HISTORIC MARKER EQUITY GRANT RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

LINCOLN- On Thursday, History Nebraska announced 12 recipients for the Historic Marker Equity Grant, a program that creates and funds markers to share the story of underserved groups and topics in Nebraska history.

Project Coordinator Autumn Langmeier was excited to share the news, especially since the recipients are the first ever to be awarded the grants. "This is a fantastic start to this new program," said Langmeier, "These markers are a first step to bringing a full scope of Nebraska's history to the public."

Broc Anderson, a native of Sheridan County and recipient of the award, believes the program will help teach Nebraskan's little-known history of the state. "The White Clay Extension from Pine Ridge Reservation is part of Nebraska history that is so overlooked. With the help of the History Nebraska Equity Program, the general public may better understand some of the early Native and non-native relations in northwest Nebraska," said Anderson. 

History Nebraska plans to work directly with the recipients to design, produce, and install historic markers at no cost. The organization praised Sen. Justin Wayne, who they say is the reason funds were able to be allocated last year for the award. Sen. Wayne sought to help Nebraska discover its historical diversity across the state.

History Nebraska said the funds needed to construct these new monuments will offset the costs of new and replacement markers to promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in Nebraska.

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NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS QUESTION WHY STATE PRISON LEADERS FAILED TO COMPLY WITH MANDATES

LINCOLN- In 2021, the Nebraska Legislature appropriated money to the Department of Corrections to build a 'halfway back house,' a structured environment for parole violators who will not go back to prison.

Later that same year, legislators also mandated a comprehensive facilities study to determine the safety of Nebraska prisons and the health of inmates.

And, way back in 2015, the Nebraska Legislature told the Department of Corrections to build a new electronic medical records tracking system.

To the dismay of state Sen. Steve Lathrop, none of these were ever produced or fully implemented. At a Judiciary Committee hearing this week, Sen. Lathrop said that the radio silence from the Department of Corrections was concerning. "The willingness to ignore what we have required in legislation is concerning," said the Senator. 

Sen. Lathrop went on to suggest that the Department was intentionally ignoring the orders of the Legislature, and claimed, alongside several other Senators, that this is why Nebraska has such high overcrowding rates. "Quite frankly, not much has changed," said state Sen. Adam Morfeld during the hearing. 

Because Director Scott Frakes left earlier this month, it was up to interim Director Diane Sabatka-Rine to answer the Legislature's questions. Despite criticism from the Judiciary Committee on the Department's lack of action, Sabatka-Rine claimed that they've made "meaningful change" to the Nebraska prison system.

The interim Director also claimed that the facilities study will be conducted by the end of the year, and that the inmate classification study will be done by March. "I think we can continue to improve the quality of life in many respects for our population," stated Sabatka-Rine. 

Sabatka-Rine stated during the hearing that she'd be interested in becoming full-time Director, and said that the Department plans on strengthening its relations with the Legislature with the introduction of the new governor.

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LIPPINCOTT, REIMERS SHARE VIEWS AT A CENTRAL CITY FORUM

CENTRAL CITY- Legislative candidates Loren Lippincott and Mike Reimers had a discussion at a Central City forum held last week.

The two candidates are both Republicans battling for the District 34 legislative seat. The seat was previously held by state senator Curt Friesen.

District 34 spans across Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, and Nance counties and surrounds cities such as Central City and the Grand Island Area.

The forum had about forty attendees and the candidates respectfully shared the mic for ninety minutes.

They covered topics ranging from economic development to housing to early childhood education, agreeing that they share similar views on some issues, while differing on others.

The issue that candidates shared the view the most on was education.

“During this campaign, I’ve gone to all four counties and knocked on about 6,000 doors and by far the number one thing people are concerned about is what’s going on in school,” Lippincott said.

“In kindergarten through 12th grade and also in our colleges they are fighting mad with the idea of Critical Race Theory, the 1619 Project, Black Lives Matter and sex education standards. I hear that all the time.”

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AMENDMENT TO IMPROVE COMMERCIAL AIR TRAVEL IN NEBRASKA IS ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

OMAHA- The November ballot will include an option to improve commercial airline travel in Nebraska.

“We’ve been talking about the need for this amendment for over a year but our communities and business across the state have been telling us for decades,” said Kristen Hassebrook, Executive VP of legislation and policy at the Nebraska Chamber.

A vote Amendment One would authorize any city, county, or other political subdivisions that own or operate an airport to use its revenue for development of new or expanded regularly scheduled commercial passenger air service.

