i. manu?aciuier and disiri'msiim (amiss: y?M? mm Level 8, ROB Baulwa rd. Pia! K1, storm, saith kc City, KOLKATA T130091, WEST BENGAL. Invoice N0 DATE IEC No: 0211010227 13111 May 2015 Buyers Order No Date 11th May 2015 other Ref: NIL ANN: Scott Frakes Nebraska Department of Correctional Services PO Box 94661 Lincoln Nabraska 53509. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 3% NUMBER AN?)me PHONE NUMBER: +1-402-479-5515 Buyer {If other than consignee NIL Country of Desunatto'n: mm: STATES or AMERICA Country of Origin of Gourds: Pre Carriage: By Air Ptace of Receipt by He Carrier: VasselfFiight No: By Air Port cf Loading: Kolkata, indla Terms of Delivery and Payment: 100% ADVANCE Port Of Nebraska Final Destination: Nebraska Mark IPadyrage Diwiption Quantity Kata Amnunt Harmless Medicine QTY U50 U50 1 1 Pancumnlum Bromide USP 10m 26 26000 Freight 8: Custom Clearing In India 1700 TOTAL USD 27700 TOTAL: US DOLLARS (Twenty Seven Thousand-Seven Hundred Only) Decfamtlon :?We declare that this ihvoice shows the actual {nice of the Goods described and that all particulars are true and correct. Invoice No 3r DATE IEC No: 021101022? HPUNEBRASWCORRECTIDNSIS 123th A prii 2 CI 15 ?At: - Ek?ibl??" '2 mu {333.1322 i'f'?fii Buyers Order No: Date Level R08 Snulevard, Piatw it 1, Sector Salt Lake City, Kolkala ?00091.West Bengai, india. Other?ef: Nil. SCOTT Buyer {if other than consignee Nit. N'ehraska Departmentof Correctional Services Nebraska. UNITED STNFES OF AMERICA DEANUMBER PHONE NUMBER Country .Of Destination: STATES OF AMERICA Country-6f Origin of Grands: INDIA Pro-Carriage: By Air Place'of Receipt' by Pre-C?rrier: Vassei/Flight Nu: ?v'Alr Port oi Lo?dlnr. Koikata, India Port of Discharge: Nebraska Final Damnation: Nebraska Terms oi Delivery and Payment 100% Advance Mark ISLNO IPackage Disalptian . Quantity Rate amount Harmless Medicine an, um Us? 1 I 1 Thiopenta Sodium USP 13m Via! 10m 25 255m Freight and Customs Clearingiinindia 1mg TOTAL USD 2mg TOTAL: US DOLLARS ("Twenty Six thousand and Seven Hundred Only) Declaration :We:dedare thatthis in?olce show: the actual price of the Goods ?ewibed and that ail panlcuiars are true and correct. Gillming~Weben Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:02 AM To: Gillming-Weber, Lana Subject: FW: Tecumseh Talking Points 5.19.2015 From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 6:37 PM To: Hardin, Brittany Subject: FW: Tecumseh Talking Points - 5.19.2015 From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 9:32 PM To: Governor Ricketts Cc: Miltenberger, Matt Subject: Tecumseh Talking Points 5.19.2015 OPENING STATEMENT TECUMSEH *Director Fra kes, Warden Gage, and all the TSCI staff have been doing a phenomenal job with their reSponse in the wake of the events of last week. *Understand that the facility returning to 3 meals a day today. *Still 32 cells that are not used. *Professional cleaning crew has been on site the last couple days. *Continuing to calculate the cost of repairs. Most will be covered by insurance. *Cost of rebuilding walls properly will be a separate cost. *Understand concerns about staffing. After events, Sharon Pettid and Ruth Jones have met with Frakes to talk about a recruitment and retention strategy. STATEMENT L3173 *Legislature continues to move forward bills that would soften our state?s approach to dealing with hardened and heinous criminals. *Legislature has tinkered with this bill, but remains a bad bill. 1 *Li3173 would still prevent the application of mandatory minimums for Class 1C and 10 felonies. This includes: use of a firearm to commit a felony, drive by shootings, production/distribution of child pornography, and online child enticement for purposes of sex (among other crimes). would also limit the types of felony convictions that can be used for habitual criminal enhancement. These convictions include accessory to murder, arson in the second degree, possession of a firearm at a school, gang recruitment, and racketeering (among others crimes). DEATH PENALTY *The Legislature's decision to advance the repeal of the death penalty last week is out of touch with the Nebraska ns that I talk to across our state. *Director Frakes and have taken steps to remedy management challenges that have prevented the state from carrying out its statutory duty. The drugs necessary to carry out executions in our state will arrive in Nebraska in the near future. life sentence is not enough to keep prisoners behind bars. Ex: Laddie Dittrich, inmates at the Tecumseh riot. *The Legislature?s plan to repeal the death penalty would also retroactively repeal death penalty sentences of the 11 inmates who currently sit on death row by lowering their sentence. This is unacceptable. *Heinous murderers do not deserve the luxury of living on the taxpayer dime for a lifetime at the cost of $50,000. This is about the same as the average income as a Nebraska family. Justice dictates that the sentences should be carried out. Taylor Gage Public Relations Director Office of Governor Pete Ricketts 402-471-1970 [of?ce] 402-499-8351 [mobile] Website I P?acebook Gillming-Weber, Lana From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Gage, Taylor Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:02 AM Gillming~Weber, Lana FW: Request image001.jpg From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2015 5:13 PM To: Gage, Suzanne Subject: Fwd: Request Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Gage, Taylor" Date: May 15, 2015 at 4:49:43 PM CDT To: Lincoln Journal Star 3 Subject: RE: Request 1. What are the amounts of the death penalty protocol drugs that were ordered? Sodium Thiopental USP 1gm vial, 1000 vials Pancuronium Bromide USP 2mg/2ml ampule, 1000 ampules Potassium Chloride in stock in the Department?s Central Pharmacy. Quantity in stock not immediately available. Not a controlled substance. When are you expecting the sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide Near future. What is the cost for each of the drugs? ST - $25 per vial, PB $26 per ampule PC don?t have a price immediately available. What are the expiration dates on each of the drugs? 3 years from date of manufacture (approximately 3 years from now) Are the drugs being imported from outside the country? Yes. Working on an answer to number 6. From: JoAnne Young Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 3:57 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Request Taylor? i just want to put into writing the information i would like to have on the death penalty drugs. 1. 2. 3. What are the amounts of the death penaity protocol drugs that were ordered? When are you expecting the sodium thiopentai and pancuronium bromide? What is the cost for each of the drugs? 4. What are the expiration dates on each of the drugs? 5. Are the drugs being imported from outside the country? 6. Does the March 27 federal court ruling apply to these drugs? Thanks. wJoatlmne JoAnne Young Lincoln Journal Star Statehouse reporter 402?473?7228 office 402?580-8531 cell Crime 8: Punishment By Governor Ricketts Over the past couple weeks, the Legislature has continued to advance proposals that soften our state?s approach to dealing with the most hardened and heinous criminals. These proposals, including the repeal of Nebraska?s death penalty and mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses, would make it more difficult for Nebraska law enforcement to prosecute the worst criminals and consequently puts Nebraska families and public safety at risk. Proponents of repealing the death penalty like to say that Nebraska doesn't even have a death penalty because our state has not executed anyone since 1997. Whatever has happened in the past, this is a management problem, and have committed to ensuring that Nebraska has a functional death penalty. Just last week, I announced that the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has purchased the drugs necessary to carry out the death penalty here in our state. Even without executions in recent years, the death penalty in Nebraska has continued to play an important role in prosecuting criminals, protecting our families, and ensuring that criminals remain locked behind bars. Some proponents of repealing the death penalty have argued that the four walls of a prison and a life sentence instead of a death sentence is enough to protect the public from our society?s most heinous criminals. Here?s an example that demonstrates why this way of thinking is wrong. in 1973, Laddie Dittrich was originally convicted of burglary and first degree murder for his involvement in the stabbing death of an Omaha man. He received a life sentence. In April 2013, Dittrich was pardoned and his sentence was commuted from life to 80 years to life. Subsequently, Dittrich was paroled in May 2014. In November 2014, Dittrich was arrested for third degree sexual assault on a child involving a 10 year girl and is currently being held in Otoe County Jail pending resolution of the case. Today, the death penalty continues to play an important role in prosecuting the most heinous criminals. Last week, Douglas County prosecutors announced that they would seek the death penalty against Roberto Martinez?Marinero who has been charged with killing his mother, drowning his Snyear?oid half? brother in a river, and discarding an 11~month-old infant in a dumpster. These are heinous crimes that deserve proportional justice. The Legislature has opened the door??quite literally??for death row inmates. This legislation not only repeals the death penalty for sentencing in future cases, but would also repeal the death sentences for the 11 inmates who currently sit on death row. Let me be clear: Supporters of L8268 are not only supporting the repeal of the death penalty in the future, but they are also voting to give lighter sentences to Nebraska?s most heinous murderers. Senators also amended the legislation so that current death row inmates would be given ?life sentence" instead of ?life without parole.? This leaves open the possibility that our state?s most heinous murderers could be out on the streets once again. Another piece of public safety legislation of concern is L3173 which would repeal mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses and limit the types of criminals that could be sentenced as habitual criminals. In the past couple of weeks, the Legislature has tinkered with to make some changes, however, they have failed to address the concerns of top law enforcement about this bill. In its current form, this legislation would still repeal mandatory minimums for crimes such as production of child pornography, drive by shootings, and the use of a firearm to commit a felony. would also prevent law enforcement from seeking additional penalties for habitual criminals including those convicted for arson in the second degree, gang recruitment, and possession of a firearm at a schooi. Nebraskans i talk to across our state are deeply concerned about the repeal of the death penalty and attempts by the Legislature to give more lenient sentences to hardened criminals. am committed to standing up for the public safety of Nebraskans. It is the number one objective of government and I take it seriously. it is never too late to tet your senator know your thoughts on important issues. Your calls and emails are important to informing future votes, and ensuring your voice is being heard by your state senator. You can find all the information you need on how to contact your senator at Gillming-Weber, Lana From: Sent To: Subject: From: Gage, Taylor Gage, Taylor Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:06 AM Gillming?Weber, Lana FW: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 5:40 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs It! it?? For Immediate Release: May 14, 2015 Contact: Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970 GOV. RICKETTS ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF DEATH PENALTY DRUGS Executions will be carried out following delivery of drugs Lincoln - Today, Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Director Scott Frakes announced that that the department has successfully purchased all three drugs necessary to carry out Nebraska?s death penalty under the current protocol. NDCS currently possesses one of these drugs, and the other two will be delivered in the near future. Currently, DCS possesses potassium chloride. The department has ordered sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide from HarrisPharma. ?The functionality of the death penalty in Nebraska has been a management issue that I have promised to resolve,? said Governor Ricketts. ?Through the work of Director Frakes, the department has purchased the drugs that are necessary to carry out the death penalty in Nebraska in the near future.? ?The responsibilities of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director are varied and extensive,? said Director Frakes. "One of those important duties is to carry out the order of the court. In the past few weeks, the department has been able to purchase the necessary drugs to carry out the death sentence that inmates have received.? Currently, there are death row inmates who appear to have exhausted their appeals. Updates will be provided when drugs are received from the distributor. Taylor Gage Public Relations Director Office of Governor Pete Ricketts 402?471-1970 (of?ce) 4024998351. (mobile) Website Facebuuk 'I?wittez? Gillming-Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:06 AM To: Gillming~Weben Lana Subject: FW: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 6:04 PM To: ?Earl, David' Subject: RE: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs HarrisPharma is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. From: Earl, David [mailtozdearl@hearstcom] Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 5:49 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Re: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs Taylor Can you say where the HQ office of Harris Pharma is located? David Earl KETV NewsWatch 7 Omaha First News Reporter Anchor PHONE: 402?889-8140 TWITTER: @davidearilive KER/com Sent from my iPhone. Please pardon misspellings. On May 14, 2015, at 5:40 PM, "Gage, Taylor" wrote: For Immediate Release: May 14, 2015 Contact: Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970 GOV. RICKETTS ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF DEATH PENALTY DRUGS Executions will be carried out following delivery of drugs Lincoln - Today, Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Director Scott Frakes announced that that the department has successfully purchased all three drugs necessary to carry out Nebraska?s death penalty under the current protocol. NDCS currently possesses one of these drugs, and the other two will be delivered in the near future. Currently, NDCS possesses potassium chloride. The department has ordered sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide from HarrisPharma. ?The functionality of the death penalty in Nebraska has been a management issue that have promised to resolve,? said Governor Ricketts. "Through the work of Director Frakes, the department has purchased the drugs that are necessary to carry out the death penalty in Nebraska in the near future.? ?The responsibilities of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director are varied and extensive,? said Director Frakes. ?One of those important duties is to carry out the order of the court. In the past few weeks, the department has been able to purchase the necessary drugs to carry out the death sentence that inmates have received.? Currently, there are death row inmates who appear to have exhausted their appeals. Updates will be provided when drugs are received from the distributor. Taylor Gage Public Reiations Director Office of Governor Pete Ricketts 402-471-1970 (of?ce) 402-499-8351 [mobile] Website Facebook I Twitter Gillming?Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:06 AM To: Gillming?Weber, Lana Subject: FW: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs From: Nancy McCabe Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 6:46 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: RE: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs Very niceli! Nancy McCobe broken LLC 1209 Homey, Sulfa 260 Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: 402?602-2268 Cell: 402-657-0653 From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 5:40 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Media Release: Gov. Ricketts Announces Purchase of Death Penalty Drugs I For Immediate Release: May 14, 2015 Contact: Taylor Gage, 402-471?1970 GOV. RICKETTS ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF DEATH PENALTY DRUGS Executions will be carried out following delivery of drugs Lincoln - Today, Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Director Scott Frakes announced that that the department has successfully purchased all three drugs necessary to carry out Nebraska?s death penalty under the current protocol. NDCS currently possesses one of these drugs, and the other two will be delivered in the near future. Currently, NDCS possesses potassium chloride. The department has ordered sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide from HarrisPharma. ?The functionality of the death penalty in Nebraska has been a management issue that I have promised to resolve,? said Governor Ricketts. ?Through the work of Director Frakes, the department has purchased the drugs that are necessary to carry out the death penalty in Nebraska in the near future.? ?The responsibilities of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director are varied and extensive,? said Director Frakes. "One of those important duties is to carry out the order of the court. In the past few weeks, the department has been able to purchase the necessary drugs to carry out the death sentence that inmates have received.? Currently, there are death row inmates who appear to have exhausted their appeals. Updates will be provided when drugs are received from the distributor. Taylor Gage Public Relations Director Office of Governor Pete Ricketts 402?471?1970 (of?ce) 402-499?8351 (mobile) Website 1 Facebook ?l?witter Gillming?Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:05 AM To: Lana Subject: FW: didn?t get it From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:01 AM To: ?Deena Winter' Subject: RE: didn't get it No problem! From: Deena Winter Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 9:34 AM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Re: didn't get it Oh, I just found the email. I'm an idiot, turns out. On Fri, May 15, 2015 at 9:21 AM, Deena Winter wrote: d.eenawinter@hotmaiLoom On Fri, May 15, 2015 at 9: 19 AM, Gage, Taylor wrote: Do you have a gmaii address or another address you also use? 5.: From: Deena Winter Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 9:17 AM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Re: didn't get it Nope don't see it there. Sometimes this would happen with AG emails; we'd get ?ltered out for no apparent reason. On Fri, May 15, 2015 at 9:03 AM, Gage, Taylor 18 Gillming-Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:04 AM To: Gillming-Weber, Lana Subject: FW: 10/11 Reporter Seeking Interview From: Taylor Barth Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 12:36 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Re: 10/11 Reporter Seeking lnterview Senators are expected to wrap up on this debate around 1:00. i'm hoping to leave by 2 to put my story together. Would the Governor have any time in that hour?? Otherwise, a statement would be very much appreciated. Thanks! On May 15, 2015, at 11:00 AM, Gage, Taylor wrote: Hi Taylor Check back after lunch. Governor?s schedule is tight. From: Taylor Barth Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 9:51 AM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: 10/11 Reporter Seeking Interview Hi Taylor, This is Taylor Barth from 10/11 News. I'm going to be at the capitol today reporting on the death penalty debate in the legislature. I was wondering if Governor Ricketts would have any available time to do a quick interview on the purchase of the death penalty drugs?? I'm really just interested in asking him how he was able to obtain the drugs with just 5 months in office, while Gov. Heineman and Bruning weren't able to get them in a 5 year span? If there's no time for an on camera interview, a statement would be great, as wetl. Thanks so much, Taylor Barth 1011 News Reporter taylor.barth@1011now.com (402) 641-3204 19 Gillming-Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:04 AM To: Gillming~Weben Lana Subject: FW: death penalty shipping docs From: Schulte, Grant Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 2:02 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: RE: death penalty shipping docs Thanks! From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 1:55 PM To: Schuite, Grant Subject: RE: death penalty shipping docs Hi Grant - You will find invoices attached. Best, Taylor Gage Public Relations Director Of?ce of Governor Pete Ricketts 402-471-1970 [of?ce) 402?499?8351 (mobile) Website I Facebook 1 Twitter From: Schuite, Grant Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 12:58 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: death penalty shipping docs Taylor, Can you send me copies of any shipping/purchase documents for the lethal injection drugs? Thanks Grant Grant Schulte Associated Press 20 Office: 402.476.2525 Mobiie: 402.326.1241 Email: gschuiteQaperg Twitter: The information contained in this communication is intended for the use of the designated recipients named above. