With a pre-spring warm up forecast for the Cornhusker state, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is reminding all motorists of the need to “share the road” in an effort to reduce and prevent serious injury and fatality crashes involving motorcycles.

In 2015, 26 people were killed in crashes involving motorcycles on Nebraska roadways. There were 20 motorcycle fatalities in 2014 and 14 in 2013. According data from the Nebraska Department of Roads, six of the 26 motorcycle fatalities that occurred in 2015 happened during the months of January and March.

“I know it is still winter, but along with the forecast for warmer weather comes an anticipated increase in motorcycle traffic on our roadways,” said Colonel Bradley Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We are hoping to increase awareness and encourage all drivers to watch out for each other.”

With a much smaller profile, motorcycles are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look. Motorists are encouraged to always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors or blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

Motorcyclists are reminded they must obey the same rules of the road as the rest of the motoring public. Nebraska law requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a DOT compliant helmet. A Class M (motorcycle) license or Class M endorsement on a regular operator’s license is also required.

Colonel Rice said, “A big part of roadway safety is sharing the responsibility and watching out for one another. We hope you’ll join us by doing your part.”

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Board of Education says a bill requiring high school seniors to pass a citizenship test is the wrong way to create an informed public.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Halstead told a legislative committee Tuesday that the state should focus instead on enhancing its current programs.

The measure by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist would require students to answer 70 percent of questions on the federal immigration test correctly before graduation to ensure they have a basic knowledge of civics.

Krist says the bill could be implemented using free resources, but Halstead says the test wasn’t designed for students. Halstead says taking the test only requires students to memorize facts, not use critical thinking skills.

The board officially took a neutral stance on the measure.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A proposal designed to expedite work on Nebraska roads projects is drawing a wide range of supporters, but some lawmakers are questioning their plan to pay for it.

Members of the Appropriations Committee voiced concerns Tuesday that the bill would pull $150 million from the state’s cash reserve to jump-start the program.

The bill by Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion would create a “transportation infrastructure bank” to help finance road projects. The Nebraska Department of Roads would use the money for highway projects, a county bridge matching grant program and infrastructure to attract new businesses. Gov. Pete Ricketts has identified the plan as one of his top priorities this year.

Several senators noted that the department has yet not identified specific projects that would benefit.

BEAVER CITY, Neb. (AP) — A Dunning man has been accused of attacking a wrestler who he said was deriding the man’s son after defeating him in a match.

Online court records say 40-year-old Stacey Micheel was arrested Saturday during a wrestling meet at Cambridge Public Schools in Cambridge. Micheel is charged with felony intentional child abuse. Online court records don’t list the name of an attorney who could comment on Micheel’s behalf.

An arrest warrant affidavit says Micheel told a Furnas County deputy that the wrestler was “talking crap” about Micheel’s son.

Micheel says he pushed the wrestler. The affidavit says a security video shows Micheel grabbing the 17-year-old by the neck and pushing him down.

North Platte Community College will offer a class about severe weather next month.

PHYS 2990 will examine blizzards, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, drought and wildfires among other weather events. Students will study weather in mountain and coastal regions as well as in West Central Nebraska.

“I would recommend the course for anyone with an interest in weather,” said Joanna Jacobs, the class instructor. “We will go through everything from atmospheric basics to predicting weather, identifying clouds and storm features and understanding watches and warnings.”

The three-credit hour class counts toward general education requirements. It will startMarch 7 and continue through April 29. Jacobs has offered the course before, but never in hybrid form. Learning will be done through a combination of both on-campus and online methods.

“The on-site meetings are about two hours twice a week,” said Jacobs. “The rest is online videos and projects.”

The classroom work is scheduled for 1-2:50 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room 216 of the Health and Science Center on NPCC’s South Campus. Students can register for the class the first week it is offered. It’s recommended that those wanting to register make an advising appointment first by calling (308) 535-3774.

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