OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska utilities might be forced to make expensive changes to comply with new proposed restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions because they rely heavily on coal power.

But utility and state officials said Monday the potential impact of the new rules won’t be clear until after they’ve had a chance to study the details.

The plan calls for Nebraska to reduce its carbon emissions by 26 percent by 2030. That’s less than the 30 percent reduction nationwide the Obama administration is seeking, but it’s still ambitious.

Troy Bredenkamp with the Nebraska Rural Electric Association says the rules will likely require some expensive updates.

But he hopes the state will be able to comply without drastic changes because it does get a significant amount of its electricity from nuclear and hydropower.

A North Platte woman is facing a felony theft charge after she went on a shopping spree at Walmart, and forgot to pay.

At around 8:30 on June 1, officers with the North Platte Police Department responded to Walmart, 1401 South Dewey, on the report of an uncooperative female shoplifter.

According to store staff, Kathy Clifton was observed filling a large tote with assorted store merchandise, including food, alcohol, clothing, DVD movies and various other items.  She then attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise, which was valued at around $815.

Officer Rodney Brown said Clifton was confronted by store staff and escorted back inside, at which time she became defiant and uncooperative.

Police arrived to assist, and determined that there was probable cause to arrest Clifton for felony theft by shoplifting.

She was transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center and jailed.

• Today: Scattered thunderstorms, mainly between 4pm and 5pm. Some storms could be severe, with heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Tonight: Isolated thunderstorms before 7pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. West southwest wind 9 to 15 mph becoming north in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
• Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. East southeast wind around 8 mph.
• Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 7 to 13 mph.
• Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56.
• Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77.

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol issued 462 seat belt citations and warnings for violation of Nebraska’s seat belt law during the “Click It or Ticket” mobilization. A total of 55 child restraint citations and warnings were also issued. The “Click It or Ticket” nationwide campaign (May 19- June 1) encompassed the heavily traveled Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Nebraska’s seat belt law is a secondary law. Drivers can be cited for this violation only if stopped for a separate offense. Violating Nebraska’s Seat Belt law carried a $25.00 fine, for each offense.

Troopers and Communication Specialists put in overtime hours as a part of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign thanks in part to a nearly $28,000 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

The following statistics reflect statewide activity by the Nebraska State Patrol during the “Click It or Ticket” enforcement.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Republican Pete Ricketts has picked Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann as his running mate in the Nebraska governor’s race.

Heidemann, an Elk Creek farmer and former state senator, will join the campaign to replace Gov. Dave Heineman, who is leaving office next year because of term limits. Ricketts made the announcement Monday and praised Heidemann as a man of great character, experience and collaborative skill.

Heidemann was appointed lieutenant governor in 2013, after winning election to the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He previously served in the Legislature, where he was chairman of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee.

Ricketts says he chose Heidemann in part because of that experience and the time he has spent as a farmer and school board member.