Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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A quest to visit all 531 incorporated towns in Nebraska has turned into a geography lesson for residents of the state. University of Nebraska-Omaha college students Seth Varner and Austin Schneider, of Wahoo, got the idea after college classes moved to online learning in March, when the coronavirus pandemic curbed traditional learning and sent college students back home for the semester. The statewide road trip is similar to a venture Varner took with his dad nearly a decade ago. "We were going...
When the Red Cross visits Clearwater, July 14, for a blood drive, the organization will offer testing for COVID-19 antibodies. The organization began testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations, June 15. According to a Red Cross news release, the antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor's immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed symptoms. "A positive antibody test does...
Clearwater Public School seniors did not let the coronavirus spoil graduation, despite limited attendance at Saturday's commencement exercises. The ten graduates turned a stressful final quarter of classes into a memorable celebration. Jackie Olivan welcomed family members and guests. Lauren Behnk, valedictorian, and Kierra Bearinger, salutatorian, shared memories and provided their take on spending one-fourth of the year learning at home following the school's March 13 closure due to COVID-19....
LU NELSEN Policy associate Center for Rural Affairs As the global COVID-19 pandemic has swept across Nebraska, it has taken many clean energy jobs with it—especially in the solar energy industry. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the novel coronavirus has led to the loss of 105 jobs in Nebraska, a decrease of 29% from the original forecast. In addition to job loss, COVID-19 may also impact the projected growth of solar in the state. As recently as 2019, the solar industry employed 1,332 Nebraskans and about 47 megawatts o...
Antelope County commissioners approved an upgrade to security technology at the Antelope County Jail when they met at the courthouse in Neligh last week. After hearing some security-sensitive information during an executive session called on the advice of county attorney Joe Abler, the board heard a presentation by Rick Scheer with Control Masters, an Omaha technology company. Scheer said Control Masters is one of just a few companies in the country that provide corrections’ electronic services and he was asked to resolve some security e...
While we have all done our best to stay healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic, rural communities have risen above the challenges forced upon them during this unprecedented time and shown what true fortitude and grit look like - coming together to make sure neighbors, friends and family are safe, well-fed and cared for. One sector—rural grocery stores—has stepped up to provide for their customers. During the onslaught of new restrictions and regulations, people started panic buy...
In mid March, churches were forced to close their doors due to the coronavirus epidemic. Two months later, services were allowed to be held again with restrictions still in place. In March, when the coronavirus was growing rapidly in case numbers, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services made a statement that places of worship were not going to be able to meet with more than 10 people. Many churches like Full Gospel Church in Ewing, decided to offer a live-streamed service instead....
ANNA JOHNSON Policy Manager, Center for Rural Affairs In approving a $9.5 billion agriculture relief package in March, Congress asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use the funds to support producers, including livestock, specialty crops and local food producers. However, USDA’s new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) includes multiple provisions designed to allow the largest producers to side-step normal payment limitations and provides almost no support for small producers selling to local markets. First, CFAP allows o...
On May 21, Governor Pete Ricketts announced new directed health measures will take effect June 1. Phase one reopening DHMs will apply to the Central District Health Department - Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties - and Dakota County. Phase two reopening DHMs, which are less restrictive, will apply to the rest of Nebraska. Ricketts said, "I want to thank Nebraskans who have followed our 'Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy' over the past two months. By cooperating together, we've made great progr...
Recently, hand washing has become a much-publicized defense against coronavirus and soap is the weapon of choice. Perhaps you can still hear your mother's voice as you walked through the kitchen door, sat down to a meal or came out of the bathroom, "Did you wash your hands?" Have you ever wondered how soap combats germs and dirt or why it works so well? Soap can be traced back to around 2800 B.C. Archeologists discovered Babylonian clay tablets inscribed with a soap recipe. The Bible records...
Governor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with proclamations from President Donald J. Trump, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff effective at noon, May 22, 2020. Flags are being lowered to honor victims of the coronavirus pandemic and to observe Memorial Day. "On Memorial Day, we pause to remember the heroes who've made sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Their memory lives on and won't ever be forgotten. This year, we'll commemorate Memorial Day...
CENTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS As lawmakers consider legislation to address the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, a group of 64 small business lenders across 32 states are calling on Congress to treat rural and urban businesses equally when it comes to providing relief. While the recently-passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act created a program that provides immediate relief to small businesses with loans from the Small Business Administration, there was no such provision for those who have loans from the U.S. Department...
