OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two people were injured by a fire at a north Omaha home, officials said.

The blaze was reported a little before 8 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters who were dispatched there soon extinguished a smoky fire in the kitchen, authorities said.

A 65-year-old man resident was taken to Nebraska Medical Center for treatment of severe burns. A 60-year-old woman was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

The names of those involved and other details about the fire have not been released.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two people were injured by a fire at a north Omaha home, officials said.The blaze was reported a little before 8 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters who were dispatched there soon extinguished a smoky fire in the kitchen, authorities said.A 65-year-old man resident was taken to Nebraska Medical Center for treatment of severe burns. A 60-year-old woman was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.The names of those involved and other details about the fire have not been released.

2 taken to hospital after kitchen fire erupts in Omaha home

Students and teachers from private schools have rallied at the Nebraska Capitol to recognize National School Choice Week, a campaign to promote alternatives to public schools. 

The gathering on Wednesday drew hundreds of students, administrators and advocacy groups who want to promote private schools, charter schools and homeschooling. 

Nebraska public school teachers celebrated with their own “I love Public Schools Day." 

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican who supports public school alternatives, proclaimed this week as National School Choice Week as part of the event. Lt. Gov. Mike Foley addressed the group at the Capitol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580351590111.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Great Plains James, www.greatplainsjames.com</figcaption>
 </figure>Students and teachers from private schools have rallied at the Nebraska Capitol to recognize National School Choice Week, a campaign to promote alternatives to public schools. The gathering on Wednesday drew hundreds of students, administrators and advocacy groups who want to promote private schools, charter schools and homeschooling. Nebraska public school teachers celebrated with their own “I love Public Schools Day." Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican who supports public school alternatives, proclaimed this week as National School Choice Week as part of the event. Lt. Gov. Mike Foley addressed the group at the Capitol.

Students, teachers rally at Capitol for school choice week

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A woman who accompanied her older boyfriend during a string of killings recounted in the Bruce Springsteen song "Nebraska" is seeking an official pardon, saying she was 14 years old at the time and that he had threatened to kill her family if she didn't obey.

Caril Ann Fugate, who is now 76 and goes by her married name of Caril Ann Clair, said in her application for a Nebraska pardon that she's seeking peace of mind as she ages,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/crime/caril-fugate-girlfriend-of-killer-charlie-starkweather-seeks-pardon-six/article_4fdd0cd1-2861-5826-b6f9-45117c03e3b1.html" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported. She was 14 when she accompanied her 19-year-old boyfriend, Charlie Starkweather, on a bloody journey that left 11 people dead, including her mother, stepfather and baby half sister, before the pair was arrested in Wyoming.

Starkweather was charged with 11 counts of murder but went to trial for only one. He was convicted and executed by electric chair on June 25, 1959.

Clair was charged in only one of the killings, and was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Her sentence was later reduced and she was paroled in 1976.

In her pardon request, Clair, who now lives in Hillsdale, Michigan, said the Nebraska Board of Pardons has a chance to right a historical wrong.

"The idea that posterity has been made to believe that I knew about and/or witnessed the death of my beloved family and left with Starkweather willingly on a murder spree is too much for me to bear anymore," Clair wrote in her 2017 application, which the board is scheduled to consider on Feb. 18. "Receiving a pardon may somehow alleviate this terrible burden."

The infamous saga, which inspired the 1982 Springsteen song "Nebraska" and the 1973 film "Badlands" starring Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen, began in November 1957 when Starkweather robbed and killed a 21-year-old gas station attendant in Lincoln. On Jan. 21, 1958, authorities say he went to his girlfriend's house and killed her three family members after her mother and stepfather told him to stay away.

Starkweather said Clair was home the entire time, but she said she wasn't and that when she got home, he met her with a gun and told her that her family was being held hostage and wouldn't be killed if she obeyed him. The two then set off and weren't captured until eight days later near Douglas, Wyoming, which is nearly 470 miles (756 kilometers) west of Lincoln.

In her request, Clair said a pardon would represent only a formal forgiveness of her crime, which she says she committed in mortal fear.

"When I was 14 years old, I was abducted and held captive by Charlie Starkweather. I was terrified and did whatever he wanted me to," wrote Clair, who acknowledged that she was present when one of the victims was shot and that she did hold the money taken from him.

"I lived in constant fear for my family's safety. Because I loved them with all my heart," Clair wrote.

