.&nbsp; "Our playground extends community access not only to all of the general public, but also to those families who live east of Flack Avenue...who live out on Meadowlark...who live in Trailerville...who live on east 3rd Street," Andersen said. "All of those families right now have to cross a highway to access a playground. Our playground will provide access to those families." Andersen said kids participating in the ARC's afterschool program voted on this playground project.&nbsp; "They ask me all the time, when will they get their playground," Andersen said. "With ARC afterschool kids immediately this playground project will double the amount of play time that they receive during the school week. We will make an instant impact. You should also know the community supports it. " The ARC has raised $37, 745. The total playground cost is under $57,000. "First National Bank of Omaha noted the power of play in our project," Andersen said. "They turned around and they matched all of the monetary and in-kind donations that we received thus far. They granted us $25,000. They joined 76 other families and businesses here in town locally who already support this project. I wanted to let you know that the balance of just over $19,000 that I am requesting of you meets that project. Your support this year builds this playground this year." Andersen then went on to tell a story about a child in the ARC afterschool program.&nbsp; "I will refer to him as Ben, to keep his identity private," Andersen said. "He comes and sees me about everyday. I am not the program director, I am not the person in the classroom. Usually if they see me I'm more of the principal figure, which I&nbsp;definitely like. Ben comes and sees me when social situations get a little overwhelming for him. I say little, they're not little to him. Ben comes and builds puzzles in my office. He comes and tells me 4,000 things about his day. To say Ben's life is challenging, is putting it so very mildly. Ben is what we would consider an opportunity. He is the kind of opportunity that I'm asking you to invest in. 53% of ARC afterschool enrollment is identified as belonging to a low income household. It pretty well translates to what we are seeing already in the elementary schools. What we're doing in terms of supporting homework, providing the physical activity, providing this playground eventually...everything we're doing there are going to help kids like Ben right now, but also in the long term." Councilwoman Annora Bentley asked Andersen where the playground equipment would be located. Anderson said the playground would be located north of the ARC building where the old hockey rink is now.&nbsp; "We have a shovel ready project right here that we could get done this year that people could use," said Councilman Earl Jones. "I would really like to make a commitment to this project. I really believe in it. As a member of Activate Alliance I can attest to all the research that we have had that indicates how important this activity is. And it's not a huge ask." Mayor Mike Dafney had one problem with the project.&nbsp; "The only problem I have with it, is that you're duplicating a lot of the equipment that we have in our own parks," Dafney said. "That's my major hold up right now for me." Councilman Jones said he has a park near his residence.&nbsp; "The kids out at Meadows Trailer Court have the Lions park out there," Jones said. "Up on 16th Street they have a park up there. Where's the park for these kids? The Central Park has Central Park down there...Laing Lake for that area of town. Where's the park for that area of town Mike? I would like to see us do something for that section of town. The other thing I really like about this is. We get a playground that we don't have to maintain. The ARC does." Mayor Dafney said he understood.&nbsp; After a little more discussion, every council member voted to approve ACE funds for Alliance Recreation Center. "I appreciate your time," Andersen said. "And I appreciate that you have a lot of things on your plate. I just really wanted you to see that this is a project that I really do believe in and it's going to make such a great impact."&nbsp;&nbsp;In other business, council:-Approved the Big Horn Avenue water main bid award to Hennings Construction of Gering.&nbsp;-Approved to purchase two 2013 Ford Interceptors for the Alliane Police Department, a Viper NextGen 911 system and install four Motorola dispatch consoles and connection to the SRS at the law enforcement center.-Heard a Strategic Plan presentation from Alliance Police Chief Philip Lukens.-Authorized the city to provide financial support up to $125,580 to the City of Alliance Public Transit grant renewal to the Nebraska Department of Transportation for an additional two years.&nbsp;

Council approves ACE funds for Alliance Recreation Center's playground

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week for the State of Nebraska.

NWS Cheyenne covers 8 counties in the Nebraska Panhandle and we all know severe weather season can ramp up fast. Now is a good time to starting thinking about your severe weather plan for this Spring and Summer.

There will be a Nebraska statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. CDT when weather radios will be alerted for a TEST tornado message. Use this message to practice your tornado safety procedures and finding your safe place. 

By National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WYThis week is Severe Weather Awareness Week for the State of Nebraska.NWS Cheyenne covers 8 counties in the Nebraska Panhandle and we all know severe weather season can ramp up fast. Now is a good time to starting thinking about your severe weather plan for this Spring and Summer.There will be a Nebraska statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. CDT when weather radios will be alerted for a TEST tornado message. Use this message to practice your tornado safety procedures and finding your safe place. <figure>
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Panhandle to experience statewide tornado drill 

Lincoln - History Nebraska is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 History Nebraska Awards. 