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, you are hereby noti?ed that you have received this communication in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify The Associated Press immediately by telephone at +1?212?621?1898 and delete this email. Thank you. 21 Gillming-Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:04 AM To: Gillming?Weber, Lana Subject: FW: Ricketts (Death penalty repeal headed to final vote in From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 2:55 PM To: Kay Orr Subject: FW: Ricketts (Death penalty repeal headed to final vote in From: AP Exchange notification Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 2:40 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Ricketts (Death penalty repeal headed to final vote in Date: 05/15/2015 03:38 PM Penalty?Nebraska, 1 st Ld-Writethru/ 787 Eds: Updates with additional comments and background. Adds byline. Links to photos. With AP Photos. Death penalty repeal headed to ?nal vote in Nebraska GRANT SCHULTE Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - An effort to repeal the death penalty cleared another critical vote in the Legislature on Friday, increasing the odds that Nebraska will become the ?rst conservative state to outlaw capital punishment in more than 40 years. Lawmakers voted 30-16 on Friday to advance the repeal measure through the second of three required votes. Death penalty supporters tried but failed to block the bill with a ?libuster, a tactic that has succeeded in past years. One ?nal vote is required before it goes to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, a death penalty preponent who has promised a veto. If the current support holds, the bill will have a veto-proof majority. The bill's lead sponsor, Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, has fought for nearly four decades to abolish capital punishment. Chambers said he was pleased with the vote, but stressed that he was remaining cautious. "It was a historic vote," Chambers said. "But when a thing is of historic signi?cance, it is never because of a single individual or a single event." Nebraska lawmakers passed a death-penalty repeal bill once before, in 1979, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Charles Thone. 22 Some lawmakers have argued that Nebraska should abolish capital punishment because it has only wasted money and created a false promise for victims' families. The state hasn't executed anyone since 1997, and some prisoners have been on death row for decades. The last conservative state to abolish the death penalty was North Dakota in 1973. In the past six years, four moderate-to-liberal states have ended capital punishment: New Mexico in 2009, Illinois in 2011, Connecticut in 2012 and Maryland in 2013. Thirty-two states still have death penalty laws. Ricketts said in a statement that eliminating the death penalty would put the public at risk. "The death penalty in Nebraska remains an appropriate tool in sentencing the most heinous criminals," the governor said. "My administration has taken steps to ?x management issues that have previously hindered carrying out the death penalty. Today?s vote by the Legislature is out of touch with Nebraska citizens that I talk to on this issue." Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha, who opposes the death penalty, said Nebraska has imposed the sentence arbitrarily - allowing life sentences for some heinous crimes but not for others. Nordquist said life without parole would apply equally to all of the most serious cases. "We can get to a point where we have a consistent policy, where we aren?t saying that some cases are the worst of the worst," Nordquist said. Lawmakers who support the death penalty argued that Nebraska should keep it for the "worst of the worst," such as those who raped children or tortured their victims before murdering them. "We must deliver a punishment that makes it clearjust how much we value, reSpect and mourn the innocent human lives that were so brutally violated,? said Sen. Beau McCoy of Omaha, who led the ?libuster. McCoy filed an amendment that would have placed the death penalty question on the statewide ballot, but senators rejected it. Ricketts announced Thursday that state of?cials have bought all three drugs required for executions. Nebraska lost its ability to execute prisoners when its supply of sodium thiOpental, a required lethal injection drug, expired in December 2013. The state spent $54,400 on two drugs, according to sales invoices released by the governor's of?ce. Ricketts and his corrections director, Scott Frakes, said the state possesses one of the three lethal injection drugs that state law requires for executions and will receive the other two in the near future. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson has said three of Nebraska?s 11 death-row inmates have exhausted all of their appeals. Ricketts said the department has already obtained potassium chloride, a drug that stops the heart, and has bought the other two drugs sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide from a distributor in West Bengal, India. Sodium thiopental serves as an anesthetic, and pancuronium bromide is a muscle relaxant that induces paralysis. Chambers said the purchase will unleash a new wave of state and federal appeals that prevents any executions from proceeding. Chambers said the announcement just before the debate was intended to mislead lawmakers and the public. "They won't get drugs that they're going to be able to use legally in this state," he said. 23 On Friday, the ACLU of Nebraska announced that it is investigating the state's purchase. The civil liberties group ?led an open request to review whether the order was lawful. Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Jim Smith, who handled previous death penalty cases, has said the issues raised in past cases were later resolved. Summary Date: Slug: Headline: Byline: Copyright Holder: Priority: With Photo: Dateline: Lead Editors' Note: Word Count: File Name (Transref): Editorial Type: AP Category: Format: Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. 05/15/2015 03:38 PM Penalty?Nebraska, 1 st Ld-Writethru Death penalty repeal headed to ?nal vote in Nebraska GRANT SCHULTE, Associated Press AP 1? (4) LINCOLN, Neb. Eds: Updates with additional comments and background. Adds byline. Links to photos. With AP Photos. 787 10-0515151312 NENH109-0515151305 0515151213 NENH103-0515151013 NENH104-0515151027 Lead I1 ndeptl - Tracking: Alert: ERef: Rep: ecr User: 281606 24 Gillming?Weber, Lana From: Gage, Tayior Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:03 AM To: Gillming~Weben Lana Subject: FW: Request From: Gage, Suzanne Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2015 8:31 AM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: FW: Request If you can provide me the answers to the ?rst five questions from your office? I know the paper printed them but I would prefer receiving directly verified responses. Thanks. From: Gage, Suzanne Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 5:20 PM To: Gage, Taylor; Lincoln Journal Star 3 Subject: Re: Request Joanne: The Governor?s office is asking for an answer to question 6 in your series of questions. AGO response: We are aware of the court case, which was later appealed to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. The DC Circuit Court affirmed in part and reversed in part. Nebraska was not a party to the case. No orders or findings were made that our Corrections Department vioiated any laws in its prior acquisition of the drug. The case involved the Federal Food and Drug Administration?s (FDA) interpretation of and compliance with federal rules and federal laws on importation of drugs from outside the county. Suzanne Gage Director of Communications Nebraska Attorney General Office: 402?471~2656 Mobile: 402-560-3518 Suzannegage@nebraska.gov 25 From: , Taylor Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 at 5:11 PM To: Lincoln Journal Star 3 Cc: suzanne Subject: RE: Request The Attorney General?s office will provide comment for your shortly on item 6. From: JoAnne Young [maiitozlYoung@iournaIstancomi Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 3:57 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Request Taylor I just want to put into writing the information I would like to have on the death penalty drugs. What are the amounts of the death penalty protocol drugs that were ordered? When are you expecting the sodium thiopentai and pancuroniumbromide? What is the cost for each of the drugs? What are the expiration dates on each of the drugs? Are the drugs being imported from outside the country? Does the March 27 federal court ruling apply to these drugs? Thanks. - JoAnne JoAnne Young Lincoln Journal Star Statehouse reporter 402-473-7228 office 402-580?8531 cell 26 Gillming-Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:03 AM To: Gillming-Weber, Lana Subject: FW: Rebuttal: Sens. Coash 81 Chambers: Death Penalty From: Sharpjfa@aol.com Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2015 9:27 AM Subject: Rebuttal: Sens. Coash Chambers: Death Penalty Replies from Sens. Coash and Chambers requested. To: Governor Pete Ricketts, his cabinet 8: staff Nebraska Legislators staff Nebraska Supreme Court Attorney General Dong Peterson staff Nebraska Crime Commission Media throughout Nebraska Re: Retain the Death Penalty Subject: Rebuttal of Sens. Coash 8: Chambers: Death Penalty: "The Death Penalty is a Failed Public Policy", Sen. Colby Coash, 1/6/2015 (1) From: Dudley Sharp, death penalty expert bio upon request Dear Senators Coash and Chambers: Sen. Coash's article (1) presents a perfect vehicle to prove that: "Death penalty positions are either false or the pro death penalty positions are stronger." I would like to discuss all of the these points with both Sen. Coash or Sen. Chambers, publicly, with an email exchange, sent to those addressed. Format: Sen. Coash statements, quoted, with my REPLY. Sen. Coash: am a conservative state senator". REPLY: Virtually all of the senators talking points are straight out of the Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty (CCADP) playbook, the same as any liberal anti death penalty playbook. CCADP is owned, created and controlled by Equal Justice USA, a well known liberal anti death penalty group, supported by George Soros. All of CCADP's anti death penalty points are easily neutralized or rebutted (2). 2) Sen Coash: am pro life". Reply: Since Genesis 9:6, the eternal teachings have been that the death penalty is pro life, that it condemns the unjust guilty aggressor for the taking of innocent life and is a proper sanction for that murder, as it is the striking out at God's image, from which man was made (3). From both religious and academic standpoints, the New Testament death penalty support overwhelms any teachings to the contrary (3). 27 Within some mainline Christian groups, the pro death penalty position did not begin to shift until about the 1960s. One might ask: "Did biblical teachings, just, all of a sudden change in 1960?" There are extensive teachings about the expiation, eternal bene?ts of execution upon the murderers (4) . . . . with no greater restoration than eternal salvation, the greatest of all pro life results. In addition, in at least three ways, the death penalty will save more innocent lives than will lesser sanctions, a greater "pro life" benefit (5). 3) Sen. Coash: believe in limited government." Reply: The death penalty is, by a huge margin, our most limited criminal justice application and our most limited government program. By having the most limited application, combined with the greatest of due process protections, the death penalty is also the least arbitrary and capricious of all criminal justice sanctions (6). 4) Sen. Coash: "My desire to protect innocent life leads me to worry about a fallible system that has the power to take life. Reply: It is, so far, undisputed that the death penalty is a greater protector of innocent lives than is Life Without Parole The facts tell us that what anti death penalty folks really want is to protect guilty murderers, at any cost. There are nearly countless government programs that result in hundreds of thousands of innocent deaths, yet no known innocents executed in Nebraska. How many innocents have been murdered/ killed/severely injured in Nebraska because of government policies allowing known offenders to harm over and over again, through parole, probation or not being incarcerated? . . . repeat drunk drivers, etc. etc, etc.? Countless? Probably. Such a context brought Catholic theologian Steven Long to conclude: It "is of a society that can garner more support to spare the guilty than to save the innocent." "The crowd still wants Barrabas." (7) 5) Sen. Coash: "No executions are scheduled in Nebraska because we currently have no lethal injection drugs and no legal access to any." Reply: As is well known, to everyone, drugs for executions are available and other states have been carrying out executions. In addition, other methods are available. 6) Sen. Coash: learned about the harmful impact of this policy when I heard the testimony of Miriam Thimm Kelle frustrated with her 25 year wait for execution, its all "about (the perpetrator) and the legislative process and not about her (murdered brother)" Reply: Astounding, Sen. Coash didn't hear a word she said. Sen. Coash blames the death penalty, when its quite clear she?s blaming the legislature. It's not the "harmful impact of the policy". It's you, Sen. Coash, you and the iegislature and the judges who have harmed the murder victim survivors and justice. Had the murderer been executed in 8~10 years, as occurs in some other states, would she be so hurt and frustrated? Of course not. Listen next time and put the blame and responsibility where it belongs. 7) Sen Coash: . . . Nebraska has spent at least $45 million for its three executions." 28 Reply: Three points. a) There is no confirmable death penalty vs LWOP cost study from Nebraska. b) Sen. Coash is stating that ALL death penalty costs for ALL death penalty cases has been $45 million and so those 3 executions have cost $45 million. It is the same as saying that: ALL Life Without Parole (LWOP) costs for ALL LWOP cases have been $100 million and, as only three LWOP inmates have died, that those 3 completed LWOP cases have cost Nebraska $100 million or more than twice as much as those 3 death row inmates executed. c) Instead, how about a Nebraska undertake a credible "apples to apples" cost comparison study between those two sanctions, inclusive of all costs, inclusive of 1) geriatric care costs, 2) the cost of a dramatic increase in LWOP trials, if the death penalty is repealed, UNLESS you want your worst cases having parole eligibility and 3) creating a responsible death penalty system, wherein executions occur within 9?10 years of sentencing, on average? 1) The Death Penalty is a Failed Public Policy, Sen. Colby Coash, 1/ 6/ 2015, 2) Conservatives Concerned About The Death Penalty (CCATDP) is owned and controlled by Equal Justice USA, a George Soros bene?ciary. a) Few Conservatives Embrace Anti Death Penalty Deceptions http: //prodpinnc.bloasnot.com b) Conservatives Concerned About The Death Penalty: Just another dishonest anti death penalty group, prodpinnc.bloasnot.com/ 20 13/ 1 3) New Testament Death Penalty Support Overwhelming httD: 1)redoinneblogspot.com/ 20 4) The Death Penalty: Mercy, Expiation, Redemption 8: prodpinnc.blogspot.com/ 20 13/ 06/ the-death? penalty?mercy?expiation.html 5) The Death Penalty: Do Innocents Matter? A Review of All Innocence Issues http: 2o 13/ 10 6) THE DEATH PENALTY: THE LEAST ARBITRARY AND CAPRICIOUS OF ALL SAN CT About 10% of all murders within the US might qualify fora death penalty eligible trial. That would be about 70,000 murders since 1973. We have sentenced about 8400 murderers to death since then, or 12% of those eligible. Is there any other crime which receives a higher percentage of a sole maximum sentence, when mandatory sentences are not available? Based upon that, as well as the well known super due process of pre trial, trial, appellate, clemency/ commutation realities, the US death penalty is likely the least arbitrary and capricious criminal sanction in the US, if not the world. 7) Four Catholic Journals Indulge in (anti death penalty) Doctrinal Solipsism, Steven Long, March 5, 2015, http: //thomistica.net/commentarv/20 29 Gillming?Weber, Lana From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:02 AM To: Giliming~Weben Lana Subject: FW: Lethal Drugs From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 1:49 PM To: Hardin, Brittany Subject: RE: Lethal Drugs He has submitted public records requests. These documents will be contained within these requests. From: Hardin, Brittany Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 9:56 AM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: FW: Lethal Drugs Can you help me answer this? Did you send out a separate release with more info? i know you gave more information to press via telephone (based on LJS story), but was there a specific release? From: Chris McDaniel Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 9:45 AM To: Hardin, Brittany Subject: Re: Lethal Drugs Thank you Brittany. I see that other outlets have received actual documents from the purchase. 13 that something you can send along or was that not released by your of?ce? Chris McDaniel Death Penalty Reporter, BuzzFecd News 646.979.4761 On Mon, May 18, 2015 at 10:34 AM, Hardin, Brittany wrote: Chris, 30 The Governor's office released the foiiowing announcement last week. if you have additional questions, my contact information is listed below. Regards, Brittany Hardin Communications Director Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (308} 660-9111 For Immediate Release: May 14, 2015 31 Contact: Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970 GOV. RICKETTS ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF DEATH PENALTY DRUGS Executions will be carried out following delivery of drugs Lincoln Today, Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Director Scott Frakes announced that that the department has successfully purchased all three drugs necessary to carry out Nebraska?s death penalty under the current protocol. NDCS currently possesses one of these drugs, and the other two will be delivered in the near future. Currently, NDCS possesses potassium chloride. The department has ordered sodium thiopental and pancuronium bromide from HarrisPharma. ?The functionality of the death penalty in Nebraska has been a management issue that I have promised to resolve,? said Governor Ricketts. "Through the work of Director rakes, the department has purchased the drugs that are necessary to carry out the death penalty in Nebraska in the near future.? 32 ?The responsibilities of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director are varied and extensive,? said Director Frakes. "One of those important duties is to carry out the order of the court. In the past few weeks, the department has been able to purchase the necessary drugs to carry out the death sentence that inmates have received.? Currently, there are death row inmates who appear to have exhausted their appeals. Updates will be provided when drugs are received from the distributor. Taylor Gage Public Relations Director Office of Governor Pete Ricketts 402471-1970 [office] 402-4-99~8351 [mobile] Website Facebook Twitter From: Chris McDaniel Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 9:27 AM 33 To: Hardin, Brittany Subject: LethalDrugs Hello Brittany, I see that the state released some purchase records for the lethal drugs. Would it be possible to send those along to me? Thanks, Chris McDaniel Death Penalty Reporter, BuzzFeed News 646.979.476l @mmanjel 34 Gillming?Weber, Lana From: Sent: To: Subject: Gage, Taylor Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:02 AM Lana FW: Governor's Office Daily Update A set up clips. Probably many of these. From: Hardin, Brittany Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 7:50 AM To: Gage, Taylor; Hardin, Brittany Subject: Governor's Office Daily Update Governor?s Office Daily Update Tuesday, May 19, 2015 Cash Market Reports Corn Jul '15 3.64 Soybeans Jul '15 9.51 Soybean Oil Jul '15 .3260 Soybean Meal Jul '15 3.07 Wheat Jul '15 5.12 Spring Wheat Jul '15 5.66 Wheat Jul ?15 5.46 Oats Jul '15 2.54 35 Live Cattle Aug '15 1.50 Feeder Cattle Aug '15 2.16 Lean Hogs Jun '15 .8240 Governor KLKN: Governor visits DeWitt, clean-up continues KETV: Gov. Ricketts visits DeWitt Monday US: Ricketts surveys flood damage Gov. Pete Ricketts got a first-hand glimpse at destroyed property and still-flooded basements in DeWitt Monday during a survey of the area. Ricketts spent part of the morning touring the town and visiting with residents affected by the May 7 flood. ?We?re fortunate that there were volunteers,? Ricketts said later. ?The volunteers that I talked to today came up from Missouri to help clean up, so we?re getting a lot of great help from local folks and people from other states to help clean up.? In the days after the flood, the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort set up a relief center in the Saline County town of 500. Kearney Hub: Pete Ricketts to tour troubled Tecumseh prison Tuesday morning A week after a deadly prison riot, Gov. Pete Ricketts will tour the damaged Tecumseh State Correctional Institute on Tuesday morning. Ricketts will be joined on the tour by State Corrections Director Scott Frakes, who the governor hired in February to seek reforms in the state prison system. 