Among those who submitted letters in support of her pardon request were a granddaughter of two of Starkweather's victims, two of Clair's stepsons, a former prison warden and a Michigan woman who hired Clair as a nanny.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A woman who accompanied her older boyfriend during a string of killings recounted in the Bruce Springsteen song "Nebraska" is seeking an official pardon, saying she was 14 years old at the time and that he had threatened to kill her family if she didn't obey.Caril Ann Fugate, who is now 76 and goes by her married name of Caril Ann Clair, said in her application for a Nebraska pardon that she's seeking peace of mind as she ages,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/crime/caril-fugate-girlfriend-of-killer-charlie-starkweather-seeks-pardon-six/article_4fdd0cd1-2861-5826-b6f9-45117c03e3b1.html" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported. She was 14 when she accompanied her 19-year-old boyfriend, Charlie Starkweather, on a bloody journey that left 11 people dead, including her mother, stepfather and baby half sister, before the pair was arrested in Wyoming.Starkweather was charged with 11 counts of murder but went to trial for only one. He was convicted and executed by electric chair on June 25, 1959.Clair was charged in only one of the killings, and was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Her sentence was later reduced and she was paroled in 1976.In her pardon request, Clair, who now lives in Hillsdale, Michigan, said the Nebraska Board of Pardons has a chance to right a historical wrong."The idea that posterity has been made to believe that I knew about and/or witnessed the death of my beloved family and left with Starkweather willingly on a murder spree is too much for me to bear anymore," Clair wrote in her 2017 application, which the board is scheduled to consider on Feb. 18. "Receiving a pardon may somehow alleviate this terrible burden."The infamous saga, which inspired the 1982 Springsteen song "Nebraska" and the 1973 film "Badlands" starring Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen, began in November 1957 when Starkweather robbed and killed a 21-year-old gas station attendant in Lincoln. On Jan. 21, 1958, authorities say he went to his girlfriend's house and killed her three family members after her mother and stepfather told him to stay away.Starkweather said Clair was home the entire time, but she said she wasn't and that when she got home, he met her with a gun and told her that her family was being held hostage and wouldn't be killed if she obeyed him. The two then set off and weren't captured until eight days later near Douglas, Wyoming, which is nearly 470 miles (756 kilometers) west of Lincoln.In her request, Clair said a pardon would represent only a formal forgiveness of her crime, which she says she committed in mortal fear."When I was 14 years old, I was abducted and held captive by Charlie Starkweather. I was terrified and did whatever he wanted me to," wrote Clair, who acknowledged that she was present when one of the victims was shot and that she did hold the money taken from him."I lived in constant fear for my family's safety. Because I loved them with all my heart," Clair wrote.Among those who submitted letters in support of her pardon request were a granddaughter of two of Starkweather's victims, two of Clair's stepsons, a former prison warden and a Michigan woman who hired Clair as a nanny.

Woman seeks pardon for role in string of killings recounted in Springsteen song

Billionaire Warren Buffett is giving up on the newspaper business. 

He's selling all of Berkshire Hathaway's publications to Lee Enterprises for $140 million. 

The deal announced Wednesday covers 30 daily newspapers in 10 states as well as 49 paid weekly publications with digital sites and 32 other print products. 

Buffett is a lifelong fan of newspapers but he has said for several years that he expects most of them to continue on their declining trajectory, save for a handful of national papers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. 

Lee has been managing the BH Media publications since July 2018. 

Berkshire Hathaway is providing about $576 million in long-term financing to Lee.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580311891080.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Utsav Srestha" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Utsav Srestha</figcaption>
 </figure>Billionaire Warren Buffett is giving up on the newspaper business. He's selling all of Berkshire Hathaway's publications to Lee Enterprises for $140 million. The deal announced Wednesday covers 30 daily newspapers in 10 states as well as 49 paid weekly publications with digital sites and 32 other print products. Buffett is a lifelong fan of newspapers but he has said for several years that he expects most of them to continue on their declining trajectory, save for a handful of national papers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Lee has been managing the BH Media publications since July 2018. Berkshire Hathaway is providing about $576 million in long-term financing to Lee.&nbsp;

Warren Buffett gets out of the newspaper business

MCCOOK, Neb. (AP) - An inmate was caught less than an hour after escaping from the state Work Ethic Camp in McCook, officials said.

Ryan Lykens left the camp just before 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Nebraska Correctional Services Department said in a news release. Staffers had noticed that razor wire along the fence line had been pushed aside, and they followed tracks in the snow to a nearby canyon.

Lykens refused several orders to stop and surrender after he was spotted, the department said, so staffers used pepper spray on him. Deputies soon arrived and took him into custody.

Lykens has been serving time for possession of a deadly weapon, domestic assault and terroristic threats in Douglas County.