History Nebraska annually recognizes people that provide significant contributions to the preservation and interpretation of Nebraska history. Winners will be presented with their awards during a special Legislative event on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021, at the historic Kennard House in Lincoln. 2021 Champion of History Award&nbsp;– Genoa Indian School Foundation, Genoa, NE 2021 History Nebraska Excellence in Teaching Award&nbsp;– Michael Sandstrom, Chadron Public Schools, Chadron, NE 2021 History Nebraska Advocacy Award&nbsp;– Dan Worth, BVH Architects, Lincoln, NE 2021 Nebraska State Historic Preservation Award&nbsp;– Tom McLeay, Clarity Development, Omaha, NE 2021 James L. Sellers Award&nbsp;– Lisa Lindell, Brookings, South Dakota The&nbsp;Champion of History Award&nbsp;will be given to the Genoa Indian School Foundation in Genoa, NE. The Foundation, which volunteers almost entirely run, has been working for roughly 30 years to collect and preserve the history of the Indian Industrial School in Genoa, NE. Without the Foundation, we would know far less about the school than we currently do, school buildings and remnants would likely not still exist, and hundreds of Native people would not have seen what took place at the school and the lasting impact it has had upon Nebraska’s Native communities. The Champion of History Award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual or organization that helps preserve or interpret Nebraska history. &nbsp; The Champion of History Award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions by an individual or organization that helps to preserve or interpret Nebraska's history. The&nbsp;History Nebraska Excellence in Teaching Award&nbsp;will be given to Michael Sandstrom from Chadron Public Schools in Chadron, NE. Mr.Sandstrom is an outstanding teacher that goes the extra mile for students. Students learn to utilize primary documents in a way that makes history fun and interactive. Each year Mr. Sandstrom travels across the entire state with students to compete in the Nebraska State History Day competition. His students demonstrate mastery of historical analysis of original primary and secondary documents. He inspires his students to love history and think critically about the many points of view found in accounts. Getting students to this level of skill attainment and be willing to travel seven hours in a big yellow school bus across the state speaks volumes about his ability to motivate and inspire his students.&nbsp; The History Nebraska Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to a teacher who excels in teaching Nebraska history through creativity and imagination in the classroom by using documents, artifacts, historic sites, oral histories, and other primary sources. The&nbsp;History Nebraska Advocacy Award&nbsp;will be presented to Dan Worth of BVH Architects in Lincoln, NE. Mr. Worth’s career has been spent preserving our built environment, both as an architect and an advocate for preservation. He has assisted the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office by being a catalyst for preserving historically meaningful buildings throughout Nebraska and the Great Plains States, the importance and value of whose architectural heritage was previously unappreciated. Dan has spearheaded the listing of four historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places and their inclusion in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 Most Endangered Places.” Those sites, whose preservation he also undertook, include the Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte Memorial Hospital, built by the nation’s first Native American woman doctor. As chair of History Nebraska’s Historic Preservation Board, he led the successful drive to have more than 250 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The History Nebraska Advocacy Award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions or assistance by an individual or organization to History Nebraska through volunteerism, advocacy, or donation. The&nbsp;Nebraska State Historic Preservation Award&nbsp;will be given to Tom McLeay of Clarity Development in Omaha, NE. In partnership with GreenSlate Development, Tom and his team gave new life to the former Blackstone Hotel in Omaha through a $75 million rehabilitation project. The former hotel closed in 1984 and was extensively renovated for office use and renamed the Blackstone Center. The tile floors and ornamental plaster ceilings were covered, and the guest rooms and hallways were removed for an open-air office. All that remained on the interior of the former hotel’s glory days were the marble staircase and the eighth-floor ballroom. The current rehabilitation started in 2018. The exterior was thoughtfully repaired, and the interior was restored to its historic appearance. Guests are greeted with dazzling, intricate tile floors, which were uncovered and painstaking restored using matching tiles. The ornamental plaster ceiling of the top floor ballroom was loving restored. The famous Cottonwood Room, a restaurant and cocktail lounge, was recreated in the basement level. Even the faux cottonwood tree documented in historic photos was reproduced. The upper-story hotel rooms and corridors were restored based on historic blueprints, replacing the open-air offices from the 1984 redevelopment. Because of Tom and his team’s efforts, what was once one of the ritziest hotels in Omaha is now one of the hippest hotels. The Nebraska Preservation Award recognizes significant achievements in historic preservation in Nebraska by an individual or organization. &nbsp;The award is given for one of two categories: “brick and mortar projects” or “individual or group achievements.” The&nbsp;James L. Sellers Memorial Award&nbsp;will be given to Lisa Lindell of Brookings, South Dakota. Lisa is being recognized for her article,”’The Nebraska Cyclone’: Lillie Williams and the Embrace of Sport and Spectacle,” published in Nebraska History Magazine in 2019. Judges from Doane University wrote, “the information that Lindell includes about Williams’s early life shows careful and thorough research, as does her discussion of the history of cycling and of women’s involvement in professional sports.” The James L. Sellers Memorial Award was created in 1967. The award is given each year for the “best article” published in a volume of Nebraska History Magazine. The author receives an award and $1,000 from the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation through the support of Catherine Sellers Angle.

About History Nebraska History Nebraska collects, preserves, and shares Nebraska’s history for all people. &nbsp;History Nebraska operates the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln and historic sites around the state including Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Fort Robinson History Center, Neligh Mill State Historic Site, Thomas Kennard State Historic Site, Senator George Norris State Historic Site, John Neihardt State Historic Site, and over 500 historical markers placed across Nebraska. History Nebraska administers the State Archives and Library; the State Historic Preservation Office; the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center; the Office of the State Archeologist; publishes Nebraska History Magazine and books; and is responsible for the administration of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission. More at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=ba59e74c95&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">https://history.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and follow us on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=9d3c64156e&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=ca4cef5155&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=afc61395c5&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.

Lincoln - History Nebraska is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 History Nebraska Awards. History Nebraska annually recognizes people that provide significant contributions to the preservation and interpretation of Nebraska history. Winners will be presented with their awards during a special Legislative event on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021, at the historic Kennard House in Lincoln. 2021 Champion of History Award&nbsp;– Genoa Indian School Foundation, Genoa, NE 2021 History Nebraska Excellence in Teaching Award&nbsp;– Michael Sandstrom, Chadron Public Schools, Chadron, NE 2021 History Nebraska Advocacy Award&nbsp;– Dan Worth, BVH Architects, Lincoln, NE 2021 Nebraska State Historic Preservation Award&nbsp;– Tom McLeay, Clarity Development, Omaha, NE 2021 James L. Sellers Award&nbsp;– Lisa Lindell, Brookings, South Dakota The&nbsp;Champion of History Award&nbsp;will be given to the Genoa Indian School Foundation in Genoa, NE. The Foundation, which volunteers almost entirely run, has been working for roughly 30 years to collect and preserve the history of the Indian Industrial School in Genoa, NE. Without the Foundation, we would know far less about the school than we currently do, school buildings and remnants would likely not still exist, and hundreds of Native people would not have seen what took place at the school and the lasting impact it has had upon Nebraska’s Native communities. The Champion of History Award recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual or organization that helps preserve or interpret Nebraska history. &nbsp; The Champion of History Award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions by an individual or organization that helps to preserve or interpret Nebraska's history. The&nbsp;History Nebraska Excellence in Teaching Award&nbsp;will be given to Michael Sandstrom from Chadron Public Schools in Chadron, NE. Mr.Sandstrom is an outstanding teacher that goes the extra mile for students. Students learn to utilize primary documents in a way that makes history fun and interactive. Each year Mr. Sandstrom travels across the entire state with students to compete in the Nebraska State History Day competition. His students demonstrate mastery of historical analysis of original primary and secondary documents. He inspires his students to love history and think critically about the many points of view found in accounts. Getting students to this level of skill attainment and be willing to travel seven hours in a big yellow school bus across the state speaks volumes about his ability to motivate and inspire his students.&nbsp; The History Nebraska Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to a teacher who excels in teaching Nebraska history through creativity and imagination in the classroom by using documents, artifacts, historic sites, oral histories, and other primary sources. The&nbsp;History Nebraska Advocacy Award&nbsp;will be presented to Dan Worth of BVH Architects in Lincoln, NE. Mr. Worth’s career has been spent preserving our built environment, both as an architect and an advocate for preservation. He has assisted the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office by being a catalyst for preserving historically meaningful buildings throughout Nebraska and the Great Plains States, the importance and value of whose architectural heritage was previously unappreciated. Dan has spearheaded the listing of four historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places and their inclusion in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 Most Endangered Places.” Those sites, whose preservation he also undertook, include the Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte Memorial Hospital, built by the nation’s first Native American woman doctor. As chair of History Nebraska’s Historic Preservation Board, he led the successful drive to have more than 250 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The History Nebraska Advocacy Award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions or assistance by an individual or organization to History Nebraska through volunteerism, advocacy, or donation. The&nbsp;Nebraska State Historic Preservation Award&nbsp;will be given to Tom McLeay of Clarity Development in Omaha, NE. In partnership with GreenSlate Development, Tom and his team gave new life to the former Blackstone Hotel in Omaha through a $75 million rehabilitation project. The former hotel closed in 1984 and was extensively renovated for office use and renamed the Blackstone Center. The tile floors and ornamental plaster ceilings were covered, and the guest rooms and hallways were removed for an open-air office. All that remained on the interior of the former hotel’s glory days were the marble staircase and the eighth-floor ballroom. The current rehabilitation started in 2018. The exterior was thoughtfully repaired, and the interior was restored to its historic appearance. Guests are greeted with dazzling, intricate tile floors, which were uncovered and painstaking restored using matching tiles. The ornamental plaster ceiling of the top floor ballroom was loving restored. The famous Cottonwood Room, a restaurant and cocktail lounge, was recreated in the basement level. Even the faux cottonwood tree documented in historic photos was reproduced. The upper-story hotel rooms and corridors were restored based on historic blueprints, replacing the open-air offices from the 1984 redevelopment. Because of Tom and his team’s efforts, what was once one of the ritziest hotels in Omaha is now one of the hippest hotels. The Nebraska Preservation Award recognizes significant achievements in historic preservation in Nebraska by an individual or organization. &nbsp;The award is given for one of two categories: “brick and mortar projects” or “individual or group achievements.” The&nbsp;James L. Sellers Memorial Award&nbsp;will be given to Lisa Lindell of Brookings, South Dakota. Lisa is being recognized for her article,”’The Nebraska Cyclone’: Lillie Williams and the Embrace of Sport and Spectacle,” published in Nebraska History Magazine in 2019. Judges from Doane University wrote, “the information that Lindell includes about Williams’s early life shows careful and thorough research, as does her discussion of the history of cycling and of women’s involvement in professional sports.” The James L. Sellers Memorial Award was created in 1967. The award is given each year for the “best article” published in a volume of Nebraska History Magazine. The author receives an award and $1,000 from the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation through the support of Catherine Sellers Angle.About History Nebraska History Nebraska collects, preserves, and shares Nebraska’s history for all people. &nbsp;History Nebraska operates the Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln and historic sites around the state including Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Fort Robinson History Center, Neligh Mill State Historic Site, Thomas Kennard State Historic Site, Senator George Norris State Historic Site, John Neihardt State Historic Site, and over 500 historical markers placed across Nebraska. History Nebraska administers the State Archives and Library; the State Historic Preservation Office; the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center; the Office of the State Archeologist; publishes Nebraska History Magazine and books; and is responsible for the administration of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission. More at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=ba59e74c95&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">https://history.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and follow us on&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=9d3c64156e&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=ca4cef5155&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4af6c119278bab53245cdd3e6&amp;id=afc61395c5&amp;e=d72844982a" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.

