Shelbi Hopkins of Grand Island: Driving Under Suspension; Speeding 21-35 MPH; Plea: No Contest; Found: Guilty; Sentence: Pay $300.00 in fines and court costs. Amberlee Wilmot of Arapahoe: Issuing a Bad Check; Defendant Failed to Appear; Continued to May 3, 2021 @ 9:30 A.M.

This has been an exhausting year for moms. Last spring, we had no idea we would still be dealing with this pandemic a year later. It presented difficult decisions, such as in-person school or remote learning, how to work from home while caring for children, or how to pay the bills without work, when to let children visit their grandparents, what to do for birthdays and holidays. Regardless of the decision made, it seemed someone somewhere was judging our choice. But I want you to know, I see you every day doing the best you can.

Last week was deemed ‘Revenue’ week here at the capitol. More long days and nights of passionate and sometimes angry debates ensued as we tackled taxation issues among other things. With an unclear picture at the beginning of last week as to the state’s financial wiggle room, it was important to carefully weigh any bills with significant financial price tags.

If you’ve read this spot before, you’re probably aware that I tend to look at the world through the scope of sports. There’s a big event this week, one that I really don’t care much about, but that a great number of people do - the NFL Draft.

Here in the Cornhusker State, agriculture and conservation go hand in hand. Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists. Agricultural families in our state have been growing crops and tending livestock for generations. They know their land and animals better than anyone else and care deeply about them. Their livelihood depends on ensuring the land remains fertile— that’s why they are always working to improve it so that the next generation can continue their way of life.

In the old days, country doctors often cared for folks by coming to the patient’s homes. These house calls brought great relief to people and families that needed medical attention.

We have come to the point in the Legislative calendar where our scheduled late night debates have begun. Speaker Hilgers announced that it is possible the Legislature will stay in session until at least 7:00 pm on certain nights, but we could go later if warranted, up until possibly 11:59 pm. These late nights are scheduled to help us get through all of the Speaker, committee, and Senator priority bills before the end of session.

“Find a job you enjoy doing and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Mark Twain was a lot of things I aspire to be - witty, funny and a brilliant wordsmith. But we can’t all be witty, funny or brilliant, so with this publication, you’re stuck reading my scribbles.

Earlier this year, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) published draft health standards for public comment that included several sex education topics. Like many Nebraska parents, I was deeply troubled by the standards. They would teach young children age-inappropriate content starting in kindergarten. They would also inject nonscientific, political ideas into curriculum standards. That’s why I have called on the NDE to scrap the proposed sex education topics in the standards.

My grandmother was a lively, caring, wonderful woman, who remained very active late in her life. One spring day, after an unusual April blizzard, she stepped out of her apartment on her way to her weekly bridge game. She fell on the ice, in an event that led to an open ankle fracture and changed the course of the remainder of her life.