The Work Ethic Camp is a minimum-security facility. Inmates are allowed to work in the community with intermittent supervision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580310332653.png" alt="Ryan Lykens" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Lykens</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCOOK, Neb. (AP) - An inmate was caught less than an hour after escaping from the state Work Ethic Camp in McCook, officials said.Ryan Lykens left the camp just before 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Nebraska Correctional Services Department said in a news release. Staffers had noticed that razor wire along the fence line had been pushed aside, and they followed tracks in the snow to a nearby canyon.Lykens refused several orders to stop and surrender after he was spotted, the department said, so staffers used pepper spray on him. Deputies soon arrived and took him into custody.Lykens has been serving time for possession of a deadly weapon, domestic assault and terroristic threats in Douglas County.The Work Ethic Camp is a minimum-security facility. Inmates are allowed to work in the community with intermittent supervision.

Inmate captured less than an hour after escape in McCook

The driver of a snowplow plunged the vehicle into the Platte River on Tuesday as he was being followed by authorities who later arrested him. 

U.S. marshals and Sarpy County sheriff's deputies believed the driver of the Nebraska Department of Transportation snowplow was a wanted federal fugitive and began following the plow on a highway south of Gretna. 

After a few minutes, the Lincoln Journal Star reports the the plow left the road and laned in the river. 

The driver managed to get out of the cab and officers pulled him to safety. 

The driver's name wasn't released but the Transportation Department says he was employed by the agency. 

The driver of a snowplow plunged the vehicle into the Platte River on Tuesday as he was being followed by authorities who later arrested him. U.S. marshals and Sarpy County sheriff's deputies believed the driver of the Nebraska Department of Transportation snowplow was a wanted federal fugitive and began following the plow on a highway south of Gretna. After a few minutes, the Lincoln Journal Star reports the the plow left the road and laned in the river. The driver managed to get out of the cab and officers pulled him to safety. The driver's name wasn't released but the Transportation Department says he was employed by the agency. He was treated and then taken to jail. Charges against him remain sealed.

Officers tail snowplow and watch as it plunges into river

Oglala Sioux Tribe members will vote in March on whether marijuana should be legalized on the Pine Ridge Reservation and whether alcohol should be served in its casinos. 

Voters will answer three separate questions on March 10. 

Should medical marijuana be available on the reservation and what about recreational marijuana? 

Also, should alcohol be sold at Prairie Wind Casino near Oglala and East Wind Casino near Martin? 

Elections Commission executive Sandra Old Horse tells the Rapid City Journal the referendums requite a majority of votes to pass and the decisions would be binding, meaning the tribal council must implement them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580229175479.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Rick Proctor" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Rick Proctor</figcaption>
 </figure>Oglala Sioux Tribe members will vote in March on whether marijuana should be legalized on the Pine Ridge Reservation and whether alcohol should be served in its casinos. Voters will answer three separate questions on March 10. Should medical marijuana be available on the reservation and what about recreational marijuana? Also, should alcohol be sold at Prairie Wind Casino near Oglala and East Wind Casino near Martin? Elections Commission executive Sandra Old Horse tells the Rapid City Journal the referendums requite a majority of votes to pass and the decisions would be binding, meaning the tribal council must implement them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oglala Sioux Tribe to vote on marijuana, alcohol at casinos

A state lawmaker seeks to raise the minimum age for legal marriage in Wyoming. 

Wyoming allows marriage at 16 but people even younger may wed with approval by a parent or guardian, and from a judge. 

A bill banning child marriages failed 31-26 in the Wyoming House in 2019. Democratic Rep. Charles Pelkey, of Laramie, is sponsoring a new bill that would raise the limit to 18 in nearly every scenario, with an exception for juveniles fully emancipated in the court system. 

Pelkey says the bill is part of an effort to eliminate child marriage nationwide.

A state lawmaker seeks to raise the minimum age for legal marriage in Wyoming. Wyoming allows marriage at 16 but people even younger may wed with approval by a parent or guardian, and from a judge. A bill banning child marriages failed 31-26 in the Wyoming House in 2019. Democratic Rep. Charles Pelkey, of Laramie, is sponsoring a new bill that would raise the limit to 18 in nearly every scenario, with an exception for juveniles fully emancipated in the court system. Pelkey says the bill is part of an effort to eliminate child marriage nationwide.

Wyoming lawmaker trying again to raise minimum marriage age

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers took a new step Monday to try to help survivors of human trafficking but stopped short of putting any new money into the initiative.

Lawmakers advanced a bill, 46-0, to create a competitive grant program for groups that provide services to human trafficking victims. The bill doesn't come with any state dollars, however, and grants would only be awarded "if public or private funding is made available for this purpose."

The bill by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, of Omaha, is the latest move in a multi-year effort to clamp down on human trafficking in Nebraska.

The measure would require the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to create an office and an advisory board to oversee services for human trafficking victims.

