Alliance – The City of Alliance announced that there will be a power outage on the odd side of Newberry Street and the even side of Hampton Street starting at 10:00 a.m. today for maintenance due to the high winds experienced overnight. 

Power will be out for approximately 2 hours. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.

If you have questions or are still experiencing issues after 1:00 pm, please contact the City of Alliance Utility Department at (308) 762-5400.

Alliance – The City of Alliance announced that there will be a power outage on the odd side of Newberry Street and the even side of Hampton Street starting at 10:00 a.m. today for maintenance due to the high winds experienced overnight. Power will be out for approximately 2 hours. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.If you have questions or are still experiencing issues after 1:00 pm, please contact the City of Alliance Utility Department at (308) 762-5400.

Scheduled power outage in Alliance for some residents 

Many Alliance businesses experienced wind damage on Jan. 13 and the early morning on Jan. 14.&nbsp;

Wind in excess of 78 MPH ripped through the City of Alliance and the Panhandle. 78 MPH winds set an Alliance record, according to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY.&nbsp;

4 miles east of Scottsbluff reported wind gusts up to 86 MPH. 2 miles west of Gering reported 77 MPH gusts.&nbsp;

High Wind Warnings continue throughout Panhandle for Thursday through Friday at 11 a.m.&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostMany Alliance businesses experienced wind damage on Jan. 13 and the early morning on Jan. 14.&nbsp;Wind in excess of 78 MPH ripped through the City of Alliance and the Panhandle. 78 MPH winds set an Alliance record, according to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, WY.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610644804903.jpeg" alt="Bowlmor Lanes siding stripped by forceful winds.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bowlmor Lanes siding stripped by forceful winds.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>4 miles east of Scottsbluff reported wind gusts up to 86 MPH. 2 miles west of Gering reported 77 MPH gusts.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610644886041.jpeg" alt="McDonalds signed received extensive damage by winds.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>McDonalds signed received extensive damage by winds.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>High Wind Warnings continue throughout Panhandle for Thursday through Friday at 11 a.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610644946910.jpeg" alt="Dairy Queen's sign completely destroyed by wind gusts. In the far left corner of this photo is the old Pizza Hut building, which had roof damage.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dairy Queen's sign completely destroyed by wind gusts. In the far left corner of this photo is the old Pizza Hut building, which had roof damage.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Alliance businesses experience wind damage 

“Even as we’ve had to overcome the challenge of the pandemic, the work of Nebraskans everywhere has kept the state of the state strong.”

“As the pandemic continues, we have an opportunity to keep moving our state forward.&nbsp; This legislative session, we will do this the Nebraska Way.”

“The limits we are proposing here are reasonable, and will help ensure that local control of the institutions we cherish endures for years to come.”

LINCOLN –&nbsp;President Foley, Speaker Hilgers, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, and Fellow Nebraskans — good morning!

Congratulations&nbsp;on the commencement of the First Session of the 107th Nebraska Legislature.&nbsp; I want to welcome each of you to Lincoln.

Congratulations&nbsp;Speaker Hilgers on your election.&nbsp; I look forward to working together with you and all the newly elected chairs.

Please also recognize the newest members of the Unicameral: Senators Aguilar, Bostar, Cavanaugh, Day, Flood, McKinney, Pahls, and Sanders.&nbsp; Each of you brings unique perspective and experiences to the body.&nbsp; I look forward to working with you as well.&nbsp;

As this session begins, I know that many are excited to turn the page on 2020; however, I believe that when we look back on the last year we will see a year that brought out the best in Nebraskans.

We began with high hopes of moving forward as we recovered from the historic floods of 2019.&nbsp; But 2020 was interrupted by a new and unforeseen challenge: the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; Nebraskans took on this new challenge in the same spirit we have for generations: We rolled up our sleeves and put our grit, tenacity, and determination to work the Nebraska Way.

Through it all, Nebraskans have been using our tools to slow the spread of the virus such as social distancing, wearing a mask to the store, washing our hands often, and staying home when sick. &nbsp;As we all do our part, the State has followed our North Star: protecting our hospital capacity.&nbsp; Over the last ten months, we’ve pursued this goal by using our six pillars: testing, contact tracing, providing PPE, making quarantine space available, protecting at-risk populations, and using directed health measures.

Time and again, history shows Nebraskans respond by doing the right thing, and the pandemic has been no different.&nbsp; Our healthcare workers have stepped up heroically to keep Nebraskans healthy.&nbsp; Data shows that Nebraskans stayed home when we asked them to last spring.&nbsp; And now, Nebraskans are embracing the coronavirus vaccine.

Thanks to the individual contributions of countless Nebraskans and our six pillars, our state has successfully ensured that everyone that needs a hospital bed, ICU bed, or ventilator has had access to one.&nbsp; This approach has helped us strike that balance between slowing the spread of the virus and allowing people to live a more normal life.

Even as we’ve had to overcome the challenge of the pandemic, the work of Nebraskans everywhere has kept the state of the state strong.

While protecting hospital capacity, we have also been working to help Nebraskans recover.&nbsp; The federal government has invested over $10 billion in aid into our state.&nbsp; The State steered federal coronavirus relief towards $411 million in grants for Nebraska’s businesses and family farms.&nbsp; We also provided over $80 million to aid non-profit and community-based organizations ranging from food banks to childcare providers.&nbsp;

While battling coronavirus, we have kept building on our efforts to grow Nebraska even in the midst of tough circumstances.&nbsp;

We’ve seen new opportunities in developing our workforce, with the creation of 2,280 Career Scholarships at our state’s colleges and universities to help train the next generation of leaders.&nbsp;

We’ve made it easier to do business in Nebraska by continuing to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of state government services.&nbsp; This has helped attract major investments from companies like Becton Dickinson in Holdrege to Hormel in Papillion—just to name a couple.&nbsp; Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been cutting red tape to keep Nebraskans working.&nbsp; From giving licensed professionals more flexibility to allowing restaurants to offer carryout alcohol, we looked for ways to grow our healthcare workforce and help small businesses survive.&nbsp; The jobs being created across our state have helped Nebraska achieve an unemployment rate that is the lowest in the nation.&nbsp; At 3.1 percent, our unemployment rate for November 2020 is only one tenth of a percent above where it stood one year ago.&nbsp;

This body is to be congratulated for the work it accomplished in the 2020 session despite the circumstances of the pandemic.&nbsp; Even with these challenges, you were able to pass property tax relief, incentive renewal and reform, veterans tax relief, flood relief, pandemic relief, relief for the tunnel collapse in the Panhandle, career scholarships, and the most significant pro-life bill in a decade.&nbsp;

As the pandemic continues, we have an opportunity to keep moving our state forward.&nbsp; This legislative session, we will do this the Nebraska Way: by working together for the best interests of the people we serve.

The next two-year budget I am proposing controls spending to a growth rate of 1.5 percent.&nbsp; In this context, we can achieve several important priorities.

First, property tax relief.&nbsp; This budget delivers on the promise of property tax relief by delivering $1.36 billion in relief over the biennium.&nbsp; This includes $550 million in direct property tax relief through the State’s Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, and over $596 million from the newly enacted LB 1107 refundable property tax credit.&nbsp; I am also proposing roughly $214 million to provide for property tax payments under the current homestead exemption program.

But there’s more we must do to keep Nebraska on the road to realizing property tax relief.&nbsp; That is why Senator Linehan and I are proposing to limit the growth of local government property taxes to 3 percent.&nbsp; New local spending constraints are critical to ensuring the relief we provide goes into people’s pockets and to maintain local control in future years.&nbsp; Property taxes have grown by 4.46 percent annually on average for the last 10 years for an overall increase of 54.65 percent.

Taxes are growing at a rate that Nebraskans cannot manage within their family budgets.&nbsp; It is my belief that if the Legislature fails to enact spending constraints, the people of Nebraska will take matters into their own hands and strip local governments of their property tax authority.&nbsp; It’s happened before in the 1960s when the voters stripped the State of its authority to levy a property tax, and it will happen again.&nbsp; The limits we are proposing here are reasonable, and will help ensure that local control of the institutions we cherish endures for years to come.

As we consider these limits, I also want to note that we can continue to support strong public schools.&nbsp; As I have done every year as Governor, my budget proposes to fully fund state aid to the K-12 education formula with an additional $42.7 million over the biennium.&nbsp; We must continue to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans so they can access educational opportunities that can help them achieve their dreams.

