LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — One of the four finalists to become chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has withdrawn his name.

Several Washington state media outlets have reported that Sabah Randhawa (suh-BAH’ ran-DAH’-wah) has been selected to become president at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. University of Nebraska spokeswoman Melissa Lee says Randhawa told University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds about his decision Wednesday.

Randhawa is Oregon State University provost. His withdrawal leaves three candidates to replace Lincoln’s chancellor, Harvey Perlman: Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs; April Mason, Kansas State University provost; and Daniel Reed, University of Iowa vice president for research and economic development.

Lee says Bounds doesn’t plan to name Perlman’s successor this week. Bounds’ selection is subject to a Board of Regents confirmation vote.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has adopted new regulations for the state’s oil and gas industry.

Gov. Pete Ricketts signed the measure into law on Wednesday.

The law by Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala will require periodic sampling and reporting of fracking waste fluids and monitoring of produced water transporters.

It also reduces the “promotional” duties of the Nebraska Oil and Gas Commission and refocuses the agency’s purpose on promoting health, safety and protection of natural resources.

Schilz has said he introduced the bill in response to public input last year during a series of hearings focused on the state oil and gas industry.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Medical patients in Nebraska will have the option to pay doctors directly for consultations and physicals rather than through insurance under a bill signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

The law approved Wednesday allows medical practitioners to offer direct primary care agreements.

Supporters say the agreements minimize regulations and promote better relationships between practitioners and patients.

Some senators noted that because direct primary care agreements do not constitute insurance, users will likely need additional health coverage to comply with federal requirements.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Merv Riepe of Omaha, a former hospital administrator.

North Platte (March 2016) – Cinda Baker of Cinda’s Accents in North Platte, Nebraska took a first place title for the second year in a row in the World-Renowned Design Star Competition. This year, Cinda won first place in the custom framed photography category in Larson-Juhl’s fourth annual Design Star: Framing Edition competition.

Hundreds of custom frame designs were submitted to the framing competition held at the world’s largest event in the picture framing industry, West Coast Art & Frame in Las Vegas. Custom framers from around the world sent in photographs of their creative framing projects in seven categories: Objects, Mirrors, Textiles, Documents, Art on Canvas, Art on Paper and Photography. Comprised of industry experts, the panel of judges selected first, second and third place winners in each category.

Cinda Baker won first place in the custom framed photography category for beautifully framing a pair of vintage wedding day photographs, in their original photo holders.

“We’re delighted Design Star has become such a feat for industry members and are amazed at the amazing talent portrayed in the works submitted for consideration. They truly exemplify the best in design the custom framing industry has to offer, and showcase all that can be achieved with quality custom framing through their ingenious and creative designs,” shares Drew Van Pelt, Larson-Juhl CEO. Established more than a century ago, Larson-Juhl, a Berkshire-Hathaway company, is the world’s premier designer, manufacturer, and distributor of fine custom frames of enduring style and craftsmanship.

Cinda’s career as a custom picture framer started in 1983 at Odegard’s Art & Framing in North Platte. These early days at Odegard’s provided Cinda with the foundation she needs to eventually own and operate Nebraska’s largest art gallery and custom frame shop. Today, Cinda brings together her 33 years of experience in framing and her passion for beauty in unique offerings at Cinda’s Accents. Cinda’s extensive design experience, combined with the skilled craftsmanship of frame shop manager Dave Mullen yield an award winning team!

Cinda is grateful for the for the generosity of Robyn Brown, who allowed her family’s photographic heirlooms to be used for the custom frame competition entry. Without her generosity, this award wouldn’t be possible.

To learn more about Cinda’s Accents, please visit www.CindasAccents.com.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would encourage some Nebraska school districts to lower their property tax levies has won first-round approval in the Legislature.

The measure introduced on Gov. Pete Ricketts’ behalf advanced Wednesday on a 38-0 vote.

The legislation would effectively remove an excuse school boards use not to lower their levy rates and tighten budget restrictions on bonding for projects such as mold abatement and environmental hazards.

Sen. Kate Sullivan says the bill represents an improvement in how schools are funded and increases local government accountability.

The proposal represents the first half of Ricketts’ tax package, which has changed substantially since it was introduced in January. Lawmakers are set to debate the second half on Thursday.