Lawmakers will also consider a separate measure later this year that would eliminate a state sales tax exemption for escort services, which the bill's sponsor says is aimed at human traffickers.

Two more votes are required in the Legislature before the measure goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers took a new step Monday to try to help survivors of human trafficking but stopped short of putting any new money into the initiative.Lawmakers advanced a bill, 46-0, to create a competitive grant program for groups that provide services to human trafficking victims. The bill doesn't come with any state dollars, however, and grants would only be awarded "if public or private funding is made available for this purpose."The bill by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, of Omaha, is the latest move in a multi-year effort to clamp down on human trafficking in Nebraska.The measure would require the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to create an office and an advisory board to oversee services for human trafficking victims.Lawmakers will also consider a separate measure later this year that would eliminate a state sales tax exemption for escort services, which the bill's sponsor says is aimed at human traffickers.Two more votes are required in the Legislature before the measure goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Nebraska bill to help human trafficking victims advances

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - A rollover accident killed one person and injured another along Interstate 80 in central Nebraska's Dawson County, authorities said.

The crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. Sunday, about 3 miles east of Lexington. A westbound pickup truck ran into the median and then rolled in the westbound lanes.

The crash killed a man in the pickup, authorities said, and the woman with him was taken to a Lexington hospital before being flown to a Kearney hospital for treatment. Their names haven't been released.

Two semitrailers collided as they slowed for the crash, which blocked the westbound lanes, the Dawson County Sheriff's Office said. One of the drivers was taken to a hospital.

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) - A rollover accident killed one person and injured another along Interstate 80 in central Nebraska's Dawson County, authorities said.The crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. Sunday, about 3 miles east of Lexington. A westbound pickup truck ran into the median and then rolled in the westbound lanes.The crash killed a man in the pickup, authorities said, and the woman with him was taken to a Lexington hospital before being flown to a Kearney hospital for treatment. Their names haven't been released.Two semitrailers collided as they slowed for the crash, which blocked the westbound lanes, the Dawson County Sheriff's Office said. One of the drivers was taken to a hospital.

Rollover crash kills man, injures woman in Dawson County

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) - A former director of the North Platte Housing Authorities has been given three years of probation and 24 days of jail time.

Jennifer Smith, 44, was sentenced Monday. She'd pleaded no contest to felony theft. Prosecutors dropped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/723fd2988ce341e99bba663c20a20597" target="_blank">other charges</a>&nbsp;in exchange for her pleas.

According to court documents, between February 2017 and February 2018, Smith obtained a man's property by deception and proceeds that were, "derived, directly or indirectly, from racketeering or from the collection of unlawful debt."

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) - A former director of the North Platte Housing Authorities has been given three years of probation and 24 days of jail time.Jennifer Smith, 44, was sentenced Monday. She'd pleaded no contest to felony theft. Prosecutors dropped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/723fd2988ce341e99bba663c20a20597" target="_blank">other charges</a>&nbsp;in exchange for her pleas.According to court documents, between February 2017 and February 2018, Smith obtained a man's property by deception and proceeds that were, "derived, directly or indirectly, from racketeering or from the collection of unlawful debt."

Former western NE housing authority director gets probation, jail time

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) - Jury selection began Monday for a man accused of killing a Peru State College student whose body has never been found.

Attorneys began selecting the jury at the Gage County Courthouse in Beatrice for the trial of Joshua Keadle, 38, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-selection-begins-in-cold-case-murder-trial-involving-peru/article_d7c2e589-2889-5f83-98db-b34211486bf2.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest" target="_blank">Lincoln Journal Star</a>, Keadle has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder in the death of Tyler "Ty" Thomas, 19, of Omaha.

Thomas disappeared Dec. 3, 2010, after leaving a party near the southeast Nebraska campus. Although her body was never found, the state issued a death certificate for Thomas in 2013.

Prosecutors charged Keadle in 2017. His trial was moved from Nemaha County to Gage County, where the courthouse can better accommodate lawyers and witnesses.

Opening statements are expected to take place Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579194530122.png" alt="Josh Keadle" />
 <figcaption>Josh Keadle</figcaption>
 </figure>BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) - Jury selection began Monday for a man accused of killing a Peru State College student whose body has never been found.Attorneys began selecting the jury at the Gage County Courthouse in Beatrice for the trial of Joshua Keadle, 38, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-selection-begins-in-cold-case-murder-trial-involving-peru/article_d7c2e589-2889-5f83-98db-b34211486bf2.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest" target="_blank">Lincoln Journal Star</a>, Keadle has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder in the death of Tyler "Ty" Thomas, 19, of Omaha.Thomas disappeared Dec. 3, 2010, after leaving a party near the southeast Nebraska campus. Although her body was never found, the state issued a death certificate for Thomas in 2013.Prosecutors charged Keadle in 2017. His trial was moved from Nemaha County to Gage County, where the courthouse can better accommodate lawyers and witnesses.Opening statements are expected to take place Tuesday.

