Big stakes are involved in keeping plants safe from disease and pest assault. Each year in the United States, the damage and control costs from non-native plant pathogens total an estimated $21.5 billion. Meanwhile, the volume of plants entering the U.S. via ports is staggering — an estimated 2.8 billion arriving yearly.
Students from the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired (NCECBVI) recently attended a performance of “The Nutcracker” at The Orpheum Theater during the Omaha Performing Arts Student Matinee Series. The students had front-row seats, and after the show, they were treated to a sensory experience that allowed them to meet dancers from the American Midwest Ballet dressed in costumes. The students were also able to touch the costumes and pass around some show props and shoes.
The staff of the Morton-James Public Library had what they described as “a recordbreaking turnout for Winterpalooza 2022!” Participants could decorate cookies, read books, and visit with Santa during the event, which took place on Saturday, Dec. 17. The library staff thanked donors, including GG Wellness Center, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Nick Cody, Sara Stangl, Amber Sammons Photography, Darryl Griepenstroh, and the many volunteers who made the event possible.
After seven years leading the University of Nebraska– Lincoln, Chancellor Ronnie Green announced on Dec. 20 his plans to step down in the new year.
A study in the journal Clinical Thyroidology for the Public found that the incidence rate of thyroid cancer has increased significantly over the last three decades. Authors of the study examined 60 reports and noted that a total of 54, or 90 percent, showed a significant increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer over the previous 50 years. In addition, all 13 North American reports and seven of nine reports from Asia examined by the authors indicated significant increases in thyroid cancer incidence. Incidence was higher in women than men. However, incidence rates were increasing for both sexes.
New Year's Day unofficially marks the end of the holiday season. After the turkey and trimmings of Thanksgiving and the gifts galore of Christmas and Chanukah, New Year's presents one final chance to toast to fun and fortune.
On Dec. 21, Governor Pete Ricketts and First Lady Susanne Shore launched the Nebraska Capitol Art Experience, an initiative to connect all Nebraskans to the artwork in the state’s Capitol building. They were joined by Jessica Jarosh, managing director at Bailey Lauerman, whose Nebraska-based team produced a dynamic video telling the story of the art.
As I reflect on the last year and anticipate enjoying time with loved ones during the holidays, I’m filled with both gratitude and resolve. As Americans, we have been granted an unrivaled heritage of freedom and prosperity which we now must secure for future generations.
Students at Peru State College are getting a hands-on experience with Red-tailed hawks as part of a research study. Students in the Wildlife Techniques (BIOL 355) class taught by Dr. Lukas Klicka recently accompanied Dr. Klicka and his colleague, Lucas DiCicco of Kansas University, on a trip to tag hawks in northeast Kansas.
First and third Mondays: NC City Council, Gary White Memorial Room/Council Chambers, 1518 Central Ave., 6 p.m. 402-873-5515.