LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Forty-three Nebraska companies have received the Governor’s Wellness Award, which honors employers that develop successful workplace wellness programs.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the winners Thursday at the Capitol. The companies come from 28 Nebraska communities.

The Governor’s Wellness Award was created eight years ago, and has two categories. The Sower Award recognizes workplaces that have established quality wellness programs, while the Grower Award honors businesses and organizations that demonstrate significant improvement in employee health behaviors.

The awards will be presented to this year’s winners at three separate ceremonies during the months of September and October. Events will be held in Gering on Sept. 22, Kearney on Sept. 24 and Lincoln on Oct. 20.

View Full List of Recipients Here

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day.  Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on September 11, 2015.

Governor Ricketts also issued the following statement in observance of Patriot Day:

“Today is a time for us to pause and solemnly remember the lives of the many Americans that were killed 14 years ago.  We can never forget the events of September 11, 2001, and the many brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country as we continue to seek an end to Islamic extremism.”

On Patriot Day, the Governor will attend the 9/11 Minute of Silence Ceremony at Memorial Park in Omaha.

The North Platte Police and Fire Departments are holding an open house on September 11^th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Public Safety Building for anyone wanting to show their support to these two agencies sworn to serve our community.

Brief tours will be given to those wanting to walk through during those hours along with a free lunch. Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 PM and will be provided by Nebraskaland National Bank.

The Public is welcome to stop by as the two departments hug and make up following the Battle of the Badges event (blood draw) that took place today.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state government collected nearly 3 percent more than expected in taxes last month.

The Department of Revenue reported Thursday that net tax receipts totaled $385 million, which is 2.7 percent above the state’s certified forecast.

The department says net individual and corporate income taxes were higher than predicted, while net sales-and-use and miscellaneous were lower than the state forecast.

The comparisons were based on the forecast made by the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board in April.

The state’s new fiscal year began on July 1.

 

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A man who prosecutors say stole construction materials from Buffalo County while an employee has been ordered to pay $5,000 restitution.

58-year-old Ross Karabel, of Miller, pleaded no contest and was convicted last week of misdemeanor theft. He also was fined $500.

Prosecutors say Karabel stole scrap metal and other items related to county construction projects between May 2012 and November 2014.

Karabel was hired by Buffalo County in October 2005, and his last county working day was Dec. 30.