A new state-sponsored poll shows that rural Nebraska has made significant gains in its use of cellphones, the Internet and other digital technology. Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln say the remaining divide is now mostly caused by socio-economic differences in various parts of the state, rather than the availability of technology. UNL public policy specialist Bradley Lubben says the state’s digital divide is more about demographics and socio-economics than it is about the technology. Lubben says the distinction is important, because further efforts to close the divide based solely on technology will be less likely to succeed. The annual poll, conducted in March and April, found that 91 percent of rural Nebraskans own a cellphone. Three-quarters of poll takers said they use the Internet or e-mail from home.

Check out a couple of pictures from the Hinder Concert.

Got more pics? Got better pics? e-mail [email protected] and we’ll add your photos to our album!

Are you excited about the NBA Draft?
[poll id=”4″]

The Nebraskaland Days office reports that of 1pm this afternoon, there were approximately 500 tickets left for the Brad Paisley concert. If you’ve been meaning to get your tickets, don’t delay. General admission tickets on the arena floor or in the grandstand are $59.00 each. Ticket prices include taxes and fees. Buy a parking spot on the asphalt lot for only $8.00. Tickets available online at http://nebraskalanddays.com or in the NLD office at 509 East 4th Street. Concert is Friday June 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wild West Arena. Gates open at approximately 6:00 p.m.

NORTH PLATTE – The North Platte River in North Platte was forecasted to reach 7.7 feet this afternoon and then slowly decline to 7.5 feet, where it will remain stable until further notice. The scene at Cody Park is that water levels are close to hitting the dirt wall constructed to contain possible flood waters in excess of 7.8 feet.

Also, here’s a video showing different levels of flood water at Cody Park over the last month. Note that there are no substantial differences, which is largely due to the fact that sandbars and other debris cleared out of the channel of the North Platte as a result of record high flows.

North Platte firefighters attempt to extract the driver of a vehicle involved in a 2 vehicle collision on N. Highway 83 in North Platte. One victim was taken to the hospital via ambulance from the scene. No further details are available at this time.

Highlights from a press conference on Thursday June 16 with newly crowned Miss Rodeo Nebraska Sierra Peterson (on the right) and Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska Dakota Clough (on the left). The ladies were officially crowned at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo on Wednesday night.

John Payne, the one armed bandit who performs at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo fell off his mule during last night’s opening night performance. While the fall looks scary, both Payne and his mule were okay and both man and animal were able to recover and complete their performance.

For background on John Payne, click here.

In 2004, PRCA Wrangler GM’s wife was struck with breast cancer. Her
son began a tradition that year by wearing pink at the evening rodeo. This small step has grown to raise millions of dollars for the fight against breast cancer all over the U.S.
Thursday’s rodeo at NEBRASKAland DAYS will be Tough Enough to
Wear Pink Night. NLD will be partnering with Great Plains Regional
Medical Center’s Callahan Cancer Center. Visitors will be greeted at the arena to a sea of pink. Cupcakes from Candy’s Cupcakery and Gracie Mae’s along with pink balloons and “Hope” bracelets will be for sale. All proceeds will go to the Callahan Cancer Center.
People can join the fight against cancer, enjoy a fabulous
rodeo show, and enjoy the Wild West only North Platte can give you.