LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska reported one of the smallest numbers of new virus cases this month on Sunday, but the number of people hospitalized with the virus remained high and continues to strain hospital capacity in the state. 

The state reported 1,032 new virus cases Sunday. 

That was less than half of the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in the state which was 2,313.57.

 Nebraska said 976 people were being treated for COVID-19 in the state’s hospitals, so 23% of the state’s hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients, which is approaching the threshold of 25% that will trigger more social distancing restrictions from the state.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska reported one of the smallest numbers of new virus cases this month on Sunday, but the number of people hospitalized with the virus remained high and continues to strain hospital capacity in the state. The state reported 1,032 new virus cases Sunday. That was less than half of the seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in the state which was 2,313.57. Nebraska said 976 people were being treated for COVID-19 in the state’s hospitals, so 23% of the state’s hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients, which is approaching the threshold of 25% that will trigger more social distancing restrictions from the state.

Nebraska hospital capacity strained by coronavirus cases

From Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services

LINCOLN, Neb.-Vaccine will play a critical role in protecting Nebraskans against COVID-19 as well as slowing the spread of the virus. DHHS, local health departments and other partners are planning for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in Nebraska. DHHS has worked to ensure that inclusion, transparency, and a sound evidence base are the foundation of Nebraska's COVID-19 vaccination plan.&nbsp;

The goal is to ensure fair and equitable access, and to distribute the vaccine in a way that provides the most protection for Nebraskans as quickly as possible.&nbsp;There are many unknowns that still remain in planning for vaccine distribution, making this plan a living document that will be revised as new information is available.

View the COVID-19 vaccination plan <a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan.pdf">HERE</a>.

From Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human ServicesLINCOLN, Neb.-Vaccine will play a critical role in protecting Nebraskans against COVID-19 as well as slowing the spread of the virus. DHHS, local health departments and other partners are planning for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in Nebraska. DHHS has worked to ensure that inclusion, transparency, and a sound evidence base are the foundation of Nebraska's COVID-19 vaccination plan.&nbsp;The goal is to ensure fair and equitable access, and to distribute the vaccine in a way that provides the most protection for Nebraskans as quickly as possible.&nbsp;There are many unknowns that still remain in planning for vaccine distribution, making this plan a living document that will be revised as new information is available.View the COVID-19 vaccination plan <a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan.pdf">HERE</a>.

State of Nebraska COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two South Dakota law enforcement officials want the courts to overturn a citizen-approved constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana in the state. 

Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom and South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent Rick Miller filed a lawsuit Friday challenging the constitutionality of the amendment. 

South Dakota became the first state to legalize recreational and medical pot on the same ballot in November.

 The lawsuit argues that because the amendment inserts a new section into the constitution, it should be considered a revision to the constitution, which can only be done placed on the ballot through a state convention.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two South Dakota law enforcement officials want the courts to overturn a citizen-approved constitutional amendment legalizing marijuana in the state. Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom and South Dakota Highway Patrol Superintendent Rick Miller filed a lawsuit Friday challenging the constitutionality of the amendment. South Dakota became the first state to legalize recreational and medical pot on the same ballot in November. The lawsuit argues that because the amendment inserts a new section into the constitution, it should be considered a revision to the constitution, which can only be done placed on the ballot through a state convention.

South Dakota law officers sue over pot legalization

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Protesters gathered in downtown Omaha for a second night to demand the release of video of a fatal police shooting of a Black man during a Nebraska traffic stop last week. 

The group of demonstrators gathered outside Omaha Police headquarters again Saturday to press police to release footage of Thursday’s shooting death of Kenneth Jones. 

Police have said that Jones, who was 35, reached for a gun in his waistband before he was shot. 

Before the protest, police released the names of the two officers involved in the traffic stop who will remain on leave while the incident is investigated.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Protesters gathered in downtown Omaha for a second night to demand the release of video of a fatal police shooting of a Black man during a Nebraska traffic stop last week. The group of demonstrators gathered outside Omaha Police headquarters again Saturday to press police to release footage of Thursday’s shooting death of Kenneth Jones. Police have said that Jones, who was 35, reached for a gun in his waistband before he was shot. Before the protest, police released the names of the two officers involved in the traffic stop who will remain on leave while the incident is investigated.

Deadly Nebraska police shooting spurs 2nd night of protests

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is acknowledging that state officials should have moved more quickly to interview people who contracted the coronavirus in recent weeks so they could warn others who may have been exposed.

 Ricketts says the recent surge in virus cases created a backlog of people who needed to be called, and officials within his administration didn’t add more workers to help with the extra workload. 

The state now has a backlog of 2,600 people who still need to contacted. 

Some people who tested positive recently have waited more than a week for one of the state’s “contract tracers” to ask where they’ve been and who they might have infected, part of a broader effort to slow the virus’ spread.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is acknowledging that state officials should have moved more quickly to interview people who contracted the coronavirus in recent weeks so they could warn others who may have been exposed. Ricketts says the recent surge in virus cases created a backlog of people who needed to be called, and officials within his administration didn’t add more workers to help with the extra workload. The state now has a backlog of 2,600 people who still need to contacted. Some people who tested positive recently have waited more than a week for one of the state’s “contract tracers” to ask where they’ve been and who they might have infected, part of a broader effort to slow the virus’ spread.

Ricketts: 'We didn't do our job' with recent virus-tracing

Five additional COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported: a Cheyenne County male in his 70s, two Morrill County males, one in his 60s and one in his 90s, a Scotts Bluff County male in his 60s, and a Sheridan County male in his 90s. This brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to 47.

“We share our deepest sympathy with the friends and loved ones of these gentlemen. As we enter November and December, a time of traditional gratitude sharing, please keep our most vulnerable Panhandle residents in your hearts. This is not the time to let our guard down so we all can remain safe during the COVID pandemic,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

This public health emergency requires the public to be caring citizens and to contribute to the solution for the sake of our communities and those we love.

As individuals and as communities, we have the power to choose our actions in the COVID response and recovery process. We can again reverse the trends if everyone comes together to take important steps in our daily lives to protect our communities.

Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.

The Panhandle COVID dashboard is updated weekdays at 4:30 pm MT and available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle.&nbsp; Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.

By PPHDFive additional COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported: a Cheyenne County male in his 70s, two Morrill County males, one in his 60s and one in his 90s, a Scotts Bluff County male in his 60s, and a Sheridan County male in his 90s. This brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to 47.“We share our deepest sympathy with the friends and loved ones of these gentlemen. As we enter November and December, a time of traditional gratitude sharing, please keep our most vulnerable Panhandle residents in your hearts. This is not the time to let our guard down so we all can remain safe during the COVID pandemic,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.This public health emergency requires the public to be caring citizens and to contribute to the solution for the sake of our communities and those we love.As individuals and as communities, we have the power to choose our actions in the COVID response and recovery process. We can again reverse the trends if everyone comes together to take important steps in our daily lives to protect our communities.<a>Avoid the Three Cs:</a><ul>
 <li>Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others</li><li>Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with</li><li>Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation</li>
 </ul>Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.The Panhandle COVID dashboard is updated weekdays at 4:30 pm MT and available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle.&nbsp; Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.

PPHD: 5 more virus related deaths reported in the Panhandle

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska retained its status last month as the state with the nation’s lowest unemployment rate. 

According to data released Friday. Nebraska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October fell to 3%, down from 3.6% in September.

 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers show Nebraska’s latest rate is less than half the national rate of 6.9%. 

Vermont and Iowa had the second- and third-lowest rates for October at 3.2% and 3.6%, respectively. 

Hawaii had the highest rate nationwide, at 14.3%. Nebraska’s rate has remained low compared to other states despite the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in widespread business closures and layoffs.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska retained its status last month as the state with the nation’s lowest unemployment rate. According to data released Friday. Nebraska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October fell to 3%, down from 3.6% in September. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers show Nebraska’s latest rate is less than half the national rate of 6.9%. Vermont and Iowa had the second- and third-lowest rates for October at 3.2% and 3.6%, respectively. Hawaii had the highest rate nationwide, at 14.3%. Nebraska’s rate has remained low compared to other states despite the coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in widespread business closures and layoffs.