Next, I am proposing three initiatives to help Nebraska continue its journey to become the best state in the nation for military families and veterans.&nbsp; First, Nebraska is still working to bring Space Command to the Heartland.&nbsp; Senator Stinner and I are recommending the State invest $50 million towards establishing a public-private partnership to locate this important mission at Offutt Air Force Base.&nbsp; Second, Senator Brewer and I are proposing that Nebraska exempt 100 percent of military retirement income for military retirees.&nbsp; This would complete the work on veterans tax relief we began last year.&nbsp; And third, military spouses continue to face challenges taking jobs in Nebraska in licensed professions on a temporary basis.&nbsp; In recent years, Nebraska has made great strides in helping military spouses, who hold a teaching license in another state, to teach while their families are deployed here.&nbsp; Senator Sanders and I are working together to take new steps recommended by the Department of Defense to cut more red tape in this area.

Additionally, Senator Murman and I are proposing that we use our experience gained during the pandemic to expand our healthcare workforce.&nbsp; Early in the pandemic, I issued an executive order allowing licensed healthcare professionals from other states to work here in Nebraska.&nbsp; By allowing universal reciprocity for out-of-state healthcare workers to continue, we can encourage more skilled healthcare professionals to choose the Good Life to help meet our state’s needs.

This budget also helps us take important steps to protect public safety.&nbsp; Nebraska’s corrections system has been underbuilt for 40 years, and our infrastructure is aging.&nbsp; Working together, we’ve been able to make significant strides over the last six years, investing in sentencing reform, rehabilitation, and the physical plant of our system.&nbsp; But more must be done to modernize and rightsize our prisons.&nbsp; By 2025, Nebraska’s corrections system is forecasted to house over 6,400 inmates.&nbsp; Today, we have an operational capacity of over 5,300 inmates, and the Nebraska State Penitentiary is decaying.&nbsp; To help protect public safety and to replace the State Penitentiary, I am proposing that we build a new, modern correctional facility.&nbsp; This facility will require an initial investment of $115 million in this budget for a total of $230 million by the time it is completed and operational in 2025.&nbsp;

Finally, we must continue to invest in better community connectivity through broadband internet.&nbsp; It’s no secret that many Nebraskans still do not have access to broadband.&nbsp; Over 80,000 Nebraska households lack broadband speeds of at least 25/3.&nbsp; The pandemic revealed how impossible work from home or remote education can be for those on the wrong side of the digital divide.&nbsp; Over the last several months, we were able to use CARES Act money to begin connecting 17,600 households with broadband.&nbsp; Additional households are expected to receive broadband using existing resources over the next two years.&nbsp; Senator Friesen, Speaker Hilgers, and I are proposing that we invest $20 million in each of the next two years to help another 30,000 households get broadband connectivity.&nbsp; This will move Nebraska closer to bringing broadband coverage to every corner of the state.

Property tax relief. &nbsp;Our veterans and military. &nbsp;Licensing reform. &nbsp;Public safety. &nbsp;Broadband access. &nbsp;These are all critical priorities for us to work on this year.&nbsp; As the session gets underway, I’m confident that we can achieve each of these in the coming days by working together for the people – the Nebraska Way.

Once again,&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on the start of this new session.&nbsp; I want to thank each of you for your service to the people of Nebraska.&nbsp; Together, we can achieve great things for Nebraskans in the coming days.

God bless you all and God bless the great State of Nebraska.&nbsp;

“Even as we’ve had to overcome the challenge of the pandemic, the work of Nebraskans everywhere has kept the state of the state strong.”“As the pandemic continues, we have an opportunity to keep moving our state forward.&nbsp; This legislative session, we will do this the Nebraska Way.”“The limits we are proposing here are reasonable, and will help ensure that local control of the institutions we cherish endures for years to come.”LINCOLN –&nbsp;President Foley, Speaker Hilgers, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, and Fellow Nebraskans — good morning!Congratulations&nbsp;on the commencement of the First Session of the 107th Nebraska Legislature.&nbsp; I want to welcome each of you to Lincoln.Congratulations&nbsp;Speaker Hilgers on your election.&nbsp; I look forward to working together with you and all the newly elected chairs.Please also recognize the newest members of the Unicameral: Senators Aguilar, Bostar, Cavanaugh, Day, Flood, McKinney, Pahls, and Sanders.&nbsp; Each of you brings unique perspective and experiences to the body.&nbsp; I look forward to working with you as well.&nbsp;As this session begins, I know that many are excited to turn the page on 2020; however, I believe that when we look back on the last year we will see a year that brought out the best in Nebraskans.We began with high hopes of moving forward as we recovered from the historic floods of 2019.&nbsp; But 2020 was interrupted by a new and unforeseen challenge: the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; Nebraskans took on this new challenge in the same spirit we have for generations: We rolled up our sleeves and put our grit, tenacity, and determination to work the Nebraska Way.Through it all, Nebraskans have been using our tools to slow the spread of the virus such as social distancing, wearing a mask to the store, washing our hands often, and staying home when sick. &nbsp;As we all do our part, the State has followed our North Star: protecting our hospital capacity.&nbsp; Over the last ten months, we’ve pursued this goal by using our six pillars: testing, contact tracing, providing PPE, making quarantine space available, protecting at-risk populations, and using directed health measures.Time and again, history shows Nebraskans respond by doing the right thing, and the pandemic has been no different.&nbsp; Our healthcare workers have stepped up heroically to keep Nebraskans healthy.&nbsp; Data shows that Nebraskans stayed home when we asked them to last spring.&nbsp; And now, Nebraskans are embracing the coronavirus vaccine.Thanks to the individual contributions of countless Nebraskans and our six pillars, our state has successfully ensured that everyone that needs a hospital bed, ICU bed, or ventilator has had access to one.&nbsp; This approach has helped us strike that balance between slowing the spread of the virus and allowing people to live a more normal life.Even as we’ve had to overcome the challenge of the pandemic, the work of Nebraskans everywhere has kept the state of the state strong.While protecting hospital capacity, we have also been working to help Nebraskans recover.&nbsp; The federal government has invested over $10 billion in aid into our state.&nbsp; The State steered federal coronavirus relief towards $411 million in grants for Nebraska’s businesses and family farms.&nbsp; We also provided over $80 million to aid non-profit and community-based organizations ranging from food banks to childcare providers.&nbsp;While battling coronavirus, we have kept building on our efforts to grow Nebraska even in the midst of tough circumstances.&nbsp;We’ve seen new opportunities in developing our workforce, with the creation of 2,280 Career Scholarships at our state’s colleges and universities to help train the next generation of leaders.&nbsp;We’ve made it easier to do business in Nebraska by continuing to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of state government services.&nbsp; This has helped attract major investments from companies like Becton Dickinson in Holdrege to Hormel in Papillion—just to name a couple.&nbsp; Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been cutting red tape to keep Nebraskans working.&nbsp; From giving licensed professionals more flexibility to allowing restaurants to offer carryout alcohol, we looked for ways to grow our healthcare workforce and help small businesses survive.&nbsp; The jobs being created across our state have helped Nebraska achieve an unemployment rate that is the lowest in the nation.&nbsp; At 3.1 percent, our unemployment rate for November 2020 is only one tenth of a percent above where it stood one year ago.&nbsp;This body is to be congratulated for the work it accomplished in the 2020 session despite the circumstances of the pandemic.&nbsp; Even with these challenges, you were able to pass property tax relief, incentive renewal and reform, veterans tax relief, flood relief, pandemic relief, relief for the tunnel collapse in the Panhandle, career scholarships, and the most significant pro-life bill in a decade.&nbsp;As the pandemic continues, we have an opportunity to keep moving our state forward.&nbsp; This legislative session, we will do this the Nebraska Way: by working together for the best interests of the people we serve.The next two-year budget I am proposing controls spending to a growth rate of 1.5 percent.&nbsp; In this context, we can achieve several important priorities.First, property tax relief.&nbsp; This budget delivers on the promise of property tax relief by delivering $1.36 billion in relief over the biennium.&nbsp; This includes $550 million in direct property tax relief through the State’s Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, and over $596 million from the newly enacted LB 1107 refundable property tax credit.&nbsp; I am also proposing roughly $214 million to provide for property tax payments under the current homestead exemption program.But there’s more we must do to keep Nebraska on the road to realizing property tax relief.&nbsp; That is why Senator Linehan and I are proposing to limit the growth of local government property taxes to 3 percent.&nbsp; New local spending constraints are critical to ensuring the relief we provide goes into people’s pockets and to maintain local control in future years.&nbsp; Property taxes have grown by 4.46 percent annually on average for the last 10 years for an overall increase of 54.65 percent.Taxes are growing at a rate that Nebraskans cannot manage within their family budgets.&nbsp; It is my belief that if the Legislature fails to enact spending constraints, the people of Nebraska will take matters into their own hands and strip local governments of their property tax authority.&nbsp; It’s happened before in the 1960s when the voters stripped the State of its authority to levy a property tax, and it will happen again.&nbsp; The limits we are proposing here are reasonable, and will help ensure that local control of the institutions we cherish endures for years to come.As we consider these limits, I also want to note that we can continue to support strong public schools.&nbsp; As I have done every year as Governor, my budget proposes to fully fund state aid to the K-12 education formula with an additional $42.7 million over the biennium.&nbsp; We must continue to invest in the next generation of Nebraskans so they can access educational opportunities that can help them achieve their dreams.Next, I am proposing three initiatives to help Nebraska continue its journey to become the best state in the nation for military families and veterans.&nbsp; First, Nebraska is still working to bring Space Command to the Heartland.&nbsp; Senator Stinner and I are recommending the State invest $50 million towards establishing a public-private partnership to locate this important mission at Offutt Air Force Base.&nbsp; Second, Senator Brewer and I are proposing that Nebraska exempt 100 percent of military retirement income for military retirees.&nbsp; This would complete the work on veterans tax relief we began last year.&nbsp; And third, military spouses continue to face challenges taking jobs in Nebraska in licensed professions on a temporary basis.&nbsp; In recent years, Nebraska has made great strides in helping military spouses, who hold a teaching license in another state, to teach while their families are deployed here.&nbsp; Senator Sanders and I are working together to take new steps recommended by the Department of Defense to cut more red tape in this area.Additionally, Senator Murman and I are proposing that we use our experience gained during the pandemic to expand our healthcare workforce.&nbsp; Early in the pandemic, I issued an executive order allowing licensed healthcare professionals from other states to work here in Nebraska.&nbsp; By allowing universal reciprocity for out-of-state healthcare workers to continue, we can encourage more skilled healthcare professionals to choose the Good Life to help meet our state’s needs.This budget also helps us take important steps to protect public safety.&nbsp; Nebraska’s corrections system has been underbuilt for 40 years, and our infrastructure is aging.&nbsp; Working together, we’ve been able to make significant strides over the last six years, investing in sentencing reform, rehabilitation, and the physical plant of our system.&nbsp; But more must be done to modernize and rightsize our prisons.&nbsp; By 2025, Nebraska’s corrections system is forecasted to house over 6,400 inmates.&nbsp; Today, we have an operational capacity of over 5,300 inmates, and the Nebraska State Penitentiary is decaying.&nbsp; To help protect public safety and to replace the State Penitentiary, I am proposing that we build a new, modern correctional facility.&nbsp; This facility will require an initial investment of $115 million in this budget for a total of $230 million by the time it is completed and operational in 2025.&nbsp;Finally, we must continue to invest in better community connectivity through broadband internet.&nbsp; It’s no secret that many Nebraskans still do not have access to broadband.&nbsp; Over 80,000 Nebraska households lack broadband speeds of at least 25/3.&nbsp; The pandemic revealed how impossible work from home or remote education can be for those on the wrong side of the digital divide.&nbsp; Over the last several months, we were able to use CARES Act money to begin connecting 17,600 households with broadband.&nbsp; Additional households are expected to receive broadband using existing resources over the next two years.&nbsp; Senator Friesen, Speaker Hilgers, and I are proposing that we invest $20 million in each of the next two years to help another 30,000 households get broadband connectivity.&nbsp; This will move Nebraska closer to bringing broadband coverage to every corner of the state.Property tax relief. &nbsp;Our veterans and military. &nbsp;Licensing reform. &nbsp;Public safety. &nbsp;Broadband access. &nbsp;These are all critical priorities for us to work on this year.&nbsp; As the session gets underway, I’m confident that we can achieve each of these in the coming days by working together for the people – the Nebraska Way.Once again,&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on the start of this new session.&nbsp; I want to thank each of you for your service to the people of Nebraska.&nbsp; Together, we can achieve great things for Nebraskans in the coming days.God bless you all and God bless the great State of Nebraska.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts' State of the State Address

