LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A private company is replacing the Lincoln fire department in responding to falls and other first aid calls inside the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s stadium during football season.

Midwest Medical will replace Lincoln Fire and Rescue under a new agreement starting Saturday. The private provider will render first aid and give minor medical care to fans inside Memorial Stadium.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue officials say money paid to the department for providing standby medical care at games have not covered expenses in recent years. The university says the deal with Midwest Medical will save Nebraska Athletics about $3,600 a game.

Fire Chief Micheal Despain says the department will still provide emergency medical service outside the stadium and will transport patients to the hospital if necessary.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Federal officials are giving people more time to comment on a controversial transmission line that would run through the Nebraska Sandhills.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to extend the comment period by two months, through Nov. 7, on the Nebraska Public Power District’s plan to build the 225-mile long, 345,000-volt transmission line.

The line would start near the Gerald Gentleman Station near Sutherland and extend to a new station near Thedford.

NPPD says the line will alleviate congestion, increase reliability and allow for wind power development.

Opponents say construction will disrupt wildlife and cultural gems, such as wagon ruts from the Oregon and Mormon trails, and that wind farms associated with the proposed line will destroy unspoiled vistas.

Ever wondered how people are rescued from grain bins during an emergency situation? Mid-Plains Community College will demonstrate the procedure at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island this weekend.

MPCC’s portable grain bin rescue simulator will be set up from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday just west of the Nebraska Building at Fonner Park.

Tim Zehnder, MPCC Fire Science director, said it’s important for first responders to know about the different types and mechanics of bins and the dangers associated with specific designs.

Understanding what kind of ropes, rigging and equipment to use, how to build a barricade around the victim and how to maintain proper air quality are also key factors in conducting a safe and successful recovery.

The public is welcome to watch the 20-30 minute demonstrations and learn more about the grain bin rescue training that MPCC offers.

More information about MPCC’s Fire Science program can be found at

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice is pressing federal regulators to come up with a solution to combat cellphones in the nation’s prisons.

In a letter obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, Assistant Attorney General Beth Williams wrote to the Federal Communications Commission that addressing the security threat posed by contraband cellphones “should be a chief priority” of both Justice and the FCC. It follows an appeal from South Carolina’s prisons director to Attorney General Jeff Sessions in June, beseeching the top prosecutor for help pursuing FCC permission to jam prison cell signals.

Williams says smuggled cellphones enable inmates to continue criminal efforts outside prison and potentially plan insurrections. Telecommunications companies are opposed, saying jamming cell signals could set a bad precedent and interfere with legal cell users nearby.