Nebraska retains status with lowest unemployment in nation

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference at the State Capitol to provide an update on the State’s work to slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect hospitals. &nbsp;The Governor reminded Nebraskans that the State will move to the most restrictive “red” phase of its pandemic response when coronavirus hospitalizations reach 25% of staffed hospital beds in Nebraska.&nbsp; Currently, the State is in the “orange” phase, which is the second most restrictive.

Ashley Newmyer, Chief Data Strategist for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), joined the Governor for today’s briefing.&nbsp; She outlined the State’s work to increase resources to conduct contact tracing.

Coronavirus survivors Christina St. Hilaire and Elizabeth Griffith of Dwight shared their story of recovering from the coronavirus.

Dr. Gary Anthone, the State’s Chief Medical Officer and Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health, gave an update on the distribution of monoclonal antibodies in Nebraska.&nbsp; These antibodies are a new therapy, and they have potential to reduce the need for people with the coronavirus to require hospital care.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, we have 983 coronavirus hospitalizations.&nbsp; That’s more than four times the amount we had on October 1st.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To slow the spread and limit hospitalizations, we need every Nebraskan to stay committed to good health habits.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re urging all Nebraskans to avoid the Three Cs:

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid gathering in groups where you can’t maintain six-feet distance from others.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Wear a mask or maintain six-feet distance when you’re with people you don’t live with.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s all do our part to slow the spread so that we can protect our hospitals and help our healthcare workers.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact tracing is an important tool to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, contact tracing is a confidential process that starts with a positive test result being reported to the state or local health department.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next, a trained contact tracer calls the person who received a positive test result and asks them a series of questions about what symptoms they may be experiencing.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The contact tracer also asks if they know where and when they were exposed, as well as who they were in close contact with during the few days prior to their symptom onset or positive test result.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to the rise in coronavirus cases, contact tracers are dealing with a high volume of work.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To most efficiently manage the workload, we’ve taken the following temporary measures:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Reducing the questions asked during the interview.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Reducing the number of call attempts from five to two.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Focusing on calling those who test positive for the coronavirus.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve temporarily suspended calling close contacts of positive cases.&nbsp; We’re asking people who’ve tested positive to notify their close contacts.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are also increasing contact tracing staff.&nbsp; We’re activating our DHHS reserve contact tracers who had performed this work earlier in the year.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re also working with PRC, Nelnet, and North End Teleservices to add additional contact tracers.

Christina St. Hilaire: Coronavirus Survivor Testimonial

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A year-and-a-half ago, my mother was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer. &nbsp;She was given 3-6 months to live at the time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks to the excellent care of the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center, she’s still with us.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In September, our family contracted the coronavirus despite taking a lot of precautions against it.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My mother woke up feeling exhausted.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Initially, we thought her cancer was back.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She developed a low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and some chest pain.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I took her to Bryan Hospital, and she eventually tested positive for the coronavirus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At first, we monitored her symptoms.&nbsp; After she became much weaker, we took her to St. Elizabeth’s.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her oxygen levels had fallen, and she had pneumonia in both lungs.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She received convalescent plasma as a treatment, along with antibiotics.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Within a day of receiving the plasma, she had improved significantly.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My mom has recovered amazingly well.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We don’t want people to be discouraged or to despair if they get coronavirus.&nbsp; There are great treatments available.

Dr. Gary Anthone: Coronavirus Treatment

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The monoclonal antibody therapy is a great breakthrough.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scientists have been able to make a specific antibody to target the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This therapy can help prevent persons with the coronavirus from needing to go to the hospital.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State of Nebraska has received our allocation of the monoclonal antibodies.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve set up a process of getting the antibodies to hospitals throughout the state.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve sent it to the hospitals first, since they have the capability of administering it on an outpatient basis.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The therapy is already being used at this time, and we’re hopeful it will help to reduce the need for hospitalization.

Video from this afternoon’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fbltorgwzix66uh2%2FPress%2520Conf%252011.20.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C1980b9128a4041401e3708d88dbbff87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637415185879079105%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=iufDBGCIWbl0tUayDFYy62be1CpwhmJA92zG2l0GYHc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605965209652.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (TV screen) looks on as Christina St. Hilaire (podium) and her mother&nbsp;Elizabeth Griffith (left of podium) share their story of surviving the coronavirus." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (TV screen) looks on as Christina St. Hilaire (podium) and her mother&nbsp;Elizabeth Griffith (left of podium) share their story of surviving the coronavirus.</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release Gov. Ricketts OfficeLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference at the State Capitol to provide an update on the State’s work to slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect hospitals. &nbsp;The Governor reminded Nebraskans that the State will move to the most restrictive “red” phase of its pandemic response when coronavirus hospitalizations reach 25% of staffed hospital beds in Nebraska.&nbsp; Currently, the State is in the “orange” phase, which is the second most restrictive.Ashley Newmyer, Chief Data Strategist for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), joined the Governor for today’s briefing.&nbsp; She outlined the State’s work to increase resources to conduct contact tracing.Coronavirus survivors Christina St. Hilaire and Elizabeth Griffith of Dwight shared their story of recovering from the coronavirus.Dr. Gary Anthone, the State’s Chief Medical Officer and Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health, gave an update on the distribution of monoclonal antibodies in Nebraska.&nbsp; These antibodies are a new therapy, and they have potential to reduce the need for people with the coronavirus to require hospital care.Gov. Ricketts: Three Cs Reminder·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, we have 983 coronavirus hospitalizations.&nbsp; That’s more than four times the amount we had on October 1st.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To slow the spread and limit hospitalizations, we need every Nebraskan to stay committed to good health habits.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re urging all Nebraskans to avoid the Three Cs:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Crowded Places§&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid gathering in groups where you can’t maintain six-feet distance from others.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Close Contacts§&nbsp;&nbsp;Wear a mask or maintain six-feet distance when you’re with people you don’t live with.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Confined Spaces§&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s all do our part to slow the spread so that we can protect our hospitals and help our healthcare workers.Ashley Newmyer: Contact Tracing·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact tracing is an important tool to slow the spread of the coronavirus.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, contact tracing is a confidential process that starts with a positive test result being reported to the state or local health department.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next, a trained contact tracer calls the person who received a positive test result and asks them a series of questions about what symptoms they may be experiencing.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The contact tracer also asks if they know where and when they were exposed, as well as who they were in close contact with during the few days prior to their symptom onset or positive test result.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to the rise in coronavirus cases, contact tracers are dealing with a high volume of work.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To most efficiently manage the workload, we’ve taken the following temporary measures:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Reducing the questions asked during the interview.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Reducing the number of call attempts from five to two.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Focusing on calling those who test positive for the coronavirus.§&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve temporarily suspended calling close contacts of positive cases.&nbsp; We’re asking people who’ve tested positive to notify their close contacts.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are also increasing contact tracing staff.&nbsp; We’re activating our DHHS reserve contact tracers who had performed this work earlier in the year.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re also working with PRC, Nelnet, and North End Teleservices to add additional contact tracers.Christina St. Hilaire: Coronavirus Survivor Testimonial·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A year-and-a-half ago, my mother was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer. &nbsp;She was given 3-6 months to live at the time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks to the excellent care of the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center, she’s still with us.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In September, our family contracted the coronavirus despite taking a lot of precautions against it.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My mother woke up feeling exhausted.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Initially, we thought her cancer was back.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She developed a low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and some chest pain.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I took her to Bryan Hospital, and she eventually tested positive for the coronavirus.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At first, we monitored her symptoms.&nbsp; After she became much weaker, we took her to St. Elizabeth’s.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her oxygen levels had fallen, and she had pneumonia in both lungs.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She received convalescent plasma as a treatment, along with antibiotics.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Within a day of receiving the plasma, she had improved significantly.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;My mom has recovered amazingly well.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We don’t want people to be discouraged or to despair if they get coronavirus.&nbsp; There are great treatments available.Dr. Gary Anthone: Coronavirus Treatment·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The monoclonal antibody therapy is a great breakthrough.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scientists have been able to make a specific antibody to target the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This therapy can help prevent persons with the coronavirus from needing to go to the hospital.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State of Nebraska has received our allocation of the monoclonal antibodies.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve set up a process of getting the antibodies to hospitals throughout the state.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve sent it to the hospitals first, since they have the capability of administering it on an outpatient basis.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The therapy is already being used at this time, and we’re hopeful it will help to reduce the need for hospitalization.Video from this afternoon’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fbltorgwzix66uh2%2FPress%2520Conf%252011.20.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C1980b9128a4041401e3708d88dbbff87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637415185879079105%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=iufDBGCIWbl0tUayDFYy62be1CpwhmJA92zG2l0GYHc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts, DHHS leaders discuss ramping up contact tracing

LINCOLN – The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees convened for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/board-materials/2020/2020-11-12-Nov-Mtg" target="_blank">its regular business meeting Thursday</a>&nbsp;via videoconferencing systems at the three state colleges and the System Office’s location in Lincoln.

