(GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Seventeen new recruits have started their journey to becoming a Nebraska State Trooper. The recruits of the 69th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class of the Nebraska State Patrol began training today at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.

“With the new year comes a new and exciting career for these recruits,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Nebraskans can be proud of these 17 for their commitment to service. During the next six months, our troopers will help them build the skills they need to put that attitude of service to great use in communities across our state.”

Brian Smith – North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gavin Boutin – Ogallala&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ryan Clark – Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Thomas Fouquet – Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Samuel Gustafson – Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Jordan Jones – Marienville, PA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

David LaDuke – Alliance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Sinai Mandungu – Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Tomas Margritz – Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Carissa Moore – Crete&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bryce Smidt – Wayne&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Garrett Swantek – Gering&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

“These 17 recruits have started a rewarding and challenging journey to earn the title of Nebraska State Trooper,” said Captain Andy Ecklund, NSP Director of Training. “They will come together as a team as they undergo six months of intense training. By the time they graduate, they’ll be ready to serve the people of Nebraska with dedication and integrity.”

The Nebraska State Patrol basic recruit camp consists of hundreds of hours of classroom and practical instruction, including life-like scenarios designed to simulate situations troopers encounter while serving Nebraska. Camp 69 is scheduled to graduate on June 14, 2024.

Applications to join the next NSP class will open in February. Interested candidates can get information about the hiring process and connect with a trooper recruiter at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

(GRAND ISLAND, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Seventeen new recruits have started their journey to becoming a Nebraska State Trooper. The recruits of the 69th&nbsp;Basic Recruit Class of the Nebraska State Patrol began training today at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in Grand Island.“With the new year comes a new and exciting career for these recruits,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Nebraskans can be proud of these 17 for their commitment to service. During the next six months, our troopers will help them build the skills they need to put that attitude of service to great use in communities across our state.”The recruits of Camp 69 are:Brian Smith – North Platte&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Gavin Boutin – Ogallala&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ryan Clark – Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Raul Clouse – ElwoodThomas Fouquet – Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Samuel Gustafson – Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ashley Jackson – GeringJordan Jones – Marienville, PA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; David LaDuke – Alliance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Samantha Ligenza – LincolnSinai Mandungu – Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tomas Margritz – Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Carissa Moore – Crete&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bryce Smidt – Wayne&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Daniel Smith – HoldregeGarrett Swantek – Gering&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Seth Valverde – Lincoln“These 17 recruits have started a rewarding and challenging journey to earn the title of Nebraska State Trooper,” said Captain Andy Ecklund, NSP Director of Training. “They will come together as a team as they undergo six months of intense training. By the time they graduate, they’ll be ready to serve the people of Nebraska with dedication and integrity.”The Nebraska State Patrol basic recruit camp consists of hundreds of hours of classroom and practical instruction, including life-like scenarios designed to simulate situations troopers encounter while serving Nebraska. Camp 69 is scheduled to graduate on June 14, 2024.Applications to join the next NSP class will open in February. Interested candidates can get information about the hiring process and connect with a trooper recruiter at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nebraskatroopers.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaTroopers.com</a>.

State Patrol Begins 69th Basic Recruit Camp

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskans-invited-to-provide-input-on-update-of-state-wildlife-action-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Public input is being sought on the updating of a state plan to reverse the decline of at-risk wildlife and plant species and preserve key habitats in Nebraska.

Six open house-style meetings are scheduled in January to gather comments on a required update of the state wildlife acton plan, formally known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-efforts/natural-legacy-project/">Nebraska Natural Legacy Project.</a>

The voluntary, incentive-based plan, created by Congress in 2001, provides a “blueprint” in seeking to reverse the decline of<a target="_blank" href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NE-SWAP-SGCN-Revision-Supplemental-Document-2018-Final_edited-1.pdf">&nbsp;at-risk species&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;so they do not need to be listed as threatened or endangered federally or by the state.

More than 700 species are listed as “at-risk” in Nebraska, including the burrowing owl, Eastern red bat and Monarch butterfly.

A number of Nebraska conservation and farm groups are listed as partners in putting together the plan, which is coordinated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. It is part of a nationwide effort to address the needs of declining wildlife populations.

Nebraska’s wildlife action plan initially was published in 2005, and it was updated in 2011. Its next update will be released in 2025.

Open houses are scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m., unless otherwise noted:

Six open houses were already held in 2023.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704212802892.png" alt="State wildlife officials are seeking input on a plan to preserve at-risk wildlife and plant species, including the endangered whooping crane. (Courtesy of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)" />
 <figcaption>State wildlife officials are seeking input on a plan to preserve at-risk wildlife and plant species, including the endangered whooping crane. (Courtesy of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraskans-invited-to-provide-input-on-update-of-state-wildlife-action-plan/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Public input is being sought on the updating of a state plan to reverse the decline of at-risk wildlife and plant species and preserve key habitats in Nebraska.Six open house-style meetings are scheduled in January to gather comments on a required update of the state wildlife acton plan, formally known as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-efforts/natural-legacy-project/">Nebraska Natural Legacy Project.</a>The voluntary, incentive-based plan, created by Congress in 2001, provides a “blueprint” in seeking to reverse the decline of<a target="_blank" href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NE-SWAP-SGCN-Revision-Supplemental-Document-2018-Final_edited-1.pdf">&nbsp;at-risk species&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;so they do not need to be listed as threatened or endangered federally or by the state.More than 700 species are listed as “at-risk” in Nebraska, including the burrowing owl, Eastern red bat and Monarch butterfly.A number of Nebraska conservation and farm groups are listed as partners in putting together the plan, which is coordinated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. It is part of a nationwide effort to address the needs of declining wildlife populations.Nebraska’s wildlife action plan initially was published in 2005, and it was updated in 2011. Its next update will be released in 2025.Open houses are scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m., unless otherwise noted:<ul>
 <li>Jan. 10 in Beatrice, Beatrice Public Library, 100 N. 16th&nbsp;St., 5:30-7 p.m.</li><li>Jan. 17 in North Platte, UNL Extension – West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road.</li><li>Jan. 18 in Wood River, Crane Trust, 9325 S. Alda Road.</li><li>Jan. 23 in O’Neill, Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District, 301 N. Harrison St.</li><li>Jan. 24 in Norfolk, Lower Elkhorn NRD, 1508 Square Turn Blvd.</li>
 </ul>Six open houses were already held in 2023.

Nebraskans invited to provide input on update of state ‘wildlife action’ plan

NORTH PLATTE - Mid-Plains United Way is excited to announce that the application process for 2024-2025 funding will open on Tuesday, January 2. 

Non-profit organizations that serve the Mid-Plains United Way service area may apply. This area includes the counties of Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas. 

To be eligible, organizations must meet the following criteria:

- Be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

- Serve one or more of the priority issue areas identified by Mid-Plains United Way, including education, health, and financial stability

- Have a proven track record of delivering effective programs and services

- Have a sound financial position and accounting system

Organizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. The application process includes several steps, including a complete application, a site visit, and a presentation to the Board of Trustees. Organizations that are selected to move forward in the application process will be notified and provided with additional details. 

Mid-Plains United Way is committed to supporting non-profit organizations that are making a positive impact in our community where assistance is needed the most. We encourage eligible organizations to apply for funding and look forward to continuing to work together to create a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community.

