(AP) — Many Nebraskans couldn’t resist buying a $2 Powerball ticket for a chance to win Wednesday night’s $425 million jackpot.

Amy Joslin says she and her husband always play Powerball when the jackpot climbs over $300 million. That’s happening more often since lottery officials increased ticket prices last year.

Joslin says it would be sweet to win the big prize because the 33-year-old has four young daughters at home.

But even the big jackpot isn’t enough to attract some players. Twenty-eight-year-old Armando Mendieta of Omaha says he doesn’t buy tickets because he doesn’t like gambling.

And Mendieta says he figures he’d never get lucky enough to match all six numbers to win.

The odds of matching all five white balls plus the Powerball are 1 in 175.2 million.

The Nebraska State Patrol, with the assistance from the North Platte Police Department, conducted surprise commercial vehicle inspections today, Wednesday, August 7, in North Platte. The surprise inspections target commercial vehicles that might not travel outside the city or pass through weigh stations as part of their regular routes.

During the special enforcement effort, the Metropolitan Aggressive and Prevention Selective (MAPS) Teams conducted 54 inspections, discovered 171 violations, and took 16 vehicles out of service (not allowed to continue on the road).  Vehicles are placed out of service for a variety of reasons relating to bad brakes or tires, or other problems that pose immediate safety risks. In addition, three drivers were taken out of service (not allowed to continue driving) for, Driving Under Suspension (1), Hours of Service Violation (1), and No Operator’s License (1). Officers issued a total of $2,425 in fines.

“The MAPS Team ensures truck operators who rarely leave the city limits are maintaining their vehicles and abiding by safety regulations,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While most truck owners and operators share our concern for safety, we know some think they can ignore safety standards as long as they avoid the weigh stations. The MAPS Team extends our reach into cities and towns across the state.”

This was the 4^th MAPS Team event of 2013. Inspections have also been conducted in Sarpy County, Grand Island, and Kearney this year.  More surprise inspections are planned throughout the spring and summer in cities and towns across Nebraska.

The MAPS Team is funded largely by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Troopers check for compliance with federal safety regulations and enforce laws pertaining to weight, size, registration, dyed fuels, and permits associated with commercial vehicles. The MAPS Team was implemented in 1998 and consists of 36 troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division. On average, 20-24 troopers work each MAPS event.

A new dining experience will soon be available in North Platte.

NebraskaLand National Bank President Michael Jacobson announced Wednesday morning that Bailey’s American Cuisine will be located inside the new bank building at 1400 South Jeffers.  The Bank will lease approximately 5,800 square feet of space to Bailey’s American Cuisine, LLC which will operate the business.  The group also operates SoZo’s American Cuisine in Kearney.

The restaurant is named after former Union Pacific President and namesake of North Platte’s Bailey Yards, Edd H. Bailey.

Jacobson said, “Bailey Yards and those who work there, continue to play a significant role in the economic vitality of North Platte and the surrounding region.”

He added, “We  felt that it was fitting to honor them through the naming of this unique new restaurant.”

The restaurant will feature an extensive menu and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week in a casual setting on the first floor of the Bank, along with Barista’s Coffee Shop.  A convenient drive-thru window will also allow for convenient coffee on-the-run and food orders to go.  Additionally, the restaurant will also offer more “high-end” dining on the building’s third floor, with access to an open patio that will allow people to dine in a relaxing environment with a spectacular view of the city.

Executive Chef Travis Evans said they want Bailey’s to be a place where anyone will feel comfortable and welcome, whether they are just leaving the office or just getting off the tractor.

Jacobson said Bailey’s will also have space available for special events such as wedding receptions and Christmas parties and will offer catering services as well as a full bar.

Bailey’s American Cuisine is slated to open on November 1, 2013, which is also the scheduled opening for the Bank’s new location.

(AP) — The idea of eliminating the state income tax remains alive as the Nebraska Tax Modernization Committee continued its review of tax policy.

Earlier this year Gov. Dave Heineman proposed eliminating or reducing the state’s income tax. He pulled back the idea after a torrent of criticism about new taxes that would have replaced the revenue lost.

State Sen. Galen Hadley, of Kearney, wants the state to join the seven others in the nation that don’t have an income tax. He said at Tuesday’s committee meeting in Lincoln that supporters are pursuing the idea “more systematically to make sure we do it the right way.”

Sen. Pete Pirsch, of Omaha, says legislators would have to find $2.5 billion in new taxable transactions to make up for the loss of income tax.