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska plans to expand the next phase of its coronavirus vaccine campaign to include everyone 65 and older. 

Previously, the state had planned to vaccinate people 75 and older during the next phase, but the federal guidance on who should be vaccinated next changed this week. 

That phase also includes essential workers who cannot work from home. In most parts of Nebraska the next phase of vaccinations is expected to begin in early February.

 Infectious disease expert Dr. Mark Rupp cautioned that expanding the group that is eligible for the vaccine means it will take longer to get through that next phase.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska plans to expand the next phase of its coronavirus vaccine campaign to include everyone 65 and older. Previously, the state had planned to vaccinate people 75 and older during the next phase, but the federal guidance on who should be vaccinated next changed this week. That phase also includes essential workers who cannot work from home. In most parts of Nebraska the next phase of vaccinations is expected to begin in early February. Infectious disease expert Dr. Mark Rupp cautioned that expanding the group that is eligible for the vaccine means it will take longer to get through that next phase.

Nebraska expands eligibility for coronavirus vaccine

RSVP will be holding their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day food drive, now through next Friday, Jan. 22.

In the past, volunteers collected donations at the Alliance Grocery Kart. This year due to COVID-19, volunteers will be going door to door using a contactless approach. 

"On Monday, Jan. 18 you can have volunteers pick up donations by calling RSVP Director Angie Flesner with an address...where items may be left outside and picked up after 1:00 p.m," said&nbsp;Kelly Keller, City of Alliance&nbsp;Administrative Secretary. "Donations can also be left through next Friday at the Alliance Senior Center in the front of the building...again to remain contactless."

All donated items will be taken to local food pantries.

Contact RSVP and Handyman Director Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 with questions.

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostRSVP will be holding their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day food drive, now through next Friday, Jan. 22.In the past, volunteers collected donations at the Alliance Grocery Kart. This year due to COVID-19, volunteers will be going door to door using a contactless approach. "On Monday, Jan. 18 you can have volunteers pick up donations by calling RSVP Director Angie Flesner with an address...where items may be left outside and picked up after 1:00 p.m," said&nbsp;Kelly Keller, City of Alliance&nbsp;Administrative Secretary. "Donations can also be left through next Friday at the Alliance Senior Center in the front of the building...again to remain contactless."All donated items will be taken to local food pantries.Contact RSVP and Handyman Director Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 with questions.

RSVP to hold annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day food drive

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted wildlife regulations that enacted a Special Landowner Deer Season and allowed the purchase of a bonus or a preference point with regard to big game hunting at its Jan. 13 meeting in Lincoln.

The Special Landowner Deer Season and purchase of a bonus or a preference point were created by the passage of LB 126 and LB 287, respectively, in the Nebraska Legislature’s 2020 session.

The Special Landowner Deer Season will allow a qualifying landowner as many as four permits to designate themselves or immediate family to hunt on his or her property on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the opening of the November firearm deer season. No more than two permits will be issued to persons older than age 19 and two permits to persons younger than 19.

Points are awarded when hunters are unsuccessful in several of Nebraska’s big game drawings. Preference point based drawings allow hunters with the most points the best chance at drawing permits. Bonus point drawings, on the other hand, give hunters an additional entry in the drawing for each point or year that they were unsuccessful in drawing. Allowing the purchase of a bonus or a preference point will allow hunters to accumulate points in years that they do not want to draw.

Additional wildlife regulations adopted at the meeting clarify draw units, how forfeited permits may be handled, staggering the sale of over-the-counter permits, and alter the residency qualifications for one auction elk permit.

In other business, the commissioners approved the following grant awards for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program:

• City of Lincoln, $400,000 for Irvingdale-Rudge Park campus improvements;

• Village of Chambers, $80,200 for a splash pad;

• City of Waverly, $400,000 for the Waverly Aquatic Center;

• City of West Point, $166,175.92, for City of West Point Trails and Pathway;

• Village of Hemingford, $57,000 for a splash pad;

• Village of Lynch, $75,870.50 for a splash pad; and

• Village of Malcolm, $340,000 for the Malcolm ball field expansion.

Also, the commissioners approved the 2021-2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which evaluates the supply and demand for outdoor recreation opportunities and summarizes state and regional demographics. It also provides guidance on future development of park lands through the goals and Land and Water Conservation Fund priority projects. Communities and outdoor recreation professionals are encouraged to use the data and guidance within the Plan when planning for outdoor recreation projects.