For more information or to request an application, please contact Mid-Plains United Way at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:unitedwaydway172@gmail.com">unitedwaydway172@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or call 308-532-8870.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mid-Plains United WayNORTH PLATTE - Mid-Plains United Way is excited to announce that the application process for 2024-2025 funding will open on Tuesday, January 2. Non-profit organizations that serve the Mid-Plains United Way service area may apply. This area includes the counties of Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas. To be eligible, organizations must meet the following criteria:- Be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization- Serve one or more of the priority issue areas identified by Mid-Plains United Way, including education, health, and financial stability- Have a proven track record of delivering effective programs and services- Have a sound financial position and accounting systemOrganizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. The application process includes several steps, including a complete application, a site visit, and a presentation to the Board of Trustees. Organizations that are selected to move forward in the application process will be notified and provided with additional details. Mid-Plains United Way is committed to supporting non-profit organizations that are making a positive impact in our community where assistance is needed the most. We encourage eligible organizations to apply for funding and look forward to continuing to work together to create a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community.For more information or to request an application, please contact Mid-Plains United Way at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:unitedwaydway172@gmail.com">unitedwaydway172@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or call 308-532-8870.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mid-Plains United Way Opens Partner Agency Application Process

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Sidney woman after a pursuit early Monday morning.

At approximately 2:10 a.m. MT Monday, a trooper was on patrol in Sidney on 6th&nbsp;Avenue when a GMC Terrain nearly rear-ended the trooper’s patrol unit. The trooper contacted the driver of the GMC and observed the strong odor of alcohol. The trooper also saw a child in the backseat of the vehicle. The trooper attempted a traffic stop to conduct a DUI investigation, but the driver refused to comply, accelerated, and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.

The driver, Karla Fernandez, 27, of Sidney, was arrested for child endangerment, flight to avoid arrest, driving under the influence of alcohol .15+, and obstructing a peace officer. Fernandez was lodged in Cheyenne County Jail. The children were placed with family.

The vehicle fled on residential streets in Sidney, with speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour, and eventually started traveling westbound on Highway 30 through Sidney. After approximately two miles, the vehicle ran out of fuel and came to a stop. Troopers were able to take the driver into custody and found two young children in the backseat, without car seats or seat belts.

By Cody Thomas, Nebraska State PatrolTroopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Sidney woman after a pursuit early Monday morning.At approximately 2:10 a.m. MT Monday, a trooper was on patrol in Sidney on 6th&nbsp;Avenue when a GMC Terrain nearly rear-ended the trooper’s patrol unit. The trooper contacted the driver of the GMC and observed the strong odor of alcohol. The trooper also saw a child in the backseat of the vehicle. The trooper attempted a traffic stop to conduct a DUI investigation, but the driver refused to comply, accelerated, and fled. The trooper initiated a pursuit.The driver, Karla Fernandez, 27, of Sidney, was arrested for child endangerment, flight to avoid arrest, driving under the influence of alcohol .15+, and obstructing a peace officer. Fernandez was lodged in Cheyenne County Jail. The children were placed with family.The vehicle fled on residential streets in Sidney, with speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour, and eventually started traveling westbound on Highway 30 through Sidney. After approximately two miles, the vehicle ran out of fuel and came to a stop. Troopers were able to take the driver into custody and found two young children in the backseat, without car seats or seat belts.

Sidney woman arrested after Monday pursuit with State Trooper

&nbsp; &nbsp;The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting, <a href="https://www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/government/city-council/agendas%20minutes/">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.

North Platte Post&nbsp; &nbsp;The North Platte City Council will meet tonight in a regular meeting.&nbsp; Below is tonight's agenda. To watch tonight's meeting, <a href="https://www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/government/city-council/agendas%20minutes/">click here.</a>&nbsp;The meeting is at 5:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers.<figure>
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01/02 North Platte City Council Meeting, Tonight's Agenda

LINCOLN&nbsp;– Nebraska’s minimum wage increased to $12 per hour that went into effect Jan. 1st. In accordance with an initiative passed by voters in November of 2022, the minimum wage will increase $1.50 each year through 2026, followed by an annual cost of living increase beginning in 2027. The minimum hourly wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour.&nbsp; Employers are responsible for ensuring that wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage.

The following minimum wage amounts are scheduled:

Information about the minimum wage, including current workplace posters, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards">dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards</a>. Labor law specialists are available to answer questions from workers and employers regarding wages in Nebraska and may be contacted at 402-471-2239 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ndol.laborstdrdsinquiries@nebraska.gov">ndol.laborstdrdsinquiries@nebraska.gov</a>.

Nebraska Department of LaborLINCOLN&nbsp;– Nebraska’s minimum wage increased to $12 per hour that went into effect Jan. 1st. In accordance with an initiative passed by voters in November of 2022, the minimum wage will increase $1.50 each year through 2026, followed by an annual cost of living increase beginning in 2027. The minimum hourly wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour.&nbsp; Employers are responsible for ensuring that wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage.The following minimum wage amounts are scheduled:<ul>
 <li>January 1, 2024: $12 per hour</li><li>January 1, 2025: $13.50 per hour</li><li>January 1, 2026: $15 per hour</li><li>January 1, 2027: The minimum wage will increase based on the cost-of-living increase as measured by the Consumer Price Index.</li>
 </ul>Information about the minimum wage, including current workplace posters, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards">dol.nebraska.gov/LaborStandards</a>. Labor law specialists are available to answer questions from workers and employers regarding wages in Nebraska and may be contacted at 402-471-2239 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ndol.laborstdrdsinquiries@nebraska.gov">ndol.laborstdrdsinquiries@nebraska.gov</a>.

Nebraska Minimum Wage Increases to $12 Per Hour

Officials: Cessation of Thrift Store Operations Does Not Affect Salvation Army North Platte Corps or Its Programs and Services

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (January 2, 2024) – The Salvation Army North Platte Corps announced today that its local thrift store (1101 S. Cottonwood St.) will cease operations as of the end of the business day on January 31, 2024.

Salvation Army North Platte Corps officials said the store closing was brought on by declining store sales and increased costs of doing business amid the nationwide inflation crisis. A total of five thrift store employees will be affected.

“This was an extremely difficult decision to make,” said Lt. Camon Landry of The Salvation Army North Platte Corps. “We only made the decision after looking at all possible options to keep the store running. In the end, store sales simply weren’t enough to overcome the increasingly high costs of keeping the store open.”

Meantime, The Salvation Army North Platte Corps (1020 N. Adams Ave.) will remain open to serve the community. Neither the Corps nor its various social services programs will be affected by the store’s ceasing of operations.

“We want everyone to know that The Salvation Army will still continue to serve North Platte and the surrounding area after the thrift store ceases operations,” said Lt. Landry. “Our commitment to serving those in need is as strong as ever, and we thank the community for its support and understanding.”

Salvation ArmyOfficials: Cessation of Thrift Store Operations Does Not Affect Salvation Army North Platte Corps or Its Programs and ServicesNORTH PLATTE, Neb. (January 2, 2024) – The Salvation Army North Platte Corps announced today that its local thrift store (1101 S. Cottonwood St.) will cease operations as of the end of the business day on January 31, 2024.Salvation Army North Platte Corps officials said the store closing was brought on by declining store sales and increased costs of doing business amid the nationwide inflation crisis. A total of five thrift store employees will be affected.“This was an extremely difficult decision to make,” said Lt. Camon Landry of The Salvation Army North Platte Corps. “We only made the decision after looking at all possible options to keep the store running. In the end, store sales simply weren’t enough to overcome the increasingly high costs of keeping the store open.”Meantime, The Salvation Army North Platte Corps (1020 N. Adams Ave.) will remain open to serve the community. Neither the Corps nor its various social services programs will be affected by the store’s ceasing of operations.“We want everyone to know that The Salvation Army will still continue to serve North Platte and the surrounding area after the thrift store ceases operations,” said Lt. Landry. “Our commitment to serving those in need is as strong as ever, and we thank the community for its support and understanding.”

