In an effort to reduce serious injury and fatality crashes during the holiday travel season, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is once again reminding all motorists to “Be Here for the Holidays” by promoting voluntary compliance with all traffic safety laws.

“Heavy traffic during the holidays is often combined with inclement weather,” said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “By making motorists aware of our enforcement efforts we hope to encourage voluntary compliance and avoidance of crash causing behaviors.”

Be Here for the Holidays is a special initiative which includes the posting of times and locations of selected NSP traffic enforcements across the state throughout the holiday season. A link to the NSP Enforcement Activities Calendar can be found on the homepage of the NSP Website.

Colonel Rice said, “from our family to your family, we wish you safe travel this holiday season. Help us help you reach your destination safely. Always wear your seat belt and never drive impaired or distracted.”

BOSTON (AP) — A child safety group has released its annual list of what it calls dangerous toys.

The list issued Tuesday by Boston-based World Against Toys Causing Harm, or WATCH, includes a plush elephant pillow the group says poses a suffocation hazard, projectile-shooting toys that could lead to eye injuries and toys with small pieces that could choke a child.

In addition to injury potential, the group says the 10 toys on its 44th annual report have inconsistent and inadequate warnings, cautions and age recommendations.

It was released ahead of the 2016 holiday shopping season, which accounts for almost two-thirds of all U.S. toy sales.

The Toy Industry Association, a trade group representing toy makers and sellers, says the list is “full of false claims that needlessly frighten parents and caregivers.”

You can check out the list here.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Scotts Bluff County has decided to join with 11 other counties in the Panhandle Public Health District.

The county approved joining the group Monday evening.

Scotts Bluff County Health Director Paulette Schnell says joining the group will give access to more health funding.

Jessica Davies with the Panhandle group says adding Scotts Bluff County will give the group more resources to pursue health programs.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials have signed nine separate agreements with companies that will help promote the state’s beef and pork products in Asia.

Gov. Pete Ricketts and the state agricultural director announced Tuesday that they have signed letters of intent in which companies agree to purchase Nebraska-made products. State officials and the Nebraska Beef Council will provide the companies with marketing materials, and participating restaurants may change their menu to highlight that their beef is produced in the state.

Although the letters of intent aren’t legally binding, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach says they’re an affirmation from companies that Nebraska offers superior meat products. He says they also help solidify Nebraska’s relationships in China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful (KNPLCB) will be honoring 10 businesses for efforts in beautifying their business façade and grounds.

The improvements have helped our county by increasing visitors and those who want to return due to the aesthetic appeal of the area.  Statistics show that businesses with greenspace and welcoming facades can cause an increase in sales – up to 12%.

Businesses receiving awards are:  Harbor Lights, Great Plains Health, Westfield Merchants Association, Downtown Business Association, Phillip Street Storage, First National Bank – South Dewey location, Zeller Motors, Thrifty Car Sales, North Platte Public Transit, and Lincoln County Courthouse.

The awards are being presented at an appreciation event held by KNPLCB on Tuesday, November 15th, which is America Recycles Day.  America Recycles Day is the only nationally-recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Each year, on and in the weeks leading into Nov. 15, thousands of communities across the country participate by promoting environmental citizenship and take action to increase and improve recycling in America. America Recycles Day educates people about the importance of recycling to our economy and environmental well-being, and helps motivate occasional recyclers to become “everyday” recyclers.

In addition to presenting the awards, KNPLCB is campaigning for the reduction of the public’s reliance of single use plastic grocery bags.  They will be visiting all the North Platte grocery stores this week to hand out reusable shopping bags.

Citizens are also encouraged to visit americarecyclesday.org to sign the “I Will Recycle Pledge.”