UPDATE: The Two Rivers Public Health Department and National Guard are conducting drive-thru testing continuing today at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney. Tests are available on a first come first serve basis for those with a TestNebraska appointment.
Drive through tests will be available a the Phelps County Recycling Center on Wednesday, May 6 at 10 a.m., according to the Two Rivers Public Health Department (TRPHD). TRPHD said that 150 tests will be available at that location on a first come, first serve basis.
As parts of the state begins to re-open, Governor Pete Ricketts addressed in Monday’s press conference that there is a new website that has been created in order to help families find resources. Families are able to go to nechildcarereferral.org to locate licensed child care providers.
UPDATE: The Big Ten Conference has announced it will extend the suspension of all organized team activities through June 1 and will re-evaluate again at that time. The Conference also continues the suspension of all on- and off-campus recruiting activities for the foreseeable future. The league is working with medical experts and institutional leadership to determine next steps relative to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nebraska Good News about The Good Life:
UDPATE: The Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce had a great response to their first Kolor Kearney book, and since this week is Teacher Appreciation Week and the school year online is coming to an end, the KACC want to celebrate. In this edition of Kolor Kearney, the school mascots or logos of Kearney schools is available. This book has 18 different pages to color. Go here to access the book and for more details.
It’s a different way to take in a parade. It’s a “Backwards Parade” hosted by the Kearney Area Children’s Museum on May 9. In this parade, the entries stand on the sidewalks while those watching the parade drive down the street. The parade will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday.The parade will begin at 56th Street and 4th Avenue in Kearney heading north leading to the Museum, through the parking lot and back out to 60th Street. Along the parade route, the museum said that superheroes and other local favorites will be lining the route, following social distancing measures. The museum is encouraging families to decorate their cars and make signs to share during the parade. The museum has also created an I-Spy print out that families can use during the event. Those participating are asked to stay in their vehicles and not stop on the route. The museum said parade goers are welcome to drive through multiple times. Learn more here: https://kearneychildrensmuseum.org.
Grand Island Public Schools is hosting a Kindergarten Ready Facebook Live event for all parents of incoming kindergarten students. The event will be on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. on the GIPS Facebook page: one entirely in English and one entirely in Spanish.
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
UPDATE: NebraskaLand National Bank is celebrating local heroes with the “behind the mask” campaign. Submit a photo and message to thank those working the front lines in healthcare, public safety and others who continue to serve the community for the greater good during the COVID-19 pandemic. NebraskaLand National Bank admires the bravery and appreciates the dedication. Go here to share a message of gratitude along with a photo of your hero.