Salvation Army North Platte Announces Its Thrift Store Is Ceasing Operations at End of January

Join us for an artist's reception “Artists at Work” at the Prairie Arts Center Jan. 5th at 5:30.  This exhibition takes a peek into artists' studios through the lens of Keith and Holly Howe.  Photos will be accompanied by the artist's work and a published book will be for sale featuring an artist bio, work and hotos.

Opening Reception is FREE to the public with free wine tasting by Johnson Brothers and lights snacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>PACJoin us for an artist's reception “Artists at Work” at the Prairie Arts Center Jan. 5th at 5:30. This exhibition takes a peek into artists' studios through the lens of Keith and Holly Howe. Photos will be accompanied by the artist's work and a published book will be for sale featuring an artist bio, work and hotos.Opening Reception is FREE to the public with free wine tasting by Johnson Brothers and lights snacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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Prairie Arts Center hosting "Artist at Work" on January 5th

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-previews-his-property-tax-plan-other-goals-for-2024-legislative-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen plans to pitch a “transformational” proposal to reduce the amount of property taxes paid by capping local government spending and funding those services more through&nbsp;sales taxes.

Pillen outlined part of his plan during an interview with the Nebraska Examiner before the 2024 legislative session starts Wednesday. He said he wants lasting, structural tax change.

The governor also discussed another priority he intends to highlight during his annual State of the State address in mid-January: attracting and retaining a qualified workforce. That includes improving access to quality child care.

Among other topics, Pillen reiterated his decision to turn down $18 million in federal money for a summer food program for needy children, saying&nbsp;he and most Nebraskans don’t&nbsp;“believe in welfare.” He also said he wouldn’t push for new legislation on school choice or abortion while voters consider potential ballot measures on both issues.

Under Pillen’s property tax proposal, the state would set “hard caps” on spending growth by cities and counties&nbsp;and perhaps maintain last year’s “soft caps” set on K-12 school districts.

He aims to tamp down on local governments automatically collecting more in property taxes as valuations rise, although he did not specify how his plan would accomplish that goal.

He said his goal is to trim $2 billion of the $5 billion Nebraskans pay yearly in local property taxes. Most of that money funds local K-12 schools, in addition to local law enforcement, city and county roads and more.

The only way to get at that big a number, he said, is if every level of government takes a deeper look at spending. He expects&nbsp;local leaders&nbsp;to ask hard questions about whether&nbsp;particular&nbsp;services are still needed. He said the plan would make allowances for fast-growing areas,&nbsp;saying new development would not trigger the hard cap.

“It’s not a valuation problem,” Pillen said. “It’s a spending problem.”

He said criticism of spending caps by public school proponents carried more weight when the state paid for a smaller portion of K-12 education. Nebraska previously has ranked near the bottom nationally in state support. The state now spends in the middle of the pack, he said.

Pillen’s proposal would shift up to $1 billion of the property tax burden to the state, through changes in the sales tax. He envisions adding a cent or two to the state sales tax and taxing some goods and services that are now exempt.

He said he and state lawmakers would dig into current state sales tax exemptions and see where the sales tax base could be broadened. He did not say what taxes the state might raise but said he would not tax groceries.

The state does not collect sales tax on vehicle repairs or newspaper sales. It also does not tax lottery tickets, medication, medical equipment, laundromats, home repairs, agricultural chemicals or equipment used for farming and ranching.&nbsp;

Leaning more heavily on sales taxes, Pillen said, might help more senior citizens on fixed incomes stay in their homes. He called the proposal “a win-win for all Nebraskans” and said, “The biggest problem we all have is we pay too much for property tax for where we live.”

His proposal’s “minor changes” to taxing optional purchases would avoid taxing life necessities for Nebraskans on fixed incomes, unlike a competing proposal for an EPIC consumption tax, which critics have said could tax rent and medicines.

“It’s a big reason why EPIC is not ever going to go anywhere, because, you know, Nebraskans don’t believe in taxing our senior citizens and our neighbors on fixed incomes,” Pillen said.

Asked whether he was concerned about people crossing the state border for purchases, Pillen said his proposal was designed to minimize “border bleed.”&nbsp;

“By being able to switch the taxation to a discretionary consumer, all of us can make that decision if we want to pay for that or not,” Pillen said.

In addition, the proposal would make the state income tax credit for local property taxes “front-loaded” rather than make taxpayers apply for it after the fact, he said. Today, more than $128 million in state property tax credit has not been claimed, he said.

Part of his plan to ease property taxes is already in motion, he said. That includes shifting the $250 million cost of funding community colleges to the state and away from local property taxes. Another part is his planned $1 billion Education Future Fund.

The new fund began with an investment of over $250 million to help the state fund $1,500 per student in baseline aid to K-12 education and supplement federal dollars to cover about 80% of special education costs.

Pillen said his property tax plan will not change his commitment to invest $250 million a year to build that fund to the level where it can sustain about $113 million a year in baseline aid and about $157 million a year in special ed funding.&nbsp;

Pillen said his plan was informed by months of discussions with state senators, county and city leaders, business groups and Nebraska residents serving on a property tax and valuations working group that he announced in July.

He said he asked members of the group whether they wanted to consider ideas that would slow the growth of property taxes, hold the line or cut them. He said most wanted significant cuts.&nbsp;

The first of Pillen’s proposals to address Nebraska’s workforce shortages will center on incentives to businesses to offer on-site child care to their employees or similar help. Helping communities increase preschool options is part of that effort, he said.

He said the state could help by giving tax incentives to businesses that offer child care benefits to their employees. One of his key challenges, he said, is communicating to older Nebraskans that child care can cost thousands of dollars a month.&nbsp;

Among the “innovative” ideas he’s heard businesses consider is creating a rotation of employees who take care of one another’s children for five hours a week, while being paid.

Pillen acknowledged that lack of child care was one reason some state employees, through their union, objected to his recent executive order moving state employees back into the office, after letting some work from home part of the time.

Asked whether he planned to set an example for businesses by offering state employees child care at their workplaces, he said he hadn’t “gotten into that piece.” Pillen said he would need to see how many need child care.

Asked how he would square some of the Legislature’s more socially conservative stances on LGBTQ-themed legislation with recruiting and retaining young people, he said, “We all have to do a better job building relationships.”

He said he has had conversations with transgender adults who have asked him what his “problem is” with them. He said he tells them he has no problem and that he loves them “like any other Nebraskan.”

He said he tells them, “I just want to protect our kids so they can make decisions when they’re an adult to become a transgender just like you did.”&nbsp;

Pillen said LGBTQ Nebraskans should not let the comments last session from “two of 49 senators” cloud their judgment over how their friends and neighbors will treat them.&nbsp;

Pillen has hinted that he might support a bill limiting middle and high school sports participation to students based on their sex assigned at birth. The same bill, which was held over from 2023, also addresses what bathrooms students use. He acknowledged during the interview that the issue might come up this session.

He signed an executive order in August spelling out the legal definitions of male and female for state agencies under the governor’s control.