The meeting was originally scheduled to be hosted by Wayne State College, but due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska, the meeting occurred virtually.

The Board approved several items that directly impact Chadron State College, including the approval of a new comprehensive major in the English department. Chadron State College will now offer a Bachelor of Arts in Advanced English Studies in response to the growing number of students who minor in Creative Writing.

“We are obviously pleased that the Board approved our proposed new comprehensive major. This is the culmination of a variety of changes we have made to our program starting about six or seven years ago when we hired our first full-time Writing Specialist with an emphasis on growing the Creative Writing portion of our program,” said Department Chair and Professor Dr. Matt Evertson. “Whereas we formerly offered just one creative writing course, in 2015 we adopted a new introduction to creative writing course, and upper-division courses in Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. Two years later, our Writing Minor became a Creative Writing Minor, with the addition of a final creative project or capstone. In the few years since these changes, we have seen our ranks of creative writing students grow from just a couple each year to over 30.”

The Board also approved an amendment to the college’s agreement with the City of Chadron’s pool for college use, a revenue bond audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, and waiving ACT/SAT scores for Board of Trustees’ scholarships, among other items.

Near the close of the meeting, Chancellor Paul Turman provided updates on the NSCS 2025 Strategic Plan and selecting Student Trustees.

Finally, Chadron State College reported it received six grants, including major funding for its TRiO and Upward Bound programs.

By CSC College Relations<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605902816371.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN – The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees convened for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/board-materials/2020/2020-11-12-Nov-Mtg" target="_blank">its regular business meeting Thursday</a>&nbsp;via videoconferencing systems at the three state colleges and the System Office’s location in Lincoln.The meeting was originally scheduled to be hosted by Wayne State College, but due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska, the meeting occurred virtually.The Board approved several items that directly impact Chadron State College, including the approval of a new comprehensive major in the English department. Chadron State College will now offer a Bachelor of Arts in Advanced English Studies in response to the growing number of students who minor in Creative Writing.“We are obviously pleased that the Board approved our proposed new comprehensive major. This is the culmination of a variety of changes we have made to our program starting about six or seven years ago when we hired our first full-time Writing Specialist with an emphasis on growing the Creative Writing portion of our program,” said Department Chair and Professor Dr. Matt Evertson. “Whereas we formerly offered just one creative writing course, in 2015 we adopted a new introduction to creative writing course, and upper-division courses in Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. Two years later, our Writing Minor became a Creative Writing Minor, with the addition of a final creative project or capstone. In the few years since these changes, we have seen our ranks of creative writing students grow from just a couple each year to over 30.”The Board also approved an amendment to the college’s agreement with the City of Chadron’s pool for college use, a revenue bond audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, and waiving ACT/SAT scores for Board of Trustees’ scholarships, among other items.Near the close of the meeting, Chancellor Paul Turman provided updates on the NSCS 2025 Strategic Plan and selecting Student Trustees.Finally, Chadron State College reported it received six grants, including major funding for its TRiO and Upward Bound programs.

Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees hosts virtual meeting

🎙Post Podcast: Alliance City Council meeting, Nov. 17

A special COVID-19 announcement was added to the Alliance City Council agenda for the Nov. 17 meeting. Three Box Butte General Hospital staff members were in attendance to stress the importance of the community coming together to help slow the spread of the virus.&nbsp; Alliance Mayor Mike Dafney had the COVID-19 announcement added to the agenda after a special meeting on Nov. 16 with Panhandle Public Health District, Mayors and County Commissioners throughout the panhandle, and hospital personnel.&nbsp; "This is a dire pandemic," said Dafney. "As far as I heard we're just about at panic mode. There's a lot of things that people aren't understanding about this and consequences. We're kind of divided on just how serious it is. Just in the last 24 hours here in the United States we've had 156,000 cases. Some of the things that aren't being thought of, is our hospitals are filling up with COVID and we have other things going on like heart attacks. This makes it hard to get everything done. People aren't realizing that if you catch it, a loved one catches it...they're going to be in there by themselves. I've asked some of the medical people in the panhandle and the community to be here tonight to give us a recap of what they're faced with and what they're trying to deal with...and how important these masks are." Box Butte General Hospital CEO Lori Mazanec stressed to the public that panhandle citizens need to come together to fight this pandemic. "For the seventh week in a row, Nebraska set records for COVID-19 cases," said Mazanec. "The state also recorded a new weekly high for deaths related to the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;The deaths of 74 Nebraskans were reported during the seven-day period that ended Saturday. That was up from 55 deaths reported in each of the previous two weeks.&nbsp;The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Nebraska peaked at 918 on Friday, then dipped to 889 Saturday before rising to 914 on Sunday." Mazanec said the panhandle reported 138 new cases today[Nov. 17], with 7 additional deaths. "Box Butte County currently has 110 active cases and 2 related deaths," Mazanec stated. "The largest number of our positive cases is among the 20-49 age group, which is likely they are healthy enough to not be hospitalized, however we have no way to tell if they quarantined during their illness and maintained the isolation for the full recommended 14 days."

The State of Nebraska issued a new Directed Health Measure (DHM) effective statewide as of Monday, Nov. 16.&nbsp; "This basically secured our decision early last week which temporarily halts elective surgeries requiring an overnight stay and that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome," Manzanec continued.&nbsp; "Of course, this impacts our financial viability, but also delays care for our patients. "The Nebraska State COVID Transfer Center was established earlier this year out of the dire need for hospitals to help find acceptance to a higher level of care", said Mazanec. "The Transfer Center is a 24/7 service designed to mitigate the impact of hospitalization surges resulting from COVID-19. Hospitals seeking to transfer patients with COVID-19 or suspected to have COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to use the State Transfer Center. Clinical staff will seek placement at the nearest hospital with the capability and capacity to care for the patient. Due to the significant rise in COVID-19 and the corresponding impact on hospitals across the state, patient preference will not be a consideration in determining where the patient will transfer. If contacting a hospital through normal transfer processes, you may be redirected to the State COVID Transfer Center due to capacity constraints. There have also been many instances where patients are transferred out of state. The nearest facility having bed availability – St. Louis, MO, Iowa hospitals, and Salt Lake City, Utah are just a few instances of transfers from this area." Box Butte General Hospital Covid hospitalizations over the past three weeks have ranged from 5 to 12 patients at a given time. "This has been as high as 67% of our total staffed beds and continues to impact admissions overall", Mazanec said.&nbsp; "The care requires isolation protocols and focused on one to one care. BBGH has 25 beds, we have seen multiple days where we had 21 and 22 patients in beds at one time. This is when we see the stress not knowing when the next ambulance will bring an ill patient or some other family walks through the front door. We have seen the impact of not being able to transfer a patient out due to hospitals not accepting patients, Covid or otherwise." "To illustrate the growth in cases, which has impacted overall hospitalizations, our daily case totals did: the first of September, Box Butte County had 32 total cases," Mazanec said. "By September 17, we had doubled our cases to 58. By October 1, showed 103 overall confirmed cases. By November 1, the total was 348, and now currently sit at 514 with 110 active cases. So that is a few of the statistics and facts. This doesn’t even compare to the emotional, mental, and physical fatigue and strain this is placing on our staff caring for these patients. Initially, 8 months ago, we saw the mental fatigue from all the planning and preparation for what seemed like nothing would come. Fast forward to now, and it has multiplied to the impact of exhaustion. Just last week, the difficult decision to allow one family member to be in the hospital as a loved one dies was made. Who wants to make that decision? I never thought I would be put in a position to weigh the risks of having a healthy person into an isolation room so they could hold the hand of their loved one. This is our reality right now. While it may not have impacted you yet, it will. I pray it only impacts you with the mild symptoms so many are fortunate to get. But we are now seeing it is not discriminating to anyone. Even the healthy are succumbing to this virus." "We are asking for a unified stance from our community leaders to promote the essentials of keeping the virus from spreading faster", Mazanec added. "These things will slow the virus. I’ve always said we cannot stop it from spreading, however we can control the pace. We must have the community get behind and stand with us on: wearing a mask in public or places where there are other people; washing or sanitizing your hands frequently, and watching your distance with other people. Avoid large groups and even small groups of larger than 6-8 people." Box Butte General Hospital PA-C – Emergency Department&nbsp;Steve Van Noy echoed what Mazanec spoke about.&nbsp; "It's been very eye opening the last few months," Van Noy said. "It's frightening to have somebody suffocate in front of me. They asked me if they were going to die...and I knew what the answer was. It's&nbsp;frustrating when we don't see people wearing masks and then I see the same people in the ER. And then they test positive for COVID. They're some of the same people that put some of the odd arguments out as to why they don't need to wear [a mask], but it is a life saver. The panhandle of Nebraska is just out of control right now. I can't believe how many deaths there's been. I can't believe how many positive cases there's been." Van Noy told all in attendance that his daughter got the virus and didn't do very well. She ended up in the ER four different times.&nbsp; "It's frustrating. It's scary," Van Noy added. "It's making going to work not very much fun anymore. I see so many positive cases. Two weeks ago when I worked I couldn't ship anybody to Rapid City, Omaha, Cheyenne, Fort Collins, and Loveland. I finally called Denver Health and they had three beds. It was scary. I thought I wasn't going to get this patient out and this wasn't a COVID patient. We're getting killed by this and I feel like we can control it. We can do a better job at controlling it."

