Since the governor declared a state of emergency in March, 63 licensed child care businesses in Nebraska have permanently closed and another 224 remain temporarily closed.
Mariah Stowe, who opened a child care business in her Lincoln home four years ago, was not one of them, but the pandemic has been the biggest challenge she’s faced, she told state legislators during a hearing Tuesday on an interim study to determine the pandemic's economic and fiscal impact on Nebraska's early childhood care system.
She had to make many decisions in a short amount of time, she worried about her own family’s safety and she wondered how she could possibly maintain social distancing with young children.
In the end, she said, she decided to stay open, caring for six children — half the number she’d had before the pandemic. Three of those parents work in health care, she said.
“They did not have the option to work from home. If I would have closed, I do not know what those parents would have done, and on such short notice.â€
Parents of the three other children worked from home, but couldn’t do so and care for their small children.
“Child care was and is still needed, whether the families are working in the home or not,†she said.
Sen. John Stinner of Gering, who introduced the resolution for the study, said he had been part of an effort to begin closing the gap in funding for high-quality child care before the pandemic — when 90% of the state’s counties lacked adequate child care.
Then the pandemic hit, and the need to have adequate child care became even more important to help get people back to work, he said.
“Obviously, we’ve got a problem,†he said.
Before the pandemic, an Early Childhood Workforce Commission released a report that concluded Nebraska had a $452 million gap in funding it hoped to close by 2030 with a combination of local, state and federal funding and private funding from families and businesses.
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The system was and is being subsidized by the low wages of providers and staff, many of whom rely on public assistance to make ends meet, work long hours or additional jobs, said Catherine Huddleston-Casas, associate director of workforce planning and development for the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska.
“I do believe COVID has shown us how much we all rely on early care and education. Just the uproar of we've got to get our kids back to school,†she said. “Yes, kids need to be in school, but at the end of the day, it’s a whole lot easier to work when your kids are in school.â€
Elizabeth Everett, deputy director of First Five Nebraska, a public policy organization that promotes quality early childhood care, said a recent study showed the gaps in child care availability before the pandemic cost working parents $489 million and businesses $234 million annually. The pandemic has only made that worse.
“There is no backup industry to help fill this vacuum,†she said. “If child care doesn’t exist, there’s nothing else to replace it. That’s not true for other industries.â€
And the pandemic has put that in more peril: One in four child care providers who responded to surveys by the Buffett Institute said they’d suffered at least a 50% reduction of income, and more than half said without financial assistance, they would “probably or definitely†close if the pandemic continues, according to Kate Gallagher, the institute’s director of research and development.
The state has seen a 24% decrease in the number of children being served by child care subsidies — from 18,025 last June to 13,688 this June, said Stephanie Beasley, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services director of the division of children and family services.
State officials have eased some of the rules related to child care subsidies in an effort to help families and providers, and the federal CARES Act provided $20 million to the state to help providers and families, she said.
But the pandemic continues to present challenges, Stowe said, especially as children go back to school in such an uncertain environment.
“It’s difficult to fill those spots when you’re considering where will these families go if they have school-age children and school closes because we’re in the red (on the risk dial)," she said. "Then where will the children go?â€
Top Journal Star photos for September
Top Journal Star photos for September
Top Journal Star photos for September
Memorial Stadium's north stadium video board projects the news of the return of Big Ten football in October on Wednesday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A car makes its way east as the sun, partially obscured by smoke from wildfires in the west, sets Monday, Sept. 21, evening in Lincoln. The weather is forecast to remain dry and warm this week.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A Coors Light delivery truck crashed into the front of the Taco Inn at 48th Street and Lowell Avenue on Wednesday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Racing fans in the grandstand near the first turn watch a trio of cars in action during a heat on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint nationals at Eagle Raceway. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Anne Sorensen walks her dog Red in Wilderness Park
Anne Sorensen walks her dog Red in Wilderness Park in September 2020. The park features 31 miles of hiking, cycling and horse trails within its naturally wooded landscape. The hiking trail was designated part of the National Recreation Trails Program in 1977.