36 Two inmates were found dead after prisoners took over two housing units at the 960-bed prison on May 10. State Agencies KRVN: mach?Corrective Action Needed Regarding COOL STATEMENT FROM DIRECTOR GREG IBACH FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) ON THE UNITED COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING (COOL) LAW ?Today?s (Tuesday?s) WTO ruling Opens the door for Canada and Mexico to place retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from the United States. As two of Nebraska?s largest markets, such action will negatively impact our agriculture sector, especially meats and feed products. ?Canada indicates some 23 commodities currently exported from our state could be targeted. Beef and pork exports, valued at roughly $200 million, are among the potential top impacts. ?Expeditious, corrective action is needed regarding the Country of Origin Labeling law as any delay could prove to be extremely costly to the United States and specifically to Nebraska.? Legislature OWH: ?Eye~0pening' experience: Senators visit riot~damaged Tecumseh prison; tell of concerns that some inmates targeted State lawmakers used words like "sobering" and "eye~opening" Monday to describe the damage caused by a deadly prison riot at the Tecumseh state prison. During a tour of the facility Sunday night, the senators said they were told of suspicions that the riot had been pre-planned, that specific inmates had been targeted, and of concerns that the cost of the rampage may exceed $500,000. "It seemed to be a coordinated effort," said State Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango. "Everyone in the prison knew something was going to happen." "They burned down a whole wall to get to certain inmates," said Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld. 37 Morfeld said that inmates started fires, then called prison officials to report them so that they would open cell doors and give them access to targeted inmates. 10/11: Nebraska Senators Support Study of Medical Cannabis Benefits NTV: Nebraska senators back study of medical cannabis benefits OWH: Kids, adults with epilepsy one step closer to using oil derived from marijuana plant Children and adults with uncontrolled epilepsy moved a step closer Monday to being able to try hemp oil for their seizures. The Nebraska Legislature gave 33~1first~round approval to a bill that would create a pilot study of the oil at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. State Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue, who introduced Legislative Bill 390, said the measure is needed even if lawmakers pass a broader bill allowing the use of medical marijuana this year. Under the broader bill, patients would not get access to medical marijuana until June 2016 or later. The delay is to allow time for state officials to set up an oversight and distribution process. Meanwhile, Crawford said, L8 390 could provide access yet this year to an oil derived from marijuana plants that are low in THC, the high?inducing substance in marijuana. US: Limited medical marijuana study gets initial OK The less controversial of two medical marijuana bills being considered by Nebraska lawmakers this year received overwhelming support Monday during its first appearance before the full Legislature. Sen. Sue Crawford says her bill (LB390), while more limited in scope than a measure sponsored by fellow Bellevue Sen. Tommy Garrett, would allow people with life?threatening epilepsy to receive treatment more quickly. The soonest Garrett's bill (L3643) could go into effect, if passed by lawmakers, would be July 2016. Regulatory complications could push that as far back as the following December. Crawford's bill would take effect almost immediately, assuming it gains support from 33 senators, the number required to pass a bill with an emergency clause. 38 North Platte Bulletin: Legislature approves second marijuana bill The Nebraska Legislature continued Monday to adapt Nebraska to changing medications, authorizing research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center into low~THC oil for patients with epileptic seizures that are difficult or impossible to treat. With only one dissenting vote, the legislature passed the bill on the first round of debate to establish and fund the research project. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol the intoxicating ingredient in marijuana. Naloxone And, a provision was also added to allow an individual to prescribe or dispense naloxone, a morphine?like drug, to someone who experiences an opioidnrelated overdose. Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeid outlined the dangers of prescription drugs. He said fatal drug overdoses many from prescription painkillers have increased sixwfold over the past 30 years, claiming the lives of more than 36,000 Americans each year. OWH: Nebraska Legislature keeps ban on powdered alcohol Nebraska lawmakers held firm Monday on their earlier decision to ban powdered alcohol in the state. But they adOpted an amendment making the penalty for possession of the substance similar to that of possessing a small amount of marijuana. State Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward offered the amendment to Legislative Bill 330, noting that colleagues had expressed concern about making the penalties stiffer than most other alcoholwrelated offenses. Under his amendment, possessing powdered alcohol would be an infraction and carry a $300 fine for a first offense. The penalty for a second offense would be up to $400 and five days in jail. A third offense would be up to $500 and seven days in jail. Lawmakers rejected a proposal by Sen. Tyson Larson that would have allowed the possession but not the sale of powdered alcohol. US: Powdered alcohol possession penalties set 39 The Legislature on Monday established penalties for possession of powdered alcohol before sending an omnibus liquor control bill on its way to final consideration. Senators had to break a filibuster by a handful of opponents in order to move the bill ahead. The measure (L8330) introduced by Sen. Tyson Larson of O'Neill cleared its second-round hurdle on a 40-3 vote after it was freed from the filibuster on a 35?5 count. The bill, which bans the possession of powdered alcohol in Nebraska, was amended to establish penalties that correspond to possession of one ounce of marijuana. A first offense could result in a fine of $300; a second offense could lead to a jail sentence not exceeding five days, along with a fine of $400. OWH: Surprise proposal to overhaul Learning Community leads to spirited debate in Nebraska Legislature A surprise proposal to overhaul the Learning Community sparked a robust discussion Monday night in the Nebraska Legislature. Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion offered an amendment to another education bill that would have ended the common levy designed to share property tax revenue among the 11 school districts in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. After nearly two hours of debate, Kintner pulled the proposal without taking it to a vote. The 46-page amendment to Legislative Bill 525 would have kept the Learning Community structure intact, along with the 1.5-cent levy authority used to support early childhood education. Kintner also proposed a study of how to better meet the needs of poor children. OWH: Synowiecki will try to regain South Omaha seat in Nebraska Legislature Former State Sen. John Synowiecki is hoping to drop the ?former? from his title, announcing Monday that he will seek to reclaim his old South Omaha seat in 2016. Synowiecki, a 51~year~old Democrat, was appointed to serve South Omaha?s District 7 seat in 2002 by then-Gov. Mike Johanns, a Republican. Synowiecki was re~e ected in 2004. 40 Due to term limits, he was barred from seeking another term. He was subsequently elected to the metro-area Learning Community Coordinating Council and is currently director of resource development for Catholic Charities of Omaha. A former state probation officer, Synowiecki will be seeking the seat being vacated by Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, who is term-limited. US: Former senator wants to return to Legislature A former Omaha senator announced Monday he would like to return to the District 7 seat that will be vacated in 2017 by Sen. Jeremy Nordquist. John Synowiecki, 51, a former probation officer and supervisor from 1990 to 2002, said he would file as a candidate to represent downtown and south Omaha. He is director of resource development for Catholic Charities of Omaha. He was appointed to the Legislature to fill a vacated seat in 2002 and also elected that year and in 2004. He chaired the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee and sat on the Appropriations Committee. His priorities are property tax relief, a strong community?based behavioral health service network and quality education for all children, he said. "As a former probation officer and through my work with Catholic Charities, I understand the long-term importance of investments in children and families," Synowiecki said. I?Education is the key to economic prosperity for individuals and to local economic development." Synowiecki, a Democrat, also formerly served as a member of the Learning Community Coordinating Council in Omaha. He has a degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, with majors in criminal justice and philosophy. State and Local KLKN: Nebraska farmers have most of their corn crop planted NTV: South Platte ebbing after minor flooding in western Nebraska 41 NBC Nebraska: State Requests FEMA Damage Assessment in 10 Nebraska Counties KNOP: South Platte River Flooding Ends NBC Nebraska: Lower Crop Prices Affecting Farmer Income US: Nebraska tops national average in outwof?family foster care, report says Nebraska places foster children outside of family settings at a higher rate than the national average, according to newly released data. In 2013, nearly 16 percent of Nebraska children in the foster care system were placed outside of their families, compared to the national average of 14 percent. The new numbers come as part of a national release of the Kids Count policy report, ?Every Kid Needs a Family: Giving Children in the Child Welfare System the Best Chance for Success,? by the Annie E. Casey Founda?on. The report highlights the importance for children to have lifelong connections to family members, and it offers ways state and local governments can work to help the 735 Nebraska youth living in out?of?family placements. Every Kid Needs a Family expands on state data used in a 2012 report that looked at the number of children in foster care, particularly those being cared for by relatives -- often referred to as kinship care. OWH: Prison growth spurt briefly put trial on hold while new suit bought for defendant and then he didn't even need it If the street clothes don?t fit, you must acquit. Or something like that. Justice was in a bit of a bind Monday as jury selection in an Omaha trial was delayed because a defendant?s weight gain prevented him from wearing his regular clothes, his attorney said. Defendants are allowed to wear street clothes at trial. In fact, the US. Supreme Court essentially requires it ruling that orange jumpsuits and any kind of visible restraints can poison a jury against a defendant. As it turns out, three hots and a cot can be quite nourishing. Kijaune Leach, 27, gained enough weight in jail that his attorney had to make a choice for Leach?s first?degree assault trial on charges that he shot an Omaha man: Attorney Nedu Igbokwe could either get someone to a Big Tall store or borrow a judge?s robe for his client. 42 OWH: Investigation zeroes in on gang tied to Omaha bank robberies, drugs Federal and local law enforcement officers have been conducting a long?term investigation into a gang they say is responsible for drug trafficking and a slew of robberies, according to a federal court document. The court records shed light on a larger ongoing law enforcement investigation into gang members and reveal the inner operations of a Bloods gang thought to be responsible for significant crimes in Omaha. Members of the NIKE gang are suspected in numerous bank and commercial robberies as well as in the sale and transportation of narcotics, and in felony assaults and homicides, according to FBI Special Agent John Hallock. The court documents do not name specific NIKE gang members who have been arrested or charged with committing the crimes. OWH: Among Midlands weather records, Lincoln on the verge of wettest May in 129 years of record~keeging All-?time weather records are being etched into the books even as communities sort out the damage from storms that appear to have claimed two lives, washed out bridges and swamped basements. Lincoln is less than a half-inch from its wettest May in 129 years of record-keeping, according to Barbara Mayes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley. With rain possible tonight and this weekend, the record has a good chance of falling, she said. Through Monday, Lincoln received rain on 13 of the month?s 18 days. Flooding rains, heavy snow, tornadoes, hail and high winds have hit the Midlands, with the worst weather occurring May 3 through May 11, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. Combined, Nebraska and Iowa have set more than 120 precipitation records in May. US: State Fair gets tough on doping, takes away titles 43 The Nebraska State Fair Board has stripped three of its top 2014 competitors of their titles in an effort to crack down on doping. Animals have tested positive for drugs in the past, but this is the most found in a single year and the stiffest penalties handed out, said Livestock Committee Chairman Kirk Shane. ?It seems like if we don?t do something it gets worse. And we have other people who come to us and say, ?Why haven?t you stopped this?? Shane said. ?You don?t do it in sports. And showing livestock, I personally, myself, believe that is a sport." All Nebraska State Fair 4-H and FFA grand champion and reserve champion winning animals are slaughtered and the animals? blood tested for drugs. LIS: Innovation Campus greenhouse puts plants through the paces A single stalk of sorghum planted in a two-gallon bucket was the star of the University of Nebraska~Lincoln?s Fascination of Plants Day, an event showcasing how the leafy lifeforms are integral to life. Winding its way down a conveyor belt and through several chambers with doors automatically opening with a hydraulic hiss, the plant was the focal point of a sneak preview of greenhouses going up on Nebraska Innovation Campus. Expected to be fully functional in June, the Greenhouse Innovation Center?s multimillion dollar phenotyping system is capable of moving individual corn, soybean and other plants through four chambers with specialized cameras designed to track physical characteristics invisible to the naked eye. The system, assembled on site by the German company LemnaTec earlier this year, will measure temperature, content and visual characteristics like growth rate of up to 670 plants a day. OWH: MECA restructures, gives its leaders raises in year of change MECA has restructured its management and given sizable raises to some top executives as Omaha?s arena faced greater regional competition. The organization that manages the CenturyLink Center and TD Ameritrade Park released its annual federal tax form that every nonprofit must submit to the IRS. 44 While executive salaries rose, the organization ended the year with one fewer vice president, according to the tax form. Roger Dixon, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, consolidated the operations division and IT to be headed by one vice president. Opinion OWH: editoriai: Get facts on wastewater; then weigh in The Nebraska Legislature is no stranger to controversy, but its leaders continue to impress with measured approaches to some heated concerns. The latest example is senators? push for an interim study on safe wastewater disposal from oil and gas production and on the state?s authority to regulate the process. Hydraulic fracturing, or ?fracking,? has given the oil and gas industry access to pockets of fossil fuels long out of reach of even expert drillers. But questions have arisen about the safety of injecting into the ground the wastewater that the drilling technique produces. That water contains high salt content, hydrocarbons and industrial compounds. People wonder about the long-term impact of that wastewater on groundwater supplies, and they worry about earthquakes. I World-Herald editorial: Fallen Marines are heroes The deaths of a Nebraska Marine and a second with Midlands ties remind us all of the sacrifices American servicemen and -women make around the clock and around the world. Capt. Dustin Lukasiewicz, 28, a pilot from Wilcox, Neb., and Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, 22, a videographer with extended family in his father?s hometown of Council Bluffs, were two of the six Marines killed in the crash of their Huey helicopter during a disaster relief mission in Nepal. Two Nepali service members also perished. Their families said the Marines were dedicated to theirjobs and their mission of taking supplies to villagers in the earthquake~stricken country. 45 OWH Midlands Voices: State budget solid; challenges loom The writer is executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute. This session, the Appropriations Committee and the Nebraska Legislature have advanced a solid state budget that maintains investments in our schools, safe communities and other vital aspects of ?The Good Life,? while keeping funding growth to 3.1 percent third-lowest in the past 30 years. Even without new programs, the budget generally grows every year as a result of inflationary pressures, population growth, increased salaries and benefits, and other factors. Nebraska?s long-term average budget growth is 5.4 percent. A key factor in keeping growth down in this budget was low school funding growth, which was about half the average annual growth rate over the past 15 years. The low school funding growth was due in large part to an expectation that statewide school spending growth would decrease along with renewed growth in commercial and residential property values and continued increases in agricultural land values. When school spending growth declines and property values increase, Nebraska?s funding formula calls for less state aid to fund schools. The Legislative Fiscal Office, however, projects that school funding growth will return to normal levels in the following budget period. This, coupled with mounting pressure to lower property taxes, will make it difficult to maintain the low levels of funding growth attained in this budget. US Editorial, 5/19: Shifting traffic from city campus Back in the Journal Star?s paper library, inhabited these days only by the ghosts ofjournalism past the newspaper?s electronic library dates back to 1996 yellow clippings tell the story: Planners have been talking since at least 1990 about closing 17th street on the city campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The time may finally have arrived. Under the latest proposal unveiled earlier this month, 17th Street would be converted to a pedestrian mall from Street to Street between residence halls on campus and recreation fields to the east. 46 As part of the plan, traffic on 16th street would be changed to two-way. Nine alternative designs are being discussed, with various Options for bike lanes, center turn lanes, parking and curb designs to shorten pedestrian street crossings. (Check them out online at go.unl.edu/1617.) Grand Island Independent: Executions have never been the right policy It?s always interesting to see the kinds of people that we elect to govern us. We have Sen. Bill Kintner who thinks that his colleagues are ?spineless wimps? because they don?t want the state to kill people. How brave he is, wanting others to do the killing for him. Then there is Sen. Beau McCoy, who thinks that because he has a 4-year-old son, he can channel the thoughts of a 4?year-old murder victim. It sounds as if he is more concerned with revenge than justice. He wants voters to decide the death penalty, then maybe we could go back to the days of public executions for entertainment. Orange County Register: David Whiting: Legacy of O.C.'s worst killing should be abolishing death genalty The legacies of Orange County?s worst mass murder are many, including a town that rose up and bonded. But for Bethany Webb, who lost her sister and nearly lost her mother, there can be no greater legacy than abolishing the death penalty. Make no mistake. Webb?s mission has nothing to do with forgiveness. Rather, it has everything to do with practicality. That, and avoiding the footsteps of a man who shot and killed eight peOple. Webb sits on the couch in her living room and after an hour of quietly sharing her grief, she jabs her finger in the air and angrily questions what is the point of risking killing the wrong person, wasting countless hours on court hearings, spending billions of dollars in California on death penalty cases? ?What happens on the day you watch them put a needle in his arm and watch him fall asleep?? she asks of those on death row. ?Are you going to get satisfaction?? Providing her own answer, Webb points out her sister, Laura Webb Elody, got none of the 47 courtesies afforded to a convict on death row. No last meal. No goodbyes. Just horrific terror staring at blood, bodies and the barrel of a gun. OWH: The Public Pulse, May 19 1) Actually using death penalty cuts cost 2) ?We should be better than death penalty? 