A lot of people are getting upset about wearing masks.&nbsp; "I don't understand why," Van Noy added. "We have to wear a seat belt. I have to wear a helmet when I ride my motorcycle. So why not wear a mask, I don't understand it. We're all peaking out and tired. We've had more staff get sick than what I'd like to admit. That's just put us all in a bind. It just doesn't seem like things are getting any better. As Lori said the numbers are doubling every fourteen days. It's frightening...it's frightening. I can't look at any of you and tell you who's going to do well with it and who's going to get sick and die with it." After Van Noy was done speaking, BBGH&nbsp;MD - Hospitalist Terri Myers came up to the&nbsp;podium.&nbsp; "I take care of most, if not all of the patients who are admitted to the hospital for any reason," said Myers. "I have never experienced a patient load like we've had in the last three to four weeks. As Lori said we can hold up to 25 patients. In the last three or four weeks we've consistently had upwards of 18, 19, 20 patients. We're not seeing that outflux like we normally get. We are seeing COVID patients who aren't able to be dismissed in the normal 3 or 4 days.&nbsp; Are typical illnesses that we admit people for are chest pain to make sure they're not having a heart attack, pneumonia, heart failure...that kind of stuff...this is different, this is taking a hospitalization to the next level. These patients don't go home in 3 or 4 days. Most of them are there 5 to 10 days, if not more." Myers said her nurses are taking care of COVID patients day after day. She said some days nurses aren't getting a lunch break