PHOTO BY GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Brittany Henry and her father Justin Henry share a laugh as they try to unlock an electric scooter at the Haymarket district, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
University of Nebraska-Lincoln freshmen Abbie Wolfe (left) and Abbie Lee walk in the rain outside Don Love Memorial Library, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Workers dig into the ground near Saltillo Road and South 96th Street to make way for the future Lincoln South Beltway to pass under the local traffic, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Without Nebraska football scores to predict this fall, Melichar's 66 Sales and Service at 205 N. Ninth St. is now making predictions on out-of-conference game as seen here on Sept. 2.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Construction of the Lincoln South Beltway is seen from US Highway 77 Homestead Expressway just south of Saltillo Road looking east, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Cooler temperatures in the morning led to a blazing 91 degree reading in the afternoon as Mattison Jenks took in the sun on her paddle board with Podrick, her half husky/half pitbull, on the lookout on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, at Holmes Lake Park. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln North Star's Erik Polishchuk (54) and Ashton Fleming (41) celebrate after the Gators recovered a fumble by Lincoln Northeast in the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at Seacrest Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
From left, Democratic Senate nominee Chris Janicek, debate moderator Dennis Kellogg, and Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. participate in a televised debate at NET, Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Crete Carrier has purchased the site of Don and Randy Shoemaker's Truck Station and the Cobbler Inn, closed since 2019, on the northwest corner of Northwest 48th and O Streets. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Fire fighters ventilate the roof to allow smoke and other gasses to escape as they responded to a confirmed structure fire on North 10th street on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Lincoln, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
The Huskers are set to bring the Husker Sports Radio and its multimedia rights operation in-house.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southwest's Jack Baptista (80) returns the opening kickoff to the Lincoln Southeast 14-yard line on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at Seacrest Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Seward center fielder Jordyn Collins catches a pop fly in the second inning during their match against Norris at Plum Creek Park on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Seward, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Natalie Axt is sprayed down with water to keep her cool before running in the Charlie Thorell XC meet hosted at Concordia University on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Seward, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Seward outfielders mingle during a timeout during their match against Seward at Plum Creek Park on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in Seward, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Doane's Jamie Renshaw (left)celebrates a kill by teammate Genna Ryan-Piasecki (right) against MidAmerica Nazarene at Doane's Haddix Center on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Crete, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Mourners are reflected on a pulpit as they light candles during a candlelight vigil held for Investigator Mario Herrera at St Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Lincoln, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Officers stand at attention and salute as the procession for Investigator Mario Herrera passes by them on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, in Lincoln, NE. Herrera passed away in the early hours of Sept. 7, 2020 in Omaha. A procession of officers traveled down I-80 to bring the investigator home to Lincoln. People lined the over passes and sidewalks in support.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Pius X's Kylen Sealock passes the ball against Papillion-La Vista South as teammate Miriam Miller looks on during a high school volleyball game Sept. 8.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Pius X's Alexis Markowski (right) hits the ball as Papillion-La Vista South's Aliah Clarke makes a block during a high school volleyball game, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lillie Schroeder, 12, and her parents Farrell Mueller and Russell Mueller place flowers on the memorial of Lincoln Police investigator Mario Herrera, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, at Lancaster County Hall of Justice. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southeast's Nigel Bridger (1) gets taken down by Grand Island's Kytan Fyfe (15) in the second quarter on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, at Seacrest Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Reverend Thomas Dummermuth started a project in quarantine to put together a hand written bible where people around Nebraska would write chapters of the bible by hand. Originally, he was inspired by a church in his home county of Switzerland who originally had this idea. After asking the church for permission, he decided to start his own project in Lincoln. Since then, the world has went through unprecedented change and work on the bible is still being completed. "It is beautiful work that people send in, some of it is just amazing," Thomas said. He set a new deadline for Nov. 1, 2020 and has high hopes to complete the bible soon. At Eastridge Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, in Lincoln, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz and color guard are seen in front of Cathedral of the Risen Christ after Blue Mass, Friday, Sept. 11, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Police Officer Stacy Pratt takes a moment during Blue Mass, Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at Cathedral of the Risen Christ. