The Independent.com News Updates

Islanders advance to state

2008-05-05T20:18:00.002-05:00

Grand Island's baseball team scored two runs in the top of the seventh and held on to beat Millard North 4-3 in the Class A, District 5 championship game Monday at Ryder Park in Grand Island.

The Islanders will take a 16-13 record into the first round of state tournament play Saturday at Sherman Field in Lincoln.

Eric Schwieger pitched six innings to get the win for over Millard North (22-5). Kash Kalkowski pitched a 1-2-3 sixth to get a save.

Friday night's Husker game canceled

2008-05-02T17:38:00.001-05:00

Tonight's scheduled baseball game between sixth-ranked Nebraska and Louisiana-Lafayette has been canceled because of inclement weather. The game will not be made up and the two teams will wrap up the series with Saturday's originally scheduled doubleheader, beginning at 12:05 p.m.

Fans who had purchased tickets to Friday's game can use those tickets for general admission seats for either of Saturday's games, scheduled for 12:05 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., or for any of next weekend's series against Texas A&M, depending on seating availability.

GPAC baseball tournament moved to Hastings

2008-04-30T13:56:00.000-05:00

Because of the forecasted inclement weather and already saturated fields in Sioux Falls, S.D. at Harmodon Park, the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) is moving the 2008 GPAC Baseball Tournament to Hastings.

The tournament will be played at Duncan Field and Smith Complex. The schedule has been revised to accommodate the two-field format.

Day One - Thursday, May 1, 2008
(Games 1-8, All games seven innings with 10-run rule in games 1-4 and 7,8)
(GPAC Record)

Game 1
at Duncan Field, 9 a.m.
(1) Northwestern (18-6) vs. (8) Hastings (11-13)

Game 2
at Smith Complex, 9 a.m.
(2) Briar Cliff (16-8) vs. (7) Sioux Falls (12-12)

Game 3
at Duncan Field, noon
(4) Midland Lutheran (14-10) vs.(5) Dakota Wesleyan (14-10)

Game 4
at Smith Complex, noon
(3) Morningside (15-9) vs. (6) Nebraska Wesleyan (13-11)

Game 5
at Duncan Field, 4 p.m. (Winner’s Bracket)
Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 4

Game 6
at Smith Complex, 4 p.m. (Winner’s Bracket)
Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 3

Game 7
At Duncan Field, 7 p.m. (Elimination Game)
Loser Game 2 vs. Loser Game 4

Game 8
at Smith Complex, 7 p.m. (Elimination Game)
Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 3

Day Two - Friday, May 2, 2008
(Games 9-13, All games 9 innings – No 10-run rule)

Game 9
at Duncan Field, 9 a.m. (Winner’s Bracket)
Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6

Game 10
at Smith Field, 11 a.m. (Elimination Game)
Loser 6 vs. Winner Game 7

Game 11-
at Duncan Field, 12:30 pm (Elimination Game)
Loser 5 vs. Winner 8

Game 12-
at Duncan Field, 4 p.m.
Loser 9 vs. Winner 10*

Game 13
at Duncan Field, 7:30 pm
Winner 9 vs. Winner 11*
* Pairings may need to be adjusted to avoid previously or recently matched opponents

Day Three - Saturday
(Games 14 and 15(if needed), both games 9 innings – No 10-run rule)
Game 14

at Duncan Field, 11a.m.
Winner 12 vs. Winner 13

Game 15 (If Needed)
at Duncan Field, 30 minutes following Game 14

Pelini winning over national sports writers?

2008-04-29T09:07:00.002-05:00

A lady has a right to change her mind. Apparently that applies to national sports writers as well. Whatever the case, it seems that without even coaching a football game that counts, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini has won over Sporting News college football writer Matt Hayes.

On Jan. 2, Hayes graded Pelini's hiring by Nebraska as a C-minus and said that the Cornhuskers were wrong to "settle" for Pelini. Hayes' choice apparently would've been Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe. Fair enough.

Fast forward to Monday and suddenly it seems Hayes' view of Pelini have taken a 180. In a TSN column, Hayes now lists Nebraska first on his list of "Five in drive" as one of the college football's programs that are moving forward.

