(AP) — Thousands of Nebraska homeowners face soaring flood-insurance premiums as the federal government prepares to end its decades-old subsidy program, despite Congress offering temporary relief for the worst of the price hikes.

An Associated Press analysis shows that 2,050 policies in Nebraska are expected to face a mandatory 25 percent annual increase, while 3,746 will grow by up to 18 percent yearly.

Rates will rise until they reflect the true flood risk. The National Flood Insurance Program is $24 billion in debt.

A public works employee in Lincoln says homeowners have expressed frustration with the increase, which will affect those who want to sell or refinance.

Lincoln leads the state with 1,041 affected property owners, followed by Omaha with 403, Fremont with 276, Sarpy County with 187 and Valley with 172.

A 19-year-old North Platte man who was charged with sexual assault of a child after he impregnated a 15-year-old girl, has made a deal with prosecutors.

Fortino Chavez appeared in Lincoln County District Court on Monday.

According to prosecutors, North Platte Police received a report that a 16-year-old female was eight months pregnant in January 2014.  It was alleged that Chavez was the father.

An interview was conducted with the victim at the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center, and it was determined that Chavez had engaged in consensual sexual intercourse with the girl before she turned 16 and after he had turned 19.

Nebraska State law prohibits anyone 19 years of age or older from having sex with anyone 16 years old or younger.

Originally charged with 1st degree sexual assault of a child, Chavez pleaded no contest to an amended charge of felony child abuse.

Chief Deputy Lincoln County Attorney, Tanya Roberts-Connick, said the state was recommending 18 months probation, saying the County Attorney’s Office had been in regular contact with the victim’s family, and this is what they were asking for as well.

Judge Richard Birch ordered that a presentence investigation be conducted by the state probation office.

Chavez will be sentenced in May.  He will not be required to register as a sex offender.

 

(AP) — Some lawmakers are urging Nebraskans to enroll in a health insurance plan under the federal health care law by the end of the month.

Residents have until March 31 to enroll in health insurance this year through the federal health insurance marketplace. They can still sign up after the deadline if they get married, divorced or have another qualifying life event.

Those who are uninsured could face a fine of $95 or 1 percent of their income, whichever is higher.

Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha says obtaining coverage helps individuals and families avoid high medical expenses, and will drive down the cost of insurance.

The federal government says more than 25,000 Nebraskans enrolled between Oct. 1, 2013 and March 1.

Students in Central Nebraska will have an opportunity to improve their reading and math skills this summer.

Sylvan Learning Center in North Platte will be offering a summer reading and math program, with an informational meeting being held this Tuesday, March 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Organizers say the program is open to students of all ages with parents providing guidance to keep the kids engaged this summer and avoid summer learning loss.

Students will be able to earn special points that can be used for prizes.

For more information, call Sylvan at 308-532-4441, stop by at 1101 South Cottonwood or visit their website,  https://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/69101/.