As part of National EMS week, Great Plains Health hosted an educational symposium for regional emergency responders. The event was co-sponsored by LifeNet and featured an awards ceremony in which area EMS departments and individuals were recognized for going “beyond the call.”
All honorees were nominated by their peers, medical directors or EMS captains as going above and beyond the call in this past year. Great Plains Health Emergency Department Medical Director, James Smith, MD and Co-Medical Director Renee Engler, MD presented the awards to departments, including Frontier County Ambulance Service, Arnold Volunteer Fire Department, Priority Medical Transport Providers and McCook Fire Department. In addition, awards were presented to TJ Williams and Trev Kleinow from North Platte; Michael Schoenemann, Tyler Neff and Don Lannigan from McCook; Tammy Weinman, Heather Hagler, Cassie Delosh, Renee Summers and Eric Nelson from Arnold; and Kellie Benzel, Stephen Benzel, Sidney Bierfreund, Pat Liakos, Ruth Soukup and Misty Reitz from Frontier County.
Karie Sheets, Great Plains Health trauma coordinator thanked the 80+ emergency responders in attendance, saying, “Each one of you is worthy of receiving recognition for the exceptional service you provide to our communities every day.”
Following the awards, Dennis Edgerly, MEd, EMT-P presented trauma and cardiac case studies for continuing education credits for those in attendance.
TJ Williams (left) and Trev Klienow, Priority Medical Transport. From the nominations: “Trev Kleinow has worked nearly always as a fulltime ALS provider while at the same time being a managing partner of Priority Medical Transport. He shows a tireless commitment and leadership to bringing these services to the region.”
Frontier County was honored for their quick thinking for scene activation of the helicopter and lifesaving efforts while awaiting response from NPFD.Arnold was honored for their lifesaving efforts and quick thinking when they responded to an active code. They assessed the patient, started care and requested tiered response from NPFD – all measures that saved the life of the patient.McCook Fire Department received recognition for their quick response and lifesaving efforts on a specific call where they were able to use their training and education to act quickly and save the patient.“Priority Medical Transport was honored, not as an individual, but as a group of EMS providers that is always striving to become the best, to never stop learning, to assure the care they provide to their patients is beyond reproach.”
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are setting the groundwork for a plan to get as many residents as possible to participate in the 2020 Census.
Lawmakers gave first-round approval Thursday to a bill that would allow a special committee that would develop the plan on the state’s behalf.
The bill by Sen. Matt Hansen, of Lincoln, would place Nebraska among the vast majority of states that have already created a committee. South Dakota is the only other state that has not.
The committee would operate under the Nebraska State Data Center and would rely on private money. It would terminate on Jan. 1, 2021.
The measure advanced 39-2 through the first of three required votes. Two senators argued the committee would be duplicative of the federal government’s outreach efforts.
WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate has passed a long-overdue $19 billion disaster aid bill to help to a number of states and Puerto Rico recover after a series of hurricanes, floods and wildfires.
The widely-backed legislation passed by an 85-8 vote.
Republican leaders agreed to a demand by Democrats to toss out President Donald Trump’s $4.5 billion request to address a record influx of Central American migrants who are fleeing violence in Guatemala, Honduras and elsewhere and coming to the United States.
Trump says he’ll sign the measure and is promising that the U.S-Mexico border money he wants will pass soon.
The disaster relief bill was most eagerly sought by Trump’s GOP allies in states such as Georgia, Florida, Iowa and Nebraska. But the bill was held up for months, first by a battle over aid for Puerto Rico and then by failed negotiations on border aid.
LINCOLN, Neb. – Private landowners have until June 14 to enroll their land in the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) Program. Through OFW, landowners can earn additional income for allowing walk-in hunting, trapping and/or fishing access on their properties.
According to John Laux, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s upland habitat and access manager, OFW is a “win-win” for both private landowners and hunters. “Participating landowners benefit from the extra income and our hunters and anglers [who help fund the program] have more places to go,” said Laux. With over 97 percent of Nebraska’s land-base in private ownership, obtaining access to private lands continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing today’s hunters and anglers.