Nebraskan from Chadron to be honored at the historic Kennard House in Lincoln

By JOSH FUNK, AP Business Writer

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Wary regulators have not approved a major railroad merger since the 1990s, but industry analysts say Canadian Pacific's proposed $25 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern has a good chance of getting the green light because there is little overlap between the two lines.

The deal is also set to capitalize on growing trade across North America by creating the first railroad that would link the United States, Mexico and Canada. Executives at the companies say those opportunities should help the combined railroad generate more revenue.

The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern deal announced Sunday would combine the two smallest of the major railroads into one entity. Independent railroad analyst Tony Hatch said doing that should help stabilize the industry overall and should not lead to another round of railroad mergers.

Some, however, are already expressing concern that the combination of the two railroads could hurt shippers if they are left with fewer options.

"The freight rail industry is already highly consolidated with a small number of railroads controlling most of the rail traffic in the United States and we are concerned that this merger could potentially lead to a greater concentration of market power," said Scott Jensen, a spokesman for the chemicals industry trade group American Chemistry Council.

The service problems and economic damage that followed railroad mergers in the 1990s are part of why regulators adopted tough rules for major railroad mergers in 2001. Regulators have said that, generally, any merger involving a major railroad must enhance competition and serve the public interest. Similar deals are blocked in other industries only if there is a risk that competition will be reduced.

Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern said they expect U.S. railroad regulators at the Surface Transportation Board to complete their review of the deal by around the middle of 2022. A spokesman for the board didn't immediately respond Monday to questions about how the deal will be reviewed.

Morningstar analyst Matthew Young said he doesn't think the proposed deal will hurt competition overall because the railroads don't compete directly now.

"These rails generally don't compete head to head in specific markets, thus a merger shouldn't result in fewer rail-service options for shippers in most corridors," Young said Monday in a research note.

Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said he thinks there is a good chance the deal will be approved by regulators.

"There's really no overlap on their lines. So I think there is really minimal impact on customers," Windau said.

Executives at both the railroads argue that customers will be helped, not hurt, by the combination because they'll be able to ship goods throughout North America without having to have shipments handed off between railroads.

"There's savings across the board and benefits across the board that are so compelling," Canadian Pacific CEO Keith Creel said. As railroad customers learn about the deal, "I think they are going to be excited by this - not threatened by this."

Five years ago, Calgary, Alberta-based Canadian Pacific abandoned its roughly $30 billion attempt to takeover rival Norfolk Southern after it encountered strong opposition from Norfolk Southern, politicians, rail customers along the route and other railroads. So the new rules for railroad mergers still haven't been tested.

But unlike then, the boards of both Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific unanimously backed this deal. The combined company would operate about 20,000 miles of railway, employ 20,000 people and generate annual revenue of about $8.7 billion. Both railroads said they expect to add jobs overall across the combined network as volume grows.

The deal values Kansas City Southern at $275 per share, which represents a significant premium to Friday's closing price of $224. Kansas City Southern shareholders will receive 0.489 shares of Canadian Pacific stock and $90 cash as part of the deal, and they will control roughly 25% of the combined company.

The railroads said this deal is timed well because Mexico, the United States and Canada agreed to a new regional trade pact last year that is expected to boost trade and investment across North America.

Officials said Kansas City Southern's base in Kansas City, Missouri, would become Canadian Pacific Kansas City's new U.S. headquarters after the deal but Canadian Pacific's current U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, will remain an important base of operations for the company.

By JOSH FUNK, AP Business Writer OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Wary regulators have not approved a major railroad merger since the 1990s, but industry analysts say Canadian Pacific's proposed $25 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern has a good chance of getting the green light because there is little overlap between the two lines.The deal is also set to capitalize on growing trade across North America by creating the first railroad that would link the United States, Mexico and Canada. Executives at the companies say those opportunities should help the combined railroad generate more revenue.The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern deal announced Sunday would combine the two smallest of the major railroads into one entity. Independent railroad analyst Tony Hatch said doing that should help stabilize the industry overall and should not lead to another round of railroad mergers.Some, however, are already expressing concern that the combination of the two railroads could hurt shippers if they are left with fewer options."The freight rail industry is already highly consolidated with a small number of railroads controlling most of the rail traffic in the United States and we are concerned that this merger could potentially lead to a greater concentration of market power," said Scott Jensen, a spokesman for the chemicals industry trade group American Chemistry Council.The service problems and economic damage that followed railroad mergers in the 1990s are part of why regulators adopted tough rules for major railroad mergers in 2001. Regulators have said that, generally, any merger involving a major railroad must enhance competition and serve the public interest. Similar deals are blocked in other industries only if there is a risk that competition will be reduced.Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern said they expect U.S. railroad regulators at the Surface Transportation Board to complete their review of the deal by around the middle of 2022. A spokesman for the board didn't immediately respond Monday to questions about how the deal will be reviewed.Morningstar analyst Matthew Young said he doesn't think the proposed deal will hurt competition overall because the railroads don't compete directly now."These rails generally don't compete head to head in specific markets, thus a merger shouldn't result in fewer rail-service options for shippers in most corridors," Young said Monday in a research note.Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said he thinks there is a good chance the deal will be approved by regulators."There's really no overlap on their lines. So I think there is really minimal impact on customers," Windau said.Executives at both the railroads argue that customers will be helped, not hurt, by the combination because they'll be able to ship goods throughout North America without having to have shipments handed off between railroads."There's savings across the board and benefits across the board that are so compelling," Canadian Pacific CEO Keith Creel said. As railroad customers learn about the deal, "I think they are going to be excited by this - not threatened by this."Five years ago, Calgary, Alberta-based Canadian Pacific abandoned its roughly $30 billion attempt to takeover rival Norfolk Southern after it encountered strong opposition from Norfolk Southern, politicians, rail customers along the route and other railroads. So the new rules for railroad mergers still haven't been tested.But unlike then, the boards of both Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific unanimously backed this deal. The combined company would operate about 20,000 miles of railway, employ 20,000 people and generate annual revenue of about $8.7 billion. Both railroads said they expect to add jobs overall across the combined network as volume grows.The deal values Kansas City Southern at $275 per share, which represents a significant premium to Friday's closing price of $224. Kansas City Southern shareholders will receive 0.489 shares of Canadian Pacific stock and $90 cash as part of the deal, and they will control roughly 25% of the combined company.The railroads said this deal is timed well because Mexico, the United States and Canada agreed to a new regional trade pact last year that is expected to boost trade and investment across North America.Officials said Kansas City Southern's base in Kansas City, Missouri, would become Canadian Pacific Kansas City's new U.S. headquarters after the deal but Canadian Pacific's current U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, will remain an important base of operations for the company.

