MAY 19, 2017 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — A safe kickoff of the 2017 holiday travel season includes Nebraska’s participation in the national “Click It or Ticket” safety campaign. The focus of this national effort is to get motorists to buckle up, every trip, every time.
The “Click It or Ticket” campaign begins Monday, May 22 and runs through Sunday, June 4, encompassing the heavily traveled Memorial Day holiday weekend. “As we head toward the first major holiday of the summer travel season, this national campaign is a tremendous reminder for all of us to always utilize seatbelts while in vehicles,” said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Whether one is the driver or an occupant, by wearing your seat belt, you increase the odds of surviving a crash by up to 50 percent. This is one simple step that can help keep all of us stay safe. Buckle up every trip, every time.” Troopers and communications specialists with the Nebraska State Patrol will put in overtime hours during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign with special emphasis placed on the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The special enforcement is paid for thanks in part to a $27,950 grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads--Highway Safety Office(NDOR-HSO). Colonel Rice said, “All roadway users need to join together as partners so the summer travel season begins safely. Please do your part and always buckle up, and never drive impaired or distracted.” Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Schwarten—Acting Public Information Officer (402) 479-4063 Northeast Nebraska is already an economic hot spot, so it’s no surprise the area will serve as the kick off a regional celebration next weekend.
Save the date for June 1 to be at the Stables of Norfolk for the Nebraska Diplomats’ first stop on a six-location tour. “I’m thrilled that the Nebraska Diplomats chose Northeast Nebraska. It goes to show that Northeast Nebraska truly has the respect of the whole state of Nebraska as a great place to do business and raise a family,” said Greg Ptacek, Neligh Economic Development Director. The Norfolk event will include Courtney Dentlinger, Director of the Department of Economic Development, talking about state economic development efforts. Regional strategy discussions will take place about housing, workforce and infrastructure problems. Governor Pete Ricketts will present regional awards, including the Northeast Nebraska Diplomat of the Year, Community of the Year and Business of the Year. The Nebraska Diplomats is an organization comprised of business executives and community leaders across the state. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is at the heart of the organization while the Diplomat’s goal is to support them. In previous years, there have been two statewide events. Now, to encourage more membership, Nebraska Diplomats are partnering with economic development organizations to hold events throughout Nebraska, starting in Norfolk. The Northeast Nebraska Economic Development Network is excited to showcase Norfolk’s newest reception venue. The Stables, formerly known at the Times Square Event Center, is operated by the owners of Black Cow Fat Pig. “There are not many organizations that could pull off a regional event in a few months but put a room full of economic developers together and work gets done,” said Ptacek. Building Nebraska’s economy through the growth and expansion of existing businesses, attracting new businesses to the state and improving Nebraska’s business climate and competitiveness is the Diplomat's mission. The Nebraska Diplomats is the largest economic development organization comprised of over 286 memberships of business executives and community leaders. The full agenda and registration can be found online at www.NebraskaOnTheMove.com. Registration is open until May 26. No Limits, Nebraska’s youth-led tobacco prevention movement, is now accepting applications for the No Limits Summer Summit, May 30–31 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk. This event is open to Youth ages 12–18, in grades 7–12. It is being held to replace last year’s Fall Summit due to winter storms that prevented Northeast Nebraska youth from attending. Content of the Summer Summit will be identical to the Fall Summit and will explore how the tobacco industry targets young people and what they can do to counter it. The event’s theme, “Same ol’ dog. Same ol’ tricks.,” focuses on Big Tobacco’s persistent use of manipulative tactics to recruit teens to become new customers.
Summit participants will learn how the tobacco industry uses colorful packaging and candy flavors to market products such as cigarillos and smokeless tobacco to youth. Other sessions will examine misconceptions about the potential dangers posed by electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and efforts by tobacco companies to target minority populations. No Limits youth board member Brooklyn Larimore is one of several No Limits leaders who have earned national recognition for their work fighting Big Tobacco. “As youth, we can make a difference,” said Larimore. “The Summer Summit prepares teens to take steps in their own communities to change attitudes about tobacco.” The No Limits Summer Summit is free and includes transportation to Divots Conference Center. Youth can attend as an individual or as a member of a group. A group sponsor is encouraged but not required. Space is limited and applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis. Applications must be submitted by May 3, 2017. More information and application forms are available at NoLimitsNebraska.com or by contacting Molly Kincaid, No Limits program coordinator, at 866-FYI-TEEN (866-394-8336) or [email protected]. From News Channel Nebraska.