Must have been one heck of a spring practice for Pelini and the Huskers. But don't be too hard on Hayes -- let he among us who has never flip-flopped cast the first stone.

New Web site info

2008-04-23T07:29:00.002-05:00

We're facing a delay in the updating of our new Web site. However, you can go to the new site by pressing here.

Sorry about the extra step. It should be fixed today. With any change, there is the unexpected delay. We apologize for any inconvience.

Centura audit reveals documentation problems

2008-04-22T15:08:00.006-05:00

By Mark Coddington
mark.coddington@theindependent.com

CAIRO -- A state audit of Centura public schools released on Monday found severe documentation problems in employee reimbursement but no major issues requiring further inquiry or prosecution.

The audit cited dozens of examples from the 2006-07 school year of incomplete documentation on expense reports and school credit card purchases.

It also revealed several cases in which alcohol was purchased with school cards and two in which the school's tax-exempt status was used to buy personal items for staff members.

State Auditor Mike Foley said he believed the improprieties likely stemmed from misunderstanding of requirements and lack of oversight, rather than willful deception.

"These issues are serious and certainly require attention on the part of the (school) board," Foley said in an interview. "But I don't think that this is grand larceny by any stretch of the imagination."

The audit was commissioned last fall because of concerns by the district's patrons about financial mismanagement or fraud by the school's former superintendent, Dave Schley.

Schley retired last year and is currently the interim superintendent at McCook public schools.

County approves Ravenna dairy

2008-04-22T14:56:00.004-05:00

By Mark Coddington
mark.coddington@theindependent.com

KEARNEY -- A controversial closed-loop dairy proposed near Ravenna gained approval from the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday afternoon.

The board voted, 5-2, to approve a special-use permit for a 7,500-head dairy for Ken, Ron, Dennis and Jerry Woitaszewski of Wood River on a site about three miles southeast of Ravenna.

The operation would house the cows in enclosed buildings while using a methane digester to convert the manure into electrical power.

It has drawn strong resistance from scores of neighbors who have cited concerns about water quality, lower property values and odor.

The resolution passed by the board included many restrictions, including a clay liner for the digester, several monitoring wells and regular checks of soil quality by an agronomist.

The board narrowly denied approval for the project in January, when its 4-3 vote in favor fell short of a two-thirds majority required by a protest by neighboring landowners.

Kleeb tours Leon Plastics

2008-04-22T11:09:00.008-05:00

By Tracy Overstreet
tracy.overstreet@theindependent.com

ALDA -- Democratic Senate hopeful Scott Kleeb toured the Leon Plastics manufacturing plant this morning in Alda.

"Fuel is a big, big cost," John Barry, Leon Plastics operations manager, told Kleeb.

Not only are high diesel prices causing a spike in shipping costs for the 115-employee plant, they are also increasing the input costs because of the petroleum-based plastic and vinyl used in production.

Leon Plastics is an injection molding company that produces interior parts for vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, Dodge Ram pickup and Hummer.

"Energy is transformational. It's the biggest issue facing us," Kleeb said.

Kleeb said the United States needs to make changes on both energy production and consumption.

He advocated an investigation into domestic oil pricing, a study on the number of domestic oil refineries and the development of more alternative fuels including cellulosic ethnaol, solar and wind energy.

Kleeb said Americans also need to reduce consumption. More fuel-efficient vehicles are needed as are more home energy-saving measures.

Kleeb faces Democrats Tony Raimondo, Larry Marvin and James Bryan Wilson in the May 13 primary race.

Former Mayor Dobesh dies

2008-04-22T11:01:00.005-05:00

By Tracy Overstreet
tracy.overstreet@theindependent.com

Former Grand Island Mayor Ernie Dobesh died Monday night. He was 86 years old.

Dobesh, a retired farmer, served as mayor from 1990 to 1994 and was on the city council prior to that.

During his tenure as mayor, Dobesh oversaw several major projects including the construction of the Island Oasis water park, the new Grand Island City Hall and a new city landfill.

Funeral services are pending with All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island.