MIA AZIZAH | Nebraska News Service When the novel coronavirus swept the globe and made its way to the communities across Nebraska, community newspaper publishers like Kurt Johnson of the Aurora News-Register, witnessed how the global pandemic became a challenge much closer to home. As businesses shut down and positive cases were confirmed in the Aurora area, Johnson said he felt the public angst grow. And in his 20 years of running the weekly newspaper with a circulation of 2,500, he faced the...
In honor of the role birds play in Nebraska's economy and ecosystems, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed May as Nebraska Bird Month. The month-long celebration, typically celebrated with bird-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year in the interest of public health due to the novel coronavirus. Rather than attend an event, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invites Nebraskans to get outside, look for birds and join a national citizen science program as part of the Nebras...
When Clearwater, Ewing and Orchard seniors went to school March 16, they did not know it would be the last time they attended school with their classmates. The three school districts announced they would be closed, due to coronavirus concerns, for a two-week period beginning March 17. A week later, administrators announced the remainder of the school year would be completed at home, based on recommendations from local health officials, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Dr. Matt Blomstedt, comm...
Ten district health department areas across the state, including North Central District Health Department, which includes Antelope and Holt counties, will have changes to restrictions on social gatherings and business operations, beginning May 4. Governor Pete Ricketts announced upcoming changes to Directed Health Measures across the state during an April 24 press conference. The current state DHMs for Douglas County will be extended through May 3. Local DHMs from the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and the Douglas County Health Department will al...
Kate Hansen Policy assistant, Center for Rural Affairs The deadline for Nebraska farmers and ranchers to apply to the Conservation Stewardship Program is quickly approaching. Interested producers should apply by May 29 and be aware of new safety procedures in place due to the coronavirus. Administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, CSP is a working lands conservation program that offers financial and technical assistance for producers to enhance conservation on their operations. Nebraska leads the country in both new and renewed...
Orchard principal Cathy Cooper told Orchard board members that graduation is still planned, when the original and advisory boards met recently. She said graduation will “definitely” take place, but factors regarding timing will have to be worked out. Cooper is consulting with other administrators in the Unified district regarding graduation and other end-of-year award ceremonies. “Safety is obviously the first priority,” she said. “We definitely want to recognize our seniors…We’re still planning for graduation…there are just so many things that...
Prepared. Diane Carlin, chief executive officer of Antelope Memorial Hospital, used the word to describe staff members' efforts to be prepared if the health care facility in Neligh is faced with an influx of COVID-19 patients. "We've done a lot of good work here at the hospital to be prepared. That's been a best part of this - the coming together of staff," Carlin said during a telephone interview Monday afternoon. She said the hospital has had several trial runs with testing patients and have...
By Matt Waite, UNL Data Journalism Professor The 16,381 initial unemployment claims last week are a 39% drop from the peak of 27,054 the previous week. However, that current number is still 1,962% higher than before coronavirus. Put another way, the 16,381 claims reported last week is 15,613 claims above the weekly average for 2020 before coronavirus. From January to mid-March, the state reported an average of 778 claims a week. Last week's claims number is larger than the combined populations o...
Two state senators want Nebraska to loosen restrictions enacted to slow the spread of the coronavirus to help the state’s hurting economy. Sen. Steve Halloran, of Hastings, and Sen. Steve Erdman, of Bayard, said they believe fear and panic directed policy decisions surrounding the pandemic, and they are ready for businesses, schools and Nebraska’s Legislature to reopen. “We cannot afford to go another day with this current failed policy,” the senators wrote in a commentary piece published in the Hastings Tribune April 12. While Gov. Pete Ri...
The Antelope County USDA Service Center will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. USDA Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. All customers wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Ser...
Between stay-at-home orders, a slowing economy and health concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic has people feeling on edge. Diane Carlin, chief executive officer at Antelope Memorial Hospital, said everyone experiences anxiety at some point. "We all get it," she said. "Mental health is so important in fighting this off." Signs of stress include headaches, poor concentration, sleep difficulties and upset stomach. Formulating and sticking to a routine may help alleviate feelings of helplessness....
A subscriber posed an interesting question this week. Amid COVID-19 concerns, how safe are everyday objects many of us take for granted? Can pieces of mail - more importantly- your copy of the Summerland Advocate-Messenger, transmit the virus? What about styrofoam boxes containing a carryout order from local restaurants? Take it one more step. What about foods we eat? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data indicates it is highly unlikely any of these items carry the...
The Nebraska Legislature remains adjourned until further notice. However, just over a week ago, we reconvened for three days to approve an emergency request from the governor to help fund the state response to COVID-19. The bill appropriates $83 million toward medical needs, protective measures, equipment,and programs related to the virus. It passed unanimously. That’s a statement I can rarely make, especially in these polarized times. I am proud to say legislators from across the aisle came t...