Federal authorities are expanding the search for a Wisconsin fugitive described by local officials as “armed and dangerous” and who they say may be plotting an act of mass violence, potentially against religious groups or churches. “The search for Joseph A. Jakubowski (M/W, DOB: 07/21/84, 5’10”, 200 lbs, green eyes and brown hair) is still continuing this Sunday morning,” the Rock County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday in a statement about the suspect, who wrote a manifesto filled with anti-religious views and mailed it to President Trump. The sheriff’s office said that “hundred and fifty local, state and federal law enforcement officers” had been deployed in the search and that federal authorities were looking into leads related to Jakubowski outside of the state. “Additionally, federal authorities are using their resources to investigate any leads that may be developed outside of this local area,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement. The sheriff’s office also reported that they have received more than 300 tips about the suspects whereabouts. “Currently, investigators have followed up on approximately three hundred and twenty tips and leads and still have approximately fifty that need to be resolved,” the statement said. Among the places authorities are patrolling are churches, due to Jakubowski’s anti-religious views. Another potential target are government officials, police said Saturday. Jakubowski allegedly broke into the Armageddon Supplies gun shop in Janesville Tuesday at 8:40 p.m. and stole about 16 high-end firearms. Thirty minutes later, Spoden said, a car was found engulfed in flames near the shop. Spoden said the car belonged to Jakubowski. At least two assault rifles and several high-end handguns are among the stolen firearms, a law enforcement source told ABC News. Jakubowski may have stolen silencers as well, the source said. Armageddon Supplies advertises silences on its Facebook page. Police said he could also be seen on surveillance video, appearing to steal the weapons from the gun shop. Police said they believe that Jakubowski also had a bulletproof vest and helmet. Police on Sunday also released a social media video that they said depicts Jakubowski’s sending a package to Trump. Spoden said police had found a 161-page manifesto that Jakubowski had allegedly written and sent to Trump Tuesday at the White House. In communications prior to his disappearance, Jakubowski also allegedly made reference to his dying by the hand of Trump and expressed a desire to save everyone by taking out one politician at a time. Wisconsin authorities are working with the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Secret Service to find Jakubowski, who has been missing since Tuesday — the same day he allegedly mailed the manifesto, burglarized the gun shop and set his car on fire, the law enforcement source said. Spoden said police were looking into 65 leads and had searched a dozen locations. Classes were canceled in some nearby schools as officers searched for him. Police said he was known to officers and had previously been imprisoned for trying to disarm a police officer. The FBI is now offering $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. After reports of a possible sighting of a missing teen and her abductor in Kearney Sunday evening, authorities have confirmed that the duo had not been spotted.
The Kearney Police Department reported Sunday night that Tad Cummins and Elizabeth Thomas were possibly spotted at a McDonald's in Kearney. However, after further investigation it was determined that the two in question were not the missing duo. "Investigators of the Kearney Police Department received additional information this morning in regards to the possible sighting of the male suspect and Elizabeth Thomas which occurred on Sunday, April 2nd, at the McDonald’s Restaurant (5602 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE). It has been confirmed that the individuals shown in the video are not involved in the kidnapping / Amber Alert out of Tennessee. We have had contact with the male subject in the video and have confirmed his identity and have determined he is not the subject of the Amber Alert," the department said on their Facebook page. KPD added that despite there being no confirmed sightings, the public should still be on the lookout for the two individuals. Cummins is suspected of kidnapping Thomas from Columbia, TN. Thomas is 15-years-old with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She stands 5-05 and weighs approximately 120 pounds. She has been missing since March 13. The two are possibly driving a Chevy Silverado or a Silver 2015 Nissan Rogue. The Kearney Police Department is asking citizens to be on the lookout for an amber alert suspect that may be in Nebraska.
