News

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)-A bill that would have allowed people in a majority of U.S. states to carry concealed handguns without a permit died Monday when Nebraska state lawmakers derailed the proposal after hearing concerns from law enforcement officials.

Celebrate National Arbor Day, the last Friday in April, by planting new trees and caring for established ones in your landscape and community. This special holiday was first celebrated in 1872. Arbor Day celebrations continue to recognize the important role trees play in our environment and more recently their impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

The term “foundation plantings” generally refers to landscape plants purposely placed at or near the foundation of a house. In the past, such plants were regularly used to help hide unappealing foundations and first-floor basements and typically consisted of shearable evergreen shrubs such as boxwood, juniper, or yews with a few easy-to-grow daylilies or other perennials thrown in to add some color and seasonal interest. Over time, it became common practice to add foundation plantings to most new homes, as well as many commercial buildings, and the tradition continues.

It is easy to get excited about planting vegetable seeds and transplants in the vegetable garden, even when it is too early to plant. This frustration is one of the most common comments that I receive from gardeners that call into the Extension Offices in Nebraska. Slowly but surely, the weather is warming up. Along with warming air temperatures, our soil temperature is warming up too. This is key to the timing of planting vegetable crops for success.

Don’t let limited sunlight stop you from growing a beautiful garden. Make the most of shady locations with proper plant selection and design strategies.

NORFOLK, (AP)-A Madison County man who was burning trash on his rural property died when the flames caught his clothing on fire, authorities in the northeastern Nebraska region said. The incident happened Monday morning on property northwest of Norfolk, the Norfolk Daily News reported.

OMAHA, (AP)-Two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in U.S. zoos, but officials said they won't order widespread euthanasia of zoo birds the way they have on farms.

PIERRE, SD (AP)-The leader of the South Dakota Senate on Wednesday named a lead prosecutor for the impeachment trial of state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and scheduled it for late June. The announcement from Republican Sen.

Currently, 95% of Nebraska is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions, including 100% of the Sandhills. Drought conditions are a significant factor in management decisions on the ranch. Many tools and options are available to enable ranchers to make informed decisions. The Sandhills Task Force will host two evening workshops focusing on responding to and planning for drought conditions in the Sandhills. Dates and locations for these informational meetings are Wednesday, April 27, at the Winter’s Building in Hyannis from 5:00-8:00 p.m. mountain time (an online webinar option will also be available on this date), and Thursday, April 28, at the City Hall Building in Bassett from 5:00-8:00 p.m. central time. Topics to be covered include rangeland response to drought, drought data, online tools for ranchers, livestock management options, and the development of a drought plan. A free meal will be provided at both locations with registration. For more information and to register, please contact Ashley Garrelts at 307-351-0935 or ashley@sandhillstaskforce.org, or sign up online by visiting www. SandhillsTaskForce.org.

Those interested in learning about current trends in cash rental rates, lease provisions, and crop and grazing land considerations should make plans to attend an upcoming workshop in Rushville. A Farmland and Pasture Lease workshop will be held April 29, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.