“People expect to have easy and safe access to travel opportunities whether its travel or leisure,” said District 29 Sen. Eliot Bostar.

Grow Nebraska is a bipartisan group that has worked to get this amendment on the ballot to change the Nebraska constitution.

Senators Eliot Bostar and Lou Ann Linehan along with District One representative Mike Flood are on the Grow Nebraska committee.

“The more direct flights we have in Nebraska the better off Nebraska is as a state,” said Rep. Flood.

State Senators say that this initiative is one of the many ways to grow Nebraska and start the increase of access to the great state.

For the full article click HERE

PAST UNION PRESIDENT, NOW RUNNING FOR SHERIFF, WAS DEEMED TO HAVE USED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THEN OMAHA'S POLICE CHIEF STEPPED IN

OMAHA- In 2018, and according to the Omaha Police Department's Safety Review Board, it was decided unanimously that former president of Omaha's Police Union Sgt. Aaron Hanson used excessive force when he kneed on an already-handcuffed Omaha man. The board recommended a low-level punishment for the offense.

However, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer overruled the board, a move that he has only made twice in his career. The Police Chief deemed Hanson's use of force "justified."

The 2018 issue, resurfaced this year during the contentious race between Hanson and deputy police chief Greg Gonzalez. Hanson said that the move was orchestrated by Gonzalez's team to win political points. 

John Wells, current Police Union president, said, "They're trying to politicize an incident for gain and to take Aaron Hanson down."

Omaha Police officials questioned the accuracy of Gonzalez's version of the 2018 event, and plan to open a theft investigation after learning that The Reader and Flatwater Free Press obtained dashcam footage and documentation of the incident. 

Gonzalez and his team believe the review board's ruling matters in the upcoming election. Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha held a similar sentiment, stating, "I don't think the police can police themselves. If the chief is going to overturn a situation like this, what else has he overturned?"

In the obtained dashcam footage, Hanson is seen kneeing a handcuffed suspect in the leg until he "crumpled" to the ground. Hanson, along with Schmaderer and despite the rulings of the review board, says his actions were justified. 

George Merithew, a former member of the review board, stated, "While animated the subject did not become verbally abusive toward Sgt. Hanson until after Sgt. Hanson struck the subject. It appears that Sgt. Hanson lost his temper and attacked the subject."

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LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATE'S ABORTION VIEW QUESTIONED, ACCUSED OF PLAYING BOTH SIDES

OMAHA- With the end of Roe V. Wade just months behind us, abortion is taking a front-and-center role this Legislative session. Current state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh has long been a supporter of abortion rights, with Planned Parenthood calling her a "pro-choice champion." The Senator's opponent, Christian Mirch, is endorsed by Nebraska Right to Life, but some question the candidate's real views on the issue. 

In an interview held by News Channel Nebraska's Joe Jordan, Mirch was asked whether or not he would support abortion if a majority from his district believed in protecting it. Jim Jordan asked, "What would happen if, as you said you're pro-life, what would happen if the district came back, and they said we want you to vote that there be no restrictions on abortions?"

To which candidate Christian Mirch responded: "If that's what the majority of the district wanted, yes. Because I believe that we need our representatives to actually represent our district and constituents, not themselves or their personal views."

However, Jordan spoke with Sandy Danek, head of Nebraska Right to Life, who claimed she spoke with Mirch after the interview and determined that "Mirch is sincerely pro-life." She went on to state, "After having a conversation with him, that's not what I understood him to believe. That was not the discussion we had."

Sen. Cavanaugh responded to Mirch's statements by alleging that he is playing it both ways. "He's trying to answer the pro-life community how they want him to answer," said Cavanaugh, "and when he's at the doors being asked by the voters, he's being disingenuous. It's a very important and personal issue and people should be honest about it."

In a voter guide sent out by Nebraska Right to Life, Mirch is said to have affirmed his support for a "Right to Life" bill, and claimed that he would vote it into the floor of the Legislature. The voter guide does not state whether or not the candidate would speak with voters first.

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LAURITSEN AND HOLDCROFT FACE OFF IN SARPY COUNTY FOR DISTRICT 36 SEAT

SARPY COUNTY- One of Nebraska's updated Legislative Districts covers Sarpy County, from Papillion to Gretna.

"We're in the fastest growing district within this state," Lauritsen said. "We are going to be right back here redistricting in another 10 years."

