News

LINCOLN, (AP)-Nebraska state tax collections soared far above projections in February, but the numbers are likely to come down in the next few months, state officials said Monday. The Nebraska Department of Revenue reported net tax receipts last month of $449 million, which is 96% higher than the certified forecast of $229 million.

Columbus-Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has earned the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices during 2020, ranking first among similar sized utilities.

OMAHA,(AP)-A variant of the coronavirus first found in Brazil has been found in Omaha, state health officials said. On Wednesday, March 17, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services confirmed two people in Douglas County had tested positive for the so-called Brazil P.1 variant, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

OMAHA-Recognizing an increase in opioid overdose deaths during the pandemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced its 20th Take Back Day scheduled for Saturday, April 24. DEA collected a record-high amount of expired, unwanted and unused prescription medications during the last Take Back Day in October, with the public turning in close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs. Throughout the 10-year span of Take Back Day, the DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs, including more than 249 tons from the five state Omaha Division.

The Valentine Education Association will be offering a $250 scholarship to a local college student. Applicants must be majoring in education and be a junior or senior in college for the 2021-2022 year. Applicants for this scholarship must submit a letter of application stating goals and reasons for majoring in education, as well as a resume with current GPA and two letters of reference. One reference letter should be from a school employee and the other from the community at large. The letters may be included with the application or mailed separately. If you have further questions, email Ronelle Kilmer at rkilmer@vcsbadger.net. Scholarship applications are due May 1, 2021, to Ronelle Kilmer, Valentine High School, 431 N. Green Street, Valentine, Nebraska 69201.

Wednesday, March 31 Mental Mornings 7:20 a.m. FBLA officer meeting 7:30 a.m.

Bright yellow daffodils, colorful tulips and fragrant hyacinths brighten our spring gardens. Give them the care they need to extend their spring display and keep them coming back for years.

Peru State College announced the President’s and Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. To make the President’s List, students must have a grade point average of 4.0 for the semester, have completed at least 12 graded credit hours during the past semester, have no incomplete grades for the semester and be seeking their first degree.

Valentine School Monday, April 5 - No School Tuesday, April 6 - Breakfast: Iced long john, cereal choices w/ Goldfish Grahams, Smucker’s peanut butter and jelly Uncrustable, fruit cocktail, juice and milk choices. Lunch: Baked combo sub, pork fritter sandwich, soft shell beefy tacos, refried beans, broccoli, fruit of the day, and choice of milk.

I remember well that Thursday afternoon on a beautiful California day. The ice cream truck was just making its regular late afternoon round on our street with the neighborhood kids eagerly waiting its arrival. When I heard car tires squeal to a sudden stop, I froze. Not hearing any cries or commotion, I concluded there was no danger. I breathed a sigh of relief for the safety of my three young children about the same time I heard a knock at the front door. My mother, who was in town visiting, came running into the bedroom. “Someone’s at the door saying her car hit Ashley!” I flew out to the street with one focus: find my four-year-old daughter!!