LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska State Auditor Charlie Janssen said he’s only involved at “arm’s length” with his company that continues to receive money for contracts with the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Janssen said the company, RTG Medical, has been in a blind trust since his election and that two minority partners handle its day-to-day operations.

The state has paid his company more than $266,000 to provide temporary medical workers at the Beatrice State Development Center since Janssen was sworn into office on Jan. 8.

According to the company’s website, the business serves facilities in all 50 states. Concerns about its contracts with Nebraska arose while Janssen was campaigning for the auditor job.

The Nebraska State Fair has seen a nearly 21% increase in attendance after the first four days of the Nebraska State Fair which began last Friday.

According to Joseph McDermott, executive director of the Nebraska State Fair, “A year ago at this time, we had welcomed just over 100,000 fairgoers and this year our attendance stands at 120,791 or an increase of 20.67%.  (Daily data included in email)

“The increase, according to McDermott, is at least partially attributable to the Keith Urban Concert on Saturday.  A total of 11,780 tickets were sold to the concert with ticket sales in 28 states and three foreign countries.” (Concert data included in email)

In the eastern metropolitan areas, the Omaha metro accounted for 1,088 concertgoers while Lincoln’s contributed 734.  The tri-cities of Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney contributed 3,564.

Ed Kruse, Nebraska State Fair Board Chair said, “With the marked increase in attendance we are staying on track with keeping all of our fairgoers happy.  Each year we survey our fair guests and use the data to adjust what we do to enhance the fairgoer experience.”

“As an example, those taking the survey gave us a 4.5 out of five points for family friendliness, and 4.5 out of 5 points saying this year’s fair is even better than 2014,” Kruse said adding, “These numbers have remained consistent since Grand Island became the home of the fair in 2010.”

“The number we keep a close eye on is the likelihood of those who have attended the fair to enthusiastically refer the Nebraska State Fair to friends and neighbors.  Right now, 88% of fair attendees are likely or very likely to refer the Nebraska State Fair to others and we are very excited about that,” Kruse said.

The remaining concert lineup at the Nebraska State Fair features Tony Orlando tomorrow for Older Nebraskan’s Day with concerts at 11am and 3pm.  Thursday, it’s NewsBoys, Friday, Huey Lewis and the News, Saturday, Terry Fator and on Sunday, it’s Jake Owen.  All concerts begin at 7:30pm with tickets available at Etix.com.

The Nebraska State Fair is going on now through Monday, September 7 in Grand Island.

Starting Sept. 10 Kansas Point Campground at Lake Maloney State Recreation Area (SRA) will be closed to update the electrical units at each campsite.

The original electrical units were installed for the 56-pad campground in 1983 and are in need of updating to provide uninterrupted service to campers.

Rod Shimmer, Park Superintendent at Lake Maloney SRA is requesting that all campers and tents be removed from Kansas Point by 4 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2015. There will be no access to the campground until the updates are finished, which should take two to three-weeks.

The campground will re-open after the new electrical updates are completed.

Kansas Point sees over 35,000 visitors per year that camp, fish and boat at the SRA. Lake Maloney SRA is located just south of North Platte on HWY 83.

With heartfelt gratitude, the Board of Directors of the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation announced today the launch of a search for a new CEO.

Dan Mauk, current CEO of the Organization, has informed the Board of his plans to step down.

Mauk plans to move to Eastern Nebraska to be closer to family and seek another challenging position. Mauk will continue as the CEO of the Chamber/Devco until a replacement is selected and the transition is completed. Mauk will also assist in the search process for a new CEO. He plans to depart in early 2016.

Mauk has shown tremendous dedication to North Platte during his tenure at the Chamber/Devco and has worked with the Board to establish a transition strategy to maximize the continuation of Economic Development Efforts and Chamber Member Services. He and his wife Linda have been an active part of the North Platte community.

Mauk holds positions on the Nebraska State Chamber Board, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Executives,the Golden Spike Tower and North Platte Housing Authority Boards, and is a member of the North Platte Noon Rotary Club.

The Chamber/Devco was reorganized on April 1, 2008, when the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and the Development Corporation of North Platte (DEVCO) were merged. Mauk was hired in 2009 as the first CEO of the merged organization. Dan has worked to successfully implement the intentions of the merger.

During Mauk’s tenure, Chamber/Devco has provided direct assistance to projects that total more than $65 Million in investment. North Platte and Lincoln County saw strong economic growth despite a serious national recession. Mauk led the Chamber/Devco’s support of the Greenbrier Rail Services that brought several dozen new jobs to Hershey, NE along with more than $23 million in new investment. The most recent Chamber/DEVCO project was the successful partnership with the City of North Platte on the “Shot in the Arm” housing program. The program provided an incentive for builders to develop new workforce housing for the community. To date, six duplexes and 35 new single family homes have been approved for construction. The Chamber/Devco continues to progress the development of the Industrial Park, as evidenced by new Fed-Ex project.

Chamber/Devco Board Chair, Ty Lucas, stated “Due to Dan’s aspirations for a successful transition, he provided us with ample lead time and a devoted willingness to orient his successor.  Dan’s commitment to a smooth transition is crucial to ensuring that Staffing, Economic Development and Member Services continue without interruption. Dan’s leadership was a key factor in the implementation of the merger and creation of the bright outlook for this organization. The Board believes this transition will provide the next CEO a unique opportunity to continue the mission of increased economic develop efforts while serving local business members. The Board of Directors sincerely thanks Dan Mauk for his service to North Platte and his commitment to a fluid transition.”

Potential candidates for the CEO position can find job details at the Chamber website at www .nparea.com.