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Northeast's Xavier Gary (4) runs from the grasp of Lincoln Southwest's Matthew Rink (left) in the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at Seacrest Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southwest's Grant Miller (right) breaks the tackle by Lincoln Northeast's Mason Hoke for a first-down run in the second quarter on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at Seacrest Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Barrett Nitz, 15, holds a flag as the funeral procession of Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera passes through, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A motorcycle-drawn hearse containing the remains of Lincoln Police Department officer Mario Herrera (left) pass under the Stars and Stripes being held aloft by Lincoln Fire Department Trucks 1 and 5 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at the intersection of Centennial Mall and O Street. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Police motorcycles lead the funeral procession of Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Law enforcement officers make their way inside Pinnacle Bank Arena for the funeral service after honoring the motorcade during a funeral ceremony for fallen Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Lincoln, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A man places his hand on the LPD cruiser honoring Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera and takes a moment before entering Pinnacle Bank Arena for the funeral ceremony for Investigator Herrera on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Lincoln, NE.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
The Hearse carrying the body of Mario Herrera arrives at Calvary Cemetery for the funeral of fallen Lincoln Police Investigator Mario Herrera on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Lincoln, NE. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southeast's Karis Gifford (4) knocks the head gear off of teammate Katelyn Neumayer (16) as they collide after the catch at the Doris Bair Sports Complex during the match between Lincoln Southwest and Lincoln Southeast on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020. Lincoln Southeast won in overtime. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Dennon Hladik, Emmitt Hladik, Melony Hladik, and Hailey Bish (from left) enjoy ice cream on the tailgate of their pickup truck at C and L Dairy Sweet on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Lincoln, NE. The C and L Dairy Sweet was a popular ice cream hut that was destroyed by a tornado in 2019. Recently, the store reopened as a trailer in the same area as the original. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Concordia's Jonah Weyand (left) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown with teammate Cole Schaedel as Doane's Riley Heithoff (7) looks on Saturday at Al Papik Field in Crete.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southeast's Derek Branch (6) leaps over Grand Island's Alex Hinken in the first quarter at Seacrest Field on Sept. 10. Branch announced his commitment to Cornell on Monday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Top Journal Star photos for September
Waverly's Whitney Lauenstein celebrates with a leap as the Vikings comeback to win the fourth set against Norris on Tuesday at Norris Middle School near Firth. They would fall to the Titans in the fifth set.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Noah Hospodka gets some air under his bike as he competes in the long jump mini jam on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, during the 7th annual Cornhuckit Jam at the Nowear Compound. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Kearney's Hannah Godwin (L) and Lincoln Southwest's Brianna Rinn battle up a hill at the Harold Scott Invitational cross country meet at Pioneers Park on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southwest's Brianna Rinn finishes strong to win one of the girls varsity races at the Harold Scott Invitational cross country meet at Pioneers Park on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Fairbury right fielder Jordan Tracy dives to catch a pop fly hit by Bishop Neumann in the 5th inning at Hackberry Park during the match between Bishop Neumann and Fairbury on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Wahoo, Neb. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Fans watch Lincoln Christian and Lakeview as the sunset sinks behind them at Lincoln Christian High School on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, in Wahoo, Neb. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lakeview's Austen Smith (45) is tackled by Lincoln Christian's Gage Hohlen (11) on a carry in the first quarter at Lincoln Christian High School on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, in Wahoo, Neb. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southwest's Liz Tomlin (4) gets in the way of teammate Shaylee Myers as the both return a hit Elkhorn during their match at Lincoln southwest during the Lincoln Southwest Classic on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln North Star's Nathan Athouris (1) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown with teammate Cole Coffey (13) against North Platte on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, at Seacrest Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southwest's Kennadi WIlliams (18) steals second base as the ball is knocked from the glove of Lincoln Northeast shortstop Bree Woodward in the second inning on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, at the Doris Bair Softball Complex. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Concordia's Blake Culbert (2) throws under pressure by the Hastings defense in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, at Concordia University. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Concordia's Jonah Weyand (25) leaps over Hastings's Keyuntea Kinney (bottom) in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, at Concordia University.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Noah Hospodka lands hard on the dirt landing ramp as he competes in the McGinness Mega's mini jam Saturday during the seventh annual Cornhuckit Jam at the Nowear Compound near Unadilla.