Staff presented an update on efforts nationwide and in Nebraska to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters, shooters and anglers.

The commissioners also heard the staff 2021 marketing plan, which includes Game and Parks’ centennial celebration of its parks system.

The eastern spotted skunk once was common in Nebraska. Its populations started declining in the 1940s and 50s due, in part, to loss of suitable habitat. Staff gave a report on an effort to begin setting camera traps this winter on state-controlled and partner lands to determine locations of skunks. It is part of a larger effort to survey eastern spotted skunks involving 28 states.

Commissioners also heard a presentation from the volunteer organization Trails Have Our Respect, which designs and builds mountain bike trails.

Dan Kreitman of Wahoo was re-elected as chairman of the Commission. Pat Berggren of Broken Bow and Rick Brandt of Roca were re-elected as vice chairman and 2nd vice chairman, respectively.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted wildlife regulations that enacted a Special Landowner Deer Season and allowed the purchase of a bonus or a preference point with regard to big game hunting at its Jan. 13 meeting in Lincoln.The Special Landowner Deer Season and purchase of a bonus or a preference point were created by the passage of LB 126 and LB 287, respectively, in the Nebraska Legislature’s 2020 session.The Special Landowner Deer Season will allow a qualifying landowner as many as four permits to designate themselves or immediate family to hunt on his or her property on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the opening of the November firearm deer season. No more than two permits will be issued to persons older than age 19 and two permits to persons younger than 19.Points are awarded when hunters are unsuccessful in several of Nebraska’s big game drawings. Preference point based drawings allow hunters with the most points the best chance at drawing permits. Bonus point drawings, on the other hand, give hunters an additional entry in the drawing for each point or year that they were unsuccessful in drawing. Allowing the purchase of a bonus or a preference point will allow hunters to accumulate points in years that they do not want to draw.Additional wildlife regulations adopted at the meeting clarify draw units, how forfeited permits may be handled, staggering the sale of over-the-counter permits, and alter the residency qualifications for one auction elk permit.In other business, the commissioners approved the following grant awards for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program:• City of Lincoln, $400,000 for Irvingdale-Rudge Park campus improvements;• Village of Chambers, $80,200 for a splash pad;• City of Waverly, $400,000 for the Waverly Aquatic Center;• City of West Point, $166,175.92, for City of West Point Trails and Pathway;• Village of Hemingford, $57,000 for a splash pad;• Village of Lynch, $75,870.50 for a splash pad; and• Village of Malcolm, $340,000 for the Malcolm ball field expansion.Also, the commissioners approved the 2021-2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which evaluates the supply and demand for outdoor recreation opportunities and summarizes state and regional demographics. It also provides guidance on future development of park lands through the goals and Land and Water Conservation Fund priority projects. Communities and outdoor recreation professionals are encouraged to use the data and guidance within the Plan when planning for outdoor recreation projects.Staff presented an update on efforts nationwide and in Nebraska to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters, shooters and anglers.The commissioners also heard the staff 2021 marketing plan, which includes Game and Parks’ centennial celebration of its parks system.The eastern spotted skunk once was common in Nebraska. Its populations started declining in the 1940s and 50s due, in part, to loss of suitable habitat. Staff gave a report on an effort to begin setting camera traps this winter on state-controlled and partner lands to determine locations of skunks. It is part of a larger effort to survey eastern spotted skunks involving 28 states.Commissioners also heard a presentation from the volunteer organization Trails Have Our Respect, which designs and builds mountain bike trails.Dan Kreitman of Wahoo was re-elected as chairman of the Commission. Pat Berggren of Broken Bow and Rick Brandt of Roca were re-elected as vice chairman and 2nd vice chairman, respectively.

NGPC enacts Special Landowner Deer Season, Hemingford receives grant

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker is proposing a state takeover of K-12 public education funding as a way to lower property taxes. 

Sen. Tom Briese, of Albion, introduced a constitutional amendment that would require state government to pay for local schools.

 Currently, public schools are financed through a combination of state aid and local property taxes. 

Briese says rising property taxes are driven by the state’s unwillingness to adequately fund schools. 

His proposal would place the issue on the 2022 general election ballot, where voters would decide whether to approve it. 

The measure could face an uphill battle in the Legislature because of the cost to the state.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker is proposing a state takeover of K-12 public education funding as a way to lower property taxes. Sen. Tom Briese, of Albion, introduced a constitutional amendment that would require state government to pay for local schools. Currently, public schools are financed through a combination of state aid and local property taxes. Briese says rising property taxes are driven by the state’s unwillingness to adequately fund schools. His proposal would place the issue on the 2022 general election ballot, where voters would decide whether to approve it. The measure could face an uphill battle in the Legislature because of the cost to the state.

Senator proposes state takeover of K-12 school funding

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a South Carolina man after locating several controlled substances and a firearm during a traffic stop Tuesday on Interstate 80.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Honda Accord speeding at mile marker 187 of Interstate 80, near Maxwell. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. The trooper searched the vehicle and located 30 pounds of marijuana, as well as smaller amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, prescription pills, and a concealed handgun.

The driver, Kenneth Peek, 34, of Lexington, South Carolina, was arrested for four charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm during a drug violation. Peek was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

NORTH PLATTE&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a South Carolina man after locating several controlled substances and a firearm during a traffic stop Tuesday on Interstate 80.At approximately 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, a trooper observed a Honda Accord speeding at mile marker 187 of Interstate 80, near Maxwell. During the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. The trooper searched the vehicle and located 30 pounds of marijuana, as well as smaller amounts of cocaine, ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, prescription pills, and a concealed handgun.The driver, Kenneth Peek, 34, of Lexington, South Carolina, was arrested for four charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm during a drug violation. Peek was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

Several controlled substances, gun found in I-80 traffic stop

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is criticizing the decision to impeach President Donald Trump a second time, saying it “serves no good purpose” and will further divide the nation.

 Ricketts, a fellow Republican and Trump supporter, says the president’s time in office is nearly over after his loss to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden in November. 

He says the country should be focused on healing and ensuring a smooth transition of power. 

The U.S. House impeached Trump  for inciting an insurrection after the deadly mob siege at the U.S. Capitol. 

Pro-Trump loyalists stormed the Capitol after the president called on them to “fight like hell” against the election results.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is criticizing the decision to impeach President Donald Trump a second time, saying it “serves no good purpose” and will further divide the nation. Ricketts, a fellow Republican and Trump supporter, says the president’s time in office is nearly over after his loss to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden in November. He says the country should be focused on healing and ensuring a smooth transition of power. The U.S. House impeached Trump for inciting an insurrection after the deadly mob siege at the U.S. Capitol. Pro-Trump loyalists stormed the Capitol after the president called on them to “fight like hell” against the election results.

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts criticizes impeachment of Trump

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming are reporting heavy wind gusts as of 9 p.m. on Jan. 13.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610600523734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming are reporting heavy wind gusts as of 9 p.m. on Jan. 13.&nbsp;

Wind gusts around the Panhandle, Wyoming 

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — A Nebraska State Trooper was injured Wednesday when his patrol vehicle was involved in a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 80 near Chappell.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. MT, Wednesday, a trooper responded to a crash near mile marker 90 on I-80. A truck-tractor/semi-trailer had struck an I-80 overpass. An NDOT crew also responded to the crash to check on the bridge and assist with clean-up of the crash. The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital in Julesburg, Colorado with minor injuries.

At approximately 10:55 a.m. MT, while response continued for the first crash, a pickup pulling a trailer lost control, striking one of the NDOT vehicles, which was parked on the shoulder. That collision caused a chain-reaction of multiple NDOT vehicles, eventually striking the trooper’s patrol vehicle, a Ford F-250.

The trooper was inside the vehicle at the time of the collision. The trooper sustained what are believed to be minor injuries, but was transported to the hospital in Julesburg for medical clearance. The trooper has since been released from the hospital.

None of the NDOT vehicles were occupied at the time of the crash and no NDOT personnel were injured. There were no other injuries involved in the second crash.

The Deuel County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the crash investigation. Eastbound Interstate 80 was closed in the area for approximately two hours.

