NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — A western Nebraska county board has voted to remove the elected county treasure and name a replacement.

Lincoln County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to oust Lori Koertner and appoint Sue Fleck to replace her. Fleck had retired from the office in January.

The commissioners cited a state law in removing Koertner “for neglecting or refusing to render any account or settlement required by law, and failing or neglecting to account for any balance due the state, county, township, school district or any other municipal subdivision or is guilty of any other misconduct in office.”

Efforts to reach Koertner to comment were unsuccessful. She ran unopposed in November after winning the Republican primary last May.

Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. This guidance is per a White House proclamation issued Friday, May 10, 2019, available here.

Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Nearly half of Nebraska’s corn crop has been planted, but farmers remain far behind planting averages.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday that as of Sunday, Nebraska farmers had planted 46% of the corn crop. That’s behind 68% last year and the five-year average of 72%.

Farmers had planted 20 percent of the soybean crop, behind last year’s 37 percent and the five-year average of 32 percent.

The USDA says 58% of the winter wheat crop’s condition was rated good and 29% fair. Only 4% was rated poor or very poor, and 9% was excellent.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A bill that would offer Nebraska state tax credits to donors who provide money for private school scholarships has hit a major wave of resistance in the Legislature.

Lawmakers passed over the measure Monday without reaching a vote, and the sponsor acknowledged it won’t come up again until next year.

Senators have rejected similar measures in the past, even though most states already subsidize private or charter schools.

Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, of Omaha, says she introduced the bill to help low-income families who otherwise can’t afford private schools. Opponents say it would rob the state of revenue necessary to fund K-12 public schools and other state services. They also argue it’s a backdoor was to use state money for private schools, in violation of the Nebraska Constitution.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has reopened all or portions of several state park areas that were temporarily closed after sustaining damage during March’s historic flood.

The flood damaged roads, campgrounds, electrical hookups, boat ramp and docks, buildings and other structures. Parks staff and volunteers worked quickly to clear debris, repair damaged infrastructure and ensure public safety. Even so, access to some areas and services may be limited in certain locations.

The following park areas are open, with the limitations noted below:

Dead Timber State Recreation Area:

The park is open for day use only. The lower portion of the park and campgrounds are closed. Restrooms are not currently available.

Non-powered and electric boating are permitted; however, activities that may result in full contact with the water including kayaking are restricted until further water testing has been completed.

Louisville State Recreation Area:

The park is open for day use and walk-in camping. Electrical service is in the process of being restored to the campgrounds. Individuals with advance reservations at Louisville will be notified if the status of their reservation is affected. Hydrants and non-modern restrooms are available throughout the park.

Non-powered and electric boating are permitted; however, activities that may result in full contact with the water including swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking are restricted until further water testing has been completed.

The canoe access ramp at the west end of the park is currently inaccessible.

Access to trails located at the west end of the park is closed due to debris and washout conditions.

Concessions will operate with reduced hours until Memorial Day Weekend, when normal hours resume.

Niobrara State Park:

The park is accessible only by the following routes:

South/West Route: Hwy. 275/20 west to Newport, Nebraska; Hwy. 137 north to Hwy. 12, Hwy. 12 east to Niobrara State Park (Hwy. 12 is closed east of the Park).

North Route: Neb./S.D. Hwy. 81 to S.D. Hwy. 50 (from Yankton, S.D.) west to S.D. Hwy. 46; S.D. Hwy. 46 west to Hwy. 18 at Pickstown, S.D., Hwy. 18 south to Hwy. 281, east to Hwy. 12, east to the park.

It is anticipated that trail ride and swimming pool activity schedules may be limited this season, dependent on road conditions and staff availability. Contact the Niobrara State Park office at 402-857-3373 for updates.

Willow Creek State Recreation Area:

The park is open for day use and walk-in camping. Electrical service is in the process of being restored to the campgrounds. Individuals with advance reservations will be notified if the status of their reservation is affected.

The main body of the lake is open to all boating. The wooded west end of the lake is restricted to no-wake boating. Activities that may result in full contact with the water including swimming, water skiing, and kayaking are restricted until further water testing has been completed.

The West Creek/Upper Lake portion of the trail system is closed.

Schramm Park State Recreation Area:

Canoe and kayak access is temporarily closed.

Pelican Point State Recreation Area:

Boat docks are not accessible due to high water.

Indian Cave State Park:

The park is open with the following limitations: the boat ramp remains closed; all other areas of the park are open and access to the cave trail has been restored.

Riverview Marina State Recreation Area remains closed as it is still impacted by flood waters.