Jury selection begins for man charged with killing student

LINCOLN, Neb.-As part of National Plan for Vacation Day on January 28, Nebraska Tourism is encouraging travelers to discover the state for themselves and plan a trip to Nebraska in 2020.

More than half of American workers (55%) failed to use all their time off last year. That’s a stockpile of 768 million unused vacation days in just one year, of which 236 million were forfeited completely.

What’s the key to using more vacation time? Planning. Nearly half of American households (46%) don’t do this simple step—and they lose out on their time off and the benefits it brings.

“The beginning of the year is the time to pull out the calendar and start planning for the entire year. Before you know it, life happens, and you may find yourself in November with weeks left to use and simply not enough time left in the year to schedule them,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, the organization rallying the industry around this nationwide event. “National Plan for Vacation Day is the perfect reminder for Americans to plan to use those well-earned days off to explore this great nation.”

Using vacation days to travel could also improve the U.S. economy, create American jobs and have a positive impact on our health and overall well-being. In fact, if Americans used all their time off to travel, the U.S. economy could see a boost of $151.5 billion in travel spending and an additional 2 million U.S. jobs.

“Nebraska Tourism is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day to encourage Americans to take their well-deserved time off,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “And what better way to take a day than to travel? By committing to planning on January 28, Americans can all enjoy the many benefits of taking a break while giving themselves something to look forward to—and Nebraska Tourism has some great ideas to help you plan your perfect getaway.”

To celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day, Nebraska Tourism will be posting travel ideas throughout the day on the&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a08abd8c72&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Visit Nebraska Facebook page</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=376ff52b97&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Not convinced to start planning a 2020 vacation yet?&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=bc75f574be&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Order</a>&nbsp;a free Nebraska state travel guide and start planning. Additional Nebraska trip ideas can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=caed775e86&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://visitnebraska.com/trip-ideas</a>.

To help employees get their vacation days on the calendar, U.S. Travel Association has created a&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=490ebf2e71&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Vacation Planning Tool</a>. By simply entering the number of days off they earn, users can plot out their trips or vacations for the year, export to their work or personal calendar and share with their friends, family and co-workers.

National Plan for Vacation Day takes place during the last Tuesday in January every year as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year at the start of the year.

LINCOLN, Neb.-As part of National Plan for Vacation Day on January 28, Nebraska Tourism is encouraging travelers to discover the state for themselves and plan a trip to Nebraska in 2020.More than half of American workers (55%) failed to use all their time off last year. That’s a stockpile of 768 million unused vacation days in just one year, of which 236 million were forfeited completely.What’s the key to using more vacation time? Planning. Nearly half of American households (46%) don’t do this simple step—and they lose out on their time off and the benefits it brings.“The beginning of the year is the time to pull out the calendar and start planning for the entire year. Before you know it, life happens, and you may find yourself in November with weeks left to use and simply not enough time left in the year to schedule them,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, the organization rallying the industry around this nationwide event. “National Plan for Vacation Day is the perfect reminder for Americans to plan to use those well-earned days off to explore this great nation.”Using vacation days to travel could also improve the U.S. economy, create American jobs and have a positive impact on our health and overall well-being. In fact, if Americans used all their time off to travel, the U.S. economy could see a boost of $151.5 billion in travel spending and an additional 2 million U.S. jobs.“Nebraska Tourism is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day to encourage Americans to take their well-deserved time off,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “And what better way to take a day than to travel? By committing to planning on January 28, Americans can all enjoy the many benefits of taking a break while giving themselves something to look forward to—and Nebraska Tourism has some great ideas to help you plan your perfect getaway.”To celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day, Nebraska Tourism will be posting travel ideas throughout the day on the&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=a08abd8c72&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Visit Nebraska Facebook page</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=376ff52b97&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Not convinced to start planning a 2020 vacation yet?&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=bc75f574be&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Order</a>&nbsp;a free Nebraska state travel guide and start planning. Additional Nebraska trip ideas can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=caed775e86&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">https://visitnebraska.com/trip-ideas</a>.To help employees get their vacation days on the calendar, U.S. Travel Association has created a&nbsp;<a href="https://visitnebraska.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30cc1cad235a879fac111c22b&amp;id=490ebf2e71&amp;e=65d6a9d786" target="_blank">Vacation Planning Tool</a>. By simply entering the number of days off they earn, users can plot out their trips or vacations for the year, export to their work or personal calendar and share with their friends, family and co-workers.National Plan for Vacation Day takes place during the last Tuesday in January every year as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year at the start of the year.

