LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is celebrating 150 years of statehood with a series of tributes to its history and culture.

Hundreds gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to mark the anniversary with the formal unveiling of a new state stamp and actor portrayals of author Willa Cather, Ponca Indian Chief Standing Bear and William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The state stamp shows an image by Lincoln photographer Michael Forsberg of Sandhill cranes flying over the Platte River in central Nebraska.

Gov. Pete Ricketts says the sesquicentennial gives residents the chance to reflect on how blessed they are to live in Nebraska.

The Nebraska History Museum is also featuring a collection of scene paintings from each of the state’s 93 counties.

Nebraska became the nation’s 37th state on March 1, 1867.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Advocates for felons say Nebraska should restore voting rights immediately after they complete their sentences.

About 20 people spoke Wednesday at a legislative committee hearing on a bill sponsored by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha that would give felons the right to vote once they complete their sentences, including prison time and parole.

Nebraska in 2005 began allowing felons to vote two years after they finish their sentences. Sponsors of that measure say the two-year timespan was a political compromise a decade ago and was meant as a stepping stone.

Advocates say restoring voting rights will help felons integrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.

The bill had no opposition. Wayne says he intends to designate it as his priority, increasing the odds lawmakers will debate it this year.

GREELEY, Neb. (AP) — A driver accused of hitting a highway worker has pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide in the woman’s death.

76-year-old Nicholas Dutcher, of Scotia, entered the plea Monday to the misdemeanor charge in Greeley County Court. Dutcher is set to next appear in court on March 27.

Authorities say that on Oct. 3, Dutcher was traveling at least 55 mph in a pickup when he hit Peggy Gray, of North Platte, who was working as a flagger on a highway between Greeley and Wolbach. Investigators say Gray’s husband, a road construction worker, was at the scene and saw his wife thrown nearly 100 feet when she was hit.

She died from her injuries in November.