Increasing public hunting opportunities is a primary objective outlined in the Berggren Plan, Game and Park’s five-year initiative aimed at improving the pheasant hunting experience in Nebraska. “Last year, we added nearly 60,000 acres and hope to continue to expand the program in 2019,” said Laux. Over 700 landowners participated in OFW in 2018, opening over 316,000 land acres, 600 acres of ponds/lakes, and 42 miles of streams to public access across the state.
In addition to receiving annual, per-acre payments, participating landowners are also afforded protection from liability under the Nebraska Recreation Liability Act. Payment rates vary from 50 cents to $15 per acre, depending on habitat type and property location. Game and Parks biologists post boundary signs and enrolled properties are published annually in the Nebraska Public Access Atlas, which is available at OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas/.
Private landowners interested in enrolling in OFW should contact their nearest Game and Parks district office: Lincoln (402-471-5561), Norfolk (402-370-3374), Alliance (308-763-2940) or North Platte (308-535-8025).
A North Platte woman has been federally indicted on drug charges.
According to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office in Omaha, Sarah Waugh, age 29, of North Platte, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on or about March 13, 2019.
The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Waugh and two others were arrested in March after police received a report of drug activity at a house in the 800 block of South Sycamore Avenue.
In Lincoln County, Waugh was arrested for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (class 1D felony), distribution of a controlled substance (class II felony), and possession of a destructive device (class IV felony).
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A bill that would require Nebraska abortion providers to give women information about possibly continuing their pregnancy after taking the first of two abortion drugs is headed to a final vote in the Legislature.
Lawmakers advanced the measure Thursday through a second-round Thursday despite criticism that the information isn’t backed by scientific evidence. The vote was 36-9 after supporters overcame a legislative filibuster.
Sen. Joni Albrecht, of Thurston, says the bill ensures that women have a right to know all of their options when they considering an abortion with medication.
Opponents say the bill is premised on a faulty and unethical study.
Wisconsin is considering a similar bill. Kansas’ Republican-dominated Legislature passed a measure but failed to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.
LINCOLN, Neb. – Park-goers will find most of the 76 park areas in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s park system open for Memorial Day weekend.
Nebraska State Parks offer fun activities for people to have fun and create family memories outdoors. With so many diverse areas, park visitors can find adventure or solitude. Some of the most popular activities include camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, huddling around a campfire, hiking, biking, watching wildlife, horse trail rides, Jeep rides, Go Ape treetop ropes course, and family-friendly shooting ranges.
A few parks that were affected by spring flooding and have limited access, camping or services. An update on some park areas includes:
Two Rivers State Recreation Area – The park is open for camping and day use, with some limitations. Electrical service has been restored to most electrical campsites. The Riverside day use area is accessible, however, the Riverside, Cottonwood and equestrian campgrounds are closed temporarily.
Willow Creek SRA – The park is open for camping and day use and electrical service has been restored to most electrical campsites.
Fremont Lakes SRA – The 5 mph/no wake restriction on Lake 10 and Victory Lake (Lake 15) was lifted May 22. A 5 mph/no wake restriction remains in effect for Lakes 16 and 20. Game and Parks urges boaters to heed all safety buoys, signage, and boating regulations.
Game and Parks continues to provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation as it can.
Mormon Island SRA – On May 23, the updated Cedar campground on the park’s east end will open. Contractors have added 38 30/50-amp electrical pedestals; water hydrants will be added later this summer. The campground offers 38 campsites with many located along the edge of Lake 2. Seven of the sites are designated pull-through campsites to accommodate large recreational vehicles and can provide 80-amp service. The campground offers a modern restroom facility with private showers and a large picnic shelter. Half of the campsites will be available on the Nebraska Game and Parks reservation system. Contact the park for camping availability at 308-385-6211.
Schramm Education Center at Schramm Park SRA – The new state-of-the-art nature center and aquarium officially opened May 1 and is open daily 9 to 5.
Activities are scheduled throughout the park system. For a listing, visit calendar.outdoornebraska.gov/. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a park.