Parents to learn about teenage drug use at forum tonight

2008-04-22T10:26:00.001-05:00

An educational forum on trends in teenage drug use in Grand Island will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third St.

The event is designed for an adult audience and is not appropriate for children.

The evening will include an informational session with a presentation by Chuck Matson of the Omaha Police Department, a panel of local experts and a question/answer session. Print materials will also be available for those who attend.

People are asked to join the forum to learn more about teenage drug trends and what can be done to change them. More information is available by calling 385-5220.

Grand Island Independent wins several awards

2008-04-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

The Nebraska Associate press awards were held over the weekend and The Independent came away with several awards:

DIVISION I

SPOT NEWS: 1. (tie) Omaha World-Herald staff; 3. Norfolk Daily News staff.

FEATURE STORY: 1. Kim Schmidt, Kearney Hub; 2. Brian Christopherson, Lincoln Journal Star; 3. Don Walton, Lincoln Journal Star; HM: Cindy Lange-Kubick. Lincoln Journal Star.

ENTERPRISE: 1. David Hendee and Matt Miller, Omaha World-Herald; 2. Henry Cordes, Erin Grace and Cindy Gonzalez, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Joe Dejka and C. David Kotok, Omaha World-Herald.

CONTINUING COVERAGE: 1. Omaha World-Herald staff; 2. Tracy Overstreet, Mark Coddington, Robert Pore, Harold Reutter, Sarah Schulz and Mike Bockoven, The Grand Island Independent; 3. Kathryn Harris and Trisha Schulz, Norfolk Daily News; HM: Mellissa Lee and Jean Ortiz, Lincoln Journal Star.

NEWS COLUMN: 1. Cindy Lange-Kubick, Lincoln Journal Star; 2. Robert Nelson, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Robert Nelson, Omaha World-Herald; HM: George Ayoub, The Grand Island Independent.

SPORTS STORY: 1. Dirk Chatelain, Omaha World-Herald; 2. Brian Christopherson, Lincoln Journal Star; 3. Brian Christopherson, Lincoln Journal Star; HM: Dirk Chatelain, Omaha World-Herald.

SPORTS ENTERPRISE: 1. Steve Pivovar, Dave Elsesser, Rebecca Gratz and Kent Sievers, Omaha World-Herald; 2. Omaha World-Herald staff; 3. Clark Grell, Steven M. Sipple, Brian Rosenthal, Crut McKeever, Todd Henrichs, Brain Christopherson and Karl Vogel, Lincoln Journal Star.

SPORTS COLUMN: 1. Tom Shatel, Omaha World-Herald; 2. Tom shatel, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Steven M. Sipple, Lincoln Journal Star; HM: Todd Henrichs, Lincoln Journal Star.

SPOT NEWS PHOTO: 1. Barrett Stinson, The Grand Island Independent; 2. Kiley Cruse, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Gwyneth Roberts, Lincoln Journal Star; HM: Kiley Cruse, Omaha World-Herald.

FEATURE PHOTO: 1. Darin Epperly, Norfolk Daily News; 2. Matt Miller, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Robert Becker, Lincoln Journal Star; HM: Dan Eldridge, Lincoln Journal Star.

PHOTO ESSAY: 1. Scott Kingsley, The Grand Island Independent; 2. Scott Kingsley, The Grand Island Independent; 3. Scott Kingsley, The Grand Island Independent; HM: Michael Paulsen, Lincoln Journal Star; HM: Michele Lee, Lincoln Journal Star.

SPORTS PHOTO: 1. Michael McNamara, Lincoln Journal Star; 2. Jeff Beiermann, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Rick Tucker, Kearney Hub; HM: Kent Sievers, Omaha World-Herald.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO: 1. Alyssa Schukar, Omaha World-Herald; 2. Jeff Beiermann, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Jeremy Buss, Norfolk Daily News; HM: Matt Miller, Omaha World-Herald.

GRAPHICS: 1. Kim Stolzer, Lincoln Journal Star; 2. Matt Haney, Omaha World-Herald; 3. Sheila Story, Lincoln Journal Star; HM: Dean Weinlaub, Omaha World-Herald.

