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Month: March 2019

GAMESTORY: Knights Women fall to #1 Illinois Central

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Harrison, AR – For just the third time in program history, the Women’s basketball program was going to take part in the national tournament. They drew the #16 seed after winning District F and would face off against #1 Illinois Central Cougars (31-1) to start the tournament.

The Knights knew they would have a tough battle but they were more then ready to meet the challenge.

From the tip however it was all Cougars. They would jump to a quick 5-0 lead after three minutes of play prompting a time out from head coach Jeff Thurman.

After the time out the teams would trade buckets and make it a 7-2 game. From there the next three minutes was both teams testing each other. Neither scoring the ball, both teams playing challenging defense. The Cougars would break out of the trend and behind a furious fast break attack would take the large lead 24-9 after the first quarter.

The Second quarter is where the Knights defense would really start to show its teeth. They would clamp down on the transition defense and would hound the cougars all quarter. All this would happen while the Knights started to show some energy on offense as well.

The Cougars would outscore the Knights in the second by only 2 points and would have the 42-25 lead at halftime.

After halftime, the Cougars from Illinois Central would show why they are the #1 team in the nation.

I would take them just over a minute to push their lead over the 20 point margin, something they were not able to do in the first half. With 8:38 left in the 3rd Illinois would have their first 20 point lead.

The Cougars would not stop the pressure and put a clamp on any offense North Platte tried to start. at the 5:5o mark they had their largest lead of the night 54-28 over the Knights.

At the end of three-quarters of play the Cougars held on to a 65-39 point lead.

At the start of the 4th the Knights showed signs of life and would jump out with a 7-2 run and then take a time out with 5:21 left in the game. At that point the score stood at 67-46.

The Knights would continue to pressure the Cougar defense and would force an Illinois time out with 3:37 left to play and a 70-53 score.

It was too little too late for the Knights however, the lead Illinois built was too large and the Knights fell 76-55.

Madisyn Francis lead the way with 19 points for the Knights. Also scoring in double figures was Nahatabaa Nacona with 13.

The best the Knights can finish is now 7th place. They will play #8 South Suburban (who lost to #9 Union County) on Thursday morning at 11am.

Authorities ID 4 killed in southeastern Nebraska house fire

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CORDOVA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have identified four people killed in fire at a home in southeastern Nebraska over the weekend.

The State Fire Marshal’s office says the Saturday morning fire was an accident caused by a faulty extension cord. Killed in the fire were 39-year-old Crystal Vickrey; 19-year-old Brittney Newsome, 12-year-old Kaden Newsome and 20-year-old Tiara Schwab. Autopsies reveal that smoke inhalation was the cause of death in all four.

Two people were able to get out without injuries. Their names have not been released.

Cordova is a village of fewer than 150 people that’s about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of the state capital of Lincoln.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney released a statement identifying Brittney Newsome as a first-year student at the school.

Panel advances sales tax bill for Nebraska’s Gage County

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska county that owes a $28 million legal judgment to people wrongfully convicted of a 1985 murder could impose a sales tax to pay it under a bill advanced by a legislative committee.

Members of the Revenue Committee voted 7-0 on Tuesday to advance the measure to the full Legislature for debate.

The proposal by state Sen. Myron Dorn, of Adams, would allow Gage County to impose a half-cent sales tax to pay off the federal judgment in the case of six wrongfully accused people known as the Beatrice Six. Approving the tax would require a two-thirds vote of the county board.

Dorn has said the bill would help the county pay off the judgment faster and keep property tax payers from having to shoulder the whole burden.

Nonprofit brings flood-stricken Nebraska ranchers hay help

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By BLAKE NICHOLSON Associated Press

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A farm aid nonprofit is launching an effort to deliver donated hay to ranchers in flood-stricken Nebraska, resurrecting a program first used nearly two years ago to help cattle producers facing drought conditions in the Upper Midwest.North Dakota-based Farm Rescue is seeking volunteer drivers and donations of hay and money for what it calls “Operation Hay Lift” to help Nebraska ranchers dealing with widespread flooding after a massive late-winter storm.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those suffering from this natural disaster,” Bill Gross, founder and president of Farm Rescue, said Tuesday.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau estimates that farm and ranch losses in that state could reach $1 billion. The amount of hay needed hasn’t yet been determined, according to the Nebraska Cattlemen rancher group, which also has launched a disaster relief fund .