"So, there's lots of questions about what drives your property taxes, and what actions we could take to try and get them reduced," Holdcroft said.

Both say they lost their respective 2020 races by a little more than a hundred votes. Holdcroft ran for the legislature, and Lauritsen ran for Gretna mayor.

Holdcroft's priority is lowering taxes, from income to property.

"I'd like to form up some partnerships with the local political entities who set the budgets and set the levies and impose and collect the property tax," Holdcroft said.

Lauritsen's priority is supporting families. She says that means providing quality education, lowering property taxes, and taking care of military families.

"Understanding the struggles of long deployments and hoping and wishing there was better pay for our military members is always something I will always be a huge advocate for," Lauritsen said.

On the issue of abortion, Holdcroft is in support of bringing abortion laws to the legislature. On the other hand, Lauritsen opposes bans that don't allow exceptions for incest, rape, or the life of the mother.

For the full article click HERE

BLOOD FIGHTING 'US VERSUS THEM' RHETORIC

BELLEVUE- Carol Blood hopes to bring everyone back to the table to have collaborative government and put an end to “us versus them” rhetoric.

Blood’s campaign platforms include “Prosperity for all Nebraskans” addressing property taxes and attracting and retaining talent — especially those in the age 18-to-34 demographic; maintaining public safety and improving public health; investing in Nebraska’s infrastructure; and encouraging education.

Blood said she has canvassed well over 270,000 people through door knocking and phone banking. That doesn’t include town halls or social media.

Often, campaigns focus on rhetoric, telling voters what they should be scared of or angry about.

“I’m very pragmatic in my approach. I like to give explanations from Point A to Point B, which is not everybody’s cup of tea, but you don’t leave my events going ‘Well, I didn’t learn anything.’ You leave my events saying ‘I learned a lot. I learned things I didn’t know before.’ What more could you want from a town hall than people being enthusiastic about policy? It’s actually been really exciting.”

If elected, Blood plans to travel all over Nebraska, like she’s doing now, meet with constituents, hear their priorities and assemble a strategic plan.

For the full article click HERE

'TREMENDOUS INTEREST' IN OUTCOME OF NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RACES

LINCOLN- The public’s radar is locked on the four seats up for grabs on the Nebraska State Board of Education in the Nov. 8 election.

The races are among the hottest in the state, fueled by disagreements over what and when kids should be taught about sexuality and race, what books belong in school libraries, equity versus equality and the boundaries of the board’s authority.

Four Republicans hope to make inroads on the board with a “back-to-basics” message. They face two Democrats, an independent and a Republican — all endorsed by the Nebraska state teachers union.

Republican Kirk Penner of Aurora, appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts, faces independent Helen Raikes of Ashland, a retired professor of education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in District 5.

Republican Sherry Jones and Democrat Danielle Helzer, both of Grand Island, are running in District 6, where incumbent Maureen Nickels declined to run again.

In District 7, Republican Elizabeth Tegtmeier of North Platte faces incumbent Republican Robin Stevens of Gothenburg. Stevens received the teachers union nod.

In the Omaha metro area, Republican Marni Hodgen is trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Deborah Neary in District 8.

In the last 11 such elections,16 candidates sailed into office with no opponent. This year is a completely different environment.

For the full article click HERE

DORNAN AND FREDRICKSON FACING OFF TO SERVE VOTERS OF DISTRICT 20

OMAHA- The former seat of State Senator John McCollister will be filled by either Stu Dornan or John Fredrickson.

The two will face off on November 8th to see who will serve the people of District 20.

When it comes to addressing mental health in Nebraska, Fredrickson and Dornan have similar views.

"Mental health is such an important thing to take seriously as a state, and our legislative body doesn't currently have any subject matter experts in mental health. And that is a perspective that is extraordinarily valuable as it pertains to your obviously mental health-related policy," Fredrickson said.

"We need to normalize those conversations, you know, mental health is as important or more important than physical health. And we need to be sure that it just doesn't go under the radar. You know, we have to break the silence with respect to that," Dornan said.

The candidates both agree that the state should not seek or implement any new abortion laws.

John Fredrickson said if elected, his focus will be on education, tax relief and inflation. Stu Dornan said if elected, he vows to tackle property taxes, education and public safety.

Both candidates made it clear that they are ready to serve the people of their district and Nebraska by finding common ground with others.

