LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — With the raising of a 400-megawatt wind farm in the state, Nebraska has sailed past 1,000 megawatts — or 1 gigawatt — of wind-generated capacity.

Nebraska’s turbines provide over 1,300 megawatts of capacity with more on the way, looking to take advantage of the state’s largely untapped wind potential.

The American Wind Energy Association says Nebraska is the 18th state to join the group of gigawatt-level wind energy states.

The association reported last month that wind accounted for over 10 percent of electricity generated in the state for the first time last year. The figure was less than 3 percent just five years ago, according to the federal Energy Information Administration.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — This year’s Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is scheduled for May 20.

On that day, people may enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to obtain fishing or park entry permits for the day.

The special day is held yearly on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations, and camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.org and check the online calendar for more details.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State officials say the peregrine falcons atop the Nebraska State Capitol have abandoned their recently-laid clutch of five eggs.

The male, named 19/K, and female, named Alley, apparently remain present at the Capitol but have not been seen in their nest box — or more importantly, on their eggs — since April 30, exposing them to cold and wet weather.

Officials say nest abandonment by peregrine falcons is rare, and the cause of this instance is unknown, although the pair did get a late start this year. In past years, the pair has started egg-laying in late March or early April. This year, the first egg did not arrive until April 16.

The nest abandonment ends the 2017 nesting cycle.

The following statement was issued by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in regards to the in-custody death of Robert Mills:

On May 5, 2017, a Grand Jury was convened in Lincoln County District Court. The Grand Jury was presented the case of Robert Mills in custody death. Mr. Mills had committed suicide while being pursued by the North Platte Police Department on January 15, 2017. All in-custody deaths in Nebraska must be reviewed by the Grand Jury.

After hearing the entire case, the Grand Jury returned a NO TRUE BILL. Meaning the Police Officers involved did nothing criminally wrong.

RELATED CONTENT:

https://www.northplattepost.com/2017/01/15/man-being-pursued-by-np-police-takes-own-life/

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court has reprimanded a western Nebraska attorney for a news release he sent to reporters on behalf of his client in a child death case.

The state’s Counsel for Discipline charged Bell Island, of Gering, with — among other things — knowingly making false statements.

The charges stemmed from a news release Island issued after his client refused to testify for the prosecution during the 2015 trial of her one-time boyfriend, Dustin Chauncey. Chauncey was charged with child abuse resulting in the 2008 death of 2-year-old Juliette Geurts, the daughter of Island’s client. Island’s release suggested that the prosecutor wanted his client to lie on the witness stand.

A referee found that Island had violated professional conduct rules by calling into question the prosecutor’s integrity and ethics.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill opposed by Nebraska’s craft brewers is headed to the full Legislature for debate.

The General Affairs Committee voted 6-2 on Friday to advance the measure. The legislation clarifies that beer produced by microbreweries must first go to a distributor’s warehouse before getting shipped to grocery stores, liquor stores and other outlets. Restaurants and bars owned by the breweries would be exempt.

Craft brewers have said the bill will stifle an industry that has flourished throughout Nebraska. Supporters say the bill will protect the state against lawsuits. Major breweries generally oppose laws designed to help microbreweries, arguing that they’re a form of unconstitutional discrimination involving interstate commerce.