Pillen defended his decision to turn down $18 million in federal funds for a pandemic-era boost in food aid, saying he does not “believe in welfare, and what we’re doing is best for the kids.”

Rather than that program, which distributes food aid through grocery purchases, he said he preferred the current federal summer meal program, in which food is distributed at schools, camps and churches. He said the program, while more limited, does a better job of getting kids out to socialize and connect in their communities.

Asked about children who lack access to transportation to community meal programs during the summer, he said, “That would be a really, really small number.” He called them an exception and said most would be able to reach meal sites.

He did not answer a question about how his acceptance of federal pandemic relief funds for his hog operation in Columbus or grants for a meat-cutting operation in Fremont differed from accepting federal funds for the meal program.

On school choice, Pillen said he continues to support the Opportunity Scholarship Act that provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to private donors and trusts giving money that supports private K-12 scholarships for needy students.

However, he said, he has no plans to ask lawmakers to propose additional legislation that would expand the program. The new law initially provides up to $25 million a year in tax credits. The credits could rise to $100 million annually by the tenth year.

Pillen said he wants to help State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and other supporters of the scholarship law defeat a potential ballot measure aimed at giving voters decide whether to accept or repeal the law.

On abortion, he said his stance has not changed. He still would prefer that abortion be banned. But he said his focus this year would be on helping anti-abortion activists defeat a potential ballot initiative that would enshrine a right to an abortion in the State Constitution.

“The abortion conversation is about love and life, helping moms choose life and love, and giving them support,” Pillen said.&nbsp;

He said he is not interested in banning access to “prophylactics.”

“It’s not about in vitro fertilization,” he said. “It’s not about a conversation of embryos. It’s not about being involved in the patient-doctor relationship. It is simply about moving back and looking at 1972 and trying to save as many babies grown in mom’s wombs.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704205286381.jpeg" alt=" Gov. Jim Pillen talks about his property tax proposal during an interview with the Nebraska Examiner. Dec. 27, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Jim Pillen talks about his property tax proposal during an interview with the Nebraska Examiner. Dec. 27, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/02/gov-pillen-previews-his-property-tax-plan-other-goals-for-2024-legislative-session/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen plans to pitch a “transformational” proposal to reduce the amount of property taxes paid by capping local government spending and funding those services more through&nbsp;sales taxes.Pillen outlined part of his plan during an interview with the Nebraska Examiner before the 2024 legislative session starts Wednesday. He said he wants lasting, structural tax change.The governor also discussed another priority he intends to highlight during his annual State of the State address in mid-January: attracting and retaining a qualified workforce. That includes improving access to quality child care.Among other topics, Pillen reiterated his decision to turn down $18 million in federal money for a summer food program for needy children, saying&nbsp;he and most Nebraskans don’t&nbsp;“believe in welfare.” He also said he wouldn’t push for new legislation on school choice or abortion while voters consider potential ballot measures on both issues.<h2>Property tax proposal</h2>Under Pillen’s property tax proposal, the state would set “hard caps” on spending growth by cities and counties&nbsp;and perhaps maintain last year’s “soft caps” set on K-12 school districts.He aims to tamp down on local governments automatically collecting more in property taxes as valuations rise, although he did not specify how his plan would accomplish that goal.He said his goal is to trim $2 billion of the $5 billion Nebraskans pay yearly in local property taxes. Most of that money funds local K-12 schools, in addition to local law enforcement, city and county roads and more.The only way to get at that big a number, he said, is if every level of government takes a deeper look at spending. He expects&nbsp;local leaders&nbsp;to ask hard questions about whether&nbsp;particular&nbsp;services are still needed. He said the plan would make allowances for fast-growing areas,&nbsp;saying new development would not trigger the hard cap.“It’s not a valuation problem,” Pillen said. “It’s a spending problem.”He said criticism of spending caps by public school proponents carried more weight when the state paid for a smaller portion of K-12 education. Nebraska previously has ranked near the bottom nationally in state support. The state now spends in the middle of the pack, he said.Pillen’s proposal would shift up to $1 billion of the property tax burden to the state, through changes in the sales tax. He envisions adding a cent or two to the state sales tax and taxing some goods and services that are now exempt.He said he and state lawmakers would dig into current state sales tax exemptions and see where the sales tax base could be broadened. He did not say what taxes the state might raise but said he would not tax groceries.The state does not collect sales tax on vehicle repairs or newspaper sales. It also does not tax lottery tickets, medication, medical equipment, laundromats, home repairs, agricultural chemicals or equipment used for farming and ranching.&nbsp;Leaning more heavily on sales taxes, Pillen said, might help more senior citizens on fixed incomes stay in their homes. He called the proposal “a win-win for all Nebraskans” and said, “The biggest problem we all have is we pay too much for property tax for where we live.”His proposal’s “minor changes” to taxing optional purchases would avoid taxing life necessities for Nebraskans on fixed incomes, unlike a competing proposal for an EPIC consumption tax, which critics have said could tax rent and medicines.“It’s a big reason why EPIC is not ever going to go anywhere, because, you know, Nebraskans don’t believe in taxing our senior citizens and our neighbors on fixed incomes,” Pillen said.Asked whether he was concerned about people crossing the state border for purchases, Pillen said his proposal was designed to minimize “border bleed.”&nbsp;“By being able to switch the taxation to a discretionary consumer, all of us can make that decision if we want to pay for that or not,” Pillen said.In addition, the proposal would make the state income tax credit for local property taxes “front-loaded” rather than make taxpayers apply for it after the fact, he said. Today, more than $128 million in state property tax credit has not been claimed, he said.Part of his plan to ease property taxes is already in motion, he said. That includes shifting the $250 million cost of funding community colleges to the state and away from local property taxes. Another part is his planned $1 billion Education Future Fund.The new fund began with an investment of over $250 million to help the state fund $1,500 per student in baseline aid to K-12 education and supplement federal dollars to cover about 80% of special education costs.Pillen said his property tax plan will not change his commitment to invest $250 million a year to build that fund to the level where it can sustain about $113 million a year in baseline aid and about $157 million a year in special ed funding.&nbsp;Pillen said his plan was informed by months of discussions with state senators, county and city leaders, business groups and Nebraska residents serving on a property tax and valuations working group that he announced in July.He said he asked members of the group whether they wanted to consider ideas that would slow the growth of property taxes, hold the line or cut them. He said most wanted significant cuts.&nbsp;<h2>Workforce development proposals</h2>The first of Pillen’s proposals to address Nebraska’s workforce shortages will center on incentives to businesses to offer on-site child care to their employees or similar help. Helping communities increase preschool options is part of that effort, he said.He said the state could help by giving tax incentives to businesses that offer child care benefits to their employees. One of his key challenges, he said, is communicating to older Nebraskans that child care can cost thousands of dollars a month.&nbsp;Among the “innovative” ideas he’s heard businesses consider is creating a rotation of employees who take care of one another’s children for five hours a week, while being paid.Pillen acknowledged that lack of child care was one reason some state employees, through their union, objected to his recent executive order moving state employees back into the office, after letting some work from home part of the time.Asked whether he planned to set an example for businesses by offering state employees child care at their workplaces, he said he hadn’t “gotten into that piece.” Pillen said he would need to see how many need child care.Under other parts of his proposal:<ul>
 <li>The state would partner with businesses to encourage more high school students to consider trade school or community college over four-year degrees or going straight to work after high school.</li><li>State, local and private seed funding would be used to boost the building of apartments and homes for workers in rural and urban areas with a shortage of affordable and quality options.</li><li>To reverse the state’s “brain drain,” the state would revise its business incentives to reward companies that bring in or keep skilled workers.</li>
 </ul><h2>LGBTQ legislation</h2>Asked how he would square some of the Legislature’s more socially conservative stances on LGBTQ-themed legislation with recruiting and retaining young people, he said, “We all have to do a better job building relationships.”He said he has had conversations with transgender adults who have asked him what his “problem is” with them. He said he tells them he has no problem and that he loves them “like any other Nebraskan.”He said he tells them, “I just want to protect our kids so they can make decisions when they’re an adult to become a transgender just like you did.”&nbsp;Pillen said LGBTQ Nebraskans should not let the comments last session from “two of 49 senators” cloud their judgment over how their friends and neighbors will treat them.&nbsp;Pillen has hinted that he might support a bill limiting middle and high school sports participation to students based on their sex assigned at birth. The same bill, which was held over from 2023, also addresses what bathrooms students use. He acknowledged during the interview that the issue might come up this session.He signed an executive order in August spelling out the legal definitions of male and female for state agencies under the governor’s control.<h2>Summer food funding for needy kids</h2>Pillen defended his decision to turn down $18 million in federal funds for a pandemic-era boost in food aid, saying he does not “believe in welfare, and what we’re doing is best for the kids.”Rather than that program, which distributes food aid through grocery purchases, he said he preferred the current federal summer meal program, in which food is distributed at schools, camps and churches. He said the program, while more limited, does a better job of getting kids out to socialize and connect in their communities.Asked about children who lack access to transportation to community meal programs during the summer, he said, “That would be a really, really small number.” He called them an exception and said most would be able to reach meal sites.He did not answer a question about how his acceptance of federal pandemic relief funds for his hog operation in Columbus or grants for a meat-cutting operation in Fremont differed from accepting federal funds for the meal program.<h2>School choice and abortion</h2>On school choice, Pillen said he continues to support the Opportunity Scholarship Act that provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to private donors and trusts giving money that supports private K-12 scholarships for needy students.However, he said, he has no plans to ask lawmakers to propose additional legislation that would expand the program. The new law initially provides up to $25 million a year in tax credits. The credits could rise to $100 million annually by the tenth year.Pillen said he wants to help State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Omaha and other supporters of the scholarship law defeat a potential ballot measure aimed at giving voters decide whether to accept or repeal the law.On abortion, he said his stance has not changed. He still would prefer that abortion be banned. But he said his focus this year would be on helping anti-abortion activists defeat a potential ballot initiative that would enshrine a right to an abortion in the State Constitution.“The abortion conversation is about love and life, helping moms choose life and love, and giving them support,” Pillen said.&nbsp;He said he is not interested in banning access to “prophylactics.”“It’s not about in vitro fertilization,” he said. “It’s not about a conversation of embryos. It’s not about being involved in the patient-doctor relationship. It is simply about moving back and looking at 1972 and trying to save as many babies grown in mom’s wombs.”&nbsp;