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NEBRASKA VOTER ID BALLOT MEASURE WOULD BE AMONG NATION'S TOUGHEST

LINCOLN- If Nebraska voters approve Initiative 432 next month, the state could be implementing the strictest voter ID laws in the country. The proposed constitutional amendment would require voters to present a "valid photographic" ID before casting a ballot in any and all state elections.

The initiative would apply to mail-in ballots and in-person ballots, and does not provide any specific exceptions. 35 states currently employ similar voter ID laws, but only 18 of them request or require a photographic ID. Twelve of these states also allow for certain alternatives if the person voting does not own a valid ID.

Mike Forsythe, a representative of Civic Nebraska, believes the new voting ID measure would make Nebraska one of the most restrictive voting states in the country. "Nebraska would become one of the most narrow and restrictive states in the nation in terms of the kind of ID that would allow you to vote," said Forsythe, "For thousands of Nebraska voters, voter ID would be a hindrance and impediment to freely cast a ballot."

Supporters of the new measure describe it as being "very simple," and claim that it will increase election integrity and boost Nebraskan's confidence in state elections. Bob Evnen, Nebraska Secretary of State, said that the new measure "provides an additional layer of security for our voting processes. No one will be foreclosed from voting because of this requirement. I don't think that it's going to impede voting in any way."

Evnen acknowledged the fact that Nebraska has not had any substantial occurrences of voter fraud, and that the state has never seen any instances of someone trying to impersonate another person when trying to vote.

Despite this, Doug Kagan of Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom believes that the new requirements, if implemented, will act as a preventative measure. "We don't want any vote fraud," said Kagan, "even if it's minuscule."

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BACON AND VARGAS TACKLE NATIONAL SECURITY, SOCIAL SECURITY, ABORTION, TAXES IN SECOND DEBATE

OMAHA- Candidates for Nebraska 2nd Congressional District, Sen. Tony Vargas and U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, debated Sunday at KETV's Omaha Studio.

At the debate, Sen. Vargas painted Bacon as a threat to Social Security, women's health care, and Medicare. Vargas pointed out Bacon's support for constitutional amendment H.R. 1011, which would have banned abortion with no exceptions.

Vargas also alleged that Bacon had considered changes to Social Security and Medicare that would essentially "gut" the programs, but Bacon denied this. Rather, Bacon stated that he wanted to "fix" these two social programs so that they last for the people who depend on them.

Bacon also affirmed his support for a federal abortion ban, but claimed that he would be fine with there being exceptions for the life and health of the mother. The congressman went on to say that he understands why an abortion ban wouldn't pass in Congress, but that he would like to support a federal ban after 15 weeks.

Bacon fired back at Vargas for the Senator's vote of support for Nebraska's largest-ever tax relief package, which passed earlier this year. Bacon claimed that Vargas stalled his vote until he knew the package would pass, and then took credit for its passage.

However, Vargas touted his support of a bill reducing taxes on Social Security income, and claimed that Bacon was "upset" because of the Senator's record of balancing budgets and cutting taxes."This is the reason Congressman Bacon is scared," stated Vargas, "I've fought on behalf working families."

Bacon responded, saying, "Tony, I don't get scared or threatened...I served my country for 30 years, while you were in New York City."

Despite their bickering, the candidates found some points of agreement when questions turned to national security. Both candidates believe that there is a great need to invest in helping businesses fend off cyber-attacks. Bacon pointed out his experience in cyber-defense while working in the Air Force, and Vargas claimed that he would make sure Congress adequately funds training and recruitment to protect American computers and networks from ransomware and spying.

When it came to pandemic relief, Bacon said that his earlier support for packages like ARPA was "too much." He stated, "We were coming out of COVID, out of the recession, the economy was firing on all cylinders at that point." Bacon also reiterated his stance that federal spending has increased inflation.

Vargas stated that he believed ARPA helped families and communities in need, and gave Senators Terrell McKinney and Justin Wayne the chance to steer relief funds to North and South Omaha.

For the full article click HERE

CAROL BLOOD DOUBLES HER FUNDRAISING FOR NEBRASKA GOVERNOR BUT STILL TRAILS JIM PILLEN'S

LINCOLN- Sen. Carol Blood, who is running against Jim Pillen for Nebraska Governor, raised around $262,000 in the third quarter, but still trails Pillen by a substantial amount.

By October, Blood had raised a total of $404,000 and spent around $370,000. Jim Pillen raised around $1.16 million between June and October, with $909,000 coming from political action committees.