LINCOLN, Neb. (May 23, 2019) – Believe it or not, the summer season is here once again, and with it comes the best time for traveling and vacationing. This summer in Nebraska is packed with exciting activities for the whole family that you will not want to miss!
“Whether you’re interested in agriculture or the arts, education or entertainment, Nebraska has something for you this summer. We encourage everyone to get out and experience this summer’s unique calendar of events,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism executive director.
Check out these 10 summer events happening all across Nebraska!
1. NEBRASKAland Days – North Platte, NE June 12-June 22 https://visitnebraska.com/north-platte/events/nebraskaland-days
Celebrate the true Nebraskan culture with activities for everyone including a rodeo, golf scramble, and more. Finish out the festival with performances by Jake Owen and Kane Brown.
2. Nebraska Folk & Roots Festival – Lincoln, NE June 15 https://visitnebraska.com/lincoln/events/nebraska-folk-roots-festival
You’re in for a full day of good fun and great music with activities and concerts featuring local bands, national touring artists and even Grammy Award winners.
3. College World Series – Omaha, NE June 15-June 26 https://visitnebraska.com/omaha/events/college-world-series
Hit a home run by heading to the NCAA College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park this June and join in celebrating the CWS’s 70th year in Omaha.
4. 122nd Annual Diller Picnic – Diller, NE June 27-June 29 https://visitnebraska.com/diller/events/122nd-annual-diller-picnic
Take your picnic game to the next level with this fun- and food-filled weekend in southeast Nebraska. Tractor pulls, mud drags and fireworks make this a great summer getaway.
5. Pony Express Rodeo – Gothenburg, NE July 3-July 4 https://visitnebraska.com/gothenburg/events/pony-express-rodeo
Celebrate Independence Day with the pony-express race, parachute demonstration and a special kid’s night for all the mini cowboys and cowgirls.
6. Living History Weekend – Steele City, NE July 6-July 7 https://visitnebraska.com/steele-city/events/living-history-weekend
A unique opportunity to watch history come alive (literally) with live demonstrations and tours through historic buildings in Steele City. This event provides an interesting, and educational, experience for the whole family.
7. Oregon Trail Days – Gering, NE July 11-July 14 https://visitnebraska.com/gering/events/oregon-trail-days
Enjoy a carnival, food fair and so much more at the longest-running celebration in Nebraska. Plus, adults can enjoy a little fun of their own at a wine- and beer-tasting event Saturday night.
8. 39th Annual Wayne Chicken Show – Wayne, NE July 12-July 14 https://visitnebraska.com/wayne/events/39th-annual-wayne-chicken-show
You may want to brush up on your chicken lingo and poultry puns because from the Omelet Feed to the National Cluck-Off, this egg-cellent event is all chicken, all the time.
9. Nebraska’s Big Rodeo – Burwell, NE July 24-July 27 https://visitnebraska.com/burwell/events/nebraskas-big-rodeo
Experience a classic western rodeo with riding, racing and roping, as well as a “Little Rodeo” for the kiddos, and get a taste for Nebraska’s lively heritage.
10. Nebraska State Fair – Grand Island, NE August 23-September 2 https://visitnebraska.com/grand-island/events/nebraska-state-fair
End the summer with a bang by heading down to Fonner Park for the Nebraska State Fair; 11 days full of great entertainment, delicious food and agricultural competitions and displays that provide something for everyone. Enjoy some evening entertainment with concerts by Brett Eldridge, Little Big Town and more!
For more information on events in Nebraska, as well as trip ideas, check out VisitNebraska.com.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lawmakers have advanced a proposal to replace Nebraska’s largest tax incentive for businesses with a newer program despite concerns from some who want to focus first on property taxes.
The bill won first-round approval Wednesday on a 29-5 vote after supporters overcame a legislative filibuster.
The proposal by Sen. Mark Kolterman, of Seward, would create a tax credit program known as the ImagiNE Nebraska Act.
It would replace the Nebraska Advantage Act, the state’s largest and most widely used tax credit program for businesses that is set to expire next year. Some lawmakers have questioned whether the advantage act has been effective in creating high-paying jobs.