NE Tourism invites public to celebrate 'National Plan for Vacation Day'

A driver involved in a collision that killed three people in her car is scheduled to be sentenced April 3 in Lexington. 

Station KRVN reports that Angelique Kampmann, of Platte Center, pleaded no contest Friday to three counts of attempted vehicular homicide and one of driving under the influence, causing serious injury. 

Investigators have said Kampmann was driving south on Oct. 16, 2018, when she didn't halt at a stop sign and her car collided with an eastbound vehicle on U.S. Highway 30 near Elm Creek. 

Three passengers in the car all died at the scene. A fourth passenger was injured.&nbsp;

A driver involved in a collision that killed three people in her car is scheduled to be sentenced April 3 in Lexington. Station KRVN reports that Angelique Kampmann, of Platte Center, pleaded no contest Friday to three counts of attempted vehicular homicide and one of driving under the influence, causing serious injury. Investigators have said Kampmann was driving south on Oct. 16, 2018, when she didn't halt at a stop sign and her car collided with an eastbound vehicle on U.S. Highway 30 near Elm Creek. Three passengers in the car all died at the scene. A fourth passenger was injured.&nbsp;

Driver in crash that killed 3 of her passengers takes deal

LINCOLN&nbsp; — There is still time to become a Nebraska State Trooper by the end of 2020. Applications for the 63rd&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Basic Recruit Camp will be accepted through Monday, February 3.

“Last year was a solid recruiting year for NSP and we’re looking to hire and train even more troopers this year,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Applicants for Camp 63 can go through the entire process to graduate as Nebraska State Troopers by the end of this year.”

The 63rd&nbsp;Basic Recruit Camp will start in July, with graduation scheduled for December. Recruits earn $21.00 per hour during the 22 weeks of training at the NSP Training Academy. Upon graduation, troopers start with an annual salary of $47,944 and benefits including medical insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and full retirement benefits.

Applicants can also request a specific location for their first duty station assignment, which will be considered based on current staffing needs of the agency. Applicants will be informed of the decision on a duty station request by the time a conditional offer is extended to the candidate.

The Nebraska State Patrol offers a career of vast opportunity for those with a desire to serve the public. After graduation, each newly badged trooper begins his or her career on the road, working in the NSP Patrol Division. After two years in the Patrol Division, troopers can then apply for other positions within NSP, such as Carrier Enforcement, Investigative Services, SWAT, Police Service Dog Division, and many more.

Applicants must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by December 18, 2020, when they take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalence. All necessary information about the application and selection process, including physical requirements can be found at the “<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/become-trooper/camp-63-state-trooper-selection-process-closes-february-3" target="_blank">Become A Trooper</a>” section of the NSP website.

LINCOLN&nbsp; — There is still time to become a Nebraska State Trooper by the end of 2020. Applications for the 63rd&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Basic Recruit Camp will be accepted through Monday, February 3.“Last year was a solid recruiting year for NSP and we’re looking to hire and train even more troopers this year,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Applicants for Camp 63 can go through the entire process to graduate as Nebraska State Troopers by the end of this year.”The 63rd&nbsp;Basic Recruit Camp will start in July, with graduation scheduled for December. Recruits earn $21.00 per hour during the 22 weeks of training at the NSP Training Academy. Upon graduation, troopers start with an annual salary of $47,944 and benefits including medical insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and full retirement benefits.Applicants can also request a specific location for their first duty station assignment, which will be considered based on current staffing needs of the agency. Applicants will be informed of the decision on a duty station request by the time a conditional offer is extended to the candidate.The Nebraska State Patrol offers a career of vast opportunity for those with a desire to serve the public. After graduation, each newly badged trooper begins his or her career on the road, working in the NSP Patrol Division. After two years in the Patrol Division, troopers can then apply for other positions within NSP, such as Carrier Enforcement, Investigative Services, SWAT, Police Service Dog Division, and many more.Applicants must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age by December 18, 2020, when they take the oath of office. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalence. All necessary information about the application and selection process, including physical requirements can be found at the “<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/become-trooper/camp-63-state-trooper-selection-process-closes-february-3" target="_blank">Become A Trooper</a>” section of the NSP website.

State Patrol Camp 63 application process closes Feb. 3

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Police in Omaha are investigating what caused a fire in a recreational vehicle that killed one person.

The fire was reported around 1 a.m. Saturday in southeastern Omaha, just blocks from the Missouri River. Arriving firefighters who extinguished the blaze found a person dead inside. Officials had not identified the person by Sunday.

