Nebraska News

Lincoln, Nebraska - Nebraska's burgeoning gaming industry, centered around its four racetrack casinos, made a significant economic impact in 2023. These facilities collectively generated a substantial $17.8 million in tax revenue during their first full year of operation, indicating a promising start for the state's gaming sector. First Year of Operations: A Financial Snapshot The four temporary gaming facilities, located in Lincoln, Fonner Park, Omaha, and Columbus, collectively brought in gross revenues of $89 million. The state, which taxes these establishments at a rate of 20 percent, benefited significantly from this revenue stream. The racetrack casinos contributing to this success are Grand...

A Nebraska meatpacking plant, Nebraska Beef, is currently facing serious allegations of safety violations following a severe injury to one of its employees. The incident, involving a serious hand injury to a forklift operator, has prompted an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), revealing a series of major safety concerns. OSHA has imposed a fine of $274,000 on Nebraska Beef for "two willful and 11 serious violations." The company is now faced with a decision to either appeal or pay these fines within 15 days. This action by OSHA underscores the severity of the situation and the...

Omaha, Nebraska - In Nebraska, the transition to new license plates has brought subtle yet significant changes, posing challenges for both drivers and law enforcement in distinguishing between valid and expired plates. The new license plates, introduced as part of a routine update, don't exhibit stark visual differences compared to the older ones. This lack of contrast is a departure from the past, where distinct designs like the U.S. bi-centennial plates (1976-1983) or the colorful sunset plates (2002-2004) made differentiation easy. Now, to identify an expired plate, one must look more closely. Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, a former Omaha Police officer,...

York, Nebraska - Eastbound I-80 was shut down on Christmas Day following a major crash involving multiple semis that led to a complete blockade of traffic. Blizzard Conditions Lead to Traffic Chaos The accident occurred on Monday morning, coinciding with a severe blizzard warning. A Nebraska Department of Transportation camera captured the chaotic scene, showing jackknifed semis that completely halted traffic flow. As a result, dozens of vehicles were stranded on the highway, unable to move forward. In response to the accident, eastbound traffic was rerouted. Vehicles were diverted off the interstate, leading them north into York and then east towards Waco. This...

Omaha, Nebraska - Nebraska Health officials have raised concerns over the water quality in certain lakes after concluding their water sampling for the year. Three more lakes have been added to the alert status due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae. These are Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County, Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County, and Glenn Cunningham Lake in Douglas County. Although the seasonal water quality tests are wrapping up, state health officials emphasize that the threat from harmful algae blooms could continue well into the fall. Beginning from May 1st, they've been consistently monitoring water conditions, performing weekly...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has reported a notable rise in the number of applicants in its most recent recruitment drive. The summer hiring process, which concluded on September 15, saw as many as 240 candidates applying, marking a significant increase over the previous numbers. Pay Raise Could be the Reason Earlier in the year, the NSP had 221 applicants, meaning this recent round has experienced an approximate growth of 10 percent. Analysts and insiders attribute this boost in interest to a major pay increment for the state troopers. After extensive negotiations with the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council...

Nebraska - Following its approval by the legislature earlier this year, the bill championed by State Senator Tom Brewer will be enacted on Saturday. This legislation eliminates the mandate for gun owners in Nebraska who wish to conceal carry to obtain a permit from their local sheriff's office. Accredited concealed handgun permit instructors are in favor of the law. Nevertheless, they emphasize the importance of the training once necessitated by the permit process. One such instructor is Kurt Geschwener, a gun owner and real estate agent. "I don't believe it's a state's job or my job to tell people what they should...

Johnson County, Nebraska - In a recent ruling by the Johnson County District Court, Judge Rick Schreiner handed down a two-year prison sentence to an Omaha resident, Ms. Kari Bass, for the Criminal Possession of a Financial Transaction Device. Simultaneously, she received a two-year sentence for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. The legal action against Ms. Bass, aged 33, is in connection with an episode that transpired on August 15, 2022. Both sentences are set to run concurrently, and Ms. Bass will be given credit for the duration she has already been in custody. Additionally, a twelve-month post-release supervision period has...

