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Nebraska Free Fishing and Park Entry Day is May 18

Posted on April 25, 2019

LINCOLN, Neb. – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 18. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or park entry permit for the day.

Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas.

Several family-friendly activities are scheduled in state park areas across the state to celebrate Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, including:

— Wildlands Day, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area: This daylong celebration includes a bird hike, wildflower walk, kids’ crafts and more.

— Youth Fishing Clinic, Platte River State Park: Youth can take part in a free fishing clinic, with loaner fishing poles available on a first-come, first served basis.

— Bird Hike, Smith Falls State Park: Participate in bird identification along the Niobrara River.

The grand opening of the Schramm Education Center at Schramm Park State Recreation Area is also scheduled for May 18, so visitors can visit the new facilities without a park entry fee. In addition, the admission fee will also be waived for this day. The facility features newly renovated and expanded aquariums featuring Nebraska’s natural aquatic habitats, a 2,200-gallon touch tank, 17 live animal tanks, and a virtual reality mountain biking experience.

May 18 also is a great opportunity to participate in the Take ‘em Fishing challenge, in which anglers pledge to take new or inexperienced anglers fishing. Fish permits typically are required for anglers age 16 and older – but not on Free Fishing and Park Entry Day. Visit outdoornebraska.gov/takeemfishing/ for more information.

Nebraska boasts 76 state park areas with innumerable opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and even learning about history at a state historical park. Visit a park on May 18 to make memories with the family, try a new challenge and spend time relaxing in the outdoors.

For more details on park events taking place on Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, visit Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Nebraska rejects new attempt to abolish death penalty

Posted on April 25, 2019

Photo By: Ken Piorkowski (Wikimedia Creative Commons)

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Three years after Nebraska voters reinstated the death penalty, lawmakers have rejected a new attempt to abolish the punishment.

Senators who want to outlaw capital punishment fell eight votes short Thursday of the support needed to advance the measure through a first-round vote. The measure stalled with 17 lawmakers voting in favor of it and 25 against. Seven senators didn’t vote.

Sen. Ernie Chambers, of Omaha, introduced the bill as he has done for more than four decades.

Lawmakers passed a repeal measure in 1979 but failed to override a gubernatorial veto. They passed one again in 2015 and overrode Gov. Pete Ricketts’ veto, but the issue was placed on the 2016 ballot and voters restored it.

Nebraska executed inmate Carrie Dean Moore by lethal injection last year.

Drivers reminded to stay alert as ag implements hit the roads

Posted on April 25, 2019

As Nebraska’s agriculture producers ramp up their work to feed America, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is advising drivers to keep an eye out for agricultural implements working near and traveling on Nebraska’s roads.

“Ag producers throughout Nebraska have had to deal with quite a lot as they prepared to start the planting season,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As these dedicated men and women are now out in the field working, we encourage drivers to be mindful that there will be more equipment on the roads for the next several months.”

Nebraska drivers are reminded that it is legal for farm machinery to travel from field to field on public roads other than Nebraska’s interstates. Drivers should remember that this equipment often travels at slow speeds and the implement’s size may limit the operator’s ability to see other vehicles. Motorists should only pass in legal passing zones and when safe to do so.

Drivers should be alert and use extra caution on roads that may be routes of travel for this machinery. With the potential combination of fast-moving vehicles and slow-moving farm equipment, it is critical that drivers avoid distractions.

“We have tremendous respect for ag producers across our state,” said Captain Gerry Krolikowski, Commander of NSP Carrier Enforcement. “We have worked closely with these partners before and will continue throughout this production season. Farmers, ranchers, motorists, and law enforcement agencies can all work together to keep Nebraska roads safe while Nebraska’s number-one industry continues to thrive.”

Ag producers are also encouraged to voluntarily comply with traffic safety laws, display warning signs on machinery, use flashing yellow caution lights when traveling, and be aware of vehicles that may be attempting to pass.

NP Downtown Association to hold cleanup

Posted on April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

The North Platte Downtown Association in coordination with Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful will be holding the annual Downtown Cleanup on Tuesday, May 14th.