Richard Sterba, who lives in a house next to where the RV was parked,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/local/omaha-police-investigating-cause-of-rv-fire-that-left-one/article_34c59bcf-7aad-57c9-8acf-d392a8a5fb81.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald he heard explosions that woke him up Saturday, saw the flames and called 911. Sterba said he suspects the fire was caused by propane tanks a person living in the RV had been using to keep it warm.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Police in Omaha are investigating what caused a fire in a recreational vehicle that killed one person.The fire was reported around 1 a.m. Saturday in southeastern Omaha, just blocks from the Missouri River. Arriving firefighters who extinguished the blaze found a person dead inside. Officials had not identified the person by Sunday.Richard Sterba, who lives in a house next to where the RV was parked,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/local/omaha-police-investigating-cause-of-rv-fire-that-left-one/article_34c59bcf-7aad-57c9-8acf-d392a8a5fb81.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald he heard explosions that woke him up Saturday, saw the flames and called 911. Sterba said he suspects the fire was caused by propane tanks a person living in the RV had been using to keep it warm.

Body of person found in burned-out RV

NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others are dead after their helicopter went down in Southern California.

 The chopper crashed Sunday in Calabasas, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. 

Authorities said that nine people were aboard the helicopter and presumed dead. 

A person familiar with the crash tells The Associated Press that Bryant was among the victims. 

A second person familiar with the case says Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna also was killed.

 Bryant was an all-time basketball great who won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Word of Bryant’s death is rocketing around the sports and entertainment worlds, with many stars taking to Twitter to register their shock, disbelief and dismay.

NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others are dead after their helicopter went down in Southern California. The chopper crashed Sunday in Calabasas, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Authorities said that nine people were aboard the helicopter and presumed dead. A person familiar with the crash tells The Associated Press that Bryant was among the victims. A second person familiar with the case says Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna also was killed. Bryant was an all-time basketball great who won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. Word of Bryant’s death is rocketing around the sports and entertainment worlds, with many stars taking to Twitter to register their shock, disbelief and dismay.

Kobe Bryant, daughter killed in copter crash, 7 others dead

Omaha police say one man has died and another man has been arrested in a late-night stabbing.

 Police said Saturday in a news release that officers were called to an area in northeast Omaha just after 10:30 p.m. Friday and found 22-year-old LaZell Hampton suffering from a stab wound.

 Medics rushed Hampton to a hospital, where he died. 

Police arrested 24-year-old Ahmed Ismaeil on suspicion of first-degree murder and a weapons count.

Omaha police say one man has died and another man has been arrested in a late-night stabbing. Police said Saturday in a news release that officers were called to an area in northeast Omaha just after 10:30 p.m. Friday and found 22-year-old LaZell Hampton suffering from a stab wound. Medics rushed Hampton to a hospital, where he died. Police arrested 24-year-old Ahmed Ismaeil on suspicion of first-degree murder and a weapons count.

One man dead, another arrested in Omaha stabbing death

A Lincoln attorney has again been charged with bilking a vulnerable adult for thousands of dollars. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 47-year-old Christine Vanderford is accused of stealing more than $36,000 from a 70-year-old woman before the woman's 2018 death in a Lincoln hospice center. 

Court records show Vanderford was charged Friday in Lancaster County District Court with abuse of a vulnerable adult and felony theft. Her preliminary hearing in the case has been set for Feb. 20. 

At the time of her latest charges, Vanderford was already awaiting trial on similar charges after being accused of taking more than $60,000 from a developmentally disabled woman.&nbsp;

A Lincoln attorney has again been charged with bilking a vulnerable adult for thousands of dollars. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 47-year-old Christine Vanderford is accused of stealing more than $36,000 from a 70-year-old woman before the woman's 2018 death in a Lincoln hospice center. Court records show Vanderford was charged Friday in Lancaster County District Court with abuse of a vulnerable adult and felony theft. Her preliminary hearing in the case has been set for Feb. 20. At the time of her latest charges, Vanderford was already awaiting trial on similar charges after being accused of taking more than $60,000 from a developmentally disabled woman.&nbsp;

Lincoln attorney again charged with bilking vulnerable adult

Body of person found in burned-out RV in southeast Omaha

South Dakota officials are planning to make suicide prevention programs available across the state.

 Officials say they have seen a 40% rise in suicides in the last decade. The rate is especially acute in rural areas and Native American communities. 

Gov. Kristi Noem’s administration detailed plans on Thursday to make suicide prevention part of its agriculture and tribal relations programs over the next five years. 

The state also plans to establish suicide prevention programs in schools that teach students how to deal with bullies, bad grades or family hardships. 

