LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A program that allows Nebraska landowners to harvest hay from state highway right-of-ways is now in effect.

The Nebraska Department of Roads says landowners whose property abuts a right-of-way now have until July 30 to secure a $40 hay permit, and may begin harvesting on July 15 once the permit is issued. The permit does not apply to interstate highways or freeways. Anyone can apply after July 30, and may harvest through Sept. 15.

The state requires proof of $1 million liability insurance with every application.

Officials say any hay harvested without a permit will become the property of the state and will be confiscated by the Roads Department.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court will hear arguments later this summer from a death row inmate seeking a new trial.

The high court is set to hear on Sept. 2 the appeal of Jeffrey Hessler, on death row for raping and killing a teenage Gering newspaper carrier.

Hessler is appealing a lower court judge’s rejection of his post-conviction motion seeking a new trial for the rape of a second newspaper carrier. Hessler says the lower court should have found that his trial lawyer was ineffective and that he was too mentally ill to plead no contest in 2004 to raping the teenage newspaper carrier. He was sentenced to 30 to 42 years in that case.

Hessler was also convicted in 2004 of kidnapping, raping and killing 15-year-old newspaper carrier Heather Guerrero in 2003 and sentenced to death.

The 4^th of July is a prime holiday to see litter accumulating on our streets, beaches, and parks.  Firework casings or a plastic bag stuck in a tree are some examples. Additionally, plastic 6-pack rings, jars and metal cans lying on the ground. We’ve all witnessed it. Sometimes we even rationalize that it was because of a wind storm that blew it out of the garbage or recycling bin and do nothing because “it’s only one piece” or “someone else will get it.” Someone else will get it, but it is costing North Platte and Lincoln County over $20,000 a year in litter cleanup.   This amount does not include litter enforcement.

“This year we have seen an increase in litter on the beaches at Lake Maloney,” said Mona Anderson, Executive Director of Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful.  “It is sad to see that individuals don’t want to take personal responsibility for their trash.  The pollution will eventually infect the lake to the point of killing habitat.”  Anderson wants to remind everyone that if they pack it to take to the lake, they also need to pack it back out, which includes items such as wrappers and cigarette butts.  The beaches at Lake Maloney also provide trash receptacles to toss unwanted items.  According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 1. 9 billion tons of litter ends up in the ocean every year via our local lakes and rivers. 80% of all Marine Debris is directly traced back to ground litter. 

Litter created by fireworks is also a major problem over the 4^th of July Holiday.  Thousands of fireworks are lit off in North Platte every year with casings left over from each one.  It is the responsibility of each household to clean up their firework debris.  The City of North Platte does not use a street sweeper or any other means to rid the streets of the litter.  Cleaning up your litter is also part of being a good neighbor. Litter rarely stays in one place and someone else may get stuck cleaning up your mess or the debris can wash into our river system.

Here’s a few helpful tips for cleaning up your fireworks debris:

• Have the right cleanup equipment ready.
• Allow spent fireworks to sit for several minutes – ensure fireworks are completely extinguished before approaching.
• Use a broom to sweep up debris.
• As a final precaution, temporarily place in a metal bucket or a bucket with sand or water.
• Place cool fireworks in regular trash for disposal

• Kevin Charles Stark, 49, North Platte and Lisa Ann Erickson, 45, North Platte

• Jonathan Ray Stringham,24, North Platte and Emily Nicole Glenn, 23, North Platte

• Tyler Franklin Fitzpatrick, 34, Sutherland and Jennifer Ann Nutter, 35, Sutherland

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska state treasurer and First National Bank of Omaha have announced the launch of Enable Savings Plan for people with disabilities.

At a ceremony held Wednesday at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Jacob Gehringer of Omaha was the first to open an Enable account in Nebraska. More than 450 guests, mostly people with disabilities and their families, attended the celebration.

The Enable Savings Plan provides qualifying individuals an opportunity to save for the future and pay for everyday expenses in tax-advantaged savings accounts. Eligible people may open accounts online or by mail by visiting EnableSavings.com.

In Nebraska, State Treasurer Don Stenberg is trustee of the plan, and First National Bank of Omaha is the program manager.