LAYOUT AND DESIGN: 1. Omaha World-Herald staff; 2. Lincoln Journal Star staff; 3. The Grand Island Independent staff.

WEB SITE: 1. The Grand Island Independent staff; 2. Steve Smith, Lincoln Journal Star; 3. Lloyd Armbrust, York News-Times; HM: Sarah Pinkelman, Norfolk Daily News.

DIVISION II

SPOT NEWS: 1. Russ Krebs, Fremont Tribune; 2. Don Bowen and Russ Krebs, Fremont Tribune; 3. Joelyn Hansen and Keith Rydberg, Beatrice Daily Sun; HM: Melanie Wilkinson, York News-Times.

FEATURE STORY: 1. Tammy Real-McKeighan, Fremont Tribune; 2. Tammy Greunke, Fremont Tribune; 3. Amber Ningen, Alliance Times-Herald.

ENTERPRISE: 1. Russ Krebs, Fremont Tribune.

CONTINUING COVERAGE: 1. Melanie Wilkinson, York News-Times; 2. Melanie Wilkinson, Marcia Schleelmilch, Steve Moseley and Kerri Pankratz, York News-Times; 3. Tammy Real-McKeighan, Fremont Tribune.

NEWS COLUMN: 1. Melanie Wilkinson, York News-Times; 2. Greg Awtry, York News-Times; 3. Steve Moseley, York News-Times.

SPORTS STORY: 1. Brent Wasenius, Fremont Tribune; 2. Brent Wasenius, Fremont Tribune.

SPORTS ENTERPRISE: 1. Fremont Tribune staff; 2. Fremont Tribune staff.

SPORTS COLUMN: 1. Brent Wasenius, Fremont Tribune; 2. Brent Wasenius, Fremont Tribune; 3. Steve Moseley, York News-Times; HM: Stephen Colwell, York News-Times.

SPOT NEWS PHOTO: 1. Chris Bristol, Fremont Tribune; 2. Tony Gray, Fremont Tribune; 3. Melanie Wilkinson, York News-Times.

FEATURE PHOTO: 1. Matt Gade, Fremont Tribune; 2. Rashel Gonzalez, Alliance Times-Herald; 3. Steve Moseley, York News-Times.

PHOTO ESSAY: 1. Matt Gade, Fremont Tribune; 2. Evan Nordstrom, Fremont Tribune; 3. Tony Gray, Fremont Tribune.

SPORTS PHOTO: 1. Matt Gade, Fremont Tribune; 2. Steve Moseley, York News-Times; 3. Stephen Colwell, York News-Times.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO: 1. Evan Nordstrom, Fremont Tribune; 2. Matt Gade, Fremont Tribune.

GRAPHICS: 1. Kerri Pankratz, York News-Times; 2. Kerri Pankratz, York News-Times.

LAYOUT AND DESIGN: 1. Staff, Fremont Tribune; 2. Kerri Pankratz, York News-Times.

WEB SITE: 1. Toni Sorensen, Fremont Tribune.

Semi hits ambulance, takes out stoplight

2008-04-21T15:06:00.007-05:00

By Mark Coddington
mark.coddington@theindependent.com

A semi driver hit an ambulance, then knocked down a stoplight pole at one of Grand Island's busiest intersections this morning.

Jeffrey Raitt, 46, of Schuyler was headed north on Highway 281 when he hit a city ambulance, eastbound on State Street, that had lights and siren on, said Capt. Robert Falldorf of the Grand Island Police Department.

He spun into a car stopped at a red light on State Street, then knocked out the northbound traffic signal for Highway 281 and a power box before landing in the intersection's northeast ditch.

Raitt, along with the ambulance's driver and two passengers and the woman driving the third car, were all taken to St. Francis Medical Center, where they were treated and released. No patients were being transported in the ambulance.

Raitt's semi caused $10,000 of damage to the ambulance, $20,000 to the traffic signal and $6,000 to the power box -- all city property. He also caused $20,000 of damage to his own truck and $1,000 to the third car.