“Some folks are still battling floodwaters and have not been able to access their hay to determine what was lost,” spokeswoman Talia Goes said. “However, we have heard from some folks that nearly 50 to 100 percent of their hay has been ruined or taken with the raging waters. Also, many folks will battle damaged hay and pasture fields from the water and the debris.”

The first Operation Hay Lift was launched in July 2017 in the midst of devastating drought in the Upper Midwest. The program lasted 10 months, with 75 volunteer truckers hauling nearly 300 semitrailer-loads of hay to 154 ranch families in the Dakotas and Montana. More than 10,000 large, round hay bales were hauled a total of more than 200,000 miles, according to Farm Rescue spokesman Dan Erdmann.

Farm Rescue provides free physical labor for farmers and ranchers dealing with an injury, illness or a natural disaster in six Plains states — North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Montana. The nonprofit’s services include crop planting and harvesting, haying, and livestock feeding. It has helped nearly 600 farm families since starting in 2006 and relies on volunteers from around the country, donations and corporate sponsors.

Nebraska files expedited request for disaster assistance

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has submitted an expedited request to the federal government for disaster assistance in the wake of historic flooding in the state.

Ricketts signed the request Tuesday during a meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Director Paul Taylor. The request now goes to FEMA’s regional office and headquarters for consideration.

Ricketts and members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation met Tuesday with Vice President Mike Pence to show the extent of the flood damage along major waterways.

As many troopers respond to flooding, others patrol Nebraska roads

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Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed seven impaired drivers from the road during a drunk driving enforcement campaign on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17.

“We have many troopers working diligently to perform rescues, manage closed roads, and respond to numerous situations in areas affected by this devastating flood,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “But in other parts of the state, troopers are patrolling the roads to keep Nebraskans safe as they travel.”

Troopers in areas not affected by the flooding were able to participate in the national St. Patrick’s Day drunk driving enforcement campaign. On Sunday, troopers arrested seven motorists for driving under the influence.

In addition to the arrests for drunk driving, troopers also issued citations for speeding (60), driving under suspension (7), open container (3), minor in possession (4), no proof of insurance (4), no seat belt (4), and improper child restraint (3).

Troopers around Nebraska also performed 59 motorist assists on Sunday for drivers in need of help. This enforcement was made possible thanks in part to a grant for $9,655 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

NE Library Commission awards grants for youth library service

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The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded $23,254 in grants for Excellence in Youth service. Of the grants awarded to twenty-five Nebraska libraries, several addressed the need for materials like LEGO® and other activities to encourage creativity in young people. The Nebraska Library Commission congratulates the public libraries listed below as they develop new and innovative programs to ensure excellence in library service for Nebraska young people.

The recipients are:

  • Atkinson Public Library, Preschool learning materials, books, and activities
  • Blue Hill Public Library, LEGO®  kits
  • Butler Memorial Library, Cambridge, Breakout EDU Platform Kits for Kid Book Club
  • Central City Public Library, Bring Edgerton Exploit Center to the library for a community day
  • Columbus Public Library, Promote literacy and musical interests
  • Wilson Public Library, Cozad, Cozad Biz Kidz Camp
  • Creighton Public Library, LEGO® Club
  • Fairbury Public Library, 3-D Printer and other makerspace equipment
  • Franklin Public Library, LEGO® Club
  • Fullerton Public Library, Programming to promote literacy and reading
  • Genoa Public Library, Toddler Concept Bags
  • Gering Public Library, Toddler Story & Playtime
  • Grand Island Public Library, SAC Museum Space Program Day, LEGO® Guy Program Day, and SAM Labs Classroom Kit
  • Imperial Public Library, K through 4 after school programs
  • Kimball Public Library, Creative program expansion
  • Louisville Public Library, Teen programming
  • Mead Public Library, 1,000 Books before Kindergarten
  • Jensen Memorial Library, Minden, Preschool programming
  • Morton-James Public Library, Nebraska City, Materials encouraging learning and creativity
  • Plainview Public Library, LEGO®s
  • Plattsmouth Public Library, Busy Bags
  • Shelby Community Library, Children activities
  • Lied Lincoln Township, Wausa, Youth games
  • Maltman Memorial Public Library, Wood River, LEGO® Club
  • Yutan Public Library, American Girl Kit’s Klub

Youth Grants for Excellence are made available by the Nebraska Library Commission with funding from the State of Nebraska. As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

NDOT opens Hwy 11 from Wood River to Cairo

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The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is continuing its efforts to inspect and reopen roadways after the historic flooding this spring across the state.