Gov. Pillen previews his property tax plan, other goals for 2024 legislative session

Editor's note: Story has been updated from garage to shed after initial&nbsp;reports.

The fire has been contained and crews are leaving the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No injuries have been reported. This is a developing story, and we will update when more information becomes available.

NORTH PLATTE -&nbsp;North Platte first responders respond to a fire call at the corner of N Oak Street &amp; West 7th Street a little after 6am. Flames appeared to be coming out of the shed on the property. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. This is a developing story, and we will update when more information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704199382287.jpeg" alt="FF working on the scene. North Platte Post" />
 <figcaption>FF working on the scene. North Platte Post</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte PostEditor's note: Story has been updated from garage to shed after initial&nbsp;reports.UPDATE 7:30amThe fire has been contained and crews are leaving the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No injuries have been reported. This is a developing story, and we will update when more information becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704203346510.jpeg" alt="FF investigating the scene. North Platte Post" />
 <figcaption>FF investigating the scene. North Platte Post</figcaption>
 </figure>-------NORTH PLATTE -&nbsp;North Platte first responders respond to a fire call at the corner of N Oak Street &amp; West 7th Street a little after 6am. Flames appeared to be coming out of the shed on the property. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. This is a developing story, and we will update when more information becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704200355825.jpeg" alt="NPVFD vehicles at the scene. North Platte Post" />
 <figcaption>NPVFD vehicles at the scene. North Platte Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704200422223.jpeg" alt="NPVFD firetruck at the scene. North Platte Post" />
 <figcaption>NPVFD firetruck at the scene. North Platte Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnorthplattepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid09XtpaTpoS4ivFKKi6fgNdTVDg18HVKedU8npdnTByJVGNDSeHUTyLZeJzT5tUsigl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="665" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

 North Platte first responders respond to a fire call early in the morning

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's Republican governor on Friday reiterated his rejection of $18 million in federal funding to help feed children who might otherwise go hungry while school is out.

Nebraska will not participate in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children — or Summer EBT — program, Gov. Jim Pillen said in a written statement. That statement came as advocates for children and low-income families held a news conference outside the Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln to call on Pillen to change his mind before the Jan. 1 deadline to sign up for the program.

The program — part of federal assistance made available during the COVID-19 pandemic — would provide pre-loaded EBT cards to families whose children are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches at school. Those families would receive $40 per eligible child per month over the summer. The cards can be used to buy groceries, similar to how SNAP benefits are used.

“COVID-19 is over, and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too," Pillen said in his statement. Pillen announced on Dec. 19 that Nebraska would not participate in the program. He has drawn a firestorm of criticism for later defending that stance at a news conference by saying, “I don't believe in welfare."

Neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-summer-ebt-food-assistance-0e878c5c0fc9dd0dd55622cb22a82561">Iowa is also opting out</a>&nbsp;of the program, with Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds announcing that decision last week and saying, “An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic.”

States that participate in the federal program are required to cover half of the administrative costs, which would cost Nebraska an estimated $300,000. Advocates of the program note that the administrative cost is far outweighed by the $18 million benefit, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates would benefit 175,000 Nebraska children who might otherwise go hungry on some days during the summer.

Advocacy group Nebraska Appleseed on Friday delivered a petition bearing more than 6,100 signatures from 230 communities across Nebraska calling on the state to utilize the federal Summer EBT program. Many of those who signed the petition also included comments expressing how much the program is needed, especially in light of multi-year inflation that has outpaced many household incomes.

“Everything is expensive," wrote one mother from Bruno, a small rural town in eastern Nebraska. “I’m a single mom who works full time, and my budget is already spread so thin. My son plays sports, and as a growing boy, he could practically eat a hole through the wall; it feels like it never stops. The extra money for food would free up money for things like bills and savings, and car maintenance.”

Pillen insisted Friday that the state would continue to help food-insecure children through the Summer Food Service Program, which provides meals and snacks at various sites when school is not in session. Providing on-site services also allows providers to spot and report issues like malnutrition, neglect and abuse in children, he said.

But critics say not all families have access to the on-site programs — particularly in Nebraska's vast rural stretches, where sites can be many miles away from a struggling family.

“No kid ever said, ‘I want to be born into a family that struggles,’” said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association — the state's largest teachers union. “Why would we even question that people and children deserve food?"

Preston Love Jr,, a longtime community advocate in Omaha, on Friday questioned whether Pillen was bowing to political pressure in rejecting the federal funding.