Some rural lawmakers reluctantly supported the measure but say they may fight it if the Legislature doesn’t also advance a property tax measure.
Judges have been announced for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant June 9-12 in North Platte. They are Joni James Smith, Lynn Welker and Shelia Croft.
Joni James Smith
Joni James Smith
Joni James Smith is the daughter of 1962 Miss Rodeo America, Karen Lavens James. Joni grew up in south Idaho ranching, farming and rodeoing. She was a four-sport varsity athlete in high school and attended college on a basketball and track scholarship.
Fond childhood memories include raising 4-H steers, branding and calving, junior rodeos, horse shows and competing in rodeo queen contests. Smith was the Idaho High School All-All Cowgirl in 1984 and National Miss College Rodeo in 1987.
She filled her Women’s Professional Rodeo Association permit in barrel racing before being crowned the 1990 Miss Rodeo America at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. for the one year that the MRA pageant returned to Oklahoma City.
Smith has a Bachelor of Science degree from Boise State University and a master’s degree in school counseling from Louisiana State University. She has been married to 1998 world champion steer wrestler Mike Smith for 28 years. They have four children: Callen, 24, Naomi, 21, Cole, 16, and Nykell, 13.
The family currently resides in Lake Charles, La. Joni has been a basketball coach, science, physical education and special education teacher, as well as a middle school and high school counselor. She currently oversees 560 freshmen at a large high school in southern Louisiana. Family, good friends, running marathons and triathlons, pleasure reading, horses and the mountains are close to her heart.
Lynn Welker
Lynn Welker
Lynn Welker is originally from Kilgore, Neb. and now resides in Highlands Ranch, Colo. She has a deep appreciation for agricultural roots, having grown up on her family’s ranch – and now running her own cattle as well.
Welker graduated from Cody-Kilgore High School as valedictorian of her class in 2000. Then in 2003, Lynn had the opportunity to serve as Miss Rodeo Nebraska, promoting the sport of rodeo and agricultural way of life. That particular experience, prior years of pageant preparation and competition and public speaking events from childhood through early adulthood (4-H, FFA and college) helped construct and shape a strong communications foundation from which Welker would build her public relations business down the road.
In 2006, she graduated from the University of Wyoming with honors earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in biological anthropology. After graduation, Welker was able to gain valuable experience in both the public and private sector – providing her with insight, background and understanding in community outreach, stakeholder management, regulatory policy, governmental processes and business operations. To gain additional education from a development perspective, Welker completed a certificate program at MIT in Complex Business Strategy.
Welker was accepted to and graduated from the Leadership Wyoming Program in 2014, and thanks to amazing mentors and encouragement from, what are now Welker’s lifetime friends, WelkerPR, Inc. was borne. Welker had always aspired to be an entrepreneur, and now with her husband, Bryan, they operate WelkerPR, Inc., dba Welker and Fevold PR, providing public relations, marketing, fundraising, government affairs, business strategy and graphic design services.
In her free time, Lynn’s favorite gig is being “Auntie Lynn.” She loves to spend time with family and friends, hunt, trap, fish, hike, work out, travel, snowboard, judge pageants and work on her fiction novel that she hopes to complete in the next two years.
Sheila Croft
Sheila Croft
Croft has been involved with rodeo queen pageants since 1992. Currently, she serves on the Miss Rodeo America Executive Board and is the judge’s liaison at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.
She has volunteered on the Miss Rodeo Kansas Pageant committee for 23 years and served as the national director from 2003-’15.
Growing up in the farming and ranching industry, Croft competed in team penning and barrel racing. She served on the Beef Empire Days Rodeo committee for several years and was instrumental in helping establish the Miss Beef Empire Days Rodeo Queen Contest. Croft has judged nine state pageants and many local pageants.
She resides in Copeland, Kan., where she is the city clerk and owns and operates a business specializing in women’s clothing and accessories. Croft enjoys playing piano at her church, photography and spending time with her husband J.T., their children and three granddaughters.
