OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials have announced a $6.5 million statewide commitment to improve stroke response and care in Nebraska.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association said Tuesday the three-year initiative will build on the existing system of stroke care in the state.

A three-year, $5.35 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Trust is underpinning the effort, which is named Mission: Lifeline Stroke.

The initiative will include a public awareness campaign and also focus on innovation and rehabilitation.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is in line to get a $36.2 million refund from the federal government as part of a lawsuit that said a fee on the state’s Medicaid program was unconstitutional.

Nebraska is one of six states that will receive a combined $389 million back from the Internal Revenue Service after a federal judge in Texas sided with the states. Attorney General Doug Peterson said Wednesday he was pleased with the ruling.

“The federal government is not able to tax the states because of the unconstitutional constructs of Obamacare, and the portion illegally collected from Nebraska should be returned to our state,” Peterson said, referring to the common name for the Affordable Care Act.

Nebraska, Kansas and Wisconsin joined the lawsuit that was initially filed by Texas, Kansas and Louisiana in October 2015. Under an Obama-era regulation, the states were threatened with a loss of Medicaid funding unless they paid a portion of a health insurance providers fee to help pay for the Affordable Care Act.

It’s not clear whether the federal government will appeal the ruling.

Indiana is expected to receive a $94.8 million repayment, Kansas is expected to get $142.1 million, Louisiana is expected get $172.5 million, Wisconsin is expected to get $89 million, and Texas is expected to get $304.7 million.

The lawsuit, led by Texas, argued that the Affordable Care Act didn’t give clear notice to states that the fees would be required to continue receiving federal money for Medicaid and the Child Health Insurance Program.

Authorities with the Nebraska State Patrol, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lexington Police Department worked together to quickly locate the victim of an apparent abduction and arrest the suspect on Tuesday morning in Lexington.

The incident happened at approximately 5:00 a.m. when the Custer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Callaway following reports that an adult female had been taken against her will by a known acquaintance. The male suspect was reportedly also driving a stolen vehicle.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., troopers were able to locate the suspect and victim at the Walmart in Lexington. Ryan Ingram, 32, of Kearney, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of methamphetamine, violation of a protection order, false reporting, open container, possession of drug paraphernalia, and outstanding warrants. Ingram was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

The Custer County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency on the ongoing investigation.

North Platte High School was placed on lockout this morning after law enforcement and adminstrators were made aware of a potential threat outside the building.

The following is a statement from the North Platte Police Department.

This morning (8/21/18), North Platte High School was placed on a lockout as part of Standard Response Protocol in order to protect students and staff against a potential threat outside of the building. This lockout was announced at approximately 9:50 AM and was lifted at around 10:50 AM.

During the lockout, students attended classes normally, but no one was allowed to enter or exit North Platte High School.

NPHS Administration, along with law enforcement, received possible concerns of a threat outside of the high school. North Platte High School activated the Standard Response Protocol. More information on this protocol can be found in the student-parent handbook.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Jane Raybould has released a new statewide television ad highlighting her work in her family’s grocery store chain.

The 30-second spot began airing Tuesday and features Raybould sacking groceries, a job she held at her family’s first grocery store when she was younger.

Raybould says in the ad that she helps run the family stores and hears from customers who are struggling because of policies out of Washington. The ad highlights the impact of President Donald Trump’s trade policies on Nebraska farmers and mentions rising health care costs.

Raybould is looking to unseat first-term U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, a Republican who is seeking re-election in the GOP-dominated state.

The North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation announce the hiring of Cassie Condon to fill the role as Vice President of Economic Development/Marketing and Communications Director. She will begin her duties on September 10.

Cassie fills the position vacated by Megan McGown , who recently accepted the  Marketing Manager role with Great Plains Health in North Platte.  Megan  has begun her duties at GPH and will remain involved in many community and economic development activities.

Cassie Condon is the current Property Manager of the Platte River  Mall, overseeing a staff of 7- 11 team members, managing 22 permanent tenant leases and some other specialty leases. She is experienced with marketing, public relations, development property strategies, budgeting and leading a staff. She also has experience in managing and running a small business.

” We had several qualified candidates, but I felt with the ongoing programs we currently have in place and the goals we need to accomplish, Cassie is a great fit. As a lifelong resident of North Platte, she knows the community well, has the business community connectivity, retail background and technology skills we need. Marketing and communications experiences are additional strong assets she brings to the position,” Chamber Development President & CEO Gary Person said.

” Cassie has a strong affection for North Platte and volunteer spirit evidenced by her current and past involvements with community betterment and assisting people. Brick and mortar retail on a national level has gone through some exceptionally challenging times  in recent months,  and North Platte is no exception.. I know those challenges has made her stronger and more resilient,,” Person said. “We’ re looking forward to her joining the team! ”

“I am excited and eager to begin working with the No1ih Platte Area Chamber Development,” Condon said. ” As a lifelong resident of North Platte, I am passionate about our community. I am thrilled about the opportunity to assist existing businesses and recruit others to join our area.”