Pillen has, in total, raised around $10.6 million and has spent $10 million. Political observers expect Pillen to win the race, especially since the state has almost 260,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats, and since a Republican has held the governorship since 1999. However, those same observers believe that a lack of endorsement from primary opponent Charles Herbster may negatively impact Pillen's chances.

Blood, at a recent town hall in Omaha, claimed that she feels new energy statewide, and said that people see that they need to vote differently come election time. "We are within striking distance," said Blood, "and we are going to win." At the town hall, Blood cited polls that showed that the gubernatorial race could be much closer than people expect.

Pillen, at a Rotary lunch in Omaha this week, stated that his race is going particularly well, despite the fact that he hasn't agreed to any debates with his opponent. "We feel really, really good that we brought people together across the state," said the candidate, "The people of Nebraska have been really gracious and are excited about the future."

For the full article click HERE

RICKETTS GIVES $314K TO NEW PAC TARGETING GOP LAWMAKER RUNNING FOR NEBRASKA REGENT

LINCOLN- Last month, Governor Ricketts gave $314,000 to the Nebraska Future Action Fund, a new political action committee that seeks to stop outgoing State Sen. Matt Williams from winning a seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Very little is known about the new PAC, and its website hasn't even officially launched yet. Gov. Ricketts and the PAC itself denied questions about its goals, and both Sen. Williams and his opponent Kathy Wilmot knew nothing about it.

However, we do know that the Nebraska Future Action Fund spent $51,000 to oppose Sen. Williams, but this is the only campaign filing the new PAC has made to date.

Wilmot herself has only received around $50,000 in campaign contributions for the Regent seat, with around $10,000 of that coming from Gov. Ricketts. Wilmot currently has the support of former Gov. Kay Orr and former gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster.

Sen. Williams believes that the $51,000 the PAC spent was used to air radio ads attacking him. The ads paint the Senator as a "liberal RINO," but Williams claimed that his history in Legislature proves that he has supported conservative policies.

However, Sen. Williams and Gov. Ricketts have disagreed on several issues, with Williams voting to override the Governor's vetoes on bills raising the gas tax to fund highway construction, repealing the death penalty, and granting driver's licenses to DACA recipients.

Williams stated that what he believed was best for his constituents sometimes differed from Rickett's views, but he thought his actions were justified. He also said that it's "discouraging" to see attack ads becoming increasingly common in Nebraska elections.

Gov. Ricketts has used his wealth to influence several political races, and donated nearly $1.3 million to the Conservative Nebraska PAC, which ran advertisements opposing Charles Herbster and Sen. Brett Lindstrom.

Williams called this trend "disturbing," and encourages voters to do their own research.

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA STUDENT SCORES ON ACT DROPPED SLIGHTLY, BUT RANK WELL AMONG PEER STATES

LINCOLN- Average ACT composite scores by Nebraska students dropped slightly this year, from 20.0 in 2021, to 19.4 in 2022. Despite this, and according to the Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska still ranks high among states where more than 90% of all high school students take the ACT.

In 2022, 94% of Nebraska public school graduates took the ACT, compared to 36% nationwide. Among the 14 states which had test-taking rates over 90%, only Utah scored higher than Nebraska with an ACT average of 19.9.

Nationally, the average ACT score fell from 20.3 to 19.8 over the past year. Each individual test average, which includes the subjects math, reading, English, and science, was lower in Nebraska compared to national test scores. 

According to the Nebraska Department of Education, states that test a high percentage of students tend to have lower average ACT scores since this might include students who are not on a college course-taking track.

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NEW ASSISTANT CHANCELLOR POSITION AT UNL WILL LEAD ONLINE EDUCATION EFFORTS

LINCOLN- Two years after the movement of classes to zoom due to Covid-19, 9 out of 10 UNL students still enroll in at least one online course.

Online courses have allowed students to increase credit hours and has fueled 4-year graduation rates to their highest levels in a decade.

UNL will aim to build on those successes by creating a new administrative position to work with faculty, staff and administrators to develop credit and non-credit programs, identify new market areas and grow enrollment. 

That means creating online courses for high school students seeking to earn college credit, ensuring the online course catalog is robust enough to meet the needs of UNL's students seeking to earn credit over the summer, and developing offerings for individuals in the workforce seeking to acquire new skills.

UNL had an online program before called NU online. NU Online enrolled 5,500 Nebraskans and 8,000 others from every state in the U.S. during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As other schools saw the need for online courses, NU online began losing students and spending more many than was needed. 