“I know the governor a little bit, and he seems to be a reasonable man. He's a man who is compassionate in conversation,” Love said. “This is out of character. So, obviously, he's not following his heart. He's following his politics. He's falling victim to political posturing, and there's no excuse for that when it comes to children.”

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's Republican governor on Friday reiterated his rejection of $18 million in federal funding to help feed children who might otherwise go hungry while school is out.Nebraska will not participate in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children — or Summer EBT — program, Gov. Jim Pillen said in a written statement. That statement came as advocates for children and low-income families held a news conference outside the Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln to call on Pillen to change his mind before the Jan. 1 deadline to sign up for the program.The program — part of federal assistance made available during the COVID-19 pandemic — would provide pre-loaded EBT cards to families whose children are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches at school. Those families would receive $40 per eligible child per month over the summer. The cards can be used to buy groceries, similar to how SNAP benefits are used.“COVID-19 is over, and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too," Pillen said in his statement. Pillen announced on Dec. 19 that Nebraska would not participate in the program. He has drawn a firestorm of criticism for later defending that stance at a news conference by saying, “I don't believe in welfare."Neighboring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-summer-ebt-food-assistance-0e878c5c0fc9dd0dd55622cb22a82561">Iowa is also opting out</a>&nbsp;of the program, with Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds announcing that decision last week and saying, “An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic.”States that participate in the federal program are required to cover half of the administrative costs, which would cost Nebraska an estimated $300,000. Advocates of the program note that the administrative cost is far outweighed by the $18 million benefit, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates would benefit 175,000 Nebraska children who might otherwise go hungry on some days during the summer.Advocacy group Nebraska Appleseed on Friday delivered a petition bearing more than 6,100 signatures from 230 communities across Nebraska calling on the state to utilize the federal Summer EBT program. Many of those who signed the petition also included comments expressing how much the program is needed, especially in light of multi-year inflation that has outpaced many household incomes.“Everything is expensive," wrote one mother from Bruno, a small rural town in eastern Nebraska. “I’m a single mom who works full time, and my budget is already spread so thin. My son plays sports, and as a growing boy, he could practically eat a hole through the wall; it feels like it never stops. The extra money for food would free up money for things like bills and savings, and car maintenance.”Pillen insisted Friday that the state would continue to help food-insecure children through the Summer Food Service Program, which provides meals and snacks at various sites when school is not in session. Providing on-site services also allows providers to spot and report issues like malnutrition, neglect and abuse in children, he said.But critics say not all families have access to the on-site programs — particularly in Nebraska's vast rural stretches, where sites can be many miles away from a struggling family.“No kid ever said, ‘I want to be born into a family that struggles,’” said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association — the state's largest teachers union. “Why would we even question that people and children deserve food?"Preston Love Jr,, a longtime community advocate in Omaha, on Friday questioned whether Pillen was bowing to political pressure in rejecting the federal funding.“I know the governor a little bit, and he seems to be a reasonable man. He's a man who is compassionate in conversation,” Love said. “This is out of character. So, obviously, he's not following his heart. He's following his politics. He's falling victim to political posturing, and there's no excuse for that when it comes to children.”

Nebraska governor stands firm on rejection of federal money to feed food-insecure children

Ray Martin Torres, 56, North Platte and Dana Leanne Scott, 56, North Platte

Joshua David Filman, 32, Maxwell and Megan Nicole Hazen, 35, Maxwell

Samuel Joseph Musselman, 21, North Platte and Olivia Jean Huff, 19, Butte MT

Roger Lee Kurtz, 55, Williams AZ and Carrie Marie Murdock, 48, Williams AZ

Bryce Michael Lee, 24, Glendale WI and Princess Guia Moreno Saguban, 23, Glendale WI

Stefan Alexander Eskew, 47, North Platte and Anne Marie Ewers, 47, North Platte

David Matthys Grobbelaar, 33, North Platte and Paula Jo Skala, 32, North Platte

Ray Martin Torres, 56, North Platte and Dana Leanne Scott, 56, North PlatteJoshua David Filman, 32, Maxwell and Megan Nicole Hazen, 35, MaxwellSamuel Joseph Musselman, 21, North Platte and Olivia Jean Huff, 19, Butte MTRoger Lee Kurtz, 55, Williams AZ and Carrie Marie Murdock, 48, Williams AZBryce Michael Lee, 24, Glendale WI and Princess Guia Moreno Saguban, 23, Glendale WIStefan Alexander Eskew, 47, North Platte and Anne Marie Ewers, 47, North PlatteDavid Matthys Grobbelaar, 33, North Platte and Paula Jo Skala, 32, North Platte

Marriage Licenses For Lincoln County (Week of December 25th)

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/29/advocates-issue-final-plea-to-governor-to-participate-in-new-summer-lunch-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Standing outside the Governor’s Mansion, educators, legislators and other advocates made a final plea Friday for Gov. Jim Pillen to change his mind and participate in a federal program that increases grocery-buying funds for low-income families.

Friday was the last working day prior to the Jan. 1 deadline for Nebraska to join 23 other states in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, which advocates maintain would help feed 150,000 children when they’re out of school next summer.

“I call on the governor to put politics aside and do the right thing for the right people … in this case, our kids,” Preston Love, an Omaha community activist, told about 30 people gathered outside the Governor’s Residence.

Pillen reiterated Friday that he isn’t changing his mind and is joining neighboring red states South Dakota and Iowa in rejecting the federal funds.

“COVID-19 is over and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too,” said the Republican governor in a press release.

But, at Friday’s rally, State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln said “a host” of other avenues are being explored to bring Nebraska the $18 million in federal funds for the summer food program.

Those include seeking a waiver or extension of the deadline to apply, seeking other state or local governments to apply for the money and exploring whether private entities could cover the state’s expected administrative costs of $300,000. Gretna Sen. Jen Day has also pledged to seek a legislative solution in the 2024 session that begins next week.

“Rather than pointing fingers or calling names, we’re going to continue working for Nebraska kids,” said Conrad, a leading Democrat in the nonpartisan Legislature.

The program would put an additional $120 in grocery-buying money into the EBT cards issued to low-income families to buy food over the summer of 2024.

While Gov. Pillen has said he didn’t support “welfare” while rejecting federal funds for the Summer EBT, his family businesses have been recipients of federal aid in the past.

Earlier this year, a Fremont pork-processing plant partially owned by the governor and his family&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/29/pork-processor-partially-owned-by-pillen-gets-25-million-federal-grant/">received a $25 million grant</a>&nbsp;to expand operations.

In 2020, Pillen Holdings II LLC received $879,106 in federal agriculture subsidies, according to federal records.

Sixteen businesses associated with the governor got $7.8 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The companies later returned more than $5 million of those funds, according to the<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-nebraska-columbus-c6a48d95526bac6553f4f4a9cb802732">&nbsp;Omaha World-Herald.</a>

Following Pillen’s Dec. 19 decision not to participate in the program, the governor stated that he doesn’t “believe in welfare.”

At Friday’s rally, speakers criticized that characterization of the food aid.

“Why would we even question that people and children deserve food?” Jenni Benson, the president of the state teacher’s union, the Nebraska State Education Association, asked at the rally.

Omaha Sen. Tony Vargas said one concern he’s been hearing from legislative colleagues is why Nebraska is turning down $18 million in federal funds that had been contributed by state taxpayers.

He said that there’s a “moral obligation” to take care of our neighbors, but also a need for the state to obtain all the federal funds it deserves.