Big railroad deal seen more likely to gain regulators' OK

The Alliance Chamber will be holding the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Tuesday, March 30 at the Alliance High School practice fields at 4 p.m.

 The west field will be for the 1-3 age group and the east field will be divided up for the 4-6 and 7-9 age groups.&nbsp;

The Alliance Chamber will be holding the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Tuesday, March 30 at the Alliance High School practice fields at 4 p.m. The west field will be for the 1-3 age group and the east field will be divided up for the 4-6 and 7-9 age groups.&nbsp;<figure>
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Alliance Chamber to hold 'Easter Egg Hunt'

Get your COVID vaccine in preparation for spring and summer activities

As of today, 18,876 or 28.8% 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 <a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov">https://vaccinate.ne.gov</a> or calling 833-998-2275.

“People will likely be surprised how quickly they are being scheduled to get their COVID vaccine now. Communities are moving to persons aged 30 and older if they are not already at that point,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

There’s no need to wait, register now so local vaccine providers can determine when to move to the next critical phases who are anxiously awaiting getting theirs. Please help your family, friends, and neighbors sign up now.

Studies are showing the COVID vaccines provide 100% protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn. People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact.

Unified Command confirms 52 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, March 15. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

By PPHDGet your COVID vaccine in preparation for spring and summer activitiesAs of today, 18,876 or 28.8% 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 <a href="https://vaccinate.ne.gov">https://vaccinate.ne.gov</a> or calling 833-998-2275.“People will likely be surprised how quickly they are being scheduled to get their COVID vaccine now. Communities are moving to persons aged 30 and older if they are not already at that point,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.There’s no need to wait, register now so local vaccine providers can determine when to move to the next critical phases who are anxiously awaiting getting theirs. Please help your family, friends, and neighbors sign up now.Studies are showing the COVID vaccines provide 100% protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn. People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact.Unified Command confirms 52 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, March 15. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
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PPHD: 52 more virus cases reported in the Panhandle 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska still plans to make coronavirus vaccines available to the general public by late April or early May, but Gov. Pete Ricketts says a lot of factors could change the state’s timetable. 

Ricketts says the speed at which Nebraska moves through its current vaccination phase will depend on how many vaccine shipments the state gets in the next few weeks and how quickly health officials can administer them.

 He says the state expects to see a big jump in single-shot vaccine shipments from drug-maker Johnson &amp; Johnson next week, which could help speed up the massive undertaking.

 Nebraska is currently focused on vaccinating residents ages 50 to 64 and people with certain underlying health conditions.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska still plans to make coronavirus vaccines available to the general public by late April or early May, but Gov. Pete Ricketts says a lot of factors could change the state’s timetable. Ricketts says the speed at which Nebraska moves through its current vaccination phase will depend on how many vaccine shipments the state gets in the next few weeks and how quickly health officials can administer them. He says the state expects to see a big jump in single-shot vaccine shipments from drug-maker Johnson &amp; Johnson next week, which could help speed up the massive undertaking. Nebraska is currently focused on vaccinating residents ages 50 to 64 and people with certain underlying health conditions.

'A lot of variables' could affect Nebraska vaccine timetable

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) — Police in southwestern Nebraska say an Iowa man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a McCook police squad car as officers sought to arrest him, injuring the officers during the scuffle. 

The McCook Gazette reports that the incident happened Saturday night, when McCook police were contacted by police in Des Moines, Iowa, about a stolen car from Iowa that had been traced to the parking lot of a McCook hotel. 

McCook officers found the car with the suspect — identified as 32-year-old Cornelius Depri Perry of Des Moines — inside. 

Police say a struggle ensued when officers tried to arrest Perry and that he jumped into a police cruiser and fled.

 He was later stopped and arrested about 40 miles away in Max, Nebraska.

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) — Police in southwestern Nebraska say an Iowa man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a McCook police squad car as officers sought to arrest him, injuring the officers during the scuffle. The McCook Gazette reports that the incident happened Saturday night, when McCook police were contacted by police in Des Moines, Iowa, about a stolen car from Iowa that had been traced to the parking lot of a McCook hotel. McCook officers found the car with the suspect — identified as 32-year-old Cornelius Depri Perry of Des Moines — inside. Police say a struggle ensued when officers tried to arrest Perry and that he jumped into a police cruiser and fled. He was later stopped and arrested about 40 miles away in Max, Nebraska.

Police: Iowa man stolen Nebraska squad car; officers hurt

SCOTTSBLUFF - Many high school students across Nebraska and the country struggle with math skills, a challenge that increases as they enter post-secondary institutions. In order to assist high schools in their efforts to find a solution, the six Nebraska community colleges joined forces to develop a program to help high school students become college-math ready by the time they graduate.&nbsp;

The Nebraska Math Readiness Project (NMRP) was developed by the community colleges to provide a bridge to success for high school juniors and seniors needing to improve their math skills before enrolling in a college-level math course. The statewide project began in 2018 and WNCC has been onboard since its inception with Alliance, Gering, and Scottsbluff high schools taking part in the pilot.&nbsp;In the Panhandle, the program continues to grow in just its third year with 90 students enrolled.&nbsp;

All eight students at Alliance that enrolled last fall completed the Basic Math-Level I; 19 of Gering's 29 students completed the Basic Math Level I and two completed the Introductory Algebra-Level II. Scottsbluff had 53 students enrolled, with 34 successfully completing Level I and four completing Level II.&nbsp;

Laurie Parker, a math teacher at Gering High School, helped launch the program at Gering. She said one of the biggest challenges was identifying the key audience that the classes would help. Once that audience was identified, the program took off.&nbsp;

"The biggest challenge at the beginning&nbsp;of implementing the course at Gering High School was figuring out which&nbsp;students would benefit from being placed into the program," Parker said. "Once we figured out our target audience, our numbers have continued to grow. We currently have two sections with 31 students and are looking to add additional sections next school year."