He has been referred to the Hall County attorney's office for failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle, Falldorf said.

City Public Works Director Steve Riehle said he hopes to have a makeshift traffic signal with a red flashing light up by tonight. He hopes to have that signal changed over to a standard red, yellow and green signal by midweek.

Earth Day, Arbor Day celebrations focus on tree planting

2008-04-21T13:59:00.009-05:00

By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com

With mounting evidence regarding global warming and climate change, Earth Day recognition is gaining more attention every year since it started 38 years ago.

Tuesday will mark the 38th anniversary of Earth Day — an annual celebration designed to remind people about the importance of the environment and humans' impacts on it.

One way area residents recognize Earth Day, along with the upcoming Arbor Day on Friday, is planting trees.

Leading the way in tree planting in the area is the Central Platte Natural Resources District, which is headquartered in Grand Island.

Kelly Cole, Central Platte NRD programs coordinator, said the NRD sold approximately 60,000 trees this year.

Cole said the NRD will be doing 42 plantings this year.

"With the recent rains, landowners are encouraged to start planting their trees," Cole said.

As part of the NRD's Arbor Day observation, Marcia Lee, NRD information/education specialist, said the NRD will delivered 1,000 Norway spruce seedlings to Barr Middle School and Howard, Knickrehm, Shoemaker and Starr elementary schools in Grand Island.

Other area schools that will get trees are Doniphan-Trumbull, Aurora Elementary, Gibbon, Kearney Senior High, Centura, Ravenna, Chapman, Amherst, Elm Creek, Overton, Lexington, Twin River and one home school.

Lee said the NRD purchases the seedlings from the Arbor Day Foundation. Each seedling is package with a tent card with planting instructions.

"The NRD's Arbor Day Program continues to grow. Planting a tree is a great way for students to make a connection with nature and to learn about their environment," Lee said.

Conatser sees need for more staff at Grand Island Veterans Home

2008-04-21T12:23:00.001-05:00

By Harold Reutter
harold.reutter@theindependent.com

Martin "Marty" Conatser, national commander of the American Legion, toured the Grand Island Veterans Home this morning and liked what he saw.

It's what he didn't see that displeased him.

Conatser took a walking tour of the veterans home, accompanied by Administrator Ginada Hostetler and several officials from Nebraska's American Legion.

At the end of his tour, Conatser said he found the facility to be clean and well-maintained. Most important of all, he said, members are receiving good care from the staff.

But Conatser said the Grand Island Veterans Home simply does not have enough staff.

"It's authorized for 160, and they're 50 staff short," Conatser said during a brief interview at the end of his tour.

He said he plans to bring the staffing situation to the attention of Nebraska officials before he leaves the state. Conatser also will talk about the situation with Nebraska American Legion officials.

Preliminary hearing waived in infant death case

2008-04-21T10:38:00.006-05:00

By Mark Coddington
mark.coddington@theindependent.com

A Grand Island man accused of killing his girlfriend's infant daughter waived his preliminary hearing in Hall County Court this morning.

Christopher M. Klein, 21, 119 W. 11th St., is charged with manslaughter for the Feb. 19 death of 7-week-old Caitlynne Bohlen.

Authorities said shortly after Klein's arrest that he had given the baby a pacifier, wrapped a blanket around her head and squeezed her against the side of her bassinet with a pillow.

Klein said he learned the technique from the baby's mother, 19-year-old Tiffany A. Bohlen, who is also charged with manslaughter.

Klein is scheduled to appear in Hall County District Court at 9 a.m. May 6.

Grand Island sets record high for gas

2008-04-21T08:18:00.011-05:00

By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com

Grand Island drivers are now having to pay the highest local gas prices on record, according to the Nebraska AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report released today.

Nebraska AAA reported that the average Grand Island price for regular gasoline without ethanol was $3.53 per gallon, which is up 9 cents from Sunday, 29 cents from a month ago and 67 cents from a year ago. The previous record was set on May 13, 2007, when regular gas prices hit $3.48 per gallon.

Diesel prices also set a record of $4.13 per gallon, up 3 cents from Sunday and $1.17 per gallon from a year ago.