In a Facebook post late Sunday night, the department stated that Tad Cummins and Elizabeth Thomas were possibly spotted in a Kearney McDonald's on Sunday. "It is possible we had a spotting of the victim and suspect of a Columbia, TN Amber Alert in Kearney this evening," they said in the post. They added that it is possible the two are still in Nebraska. Cummins is suspected of kidnapping Thomas from Columbia, TN. Thomas is 15-years-old with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She stands 5-05 and weighs approximately 120 pounds. She has been missing since March 13. The two are possibly driving a Chevy Silverado or a Silver 2015 Nissan Rogue. If anyone spots the two people in question, they are to call 911 immediately. Citizens are urged to use caution as Cummins is believed to be in possession of two handguns. A case of the measles has been reported and people in multiple locations may have been exposed, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The affected person spent time in both Douglas and Sarpy counties. “If people visited one of these locations and come down with a fever and a rash, they should see a health care provider,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “Those most at risk of being infected with the measles are people who have had no doses or only one dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine or who have not had the measles.” Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing and it’s possible that other people who were in the same locations may have been exposed. Locations include: Eppley Airfield, Omaha March 12, 2017 Delta flight 798 from Minneapolis to Omaha 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. South Terminal 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. South Baggage Claim 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Hampton Inn, 12331 Southport Pkwy, La Vista March 12, 2017 - March 17, 2017 Urgent Care of Papillion, S 73rd Plaza March 15, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CHI Urgent Care, S 96th St, La Vista March 15, 2017 - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Bergan Mercy Hospital Emergency Room, Omaha March 15, 2017 - 8:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. DHHS continues to work with the Douglas County Health Department, the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and health care providers to reach Nebraskans at risk for exposure and make sure they receive testing and/or vaccination if appropriate. "Public health agencies in Nebraska have worked together quickly to address this situation and minimize the risk of further transmission," said Dr. Adi Pour, Director of the Douglas County Health Department. Symptoms of measles generally begin within 7-14 days after exposure. It starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body. It can also cause severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. “Measles is a disease that can be prevented by routine childhood vaccines. This is a reminder for all of us of the importance of vaccinations,” said Shavonna Lausterer, Director of the Sarpy/Cass Health Department. Measles vaccination is highly effective. Studies show more than 97 percent of people who receive two doses of vaccine are protected. Public health officials stress that it’s good for all Nebraskans to know if they have measles immunity. A person is considered immune if they have two doses of vaccine or were born before 1957. Measles is not a new disease but it’s something we haven’t seen very often in Nebraska over the last several decades. There were no measles cases in 2016, three in 2015 and one measles case in 2014. Prior to that, the last measles case in a Nebraska resident was in the early 90s. For additional measles information, go to:
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released this video, celebrating 150 years of Nebraska’s statehood.
“As we celebrate 150 years of statehood,” said Sasse, “we tell our kids the stories of the pioneers, caretakers of the land, statesmen, and volunteers who have made our state so great.” Several Nebraskans met with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture nominee this week.
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after meeting with President Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture nominee, former Governor Sonny Perdue. Senator Sasse and USDA Secretary nominee Perdue were joined by Nebraska agriculture leaders, including Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson, Nebraska Cattlemen President Troy Stowater, and Nebraska Sugarbeet Growers President Kendall Busch. “It’s good to introduce the next Secretary of Agriculture to some of the Nebraskans whose sweat and long hours make us the world’s breadbasket,” said Sasse. “This was a productive conversation with USDA Secretary nominee Perdue. We talked about the unique interests of Midwest agriculture, the importance of trade and export markets, and Nebraska’s role in feeding a growing world.” “I want to thank Senator Sasse for his leadership and work to bring Nebraskans to the table with Governor Perdue,” said Nelson. “We care about trade because we have to expand new markets and opportunities for Nebraska agricultural products. I’m glad we were able to share Nebraska’s unique challenges and opportunities with the President’s nominee for secretary of agriculture." “A huge thank you to Senator Sasse for the work he does for agriculture in our state," said Stowater. "Nebraska Cattlemen strongly supports the nomination of Sonny Perdue to be the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Governor Perdue understands that trade is vital to the future of the U.S. beef industry. We look forward to helping him expand opportunities for Nebraska’s beef exports with our global trading partners, and we appreciate his steadfast support for our nation’s livestock producers.” “I would like to thank Senator Sasse for his support and leadership,” said Busch. “The sugarbeet growers in western Nebraska are facing trying times. It is important that Senator Sasse and USDA Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue understand the importance of trade and the need to fix the suspension agreements between the U.S. and Mexico. Our growers support a strong farm policy as negotiations being on a new farm bill and look forward to work together with the Secretary.” By Rachel Urbanski
News Channel Nebraska An attempted escape from the Norfolk Regional Center early Saturday morning resulted in one being taken to the hospital. At 1:58 a.m. Norfolk Fire, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the State Patrol were called the Regional Center after one of the patients jumped out of a 4th story window in an attempt to escape, according to Nebraska State Patrol Captain Paul Hattan. Officials say that when they arrived one patient was already in custody by staff and the second was transported to Faith Regional Heath Services. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Scott Bonsall says the injured patient has possible life threatening conditions unknown at this time and was transported to another hospital. The incident remains under investigation. |
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