WNCC math instructors like Amy Winters&nbsp;and Andrew Shiers support the high school teachers in developing curriculum and material while monitoring the progress of students. Ellen Dillon, associate dean, is the lead of the NMRP at WNCC and assists in coordinating efforts with the regional schools and the state director Corey&nbsp;Hatt, of Central Community College.&nbsp;While the courses are not for college credit, the students improve their math skills and are better prepared to enroll in a college course.

"We are in our third&nbsp;year of the program and I think it is awesome that students have this opportunity," Winters said. "The program allows them to move through the material they know and focus on the areas where they need more practice. The high school teachers involved with the program do a great job with their students."

The project has proven effective in its three years, with 219 total students in the Panhandle taking part in the project. More than 130 of those students have gone on to enroll in at least one math class at WNCC.

"NMRP&nbsp;has given students in Gering a course that allows them to work on strengthening their math skills, with the idea of preparing them to be ready to move into college level courses," Parker said. "The biggest advantage of this course has been that students are able to work at their own rate and focus on their particular&nbsp;weak areas."&nbsp;

As the program continues to grow, the NMRP is planning to add more high schools for the next academic year.&nbsp;

SCOTTSBLUFF - Many high school students across Nebraska and the country struggle with math skills, a challenge that increases as they enter post-secondary institutions. In order to assist high schools in their efforts to find a solution, the six Nebraska community colleges joined forces to develop a program to help high school students become college-math ready by the time they graduate.&nbsp;The Nebraska Math Readiness Project (NMRP) was developed by the community colleges to provide a bridge to success for high school juniors and seniors needing to improve their math skills before enrolling in a college-level math course. The statewide project began in 2018 and WNCC has been onboard since its inception with Alliance, Gering, and Scottsbluff high schools taking part in the pilot.&nbsp;In the Panhandle, the program continues to grow in just its third year with 90 students enrolled.&nbsp;All eight students at Alliance that enrolled last fall completed the Basic Math-Level I; 19 of Gering's 29 students completed the Basic Math Level I and two completed the Introductory Algebra-Level II. Scottsbluff had 53 students enrolled, with 34 successfully completing Level I and four completing Level II.&nbsp;Laurie Parker, a math teacher at Gering High School, helped launch the program at Gering. She said one of the biggest challenges was identifying the key audience that the classes would help. Once that audience was identified, the program took off.&nbsp;"The biggest challenge at the beginning&nbsp;of implementing the course at Gering High School was figuring out which&nbsp;students would benefit from being placed into the program," Parker said. "Once we figured out our target audience, our numbers have continued to grow. We currently have two sections with 31 students and are looking to add additional sections next school year."WNCC math instructors like Amy Winters&nbsp;and Andrew Shiers support the high school teachers in developing curriculum and material while monitoring the progress of students. Ellen Dillon, associate dean, is the lead of the NMRP at WNCC and assists in coordinating efforts with the regional schools and the state director Corey&nbsp;Hatt, of Central Community College.&nbsp;While the courses are not for college credit, the students improve their math skills and are better prepared to enroll in a college course."We are in our third&nbsp;year of the program and I think it is awesome that students have this opportunity," Winters said. "The program allows them to move through the material they know and focus on the areas where they need more practice. The high school teachers involved with the program do a great job with their students."The project has proven effective in its three years, with 219 total students in the Panhandle taking part in the project. More than 130 of those students have gone on to enroll in at least one math class at WNCC."NMRP&nbsp;has given students in Gering a course that allows them to work on strengthening their math skills, with the idea of preparing them to be ready to move into college level courses," Parker said. "The biggest advantage of this course has been that students are able to work at their own rate and focus on their particular&nbsp;weak areas."&nbsp;As the program continues to grow, the NMRP is planning to add more high schools for the next academic year.&nbsp;

WNCC: NMRP helps prepare HS students for college math

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson today alerted creditors, debt collectors, and financial institutions that Nebraska law may exempt American Rescue Plan Act stimulus checks from attachment, garnishment or execution for certain low-income consumers. The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law on March 11 and provides emergency assistance for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Act, eligible individuals and families can receive cash assistance including a one-time cash payment of up to $1,400 for each eligible individual. Nebraska law exempts certain income and property from execution and attachment by creditors and debt collectors. The purpose of these exemptions is to ensure individuals have enough income and property to provide for basic necessities like housing, food, and utilities.

According to the Attorney General, any attempt or threat by a creditor or a debt collector to garnish or attach funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, if that property would have otherwise been exempt under Nebraska law, will be considered an unfair trade practice in violation of Nebraska’s Consumer Protection Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 59-1602.

Attorney General Peterson reminds Nebraskans that he and his staff are diligently monitoring and investigating consumer complaints related to COVID-19. Consumers are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for additional tips for protecting themselves during the COVID-19 crisis.

Consumers should file a complaint through the Attorney General’s website or send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ago.consumer@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ago.consumer@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;if they experience aggressive debt collection during this crisis.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson today alerted creditors, debt collectors, and financial institutions that Nebraska law may exempt American Rescue Plan Act stimulus checks from attachment, garnishment or execution for certain low-income consumers. The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law on March 11 and provides emergency assistance for individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Act, eligible individuals and families can receive cash assistance including a one-time cash payment of up to $1,400 for each eligible individual. Nebraska law exempts certain income and property from execution and attachment by creditors and debt collectors. The purpose of these exemptions is to ensure individuals have enough income and property to provide for basic necessities like housing, food, and utilities.According to the Attorney General, any attempt or threat by a creditor or a debt collector to garnish or attach funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act, if that property would have otherwise been exempt under Nebraska law, will be considered an unfair trade practice in violation of Nebraska’s Consumer Protection Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 59-1602.Attorney General Peterson reminds Nebraskans that he and his staff are diligently monitoring and investigating consumer complaints related to COVID-19. Consumers are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for additional tips for protecting themselves during the COVID-19 crisis.Consumers should file a complaint through the Attorney General’s website or send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ago.consumer@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ago.consumer@nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;if they experience aggressive debt collection during this crisis.

AG Peterson alerts that stimulus checks may be exempt for attachment

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Box Elder man has pleaded not guilty to charges in a fatal stabbing in Rapid City last summer. 

Thirty-year-old Barry Allman is charged in Pennington County with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Lance Baumgarten.

 Allman entered the plea Friday during his first court appearance.

 A police affidavit says Allman stabbed Baumgarten in the chest at a Rapid City apartment on Aug. 6 after becoming mad at him. 

Allman was arrested for the homicide near Wanblee the next day by Oglala Sioux tribal officers.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Box Elder man has pleaded not guilty to charges in a fatal stabbing in Rapid City last summer. Thirty-year-old Barry Allman is charged in Pennington County with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Lance Baumgarten. Allman entered the plea Friday during his first court appearance. A police affidavit says Allman stabbed Baumgarten in the chest at a Rapid City apartment on Aug. 6 after becoming mad at him. Allman was arrested for the homicide near Wanblee the next day by Oglala Sioux tribal officers.