Following inspection and clean-up (and repair) by NDOT personnel, Highway N-11 is now open from Wood River to Cairo.

Please remember some local and county roads may still remain impassible. Travel with caution.

Plan your travel by checking 511 prior to leaving for your destination. 511 provides the most up to date
travel conditions and closures available. The system

Gov. Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Nebraska’s Strong Communities

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Nebraska’s Strong Communities

By Governor Pete Ricketts

March 19, 2019

This past week will forever be remembered for the historic, devastating flooding our state experienced.  In the scope of reach, we believe it is the most widespread natural disaster in our state’s history.  As Nebraskans, we will get through this together as we always have.

Over the last several days, I have been traveling the state to get briefed on the impacts of the flooding.  As I’ve traveled, the stories Nebraskans have shared about the response have been incredible.  Even in the face of these incredibly tough odds, Nebraskans everywhere have stepped up and their work has been heroic.  In Boyd County, the Fire Chief and Sheriff’s Deputy stayed on the job to help other people even after their own homes got flooded out.  In Fremont, hundreds of people answered calls for volunteers to help fill sandbags and build barriers to protect the city against rising water.  In Niobrara, the community came together for a meeting at their fire hall two days after glacial chunks of ice destroyed major infrastructure and buildings in the town.

These stories are repeated over and over across our state.  It’s a reminder that we truly live in the greatest state in the nation – a place where people genuinely care for their neighbors.  Thank you to the local Emergency Managers (EM), first responders, law enforcement, and countless volunteers who have stepped up.  These unsung heroes are bringing us through one of the toughest chapters in our state’s history.

Recovery will be a long road, but I know that together we will get through this.  We will all do our part.  Here’s how you can help

Safety: We continue to ask everyone not to travel in areas where roads are closed.  Do not cross flooded roads.  Over the last week, wise decisions have been keeping people safe even under extreme conditions.  While flood waters are receding, please remain vigilant.  It will be quite sometime before the infrastructure is back in place to prevent recurring flooding.  If flood waters have subsided in your community, make sure that you return only when local officials have given the all clear.

Relief: The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nebraska National Guard have been working around the clock with numerous partners to deliver relief to communities across the state.  Members of the National Guard have been deployed to communities around the state to support relief efforts.  Ongoing requests for relief should be communicated through local EMs.  You can find your EM at www.nema.nebraska.gov.

Assistance: There are lots of resources and more are coming online every day.  Here are a few hotlines that can help as we recover:

  • Nebraskans needing property cleanup can contact the Crisis Clean Up Hotline: 833-556-2476.
  • Farmers in need of hay, feedstuffs, fencing materials, volunteer help, equipment, etc. should call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550.
  • Businesses can call the U.S. Chamber’s Disaster Help Desk for Business at 1-888-692-4943.
  • NEMA has set up a hotline for general questions from the public.  The number is 402-817-1551.
  • For all other needs for assistance call 211.
  • If you have an emergency, you should dial 911.

These are just a few resources.  There are more available at www.nema.nebraska.gov as well ashttps://www.nda.nebraska.gov/resources/.

Infrastructure: The Nebraska Department of Transportation (DOT) is inspecting the integrity of state infrastructure as quickly as possible.  It will take quite a while to inspect all of the state and local infrastructure impacted by flooding.  In just the first few days of the severe weather and flooding, our DOT team had put in over 40,000 hours of work.  We appreciate all they do.  To check the conditions and status of state roads, please visit www.511.nebraska.gov.

Support: Nebraskans have a big heart and they are stepping up in incredible ways to help their neighbors.  We will need a lot of help to put our communities back together as we rebuild.  I encourage you to contact the Salvation Army’s volunteer hotline at 402-898-6050 to register as a volunteer.  If you live in one of the impacted areas, please support the work your local EM is already doing.  If you would like to donate money or give blood, please do so through the American Red Cross.  You can find more information at https://redcross.org/local/nebraska.html.

In the coming weeks, I know Nebraskans will continue to pull together as we rebuild and keep our state strong and growing.  Please watch www.Governor.Nebraska.gov for more updates on our work.  If you have any thoughts you would like to share on this topic or any other, I hope that you will reach out to me at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244.

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