The state high price today was in North Platte at $3.60 per gallon. The state average price for regular gasoline was $3.49 per gallon, up 25 cents from a month ago and 65 cents from a year ago. A new state high was set today for regular gasoline.

Also, a new state high was set for diesel gasoline today, according to Nebraska AAA, at $4.12 per gallon, which is $1.18 per gallon higher than a year ago.

AAA also reported that a national record high was set today with regular gasoline selling at $3.50 per gallon. Diesel prices were also at a record high today with an average price of $4.20 per gallon.

The Associated Press reported that oil prices hit a record above $117 a barrel today in Asia following an attack on a key pipeline in Nigeria at the end of last week.

Also, comments over the weekend by an OPEC official that the group isn't likely to increase production also supported prices.

Gas prices skyrocket across the state

2008-04-19T12:22:00.002-05:00

By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com
Gas prices soared overnight throughout Nebraska, according to the Nebraska AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

The statewide average, according to Nebraska AAA Saturday, was a record $3.453 for regular unleaded gasoline. That was nearly a four cent increase from Friday. A year ago, the average statewide gasoline price was $2.858 cents per gallon.

Also, the average price of diesel set a new record at $4.095 per gallon.

Setting records overnight, according to Nebraska AAA, were: Columbus, $3.419, up 8 cents per gallon; Lincoln,, $3.506, up 6 cents per gallon; Norfolk, $3.556, up 20 cents per gallon; and Omaha, $3.438, up 3 cents per gallon.

In Grand Island, Nebraska AAA reported that average gasoline price on Saturday was $3.432, up 5 cents from the day before, but still shy of the record set May 23, 2007, when the average price of regular gasoline was $3.481 per gallon.

Kearney and North Platte were also short of their all-time high prices.

Diesel prices across the state ranged from a high of $4.142 per gallon in North Platte to $4.059 per gallon in Omaha.

Nationwide, a record high was set today (4/19/08) at $3.474 per gallon for regular gasoline and $4.186 per gallon for diesel.

According to the Associated Press, crude oil futures set a new record of $117 a barrel on Friday.

AP reported that, "The price of crude oil was pushed higher after a militant group in Nigeria said it had sabotaged a major oil pipeline operated by a Royal Dutch Shell PLC joint venture and promised further attacks on the country's petroleum industry."

Nigeria is a major supplier of oil to the U.S.

The escalation in crude prices threatened to further boost gasoline costs.

The AP reported that some analysts expect gas prices to peak near $3.80 a gallon; the Energy Department, in a recent forecast, said prices could average $4 a gallon nationally at times.

'The fair is moved'

2008-04-18T12:09:00.005-05:00

By Meredith Gardner
meredith.gardner@theindependent.com

It's official: Starting in 2010, Grand Island will be the new home of the Nebraska State Fair.

Gov. Dave Heineman signed LB1116 into law late this morning at the Bosselman Conference Center at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island.

The hundreds in attendance at the event gave a standing ovation as the governor finished signing the bill and said, "The fair is moved!"

"With today's bill signing, we have created the opportunity of a lifetime for two very important institutions in our state — the Nebraska State Fair and the University of Nebraska," Heineman said just before the signing.

The move makes way for the construction of a university research and innovation park on the grounds of the current State Fair Park.

In the meantime, Grand Island leaders will be hard at work securing their $8.5 million share of the $42 million it will cost to move the State Fair.

"I'm just taking a deep breath," said former Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek. "I would hope that everyone today can enjoy the moment.

"The challenge is just beginning. The adventure is just beginning."

Rain brings moisture for planting season

2008-04-18T07:33:00.012-05:00

By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com

As planting season approaches, April so far has been favorable for precipitation with most areas of Central Nebraska above normal for the month.

Thursday's rains brought 0.75 of an inch to Grand Island and brought the monthly total to 2.84 inches. Aurora received 1.10 inches of rain, bringing its monthly total to 3.57 inches. Hastings had 1.10 inches of rain, bringing its monthly total to 2.74 inches. Kearney had 0.46 of an inch of precipitation, which brought its monthly total to 0.91 of an inch. Ord had 0.20 of an inch, bringing its monthly total to 2.04 inches.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office, reported earlier this week that cooler weather has dropped soil temperatures across the state on an average of 5 degrees, staying too cool for germination.