SCOTTSBLUFF&nbsp; — A Nebraska State Trooper was injured Wednesday when his patrol vehicle was involved in a chain-reaction crash on Interstate 80 near Chappell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610588744545.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 8:30 a.m. MT, Wednesday, a trooper responded to a crash near mile marker 90 on I-80. A truck-tractor/semi-trailer had struck an I-80 overpass. An NDOT crew also responded to the crash to check on the bridge and assist with clean-up of the crash. The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital in Julesburg, Colorado with minor injuries.At approximately 10:55 a.m. MT, while response continued for the first crash, a pickup pulling a trailer lost control, striking one of the NDOT vehicles, which was parked on the shoulder. That collision caused a chain-reaction of multiple NDOT vehicles, eventually striking the trooper’s patrol vehicle, a Ford F-250.The trooper was inside the vehicle at the time of the collision. The trooper sustained what are believed to be minor injuries, but was transported to the hospital in Julesburg for medical clearance. The trooper has since been released from the hospital.None of the NDOT vehicles were occupied at the time of the crash and no NDOT personnel were injured. There were no other injuries involved in the second crash.The Deuel County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the crash investigation. Eastbound Interstate 80 was closed in the area for approximately two hours.

Trooper injured in chain-reaction crash in western Nebraska 

ALLIANCE – Many anglers have been able to enjoy the popular pastime of ice-fishing in recent weeks, even though mild temperatures have caused conditions to vary greatly throughout ponds and reservoirs in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Locations that have drawn anglers include Box Butte State Recreation Area, Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area, Frye Lake WMA, Walgren SRA, Island Lake on the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Chadron City Reservoirs.

Sean McKeehan, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer, said people should be careful no matter what lake they are fishing.

“While some lakes have no ice or a very thin covering, others have enough to support an ATV,” McKeehan said. “With so much variation – sometimes upon the same body of water -- it’s extremely important for anglers to check ice frequently as they walk onto it.”

The Whitney Dock Club was compelled to postpone its annual fishing tournament at Whitney Lake from Jan. 9 to Jan. 23 because of open water and poor ice conditions.

Along with the varied ice conditions, so too are the reports of success. Box Butte, Smith and Island have each been producing panfish for anglers.

In addition to the safety consideration, McKeehan said anglers should study the Nebraska Fishing Guide for regulations. For instance, one special bag limit that is causing confusion is the northern pike limit at Box Butte Reservoir. While a daily bag limit of 10 pike is in effect at that lake, only three can be over 22 inches and only one of those three fish can be over 34 inches. The 2021 Fishing Guide can be viewed and downloaded at outdoornebraska.org with print versions available at NGPC offices soon.

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area and Winters Creek Lake have been off limits to the public as part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge’s annual closure, and will open Jan. 15. Both have fishable ice in certain areas. With high winds and above-freezing temperatures in the forecast, any open water is likely to deteriorate surrounding ice.

ALLIANCE – Many anglers have been able to enjoy the popular pastime of ice-fishing in recent weeks, even though mild temperatures have caused conditions to vary greatly throughout ponds and reservoirs in the Nebraska Panhandle.Locations that have drawn anglers include Box Butte State Recreation Area, Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area, Frye Lake WMA, Walgren SRA, Island Lake on the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Chadron City Reservoirs.Sean McKeehan, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer, said people should be careful no matter what lake they are fishing.“While some lakes have no ice or a very thin covering, others have enough to support an ATV,” McKeehan said. “With so much variation – sometimes upon the same body of water -- it’s extremely important for anglers to check ice frequently as they walk onto it.”The Whitney Dock Club was compelled to postpone its annual fishing tournament at Whitney Lake from Jan. 9 to Jan. 23 because of open water and poor ice conditions.Along with the varied ice conditions, so too are the reports of success. Box Butte, Smith and Island have each been producing panfish for anglers.In addition to the safety consideration, McKeehan said anglers should study the Nebraska Fishing Guide for regulations. For instance, one special bag limit that is causing confusion is the northern pike limit at Box Butte Reservoir. While a daily bag limit of 10 pike is in effect at that lake, only three can be over 22 inches and only one of those three fish can be over 34 inches. The 2021 Fishing Guide can be viewed and downloaded at outdoornebraska.org with print versions available at NGPC offices soon.Lake Minatare State Recreation Area and Winters Creek Lake have been off limits to the public as part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge’s annual closure, and will open Jan. 15. Both have fishable ice in certain areas. With high winds and above-freezing temperatures in the forecast, any open water is likely to deteriorate surrounding ice.

Ice-fishing underway at some Panhandle lakes

The Alliance Pizza Hut has moved to a new location with a complete upgrade and new management.&nbsp; The new Pizza Hut location is at 1239 West 3rd Street.&nbsp; "I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the Alliance Pizza Hut was one of the first Pizza Hut locations that the management company bought," said Kaelyn Young, Pizza Hut General Manager. "It was time to get us out of the old building. Just revamp it and get us up to the potential that they knew we could run at...when we couldn't do that in our old store." The new location has added many different&nbsp;amenities.&nbsp; "Immediately when you walk in, you can see that we have a hospitality bar," said Young. "It's a mixture of a salad bar and a normal bar where you have alcohol...so we have a bar seating. Our dining room is incredibly open. It's beautiful. It's spacious. It's very aesthetically pleasing. We have TV's that constantly have games playing. So if there's any time you want to walk in and catch a game, drink some beer, eat some wings...perfect place to go to do that." With the new move, Pizza Hut is now closer to the center of Alliance.&nbsp; "It's easier for us, especially with delivery, to get to point A to point B in a very timely manner," Young added. "We're more easy to locate. You know the people who come to Alliance to visit...if they're on their way to Wyoming or if they're on their way to South Dakota, you can see us from the highway. Which is incredibly nice because Pizza Hut is a family brand. We're very well known." Panhandle Post asked what will happen to the old location.&nbsp; "We're not sure," Young said. "For the time being, just with the sheer amount of sales we're had this past week, we're kind of just using it as a storage location to make sure that we can fulfill the needs of the people of Alliance. Beyond that we haven't really decided what's going to happen to that old building."&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostThe Alliance Pizza Hut has moved to a new location with a complete upgrade and new management.&nbsp; The new Pizza Hut location is at 1239 West 3rd Street.&nbsp; "I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the Alliance Pizza Hut was one of the first Pizza Hut locations that the management company bought," said Kaelyn Young, Pizza Hut General Manager. "It was time to get us out of the old building. Just revamp it and get us up to the potential that they knew we could run at...when we couldn't do that in our old store." The new location has added many different&nbsp;amenities.&nbsp; "Immediately when you walk in, you can see that we have a hospitality bar," said Young. "It's a mixture of a salad bar and a normal bar where you have alcohol...so we have a bar seating. Our dining room is incredibly open. It's beautiful. It's spacious. It's very aesthetically pleasing. We have TV's that constantly have games playing. So if there's any time you want to walk in and catch a game, drink some beer, eat some wings...perfect place to go to do that." With the new move, Pizza Hut is now closer to the center of Alliance.&nbsp; "It's easier for us, especially with delivery, to get to point A to point B in a very timely manner," Young added. "We're more easy to locate. You know the people who come to Alliance to visit...if they're on their way to Wyoming or if they're on their way to South Dakota, you can see us from the highway. Which is incredibly nice because Pizza Hut is a family brand. We're very well known." Panhandle Post asked what will happen to the old location.&nbsp; "We're not sure," Young said. "For the time being, just with the sheer amount of sales we're had this past week, we're kind of just using it as a storage location to make sure that we can fulfill the needs of the people of Alliance. Beyond that we haven't really decided what's going to happen to that old building."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pizza Hut in Alliance moves into new building 

By&nbsp;Dave Ostdiek, Nebraska Extension Communication Specialist

The 2021 Western Lambing and Kidding School on Saturday, Feb. 6, near Bayard, will feature a farm tour, hands-on demonstrations, and presentations by expert speakers.

The school, sponsored by the Nebraska Sheep &amp; Goat Producers and Nebraska Extension, will run from 9:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Julie Kappen Farm, 10803 Rd 89, Bayard, and Bobby Jo’s Branding Iron, 533 Main, Bayard.

To register, e-mail ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com or call Melissa Nicholson of the Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers at 308-386-8378 by Feb. 1. The cost to attend in person is $25 for non-members, $20 for members, and $10 for students. Handouts and lunch are included.

Registration is at 9:15 a.m. at Julie Kappen's farm. The morning will consist of hands-on demonstration and discussion at the farm: Julie Kappen will give a tour of the sheep farm and facilities. Rob Zelinsky of Hubbard Feeds will cover management practices including docking, castrating, tubing and deworming. Jesse Fulton of Nebraska Extension will demonstrate proper use of vaccines, including handling, injection sites, and deworming. He will also speak about synchronization using CIDRs. Sheep producer Ivan Rush will speak about body condition scoring.