"We have excellent nurses. Our staff right now is just&nbsp;phenomenal," Myrers added. "I can't tell you enough about them. We're all here for the patients. That's our number one priority. Second to that, they're the ones that keep me coming everyday. I said if you guys can do this, I can do this. We work together very well as a team. I love my nurses and I wish I could do more to help them. I try to do as much as I can with patient care when I'm in the rooms because these patients are in isolation. Which means that every trip into a patients room needs an N95 face mask, a face shield, a gown and gloves. You do what you need to do with the patient...come back out...as you're coming out you take off the gown and gloves. The face shield and N95 mask can stay if you're going into another room. You wash your hands, you go put on a new gown and gloves and into the next room. It's just&nbsp;cumbersome to have to do that every time you go into take care of a patient. It's fatiguing to say the least for our nurses." Myers said she thinks there is a disregard in the community from what hospital staff and public health officials are advising people to do with the virus.&nbsp; "I went to a store in town two days ago on Sunday," said Myrers. "Myself and one other nurse that I ran into were the only ones in the store wearing masks including all of the employees. Maybe these people don't mean it to be this way, but I kind of take it as a disregard...you know that they don't feel like it's a big deal. When we try to tell people it's a big deal, they don't believe us. I think it would be a great thing to have the backing of our community leaders to say, 'hey Box Butte County this is a big deal...this is something we need to step up and get this under control." Mayor Dafney replied by saying, "We're just going to have to keep pounding it and pounding it." "It's doing exactly what it said it was going to do here," said Dafney. " They predicted it would start moving in and that's where we are at. I've been&nbsp;reluctant to even throw this out to council...on a mask mandate. We're so divided. The enforcement on something like that is hard. I hate putting things out there, but we do have the authority if we decide to...to mandate this town to mask up. I know that makes legal a little nervous because we're going to have those out there that protest it. When I requested that we mask up here [city council]...I no more go home and got a call from two to three people that were so upset. One of them was so upset that he'd never vote for me again. I could give a damn. That's&nbsp;asinine. But I'm putting that out there, council has the authority to do that if this thing gets too far away from us...we'll look at it." Councilwoman Annora Bentley replied to Dafney's comments. She said her mother just passed away from the virus. "I would like to beg everyone to wear a mask," said Bentley. "Because you don't want to have to go through what my family has just gone through. Not being able to see your Mother in the hospital. You should not have to depend upon a nurse to hold her hand while she's dying. Those nurses didn't sign up for that. I wish we would have a mask mandate. Thank you for all of the caring that you provided."&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle PostA special COVID-19 announcement was added to the Alliance City Council agenda for the Nov. 17 meeting. Three Box Butte General Hospital staff members were in attendance to stress the importance of the community coming together to help slow the spread of the virus.&nbsp; Alliance Mayor Mike Dafney had the COVID-19 announcement added to the agenda after a special meeting on Nov. 16 with Panhandle Public Health District, Mayors and County Commissioners throughout the panhandle, and hospital personnel.&nbsp; "This is a dire pandemic," said Dafney. "As far as I heard we're just about at panic mode. There's a lot of things that people aren't understanding about this and consequences. We're kind of divided on just how serious it is. Just in the last 24 hours here in the United States we've had 156,000 cases. Some of the things that aren't being thought of, is our hospitals are filling up with COVID and we have other things going on like heart attacks. This makes it hard to get everything done. People aren't realizing that if you catch it, a loved one catches it...they're going to be in there by themselves. I've asked some of the medical people in the panhandle and the community to be here tonight to give us a recap of what they're faced with and what they're trying to deal with...and how important these masks are." Box Butte General Hospital CEO Lori Mazanec stressed to the public that panhandle citizens need to come together to fight this pandemic. "For the seventh week in a row, Nebraska set records for COVID-19 cases," said Mazanec. "The state also recorded a new weekly high for deaths related to the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;The deaths of 74 Nebraskans were reported during the seven-day period that ended Saturday. That was up from 55 deaths reported in each of the previous two weeks.&nbsp;The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Nebraska peaked at 918 on Friday, then dipped to 889 Saturday before rising to 914 on Sunday." Mazanec said the panhandle reported 138 new cases today[Nov. 17], with 7 additional deaths. "Box Butte County currently has 110 active cases and 2 related deaths," Mazanec stated. "The largest number of our positive cases is among the 20-49 age group, which is likely they are healthy enough to not be hospitalized, however we have no way to tell if they quarantined during their illness and maintained the isolation for the full recommended 14 days."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605736835091.jpeg" alt="Box Butte General Hospital CEO Lori Mazanec&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Box Butte General Hospital CEO Lori Mazanec&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The State of Nebraska issued a new Directed Health Measure (DHM) effective statewide as of Monday, Nov. 16.&nbsp; "This basically secured our decision early last week which temporarily halts elective surgeries requiring an overnight stay and that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome," Manzanec continued.&nbsp; "Of course, this impacts our financial viability, but also delays care for our patients. "The Nebraska State COVID Transfer Center was established earlier this year out of the dire need for hospitals to help find acceptance to a higher level of care", said Mazanec. "The Transfer Center is a 24/7 service designed to mitigate the impact of hospitalization surges resulting from COVID-19. Hospitals seeking to transfer patients with COVID-19 or suspected to have COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to use the State Transfer Center. Clinical staff will seek placement at the nearest hospital with the capability and capacity to care for the patient. Due to the significant rise in COVID-19 and the corresponding impact on hospitals across the state, patient preference will not be a consideration in determining where the patient will transfer. If contacting a hospital through normal transfer processes, you may be redirected to the State COVID Transfer Center due to capacity constraints. There have also been many instances where patients are transferred out of state. The nearest facility having bed availability – St. Louis, MO, Iowa hospitals, and Salt Lake City, Utah are just a few instances of transfers from this area." Box Butte General Hospital Covid hospitalizations over the past three weeks have ranged from 5 to 12 patients at a given time. "This has been as high as 67% of our total staffed beds and continues to impact admissions overall", Mazanec said.&nbsp; "The care requires isolation protocols and focused on one to one care. BBGH has 25 beds, we have seen multiple days where we had 21 and 22 patients in beds at one time. This is when we see the stress not knowing when the next ambulance will bring an ill patient or some other family walks through the front door. We have seen the impact of not being able to transfer a patient out due to hospitals not accepting patients, Covid or otherwise." "To illustrate the growth in cases, which has impacted overall hospitalizations, our daily case totals did: the first of September, Box Butte County had 32 total cases," Mazanec said. "By September 17, we had doubled our cases to 58. By October 1, showed 103 overall confirmed cases. By November 1, the total was 348, and now currently sit at 514 with 110 active cases. So that is a few of the statistics and facts. This doesn’t even compare to the emotional, mental, and physical fatigue and strain this is placing on our staff caring for these patients. Initially, 8 months ago, we saw the mental fatigue from all the planning and preparation for what seemed like nothing would come. Fast forward to now, and it has multiplied to the impact of exhaustion. Just last week, the difficult decision to allow one family member to be in the hospital as a loved one dies was made. Who wants to make that decision? I never thought I would be put in a position to weigh the risks of having a healthy person into an isolation room so they could hold the hand of their loved one. This is our reality right now. While it may not have impacted you yet, it will. I pray it only impacts you with the mild symptoms so many are fortunate to get. But we are now seeing it is not discriminating to anyone. Even the healthy are succumbing to this virus." "We are asking for a unified stance from our community leaders to promote the essentials of keeping the virus from spreading faster", Mazanec added. "These things will slow the virus. I’ve always said we cannot stop it from spreading, however we can control the pace. We must have the community get behind and stand with us on: wearing a mask in public or places where there are other people; washing or sanitizing your hands frequently, and watching your distance with other people. Avoid large groups and even small groups of larger than 6-8 people." Box Butte General Hospital PA-C – Emergency Department&nbsp;Steve Van Noy echoed what Mazanec spoke about.&nbsp; "It's been very eye opening the last few months," Van Noy said. "It's frightening to have somebody suffocate in front of me. They asked me if they were going to die...and I knew what the answer was. It's&nbsp;frustrating when we don't see people wearing masks and then I see the same people in the ER. And then they test positive for COVID. They're some of the same people that put some of the odd arguments out as to why they don't need to wear [a mask], but it is a life saver. The panhandle of Nebraska is just out of control right now. I can't believe how many deaths there's been. I can't believe how many positive cases there's been." Van Noy told all in attendance that his daughter got the virus and didn't do very well. She ended up in the ER four different times.&nbsp; "It's frustrating. It's scary," Van Noy added. "It's making going to work not very much fun anymore. I see so many positive cases. Two weeks ago when I worked I couldn't ship anybody to Rapid City, Omaha, Cheyenne, Fort Collins, and Loveland. I finally called Denver Health and they had three beds. It was scary. I thought I wasn't going to get this patient out and this wasn't a COVID patient. We're getting killed by this and I feel like we can control it. We can do a better job at controlling it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605737135126.jpeg" alt="Box Butte General Hospital PA-C – Emergency Department Steve Van Noy" />
 <figcaption>Box Butte General Hospital PA-C – Emergency Department Steve Van Noy</figcaption>
 </figure>A lot of people are getting upset about wearing masks.&nbsp; "I don't understand why," Van Noy added. "We have to wear a seat belt. I have to wear a helmet when I ride my motorcycle. So why not wear a mask, I don't understand it. We're all peaking out and tired. We've had more staff get sick than what I'd like to admit. That's just put us all in a bind. It just doesn't seem like things are getting any better. As Lori said the numbers are doubling every fourteen days. It's frightening...it's frightening. I can't look at any of you and tell you who's going to do well with it and who's going to get sick and die with it." After Van Noy was done speaking, BBGH&nbsp;MD - Hospitalist Terri Myers came up to the&nbsp;podium.&nbsp; "I take care of most, if not all of the patients who are admitted to the hospital for any reason," said Myers. "I have never experienced a patient load like we've had in the last three to four weeks. As Lori said we can hold up to 25 patients. In the last three or four weeks we've consistently had upwards of 18, 19, 20 patients. We're not seeing that outflux like we normally get. We are seeing COVID patients who aren't able to be dismissed in the normal 3 or 4 days.&nbsp; Are typical illnesses that we admit people for are chest pain to make sure they're not having a heart attack, pneumonia, heart failure...that kind of stuff...this is different, this is taking a hospitalization to the next level. These patients don't go home in 3 or 4 days. Most of them are there 5 to 10 days, if not more." Myers said her nurses are taking care of COVID patients day after day. She said some days nurses aren't getting a lunch break<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605737247628.jpeg" alt="Box Butte General Hospital MD - Hospitalist Terri Myers&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Box Butte General Hospital MD - Hospitalist Terri Myers&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"We have excellent nurses. Our staff right now is just&nbsp;phenomenal," Myrers added. "I can't tell you enough about them. We're all here for the patients. That's our number one priority. Second to that, they're the ones that keep me coming everyday. I said if you guys can do this, I can do this. We work together very well as a team. I love my nurses and I wish I could do more to help them. I try to do as much as I can with patient care when I'm in the rooms because these patients are in isolation. Which means that every trip into a patients room needs an N95 face mask, a face shield, a gown and gloves. You do what you need to do with the patient...come back out...as you're coming out you take off the gown and gloves. The face shield and N95 mask can stay if you're going into another room. You wash your hands, you go put on a new gown and gloves and into the next room. It's just&nbsp;cumbersome to have to do that every time you go into take care of a patient. It's fatiguing to say the least for our nurses." Myers said she thinks there is a disregard in the community from what hospital staff and public health officials are advising people to do with the virus.&nbsp; "I went to a store in town two days ago on Sunday," said Myrers. "Myself and one other nurse that I ran into were the only ones in the store wearing masks including all of the employees. Maybe these people don't mean it to be this way, but I kind of take it as a disregard...you know that they don't feel like it's a big deal. When we try to tell people it's a big deal, they don't believe us. I think it would be a great thing to have the backing of our community leaders to say, 'hey Box Butte County this is a big deal...this is something we need to step up and get this under control." Mayor Dafney replied by saying, "We're just going to have to keep pounding it and pounding it." "It's doing exactly what it said it was going to do here," said Dafney. " They predicted it would start moving in and that's where we are at. I've been&nbsp;reluctant to even throw this out to council...on a mask mandate. We're so divided. The enforcement on something like that is hard. I hate putting things out there, but we do have the authority if we decide to...to mandate this town to mask up. I know that makes legal a little nervous because we're going to have those out there that protest it. When I requested that we mask up here [city council]...I no more go home and got a call from two to three people that were so upset. One of them was so upset that he'd never vote for me again. I could give a damn. That's&nbsp;asinine. But I'm putting that out there, council has the authority to do that if this thing gets too far away from us...we'll look at it." Councilwoman Annora Bentley replied to Dafney's comments. She said her mother just passed away from the virus. "I would like to beg everyone to wear a mask," said Bentley. "Because you don't want to have to go through what my family has just gone through. Not being able to see your Mother in the hospital. You should not have to depend upon a nurse to hold her hand while she's dying. Those nurses didn't sign up for that. I wish we would have a mask mandate. Thank you for all of the caring that you provided."&nbsp;&nbsp;

BBGH, Alliance council implore citizens to take COVID serious and wear a mask

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — More Nebraska cities are making moves to require faces coverings in public as the coronavirus outbreak worsens in the state and across the country.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that the Omaha suburbs of Bellevue, Papillion, Ralston, Gretna and La Vista are either weighing or have scheduled emergency meetings to consider requiring masks in public.