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Traffic on I-80 is seen backed up after a semi-trailer is caught fire in an accident on near the junction with North 27th Street, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Cecilia Yallaly (from left), 14, Madeleine Alexander, 14, Henry Alexander, 11, and Mary Catherine Kohn, 11, of Ascension Academy huddle during outdoor activities at Peter Pan Park, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Firefighters hose down a fire at a mobile home at 3500 block of Northwest Nutwood Court, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A soybeans field is ready for harvest on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, near Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A driver makes their way east as the sun, obscured by smoke from wildfires in the west, sets behind them Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southwest's Lauren Dirks dives to keep the ball alive against Lincoln Southeast during a high school volleyball game, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at Lincoln Southwest. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Portrait of Byron Burnham and his car, a finalist in a contest that could make it a Hot Wheels die-cast car to be sold nationwide, on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A grain cart waits in the shade as soybeans are harvested on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Lancaster County. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Northeast's Riley Wrhel (L) hits down the seventh fairway in the Spartan Invitational at Mahoney Golf Course on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Prairie grasses and goldenrod glow in the evening light in Nine-Mile Prairie on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Nine-Mile Prairie overlooks the city of Lincoln on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Sideshow Spirits co-owners Barry Fox (left) and Cody Schmick will be opening to their distillery and high end cocktail bar to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln East's Yakub Islamov return a shot from Lincoln Southwest's Markus Rutledge in the No. 2 singles on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at the Woods Tennis Center. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southeast's Jake Appleget (9) tries to catch a pass one handed but can't gain control of it while covered by Lincoln East's Luke Greisen at Seacrest Field on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
The moon as seen on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Patrick Clyne owns a 160 square-foot home at South 56th Street and Pine Lake Road, photographed on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
LFR works the scene of a truck fire on I-80 near exit 403 on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A pass intended for Lincoln Northeast's Mason Hoke (5) is blocked by North Platte's Kolten Tilford (1) in the third quarter at Seacrest Field on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Raymond Central football players enter the field before a high school football game against Ashland-Greenwood at Raymond Central on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Ashland-Greenwood's Logan Sobota (left) is defended by Raymond Central's Lucas Buresh during a game at Raymond Central on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
After a touchdown against Raymond Central, Ashland-Greenwood's Matthew Schuster is lifted by teammate Braxton Buck as teammate Chase Craven looks on during a game at Raymond Central on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
The brisk wind made for a good opportunity for kite flying or sailing as these folks did on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, during a hot day at Holmes Lake Park. Beginning on Sunday high temps are forecasted to drop to the low 70s and 60s. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln Southeast's Aubrey Bruning (center) and Alexis Hubbard (right) cheer in teammate Katelyn Neumayer after a two RBI homerun against Norfolk during the Southeast Invitational at the Doris Bair Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
A red fox makes its way between headstones at Wyuka Cemetery on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sunday greeted Lincoln residents with cloudy skies and a high of around 78 degrees and a low of 62 degrees. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Foliage is seen slowly turning colors, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Jazari Kual live streams the Stand UP Speak OUT March, in the Haymarket on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Lincoln. Jazari Kual is an independent media producer who grew to prominence during the summer of 2020 when he began live streaming BLM protests in both Lincoln and Omaha. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Miniature Pumpkins at Roca Berry Farm.
Bloom Where You Are Planted, Jurgens Pumpkin Patch, Martin's Hillside Orchard, Roca Berry Farm and Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Orchard are open for the season with a variety of Family activities.Â
Courtesy photo, K Ferreira.
Top Journal Star photos for September
Mickenna Korbel is buried up to her neck in corn kernels by her mother Mindy Korbel, and Kyler Korbel at the Roca Berry Farm on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, at Roca Berry Farm. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Lincoln East's Emma Rust (9) dives for a Kearney shot in the first set on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, at Lincoln East High School. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Midland's Brooke Fredrickson (left) and Concordia's Gabi Nordaker (11) got up for the ball in the first set on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at Walz Arena. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for September
Top Journal Star photos for SeptemberConnor Husa (left) holds a puppet during a rehearsal of The Cunning Little Vixen outside Kimball Hall at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com .
On Twitter @LJSreist
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