Lunch at Bobbi Jo’s Branding Iron in Bayard will feature American lamb. After lunch, Rob Zelinsky will speak about late gestation/lactation nutrition and management of the ewe and doe lamb, as well as kid dry lot feeding from birth to weaning. Jesse and Brittany Fulton will speak about their sheep operation near Minatare, and how they implement accelerated lambing, use of synchronization, and marketing. Virgil Hagel, a Bayard goat producer, will close out the day with a presentation on production of meat goats.

The western clinic is one of two sponsored this year by the Nebraska Sheep &amp; Goat Producers. The other will be held in Seward on Jan. 30.

By&nbsp;Dave Ostdiek, Nebraska Extension Communication SpecialistThe 2021 Western Lambing and Kidding School on Saturday, Feb. 6, near Bayard, will feature a farm tour, hands-on demonstrations, and presentations by expert speakers.The school, sponsored by the Nebraska Sheep &amp; Goat Producers and Nebraska Extension, will run from 9:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Julie Kappen Farm, 10803 Rd 89, Bayard, and Bobby Jo’s Branding Iron, 533 Main, Bayard.To register, e-mail ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com or call Melissa Nicholson of the Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers at 308-386-8378 by Feb. 1. The cost to attend in person is $25 for non-members, $20 for members, and $10 for students. Handouts and lunch are included.Registration is at 9:15 a.m. at Julie Kappen's farm. The morning will consist of hands-on demonstration and discussion at the farm: Julie Kappen will give a tour of the sheep farm and facilities. Rob Zelinsky of Hubbard Feeds will cover management practices including docking, castrating, tubing and deworming. Jesse Fulton of Nebraska Extension will demonstrate proper use of vaccines, including handling, injection sites, and deworming. He will also speak about synchronization using CIDRs. Sheep producer Ivan Rush will speak about body condition scoring.Lunch at Bobbi Jo’s Branding Iron in Bayard will feature American lamb. After lunch, Rob Zelinsky will speak about late gestation/lactation nutrition and management of the ewe and doe lamb, as well as kid dry lot feeding from birth to weaning. Jesse and Brittany Fulton will speak about their sheep operation near Minatare, and how they implement accelerated lambing, use of synchronization, and marketing. Virgil Hagel, a Bayard goat producer, will close out the day with a presentation on production of meat goats.The western clinic is one of two sponsored this year by the Nebraska Sheep &amp; Goat Producers. The other will be held in Seward on Jan. 30.

Western lambing and kidding school Feb. 6 near Bayard

LINCOLN, NE —Attorney General Peterson today joined a bipartisan coalition of 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, in sending a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen condemning the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and stating such actions cannot be allowed to go unchecked.

The letter, led by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, reads:&nbsp;

“We, the undersigned state attorneys general, are committed to the protection of public safety, the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution. We are appalled that on January 6, 2021, rioters invaded the U.S. Capitol, defaced the building, and engaged in a range of criminal conduct—including unlawful entry, theft, destruction of U.S. government property, and assault. Worst of all, the riot resulted in the deaths of individuals, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer, and others were physically injured. Beyond these harms, the rioters’ actions temporarily paused government business of the most sacred sort in our system—certifying the result of a presidential election.&nbsp;

We all just witnessed a very dark day in America. The events of January 6 represent a direct, physical challenge to the rule of law and our democratic republic itself. Together, we will continue to do our part to repair the damage done to institutions and build a more perfect union. As Americans, and those charged with enforcing the law, we must come together to condemn lawless violence, making clear that such actions will not be allowed to go unchecked.&nbsp;

Thank you for your consideration of and work on this crucial priority.”

Nebraska was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

LINCOLN, NE —Attorney General Peterson today joined a bipartisan coalition of 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, in sending a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen condemning the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and stating such actions cannot be allowed to go unchecked.The letter, led by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, reads:&nbsp;“We, the undersigned state attorneys general, are committed to the protection of public safety, the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution. We are appalled that on January 6, 2021, rioters invaded the U.S. Capitol, defaced the building, and engaged in a range of criminal conduct—including unlawful entry, theft, destruction of U.S. government property, and assault. Worst of all, the riot resulted in the deaths of individuals, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer, and others were physically injured. Beyond these harms, the rioters’ actions temporarily paused government business of the most sacred sort in our system—certifying the result of a presidential election.&nbsp;We all just witnessed a very dark day in America. The events of January 6 represent a direct, physical challenge to the rule of law and our democratic republic itself. Together, we will continue to do our part to repair the damage done to institutions and build a more perfect union. As Americans, and those charged with enforcing the law, we must come together to condemn lawless violence, making clear that such actions will not be allowed to go unchecked.&nbsp;Thank you for your consideration of and work on this crucial priority.”Nebraska was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

AG Peterson joins 50 Attorneys General in condemning attack on the U.S. Capitol

By National Weather Service Cheyenne, Wyoming

High Wind Warnings remain in effect through Thursday evening for Southeastern Wyoming and through Friday morning for the Nebraska Panhandle. 

Strong winds have already been recorded along I-25 and I-80. Travelers across I-80 and I-25 should proceed with caution due to dangerous travel conditions, especially those with light weight and high profile vehicles! 

For the latest information from the Wyoming Department of Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wyoroad.info/?fbclid=IwAR2OFNj4XpN-vl4jszylX_9FgxrtD0N6HxziwgWj7XBawP6WBm075mi3i4g" target="_blank">www.wyoroad.info</a>&nbsp;on the web.

For all updated weather forecasts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook @NWSCheyenne, or on the web at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fweather.gov%2Fcys%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2Db904rbMZQ_FjNGK6mC73PrAZgO2vCvoPBL-CprLeL29JlIN3rrw3SoA&amp;h=AT2CCH1S1kDyj3cLA5j_CqkS-7NyACR2GNRKEPG83ZMl-oftPcJ5nPHiDHphL4S5ZiMbZA0VvTIHXnUyqkZNaoThY0TrM2Tzi6iAx5q2udi005yO74WAd_e4epva8Ps1H1SQWrr6JLz3NBCd&amp;__tn__=-UK*F&amp;c[0]=AT1HYHJ_avam1JVDQbd4DpwHk5BwIDshzt8MTtCenC3FLwRdlcXvdCO9tbmOqPGxFCCIg6SdeSzxU31KcY8HyrnP0pslaJlt9cjunn3XNKQXLJBB5yLDr6v7-rnP6aJ3YRMBodz9VPqcLxvgtllNtbzJxt0VZOO7Sosa_GF58CALnF8" target="_blank">weather.gov/cys</a>See Less&nbsp;&nbsp;

By National Weather Service Cheyenne, WyomingHigh Wind Warnings remain in effect through Thursday evening for Southeastern Wyoming and through Friday morning for the Nebraska Panhandle. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610559952925.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Strong winds have already been recorded along I-25 and I-80. Travelers across I-80 and I-25 should proceed with caution due to dangerous travel conditions, especially those with light weight and high profile vehicles! For the latest information from the Wyoming Department of Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wyoroad.info/?fbclid=IwAR2OFNj4XpN-vl4jszylX_9FgxrtD0N6HxziwgWj7XBawP6WBm075mi3i4g" target="_blank">www.wyoroad.info</a>&nbsp;on the web. For all updated weather forecasts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook @NWSCheyenne, or on the web at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fweather.gov%2Fcys%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2Db904rbMZQ_FjNGK6mC73PrAZgO2vCvoPBL-CprLeL29JlIN3rrw3SoA&amp;h=AT2CCH1S1kDyj3cLA5j_CqkS-7NyACR2GNRKEPG83ZMl-oftPcJ5nPHiDHphL4S5ZiMbZA0VvTIHXnUyqkZNaoThY0TrM2Tzi6iAx5q2udi005yO74WAd_e4epva8Ps1H1SQWrr6JLz3NBCd&amp;__tn__=-UK*F&amp;c[0]=AT1HYHJ_avam1JVDQbd4DpwHk5BwIDshzt8MTtCenC3FLwRdlcXvdCO9tbmOqPGxFCCIg6SdeSzxU31KcY8HyrnP0pslaJlt9cjunn3XNKQXLJBB5yLDr6v7-rnP6aJ3YRMBodz9VPqcLxvgtllNtbzJxt0VZOO7Sosa_GF58CALnF8" target="_blank">weather.gov/cys</a>See Less&nbsp;&nbsp;

Panhandle updated to  a High Wind Warning

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on Poverty

The economic stimulus package that was passed by Congress during the last week in December included a provision regarding evictions.&nbsp;

For homeowners, lawmakers ordered banks to allow people hurt financially in the pandemic to skip mortgage payments. The missed payments were not forgiven, but moved to the back of the loan term.