But the moisture has helped small grains, pastures and alfalfa, which the ag statistics service said should respond quickly with warmer temperatures.

The ag statistics service reported that wheat conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 53 percent good and 7 percent excellent, better than last week and last year. Wheat jointed was at 1 percent, behind 3 percent last year and the 9 percent average.

Alfalfa conditions rated 2 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 65 percent good and 8 percent excellent, well above last year.

The cold, wet conditions, the ag statistics service said, challenged livestock producers, making care of new born calves and feedlot cattle difficult.

Pasture and range conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 51 percent good and 9 percent excellent, well above last year.

Spring calving was 82 percent complete. Calf losses rated 9 percent below average, 89 percent average and 2 percent above average.

Weather conditions this weekend through Thursday for Grand Island, according to the National Weather Service in Hastings, has temperatures in the mid-70s Saturday to near 80 on Sunday.

Cooler weather will return on Monday with highs in the lower 60s to the upper 50s through Wednesday. A chance of showers and thunderstorms are likely starting Wednesday night, with a slight chance of showers on Thursday. Temperatures on Wednesday will be in the lower 40s and near 60 degrees on Thursday.

Lack of national energy policy causing costs to soar

2008-04-17T15:28:00.004-05:00

By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com

Regular unleaded gas soared to more than $3.40 per gallon today in Grand Island, and diesel fuel prices set another record high at $4.09 per gallon.

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., said that, with crude oil hitting a record $115 per barrel, Congress has fallen short on developing an energy policy that addresses this country's dependency on foreign oil.

"That (energy prices) is affecting our economy more than the housing slowdown and other things because energy issues touch everyone," Smith said. "I realize that we need to achieve energy independence. But, when I say energy independence, I think we need all sources of energy."

Smith said America continues to be bogged down on how energy independence can be achieved because of distractions about America's energy portfolio that cause the lack of a clear, decisive policy.

"I think we get distracted by too many things when it comes to the energy debate, and hopefully we can move on with the expansion of hydro, nuclear, wind, solar power and so many things that I think we fall short on right now," Smith said.

But Smith said moving away from this country's addiction to oil will take time.

"We need to recognize the economic reality that exists because of our oil dependency," he said.

State Fair bill signing scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday

2008-04-17T10:09:00.002-05:00

Gov. Dave Heineman will be at the Bosselman Conference Center at the Heartland Events Center at 11 a.m. Friday to sign LB1116 into law.

The bill, passed by the Legislature on Wednesday, would move the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island by 2010.

The governor is expected to be joined by Sen. Phil Erdman of Bayard, chairman of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, Mayor Margaret Hornady, State Fair board member Tam Allan, and Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Johnson.

Students, adults walk for Unity Walk ad

2008-04-16T17:11:00.002-05:00

By Harold Reutter
harold.reutter@theindependent.com
Wednesday afternoon, more than 100 people walked along Suck's Lake in Grand Island to promote the first ever Unity Walk in Grand Island.

Paul Briseno, assistant city administrator and president of the Multicultural Coalition board, hopes that thousands of people will participate in the Unity Walk on June 28, which is being held in conjunction with the Ethnic Festival.

"We'll walk 13 blocks and end at the grandstand for the Ethnic Festival," Briseno said.

If thousands of people do participate, it will help demonstrate the walk's theme, "A Community of One," and also boost attendance at the Ethnic Festival.

"It will be a win-win situation," Briseno said.

The Unity Walk will start at 8 a.m. at the Department of Health and Human Services, 208 N. Pine. The entry fee is $10 and includes a Unity Walk T-shirt.

Businesses, service groups and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the walk as teams. Teams and individuals can register in advance by calling Briseno at 385-5444, ext. 140.

Ken Gnadt, the former mayor of Grand Island and the organizer of the Multicultural Coalition, will lead the walk.