Defendant pleads not guilty in fatal Rapid City stabbing

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Heating bills are showing up now in many rural Nebraska communities, and residents are shocked at what they’re seeing.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that bills for residents of Pender that are typically $200 to $250 ballooned to $900 because of the cold stretch in February that caused a spike in wholesale natural gas prices due to high demand and a lack of supply.

 Utilities that had to buy gas during that period got burned. 

Municipal governments are also are feeling the shock.

 A state Senate committee this week will consider a bill that would provide $10 million in emergency aid to affected communities.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Heating bills are showing up now in many rural Nebraska communities, and residents are shocked at what they’re seeing. The Omaha World-Herald reports that bills for residents of Pender that are typically $200 to $250 ballooned to $900 because of the cold stretch in February that caused a spike in wholesale natural gas prices due to high demand and a lack of supply. Utilities that had to buy gas during that period got burned. Municipal governments are also are feeling the shock. A state Senate committee this week will consider a bill that would provide $10 million in emergency aid to affected communities.

Heating bills leaving Nebraska residents, towns in shock

By GEORGE LEDBETTER, Chadron State College

CHADRON – As a sophomore at Chadron State College in 2005, Craig Kaiser hadn’t yet settled on a major, and wasn’t even sure he would stay in Chadron, when a class with Geoscience Professor Dr. Mike Leite lit the spark that has led him to an entrepreneurial career in the natural resource industry.

A high school football standout in his hometown of Merino, Colorado, Kaiser attended CSC football camps where he attracted the attention of former defensive coach Todd Auer, who recruited him. But, Kaiser originally didn’t plan to remain at the college for long.

“My intention wasn’t even to stay in Chadron. I was going to go to the Air Force,” Kaiser said. “But I met some good friends and went back for the second year.”

It was in a physical science class that year when Leite noticed Kaiser hadn’t chosen a major, and encouraged him to consider geoscience.

“I had taken one of his courses earlier and I did well there, and Dr. Leite is the one who talked me into being a geoscience major,” Kaiser said.&nbsp;

After graduating from CSC in 2008, Kaiser enrolled in a petroleum geology master’s program at Colorado School of Mines, where his CSC background proved useful.

“My first semester in graduate school, I ended up working in West Africa by myself,” Kaiser said.

His job in the forests in Sierra Leone involved looking for deposits of pegmatite rocks similar to those he had learned to identify during CSC geology field camps in the Black Hills. Kaiser was able to locate a significant deposit of coltan, a type of rock containing the rare-earth metal, tantalum, used in mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

Research papers about coltan and tantalum that Leite had provided were helpful in identifying the ore, said Kaiser.&nbsp;

“Dr. Leite was showing us real-world applications,” he said.

Because of political unrest and economic uncertainty, the ore deposit has never been developed, but Kaiser managed to bring a large sample of the tantalum-rich material back for the CSC mineral collection.

Following completion of his master’s degree, Kaiser went to work for Anadarko Petroleum. During his six years with the company he worked on developing exploration concepts in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and the Niobrara-Denver-Julesburg Basin in Colorado. He next joined with an operations engineer he had worked with at Andarko and started an oil and gas exploration company. The Denver-based firm obtained financial backing for a development, but wasn’t able to bring the project to fruition.

Taking a different approach to the natural resource field, Kaiser and business partner Yoann Hispa started LandGate, the company where he now serves as president. LandGate provides services for owners of land and mineral rights, including valuing the natural resources they own and connecting them with potential buyers.&nbsp;

Initially focused exclusively on oil and gas rights, LandGate has since expanded into other resources, including hard rock minerals, solar, wind, and water rights.

Putting a value on rights to natural resources is complicated, because the underlying assets (oil, gas, minerals, and water) are commodities that fluctuate greatly in price, Kaiser noted. By compiling data and using sophisticated algorithms that take market conditions into consideration, LandGate is able to produce valuations that are useful to both buyers and sellers, he said.

“The vast majority of the (natural) resources in this country are owned by people who don’t understand what they are worth,” Kaiser said. “We let the landowners know what their resources are worth and give them the opportunity to get that out in front of (potential buyers) … then they can find out what will my property do in a competitive market.”

Connecting with potential customers via&nbsp;<a href="https://landgate.com/home" target="_blank">its website</a>, the company offers appraisals and valuation services, economic data, mapping, and engineering services.

“It’s something completely new. This service has never been out there for landowners. Conversely, the opportunity never existed for energy companies and natural resource investors,” Kaiser said. “What we are doing is very similar to what Zillow did to real estate.”

In the five years since it started, LandGate has grown rapidly and now has 16 employees, all working remotely, according to Kaiser.

“We are getting a lot of momentum right now and it’s getting pretty exciting,” he said. “We have people all across the country that work for us. It’s been interesting to see what we can accomplish over five years working solely remotely.”

Kaiser said his experience at Chadron State illustrates a valuable aspect of the college’s physical science curriculum, which exposes students to a range of subjects, giving them the opportunity to find out what they enjoy and are good at.

“The reason I’m in the position I am is I decided to accept a scholarship thrown at me by coach Todd Auer and then Dr. Leite convinced me to quit messing around and actually get a degree,” he said. “I ended up getting a degree in geoscience, went on to the Colorado School of Mines to get my masters and here I am working as a career geologist. I have Dr. Leite to thank for that.”