For renters, the US has had an eviction moratorium since last March. Originally it was only for homes backed with a federal mortgage loan or households that received some type of federal funding. The current national eviction moratorium was ordered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and applies to all residential rental properties. Because homelessness can increase the spread of COVID-19, the order halts evictions across the US for anyone who has lost income due to the pandemic and has fallen behind on rent. The stimulus bill extends this until January 31.&nbsp;

The goal of the moratorium is to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the number of individuals who lose housing and have to move in with friends or family, live in a shelter, or live on the streets.

Any rent you owe continues to be due. You’re simply protected from being evicted if you can’t make your payments. The order&nbsp;only&nbsp;halts evictions for not paying rent. Lease violations for other infractions like criminal conduct or becoming a nuisance can still result in eviction.

There is money allocated for rental assistance, but it has strings attached. Households must earn below a certain threshold to receive assistance, and priority goes to the lowest-earning households as well as those in which someone is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/300-weekly-unemployment-when-do-bonus-checks-start-heres-what-you-should-know/" target="_blank">unemployed</a>. There must be a risk of becoming homeless without this assistance. In most states the rental funds will be paid directly to landlords.

The moratorium doesn’t automatically apply. Renters must find out about the protections, fill out their own forms stating they meet the criteria and present that information to their landlord. The form is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf</a>. Remember that computers are available at the library for those who don’t have access to the Internet at home.

The CDC's order requires renters facing eviction to meet five requirements, which they must declare by completing the form at the link above, under penalty of perjury, signing and delivering the form to their landlord.&nbsp;The five qualifications are, in brief:

Landlords can begin collecting all unpaid back rent in February, so renters would still be responsible to pay after the moratorium ends. Northwest Community Action Partnership has some funding sources to assist people who are facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, and people can contact their office at 308-762-4960 for information and an application.

The Alliance Housing Authority (AHA) serves many of the low-income people of Box Butte County. AHA owns or manages approximately $8 million worth of rental properties in Box Butte County and provides assistance to low income households so they can afford to live in these units.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the Alliance Housing Authority people can qualify for public housing or for Section 8 vouchers for subsidized rent. Rent is figured as a percentage of their income, which is 30% for public housing; 40% for Section 8 housing. Because rent is based on income, the CARES Act and CDC order have not been issues for AHA.

Qualifications for public housing are based on income and size of household. Tricia Klemke, AHA director, says that the wait list is short right now. People needing housing assistance can complete an application at 300 South Potash Avenue #27 in Alliance.

The Alliance Housing Authority was formed by the City of Alliance several decades ago to offer HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) in our area. Because of the Alliance Housing Authority, we have safe, decent, affordable housing for residents of Box Butte County. Thankfully, we haven’t seen the eviction crisis facing much of our nation.

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on PovertyThe economic stimulus package that was passed by Congress during the last week in December included a provision regarding evictions.&nbsp;For homeowners, lawmakers ordered banks to allow people hurt financially in the pandemic to skip mortgage payments. The missed payments were not forgiven, but moved to the back of the loan term.For renters, the US has had an eviction moratorium since last March. Originally it was only for homes backed with a federal mortgage loan or households that received some type of federal funding. The current national eviction moratorium was ordered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and applies to all residential rental properties. Because homelessness can increase the spread of COVID-19, the order halts evictions across the US for anyone who has lost income due to the pandemic and has fallen behind on rent. The stimulus bill extends this until January 31.&nbsp;The goal of the moratorium is to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the number of individuals who lose housing and have to move in with friends or family, live in a shelter, or live on the streets.Any rent you owe continues to be due. You’re simply protected from being evicted if you can’t make your payments. The order&nbsp;only&nbsp;halts evictions for not paying rent. Lease violations for other infractions like criminal conduct or becoming a nuisance can still result in eviction.There is money allocated for rental assistance, but it has strings attached. Households must earn below a certain threshold to receive assistance, and priority goes to the lowest-earning households as well as those in which someone is currently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/300-weekly-unemployment-when-do-bonus-checks-start-heres-what-you-should-know/" target="_blank">unemployed</a>. There must be a risk of becoming homeless without this assistance. In most states the rental funds will be paid directly to landlords.The moratorium doesn’t automatically apply. Renters must find out about the protections, fill out their own forms stating they meet the criteria and present that information to their landlord. The form is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/declaration-form.pdf</a>. Remember that computers are available at the library for those who don’t have access to the Internet at home.The CDC's order requires renters facing eviction to meet five requirements, which they must declare by completing the form at the link above, under penalty of perjury, signing and delivering the form to their landlord.&nbsp;The five qualifications are, in brief:<ul>
 <li>You've used "best efforts" to look for financial assistance.</li><li>You don't expect to earn more than $99,000 in 2020 (or no more than $198,000 if filing jointly).</li><li>You can't pay your full rent amount because of lost income or you have "extraordinary" medical expenses.</li><li>You've tried to pay as much of your rent in as timely a manner as you can.</li><li>If evicted, you would likely become homeless and have to live in a shelter or some other crowded place.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Landlords can begin collecting all unpaid back rent in February, so renters would still be responsible to pay after the moratorium ends. Northwest Community Action Partnership has some funding sources to assist people who are facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, and people can contact their office at 308-762-4960 for information and an application.The Alliance Housing Authority (AHA) serves many of the low-income people of Box Butte County. AHA owns or manages approximately $8 million worth of rental properties in Box Butte County and provides assistance to low income households so they can afford to live in these units.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the Alliance Housing Authority people can qualify for public housing or for Section 8 vouchers for subsidized rent. Rent is figured as a percentage of their income, which is 30% for public housing; 40% for Section 8 housing. Because rent is based on income, the CARES Act and CDC order have not been issues for AHA.Qualifications for public housing are based on income and size of household. Tricia Klemke, AHA director, says that the wait list is short right now. People needing housing assistance can complete an application at 300 South Potash Avenue #27 in Alliance.The Alliance Housing Authority was formed by the City of Alliance several decades ago to offer HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) in our area. Because of the Alliance Housing Authority, we have safe, decent, affordable housing for residents of Box Butte County. Thankfully, we haven’t seen the eviction crisis facing much of our nation.

Poverty In Our Area: Evictions - What is happening now?

LINCOLN&nbsp;– Today, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed January 16, 2021 as “Religious Freedom Day” in Nebraska. &nbsp;The Governor noted the central place of religious freedom in both the U.S. Constitution and the State of Nebraska Constitution.&nbsp; Article I-4 of the Nebraska Constitution recognizes that “All persons have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.”&nbsp;

Sister Renée Mirkes, PhD, gave remarks on the importance of respecting religious freedom in civil society.&nbsp; Sister Mirkes directs the ethics division of the Saint Paul VI Institute in Omaha.&nbsp; Pastor William Femi Awodele, Executive Director of Christian Couples Fellowship International, shared his insights on the uniqueness of the U.S. Constitution and its guarantee of religious freedom.

This morning, Gov. Ricketts also announced that he has issued an executive order to extend the waiver exempting public meetings from the requirement to conduct in-person meetings.&nbsp; The exemption will last through April 30, 2021.&nbsp; The executive order is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fzapxqnuq518251i%2FEO%252021-02%2520-%2520COVID-19%2520-%2520Cont%2520Limited%2520Waiver%2520fo%2520Pubic%2520Meetings%2520Requirements%252001.11.2021.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cfb2c27e823794452438908d8b7422d6a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637460842154608971%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=eNad7Uh7DT7zfjaDTGzR7D%2BxCF%2FZrF0kOyM4zbYy1Ls%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Religious freedom is the first freedom listed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.&nbsp; That’s no accident.&nbsp; Religious freedom is the cornerstone of a free society.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Founders of the U.S. recognized the importance of religion to the health of our Republic. &nbsp;They also knew that religion flourishes best when practiced without coercion.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the pandemic, we’ve worked to protect religious freedom.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve seen other states that have treated houses of worship unfairly, keeping them shut.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While many communities took extra precautions, the State never forced houses of worship to close in Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Churches and faith communities across the state are vital to helping keep people connected.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to thank people of every faith who have been working to creatively keep their community connected during this difficult time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While we enjoy great freedoms here in Nebraska, millions suffer persecution around the world.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;The Chinese Communist Party persecutes Uighur Muslims, placing them in concentration camps, while spinning this as a social good on Twitter.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;North Korea has placed Christians in labor camps and tortures them.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan is forcing religious minorities to convert to Islam.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Religious freedom cannot be taken for granted, even here in America.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We must vigilantly support religious liberties—both at home and abroad—against those who would encroach upon them.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On behalf of pro-life healthcare providers and their patients, I want to thank Governor Ricketts for annually dedicating a day to celebrate and ponder the First Amendment civil right of religious freedom.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This day is the perfect occasion to engage the minds and hearts of those involved in healthcare administration and political life to work together in the state of Nebraska to strengthen and expand legislative protections for the right of conscientious objection in healthcare.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro-life religious patients have a right to access women’s healthcare that conforms to the light of their well-informed conscience.