3) Lawmaker?s use of word was inexcusable 4) Number of non-motorists is not small 5) Keep Renewable Fuel Standard intact 6) Want money? Better learn cursive US: Latest letters 1) Push for LBG43 2) Correct prison problems 3) Mothers deserve more Actually using death penalty cuts cost We once again have the bleeding hearts speaking out about repealing the death penalty. ?It serves no purpose." ?It?s inhumane.? ?It?s not a deterrent." The death penalty prevents recidivism. it is not a deterrent only because it is not applied. A death sentence is a guarantee of eternal life. It means untold years of appeals, and death occurs when the condemned dies of natural causes. It is only expensive because it is not applied. There are some crimes for which no punishment other than death is adequate, and when people know that the death penalty will be applied, I guarantee it will be a deterrent. As far as being inhumane, a bullet in the back of the head is absolutely painless and very quick. Cost of execution: mere pennies. Give the death-row inmates one appeal, in 30 days, and if they lose, they are executed the next day. Many problems could thus be solved very quickly. Cecil Parker, Holdrege, Neb. 48 'We should be better than death penalty? As the death penalty repeal bill continues to advance, I write to commend the faith leaders who have recently urged the legislation?s passage and to praise the bipartisan group of legislators who have championed the effort thus far. As a person of faith, I share Pope Francis" view that ?for the rule of law, the death penalty represents a failure, as it obliges the state to kill in the name ofjustice. Justice can never be wrought by killing a human being.? ln our debates on this issue, we sometimes overlook Francis? central point: that we should be better than the death penalty. There is no question that there are dangerous people among us who need to be separated from the public, but there is also little question that we can adequately protect ourselves from those people without resorting to exterminating them. Sister Jeanne O?Rourke, Omaha Lawmaker's use of word was inexcusable It?s disgusting that Nebraska State Sen. Bill Kintner of Papililon used the term ?Operation Wetback" during legislative debate regarding Legislative Bill 623. But what?s worse is our Legislature gave him a pass. lt is a racist comment. just don?t understand the free pass given when comments are made toward Hispanics and American Indians. Edward T. Ventura Jr., Bellevue Keep Renewable Fuel Standard intact A few weeks ago marked the annual recognition of Earth Week, with no shortage of content reflecting on man?s impact on the environment. However, one important mandate for protecting the environment in this country is often overlooked -- the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which keeps the air we breathe cleaner. Whether you believe in climate change or not, we can all agree that a world with fewer pollutants in the atmosphere is a better world. Presently, there are forces working to amend the RFS. This would be disastrous. The environmental impact alone of changing the RFS could result in releasing millions more metric tons of carbon annually. On top of that, the RFS plays a key role in Nebraska?s economy. According to a study recently released by the University of Nebraska, the ethanol industry is creating thousands of jobs and 49 out?of?state sales of about $4.5 billion annually. These out-of-state sales import money to pay Nebraska wages and Nebraska taxes. The EPA needs to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard remains intact; both our economy and our environment depend on it. Clifford Mesner, Central City, Neb. Want money? Better learn cursive I agree with a recent Pulse writer who said cursive writing is still important. Our daughter took our 12?year?old grandson to deposit a check he had earned. When the bank clerk asked him to sign the back of the check, our grandson, who attends La Vista Public Schools, had to admit he did not know how to write his name in cursive. The clerk was adamant that she needed a signature, so, finally, our daughter wrote his name and then our grandson copied his signature below it. How sad that this basic skill is being lost. Kathleen Schwery, Plattsmouth, Neb. Letter, 5/19: Push for LBES43 The Unicameral is deciding on a very important health care issue: the use of medical marijuana ("Medical mariiuana moves past first hurdle," May 12). lam sure that every reader has lost a loved one or watched a friend suffer while going through treatment for cancer, suffering from seizures or perhaps knows a person battling Crohn?s Disease. The use of medical marijuana would be a great aid in relieving their suffering. Members of the Unicameral need to know that Nebraska supports passage of LB643, which would legalize use of medical marijuana. Please contact your representatives and give them the support that he or she needs. For more information, go to the Nebraska Unicameral website. Thanks for your help. Don Freeman York Letter, 5/19: Correct prison problems Is anyone else absolutely appalled by the situations in prisons Operated by the Nebraska Department of Corrections? The former governor helped create this hostile environment along 50 with his former lapdogs and placed our hardworking correctional officers and staff in life? threatening situations ("Prison director addresses inmates, staff, public," May 15). We have been told by numerous officials, correctional officers, staff representatives and the investigative committee headed by former Senator Steve Lathrop that these institutions are ticking time bombs waiting to explode. I know the legislature has introduced certain bills on prison reform but how many more workers and inmates have to be threatened, assaulted and even murdered before action and changes are implemented? I do not know the circumstances of the recent killing of two inmates and assaults on the correctional officers, but do you really think this is going to just go away? Would you wear a badge and work under stressful conditions that the previous administration turned a blind to? Understandably, the worst inmates need to be locked up for a very, very long time. But the overcrowding and mental health issues have been known about for years, and look where we are today! A majority of these inmates will be released into our community one day, so should we not prepare them and give them the tools to be productive members of our society? If you say no, be prepared to reap what you sow! Please pray for our fellow citizens who choose to do this very dangerous work of protecting us for the small amount of pay and security. Demand that our legislature act swiftly to correct this injustice in Nebraska! Rodney Vicek, Lincoln National OWH: Surplus military equipment rarely used in Midlands Nearly 180 Nebraska and Iowa law enforcement agencies have benefited from surplus military equipment. The gear runs the gamut from first aid kits to armored vehicles to grenade launchers used to deploy gas. Rarely have local law enforcement agencies put the surplus guns or hulking military?issued vehicles in the field. But when they do, they are used appropriately, police and sheriff officials have said. If an armored vehicle is called to duty, it is in reaction to threats and to defend 51 officers and deputies inside. The tactical vehicles are stripped of weaponry before they are transferred to civilian police departments. Battle?hardened trucks known as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are fielded by 15 agencies in the Midlands, including the Lancaster and Douglas County Sheriff?s Offices in Nebraska and the Buena Vista County Sheriff?s Office and Storm Lake and Sioux City police in western Iowa. OWH: Storm renews flooding concerns near Colorado burn scars The latest in a series of Pacific storms spreading damp weather across the West is raising concerns of flooding in areas stripped bare by forest fires. A storm dumped up to 2 inches of rain in some areas of northern Utah over the weekend, causing minor flooding and a rock slide, and has moved into Colorado, which already is waterlogged from several days of rain. Up to 2 feet of snow is expected in the eastern mountains Tuesday. Pacific storm systems are driving the unusually cold and damp weather, National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Struthwolf said. A weather ridge that protected the West from storms all winter dissipated, opening the door for these latest patterns of disruptive weather, he said. LA Times: Drought cuts power production of California dams hasta Dam, looming more than 600 feet tall and gatekeeper of the largest man?made lake in California, was designed to perform two crucial functions: Store water and generate power. And for decades, the massive concrete structure has channeled water to cities and farms while generating up to 710 megawatts of hydropower, enough to provide electricity for more than 532,000 homes. But amid four years of drought, the reservoir is drained to 50% of capacity, cutting the dam's power production by about a third, according to federal reclamation officials. The story is the same at many dams across California, where electricity production at some is expected to be less than 20% of normal because of low water levels. 52 The shortfall shouldn't cause brownouts, officials said, because California relies on dams for power far less than it did in decades past, due in part to the emergence of solar and wind energy. But it does come at a price. Hydropower, even with its diminished profile, is important to California's energy mix as a quick, reliable and inexpensive source of electricity at a buffer during moments of peak demand. Full OWH Articles ?Eye~opening' experience: Senators visit riot?damaged Tecumseh prison; tell of concerns that some inmates targeted State lawmakers used words like "sobering" and "eye-opening" Monday to describe the damage caused by a deadly prison riot at the Tecumseh state prison. During a tour of the facility Sunday night, the senators said they were told of suspicions that the riot had been pre-planned, that specific inmates had been targeted, and of concerns that the cost of the rampage may exceed $500,000. "It seemed to be a coordinated effort," said State Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango. "Everyone in the prison knew something was going to happen." "They burned down a whole wall to get to certain inmates," said Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld. Morfeld said that inmates started fires, then called prison officials to report them so that they would open cell doors and give them access to targeted inmates. About 13 state senators visited the prison on Sunday night, a week after inmates seized control of two of the four housing units at the 960?bed facility. Two inmates were found dead, presumably killed by other inmates. More than one lawmaker said they appreciated the work by corrections officers to limit the spread of the riot. "It?s pretty remarkable that we didn?t have more of a problem than we did," said Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete. 53 On Tuesday morning, Gov. Pete Ricketts will tour the damaged prison along with State Corrections Director Scott Frakes, who the governor hired in February to seek reforms in the state prison system. Besides the two deaths, two corrections employees and six inmates were injured in the rampage, which began at 2:30 pm. on Sunday, May 10 and wasn?t brought under control until the next morning. Some employees were trapped in rooms inside the prison during the ordeal and had to be rescued. Senators said they saw burn marks where a wall dividing a housing unit had been burned and torn down. They saw charred mattresses and windows that still hadn?t been replaced. Baby oil, they said, was used as an accelerant to burn through Plexiglas windows. Yellow crime~scene tape sectioned off one housing unit, where the inmates? bodies were found, because it was still considered a crime scene. The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the inmates? deaths and other crimes. Damages were estimated at between $350,000 and $500,000, which will be covered by insurance. But Omaha Sen. Heath Mello said he suspects the cost of overtime pay for corrections officials may run as high as $100,000, and will add to the expenses. Guards are working 12-hour shifts in the wake of the riot and inmates are still on lockdown status, which means they get meals in their cells and spend most of the day locked behind bars. Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash said the main purpose of the visit was to thank corrections officers and give senators a better idea of the jobs they do. Coash said he will introduce a resolution to recognize the hard work and difficult task faced by prison guards and caseworkers. Tecumseh has been plagued by difficulty in hiring and retaining corrections officers and caseworkers. Morfeld said senators were told that up to 10 employees have resigned since the riot. Corrections officials did not immediately respond to requests to confirm the information. "We?ve got to have more staff, more experienced staff there,? Morfeld said, adding that the risky nature of the job probably warrants higher pay. He and Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier, who represents the Tecumseh area, said better incentives are needed to attract and keep corrections officers. 54 Currently, a guard with seven years? experience gets the same pay as a new hire, Watermeier said, which causes officers to leave Tecumseh for better pay at county jails or to transfer to Lincoln or Omaha prisons to avoid a long commute. Hughes said it was troubling to realize that inmates could take control of such a secure facility. "They had given it some thought," he said. Kids, adults with epilepsy one step closer to using oil derived from mariiuana plant Children and adults with uncontrolled epilepsy moved a step closer Monday to being able to try hemp oil for their seizures. The Nebraska Legislature gave 33-1first-round approval to a bill that would create a pilot study of the oil at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. State Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue, who introduced Legislative Bill 390, said the measure is needed even if lawmakers pass a broader bill allowing the use of medical marijuana this year. Under the broader bill, patients would not get access to medical marijuana until June 2016 or later. The delay is to allow time for state officials to set up an oversight and distribution process. Meanwhile, Crawford said, L8 390 could provide access yet this year to an oil derived from marijuana plants that are low in THC, the high?inducing substance in marijuana. The oil is high in cannabidiol, a substance that has shown promise in reducing seizures in initial studies. ?This is not a magic bullet,? Crawford said. ?It is not going to work for everyone, but the effects have been remarkable." LB 390 would not limit the number of study participants, but there may be limits in the amount of cannabidiol oil available, she said. Participants must have epilepsy that has shown resistance to the usual medications. GW Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures the oil, has federal approval to make its product available for open-label compassionate use, Crawford said. That means the oil has shown enough promise that all study participants would get the oil, and none would get a placebo. 55 initial findings from a study of the GW Pharmaceuticals product found that participants averaged a 54 percent reduction in seizures over three months. Nine percent were seizure-free for the full three months, but there were others who saw no difference. Sen. Merv Riepe of Omaha cast the lone vote against LB 390. He questioned why the medical center should do a study when there are studies already underway in other states. He also raised concerns about the potential cost of the study compared with the number of children who might be helped. ?Is the juice worth the squeeze?? Riepe asked. L8 390 would earmark $250,000 per year from the Health Care Cash Fund for the study. The fund contains money collected through a national settlement with tobacco companies. Crawford said that, although other studies around the country might yield useful information, LB 390 would be the quickest avenue to make cannabidiol oil available to Nebraska children and families. Sen. Tommy Garrett of Bellevue, who introduced LB 643, the broader medical marijuana bill, supported Crawford?s proposal. He said the two measures complement each other. Crawford had proposed a similar bill last year after hearing from the parents of Will Gillen, a Bellevue youngster who suffers constant, uncontrolled seizures. She wound up withdrawing that previous bill because it lacked support from the state?s epilepsy specialists. Those specialists now back L8 390 and would oversee the proposed study. Lawmakers added an amendment to LB 390 that would allow broader access to naloxone, or Narcan, a drug that can counter overdoses of heroin and other opiates. In addition, the amendment would outlaw the latest generation of marijuana, sometimes known as K2. Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg noted that more than 100 people were taken to Lincoln hospitals in late April after overdosing on marijuana. K2, also known as spice, is a plant product sprayed with chemicals to induce a high. It is often marketed as potpourri or incense and labeled ?not fit for human consumption." 56 Surprise proposal to overhaul Learning Community leads to spirited debate in Nebraska Legislature A surprise proposal to overhaul the Learning Community sparked a robust discussion Monday night in the Nebraska Legislature. Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion offered an amendment to another education bill that would have ended the common levy designed to share property tax revenue among the 11 school districts in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. After nearly two hours of debate, Kintner pulled the proposal without taking it to a vote. The 46-page amendment to Legislative Bill 525 would have kept the Learning Community structure intact, along with the 1.5-cent levy authority used to support early childhood education. Kintner also proposed a study of how to better meet the needs of poor children. "When something doesn?t work, stop what you?re doing and do something else," Kintner said. Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan, chairwoman of the Legislature?s Education Committee, urged her colleagues to give the committee time this summer to work out comprehensive changes to the Learning Community for consideration during the 2016 session. want us to cross the finish line on dealing with the changes to the Learning Community but in a thoughtful, deliberate way," she said. Afterward, Kintner said his amendment allowed senators to have a long-awaited floor discussion about the Learning Community?s shortcomings, but he knew he lacked the votes. Nonetheless, a couple of Omaha-area senators rallied behind Kintner?s proposal, saying taxpayers they represent want to either improve or dismantle the Learning Community. Sen. John Murante of Gretna said while his constituents don?t like how the Learning Community currently functions, they don?t want to abandon funding for children in higher~poverty districts. won?t support any solution if it throws the kids east of 72nd Street under the bus," Murante said. The Learning Community has been controversial ever since its creation in 2007. It emerged as a response to bruising boundary and funding disputes among Omaha-area school districts. Under the law, funds from state school aid and the common levy are distributed to member districts with the goals of sharing resources equitably across the metro area and raising the 57 academic achievement of disadvantaged youths. The law froze school boundaries and provided for a special levy to support programs aimed at closing the achievement gap. Last fall, the superintendents? group recommended several changes in the Learning Community, including elimination of the common levy along with a boost in state school aid for districts with high numbers of students in poverty. Nebraska Legislature keeps ban on powdered alcohol Nebraska lawmakers held firm Monday on their earlier decision to ban powdered alcohol in the state. But they adopted an amendment making the penalty for possession of the substance similar to that of possessing a small amount of marijuana. State Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward offered the amendment to Legislative Bill 330, noting that colleagues had expressed concern about making the penalties stiffer than most other alcohol?related offenses. Under his amendment, possessing powdered alcohol would be an infraction and carry a $300 fine for a first offense. The penalty for a second offense would be up to $400 and five days in jail. A third offense would be up to $500 and seven days in jail. Lawmakers rejected a proposal by Sen. Tyson Larson that would have allowed the possession - but not the sale of powdered alcohol. He argued that people traveling through Nebraska could find themselves in violation of the law if they brought in packets of powdered alcohol, not realizing the substance was illegal here. The controversial flavored powder is intended to be mixed with water to make an alcoholic drink. The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau approved powdered alcohol in March. As of this week, 14 states have banned the substance and at least 39 states are considering legislation on the subject. After adopting the amendment, lawmakers advanced LB 330 to the last of three rounds of debate. The bill makes other changes to state liquor laws, including language to regulate pedal pubs, which are bicycle-like minibars that have become popular in tourist areas and 58 entertainment districts, and to allow all bars to sell one?quart refillable bottles of tap beer, called growlers. Prison growth spurt briefly put trial on hold while new suit bought for defendant m- and then he didn't even need it If the street clothes don?t fit, you must acquit. Or something like that. Justice was in a bit of a bind Monday as jury selection in an Omaha trial was delayed because a defendant?s weight gain prevented him from wearing his regular clothes, his attorney said. Defendants are allowed to wear street clothes at trial. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court essentially requires it ruling that orange jumpsuits and any kind of visible restraints can poison a jury against a defendant. As it turns out, three hots and a cot can be quite nourishing. Kijaune Leach, 27, gained enough weight in jail that his attorney had to make a choice for Leach?s first-degree assault trial on charges that he shot an Omaha man: Attorney Nedu lgbokwe could either get someone to a Big Tall store or borrow a judge?s robe for his client. Leach is listed at 6-3, 220 pounds in court records. Attorneys said he appeared considerably bigger in court Monday. Meanwhile, prospective jurors waited. By afternoon, a black suit, white shirt and black tie arrived, fresh off a J.C. Penney rack. Alas, the fashion police weren?t needed. After Leach obtained his clothes, Judge James Gleason overruled a defense motion to suppress two witnesses? identification of Leach as the shooter. Instead of proceeding with trial, Leach pleaded guilty to second?degree assault and being a felon in possession of a weapon for shooting Theodis Jacobs five times near 44th Street and Redman Avenue in August. Jacobs survived, despite taking three shots to the stomach and two to the arm. Leach -- who has previously donned a prison jumpsuit for an attack on his girlfriend in Wayne, Nebraska faces three to 70 years in prison when he is sentenced in July. 59 Investigation zeroes in on gang tied to Omaha bank robberies, drugs Federal and local law enforcement officers have been conducting a long-term investigation into a gang they say is responsible for drug trafficking and a slew of robberies, according to a federal court document. The court records shed light on a larger ongoing law enforcement investigation into gang members and reveal the inner operations of a Bloods gang thought to be responsible for significant crimes in Omaha. Members of the NIKE gang are suspected in numerous bank and commercial robberies as well as in the sale and transportation of narcotics, and in felony assaults and homicides, according to FBI Special Agent John Hallock. The court documents do not name specific NIKE gang members who have been arrested or charged with committing the crimes. The FBI and the Omaha Police Department joined forces from June to November 2014 to investigate a rash of robberies at banks in the city. About 30 banks were robbed in Omaha in 2014, a noticeable increase over previous years. Police have reported arrests in seven of those robberies. Law enforcement officials determined that NIKE gang members were involved with the robberies, Hallock said. The federal government sought a warrant last week to search a home of an associate of the NIKE gang. The search warrant was part of a larger ongoing investigation involving gang members who traffic narcotics, according to court documents. ?The investigation has determined that numerous NIKE Gang members sell narcotics as a way to fund the illegal activities of the NIKE Gang,? Hallock wrote. Since 2013, local and federal authorities have worked together to conduct two investigations, Operations Wipe It Down and Purple Haze, which led to the arrests of gang members who dealt drugs and possessed firearms. Thirty people were arrested as a result of Wipe It Down, and Operation Purple Haze landed about 10 gang members behind bars. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer told The World-Herald earlier this year that police are working on another long-?term investigation into violent gang members. 60 The NIKE gang surfaced in recent years, formed after gang members from the 38th Street Gang, 29th Street Gang, Victor Street Bloods, Bottoms Bloods and the Jaynes Street Bloods banded together, court records said. Local gang experts have said many of members are in their teens and 205 and are among Omaha?s fourth generation of gang members. The NIKE gang has a strong presence on social media to further its message and advocate violence. It posts music videos showing the gang members pointing guns at the camera, talking about killing people, doing drugs and counting drug money. Police and community organizations have condemned these videos, saying they glorify gang activity and could encourage more violence and gang retaliation. Police say the music videos can steer teenagers to join gangs. Citing an ongoing investigation, the U.S. Attorney?s Office and Schmaderer declined to answer questions about the investigation. Among Midlands weather records, Lincoln on the verge of wettest May in 129 years of record~keeging A ~time weather records are being etched into the books even as communities sort out the damage from storms that appear to have claimed two lives, washed out bridges and swamped basements. Lincoln is less than a half-inch from its wettest May in 129 years of record?keeping, according to Barbara Mayes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley. With rain possible tonight and this weekend, the record has a good chance of falling, she said. Through Monday, Lincoln received rain on 13 of the month?s 18 days. Flooding rains, heavy snow, tornadoes, hail and high winds have hit the Midlands, with the worst weather occurring May 3 through May 11, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. Combined, Nebraska and Iowa have set more than 120 precipitation records in May. Authorities plan to resume searching today for University of Nebraska-Lincoln student Anwesha Dey, last seen May 3. Police say she was swept away by high water along Antelope Creek. Lincoln Police Capt. Martin Fehringer said video from a security camera shows Dey walking through Union Plaza at about 7:30 pm. Dey walked into water on the sidewalk, lost her footing, tumbled into the current and was unable to regain control, he said. 61 The creek winds through the plaza. Along one portion, a drop-off abuts the sidewalk; it?s not clear whether that played a role. If the ground is firm enough this morning, searchers will take specially trained dogs along the banks of Antelope Creek. In Fairbury, the funeral for Betty McMullen was held last week. McMullen drowned in her basement when the flooding from the Little Blue River swamped her home. Local, state and federal officials begin touring three Nebraska counties today to assess damage to small businesses, according to the emergency management agency. The state also has requested inspections of damage to public infrastructure roads, bridges, power lines in 10 counties, said Jodie Fawl, spokeswoman for the agency. Fawl said a statewide estimate of damage will be available after the inspections. In Lincoln and Lancaster County, damage to public infrastructure totals $3.9 million, said Jim Davidsaver, emergency management director for the city and county. Damage includes washed out bridges and roads, he said. An unknown number of homes in Lincoln and other Nebraska communities took on water. Because household flood damage doesn?t fall into a tidy governmental or insurance category, the extent of that damage is unknown. Problems in Lincoln included sewage backups. Much of DeWitt was flooded, and so were the basements of many homes. At least three southeast Nebraska stations Hebron, rural Crete and rural Superior saw their wettest day in 122 years on May 7, according to the National Climatic Data Center. The same storm system set a 24-hour rainfall record for the entire month of May for all of Nebraska, with that record occurring near Fairbury, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Early this month, hail storms caused scattered damage. Holly Anderson of State Farm Insurance said 300 Nebraska homeowners filed claims for hail damage. In the Panhandle, several communities set daily snowfall records when a winter storm struck May 10 and 11. The system dropped about 3 inches in Harrison and about 14 inches near Chadron. With intermittent rain predicted this week, the odds favor a wet conclusion to the month in Nebraska and Iowa, according to the U.S. Climate Prediction Center. 62 MECA restructures, gives its leaders raises in year of change MECA has restructured its management and given sizable raises to some top executives as Omaha?s arena faced greater regional competition. The organization that manages the CenturyLink Center and TD Ameritrade Park released its annual federal tax form that every nonprofit must submit to the IRS. While executive salaries rose, the organization ended the year with one fewer vice president, according to the tax form. Roger Dixon, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, consolidated the operations division and IT to be headed by one vice president. ?You have to incentivize people,? Dixon said. Dixon?s salary rose to $308,783, including bonuses. He also received $40,043 in other compensation, according to the form, a classification that can include items such as nontaxable benefits or retirement money. Before that, Dixon?s total salary including bonuses had hovered around $285,000 for three years. His other compensation was about the same the previous year. ?When you look at compensation, you want to be competitive so you can retain your talent,? said MECA board Chairman Dana Bradford. The IRS report covers 2013?14 fiscal year. That period marked a time of change for the CenturyLink Center. Locally, Pinnacle Bank Arena opened in 2013, and the Ralston Arena opened a year earlier. Regionally, several other arenas have opened in the Omaha arena?s decade of existence. The University of Nebraska at Omaha is about to open its own arena, and the university?s hockey team will move there from the CenturyLink Center. ?This is a tough business,? Bradford said. Other executives to receive raises were: Vice President of Corporate Sales and Marketing Tom O?Gorman received $223,843, up from $194,794. He also made $20,543 in other compensation. 63 CFO Lea French made $127,512, up from $116,799 the previous year. She also made $34,687 in other compensation. Sales and Marketing Manager Jeffrey Okrina received $117,797, up from $110,390. He also made $9,970 in other compensation. Vice President of Information Technology Kevin Raymond also took on operations during the year. His salary was $114,294, up from $101,689. He received $21,819 in other compensation. MECA has a 99-year lease to operate the city?owned CenturyLink Center. It receives no tax dollars for operations there. Much of the tax report mirrors year~end financial report. net profit was $519,000 in the 201344 fiscal year, which ran through June 30. Much of revenues were eaten up by $9 million it spent to upgrade the CenturyLink Center. That includes installing a new arena scoreboard, improving concession stands and remodeling the club lounge. Dixon said the MECA leadership is creating plans to address the increased competition. ?We?ve got some challenges there, but we think we?ve got a plan in place to effectively replace that revenue if not grow it," he said. World~Herald editorial: Get facts on wastewater; then weigh in The Nebraska Legislature is no stranger to controversy, but its leaders continue to impress with measured approaches to some heated concerns. The latest example is senators? push for an interim study on safe wastewater disposal from oil and gas production and on the state?s authority to regulate the process. Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," has given the oil and gas industry access to pockets of fossil fuels long out of reach of even expert drillers. But questions have arisen about the safety of injecting into the ground the wastewater that the drilling technique produces. That water contains high salt content, hydrocarbons and industrial compounds. People wonder about the long?term impact of that wastewater on groundwater supplies, and they worry about earthquakes. 64 Into the breach steps Gering Sen. John Stinner with his proposal for a thorough study of the issue. A smartly handled legislative study should help lawmakers next year consider these questions with a set of agreed upon facts. Those facts should inform the growing debate over future fracking wastewater disposal across Nebraska, whether from in or out of state. The study comes in the wake of the state Oil and Gas Commission?s controversial decision to OK a Sioux County well for disposal of oil and gas wastewater. Some Nebraskans strongly opposed the plan to use the former oil well in northwest Nebraska to dispose of fracking wastewater from Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. A handful have sued in Cheyenne County District Court in Sidney, questioning the Oil and Gas Commission?s authority in the matter. No decision is expected until later this summer. Nebraska?s landscape is already dotted with 640 wastewater disposal wells, including 121 active. Kansas has 16,000 total. None has leaked. Taking a comprehensive look at the issue, gathering more information and making it available can only help lawmakers and the public as the debate and search for practical answers move on. World~Herald editorial: Fallen Marines are heroes The deaths of a Nebraska Marine and a second with Midlands ties remind us all of the sacrifices American servicemen and women make around the clock and around the world. Capt. Dustin Lukasiewicz, 28, a pilot from Wilcox, Neb., and Lance Cpl. Jacob Hug, 22, a videographer with extended family in his father?s hometown of Council Bluffs, were two of the six Marines killed in the crash of their Huey helicopter during a disaster relief mission in Nepal. Two Nepali service members also perished. Their families said the Marines were dedicated to theirjobs and their mission of taking supplies to villagers in the earthquakewstricken country. in a Marine Corps video made just days before their final flight, Lukasiewicz described delivering rice, potatoes and tarps to victims in remote areas devastated by the earthquake, and said proudly: "We stand with Nepal.? Heroism takes many forms. Giving one?s life to help others may be the noblest. 65 Midlands Voices: State budget solid; challenges loom The writer is executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute. This session, the Appropriations Committee and the Nebraska Legislature have advanced a solid state budget that maintains investments in our schools, safe communities and other vital aspects of "The Good Life," while keeping funding growth to 3.1 percent third?lowest in the past 30 years. Even without new programs, the budget generally grows every year as a result of inflationary pressures, population growth, increased salaries and benefits, and other factors. Nebraska?s long~term average budget growth is 5.4 percent. A key factor in keeping growth down in this budget was low school funding growth, which was about half the average annual growth rate over the past 15 years. The low school funding growth was due in large part to an expectation that statewide school spending growth would decrease along with renewed growth in commercial and residential property values and continued increases in agricultural land values. When school spending growth declines and property values increase, Nebraska?s K-12 funding formula calls for less state aid to fund schools. The Legislative Fiscal Office, however, projects that school funding growth will return to normal levels in the following budget period. This, coupled with mounting pressure to lower property taxes, will make it difficult to maintain the low levels of K-12 funding growth attained in this budget. Furthermore, one-time measures in this biennium?s budget, combined with inflationary costs, make it likely that future budget growth will have to increase from 3.1 percent to maintain the same level of services. One of the changes enacted by the Appropriations Committee was adjusting Medicaid and public assistance program funding downward to more accurately reflect what is needed to support these programs. This adjustment allowed the committee to reduce $22 million from Medicaid base?funding and $9 million from public assistance base?funding due to decreases in utilization of these programs. The Appropriations Committee also stopped the practice of allowing some agencies to keep the previous year?s unused funds, which was permitted under the previous administration in an effort to prevent a "use it or lose it? mentality. 66 Allowing agencies to keep unused funds, however, let them use these dollars without much transparency or accountability to the Legislature. This year, lawmakers had some agencies apply their unused funds toward their budget needs, and that helped keep funding growth down. These funds won?t be available to reduce budget growth in the future. The current budget also will allow the state to maintain a healthy cash reserve as it only calls for rainy?day funds to be used for one-time expenditures such as repairs to the State Capitol?s heating and air conditioning system, rather than ongoing commitments like tax cuts. After the transfers called for in the budget, the cash reserve will sit near the recommended level of 16 percent of the state?s general fund in order to maintain funding for key services should the economy take a downturn. In the last recession, Nebraska avoided some of the severe service cuts enacted in other states thanks in large part to a strong cash reserve. Lawmakers took positive steps this session to protect vital state investments while also creating more transparency and accountability in budgeting. But the one-time nature of some of these changes, along with growing challenges in major budget areas, will make it difficult for growth to remain at 3.1 percent going forward without cuts to schools, roads and many other services that are vital to our state and its economy. Surplus military equipment rarely used in Midlands Nearly 180 Nebraska and Iowa law enforcement agencies have benefited from surplus military equipment. The gear runs the gamut from first aid kits to armored vehicles to grenade launchers used to deploy gas. Rarely have local law enforcement agencies put the surplus guns or hulking military?issued vehicles in the field. But when they do, they are used appropriately, police and sheriff officials have said. If an armored vehicle is called to duty, it is in reaction to threats and to defend officers and deputies inside. The tactical vehicles are stripped of weaponry before they are transferred to civilian police departments. Battle-hardened trucks known as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles -- are fielded by 15 agencies in the Midlands, including the Lancaster and Douglas County Sheriff?s Offices in Nebraska and the Buena Vista County Sheriff?s Office and Storm Lake and Sioux City police in western Iowa. 67 Most people never see Douglas County?s armored vehicle. It isn?t used for patrols. It emerges from its garage only periodically for training and to keep it working. Lincoln?s SWAT team has 10 surplus rifles from the Pentagon arsenal. They?ve been fired only for qualification practice. Four Iowa law enforcement agencies acquired grenade launchers for tear gas shells. The Storm Lake Police Department has four launchers. There is one each in Lenox and Emmetsburg and Buena Vista County. The Lenox police chief fired his launcher once for testing after acquiring it about two years ago. The Omaha Police Department acquired three trucks, a generator set and two Mn14 rifles for pennies on the dollar. Last fall, 1,689 surplus federal items were in the inventories of 148 agencies in Iowa, compared with 201 items in the hands of 31 Nebraska agencies. Storm renews flooding concerns near Colorado burn scars The latest in a series of Pacific storms spreading damp weather across the West is raising concerns of flooding in areas stripped bare by forest fires. A storm dumped up to 2 inches of rain in some areas of northern Utah over the weekend, causing minor flooding and a rock slide, and has moved into Colorado, which already is waterlogged from several days of rain. Up to 2 feet of snow is expected in the eastern mountains Tuesday. Pacific storm systems are driving the unusually cold and damp weather, National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Struthwolf said. A weather ridge that protected the West from storms all winter dissipated, opening the door for these latest patterns of disruptive weather, he said. "We're just getting one storm after another,? said Struthwolf, who is based in Salt Lake City. In Nevada, the Las Vegas area had dark clouds Monday that brought showers and severe thunderstorms and let loose hail the size of quarters in neighborhoods close to the region's mountains. Parts of Arizona and California have also been hit by heavy rains in recent days. Pamela Evenson, a NWS meteorologist in Pueblo, said the storm moving into Colorado on Monday night and will linger all day Tuesday, dropping up to 2 inches of rain in some areas. 