This prompted UNL to end NU online and begin to focus on this new program that is focused on Nebraska online education rather then national.

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HISTORICAL MARKER UNVEILED AT SITE OF 1891 LYNCHING AT OMAHA COURTHOUSE

OMAHA- People entering the Douglas County Courthouse will now notice two monuments commemorating two lynchings that took place between 1891 and 1919.

One historical marker, unveiled in a ceremony, tells the story of the lynching of George Smith by a White mob outside the courthouse in 1891. The marker also relates the context of the killing: From 1865 to 1950, thousands of Black people were victims of racial terror and lynching. The lynchings were “intended to intimidate Black people and enforce racial hierarchy and segregation.”

The other plaque, unveiled last year, memorializes the lynching of Will Brown outside the courthouse in 1919.

The metal plaques bracket the sidewalk leading to the courthouse’s main entrance at 17th and Farnam Streets.

Their prominent placement “speaks to the importance of reconciliation,” said Brenda Council, a former Omaha City Council member and Nebraska state senator, after the Smith marker was unveiled.

“It contains a tragic but real story of the role that racial injustice played in the City of Omaha,” Council said. “It’s a new day, and we need to move forward — not ignore the wounds, but acknowledge them and seek to heal from them.” 

For the full article click HERE

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS TO JUMP BY 8.7% NEXT YEAR

WASHINGTON- Millions of Social Security recipients will get an 8.7% boost in their benefits in 2023.

That’s a historic increase and welcome news for American retirees and others — but it’s tempered by the fact that it’s fueled by record high inflation that’s raised the cost of everyday living.

The cost-of living adjustment means the average recipient will receive more than $140 extra a month beginning in January, according to estimates released by the Social Security Administration.

The boost in benefits will be coupled with a 3% drop in Medicare Part B premiums, meaning retirees will get the full impact of the jump in Social Security benefits.

The Social Security Administration's Acting Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi said combined with Medicare premiums going down in 2023, the Social Security benefit increase, “will give seniors more peace of mind and breathing room.”

"This year’s substantial Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is the first time in over a decade that Medicare premiums are not rising and shows that we can provide more support to older Americans who count on the benefits they have earned,” she said. 

For the full article click HERE

NEBRASKA'S COVID CASE NUMBERS DOWN FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT WEEK

LINCOLN- A positive sign for Nebraska continues to grow as Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations decline for the fifth straight week.

Nebraska recorded 1,028 new cases last week, down 16% from 1,224 the previous week, according to data compiled by the CDC.

Case numbers have dropped more than 75% since the end of July and are now at their lowest level since late May.

Nebraska’s case trends mirror those nationally, as the majority of states have seen declining numbers since July. U.S. cases are at their lowest levels since April. Nebraska’s overall case levels are a number to take pride in, being the 11th lowest among the states.

What the virus will do next, however, isn't entirely clear. Fall and winter brought surges in both 2020 and 2021 as people retreated indoors and new variants took over.

Health officials are urging Americans to get the new bivalent booster shots, which cover both the original strain of COVID-19 and the omicron variants now circulating.

An average of 137 Nebraskans were hospitalized with COVID from October 2nd-8th, down from 142 the previous week. That's the lowest level since early June, similar to the national trend.  

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DROUGHT-PLAGUED YEAR CONTINUES INTO FALL

SCOTTSBLUFF- Fall has entered the state with a break in the high temperatures and offered scattered clouds and some rain, but that is not nearly enough to get out of the Nebraska drought.

Scotts Bluff County moved into 100% severe drought from 99.19% the previous week and 17.6% three months ago. The southwest corner of the county changed to 8.7% extreme drought from 8.66% the previous week. It is worth noting that 31.36% of the county was in extreme drought in October 2021. 

Gary Stone, water and integrated cropping specialist at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center, said the recent showers will not stop harvest. 

“It is slowing it down but it isn’t going to bring it to a halt, unless we get an inch or more somewhere,” he said.

“Possibly some of the corn will be a little late,” Stone said. “That little extra moisture might give it a boost to get it finished. We haven’t had the hot days and higher wind speeds, it’s been cooler and the winds have dropped off so the corn plants aren’t going to dry out as fast.”

According to the National Weather Service extended forecast on Oct. 6, the  Scottsbluff valley will continue to experience mild conditions with no significant moisture impacts on the immediate horizon.

For the full article click HERE