Noem has proposed an extra $210,000 for the program next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579885594007.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Dan Meyers" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Dan Meyers</figcaption>
 </figure>South Dakota officials are planning to make suicide prevention programs available across the state. Officials say they have seen a 40% rise in suicides in the last decade. The rate is especially acute in rural areas and Native American communities. Gov. Kristi Noem’s administration detailed plans on Thursday to make suicide prevention part of its agriculture and tribal relations programs over the next five years. The state also plans to establish suicide prevention programs in schools that teach students how to deal with bullies, bad grades or family hardships. Noem has proposed an extra $210,000 for the program next year.

New suicide prevention program targets kids, tribes, farmers

Officials in the northeastern Nebraska city of Norfolk say the body of a man has been found inside a burning home there. 

The Norfolk Daily News says the fire broke out Friday morning and was reported just before 10 a.m. by a postal worker who called 911. 

Firefighters who arrived on the scene found flames and heavy smoke coming from the home and had to cut through the home's roof and an exterior wall to extinguish the fire. 

Norfolk police say they don't yet know the cause of the man's death yet, but believe the cause of the fire was accidental.

Officials in the northeastern Nebraska city of Norfolk say the body of a man has been found inside a burning home there. The Norfolk Daily News says the fire broke out Friday morning and was reported just before 10 a.m. by a postal worker who called 911. Firefighters who arrived on the scene found flames and heavy smoke coming from the home and had to cut through the home's roof and an exterior wall to extinguish the fire. Norfolk police say they don't yet know the cause of the man's death yet, but believe the cause of the fire was accidental.

Man's body found inside burning home

Police in Cheyenne, Wyoming say they don't have the authority to enforce the new federal law that increased the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. 

The police said Wednesday they can only legally enforce state laws and Cheyenne city ordinances. 

Public information officer David Inman said city officials decided to make that clear because they'd been receiving calls from residents and local businesses. 

However, it's still illegal for someone under the age of 21 to purchase products containing tobacco or nicotine. 

The Wyoming legislature is expected to consider a bill that would change state law to match the new federal law on tobacco sales.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579889330141.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Mohammad Hossein Ranjbar" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Mohammad Hossein Ranjbar</figcaption>
 </figure>Police in Cheyenne, Wyoming say they don't have the authority to enforce the new federal law that increased the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The police said Wednesday they can only legally enforce state laws and Cheyenne city ordinances. Public information officer David Inman said city officials decided to make that clear because they'd been receiving calls from residents and local businesses. However, it's still illegal for someone under the age of 21 to purchase products containing tobacco or nicotine. The Wyoming legislature is expected to consider a bill that would change state law to match the new federal law on tobacco sales.

Cheyenne police say they can't enforce federal tobacco law

A Nebraska man has taken a plea deal on charges stemming from the crash death of a South Dakota resident.

 Station KCNI reports that Ansley resident David Skeels pleaded guilty Thursday to vehicular homicide and other crimes after prosecutors lowered one charge and dropped another. 

The crash occurred Oct. 23, 2018, at a Custer County road intersection with U.S. Highway 183. 

Authorities say an eastbound semi driven by Skeels didn't halt at a stop sign and collided with a southbound pickup. 

The pickup passenger was killed. Authorities say 23-year-old Brandon Massmann lived in Brandon, South Dakota.&nbsp;

A Nebraska man has taken a plea deal on charges stemming from the crash death of a South Dakota resident. Station KCNI reports that Ansley resident David Skeels pleaded guilty Thursday to vehicular homicide and other crimes after prosecutors lowered one charge and dropped another. The crash occurred Oct. 23, 2018, at a Custer County road intersection with U.S. Highway 183. Authorities say an eastbound semi driven by Skeels didn't halt at a stop sign and collided with a southbound pickup. The pickup passenger was killed. Authorities say 23-year-old Brandon Massmann lived in Brandon, South Dakota.&nbsp;

Nebraska driver takes deal in South Dakota man's crash death

Omaha's mayor wants voters to decide whether they're willing to raise their property taxes to fund a long-term plan for improving city streets. 

Mayor Jean Stothert announced Thursday that she will ask the City Council to put a $200 million bond issue on the May 12 ballot.

 It would cost owners $35 more a year in property taxes for every $100,000 in valuation.

 The city spends $41 million a year on street repairs. The mayor says it should be spending at least $75 million a year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579885300214.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy: Becca Lavin" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy: Becca Lavin</figcaption>
 </figure>Omaha's mayor wants voters to decide whether they're willing to raise their property taxes to fund a long-term plan for improving city streets. Mayor Jean Stothert announced Thursday that she will ask the City Council to put a $200 million bond issue on the May 12 ballot. It would cost owners $35 more a year in property taxes for every $100,000 in valuation. The city spends $41 million a year on street repairs. The mayor says it should be spending at least $75 million a year.