(AP) — Federal agencies in Nebraska are bracing for a government shutdown that could force the closure of Farm Service Agencies and national parks, including the Homestead National Monument of America.

Monument superintendent Mark Engler said Monday that officials have notified several school groups that the park near Beatrice might have close on scheduled visiting days. The park was expected to host more than 500 fourth-graders this week from nine public schools and three parochial schools.

Engler says the park will continue to have utilities and security staff on site if the government shuts down, but all other employees will have to stay home.

The shutdown could also mean service delays within Nebraska’s Farm Service Agency offices. The agency has 73 offices in Nebraska in addition to its state office.

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