(AP) — Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has signed a series of tax relief measures into law, and he says the bills passed this year will amount to $412 million in tax reductions over the next five years.

Heineman announced Wednesday that he has approved five tax bills. He expects to sign a sixth this week.

The new laws include an indexing measure to ensure tax brackets keep pace with inflation, a sales tax exemption on farm machinery, a $25 million increase to Nebraska’s property tax credit program and two laws that would expand homestead exemptions.

The sixth bill is a sales tax exemption for purchases made by historic car museums.

Sen. Galen Hadley, chairman of the Revenue Committee, says he wants to work next year on the way farmland is taxed.

(AP) — Rep. Lee Terry has issued an apology for his attempt at a joke to explain his tardiness to a congressional committee hearing held to question General Motors officials about faulty car ignition switches responsible for at least 13 deaths.

In the televised hearing Tuesday, the Nebraska Republican apologized for being late, explaining that his flight to Washington was canceled for mechanical reasons. He then added “probably an ignition switch.”

The comment drew widespread criticism. Some family members of those killed in defective GM cars were present at the hearing.

Terry apologized later Tuesday, saying he had no intention of being insensitive.

Watch your favorite movies under the stars at North Platte’s “Movies in the Park”.  During the summer months movie goers can watch family-friendly presentations of popular motion pictures in Cody Park, free of charge.

“The residents of Lincoln County and visitors to the area are always looking for fun, wholesome activities that the whole family can participate in.  The Movies in the Park solves that problem.  Everyone from Grandma and Grandpa to a toddler can go out for an evening of affordable entertainment, and have an enjoyable time at Movies in the Park.” says Ginger Ady of the North Platte/Lincoln Visitors Bureau.

Three years ago, the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau partnered with the North Platte Recreation Center and Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation to purchase a projection system and an inflatable movie screen.  The inflatable screen is 16ft tall by 17ft wide, which allows attendees to have a great view from any seat.  The outdoor movie system also came with DVD player, sound board, and speakers.

Viewers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. The giant movie screen gives the feeling of the old-time drive-in theater. All movies are shown at the Cody Park softball fields and will start at dusk. With the exception of July, the movies will be held on the first Friday of each month, June through September. Dates and movies are as follows:

Friday June 6 – Monsters University

Sponsored by Allo Communications

Sunset: 9:12pm; Twilight: 9:45pm

Saturday July 5 – Frozen

Sponsored by Pro Printing

Sunset: 9:19pm; Twilight: 9:52pm

Friday August 1 – Despicable Me 2

Sponsored by Jay Engel Farm Bureau Financial Services

Sunset: 9:01pm; Twilight: 9:32pm

Friday, September 5 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

Sponsored by Sandhills Pediatric Dentistry

Sunset: 8:11pm; Twilight: 8:39pm

(AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have given initial approval to a bill that would prohibit governors from restricting gun sales in a declared state emergency.

Lawmakers advanced the bill Tuesday with a 39-0 vote. Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial says he sponsored the measure so that Nebraskans can defend themselves against mobs and looting in a natural disaster.

Current Nebraska law allows governors to restrict the sale, distribution and transportation of guns once a state emergency is declared.

Christensen has worked on the bill with the National Rifle Association, which has pushed successfully for similar “emergency powers” laws in 34 other states. Bills are pending in Iowa, Massachusetts, Colorado and Washington.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha says the measure is feel-good legislation that doesn’t help or hurt anyone.

(AP) — A bill that would have awarded Nebraska’s electoral votes to the national popular-vote winner is dead for the year.

Sen. Tyson Larson of O’Neill said in a statement Tuesday that he has asked to have his bill removed from the Legislature’s agenda. Larson says there isn’t time left in the session, and there are important issues left to be addressed.

Gov. Dave Heineman and Secretary of State John Gale criticized the proposal on Monday, saying it would weaken Nebraska’s voice in national elections.

Larson says the current Electoral College system is broken. He says the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee will hold public hearings over the interim to study the issue further.

• Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. East wind 9 to 13 mph.
• Tonight: A slight chance of rain before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 11pm and 2am, then a chance of snow after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Northeast wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
• Thursday: Snow likely, mainly after 8am. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a north wind 13 to 18 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
• Thursday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a north northwest wind 16 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 48. Northwest wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
• Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

(AP) — As Nebraska farmers prepare to plant their crops in the next few weeks, they are worrying about the lack of moisture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the state received less than half the amount of precipation it normally does in March.

So the level of moisture in the soil is a concern. About 65 percent of the state is currently experiencing drought conditions.

The USDA says about 62 percent of the state is short or very short on topsoil moisture.

About 55 percent of the state’s winter wheat crop is in good or excellent condition.

A 20-year-old Nebraska mom is facing a felony child abuse charge after she allegedly kept allowing her boyfriend to babysit, despite injuries to her son which he is accused of causing.

Kelsey Dangler was arrested last week, about a month after her boyfriend, Christopher Perez.

Lexington Police began looking into case after Dangler took her then 17-month-old son to the hospital on Feb. 18 with severe injuries.

Police say the boy’s bleeding in his skull and other bruises couldn’t be explained by Perez’s explanation that he fell on top of the toddler.

Investigators found evidence of bruises and other injuries the boy sustained while Perez was babysitting that date back to October.

Both Dangler and Perez have posted bail and have been released pending more hearings.

Mike Jacobson, President and CEO of NebraskaLand National Bank is pleased to announce the following promotions that were approved by the Board of Directors at the Bank’s 2014 Annual Meeting:

Dennis Leeper, Vice President, Information Technology Manager.  Dennis has been with the Bank since February 2013 and has a total of 26 years of banking experience.

Jennifer Schurr, Assistant Vice President, Loan Operations Officer.  Jennifer has been with the Bank since June 2012 and has a total of 15 years of banking experience.

Sheila Wolfe, Assistant Vice President, Cash Management Supervisor.  Sheila has been with the Bank since December 2010 and has a total of 17 years of banking experience.

Allie Shaw, Financial Analyst.  Allie has been with the Bank since August 2012.  She started at the Bank as a Credit Analyst and recently transitioned into the Finance Analyst position.

In its continuing effort to “Drive To Save Lives” the Nebraska State Patrol Troop E Headquarters- Scottsbluff will hold a series of special enforcement efforts focused on keeping impaired drivers off Nebraska roadways.

Beginning in April and continuing through June, troopers in conjunction with the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office will conduct nighttime vehicle checks and high visibility patrols in and around Scotts Bluff County.

“Last year in Scotts Bluff County we lost five lives to crashes involving alcohol,” said Captain Mike Gaudreault, Troop E Commander. “One life lost is one too many. Through this effort, we’ll have additional troopers on the road during times when impaired driving is more prevalent.”

A $14,250 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety will help to pay for overtime hours during the special enforcement.

Captain Gaudreault said, “Roadway safety is a shared responsibility. You make the difference, never drive impaired and always wear your seat belt.”