Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Sorted by date Results 76 - 100 of 116
Public health restrictions in the state will take a phased approach, based on the percentage of staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. The plan, which went into effect Monday, was announced Nov. 13, by Governor Pete Ricketts. "The cases we have are rising. The virus is in our community and the hospitalizations are rising," Ricketts said,. On Nov. 12, 905 individuals with the virus filled Nebraska hospital beds. The number represents approximately 20% of overall hospital beds filled... Full story
Front-line health care workers and individuals with underlying health conditions will be the first Nebraskans to receive a coronavirus vaccine, once approved. Gov. Pete Ricketts announced, during a Monday press conference, the state's vaccination plan was submitted to the federal government prior to the Oct. 16 federal deadline. "Part of the planning includes an efficient distribution network for the vaccine so as quickly as the vaccine arrives, they can get into the arms of Nebraskans," said...
Governor Pete Ricketss announced changes to Nebraska’s directed health measures, Friday. Hospitals, bars and restaurants, gatherings and wedding and funeral venues will adjust to the new DHMS, which went into effect, Wednesday, Oct. 21, and will remain effective through Nov. 30. “We still have the pandemic. There’s still a virus around. It’s still important you wear that mask, that you wash your hands and that you maintain six foot of distance between you and other people,” Ricketts said. The governor stressed that all steps taken to combat CO...
Governor Pete Ricketts announced Tuesday, new grant programs to continue growing Nebraska in the midst of the disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the State of Nebraska received $1.084 billion in federal assistance to address coronavirus-related needs. Funds are being used to assist in the state’s direct response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as providing assistance to Nebraska businesses, non-profits and public healthcare providers who have been adversely impacted due to the pandemic. Ricketts...
North Central District Health Department was made aware, Monday, of 39 additional cases in the district: Holt, 4; Knox, 11; Cherry, 6; Antelope, 7; Pierce, 2; Brown, 8 and Boyd, 1. On Tuesday, NCDHD was been made aware of 28 additional cases in the district: Holt, 4; Knox, 10; Antelope, 8; Cherry, 1; Pierce, 3; Brown, 1 and Rock, 1. Additionally, NCDHD regrets to inform the district on notification of one death in Rock County. The office of Governor Pete Ricketts has issued an updated directed health measures to include details about...
Governor Pete Ricketts gathered with pro-life leaders on the steps of the State Capitol, Aug. 15, to sign new pro-life legislation into law. The governor signed LB 814, a bill that prohibits the brutal practice of dismemberment abortion in Nebraska. LB 814 makes it a felony crime to perform a dismemberment abortion anywhere in Nebraska, punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000. "Nebraska is a pro-life state, and this week the Legislature took an important step to...
Luna Stephens and Katie Anderson Nebraska News Service During the Nebraska Legislature’s second week back in session, senators advanced the state’s budget to final reading. Senators also attempted to bring new pieces of legislation to address pandemic-related issues like evictions and regulations for meatpacking workers. State budget Senators advanced two state budget bills to final reading on July 28 including $55.2 million for damage from the 2019 floods, $10 million to the rural workforce housing investment fund and $3.7 million inc...
Luna Stephens and Katie Anderson Nebraska News Service Senators passed two state budget bills on July 31 including $55.2 million for damage from the 2019 floods, $10 million to the rural workforce housing investment fund and $3.7 million increase in developmental disability provider rates. LB1008, presented by Speaker Sen. Jim Scheer of Norfolk at the request of Gov. Pete Ricketts, is the $9.4 billion mainline state budget bill. After final reading, bills are submitted to the governor. The governor must sign, veto or line item veto the budget...
MADELEINE GRANT Nebraska News Service Ballot initiatives that encourage economic development and repeal slavery language in the state constitution will appear on the Nebraska ballot in November. The Nebraska Tax Increment Financing Repayment Amendment increases the repayment period for TIF in blighted areas, which can help stimulate economic growth. The second amendment on the ballot is Remove Slavery as Punishment for Crime, which removes language in the Nebraska state constitution that says slavery can be used as punishment for a crime. Both...
LUNA STEPHENS Nebraska News Service While much of the attention on this summer's legislative session will likely be focused on property tax relief, Nebraska state senators passed a variety of bills before the session was suspended and have more to discuss. The Nebraska Legislature's 2020 session was suspended March 16 because of COVID-19 concerns and will resume July 20. Here's a look at some of the legislation that became laws, and some that will continue to be debated when the Legislature resu...
KATIE ANDERSON Nebraska News Service Property tax relief is on the agenda for the 17-day legislative session later this month, but opponents argue that the proposed property tax relief plan will hinder school district spending and taxing authority. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chairwoman of the revenue committee, is leading the charge to get a property tax relief package passed when the Legislature resumes on July 20. “We have a property tax crisis more severe now in agriculture but moving toward suburbia,” Linehan said. “If you b...
On May 21, Governor Pete Ricketts announced new directed health measures will take effect June 1. Phase one reopening DHMs will apply to the Central District Health Department - Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties - and Dakota County. Phase two reopening DHMs, which are less restrictive, will apply to the rest of Nebraska. Ricketts said, "I want to thank Nebraskans who have followed our 'Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy' over the past two months. By cooperating together, we've made great progr...