68 Forecasters are warning of the possibility of flooding on two burn scars left by devastating wildfires in the Colorado Springs area in 2012 and 2013. "Those are our main concern areas with the system coming in," Evenson said. "The soils are pretty much saturated in that area. It's rained pretty much every day." A flash flood watch will remain in effect in Teller and El Paso counties until Tuesday evening, she said, and the storm is expected to move out of the state by Wednesday. May is typically Colorado's wettest month, and so far, it?s rained almost every day this month. "The ground just got really wet, and all the precipitation is just running off at that point,? Evenson said. On its march toward Colorado, the storm system dumped up to 2 inches of rain in some areas and several inches of mountain snow in Utah, flooding several homes, triggering an avalanche warning and forcing the closure a canyon road after a boulder the size of a car blocked the road. But the precipitation also is good news for the drought-stricken Southwest. "Any precipitation we get here would be beneficial, ultimately, for California," said Jim Pringle, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Grand Junction, Colorado. But how much water gets that far depends on how much is held back in a series of dams on the Colorado River. Winter snow in the Colorado mountains is a bigger producer of water for the Colorado River than spring rains, he said. The river supplies water to about 40 million people in seven states, including California. Full US Articles Ricketts surveys flood damage Gov. Pete Ricketts got a first-hand glimpse at destroyed property and still?flooded basements in DeWitt Monday during a survey of the area. Ricketts spent part of the morning touring the town and visiting with residents affected by the May 7 flood. 69 ?We?re fortunate that there were volunteers,? Ricketts said later. ?The volunteers that I talked to today came up from Missouri to help clean up, so we?re getting a lot of great help from local folks and people from other states to help clean up.? In the days after the flood, the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort set up a relief center in the Saline County town of 500. In addition to labor, the group provided food, clothing and cleaning items, with appliances for those in need en route. Meanwhile the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency has asked its federal counterpart to do damage assessments in Adams, Cass, Gage, Jefferson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Saline, Saunders and Thayer counties. Ricketts said Monday he's confident DeWitt will get FEMA money to help with cleanup and rebuilding infrastructure. He said it could be 30 to 60 days before FEMA money is granted. This month?s flood was nothing new to longtime residents of DeWitt, who experienced a severe flood in the early 19805 and another in 1993. ?Talking to the folks here in the village, people who?ve been around DeWitt for a long time know that the recovery from a flood takes time and patience,? the governor said. ?That?s one of the things that I think we just need to emphasize to folks. ?We do have people helping out. We have the volunteers right now, we?ll have the federal folks here as well. It will take time to get all this cleaned up.? Ricketts said DeWitt was one of the areas hit worst by storms this month. He said one home he toured still has about 4 feet of standing water in the basement. State Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete accompanied Ricketts on the tour and said some families who were renting homes in DeWitt already have opted to move away, but she stressed that the town will recover. ?DeWitt has been pretty resilient over the years,? she said. ?They had a number of flood incidents, so I think that probably DeWitt will bounce back and in the long run it?ll all be Limited medical marijuana study gets initial 0K The less controversial of two medical marijuana bills being considered by Nebraska lawmakers this year received overwhelming support Monday during its first appearance before the full Legislature. 70 Sen. Sue Crawford says her bill (LBBQO), while more limited in scope than a measure sponsored by fellow Bellevue Sen. Tommy Garrett, would allow people with life?threatening epilepsy to receive treatment more quickly. The soonest Garrett's bill (LB643) could go into effect, if passed by lawmakers, would be July 2016. Regulatory complications could push that as far back as the following December. Crawford's bill would take effect almost immediately, assuming it gains support from 33 senators, the number required to pass a bill with an emergency clause. That's how many senators voted to advance the bill to a second round of debate Monday. The measure would allow doctors at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to treat patients with intractable epilepsy using cannabidiol, a substance extracted from the marijuana plant that is known to help ease the frequency and severity of seizures with minimal side effects. The study would mostly focus on children, but adults could also qualify. Crawford's bill doesn?t specify the number of potential patients; that figure would largely be determined by how much cannabidiol UNMC is able to acquire. "This product is in very high demand," Crawford said. "They want to treat as many people as they can given their capacity." GW Pharmaceuticals, a British company, has acquired FDA approval for the kind of cannabidiol allowed under the proposed study, which must be low in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the substance that produces the marijuana high. Local doctors are also working with another company that is seeking FDA approval. While her bill doesn't require the cannabidiol, or CBD, to come from an FDA~approved vendor, Crawford said UNMC wants to be cautious. Using FDA-approved CBD would also add a layer of legal protection for people living on military bases or crossing state lines with their doctor-prescribed CBD, Crawford said. The measure has senators' broad support, but medical marijuana proponents outside the Legislature raised concerns about its limited scope. Omaha Sen. Merv Riepe, who opposes both medical marijuana bills, said he wore out his shoes being called out to the Capitol lobby by people who want the drug but wouldn?t qualify for the UNMC study or whose cases might not be considered severe enough. "What about the ones that don't get selected?" he said. 71 Riepe was the only senator to oppose the bill Monday, calling it "needless duplication" of studies being conducted in other states. Ten states have adopted similar legislation in recent years. Garrett said Crawford's bill is complementary to his own, providing immediate help to people most in need. The version of the bill advanced Monday also includes an amendment adding components of two other bills, LBS46 and L8326, sponsored by Sens. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln and Matt Williams of Gothenburg. Williams' piece would add more substances to the state's ban on marijuana, or K2. Morfeld?s component would allow first responders to administer Naloxone to people suffering drug overdoses. Powdered alcohol possession penalties set The Legislature on Monday established penalties for possession of powdered alcohol before sending an omnibus liquor control bill on its way to final consideration. Senators had to break a filibuster by a handful of opponents in order to move the bill ahead. The measure (LB330) introduced by Sen. Tyson Larson of O'Neill cleared its second-round hurdle on a 40-3 vote after it was freed from the filibuster on a 35-5 count. The bill, which bans the possession of powdered alcohol in Nebraska, was amended to establish penalties that correspond to possession of one ounce of marijuana. A first offense could result in a fine of $300; a second offense could lead to a jail sentence not exceeding five days, along with a fine of $400. Additional offenses could result in a jail sentence not exceeding seven days along with a fine of $500. Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward offered the amendment, which eventually was adopted on a 40?0 vote. A decision to ban the sale of powdered alcohol in the state was added to the bill last month and Monday's action added the strictures for possession, with particular concern directed at its potential abuse by young Nebraskans. 72 "We don't need this garbage in the state of Nebraska, period," Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins said. Larson, who sponsored the bill containing a series of proposals recommended by the Liquor Control Commission, said he considered it "asinine to continue to plug up the court system" with new penalties for new offenses when courts are overloaded, along with Nebraska's corrections system. Other efforts to amend the bill were rejected. The measure contains a number of provisions, including authorization for the sale and consumption of alcohol on so-called "pedal pubs." The pedal?operated rolling bars Operate in Lincoln's Haymarket and Omaha's Old Market. Another component of the bill allows retirement homes to apply for liquor licenses. Nebraska tops national average in out-of?familv foster care, report says Nebraska places foster children outside of family settings at a higher rate than the national average, according to newly released data. In 2013, nearly 16 percent of Nebraska children in the foster care system were placed outside of their families, compared to the national average of 14 percent. The new numbers come as part of a national release of the Kids Count policy report, ?Every Kid Needs a Family: Giving Children in the Child Welfare System the Best Chance for Success,? by the Annie E. Casey Founda?on. The report highlights the importance for children to have lifelong connections to family members, and it offers ways state and local governments can work to help the 735 Nebraska youth living in out-?of-?family placements. Every Kid Needs a Family expands on state data used in a 2012 report that looked at the number of children in foster care, particularly those being cared for by relatives -- often referred to as kinship care. By comparing the reports, Nebraska policymakers can identify areas in which the state has fallen behind as compared to the national average, said Sam Huppert, communications coordinator for Voices for Children in Nebraska. 73 "In Nebraska and nationwide, it has become clear that too many children in the child welfare system are lacking family placement, with over~prescription of group placement being the norm,? Huppert said. ?Despite federal laws mandating that children are quickly moved out of group placements, thousands of children are living in these situations. This inefficient model breaks up siblings and moves children away from familiar routines, causing further traumatization." Nationally, one in seven children under the care of the child welfare system is placed in a group setting. Group placements cost the state seven to 10 times more than placing a child in family or foster care, Huppert said. Despite the high expense, 40 percent of children in group placements have no mental health diagnosis, medical disability or behavioral problem that may warrant such a restrictive setting. "In many cases, a child ends up living in a group placement simply because an agency has not found an appropriate family," the latest report stated. That is particularly true in Nebraska, said Juliet Summers, child welfare and juvenile justice policy coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska. Nebraska does not have sufficient resources for youth in foster homes who need treatment, she said. ?An emphasis on ?treatment homes? is a solution to meeting the needs of children with challenges," Summers said. Adding to the concern is research finding that out-of-home placements negatively affect teens, she said. Research from the latest report found that youth in group placements were 2.4 times more likely to be arrested than those in foster families. Nebraska data as of Dec. 31, 2013, found that 20 percent of children removed from the family home and placed in court-ordered foster care, spend time in "congregational care? such as a detention facility, emergency shelter, medical facility or group home, Summers said. Voices for Children in Nebraska Executive Director Carolyn Rooker urged Nebraska policymakers to use the Every Kid Needs a Family report to find solutions to child welfare issues. ?This report reveals that our child welfare system is having problems both nationwide and in Nebraska,? she said. ?But it also points to reasonable state solutions that can lead to better outcomes for kids in Nebraska while saving the state money. We must make sure all children 74 can live with families or relatives, and if that is not possible, with stable foster families that can allow them to grow into healthy, successful adults.? The report proposes four policy solutions to reduce group placements and improve outcomes for kids in the child welfare system. Increase service options. Communities that provide a wide range of services have more options that enable children to remain safely in families. For example, state and local child welfare and Medicaid agencies should work together to ensure adequate support by the behavioral health system for services that can be provided in a home setting. Strengthen pool of families. Public and private agencies should do more to find families for children and to make sure those families have the support they need to help children thrive. Keep residential treatment short, with family in focus. Residential treatment should be strengthened to meet children?s acute needs in a customized, short-term way that equips young people to live in a family and to maintain family connections throughout treatment. Require justification for restrictive placements. Substantial justification should be required by child welfare systems and by the courts before young people are sent to group placements. State Fair gets tough on doping, takes away titles The Nebraska State Fair Board has stripped three of its top 2014 competitors of their titles in an effort to crack down on doping. Animals have tested positive for drugs in the past, but this is the most found in a single year and the stiffest penalties handed out, said Livestock Committee Chairman Kirk Shane. ?It seems like if we don?t do something it gets worse. And we have other people who come to us and say, ?Why haven?t you stopped this?? Shane said. "You don?t do it in sports. And showing livestock, I personally, myself, believe that is a sport." All Nebraska State Fair and FFA grand champion and reserve champion winning animals are slaughtered and the animals? blood tested for drugs. This year two sheep and two swine shown by three exhibitors tested positive for prohibited substances. Those three competitors appealed the sanctions and had their cases reviewed by a Livestock Appeal Committee whose recommendation was adopted by the State Fair Board May 8 on an 8?2 vote. 75 The Grand Champion FFA and 4-H market lambs exhibited by Conrad Schelkopf of Geneva tested positive for the steroids dexamethasone, and trenbolone. The Reserve Champion FFA market barrow shown by Grace Jacobson of the Fillmore Central FFA Chapter and the Grand Champion 4-H market gilt shown by Jesse Hoblyn of York tested positive for the anti-inflammatory drug flunixin and the sedative chlorpromazine, said livestock superintendent Bill Angell. The competitors were disqualified, their premiums withheld and any of their future entries will be tested regardless of placing. Also, Schelkopf has been banned from showing at the state fair for two years and Hoblyn for one. It is the exhibitors? responsibility to be sure the animals they show don't have prohibited substances in them, Angell said. ?We?re trying to level the playing field so every exhibitor has an opportunity to show their animals and do well,? he said. "In market animals, those things are not supposed to be in the system when they?re slaughtered. And that is why we drug test because according to the USDA, they are prohibited substances when an animal is going to harvest." Lincoln attorney Steve Mossma n, who represented Schelkopf, criticized state fair officials for not collecting enough blood to have a second test done. Testing a second time, he said in a letter to the State Fair Board, is standard practice and the inability to do so as part of the appeal violated Schelkopf?s due process rights. In the letter, Mossman also said the State Fair Board failed to follow its own procedures, which require a determination on the severity of the drug found by the State Fair Livestock Committee under advisement by a laboratory and the fair's attorney. Mossman said his client was disappointed in the board?s decision. Innovation Campus greenhouse puts plants through the paces A single stalk of sorghum -- planted in a two~gallon bucket -- was the star of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?s Fascination of Plants Day, an event showcasing how the leafy lifeforms are integral to life. Winding its way down a conveyor belt and through several chambers with doors automatically opening with a hydraulic hiss, the plant was the focal point of a sneak preview of greenhouses going up on Nebraska Innovation Campus. 76 Expected to be fully functional in June, the Greenhouse Innovation Center?s multimillion dollar phenotyping system is capable of moving individual corn, soybean and other plants through four chambers with specialized cameras designed to track physical characteristics invisible to the naked eye. The system, assembled on site by the German company LemnaTec earlier this year, will measure temperature, content and visual characteristics like growth rate of up to 670 plants a day. UNL scientists will compare how the physical characteristics, or phenotypes, of corn, soybeans and other crops compare to the plant?s genetics by analyzing the thousands of images, said Archie Clutter, dean of UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. "The goal is to link the genetics of the plant to these images of the phenotypes we can collect in the system and link those to important traits like disease tolerance, drought tolerance in the field,? Clutter said. He added phenotyping system is ?one of a handful? in the world, and was individually tailored for the Innovation Campus greenhouse facility. Monday's celebration included a speech from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at Food Factory of the Future conference. Now a faculty member at Georgetown University, Albright spoke to food industry leaders about the importance of improving food science to help feed a world population expected to grow by 2 billion by the year 2050. UNL has made food science research a priority of its research park. Amy Hilske, greenhouse manager, said the Greenhouse Innovation Center builds upon research being done at the George W. Beadle Center for Biotechnology on City Campus, which has a similar system for ?benchtop? plants. "Here, we can study larger plants in greater detail and eventually move on to the larger generation plants out in the field,? Hilske said. But at the same time, the new research center?s capabilities will allow UNL to stand out in plant phenotyping efforts, she said, and be a draw for top researchers and companies across the U.S. More faculty and researcher positions are planned for the Greenhouse Innovation Center, Hilske said, including data who will develop programs capable of analyzing the images captured. 