UPDATE: Nebraska reported about 1,000 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend as expanded testing results come back. The Department of Health and Human Services says more than 3,000 have tested positive since testing began. The state isn’t tracking recoveries. 56 have died.
The Central District Health Department now reports 931 cases and 25 deaths. 876 are in Hall County. Two Rivers reports 461 cases – including 357 in Dawson County. The South Heartland District reports 126 cases – 119 are in Adams County.
UPDATE: Business owners in Nebraska are starting to plan their comeback, now that the state’s governor has unveiled his plan to ease coronavirus restrictions. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday that he will relax restrictions in 59 counties, including those in the Omaha area. The new orders, effective until May 31, allow restaurants to reopen their dining rooms but require them to keep crowds at or below half of their rated occupancy. Dining parties are limited to six people, buffets are still closed, and bars must keep their dining areas closed. Ricketts’ plan also allows barbershops, tattoo parlors, salons and massage therapists to reopen, with restrictions.
UPDATE: The University of Nebraska intends to hold in-person classes on all of its campuses this fall while still accounting for possible coronavirus restrictions. University officials say they wanted to make the announcement early to give students, faculty and staff as much time as possible to plan. The university may still impose some restrictions to keep the virus from spreading. The pandemic has forced colleges and universities nationwide to shift to online-only classes. University of Nebraska officials decided to offer online classes instead of in-person courses for the rest of the spring semester. Courses will still be taught online this summer.
Over 50,000 Nebraskans have already registered in Nebraska’s new coronavirus initiative. The state is preparing to launch 540,000 tests. Testing is free and will be initially focused on front line workers. For the online assesment go to www.testnebraska.com.
UPDATE: Annevar events scheduled for this June in Ravenna have been canceled.
Nebraska Good News about The Good Life:
UPDATE: The 31st running of the $50,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes will take place Wednesday at Fonner Park. A full field of 10 horses will be at the post. The 1 and 1/16-mile event will be the eighth race on the nine-race card and go off at approximately 7:20 p.m. Go to Fonnerpark.com for more.
UPDATE: Peace Lutheran in Grand Island is offering Vacation Bible School virtually this summer. Find out more at their Facebook page.
UPDATE: DC Lynch Shows recently set up a Cotton Candy stand in Grand Island to benefit the Vet’s Club! Hit up their Facebook for upcoming events!
UPDATE: Grand Island Public Schools has announced some changes to their meal system. To minimize contact they will now distribute five days of food ONLY one day a week. Starting Tuesday, April 29th they will begin Tuesday distribution to all locations from 11-12:30. For more go to www.GIPS.org
UPDATE: Shout out to Kool Aid Man who has made recent special appearances in the Hastings area. Kool Aid man has been spotted at area nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other spots! Check out Kool Aid Days on Facebook for pictures and updates! Kool Aid Days is still planned for August 9th-12th in Hastings!
UPDATE: Nebraska corn farmers will plant 10.5 million acres of corn in 2020 according to the latest Prospective Plantings report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is nearly a 4% increase from last year’s total planted corn acres. If these planting estimates hold up, Nebraska corn farmers will invest nearly $2.7 billion dollars into the state’s economy over a two-month period.
UPDATE: Bosselman Enterprises in cooperation with the Nebraska Ethanol Board and the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus recently distributed free ethanol-based hand sanitizer to area businesses. Hit up Bosselman and Pump and Pantry’s Social media for updates.
The City of Hastings has opened up Fisher Fountain early as a beacon of hope in these times.
GIVE Where you Live Hastings IS going on NOW through May 7th! Head to the website givehastings.org to donate to 91 Adams County non profits!
It’s a night of prayer and worship for front line workers! Friday, May 1st at the far North parking lot of Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings from 8:30-9pm. Participants are asked to please stay in vehicles.
You can keep yourself safe in these times, show your Husker spirit, AND help Nebraska Food Banks. Husker Face Masks are on sale right now at the shop at NRG sister property huskermax.com. The masks are handmade, available in four styles, and will ship in early May. GO HERE: http://www.shophuskermax.com/houndsmax-huskers-mask-ships-in-may.aspx