By GEORGE LEDBETTER, Chadron State CollegeCHADRON – As a sophomore at Chadron State College in 2005, Craig Kaiser hadn’t yet settled on a major, and wasn’t even sure he would stay in Chadron, when a class with Geoscience Professor Dr. Mike Leite lit the spark that has led him to an entrepreneurial career in the natural resource industry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616371631435.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A high school football standout in his hometown of Merino, Colorado, Kaiser attended CSC football camps where he attracted the attention of former defensive coach Todd Auer, who recruited him. But, Kaiser originally didn’t plan to remain at the college for long.“My intention wasn’t even to stay in Chadron. I was going to go to the Air Force,” Kaiser said. “But I met some good friends and went back for the second year.”It was in a physical science class that year when Leite noticed Kaiser hadn’t chosen a major, and encouraged him to consider geoscience.“I had taken one of his courses earlier and I did well there, and Dr. Leite is the one who talked me into being a geoscience major,” Kaiser said.&nbsp;After graduating from CSC in 2008, Kaiser enrolled in a petroleum geology master’s program at Colorado School of Mines, where his CSC background proved useful.“My first semester in graduate school, I ended up working in West Africa by myself,” Kaiser said.His job in the forests in Sierra Leone involved looking for deposits of pegmatite rocks similar to those he had learned to identify during CSC geology field camps in the Black Hills. Kaiser was able to locate a significant deposit of coltan, a type of rock containing the rare-earth metal, tantalum, used in mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.Research papers about coltan and tantalum that Leite had provided were helpful in identifying the ore, said Kaiser.&nbsp;“Dr. Leite was showing us real-world applications,” he said.Because of political unrest and economic uncertainty, the ore deposit has never been developed, but Kaiser managed to bring a large sample of the tantalum-rich material back for the CSC mineral collection.Following completion of his master’s degree, Kaiser went to work for Anadarko Petroleum. During his six years with the company he worked on developing exploration concepts in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and the Niobrara-Denver-Julesburg Basin in Colorado. He next joined with an operations engineer he had worked with at Andarko and started an oil and gas exploration company. The Denver-based firm obtained financial backing for a development, but wasn’t able to bring the project to fruition.Taking a different approach to the natural resource field, Kaiser and business partner Yoann Hispa started LandGate, the company where he now serves as president. LandGate provides services for owners of land and mineral rights, including valuing the natural resources they own and connecting them with potential buyers.&nbsp;Initially focused exclusively on oil and gas rights, LandGate has since expanded into other resources, including hard rock minerals, solar, wind, and water rights.Putting a value on rights to natural resources is complicated, because the underlying assets (oil, gas, minerals, and water) are commodities that fluctuate greatly in price, Kaiser noted. By compiling data and using sophisticated algorithms that take market conditions into consideration, LandGate is able to produce valuations that are useful to both buyers and sellers, he said.“The vast majority of the (natural) resources in this country are owned by people who don’t understand what they are worth,” Kaiser said. “We let the landowners know what their resources are worth and give them the opportunity to get that out in front of (potential buyers) … then they can find out what will my property do in a competitive market.”Connecting with potential customers via&nbsp;<a href="https://landgate.com/home" target="_blank">its website</a>, the company offers appraisals and valuation services, economic data, mapping, and engineering services.“It’s something completely new. This service has never been out there for landowners. Conversely, the opportunity never existed for energy companies and natural resource investors,” Kaiser said. “What we are doing is very similar to what Zillow did to real estate.”In the five years since it started, LandGate has grown rapidly and now has 16 employees, all working remotely, according to Kaiser.“We are getting a lot of momentum right now and it’s getting pretty exciting,” he said. “We have people all across the country that work for us. It’s been interesting to see what we can accomplish over five years working solely remotely.”Kaiser said his experience at Chadron State illustrates a valuable aspect of the college’s physical science curriculum, which exposes students to a range of subjects, giving them the opportunity to find out what they enjoy and are good at.“The reason I’m in the position I am is I decided to accept a scholarship thrown at me by coach Todd Auer and then Dr. Leite convinced me to quit messing around and actually get a degree,” he said. “I ended up getting a degree in geoscience, went on to the Colorado School of Mines to get my masters and here I am working as a career geologist. I have Dr. Leite to thank for that.”

CSC graduate credits Geoscience professor for career choice

LINCOLN – Starting this summer, all campers will need a reservation to stay overnight at campgrounds and beach areas at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas during the peak season.

The new reservation system will be in place starting in late April for the May 21 to Sept. 12 season.

The rollout is part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s implementation of the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan, a five-phase plan to address management of the two state recreation areas.

After the Lake McConaughy Advisory Committee — a group of local stakeholders&nbsp;— and Game and Parks evaluated the first phase of the Master Plan rollout, they determined the most critical issue facing the parks was overcrowding, which placed exhaustive demands upon park infrastructure, law enforcement and emergency services that negatively affected the quality of visitor’s experiences, public safety and natural resources.

Phase II of the Master Plan provides for a sustainable management plan that improves the quality and safety of the visitor experience and for protection of natural resources by implementing a carrying capacity on overnight camping throughout both areas. The Phase II Implementation Plan was developed through a collaborative effort with the Advisory Committee and was approved by the Commission during its March 17 meeting in Norfolk.

Changes park visitors need to know include:

Approximately 500 designated campsites will be available at nine campgrounds across both park areas. Depending on water levels, approximately 1,000 non-designated beach campsites, will be available across 16 beach areas of Shoreline Road and one beach area of Cedar View at Lake McConaughy.

To preserve recreational opportunities and maintain economic vitality, day-use activities do not have capacity limits. Vehicles will be allowed on beaches designated for them that also have a Commission-managed access point. Staff will continue to work with stakeholders and adjacent landowners to address unauthorized access points to park areas.

Across the nation, increasing use of outdoor recreation sites is leading management agencies to address overcrowding through reservation-based capacities on overnight camping. Similar actions have been taken regionally in surrounding state parks as well as at national- and county-managed sites.

For example, Lake Mead National Recreation Area outside Las Vegas, Nevada — the nation’s first established and largest National Recreation Area and fifth most-visited National Park Service site — is 1.5 million acres and offers just over 900 campsites. Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala together, not even a quarter of Lake Mead’s size, can offer about 1,500 campsites, making it one of the largest overnight camping opportunities in the West.

A robust information campaign will be initiated immediately to inform park visitors from across Nebraska and surrounding states. As Phase II continues to be implemented, Game and Parks, local stakeholders and the Lake McConaughy Advisory Committee will work to inform park visitors about the changes.

To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMTkuMzczODk0NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9sYWtlbWNjb25hdWdoeS8ifQ.GKZkZRo3bEvU3-S9dqLaUWKtxO89UPHLhvC6knsmbcE/s/497221906/br/100404980252-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/lakemcconaughy</a>&nbsp;or read the McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMTkuMzczODk0NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9sYWtlbWNjb25hdWdoeXBsYW4vIn0.F-JqhYZscIr92a_BHP6taXz3tszHcklnsdAvupa8krg/s/497221906/br/100404980252-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/lakemcconaughyplan</a>.

