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DEVELOPING: GRAIN INSURANCE, GREEN JOB GROWTH, CROP PRICES,
ADDS: DIMINISHING WINDS, CHRYSLER DEALERS-NEBRASKA, FARM SCENE-SUNFLOWER INSURANCE
GRAIN INSURANCE
LINCOLN—Nebraska officials are moving forward with a plan to establish a multimillion-dollar insurance fund to protect farmers when grain elevators go broke. Last year, some farm groups gave the idea a cool reception, partly because the fund would be paid for by farmers. John Fecht of the Public Service Commission’s Grain Warehouse Division said efforts to start a fund will stop if there is significant opposition. By Nate Jenkins.
DIMINISHING WINDS
WASHINGTON—The wind, a favorite power source of the green energy movement, seems to be dying down across the United States. And the cause, ironically, may be global warming—the very problem wind power seeks to address. The idea that winds may be slowing is still a speculative one, and scientists disagree whether that is happening. But a first-of-its-kind study suggests that average and peak wind speeds have been noticeably slowing since 1973, especially in the Midwest and the East. By Science Writer Seth Borenstein. Eds: Note Nebraska mentions. Also moving on national lines.
AP Photo NY107.
BUSINESS:
CHRYSLER DEALERS-NEBRASKA
LINCOLN—At least two Chrysler dealers in Nebraska that have been cut loose by the company intend to stay in business selling used cars and service. General manager Doug Mathers of the Russwood dealership in Lincoln says its staffers are staying positive.
CROP PRICES
UNDATED—Higher food prices loom as the government says U.S. corn and soybean supplies are dwindling. The report drove commodity prices up on global markets, a result of rising exports and demand for grain-based biofuels. Higher crop prices could squeeze companies like General Mills and Tyson Foods while raising prices at the grocery store. By Christopher Leonard. Eds: Note Nebraska interest. Also moving on national lines.
GREEN JOB GROWTH
NEW YORK—The fledgeling renewable energy industry has been growing steadily for years with more than twice the national average percentage job growth over much of the last decade. A study released Wednesday by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that clean energy jobs grew by 9.1 percent compared with a national average of 3.7 percent from 1998 to 2007, the latest year available. By Chris Kahn and Sandy Shore. Eds: Note Nebraska mention. Also moving on national lines.
FARM SCENE-SUNFLOWER INSURANCE
BISMARCK, N.D.—The federal government is expanding an insurance program for sunflower farmers—two years after almost killing it—in a move that could help protect growers against fluctuating prices and low crop yields. The protection could be especially important this year as sunflower seed prices continue to fall, and some farmers contemplate planting fewer flowers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects an 18 percent decrease in the number of sunflower acres planted nationwide. By Blake Nicholson. Eds: Note Nebraska mention. Also moving on national lines.
AP Photo NY108.
ALSO:
— WHEAT FORECAST—Nebraska’s winter wheat crop has improved since last month, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture still predicts a smaller harvest than last year.
SPORTS:
— GYM–NEBRASKA-ALLEN REPLACEMENT—One of Francis Allen’s longtime assistants will replace him as head coach of the Nebraska men’s gymnastics program. AP Photo pursuing.
— PARTY CHARGE—A former Nebraska football player is being sought on a warrant after he missed a court appearance. Ed: Moved on state news and sports lines.
— BBC–OMAHA STADIUM-NAME—TD Ameritrade’s $20 million interest in local baseball gives it the right to call the new downtown ballpark by its name: TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. AP Photos. Eds: Moved on news, sports and financial lines.
— BKC–COACH RESIGNS—Western Nebraska Community College is Scottsbluff is losing its men’s basketball coach of two years.
— BBC–SOUTHERN MISS-DOZIER—It’s official: Southern Miss shortstop Brian Dozier will suit up for the College World Series in Omaha.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION:
— FALL FROM BALCONY—A 1-year-old Omaha boy suffered only minor injuries in a fall from a third-floor apartment balcony.
— GOLF CART DEATH—A woman charged in a warrant for the golf cart death of a friend has turned herself in to police.
— TRIPLE FATAL—A collision near Chelan, Wash., that killed a British Columbia couple has taken a third life—that of an Omaha man.
— CRAWFORD SHOOTING—Trial has begun for the suspended Crawford police chief charged with second-degree assault in the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy.
— NORTH PLATTE STANDOFF—An 18-year-old who had held police at bay in a North Platte home faces up to 60 years in prison when he’s sentenced in July on several charges.
— BOSS DEFRAUDED—After agreeing to pay restitution, a Kearney woman pleaded no contest to stealing from her former employer.
— NELSON-SOTOMAYOR—U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson says he’s impressed with the life, career and views of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
— JUNIOR LAW ACADEMY—Some high school students are getting a chance to see what a career in law enforcement might offer.
— BOATING SAFETY—The state Game and Parks Commission has added three more boating safety courses to the year’s schedule.
The AP, Omaha.