“For $300,000, we’re getting a 60-to-1 return on our investment,” Vargas said.

In recent days, the call for Pillen to change his mind has ramped up.

On Friday, Nebraska Appleseed, which advocates for the poor, submitted a petition signed by 6,144 people&nbsp;from 230 Nebraska communities calling on the governor to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program.

The petitions included comments from several families who said that they were struggling to make ends meet and that the extra food aid in the summer would make a big difference while their children aren’t getting fed at schools.

“Summer hunger is a regular and heart-wrenching event for families and children. Support, like the kind offered through Summer EBT, can help more children get the food they need in all corners of our state,” said Eric Savaiano, manager of Appleseed’s food access efforts, in a press release.

In addition, the City of La Vista sent a letter Thursday, signed by the mayor and all eight members of its city council, urging Pillen to reconsider.

The letter stated that 52% to 67% of children in three Title 1 schools in La Vista would qualify for the additional grocery aid and that an existing summer food aid program at schools — which Pillen has suggested is sufficient — operates for only one out of the three summer months.

“The educational, health and behavioral benefits of providing stable access to food resources to Nebraska children will far outweigh the projected (administrative) costs” of the Summer EBT program, the La Vista letter stated.

Pillen, in a press release Friday, said his refusal of the EBT program “does not mean that hungry kids will lose access to summer nutrition programs.”

He cited the existing USDA Summer Food Services Program, pointing out that children are fed “on-site by trained program providers” that ensure “healthy meals and snacks, as well as access to educational and enrichment activities.”

Advocates at Friday’s rally, however, said that the existing program is inadequate, and doesn’t reach thousands of kids who don’t participate in summer school or camps. They add that Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-man-launches-vigil-at-governors-residence-as-pillen-proclaims-that-he-doesnt-believe-in-welfare/">has the lowest participation rate</a>&nbsp;in the current summer school food program, and that sites for such meals have been declining.

The rally followed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-man-launches-vigil-at-governors-residence-as-pillen-proclaims-that-he-doesnt-believe-in-welfare/">an eight-day vigil</a>&nbsp;outside the governor’s mansion conducted by an Omaha anti-poverty activist, Paul Feilmann, to protest the governor’s decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703938605094.jpeg" alt=" About 30 educators, state senators and advocates for children rallied at noon Friday in front of the Governor’s Residence in Lincoln. They called on Gov. Pillen to change his mind about rejecting a federal grocery aid program. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> About 30 educators, state senators and advocates for children rallied at noon Friday in front of the Governor’s Residence in Lincoln. They called on Gov. Pillen to change his mind about rejecting a federal grocery aid program. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/29/advocates-issue-final-plea-to-governor-to-participate-in-new-summer-lunch-program/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Standing outside the Governor’s Mansion, educators, legislators and other advocates made a final plea Friday for Gov. Jim Pillen to change his mind and participate in a federal program that increases grocery-buying funds for low-income families.Friday was the last working day prior to the Jan. 1 deadline for Nebraska to join 23 other states in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, which advocates maintain would help feed 150,000 children when they’re out of school next summer.“I call on the governor to put politics aside and do the right thing for the right people … in this case, our kids,” Preston Love, an Omaha community activist, told about 30 people gathered outside the Governor’s Residence.Pillen reiterated Friday that he isn’t changing his mind and is joining neighboring red states South Dakota and Iowa in rejecting the federal funds.<h2>‘COVID-19 is over’</h2>“COVID-19 is over and Nebraska taxpayers expect that pandemic-era government relief programs will end too,” said the Republican governor in a press release.But, at Friday’s rally, State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln said “a host” of other avenues are being explored to bring Nebraska the $18 million in federal funds for the summer food program.Those include seeking a waiver or extension of the deadline to apply, seeking other state or local governments to apply for the money and exploring whether private entities could cover the state’s expected administrative costs of $300,000. Gretna Sen. Jen Day has also pledged to seek a legislative solution in the 2024 session that begins next week.“Rather than pointing fingers or calling names, we’re going to continue working for Nebraska kids,” said Conrad, a leading Democrat in the nonpartisan Legislature.<h2>Additional $120 over three months</h2>The program would put an additional $120 in grocery-buying money into the EBT cards issued to low-income families to buy food over the summer of 2024.<h2>Federal aid</h2>While Gov. Pillen has said he didn’t support “welfare” while rejecting federal funds for the Summer EBT, his family businesses have been recipients of federal aid in the past.Earlier this year, a Fremont pork-processing plant partially owned by the governor and his family&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/29/pork-processor-partially-owned-by-pillen-gets-25-million-federal-grant/">received a $25 million grant</a>&nbsp;to expand operations.In 2020, Pillen Holdings II LLC received $879,106 in federal agriculture subsidies, according to federal records.Sixteen businesses associated with the governor got $7.8 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The companies later returned more than $5 million of those funds, according to the<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-nebraska-columbus-c6a48d95526bac6553f4f4a9cb802732">&nbsp;Omaha World-Herald.</a>Following Pillen’s Dec. 19 decision not to participate in the program, the governor stated that he doesn’t “believe in welfare.”At Friday’s rally, speakers criticized that characterization of the food aid.“Why would we even question that people and children deserve food?” Jenni Benson, the president of the state teacher’s union, the Nebraska State Education Association, asked at the rally.Omaha Sen. Tony Vargas said one concern he’s been hearing from legislative colleagues is why Nebraska is turning down $18 million in federal funds that had been contributed by state taxpayers.He said that there’s a “moral obligation” to take care of our neighbors, but also a need for the state to obtain all the federal funds it deserves.“For $300,000, we’re getting a 60-to-1 return on our investment,” Vargas said.In recent days, the call for Pillen to change his mind has ramped up.On Friday, Nebraska Appleseed, which advocates for the poor, submitted a petition signed by 6,144 people&nbsp;from 230 Nebraska communities calling on the governor to participate in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program.The petitions included comments from several families who said that they were struggling to make ends meet and that the extra food aid in the summer would make a big difference while their children aren’t getting fed at schools.<h2>Summer hunger is ‘heart-wrenching’</h2>“Summer hunger is a regular and heart-wrenching event for families and children. Support, like the kind offered through Summer EBT, can help more children get the food they need in all corners of our state,” said Eric Savaiano, manager of Appleseed’s food access efforts, in a press release.In addition, the City of La Vista sent a letter Thursday, signed by the mayor and all eight members of its city council, urging Pillen to reconsider.The letter stated that 52% to 67% of children in three Title 1 schools in La Vista would qualify for the additional grocery aid and that an existing summer food aid program at schools — which Pillen has suggested is sufficient — operates for only one out of the three summer months.“The educational, health and behavioral benefits of providing stable access to food resources to Nebraska children will far outweigh the projected (administrative) costs” of the Summer EBT program, the La Vista letter stated.<h2>Governor says kids won’t go hungry</h2>Pillen, in a press release Friday, said his refusal of the EBT program “does not mean that hungry kids will lose access to summer nutrition programs.”He cited the existing USDA Summer Food Services Program, pointing out that children are fed “on-site by trained program providers” that ensure “healthy meals and snacks, as well as access to educational and enrichment activities.”Advocates at Friday’s rally, however, said that the existing program is inadequate, and doesn’t reach thousands of kids who don’t participate in summer school or camps. They add that Nebraska&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-man-launches-vigil-at-governors-residence-as-pillen-proclaims-that-he-doesnt-believe-in-welfare/">has the lowest participation rate</a>&nbsp;in the current summer school food program, and that sites for such meals have been declining.The rally followed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/omaha-man-launches-vigil-at-governors-residence-as-pillen-proclaims-that-he-doesnt-believe-in-welfare/">an eight-day vigil</a>&nbsp;outside the governor’s mansion conducted by an Omaha anti-poverty activist, Paul Feilmann, to protest the governor’s decision.