LINCOLN – Starting this summer, all campers will need a reservation to stay overnight at campgrounds and beach areas at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas during the peak season.The new reservation system will be in place starting in late April for the May 21 to Sept. 12 season.The rollout is part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s implementation of the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan, a five-phase plan to address management of the two state recreation areas.After the Lake McConaughy Advisory Committee — a group of local stakeholders&nbsp;— and Game and Parks evaluated the first phase of the Master Plan rollout, they determined the most critical issue facing the parks was overcrowding, which placed exhaustive demands upon park infrastructure, law enforcement and emergency services that negatively affected the quality of visitor’s experiences, public safety and natural resources.Phase II of the Master Plan provides for a sustainable management plan that improves the quality and safety of the visitor experience and for protection of natural resources by implementing a carrying capacity on overnight camping throughout both areas. The Phase II Implementation Plan was developed through a collaborative effort with the Advisory Committee and was approved by the Commission during its March 17 meeting in Norfolk.Changes park visitors need to know include:<ul>
 <li>From May 21, 2021, through Sept. 12, 2021, overnight camping will be allowed at Lake McConaughy or Lake Ogallala SRAs only with a reservation.</li><li>All overnight visitors should reserve an overnight campsite on the Game and Parks reservation system before leaving home.</li><li>Once capacities are reached, no additional overnight camping will be allowed.</li><li>Beginning in mid- to late-April, reservations may be made online, by mobile application, or by calling the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center. Game and Parks will release additional information when the reservation system becomes available.</li><li>All overnight campers must arrive and check in with park staff, in-person, at the Visitor Center or at a staffed entrance booth between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Mountain time.</li><li>Same-day reservations may be made online until a yet to-be-determined time in the evening if sites remain available.</li><li>Before and after the peak season dates of May 21 to Sept. 12, 2021, all camping will be available first-come first-served with the exception of half of Cedar View, Lone Eagle, Little Thunder and Lake Ogallala East campgrounds, which have reservable sites and currently have some existing reservations between May 15 and May 21.</li><li>All existing reservations for 2021 at Cedar View, Lone Eagle, Little Thunder and Lake Ogallala East campgrounds will be honored.</li><li>These changes do not impact camping reservations at privately managed sites within the SRAs or at nearby private campgrounds.</li><li>Overnight camping fees for beach camping per night will include a non-peak season rate of $15, peak season weekday rate of $20 and weekend rate of $25. Fees for designated campgrounds will range from $10 to $40, depending on season and amenities provided.</li>
 </ul>Approximately 500 designated campsites will be available at nine campgrounds across both park areas. Depending on water levels, approximately 1,000 non-designated beach campsites, will be available across 16 beach areas of Shoreline Road and one beach area of Cedar View at Lake McConaughy.To preserve recreational opportunities and maintain economic vitality, day-use activities do not have capacity limits. Vehicles will be allowed on beaches designated for them that also have a Commission-managed access point. Staff will continue to work with stakeholders and adjacent landowners to address unauthorized access points to park areas.Across the nation, increasing use of outdoor recreation sites is leading management agencies to address overcrowding through reservation-based capacities on overnight camping. Similar actions have been taken regionally in surrounding state parks as well as at national- and county-managed sites.For example, Lake Mead National Recreation Area outside Las Vegas, Nevada — the nation’s first established and largest National Recreation Area and fifth most-visited National Park Service site — is 1.5 million acres and offers just over 900 campsites. Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala together, not even a quarter of Lake Mead’s size, can offer about 1,500 campsites, making it one of the largest overnight camping opportunities in the West.A robust information campaign will be initiated immediately to inform park visitors from across Nebraska and surrounding states. As Phase II continues to be implemented, Game and Parks, local stakeholders and the Lake McConaughy Advisory Committee will work to inform park visitors about the changes.To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMTkuMzczODk0NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9sYWtlbWNjb25hdWdoeS8ifQ.GKZkZRo3bEvU3-S9dqLaUWKtxO89UPHLhvC6knsmbcE/s/497221906/br/100404980252-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/lakemcconaughy</a>&nbsp;or read the McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMTkuMzczODk0NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9sYWtlbWNjb25hdWdoeXBsYW4vIn0.F-JqhYZscIr92a_BHP6taXz3tszHcklnsdAvupa8krg/s/497221906/br/100404980252-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/lakemcconaughyplan</a>.

Camping reservations required for Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has signed legislation bringing sports gambling to Deadwood. 

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming met in Deadwood this week to begin framing the rules for the sports wagering. 

Voters approved a constitutional amendment in November that legalized sports gambling at the town’s casinos. 

Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Rodman says he expects the gaming commission to have the preliminary set of rules ready by their June 16 meeting, where it will then go to a legislative committee for approval. 

Sports wagering will be allowed on the premises of Deadwood casinos through sports betting windows, kiosks or a mobile app.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem has signed legislation bringing sports gambling to Deadwood. The South Dakota Commission on Gaming met in Deadwood this week to begin framing the rules for the sports wagering. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in November that legalized sports gambling at the town’s casinos. Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Rodman says he expects the gaming commission to have the preliminary set of rules ready by their June 16 meeting, where it will then go to a legislative committee for approval. Sports wagering will be allowed on the premises of Deadwood casinos through sports betting windows, kiosks or a mobile app.

Noem signs Deadwood sports gambling legislation

AP - Health experts say the surge in coronavirus cases in Europe should serve as a warning to the U.S. not to drop its safeguards too early.

 Optimism is spreading in the U.S. as virus deaths are plummeting and states are easing restrictions. 

But across Europe tighter restrictions are returning amid a surge of cases that are straining some hospitals.

 The pandemic’s diverging paths on the two continents can be linked to the more successful vaccine rollout in the U.S. and a wave of more transmissible variants in Europe. 

Health experts add that some areas of Europe also were too quick to relax distancing requirements.

AP - Health experts say the surge in coronavirus cases in Europe should serve as a warning to the U.S. not to drop its safeguards too early. Optimism is spreading in the U.S. as virus deaths are plummeting and states are easing restrictions. But across Europe tighter restrictions are returning amid a surge of cases that are straining some hospitals. The pandemic’s diverging paths on the two continents can be linked to the more successful vaccine rollout in the U.S. and a wave of more transmissible variants in Europe. Health experts add that some areas of Europe also were too quick to relax distancing requirements.

Experts: Virus surge in Europe a cautionary tale for US

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will move to its next coronavirus vaccination phase on Monday with a focus on residents who are 50 to 64 years old and those with certain health conditions. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts says the change will apply to the entire state, unlike previous phases where the transition has taken place by public health district. 

Under the new phase, 90% of doses are required to go to residents in the 50-to-64 age group or people who qualified under previous phases. 

The remaining 10% will go to people with health conditions that are chosen by local doctors and public health officials in each region. 

Health officials have spent the last several weeks vaccinating residents who are at least 65.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will move to its next coronavirus vaccination phase on Monday with a focus on residents who are 50 to 64 years old and those with certain health conditions. Gov. Pete Ricketts says the change will apply to the entire state, unlike previous phases where the transition has taken place by public health district. Under the new phase, 90% of doses are required to go to residents in the 50-to-64 age group or people who qualified under previous phases. The remaining 10% will go to people with health conditions that are chosen by local doctors and public health officials in each region. Health officials have spent the last several weeks vaccinating residents who are at least 65.

Nebraska officials to start vaccinating residents ages 50-64

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, a federal energy board is weighing how a proposed natural gas pipeline would affect emissions.

 It's one of several steps taken this week by the Biden administration in its effort to slow climate change.

 With a new Democratic chair at the helm, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 3-2 to approve a pipeline operator’s request to replace 87 miles of natural gas pipelines in South Dakota and Nebraska. 

The board found that the project’s greenhouse gas emissions would not be significant.

 The ruling marked the first time the commission has formally assessed a pipeline’s greenhouse gas emissions and their expected contribution to climate change.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, a federal energy board is weighing how a proposed natural gas pipeline would affect emissions. It's one of several steps taken this week by the Biden administration in its effort to slow climate change. With a new Democratic chair at the helm, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 3-2 to approve a pipeline operator’s request to replace 87 miles of natural gas pipelines in South Dakota and Nebraska. The board found that the project’s greenhouse gas emissions would not be significant. The ruling marked the first time the commission has formally assessed a pipeline’s greenhouse gas emissions and their expected contribution to climate change.

In a first, US pipeline agency weighs climate change impacts

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A man who found solace in the Black Hills  of South Dakota when he came out as gay while in college plans to move back to the region to open a counseling and retreat center for other LGBTQ families.

 Joe Barb is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit LGBTQ+ Family Connections Center, which he hopes to locate near Custer or Keystone. He’s currently trying to raise money for the center. 

His desire to aid other families stems partly from his experiences with his 12-year-old son. 

Barb says his son didn't know how to respond to a society that wasn't inclusive and was helped by counseling.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A man who found solace in the Black Hills of South Dakota when he came out as gay while in college plans to move back to the region to open a counseling and retreat center for other LGBTQ families. Joe Barb is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit LGBTQ+ Family Connections Center, which he hopes to locate near Custer or Keystone. He’s currently trying to raise money for the center. His desire to aid other families stems partly from his experiences with his 12-year-old son. Barb says his son didn't know how to respond to a society that wasn't inclusive and was helped by counseling.

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