Wells Fargo Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Unity Walk. Other businesses may become Unity Walk supporters by contacting Briseno at 385-5444, ext. 140.

More information is available from Bill Brennan at 398-5422 or bbrennan@sfmc-gi.org, or Paul Briseno at 385-5444, ext. 140 or paulb@grand-island.com or the Unity Walk Web site at www.grandislandmulticulturalcoalition.com.

Legislature passes State Fair bill

2008-04-16T15:02:00.003-05:00

By Meredith Gardner
meredith.gardner@theindependent.com
The Legislature gave its final stamp on moving the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island in a 44 to 3 vote Wednesday afternoon.

With a signature from the governor virtually guaranteed, that means the fair will leave its more than 100-year-old home at State Fair Park in Lincoln for Fonner Park in Grand Island by 2010.

Gov. Dave Heineman is tentatively scheduled to come to Grand Island late Friday morning to sign the bill into law.

As part of the bill, Grand Island is responsible for providing $8.5 million for the $42 million move, while the University of Nebraska will pay $21.5 million, the state will provide $5 million from its cash reserve and the State Fair board will come up with $7 million.

War costs dragging down economy, Nelson says

2008-04-16T14:42:00.001-05:00

By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com
As the war in Afghanistan and Iraq drags on, the growing costs of the war over the last seven years has impacted the current economic downturn in the U.S. economy, said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.

"There's no question that adding to the national debt to the tune of more than $500 billion, and soon to be $600 billion and perhaps more, has had an impact," Nelson said.

Nelson said those amounts are emergency supplementals that are not budgeted and has to be paid for through borrowed money that adds to the federal debt. While those amounts are not budgeted, taxpayers have to pay the ever increasing amount of interest on those loans as part of the budget before money can be allocated for domestic programs.

Congressional Budget Office is estimating the war will cost $1.7 to $2.7 trillion and the Joint Economic Committee says it will cost $3.5 trillion.

According to an article in the Washington Post, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz blames the economic recession on the war.

One of the reasons Stiglitz points to the war as the cause of the current economic downturn is that government spending on the Iraq war has caused the country to sink so far into debt that it has been unable to keep the domestic economy in check through tax cuts and other internal investments.

The national debt is now at $9.4 trillion and has continued to increase an average of $1.67 billion per day since September 29, 2006.

House, Senate extend the Farm Bill deadline an additional week

2008-04-16T11:54:00.002-05:00

By Robert Pore
robert.pore@theindependent.com
Not even Pope Benedict XVI being in Washington, D.C., will be enough of a miracle for Congress to pass a new Farm Bill by its Friday deadline, said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb. Wednesday.

"It's pretty clear we won't make the April 18 deadline,” Nelson said. “We still have a number of challenges to overcome on priorities on issues, such as energy funding and funding for emergency disaster relief.”

Both the House and Senate passed Wednesday a one-week extension of the current Farm Bill to April 25.

Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said he is frustrated about the additional extending of the Farm Bill deadline.

“Just a little over a month ago, Congress had to pass the second extension of the Farm Bill to avoid its expiration,” he said.

Smith said it has been over eight months since the House first passed the Farm Bill and nearly four months since the Senate passed their version.

"I'm frustrated the process has been stalled since December," Smith said. "Producers in Nebraska and throughout the country have begun planting without any certainty or promise of the supports they count on to continue their operations."

On July 27, 2007, the House passed its version of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419) by a vote of 231-191. On December 14, 2007, the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill by a vote of 79-14.

Smith said the House and Senate have yet to reach an agreement on a final bill.

"While there has been progress on ironing out the differences between the two bills, there are still disagreements over how to pay for increased spending contained in the bill," he said.

Nelson, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee who drafted the Senate's version of the Farm Bill, said it has been "very difficult" to get agreement between the House conferees, who have just recently been appointed its Farm Bill conferees, and the Senate conferees.

"The ball is clearly still in the air," Nelson said. "My hope is that we will be able to get it resolved. It's less a partisan issue in Congress, but it's an issue with the White House threatening to veto virtually anything that the Senate and the House puts together because whatever we do will exceed the baseline spending that the White House has put there."