Advocates issue final plea to governor to participate in new, summer lunch program

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/28/september-911-system-outage-began-with-a-cut-drip-irrigation-line-in-downtown-lincoln/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The accidental cutting of a landscape irrigation line in Lincoln’s Centennial Mall sparked a cascading series of events in September that led to a 4½-hour outage of 911 systems in southeast Nebraska.

That was the testimony Thursday by an executive of Windstream, a telecommunications provider, during a hearing to explore why access to emergency responders was cut off Sept. 2-3 to thousands of customers in southeast Nebraska.

The outage, along with an Aug. 31 outage reported by Omaha-based Lumen, prompted the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which regulates the state’s 911 services, to<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/05/state-agency-to-probe-why-911-network-backup-systems-failed-to-work/">&nbsp;launch an investigation.</a>

On Thursday, the commission took testimony concerning the Windstream outage in September and another on Nov. 28. A second PSC hearing, on Jan. 4, will take testimony about a 10-hour 911 outage linked to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/06/agency-assures-state-senators-that-finding-the-cause-of-911-outages-is-top-priority/">Omaha-based Lumen on Aug. 31.</a>

Brad Hedrick, a regional president for Windstream, told the PSC that a contractor installing a natural gas line accidentally cut a drip-irrigation line, probably on or just after Aug. 28. The line watered landscaping on Centennial Mall, near Windstream’s main office at 14th and M Streets in downtown Lincoln.

The cut wasn’t reported, Hedrick said, and the leaking water eventually made its way into a rarely visited, underground vault holding electric transformers, sparking a fire and an explosion Sept. 2, which led to a power outage at the Windstream office.

“Water on a huge amount of power is bad,” he told the PSC.

A backup generator later failed, and then a battery system was drained, leading Windstream to shut down some phone switching equipment that fed emergency calls into 911 centers.

The shutdown, Hedrick said, avoided a total “crash” of the telephone systems and a more widespread outage.

In response to the calamity, he said Windstream has contracted with a Lincoln firm to provide a replacement generator, if needed, closer by. In September, Hedrick said the closest replacement was in Des Moines.

He outlined other changes the company has made to increase redundancy in its equipment and to avoid future 911 outages.

Hedrick told the PSC that the 70-minute outage in November was caused by a manufacturing “bug” in equipment and the failure of an alarm, and that those systems are being replaced.

Lumen officials have said that two separate accidental cuts in fiber optic lines in Minneapolis and Omaha on Aug. 31 blocked calls from being received by more than half of the state’s 68 911 centers for about 10 hours.

David Sankey, the PSC’s director of the 911 department, told commissioners Thursday there had been “a number” of similar outages during his seven years in the job.

He has previously said that the 911 centers have been operating properly and that the problem was that calls could not be received by 911 operators during the recent outages.

The Public Service Commission will issue a report on its findings sometime after next week’s hearing.

Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/28/september-911-system-outage-began-with-a-cut-drip-irrigation-line-in-downtown-lincoln/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The accidental cutting of a landscape irrigation line in Lincoln’s Centennial Mall sparked a cascading series of events in September that led to a 4½-hour outage of 911 systems in southeast Nebraska.That was the testimony Thursday by an executive of Windstream, a telecommunications provider, during a hearing to explore why access to emergency responders was cut off Sept. 2-3 to thousands of customers in southeast Nebraska.The outage, along with an Aug. 31 outage reported by Omaha-based Lumen, prompted the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which regulates the state’s 911 services, to<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/05/state-agency-to-probe-why-911-network-backup-systems-failed-to-work/">&nbsp;launch an investigation.</a><h2>Centennial Mall landscaping</h2>On Thursday, the commission took testimony concerning the Windstream outage in September and another on Nov. 28. A second PSC hearing, on Jan. 4, will take testimony about a 10-hour 911 outage linked to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/12/06/agency-assures-state-senators-that-finding-the-cause-of-911-outages-is-top-priority/">Omaha-based Lumen on Aug. 31.</a>Brad Hedrick, a regional president for Windstream, told the PSC that a contractor installing a natural gas line accidentally cut a drip-irrigation line, probably on or just after Aug. 28. The line watered landscaping on Centennial Mall, near Windstream’s main office at 14th and M Streets in downtown Lincoln.The cut wasn’t reported, Hedrick said, and the leaking water eventually made its way into a rarely visited, underground vault holding electric transformers, sparking a fire and an explosion Sept. 2, which led to a power outage at the Windstream office.“Water on a huge amount of power is bad,” he told the PSC.A backup generator later failed, and then a battery system was drained, leading Windstream to shut down some phone switching equipment that fed emergency calls into 911 centers.The shutdown, Hedrick said, avoided a total “crash” of the telephone systems and a more widespread outage.In response to the calamity, he said Windstream has contracted with a Lincoln firm to provide a replacement generator, if needed, closer by. In September, Hedrick said the closest replacement was in Des Moines.He outlined other changes the company has made to increase redundancy in its equipment and to avoid future 911 outages.Hedrick told the PSC that the 70-minute outage in November was caused by a manufacturing “bug” in equipment and the failure of an alarm, and that those systems are being replaced.<h2>Fiber optic lines cut</h2>Lumen officials have said that two separate accidental cuts in fiber optic lines in Minneapolis and Omaha on Aug. 31 blocked calls from being received by more than half of the state’s 68 911 centers for about 10 hours.David Sankey, the PSC’s director of the 911 department, told commissioners Thursday there had been “a number” of similar outages during his seven years in the job.He has previously said that the 911 centers have been operating properly and that the problem was that calls could not be received by 911 operators during the recent outages.The Public Service Commission will issue a report on its findings sometime after next week’s hearing.

September 911 system outage began with a cut drip-irrigation line in downtown Lincoln

(NORTH PLATTE, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have apprehended the suspect of a shooting investigation. The shooting occurred in Saratoga, Wyoming on December 16.

Wednesday evening, NSP received information that a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting may be traveling through Nebraska. At approximately 10:20 p.m. a trooper located the vehicle in which the suspect was believed to be traveling, a BMW SUV, as it was driving westbound on Interstate 80 near Gothenburg, near mile marker 210.

The trooper performed a traffic stop and took the suspect into custody without incident. Victoria Tidball, 28, of Saratoga, Wyoming, was lodged in Dawson County Jail for a warrant related to the shooting investigation.

Cody Thomas(NORTH PLATTE, NEB.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have apprehended the suspect of a shooting investigation. The shooting occurred in Saratoga, Wyoming on December 16.Wednesday evening, NSP received information that a suspect wanted in connection with the shooting may be traveling through Nebraska. At approximately 10:20 p.m. a trooper located the vehicle in which the suspect was believed to be traveling, a BMW SUV, as it was driving westbound on Interstate 80 near Gothenburg, near mile marker 210.The trooper performed a traffic stop and took the suspect into custody without incident. Victoria Tidball, 28, of Saratoga, Wyoming, was lodged in Dawson County Jail for a warrant related to the shooting investigation.

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