The theme is “Clean Your Block Party.” The event is held annually as part of the Great American Cleanup which is the country’s largest community improvement program that kicks off in more than 20,000 communities each spring. This national program engages 2 million volunteers who take action in their communities to create positive change and lasting impact.

The day will kick off with breakfast and a short meeting at 8:30 AM at NebraskaLand National Bank – downtown location. Volunteers will be split into groups to begin cleanup efforts at 9:00 AM. Lunch will be served at 12:00 at Great Western Bank. A social will follow at the Eagles Club where snacks and refreshments will be provided at the end of the day by Adams Bank and Trust. Volunteers don’t need to be present for the entire day. After the initial registration at NebraskaLand Bank, the headquarters will be moved to the Espresso Shop. Volunteers can stop in at any time during the day and stay for as long as they would like.

“We want to encourage everyone to get involved in keeping our community a cleaner, greener, more beautiful place to live,” said Mona Anderson, Executive Director of Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful. Tanner Pettera, Downtown Association Cleanup Chairman agreed, “This is the perfect opportunity for people to get involved, even if they just have an hour to spare.” People are asked to call Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful for more information at 308-534-8100.

Additional Spring events in the area include:

Westfield/Cody School Cleanup – April 25

Students from Cody School and the Westfield Merchants team up to clean the area around the school and Westfield Shopping Center. The children will disperse around the area in the afternoon and end up at Westfield for a snack and drink.

Hershey Community Cleanup – April 27

Spring City Wide Clean-up Day – begins at 9 AM at the Hershey Compost site. Contact the Hershey Village Office at 308-368-5840.

Sutherland Anchor Park Playground – April 27

Sutherland community is assembling playground for the Sutherland Anchor Park. Volunteers meet at 8 AM at Anchor Park in Sutherland.

Sandhills State Bank gifts $50,000 to Prairie Arts Center

Posted on April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

Holly Carlini, Executive Director of the Prairie Arts Center, receives a gift of $50,000 from Sandhills State Bank

Sandhills State Bank has announced a $50,000 donation to the Prairie Arts Center.

Kim Steger, President of Sandhills Private Banking, will present the check at 2:30 pm Thursday, April 25th at The Prairie Arts Center during Sandhills State Bank’s Annual Shareholder meeting.

The Prairie Arts Center and The Creativity Unlimited Arts Council are thrilled to add Sandhills State Bank as a partner as they donate $50,000 as a naming opportunity for the Art Library on the second floor at PAC.

Holly Carlini, Executive Director at Prairie Arts Center says, “The Bank’s willingness to support the arts in our community is beyond measure and we’re excited to move forward with the naming of the library. This space is a treasure here at PAC…it’s filled with art books, sculptures and character…as it holds the only original wood floors in this 1913 building. The support we are receiving from Sandhills State Bank showcases the need and love of art in this community.”

David Gale, Sandhills State Bank CEO said, “The Prairie Arts Center is an important project for North Platte. It is encouraging community creativity, celebrating local culture, and energizing a beautiful and historic building. We’re proud to be a partner in this signature community project.”

PAC is a non-profit and opened its doors with the studio level in 2013, first floor in 2015, the second floor in 2017 and finally the third floor by the end of 2019.

Carlini says, ” We have operated in the black on our construction so far and we’re hoping to finish our race to the top by early fall…we’re about 3/4th of the way finished…but we still need funds to help us reach the final goal… as each floor has taken about $1 million dollars to complete.”

Contributions can be sent to the Prairie Arts Center, 416 N. Jeffers St., North Platte, NE, 69101. Sandhills State Bank is a locally owned and regionally focused financial institution committed to serving the greater North Platte area.

In addition to the North Platte location, the Bank operates 11 full-service branches throughout Western Nebraska. Sandhills State Bank’s local ownership supports the region’s economic independence and sustains the quality of life for the communities it serves. For more information about Sandhills State Bank, please visit www.SandhillsState.com.

NPPD Activity Log (4.24.19-4.25.19)

Posted on April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

Call Date

Call Time

Call Number

RMS CFS

RMS CFS Description

Location Of Incident

04/24/2019