(AP) — A free online course is offering students the chance to learn about giving from Warren Buffett and to help decide how to spend more than $100,000 of his sister’s money.

More than 4,000 people have already signed up from the course that will also feature philanthropic advice from baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., the founders of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and several other prominent givers. It starts Monday.

Buffett and his older sister, Doris Buffett, will be featured during the first class. But everyone involved with the course says the fact that students get a chance to give away real money may be more important to the course’s success than the speakers.

Rebecca Riccio, the Northeastern University professor who will teach the course, says the money helps make the lessons stick.

Summer is here, bringing with it dangerous excessive heat. The American Red Cross has steps people can follow to stay safe as the temperatures soar.

“Excessive heat can be deadly; it has caused more deaths in recent years than all other weather events,” said Tina Labellarte, Region CEO. “We want everyone to stay safe during the hot weather and have some reminders for them to follow when the weather is hot and humid.”

NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN, PETS IN THE CAR, the inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Other heat safety steps include:

§  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

§  Avoid extreme temperature changes.

§  Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

§  Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

§  Postpone outdoor games and activities.

§  Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

§  Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

§  Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.

§  If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

HEAT EXHAUSTION Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

 

 

A North Platte woman is facing felony charges after she was busted trying to break into a North Platte residence with a hammer.

At around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Officers from the North Platte Policed Department (NPPD) responded to a residence in the 2400 block of West 9th Street on the report of a female trying to break into the home with a hammer.

Upon arrival, Officers learned that the suspect, 29-year-old Tara Baker, had fled the scene in a vehicle.

According to a NPPD news release, Police made contact with Baker at her residence in the 1500 Block of West 1st Street, and questioned her about the incident.  Baker claimed she was attempting to break into the residence to check on a friend who “needed her help.”

Police didn’t buy the story, and cited Baker for Criminal Mischief due to the damage she had caused to the trailer.

Following further investigation, Officers determined there was probable cause to believe Baker had gone to the trailer to steal.  As a result, Baker was again located and arrested for Attempted Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools, both felonies.

She was jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

(AP) — Nebraska officials are hosting an event in Kearney to certify youth fishing instructors.

The state Game and Parks Commission will offer training and tools for instructors to conduct their own fishing clinics. The event is scheduled for Aug. 24 at the Harmon Park Activity Center, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The volunteer instructors will have access to loaner fishing equipment and educational materials, plus other program incentives. They also are encouraged to volunteer for such Game and Parks programs as Family Fishing Nights and the Outdoor Discovery Program.

Space for the free workshop is limited. Instructors should register by Aug. 16 by calling 402-332-4204, or by sending an email to lindsey.chizinski@nebraska.gov