UPDATE: Directed health measures have been extended until May 31 statewide with the exception of some loosened restrictions – such as church services and elective surgeries. Only a handful of areas will be allowed even looser restrictions – such as limited reopening of restaurant dining rooms and grooming services – they include Lancaster County, Three Rivers and West Central beginning next Monday. Cass, Douglas and Sarpy Counties will enjoy these relaxed restrictions beginning today.
UPDATE: Individuals already signed up through TestNebraska.com received emails yesterday saying that mobile testing sites are launching today. You’re asked to update your current assessment. Testing will be scheduled if you meet the criteria.
UPDATE: The Two Rivers Public Health Department and National Guard are conducting drive-thru testing beginning at 9 a.m. today at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney. 150 tests are available daily today and tomorrow – on a first come first serve basis.
UPDATE: Two Rivers reported 15 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend – bringing its total to 653. The Central District reports just under 1,200 cases and 37 deaths. Statewide there have been 5,659 positive cases and 78 deaths.
UPDATE: Nebraska is forging ahead with plans to hold the nation’s first in-person election in more than a month, despite health concerns about the coronavirus pandemic and allegations that political motivations are fueling opposition to an all-mail approach. Barring an unexpected change, Nebraska’s primary will take place on May 12. Officials plan to provide all poll workers with gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and wipes, and the state has purchased 50 additional ballot drop-off boxes for counties. More than 300,000 Nebraskans have requested absentee ballots, a level described as “unprecedented.” Given that, officials are predicting among the highest turnouts ever for a Nebraska primary. Nebraska has 1,240 precincts statewide but some will be merged into one location to protect vulnerable residents. For instance, a polling site normally located in an assisted living facility will likely get moved to another voting site with adequate space, such as a high school gym. Counties will decide locations.
NEBRASKAland DAYS announced the postponement of the 2020 state celebration. Organizers hope to produce the Buffalo Bill Rodeo and other events later in the summer, and are working through rescheduling the concert series for 2021. Those who have purchased tickets to this year’s events will have a couple options,including holding them for the rescheduled dates or receiving a full refund of the face value of the ticket. The refund period will be announced in the coming days. For more go to www.nebraskalanddays.com
Nebraska Good News about The Good Life:
Mobile food pantries providing free food are offered in the area every two weeks by the Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska in cooperation with the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha.
Drivers should remain in their vehicles while masked volunteers load groceries.
Food pickups, by appointment only, begin at 9:30 a.m. Call Kyla Martin at 308-440-0153 to set up a time.
The pantries rotate to serve Buffalo, Custer, Dawson, Hall, Kearney and Phelps counties.
Future dates include:
– May 15, Pleasanton School, Pleasanton;
– June 12, Phelps County Fairgrounds, Holdrege;
– June 26, Community Action Partnership Food Bank, Kearney.
Hot Meals USA continues to feed those in need, including first responders, amid the coronavirus crisis in Kearney. The organization formed to respond in the wake of disasters has produced about 40,000 meals in the weeks since setting up in the MONA parking lot. If you’re in need and can’t stop by yourself contact the Kearney Jubilee Center to have a meal delivered Monday through Saturday between 11 and 1:30 p.m.
Peace Lutheran in Grand Island is offering Vacation Bible School virtually this summer. Find out more at their Facebook page.
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!
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