 Earlier in the week, the cities of Beatrice and Kearney passed mask mandates. 

Grand Island will consider doing so next week. 

The uptick in such mandates comes as Nebraska set a record for hospitalizations across the state, with 983 people hospitalized on Thursday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — More Nebraska cities are making moves to require faces coverings in public as the coronavirus outbreak worsens in the state and across the country. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the Omaha suburbs of Bellevue, Papillion, Ralston, Gretna and La Vista are either weighing or have scheduled emergency meetings to consider requiring masks in public. Earlier in the week, the cities of Beatrice and Kearney passed mask mandates. Grand Island will consider doing so next week. The uptick in such mandates comes as Nebraska set a record for hospitalizations across the state, with 983 people hospitalized on Thursday.

More Nebraska cities adopting mask orders as outbreak rages

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) — Relatives of a homicide victim say they are distraught after learning that murder charges have been dismissed against the defendant in the Fall River County case because a key witness was found to be incompetent to testify. 

Moses Dubray was found fatally shot in January 2017 a day after he walked away from a minimum-security prison in Rapid City. 

Thirty-year-old Thomas Lucero was indicted eight months later for first-degree murder and an alternate second-degree murder charge. 

The victim’s sister, Irene “Jay R” Mabin, said prosecutors told her the case was dropped because the key witness has been deemed mentally incompetent.

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) — Relatives of a homicide victim say they are distraught after learning that murder charges have been dismissed against the defendant in the Fall River County case because a key witness was found to be incompetent to testify. Moses Dubray was found fatally shot in January 2017 a day after he walked away from a minimum-security prison in Rapid City. Thirty-year-old Thomas Lucero was indicted eight months later for first-degree murder and an alternate second-degree murder charge. The victim’s sister, Irene “Jay R” Mabin, said prosecutors told her the case was dropped because the key witness has been deemed mentally incompetent.

Murder charges dropped in Fall River County case

GRAND ISLAND — More than 20 leaders from within the ranks of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have graduated from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. The program is designed for law enforcement leaders seeking to gain new leaderships skill for future leadership positions.

“Today is an important day for our agency and a major milestone in the career of these 22 graduates,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “These leaders already play critical roles across the Nebraska State Patrol. Completing this program has equipped them to be leaders who will define NSP’s future.”

Twenty-two NSP leaders, including sergeants and lieutenants, graduated from the NUCPS Command School during a ceremony Thursday. The program includes ten weeks of instruction on a wide variety of topics focused on law enforcement leadership. NSP hosted the Command School program at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island.

The Northwestern Command School graduates from NSP include:

The 22 graduates from NSP join many past and present commanders within the State Patrol who have also attended Northwestern Command School. Commanders from five other agencies also graduated from the program.

GRAND ISLAND — More than 20 leaders from within the ranks of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have graduated from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. The program is designed for law enforcement leaders seeking to gain new leaderships skill for future leadership positions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605889862511.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Today is an important day for our agency and a major milestone in the career of these 22 graduates,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “These leaders already play critical roles across the Nebraska State Patrol. Completing this program has equipped them to be leaders who will define NSP’s future.”Twenty-two NSP leaders, including sergeants and lieutenants, graduated from the NUCPS Command School during a ceremony Thursday. The program includes ten weeks of instruction on a wide variety of topics focused on law enforcement leadership. NSP hosted the Command School program at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island.The Northwestern Command School graduates from NSP include:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605889720182.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 22 graduates from NSP join many past and present commanders within the State Patrol who have also attended Northwestern Command School. Commanders from five other agencies also graduated from the program.

22 NSP leaders graduate from Northwestern Command School

The following COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported:

“We wish to express our sincerest condolences in the passing of eleven Panhandle residents.&nbsp;We send their friends and loved ones peace and comfort during their time of loss,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

The fall and winter holiday seasons are traditionally a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate. Participating in virtual gatherings or limiting celebrations to with those within your own household pose the lowest risk for COVID spread. Please help slow the spread of COVID and preserve hospital capacity.

If you choose to celebrate with people outside of your household, it is recommended to hold only small, outdoor gatherings and ensuring that attendees maintain a safe social distance.

If you plan to host or attend a small, indoor celebration: wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands often, and limit the number of people who handle and serve food.

Traveling increases your risk of exposure and the spread of COVID-19. The best way to prevent the spread of COVID this holiday season is to stay home.

Unified Command confirms 444 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, November 16. Recoveries are available on the Panhandle dashboard at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

Testing information and access for the Panhandle area:

By PPHDThe following COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported:<ul>
 <li>Box Butte County female in her 80s</li><li>Dawes County male in his 80s</li><li>Grant County male in his 70s</li><li>Kimball County male in his 60s</li><li>Morrill County male in his 80s</li><li>Scotts Bluff County: Two females: one in her 60s and one in her 90s, Two males: one in his 60s and one his 70s</li><li>Sheridan County: two females in their 80s</li>
 </ul>“We wish to express our sincerest condolences in the passing of eleven Panhandle residents.&nbsp;We send their friends and loved ones peace and comfort during their time of loss,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.The fall and winter holiday seasons are traditionally a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate. Participating in virtual gatherings or limiting celebrations to with those within your own household pose the lowest risk for COVID spread. Please help slow the spread of COVID and preserve hospital capacity.If you choose to celebrate with people outside of your household, it is recommended to hold only small, outdoor gatherings and ensuring that attendees maintain a safe social distance.If you plan to host or attend a small, indoor celebration: wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands often, and limit the number of people who handle and serve food.Traveling increases your risk of exposure and the spread of COVID-19. The best way to prevent the spread of COVID this holiday season is to stay home.<ul>
 <li>Avoid the Three Cs:</li><li>Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others</li><li>Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with</li><li>Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation</li>
 </ul>Unified Command confirms 444 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, November 16. Recoveries are available on the Panhandle dashboard at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605822843798.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Testing information and access for the Panhandle area:<ul>
 <li>You can sign up for the following free testing at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">Testnebraska.com</a>&nbsp;or 402-207-9377:</li><li>Box Butte General Hospital in&nbsp;Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am</li><li>212 East 24th Street&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Chadron&nbsp;Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am</li><li>821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)</li><li>Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the hospital at 747-2466 with questions.</li><li>Gordon&nbsp;Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pm</li><li>Regional West Health Services in&nbsp;Scottsbluff: Monday &amp; Wednesday, Noon-3pm; Tuesdays &amp; Fridays, 1pm-4pm; Call 308-630-2100 for other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients.</li><li>Sidney&nbsp;Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-9:30am</li><li>Community Action Health Center in&nbsp;Gering: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am</li><li>Testing is free, sign up at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc</a></li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy in&nbsp;Alliance: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm</li><li>For people experiencing symptoms, same day results. Call 308-629-1045 for appointment, fee is $125.</li><li>Morrill County Community Hospital in&nbsp;Bridgeport: Daily</li><li>Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results, insurance can be billed.</li><li>Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.</li>
 </ul>

PPHD: 11 COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle reported, total deaths 42

By&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/written-by/leslie-reed-university-communication/">Leslie Reed | University Communication</a>

In a joint effort, University Operations and University Housing are preparing up to 45 rooms in Harper Hall to be available under a state government contract to provide self-quarantine space for first responders, health care workers and&nbsp;others.

To allow for proper social distancing, no more than five rooms on each of nine residential floors of the hall will be assigned to people who need out-of-home quarantine housing because they or someone they live with has been exposed to&nbsp;COVID-19.

The University of Nebraska system signed a contract with the State of Nebraska in early April to supply beds for quarantine purposes at University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at&nbsp;Curtis.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the launch of the program during his&nbsp;COVID-19 briefing April 17 at the State Capitol. He said the first people seeking quarantine space would arrive at&nbsp;UNO&nbsp;facilities soon. It is not known when Harper Hall rooms might be brought into&nbsp;use.