William Femi Awodele: Religious Freedom

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over 28 years ago I immigrated to the United States.&nbsp; About 25 years ago, I became a citizen, and 20 years ago I heeded a call to full-time ministry.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That journey changed my view of the intersection of faith and governance.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As I started to counsel people in ministry and speak at conferences, I realized that what made America unique is its document of governance—the Constitution.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re blessed to live in a state and a country where our religious freedom to worship God is respected, and we’ve created a day dedicated to it.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our founding documents, both as a country and state, proclaim gratitude to God and our right to worship.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As President John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. &nbsp;It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The government can help proclaim the importance of our freedoms and write policies that enhance those freedoms.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our nation is going through a dark season right now with regard to religious freedom.&nbsp; I have been banned twice on social media now.&nbsp; The importance of dedicating this day is vital.

Video of today’s briefing can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F1drfnjpm9ngrxta%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conf.%25201.12.2021.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cfb2c27e823794452438908d8b7422d6a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637460842154618924%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=m4mgDfLD3PZgm5huvMeJFx8%2FLmQXRZ2Xn1TO6P1vlfM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN&nbsp;– Today, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed January 16, 2021 as “Religious Freedom Day” in Nebraska. &nbsp;The Governor noted the central place of religious freedom in both the U.S. Constitution and the State of Nebraska Constitution.&nbsp; Article I-4 of the Nebraska Constitution recognizes that “All persons have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.”&nbsp;Sister Renée Mirkes, PhD, gave remarks on the importance of respecting religious freedom in civil society.&nbsp; Sister Mirkes directs the ethics division of the Saint Paul VI Institute in Omaha.&nbsp; Pastor William Femi Awodele, Executive Director of Christian Couples Fellowship International, shared his insights on the uniqueness of the U.S. Constitution and its guarantee of religious freedom.This morning, Gov. Ricketts also announced that he has issued an executive order to extend the waiver exempting public meetings from the requirement to conduct in-person meetings.&nbsp; The exemption will last through April 30, 2021.&nbsp; The executive order is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fzapxqnuq518251i%2FEO%252021-02%2520-%2520COVID-19%2520-%2520Cont%2520Limited%2520Waiver%2520fo%2520Pubic%2520Meetings%2520Requirements%252001.11.2021.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cfb2c27e823794452438908d8b7422d6a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637460842154608971%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=eNad7Uh7DT7zfjaDTGzR7D%2BxCF%2FZrF0kOyM4zbYy1Ls%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Gov. Ricketts: Religious Freedom·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Religious freedom is the first freedom listed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.&nbsp; That’s no accident.&nbsp; Religious freedom is the cornerstone of a free society.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Founders of the U.S. recognized the importance of religion to the health of our Republic. &nbsp;They also knew that religion flourishes best when practiced without coercion.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the pandemic, we’ve worked to protect religious freedom.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve seen other states that have treated houses of worship unfairly, keeping them shut.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While many communities took extra precautions, the State never forced houses of worship to close in Nebraska.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Churches and faith communities across the state are vital to helping keep people connected.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to thank people of every faith who have been working to creatively keep their community connected during this difficult time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While we enjoy great freedoms here in Nebraska, millions suffer persecution around the world.o&nbsp;&nbsp;The Chinese Communist Party persecutes Uighur Muslims, placing them in concentration camps, while spinning this as a social good on Twitter.o&nbsp;&nbsp;North Korea has placed Christians in labor camps and tortures them.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan is forcing religious minorities to convert to Islam.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Religious freedom cannot be taken for granted, even here in America.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We must vigilantly support religious liberties—both at home and abroad—against those who would encroach upon them.Sister Mirkes: Religious Freedom·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On behalf of pro-life healthcare providers and their patients, I want to thank Governor Ricketts for annually dedicating a day to celebrate and ponder the First Amendment civil right of religious freedom.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This day is the perfect occasion to engage the minds and hearts of those involved in healthcare administration and political life to work together in the state of Nebraska to strengthen and expand legislative protections for the right of conscientious objection in healthcare.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pro-life religious patients have a right to access women’s healthcare that conforms to the light of their well-informed conscience.William Femi Awodele: Religious Freedom·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over 28 years ago I immigrated to the United States.&nbsp; About 25 years ago, I became a citizen, and 20 years ago I heeded a call to full-time ministry.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That journey changed my view of the intersection of faith and governance.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As I started to counsel people in ministry and speak at conferences, I realized that what made America unique is its document of governance—the Constitution.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re blessed to live in a state and a country where our religious freedom to worship God is respected, and we’ve created a day dedicated to it.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our founding documents, both as a country and state, proclaim gratitude to God and our right to worship.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As President John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. &nbsp;It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The government can help proclaim the importance of our freedoms and write policies that enhance those freedoms.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our nation is going through a dark season right now with regard to religious freedom.&nbsp; I have been banned twice on social media now.&nbsp; The importance of dedicating this day is vital.Video of today’s briefing can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F1drfnjpm9ngrxta%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conf.%25201.12.2021.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7CGOV-GENERALMEDIA%40LISTSERV.NEBRASKA.GOV%7Cfb2c27e823794452438908d8b7422d6a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637460842154618924%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=m4mgDfLD3PZgm5huvMeJFx8%2FLmQXRZ2Xn1TO6P1vlfM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts proclaims “Religious Freedom Day”

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A decades-old rule designed to promote transparency and accountability in the Nebraska Legislature could be in jeopardy. 

A proposed rule change would bar reporters from otherwise private “executive sessions” of legislative committees, where lawmakers discuss and vote on bills. 

The sessions are closed to the general public, but legislative rules allow reporters to attend and report what happened.

 Sen. Dan Hughes, of Venango, says he introduced the measure after getting quoted several years ago in what he believed to be a private, frank discussion with fellow lawmakers. 

Free-speech advocates and members of the news media say changing the rule would undermine public trust and make it more difficult for journalists to report accurately on legislative issues.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A decades-old rule designed to promote transparency and accountability in the Nebraska Legislature could be in jeopardy. A proposed rule change would bar reporters from otherwise private “executive sessions” of legislative committees, where lawmakers discuss and vote on bills. The sessions are closed to the general public, but legislative rules allow reporters to attend and report what happened. Sen. Dan Hughes, of Venango, says he introduced the measure after getting quoted several years ago in what he believed to be a private, frank discussion with fellow lawmakers. Free-speech advocates and members of the news media say changing the rule would undermine public trust and make it more difficult for journalists to report accurately on legislative issues.

Nebraska lawmakers may bar media from closed-door meetings

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD – Local personnel from the National Park Service and South Dakota Wildland Fire responded to a grass fire in Wind Cave National Park at 3:13 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12. The fire burned about 1.3 acres and was controlled by 5:30 p.m. The human-caused fire is under investigation.&nbsp;

“This event shows that dry conditions persist, regardless of the season,” said Wind Cave Superintendent Leigh Welling. “It’s a reminder to exercise caution when using equipment and be diligent about watching burn piles.”&nbsp;

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD – Local personnel from the National Park Service and South Dakota Wildland Fire responded to a grass fire in Wind Cave National Park at 3:13 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12. The fire burned about 1.3 acres and was controlled by 5:30 p.m. The human-caused fire is under investigation.&nbsp;“This event shows that dry conditions persist, regardless of the season,” said Wind Cave Superintendent Leigh Welling. “It’s a reminder to exercise caution when using equipment and be diligent about watching burn piles.”&nbsp;Ten personnel from Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park controlled the blaze. Three Type 6 engines were used. No structures were threatened by the fire. &nbsp;