77 Vice Chancellor Ronnie Green said the automated plant phenotyping system began as the dream of UNL researchers five years ago. Through funding provided by the Nebraska Research Initiative state appropriations set aside to further research in "core areas? -- as well as cash funds from IANR, the $2 million automated system will help draw private partners to the fledgling research park, he added. ?We owe the state of Nebraska and the citizens of Nebraska a lot for investing in this kind of infrastructure, giving us the capacity to move forward,? Green said. "When this is operational and we?re fully in place, we envision this will be a public~private facility.? Two greenhouse bays are currently standing on the site, with as many as six more possible. UNL owns office space and one of the bays totaling 50,000 square feet and will lease space in the second bay when the center opens later this year. Several seed companies, including Monsanto, Bayer Crop Science, Pioneer and ?a host of other companies? are looking at leasing space to use the state?of?the-art imaging system, Green said. ?They will look at the unique things they can do here leveraged with our faculty?s expertise,? he said. Editorial, 5/19: Shifting traffic from city campus Back in the Journal Star?s paper library, inhabited these days only by the ghosts of journalism past -- the newspaper?s electronic library dates back to 1996 yellow clippings tell the story: Planners have been talking since at least 1990 about closing 17th street on the city campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The time may finally have arrived. Under the latest proposal unveiled earlier this month, 17th Street would be converted to a pedestrian mall from Street to Street between residence halls on campus and recreation fields to the east. As part of the plan, traffic on 16th street would be changed to two?way. Nine alternative designs are being discussed, with various options for bike lanes, center turn lanes, parking and curb designs to shorten pedestrian street crossings. (Check them out online at go.unl.edu/1617.) 78 There?s been a major change in the city?s street system that the idea of closing 17th Street makes the plan more realistic than when it was broached 25 years ago as a ?conceptual framework for the future.? That change is the construction of the four-lane Antelope Valley Parkway just a few blocks to the east of 17th Street. ?Antelope Valley was designed with capacity over the volume of traffic that is currently using it,? said assistant city engineer Randy Hoskins. ?The road can handle the additional traffic that would result from the changes on campus.? All the changes proposed by UNL, City Hall and Schemmer Associates would help make the UNL city campus safer by reducing conflicts between cars, bikes and pedestrians. That goal obviously would be achieved by closing 17th Street. And "with 16th Street, we want to minimize the speed of traffic and volume coming through the middle of campus to encourage drivers to use Antelope Valley, ?said Jennifer Dam, assistant director of campus planning and space management at UNL. Officials are studying the various ramifications of the plan, such as the route that emergency vehicles would use from Lincoln Fire and Rescue?s Fire Station No. 1 at 1801 St., which is one of the busiest companies in the city. Decades ago it may have seemed a necessity for traffic to continue whizzing through campus on the one-way pairs of 16th and 17th. Since then the Holdrege Street bridge at 17th Street was closed in 2008 because pieces were falling off. Now the AnteIOpe Valley Parkway is open. There may be some grousing if 17th Street is closed. Driving habits can be hard to change. But we predict there won?t be much of an outcry. The future envisioned a quarter century ago has arrived. Other Full Articles Kearney Hub: Pete Ricketts to tour troubled Tecumseh prison Tuesday morning A week after a deadly prison riot, Gov. Pete Ricketts will tour the damaged Tecumseh State Correctional Institute on Tuesday morning. Ricketts will be joined on the tour by State Corrections Director Scott Frakes, who the governor hired in February to seek reforms in the state prison system. 79 Two inmates were found dead after prisoners took over two housing units at the 960~bed prison on May 10. Two corrections employees were injured in the rampage, which wasn?t brought under control until the next morning. Damages were estimated at between $350,000 and $500,000. Tecumseh is the state?s newest and most secure state prison. Ricketts has invited reporters to join him on the tour. He is expected to discuss the recovery steps at the prison, future plans for Corrections and bills pending in the State Legislature that pertain to criminal sentences and programming. North Platte Bulletin: Legislature approves second marijuana bill The Nebraska Legislature continued Monday to adapt Nebraska to changing medications, authorizing research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center into low~THC oil for patients with epileptic seizures that are difficult or impossible to treat. With only one dissenting vote, the legislature passed the bill on the first round of debate to establish and fund the research project. THC is short for tetrahyd rocannabinol the intoxicating ingredient in marijuana. Naloxone And, a provision was also added to allow an individual to prescribe or dispense naloxone, a morphine?like drug, to someone who experiences an opioid?related overdose. Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld outlined the dangers of prescription drugs. He said fatal drug overdoses many from prescription painkillers have increased six?fold over the past 30 years, claiming the lives of more than 36,000 Americans each year. He said 28 states already have passed laws that increase access to the life-saving drug naloxone, according to a report from the Unicameral Update, the official news service of the Legislature. "This drug is not in enough hands to save as many lives as it can,? Morfeld said. K2 80 And, Morfeld?s also added the provisions of LB 326, first introduced by Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg at the request of the attorney general?s office, to update the state?s ban on the newest compounds of cannabinoids, generally known as K2. K2 is already illegal, but Williams? bill widens the language of the states ?Uniform Controlled Substances Act? to include similar drugs, giving prosecutors more ammunition. Williams said the Legislature needs to continually revise the list of controlled substances. "This is a serious problem and one we can address by updating these chemical compositions,? Williams said. Money The low-THC research project would be funded by $250,000 a year for two years. The Legislature declared that the money would come from the university?s Nebraska Research Initiative, not the state?s general fund as originally planned, putting the financial responsibility onNU. According to the Unicameral Update, the bill would authorize UN MC to be Nebraska?s sole producer and prescriber of cannabidiol for research. The cannabidiol could contain up to three?tenths percent of THC, the active ingredient of the cannabis plant. Practitioners, patients and their parents or legal guardians participating in the study would be exempt from prosecution for possession of a controlled substance. FDA clears Sen. Sue Crawford said the federal Food and Drug Administration has recently given preliminary approval to a pharmaceutical~grade cannabinoid drug that UNMC could prescribe legally. Crawford said the bill provides a framework that allows patients immediate access to a drug that has proven effective to reduce seizures for treatment?resistant children, while giving medical community the opportunity to collect data on the drug?s efficacy. 81 Money shift Crawford also introduced an amendment, adopted 26?1, which would transfer to the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund 560 million annually from the Nebraska Medicaid Intergovernmental Trust Fund and the Nebraska Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund. Orange County Register: David Whiting: Legacy of 0.C.'s worst killing should be abolishing death penalty The legacies of Orange County?s worst mass murder are many, including a town that rose up and bonded. But for Bethany Webb, who lost her sister and nearly lost her mother, there can be no greater legacy than abolishing the death penalty. Make no mistake. Webb?s mission has nothing to do with forgiveness. Rather, it has everything to do with practicality. That, and avoiding the footsteps of a man who shot and killed eight people. Webb sits on the couch in her living room and after an hour of quietly sharing her grief, she jabs her finger in the air and angrily questions what is the point of risking killing the wrong person, wasting countless hours on court hearings, spending billions of dollars in California on death penalty cases? ?What happens on the day you watch them put a needle in his arm and watch him fall asleep?? she asks of those on death row. ?Are you going to get satisfaction?? Providing her own answer, Webb points out her sister, Laura Webb Elody, got none of the courtesies afforded to a convict on death row. No last meal. No goodbyes. Just horrific terror staring at blood, bodies and the barrel of a gun. If handled properly, she notes, a convicted murderer drifts away after a peaceful overdose. Eliminate the death penalty, Webb suggests. Put death row inmates in general population. ?Let them spend 30 years wondering if they?ll die a violent death.? As Webb talks, we are only miles fromthe Salon Meritage in Seal Beach where the killings took place four years ago. But we could be anywhere in California, the state with the largest population of death row inmates -- more than 700. 82 Of those, more than 50 are Orange County killers. Webb offers there are layers of problems with the death penalty. ?It?s like peeling an onion, and each one stinks.? MISTAKES 0N DEATH ROW Robert Dunham is executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit takes no stance on the death penalty. But it does raise serious issues about government?sanctioned killing. Dunham tells me, ?There?s an extreme risk that you are executing people who are innocent.? A review of case law bears out his statement. Cameron Willingham, for example, was executed February 2004 for murdering his children in an arson fire in Texas. A nationally known fire investigator, Gerald Hurst, later determined, ?There?s nothing to suggest to any reasonable arson investigator that this was an arson fire. It was just a fire.? Juror Dorinda Brokofsky responded, ?Now I will have to live with this for the rest of my life. Maybe this man was innocent." Webb is typically blunt about the Willingham case. ?They murdered a man who was innocent.? Dunham points out there is evidence that executions tend to be biased against minorities and the poor. He also points out there is no evidence the death penalty deters crime, and that the system is extraordinarily expensive. Three years ago, Judge Arthur Alarcon and professor Paula Mitchell updated their landmark study about the cost of California?s death penalty. The authors found that since 1978, when the state restored the death penalty, more than $4 billion has been spent. Here?s the breakdown of your tax dollars at work: $1.94 billion on pretrial and trial costs; $925 million on automatic appeals and habeas corpus petitions; $775 million on federal habeas corpus appeals; $1 billion on incarceration. 0f the single?person death row cells, Webb says, ?We?re taking the worst of the worst and giving them the best housing.? 83 If death sentences were commuted to life without parole, the authors reported, California would save $170 million a year. Instead, death row has become so crowded that Gov. Jerry Brown recently proposed spending $3.2 million for 100 new prison cells. Here?s one more cold statistic: It?s been nearly a decade since California executed anyone. Ironically, that in itself may be a crime. FAMILIES PAY PRICE Last July, U.S. District Court Judge Cormac Carney vacated the death sentence of Ernest Jones, who was on death row for two decades. The judge ruled that California's death penalty is so dysfunctional it amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. ?Inordinate and unpredictable delay has resulted in a death penalty system,? Carney wrote, ?in which very few of the hundreds of individuals sentenced to death have been, or even will be, executed by the state.? The federal judge called California?s death penalty ?a system that serves no penological purpose.? In March, Webb joined families of other murder victims in filing briefs on behalf of Jones. Yes, our death penalty system is so screwed up that the families of murder victims are in court arguing for the murderers. Constitutional law on cruel and unusual punishment is important. But after spending time with Webb and I?ve also spent time with other relatives of those killed at Salon Meritage -- my heart doesn?t break over the judge?s points on stressing out convicts on death row. But the convicts aren?t the only ones stuck in this unusually cruel system. The relatives suffer emotionally as well people like Webb and her mother, Hattie Stretz, now 77 and the sole survivor of the Salon Meritage tragedy. Dunham of the death penalty center notes a recent law review report comparing victim families who lived in states without capital crimes to families that lived in states with death penalties. By the time the appellate process was over, families who didn?t have to face the rigors of death penalty cases had better mental health. After four years of court hearings -- and understand that the Salon Meritage killer confessed to 84 his guilt Webb and her mother, who was at the salon having her hair done, are worn out. Yet because this is a capital case, they still face a very complicated and penalty phase. The process is especially difficult for Webb because she?s always been wary of the death penalty. For those who back the death penalty, she warns, ?Your train of thought becomes (the killer?s) train of thought. ?I?m no hippie-dippy,? she is quick to say, ?but as a mom, I?ve always believed that two wrongs don?t make a right. The idea that we?re ever going to make (the Salon Meritage murders) right is ridiculous." KILLERS WANT FAME Webb has another sister and a brother. But Webb and Elody, a stylist, were especially tight. "She was the soft one. was the hard one. She was a gentle soul and that fear she faced at her end haunts me." Webb allows that her mother survived only because her left arm happened to be over her chest and the bullet shattered arm bone, stopping it from destroying her heart. Today, Stretz has a cadaver bone in her arm and only has partial movement of her left hand. As we talk, Webb reveals her biggest fear. She is convinced that her sister?s killer, Scott Dekraai, strapped on a bulletproof vest and picked up three guns not simply to kill his wife during a custody battle. Webb says, ?i believe this in my core, that he walked in there for the infamy, for the fame.? Wiping away tears, Webb maintains that every article with his name, every court hearing only helps the killer to get the attention he craves. hope he gets put in general population and he?s there until the day he dies and we never hear from him again.? She asks that every person he killed be named in this column to honor their memory: Elody, 46; Michelle Fournier, 48; David Caouette, 64; Randy Lee Fannin, 62; Michele Daschbach Fast, 47; Lucia Bernice Kondas, 65; Christy Wilson, 47; Victoria Buzzo, 54. "Victoria, Laura and Gordon (Gallego, a stylist who survived) were the three amigos,? Webb recalls. As she remembers, she points to her shirt. It?s emblazoned with ?Team Laura" and the images of Laura and Buzzo, both tilting their heads back with glee. 85 The one thing that will help, Webb believes, is time. She hopes to wake up one day not thinking of the awful way her sister died, but of the great times they had together. And Webb has one more wish, one about what was once a joyous place where peOple joked, shared, celebrated life. ?My goal is the think of the Salon Meritage with a smile, as opposed to the bloodbath it became.? That healing will come more quickly if we abolish the death penalty. LA Times: Drought cuts power production of California clams Shasta Dam, looming more than 600 feet tall and gatekeeper of the largest man-made lake in California, was designed to perform two crucial functions: Store water and generate power. And for decades, the massive concrete structure has channeled water to cities and farms while generating up to 710 megawatts of hydropower, enough to provide electricity for more than 532,000 homes. But amid four years of drought, the reservoir is drained to 50% of capacity, cutting the dam's power production by about a third, according to federal reclamation officials. The story is the same at many dams across California, where electricity production at some is expected to be less than 20% of normal because of low water levels. The shortfall shouldn't cause brownouts, officials said, because California relies on dams for power far less than it did in decades past, due in part to the emergence of solar and wind energy. But it does come at a price. Hydropower, even with its diminished profile, is important to California's energy mix as a quick, reliable and inexpensive source of electricity a buffer during moments of peak demand. A reduced supply from dams forces the grid operator to turn to more expensive sources of power, such as natural gas, which also enlarges the state's carbon footprint. "Consumers have paid more than a billion dollars more for electricity than they otherwise would've. And our greenhouse gas emissions are higher than they would otherwise have been," said Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute, an environmental think tank based 86 in Oakland. "Over the last three years, and continuing this year, the costs are going to continue." In the 19505, hydrOpower supplied almost 60% of the state's electricity. Now, it provides 14% to 19% in a normal year, and even less during a drought -- accounting for about 8% of the state?s total power last year. Renewable energy, on the other hand, provided more than 20%, according to the California Energy Commission. Making up the difference from less hydrOpower has not been cheap. The cost to California ratepayers could have been as high as $1.4 billion from 2012 through 2014, according to a report by the Pacific Institute. Renewable energy, especially solar, helped make up for about 55% of the reduction in hydroelectricity in 2013 and 2014, state officials said. Natu ra ~gas~fired power made up the rest. Burning more natural gas to compensate for the reduced hydropower led to an 8% increase in carbon dioxide emissions from California power plants during a three year period, said Gleick, author of the Pacific Institute study. Hydropower produces little to no air pollution. "If the drought continues," Gleick said, "if one of the impacts is a permanent reduction in hydropower, we need to ramp up other renewables even more than we are." Experts said California had little choice but to diversify its power generation beyond dams. Even in normal years, the dams have been producing basically the same amount of hydropower as they did decades ago. Huge population growth since the 19505 meant the need for more overall electricity. Instead of building more dams to supply the extra electricity, officials found other sources of energy. "We've built on all of the good dam sites in California. We're not going to expand hydrogeneration almost anywhere in the West," Gleick said. "So in an expanding energy demand situation, hydro just becomes a smaller and smaller fraction of the overall system." When hydropower plants were first built in California a century ago, they were sold as a way to handle two precious commodities: power and water. In 1909, while creating the Los Angeles Aqueduct, officials began building hydroelectricity plants that helped power the construction equipment. Hydropower is created when water passes through a turbine, which spins a generator and creates an electrical field. The power is sent to an electrical substation and enters the electric grid. Generating the power does not require extra water After going through the turbines, usually in a power plant at a dam, the water returns to the river or canal system. 87 Unlike so ar or wind?produced power, which depend on whether the sun comes out or the wind is blowing, hydrOpower is more controllable, officials said. At reservoirs, officials can turn a valve to increase the water flow whenever more electricity is needed. Energy suppliers rely on hydro as reserve power, and as a quick way to respond to surges in demand for electricity. ln drought years, it's a difficult balancing act because hydropower isn't always an immediate op?on. "It's a much bigger operational challenge," said Colin Cushnie, Southern California Edison's vice president of energy procurement and management. "The hydro energy plays a very important role in maintaining system reliability, because of the flexibility it provides system operators." Edison's hydropower plants are expected to produce less than one?fifth of its usual production this year, but this will not affect Edison?s ability to keep the lights on for its 14 million customers, Cushnie said. Even in an average year, the hydropower Edison produces is only 5% of its total energy supply. When hydropower is not as available, Edison has to rely more on natural-?gasmfired power plants, which take longer to turn on and are more complicated to operate, Cushnie said. Wind and solar, and power purchased from other providers, have also helped Edison make up the ropower difference. Across the state, the continuing drought could also hit some electric customers in their wallets. One megawatt-hour of hydropower usually costs less than $1.40, while solar and wind could cost as much as $4.20 to $8.10 per megawatt-hour in the state, officials estimated. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District, whose energy supply is about 20% hydroelectricity, began charging a 1.3% hydropower surcharge in April, or about $1.19 extra per month on an . average residential bill. During dry years, the district has had a reserve fund to draw money to purchase extra power. In 2011, there was $40 million in the reserve. Four drought years later: Almost zero. For the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, hydroelectricity is the bread and butter of power because it's a highly effective system that was built 50 years ago. Officials don't have to take bond money to build big new infrastructure, as they do for solar and wind power. To produce hydropower, it's just maintenance and operation costs, spokesman ChristOpher Capra said. Officials said costs will go down and there will be less reliance on natural gas to make up the difference as solar and wind power continue to grow. Wind and solar, accelerated by state mandates to focus on using renewable energy, have gone up more than 2.5 times in the past two years, said Robert Weisenmiller, chair of the California Energy Commission. 88 Wind and solar will also get cheaper and more reliable as more plants are installed, officials said. But until this happens. Californians will have to stay drought?conscious, even when it comes to energy. Although it takes water to make electricity, it also takes electricity to move water from reservoirs to California's farms and showers. "Saving water and saving energy are tied together," Weisenmiller said. "You can help save water by reducing energy use. it?s really important that going forward, we use both energy and water wisely." 89 Gillming?Weber, Lana From: Sent: To: Subject: From: Gage, Taylor Gage, Taylor Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:02 AM Gillming?Weber, Lana FW: Governor's Weekly Column: Crime and Punishment Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 4:49 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: Governor?s Weekly Column: Crime and Punishment Crime and Punishment By Governor Pete Ricketts May 19, 2015 The governor?s official photo is available here. Over the past couple weeks, the Legislature has continued to advance proposals that soften our state?s approach to dealing with the most hardened and heinous criminals. These proposals, including the repeal of Nebraska?s death penalty and mandatory minimum 90 sentences for certain offenses, would make it more difficult for Nebraska law enforcement to prosecute the worst criminals and consequently would put Nebraska families and public safety at risk. Proponents of repealing the death penalty like to say that Nebraska does not even have a death penalty because our state has not executed anyone since 1997. Whatever has happened in the past, this is a management problem, and I am committed to ensuring that Nebraska has a functional death penalty. Just last week, I announced that the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has purchased the drugs necessary to carry out the death penalty here in our state. Even without executions in recent years, the death penalty in Nebraska has continued to play an important role in prosecuting criminals, protecting our families, and ensuring that criminals remain locked behind bars. Some proponents of repealing the death penalty have argued that the four walls of a prison and a life sentence instead of a death sentence is enough to protect the public from our society?s most heinous criminals. Here is an example that demonstrates why this way of thinking is wrong and misguided. In 1973, Laddie Dittrich was originally convicted of burglary and first degree murder for his involvement in the stabbing death of an Omaha man. He received a life sentence. In April 2013, Dittrich was pardoned and his sentence was commuted from life to 80 years to life. Subsequently, Dittrich was paroled in May 2014. In November 2014, Dittrich was arrested for third degree sexual assault on a child involving a 10 year girl. A recent case in the news also demonstrates the important role the death penalty plays in prosecuting the most heinous criminals. Last week, Douglas County prosecutors announced that they would seek the death penalty against Roberto Martinez-Marinero who has been charged with killing his mother, drowning his 5-year-old half-brother in a river, and discarding an 11~month-old infant in a dumpster. These 91 are heinous crimes, and these criminals should receive a commensurate sentence. If the Legislature gives final approval to repealing the death penalty, senators will open the door-?quite literally?"to more lenient sentences for death row inmates. This legislation not only repeals the death penalty for sentencing in future cases, but would also repeal the death sentences for the 11 inmates who currently sit on death row. Let me be clear: Advocates of LBZ68 are not only supporting the repeal of the death penalty in the future, but they are also voting to give lighter sentences to Nebraska?s most heinous murderers. Senators also amended the legislation so that current death row inmates would be given a ?life sentence? instead of ?life without parole.? This leaves open the possibility that our state?s most heinous murderers could be out on the streets once again. Another concerning piece of legislation is which would repeal mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses and remove protections against revolving door criminals. In the past couple of weeks, the Legislature has tinkered with to make some changes, however, they have failed to address the concerns of top law enforcement about this bill. In its current form, this legislation would still repeal mandatory minimums for crimes such as production of child pornography, drive by shootings, and the use of a firearm to commit a felony. would also prevent law enforcement from using the ?three strikes? option for habitual criminals including those convicted for arson in the second degree, gang recruitment, and possession of a firearm at a school. Overwhelmingly, Nebraskans I talk to across our state are deeply concerned about the repeal of the death penalty and attempts by the Legislature to give more lenient sentences to hardened criminals. Events like the disturbance at Tecumseh demonstrate that we need to 92 continue to maintain strong facilities and tough laws to protect Nebraskans. I am committed to standing up for the public safety of Nebraskans. It is the number one objective of government and I take it seriously. It is never too late to let your senator know your thoughts on important issues. Your calls and emails are important to informing future votes, and ensuring your voice is being heard by your state senator. You can find all the information you need on how to contact your senator at Word Count: 795 Taylor Gage Public Relations Director Office of Governor Pete Ricketts 402?471?1970 [office] 402-499-8351 (mobile) Website Facebook 1 'l?witter 93 Tuma, Carmelee From: Rupiper, Noelle Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 9:30 AM To: Tuma, Carmelee Subject: RE: 2015 Unicameral Youth Legislature They get 2025. Noelle Rupiper Governor?s Office (402)471?2244 From: Tuma, Carmelee Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 9:17 AM To: Rupiper, Noelle Subject: RE: 2015 Unicameral Youth Legislature Do you remember about how many students? Carmelee Tuma Scheduler for Governor Pete Ricketts P. O. Box 94848, State Capitol Lincoln, NE 68509 402?471?1969 402-471-6031 fax carmelee.tuma@nebraska.gov From: Rupiper, Noelle Sent: Monday, February 09, 2015 1:35 PM To: Tuma, Carmelee Subject: FW: 2015 Unicameral Youth Legislature Noelle Rupiper Governor?s Office (402)471w2244 From: Ami Johnson Sent: Monday, February 09, 2015 1:31 PM To: Rupiper, Noelle Subject: Re: 2015 Unicameral Youth Legislature Sure thing, Noelle. The Unicameml Youth Legislatm?e is allele-moldy legislative simulation in. which high school sluclehl's lake on (he role Qflawmakers. Smolehl senator's sponsor bills, ermducl hearings, debate legislallon and discover the unique process Qflhe nation?s only swimmer-ml. The Unleameml Yam/7 Legislalure gives l3ehihcl~1he~seehes access (0 sludems who have an. im'eresl in public 1 office, government, politics, law, public policy, debate or public speaking. Students will learn about the inner workings ofthe Legislature directly?from senators, staffand lobbyists. Bill topics are based on legislation considered during the most recent legislative session. From driving lairvs to the death penalty, topics selected the legislature are diverse and engaging. Legislative activities are conducted at the Nebraska State Capitol Building in the historic Warner Chamber, which was home to the Nebraska Senate until the state consolidated to a one?house legislature in 193 7. The youth legislature is organized by the Nebraska State (Mice and the University ofNebraslca~Lineoln Extension youth development program. The Clerk ofthe Nebraska Legislature, through the Unicameral Information Office, serves as a technical consultant . for the Unicameral Youth Legislature. Let me know if you need anything else! - Ami On Mon, Feb 9, 2015 at 1:27 PM, Rupiper, Noelle wrote: Ami, Can you provide a paragraph or so about the group, how many, what grades, what the program is about? Noelle Rupiper Governor?s Office (402)47l?2244 From: Ami Johnson Sent: Friday, January 30, 2015 11:37 AM To: Rupiper, Noelle Subject: 2015 Unicameral Youth Legislature Good morning, Noelle! We wiil be holding the Unicamerel Youth Legislature once again June 7-1 1 here at the capitol. On Monday, June 8, the student senators will be having lunch at the Governor's residence. 1 was honing the Governor would have 15 minutes to stop by and say hello to the students. It will be brief and infor1nal;just a meet and greet. Lunch will begin at 12:15 and end at The governor is always a big hit with our participants and gives them a lot to think about. Would he be able to briefly stop in? Thanks for your help! - Ami Ami Johnson Public Information Officer Unicameral Information Office Office of the Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature State Capitol Building, 10th floor (402) 471-0764 update.legislaturenegov Ami Johnson Public information Officer Unieameral information Office Office of the Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature State Capitol Building, 10th floor {402) 471-0764 updatelegislaturenegov Tuma, Carmelee Subject: 2:30 pm - Miriam Thimm Kelle, Tricia Moore, Elle Hansen, Stacy Anderson re Death Penalty, Lauren Anthone. Start: Tue 4/7/2015 2:30 PM End: Tue 4/7/2015 3:00 PM Recurrence: (none) Organizer: Governor Schedule Miriam Thimm Kelle of Beatrice: Her brother James Thimm was murdered in in 1982, and his killer, Michael Ryan, has sat on Nebraska?s death row for nearly 30 years. Tricia Moore of Omaha: Her son er?ray was 23 years old when he was murdered in Omaha less than two years ago. Elle Hansen of Lincoln: lost her niece to murder. Stacy Anderson, Executive Director of Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Stacy Anderson Executive Director. Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty 941 Street, Suite 725 Lineotn, NE 88508 Office: 402.477.7787 1 Cell: 402.525.4679 Tu ma, Ca rmelee From: Stacy Anderson Sent: Monday, April 06, 2015 3:32 PM To: Tuma, Carmeiee Subject: Those attending meeting with Governor Hi Carin, I am very sorry that I forgot to send these names earlier. I am on the road back from today so I am sending these from my phone. Please don?t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or need any further information. Those attending the 2:30 meeting with the governor tomorrow will be Miriam Thimm Kelle of Beatrice: Her brother James Thimm was murdered in in 1982, and his killer, Michael Ryan, has sat on Nebraska?s death row for nearly 30 years. Tricia Moore of Omaha: Her son Jer?ray was 23 years old when he was murdered in Omaha less than two years ago. Elle Hansen of Lincoln: lost her niece to murder. And I will be attending with them. Stacy Anderson of Lincoln. I am Executive Director ofNebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Thank you, Stacy Anderson Sent from my iPhone Tu ma, Carmelee From: Stacy Anderson Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 4:39 PM To: Toma, Carmelee Subject: Re: Possible Victim's Meeting Hi Carmelee, I totally understand. April 7th may be a little tougher for the group, but I think we can get most of the 3-4 there. So let?s plan on the April 7th at 2:30pm time. Thank you again for all your help! Stacy Sent from my iPhone On Mar 20, 2015, at 4:01 PM, Tuma, Carmelee wrote: So sorry, April 8 does not work. We?ve had an opening for NEXT Tues, Mar 24, 4:00 ?4:30 pm. What about that date? I?ll hold it just in case it works and I?ll hoid the other Apr 7 date also. Ca rmelee Tuma Scheduler for Governor Pete Rieketts P. O. Box 94848, State Capitol Lincoln, NE 68509 402*471-1969 402-471-6031 fax From: Stacy Anderson Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 2:49 PM To: Tuma, Carmeiee Subject: Re: Possible Victim's Meeting Hi Carmelee, Thanks so much for reaching out to try to set up a time for this meeting. I meant to email you earlier, but I was trying to survey the folks that would come to the meeting to see when they might be able to do a meeting. Would the same time the very next day be available? So April 8th at 2:30 (or later that afternoon)? That seemed like the most agreeable time to the few people. If not, I can work with them to try to make the time you suggested work. And yes, we will keep the meeting no more than 4-5 people total in the room. I believe at this point there would be 3-4 victims family members and I would likely attend with them, just for their comfort and to be able to answer any questions about the bill itself should they arise. have been in contact with Elle and she is one of the 3-4 that will likely attend the meeting. 1 Once I have the ?nal date and check with everyone I will be happy to provide you with all of their names. Thank you so much for your help, Carmaleel Stacy On Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 2:06 PM, Tuma, Carmelee wrote: Hi Stacy, Thanks for your email. Governor Ricketts would be pleased to meet with you and others to discuss this issue. Would Tues, Apr 7, 2:30-3:00 pm., work? The only individual i heard from requesting a meeting is Elle (Ellen) Hansen of Lincoln (elleinlincoln@gmail.com, 402-217?1379, if you could contact her to invite her and others you wish to attend, that would be great. We would ask that it not be a large group, probably no more than 6-7. At some point, if you could provide a list of the attendees, that would be helpful. The meeting would take place in our of?ce, Room 2316, Second Floor, northeast corner of the State Capitol. We appreciate your coordinating this. Thank you. Carmelee Carmelee Tuma Scheduler for Governor Pete Ricketts P. 0. Box 94848, State Capitol Lincoln, NE 68509 402-471-1969 402-471-6031 fax carmelee.tuma@nebraska.gov From: Miltenberger, Matt Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 5:17 PM To: Stacy Anderson Cc: Tuma, Carmelee Subject: RE: Possible Victim's Meeting Sta cy? Good to hear from you. We cc?d the governor?s scheduler, Carm, on this emaii. She has been the one receiving the requests from the other family members ofvictims. Piease coordinate with her on a time that would work for the individuais you have been in contact with as well as the those that have reached out to us and we will get something scheduied. Thank you Matt From: Stacy Anderson Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 2:32 PM To: Miltenberger, Matt Subject: Possible Victim's Meeting Hi Matt, Thanks again for taking some time to meet and talk with me last week. I know time is a precious commodity in your position, so I truly appreciate it. I wanted to circle back. about a possible meeting with some of the victims' family members meeting with the governor. I understand from Jessica that the Governor's scheduler has heard from a few different victims. Jessica thought perhaps I could help coordinate with those victims who have requested meetings to get it to one consolidated meeting with 3-4 victims. And, of course, I'm happy to help coordinate that. We have folks that would probably be coming from different areas in the state, so if you all could tell us a time that would be possible for the Governor with some notice so those folks could travel here, that would be good. I am thinking the bill will come up in the ?rst couple weeks in April so really any time that is convenient for the Governor in the next 3-4 weeks would seem logical to me. Does that seem workable? Would you like me to work with the Governor?s scheduler directly? Thanks, Stacy Stacy Anderson Executive Director Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty 941 Street. Suite 725 Lincoln, NE 68508 Office: 402.477.7787 1 Ceit: 402.525.4879 Website: Stacy Anderson Executive Director Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty 941 Street. Suite 725 Lincoln, NE 68508 Office: 4024777787 Cell: 402.525.4679 Website: Tu ma, Carmelee From: Mittenberger, Matt Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 9:21 AM To: Toma, Carmelee Subject: Fwd: Possible short meeting Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Stacy Anderson Date: March 8, 2015 at 9:20:22 PM CDT To: Subject: Possible short meeting Hi Matt, How are you? I know the Governor?s staffis always busy, but I'm sure legislative session is only more so. I was talking with Stacey Dieckmann the other night about everything going on with the Death Penalty bill hearing last week and she suggested I. reach out to you to see if we could have a brief meeting. I thought I would share with you the information I?ve shared with the senators and share some information that you could share with the Governor as the bill advances. Do you think it would be possible to ?nd a time in the next week or so? I can make my schedule very ?exible to accommodate yours. Thanks, Stacy Stacy Anderson Executive Director Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty 941 Street, Suite 725 Lincoin, NE 68508 Office: 402.477.7787 Cell: 402.525.4679 I Website: Tuma, Ca rmelee Subject: Sta rt: End: Recurrence: Organizer: 10:45 am Joe Dugganl Omaha World~Hera d Interview re Death Pena?ty. Taylor too. Fri 10:45 AM Fri 5/8/2015 11:30 AM (none) Governor Schedule Tuma, Carmelee From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2015 4:36 PM To: Tuma, Carmelee Subject: FW: death penalty FYI From: Duggan, Joe lmaiitozioe.Duggan@owh.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 4:28 PM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: RE: death penalty ndeed.Thanks (9:11am Eiiurld-Iimltl Joe Duggan Reporter 402-473-9587 Direct 402-444-1000 x6613 From Omaha 402?476-6281 Fax Email: JoeDuggan owh.com Save 50~90% on the coolestpi?aces in town! From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2015 4:25 PM To: Duggan, Joe Cc: Tuma, Carmelee Subject: RE: death penalty Joe The Governor would have 15 minutes for you on Friday if you can come by his office at 10:45am. Does that work? From: Duggan, Joe [mailtozloeDuggan@owh.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 10:40 AM To: Gage, Taylor Subject: RE: death penalty Sorry, I?ve almost done that before. But I was planning to give you a heads up anyway, so just as well. And I wanted to ask if Gov. Rioketts might have a little time to discuss the death penalty, too. I?d like to ask what he thinks about some of the arguments against - that it costs more, it doesn?t deter crime, faith-based objections, etc. Let me know when you can Taylor. Thanks @malm Joe Duggan Reporter 402?473-958? - Direct 4012-4444000 X6613 - From Omaha 402-476?6281 - Fax Emaif: Joe.Duggan@owh.c0m Save 50~90% on the coolest places in town! From: Gage, Taylor Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2015 10:32 AM To: Duggan, Joe Subject: Re: death penalty .loc I think you meant this for the other Gage! Sent from my iPhonc On May 6, 2015, at 10:24 AM, Duggan, Joe <1oe.Duggan??owhconp wrote: Suzanne, Thanks for putting me in touch with Ryan Post on Monday his background info allowed me to write a much more intelligent story. So I need to take another run at this request from last week regarding the state?s options for restoring lethal injection in Nebraska and if it is restored, what is the likelihood the sentence could be carried out? We are planning to put together something for weekend. Call it you want further explanation. Thanks, Joe Joe Duggan Reporter 402-473-9587 - Direct 402-444-1000 x6613 - From Omaha 402417645281 Fax Email: gge.Duggan@owhtcom