According to Jim Jackson, associate vice chancellor of University Operations, Harper Hall will be used to house people who do not have&nbsp;COVID-19 symptoms, but need to self-quarantine because of possible exposure to the coronavirus. Harper Hall is a traditional college residence hall, with communal restrooms on each&nbsp;floor.

Each room in use for quarantine will be assigned to a different set of fixtures in the restroom, so that those in quarantine will not share toilets, sinks or&nbsp;showers.

If isolation space is needed for people who have developed symptoms, they will be placed in suite-style housing on East Campus. Suite-style housing has bathroom facilities in each suite. In addition, if more self-quarantine space is needed for asymptomatic people, a second traditional residence hall on City Campus may be opened under operations similar to those planned for Harper&nbsp;Hall.

The Nebraska National Guard will be responsible for operation, security and maintenance of the facility while it is used for quarantine purposes. The university has hired an outside firm, Advance Services, Inc., to provide custodial services, with personnel being trained to follow&nbsp;CDC&nbsp;and other public health care protocols for&nbsp;COVID-19 cleaning and&nbsp;disinfecting.

University Dining Service will deliver three meals a day to the building, with offerings to include hot meals, vegetarian and special needs options. The meals will be distributed to individual rooms by the National&nbsp;Guard.

Jackson said the decision to hire an outside custodial firm was based upon an abundance of caution to separate the university community from the outside community. Housing staff continues to serve approximately 750 students who have been moved to suite-style housing on another part of the City Campus. The separation will reduce opportunities for coronavirus to be transmitted to university students or&nbsp;staff.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://news.unl.edu/written-by/leslie-reed-university-communication/">Leslie Reed | University Communication</a>In a joint effort, University Operations and University Housing are preparing up to 45 rooms in Harper Hall to be available under a state government contract to provide self-quarantine space for first responders, health care workers and&nbsp;others.To allow for proper social distancing, no more than five rooms on each of nine residential floors of the hall will be assigned to people who need out-of-home quarantine housing because they or someone they live with has been exposed to&nbsp;COVID-19.The University of Nebraska system signed a contract with the State of Nebraska in early April to supply beds for quarantine purposes at University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at&nbsp;Curtis.Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the launch of the program during his&nbsp;COVID-19 briefing April 17 at the State Capitol. He said the first people seeking quarantine space would arrive at&nbsp;UNO&nbsp;facilities soon. It is not known when Harper Hall rooms might be brought into&nbsp;use.<figure>
 <img src="https://news.unl.edu/sites/default/files/styles/meta/public/media/200410_Harper_332a.jpg?itok=Z8idnvf2" alt="Craig Chandler | University CommunicationHarper Hall could be used to house first responders and medical personnel who need to self-isolate while still working. The Nebraska National Guard would supervise the hall. (Craig Chandler/University Communication)" />
 <figcaption>Craig Chandler | University CommunicationHarper Hall could be used to house first responders and medical personnel who need to self-isolate while still working. The Nebraska National Guard would supervise the hall. (Craig Chandler/University Communication)</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Jim Jackson, associate vice chancellor of University Operations, Harper Hall will be used to house people who do not have&nbsp;COVID-19 symptoms, but need to self-quarantine because of possible exposure to the coronavirus. Harper Hall is a traditional college residence hall, with communal restrooms on each&nbsp;floor.Each room in use for quarantine will be assigned to a different set of fixtures in the restroom, so that those in quarantine will not share toilets, sinks or&nbsp;showers.If isolation space is needed for people who have developed symptoms, they will be placed in suite-style housing on East Campus. Suite-style housing has bathroom facilities in each suite. In addition, if more self-quarantine space is needed for asymptomatic people, a second traditional residence hall on City Campus may be opened under operations similar to those planned for Harper&nbsp;Hall.The Nebraska National Guard will be responsible for operation, security and maintenance of the facility while it is used for quarantine purposes. The university has hired an outside firm, Advance Services, Inc., to provide custodial services, with personnel being trained to follow&nbsp;CDC&nbsp;and other public health care protocols for&nbsp;COVID-19 cleaning and&nbsp;disinfecting.University Dining Service will deliver three meals a day to the building, with offerings to include hot meals, vegetarian and special needs options. The meals will be distributed to individual rooms by the National&nbsp;Guard.Jackson said the decision to hire an outside custodial firm was based upon an abundance of caution to separate the university community from the outside community. Housing staff continues to serve approximately 750 students who have been moved to suite-style housing on another part of the City Campus. The separation will reduce opportunities for coronavirus to be transmitted to university students or&nbsp;staff.

UNL prepared to provide quarantine space for community

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has confirmed a mountain lion was observed on video crossing a yard on the west side of Scottsbluff in the early morning on Nov. 19.

The video was taken from a doorbell camera. Mountain lions that are found within city limits will be euthanized if it can safely be done, in accordance with the Commission’s Mountain Lion Response Plan. If people in the community observe a mountain lion they should immediately contact the Scottsbluff Police Department.

Due to their secretive nature, mountain lions rarely interact with humans. In the rare instance that a person does encounter a mountain lion, they should not approach the animal, leave the animal an avenue of escape, back away slowly to an area of safety like a house or a car, and fight back in case of an attack.

For more information on mountain lions in Nebraska, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMTkuMzA3OTQxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9tb3VudGFpbmxpb25zLyJ9.LhN62xcLTsKIegbMfuLpuPEzo3-2sPbOjqFeQr2yTXw/s/497221906/br/90131430790-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/mountainlions</a>.

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has confirmed a mountain lion was observed on video crossing a yard on the west side of Scottsbluff in the early morning on Nov. 19.The video was taken from a doorbell camera. Mountain lions that are found within city limits will be euthanized if it can safely be done, in accordance with the Commission’s Mountain Lion Response Plan. If people in the community observe a mountain lion they should immediately contact the Scottsbluff Police Department.Due to their secretive nature, mountain lions rarely interact with humans. In the rare instance that a person does encounter a mountain lion, they should not approach the animal, leave the animal an avenue of escape, back away slowly to an area of safety like a house or a car, and fight back in case of an attack.For more information on mountain lions in Nebraska, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMTkuMzA3OTQxNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9tb3VudGFpbmxpb25zLyJ9.LhN62xcLTsKIegbMfuLpuPEzo3-2sPbOjqFeQr2yTXw/s/497221906/br/90131430790-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/mountainlions</a>.

Mountain lion observed on video in Scottsbluff

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A prominent Nebraska infectious disease expert is sounding the alarm about the state’s surging coronavirus cases and calling for a statewide mask mandate, which Gov. Pete Ricketts has repeatedly refused to issue. 

Dr. James Lawler, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said Thursday that the pandemic has reached its most dangerous point since the virus outbreak began earlier this year and described the recent increase in virus hospitalizations as unsustainable. 

Nebraska hospitals are straining to cope with the spike in coronavirus patients, and officials are urging the public to wear masks and take other precautionary steps to slow the spread of the disease.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A prominent Nebraska infectious disease expert is sounding the alarm about the state’s surging coronavirus cases and calling for a statewide mask mandate, which Gov. Pete Ricketts has repeatedly refused to issue. Dr. James Lawler, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said Thursday that the pandemic has reached its most dangerous point since the virus outbreak began earlier this year and described the recent increase in virus hospitalizations as unsustainable. Nebraska hospitals are straining to cope with the spike in coronavirus patients, and officials are urging the public to wear masks and take other precautionary steps to slow the spread of the disease.

Top Nebraska pandemic expert 'frightened' about rising cases

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials say Nebraska hospitals are straining to cope with the surge in coronavirus cases and they urge the public to wear masks and take other precautionary measures, even if they aren't legally required to do so. 

The state said 21% of Nebraska’s hospital beds were filled with COVID-19 patients on Wednesday. Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he will impose more social distancing restrictions if that figure reaches 25% of all hospitalizations. 

The state reported its second-highest daily total of confirmed cases on Wednesday, 2,812, raising its overall total since the pandemic started to 106,617. 