Kearney, Nebraska - The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is preparing to commence construction on an $85 million rural medical school in Kearney next month. The project reflects Nebraska's ongoing efforts to bolster the healthcare workforce within its rural communities. UNMC is further enhancing this initiative by implementing a new, streamlined procedure to expedite the placement of students into clinical training locations throughout the state. While this advancement is primarily internal, UNMC Chancellor, Dr. Jeffrey Gold, anticipates a significant upswing in the quantity of locally trained healthcare professionals serving in rural communities. Last week, the initiative was officially launched in North Platte,...

Louisville, Nebraska - Emergency response teams from Louisville and Plattsmouth conducted a successful rescue operation yesterday evening at the Ash Grove Cement Company in Louisville, where three individuals found themselves confined in an elevator without air conditioning. The trapped individuals had spent approximately two hours in the elevator, located five stories above ground level, necessitating immediate intervention by the authorities. The rescue process, as outlined by the Plattsmouth Volunteer Fire Department via a Facebook post, was fraught with challenges. Rescue personnel were obliged to ascend multiple flights of stairs laden with gear, contending with both darkness and heat. The circumstances were...

Stanton, Nebraska - The Lindsay area community faced a distressing event over the weekend as a 4-year-old local boy suffered a near-drowning at Maskenthine Lake and had to be rapidly transported to an Omaha hospital for emergency medical attention. Sheriff Mike Unger from Stanton County, together with two deputies, were among the first respondents to the distressing incident. The incident took place around 4:45 p.m., and the team promptly began administering emergency aid to the unconscious child. Emergency medical teams from both Stanton Rescue and Pilger EMS also swiftly arrived at the scene. They managed to stabilize the young boy's condition enough...

Lincoln, Nebraska - The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has officially announced that it is open to receiving applications for the Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation Scholarship, established in the honor of Max and Eric Brown. The scholarship program is tailored to non-traditional students - those who are seeking to further their education through trade schools, vocational training, or additional college credits - and who demonstrate a strong commitment to residing in rural communities of Nebraska. Successful applicants can anticipate awards up to $2,500. Megahn Schafer, the Executive Director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, acknowledged the pivotal role rural communities play...

Madison, Nebraska - A Nebraska mother has entered a guilty plea regarding her involvement in facilitating an unlawful abortion for her 17-year-old daughter in the previous year, as well as her actions to conceal the evidence. Jessica Burgess, aged 42, acknowledged her guilt on Friday under a plea deal, admitting to three distinct charges: tampering with human skeletal remains, false reporting, and administering an abortion after a minimum of 20 weeks' gestation. Burgess was indicted for assisting her then-minor daughter in terminating her pregnancy. The court has scheduled Burgess's sentencing hearing for September 22. On a related note, her daughter has also...

Nebraska - In a significant push towards digital inclusivity, Nebraska and Iowa are slated to receive $405 million and $415 million respectively, as part of an initiative to ensure high-speed broadband internet accessibility for all residents, with a particular focus on rural areas. This substantial commitment was underscored in President Biden's "Internet for All" declaration on Monday. The announcement signified the commencement of the second phase of his administration's nationwide "Investing in America" program. As part of this project, a hefty sum of $42.45 billion is set to be dispersed throughout the country. The aim of these funds is to establish...

Lincoln, Nebraska - On Sunday afternoon, Lincoln Fire and Rescue effectively dealt with an apartment fire. The incident took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. at The Willows Apartments on Knox Street. According to the information provided by first responders, a mattress caught fire. The fire department was successful in suppressing the fire, managing to do so prior to any potential spread of the flames. At this time, the precise cause of the fire remains undisclosed by the authorities. It is noteworthy to mention that there have been no injuries reported in connection with this incident.

Hastings, Nebraska - Hastings Exposition and Racing, the organization managing the annual one-day quarter horse race in Hastings, Nebraska, has submitted an application to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission requesting a shift in its license to Ogallala. Concurrently, it appears that the plans for a previously proposed casino in Hastings will no longer be pursued. The application for the 2024 racing license, submitted by Brian Becker who operates Hastings Exposition and Racing, signifies an intent to cultivate and expand a multi-track Quarter Horse racing circuit in western Nebraska. An alliance has been forged with Elite Casino Resorts to construct a...