Governor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with proclamations from President Donald J. Trump, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff effective at noon, May 22, 2020. Flags are being lowered to honor victims of the coronavirus pandemic and to observe Memorial Day. "On Memorial Day, we pause to remember the heroes who've made sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Their memory lives on and won't ever be forgotten. This year, we'll commemorate Memorial Day...
Governor Pete Ricketts announced Monday that changes in youth sports will begin June 1. Ricketts encourages people to take advantage of the outdoors with appropriately socially-distanced exercise. "The current directed health measure prohibits organized team sports for youth and adults through May 31. It will remain in effect through the end of the month," he said during a press conference. Matt Blomstedt, Nebraska Department of Educator commissioner, said officials are exploring what is safe an...
Members of Nebraska Unified District #1 board answered roll call for the final time, May 11, as the board held its last meeting before the three member schools go separate ways. Clearwater and Orchard will become part of Summerland Public Schools, along with Ewing. Verdigre will operate on their own next year. President Peggy Liska called the meeting to order, with four members present. Marty Konopasek, of Verdigre, was excused. Superintendent Dale Martin discussed a waiver of Nebraska Departmen...
In honor of the role birds play in Nebraska's economy and ecosystems, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed May as Nebraska Bird Month. The month-long celebration, typically celebrated with bird-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year in the interest of public health due to the novel coronavirus. Rather than attend an event, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invites Nebraskans to get outside, look for birds and join a national citizen science program as part of the Nebras...
When Clearwater, Ewing and Orchard seniors went to school March 16, they did not know it would be the last time they attended school with their classmates. The three school districts announced they would be closed, due to coronavirus concerns, for a two-week period beginning March 17. A week later, administrators announced the remainder of the school year would be completed at home, based on recommendations from local health officials, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Dr. Matt Blomstedt, comm... Full story
Ten district health department areas across the state, including North Central District Health Department, which includes Antelope and Holt counties, will have changes to restrictions on social gatherings and business operations, beginning May 4. Governor Pete Ricketts announced upcoming changes to Directed Health Measures across the state during an April 24 press conference. The current state DHMs for Douglas County will be extended through May 3. Local DHMs from the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and the Douglas County Health Department will al...
On April 21, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts announced a plan for testing for COVID-19. A public-private partnership will expand testing over several weeks. Per program guidelines, residents will be able to enlist in the program to take an assessment, get tested and track health. "I am excited to roll out our Test Nebraska initiative to accelerate our ability to defeat the virus and get Nebraskans back to work," Ricketts said during a press conference. "Having good data will give us the confidence...
Two state senators want Nebraska to loosen restrictions enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus to help the state’s hurting economy. Sen. Steve Halloran, of Hastings, and Sen. Steve Erdman, of Bayard, said they believe fear and panic directed policy decisions surrounding the pandemic, and they are ready for businesses, schools and Nebraska’s Legislature to reopen. “We cannot afford to go another day with this current failed policy,” the senators wrote in a commentary piece published in the Hastings Tribune April 12. While Gov. Pete Ri...
Nebraskans are urged to stay home and stay healthy for the next three weeks. Thursday afternoon, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced six rules to lessen the impact of COVID-19: stay home, social distance, shop alone once per week, assist children with social distancing, help older populations social distance and exercise at home. Ricketts said the recommendations are not a stay-at-home order or a shelter-in-place order. "As we wage war against the virus, we are asking Nebraskans to further limit...
A one-time testing event will be held Friday, April 17, in O'Neill and Bloomfield. North Central District Health Department will oversee the event, with assistance from the Nebraska National Guard. According to a media released, received April 16, NCDHD stressed the presence of the National Guard and testing events are not due to a large number of COVID-19 cases in the district. "The Nebraska National Guard has been in contact with local health departments across the state of Nebraska to set up...
The process may be a little different for the May 12 Primary Election in Nebraska, but registered voters in the state will still have the opportunity for in-person voting. During a recent press conference, Governor Pete Ricketts announced the primary election will continue as scheduled. Ricketts emphasized that fulfilling the state's duty to carry out elections is vital to the health of the democratic republic. Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen confirmed polling sites will be open for...
Due to the new Directed Health Measure put in place by Governor Pete Ricketts on April 1, the 2020 Clearwater alumni banquet and golf tournament has been canceled. The event will not be rescheduled due to unforeseen planning with such public events. All pre-purchased ticket funds will be reimbursed as soon as possible. Organizers asked alumni help spread the word about the cancellation as letters will not be sent to honorary alumni noting the change in events. “We apologize for any inconvenience but cannot risk the health of any attendees in t...
Nebraskans are urged to stay home and stay healthy for the next three weeks. Thursday afternoon, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced six rules to lessen the impact of COVID-19: stay home, social distance, shop alone once per week, assist children with social distancing, help older populations social distance and exercise at home. Ricketts said the recommendations are not a stay-at-home order or a shelter-in-place order. "As we wage war against the virus, we are asking Nebraskans to further limit...