It also reported 10 new COVID-19 deaths, raising the state death toll to 826.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials say Nebraska hospitals are straining to cope with the surge in coronavirus cases and they urge the public to wear masks and take other precautionary measures, even if they aren't legally required to do so. The state said 21% of Nebraska’s hospital beds were filled with COVID-19 patients on Wednesday. Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he will impose more social distancing restrictions if that figure reaches 25% of all hospitalizations. The state reported its second-highest daily total of confirmed cases on Wednesday, 2,812, raising its overall total since the pandemic started to 106,617. It also reported 10 new COVID-19 deaths, raising the state death toll to 826.

Nebraska hospitals straining to cope with coronavirus surge

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — More than half of bankers surveyed in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states are projecting a drop in holiday retail sales this year from last year as the coronavirus pandemic worsens across the country.

 The Rural Mainstreet Survey's overall index fell to 46.8 in November from October’s 53.2. 

It's the first time since April that the index has fallen, but it remains well ahead of the 35.5 reading in March, when the index bottomed out as the outbreak began. 

Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. 

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — More than half of bankers surveyed in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states are projecting a drop in holiday retail sales this year from last year as the coronavirus pandemic worsens across the country. The Rural Mainstreet Survey's overall index fell to 46.8 in November from October’s 53.2. It's the first time since April that the index has fallen, but it remains well ahead of the 35.5 reading in March, when the index bottomed out as the outbreak began. Any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Bankers survey projects drop in holiday retail sales

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska virus cases jumped again Wednesday with nearly 3,000 new cases.

The state reported its second-highest one day total at 2,812 Wednesday to give the state 106,617 cases. Nebraska also reported 10 new deaths for a total of 826.

The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus decreased slightly to 961 Wednesday from the previous day's 978, but the total number of hospitalizations remains more than five times higher than it was two months ago when 185 people were being treated.

The state said 21% of Nebraska's hospital beds were filled with COVID-19 patients on Wednesday. Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he will impose more social distancing restrictions if that number reaches 25% of all hospitalizations.

Nebraska continues to have the sixth-highest rate of infection in the country. Over the past week, one person in every 116 people in the state was diagnosed with COVID-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 1,240.57 new cases per day on Nov. 4 to 2,296 new cases per day on Wednesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska virus cases jumped again Wednesday with nearly 3,000 new cases.The state reported its second-highest one day total at 2,812 Wednesday to give the state 106,617 cases. Nebraska also reported 10 new deaths for a total of 826.The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus decreased slightly to 961 Wednesday from the previous day's 978, but the total number of hospitalizations remains more than five times higher than it was two months ago when 185 people were being treated.The state said 21% of Nebraska's hospital beds were filled with COVID-19 patients on Wednesday. Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he will impose more social distancing restrictions if that number reaches 25% of all hospitalizations.Nebraska continues to have the sixth-highest rate of infection in the country. Over the past week, one person in every 116 people in the state was diagnosed with COVID-19, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska has risen over the past two weeks from 1,240.57 new cases per day on Nov. 4 to 2,296 new cases per day on Wednesday.

Nebraska virus cases jump nearly 3,000 Wednesday

By George Ledbetter, Chadron State College

Chadron State College students, faculty and guests watch a premier of a new episode from an award-winning PBS series. The hour-long program, created by the New York-based non-profit ART21, was enhanced by a video chat with Nick Ravich, producer of the series “Art in the Twenty-First Century.”

CHADRON – Though far removed from the contemporary art scene in Beijing, Chadron State College Art students and faculty got some insight into that distant world last week while watching a premier showing of a new episode from an award-winning PBS series.

In addition, students who viewed the hour-long program, created by the New York-based non-profit ART21, had an enhanced experience by partaking in a video chat with Nick Ravich, producer of the series “Art in the Twenty-First Century.”

CSC’s Art department has been part of the ART21 screening society for the biennial PBS series since 2016, said Trudy Denham, assistant professor. The program is the only television series in the U.S. focused on contemporary visual art and artists. It features scenes of artists at work and is narrated by the artists, who describe the physical and visual challenges of achieving their vision.

A reflection that Denham wrote after a 2018 screening of the show led to CSC’s selection as one of the first institutions to participate in a live interaction with the program’s producers following a premier viewing. Denham said her essay has been quoted by ART21 and used in ads for the grants it offers.

Beijing, the program shown for CSC on Oct. 29, featured diverse works by five internationally known artists from the Chinese capital, with their comments on how they create art. Among the works featured were a gigantic cityscape constructed of candy and sweet biscuits, huge installations made of remnants of cloth, and smaller sculptures constructed of found industrial materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Exposing CSC students to current art and working artists is important to provide a breadth of conceptual ideas, Denham said.

“These are artists working with contemporary materials and contemporary issues,” she said. “That builds upon what we discuss in our classes.”

One of the featured artist’s use of calligraphy for a major show and his combining of modern techniques to create an electronic image that looks similar to old Chinese landscape paintings show how powerful traditions can influence contemporary art, said Ravich.

“Here he is in the 21st century reclaiming tradition in some way,” Ravich said.

Another artist’s difficulty with creating contemporary art using traditional materials resonated with Heather Shaw, a junior from Dubois, Wyoming.

“(That) is something I too struggle with,” she said.&nbsp;

The group projects featured in the program were intriguing for another student, but provoked a question about who owns rights to a work designed by one artist, but created by a team of apprentices.

That’s a classic labor-management issue that arises in contemporary artwork, said Ravich.

By George Ledbetter, Chadron State CollegeChadron State College students, faculty and guests watch a premier of a new episode from an award-winning PBS series. The hour-long program, created by the New York-based non-profit ART21, was enhanced by a video chat with Nick Ravich, producer of the series “Art in the Twenty-First Century.”CHADRON – Though far removed from the contemporary art scene in Beijing, Chadron State College Art students and faculty got some insight into that distant world last week while watching a premier showing of a new episode from an award-winning PBS series.In addition, students who viewed the hour-long program, created by the New York-based non-profit ART21, had an enhanced experience by partaking in a video chat with Nick Ravich, producer of the series “Art in the Twenty-First Century.”CSC’s Art department has been part of the ART21 screening society for the biennial PBS series since 2016, said Trudy Denham, assistant professor. The program is the only television series in the U.S. focused on contemporary visual art and artists. It features scenes of artists at work and is narrated by the artists, who describe the physical and visual challenges of achieving their vision.A reflection that Denham wrote after a 2018 screening of the show led to CSC’s selection as one of the first institutions to participate in a live interaction with the program’s producers following a premier viewing. Denham said her essay has been quoted by ART21 and used in ads for the grants it offers.Beijing, the program shown for CSC on Oct. 29, featured diverse works by five internationally known artists from the Chinese capital, with their comments on how they create art. Among the works featured were a gigantic cityscape constructed of candy and sweet biscuits, huge installations made of remnants of cloth, and smaller sculptures constructed of found industrial materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;Exposing CSC students to current art and working artists is important to provide a breadth of conceptual ideas, Denham said.“These are artists working with contemporary materials and contemporary issues,” she said. “That builds upon what we discuss in our classes.”One of the featured artist’s use of calligraphy for a major show and his combining of modern techniques to create an electronic image that looks similar to old Chinese landscape paintings show how powerful traditions can influence contemporary art, said Ravich.“Here he is in the 21st century reclaiming tradition in some way,” Ravich said.Another artist’s difficulty with creating contemporary art using traditional materials resonated with Heather Shaw, a junior from Dubois, Wyoming.“(That) is something I too struggle with,” she said.&nbsp;The group projects featured in the program were intriguing for another student, but provoked a question about who owns rights to a work designed by one artist, but created by a team of apprentices.That’s a classic labor-management issue that arises in contemporary artwork, said Ravich.“Contemporary art likes to think of itself as liberal, but in many ways it is deeply conservative,” he said. “Arguments about minimum wage play out in the art world.”Ravich also explained to students how the small ART21 staff creates the PBS programs, the process for choosing artists to be featured, and why they choose to have the artists themselves provide narration.“The attempt is a fair representation of how the artists think and feel about their work,” he said.Besides producing a program that exposes CSC students to the contemporary art world, Denham said ART21 offers educational outreach programs that she has recommended to her art education students as a source for lesson plans ideas.Students may have gained some insight into the value of contemporary art by learning that established artists in Beijing face some of the issues that exist in the rural communities served by Chadron State College, said assistant art professor Mary Donohue.“These ART21 shows give a rounded look and a human explanation of it,” she said.&nbsp;

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