A significant number of hours are being put into preparation for this year’s Big Bang Boom as the event moves to its new location at Northeast Community College.

The four Nebraska counties that remain under tougher coronavirus restrictions than the rest of the state will see their rules ease Monday.

The gradual reopening plan for the Norfolk Family YMCA is continuing this week.

ROYAL — The Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal will reopen to the public with limited hours and timed tickets beginning Wednesday, July 1. Additional restrictions will apply for the safety of visitors, staff and researchers.

As part of a continuing series during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Associated Press is answering common questions about the coronavirus.

LINCOLN — Another side effect of the coronavirus will start showing up at Nebraska gas pumps next week.

O’NEILL — The North Central District Health Department has been made aware of four additional cases in the district.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing, Nebraska took its next step Monday to lift restrictions, restart activities and open to more business.

A free four-week COVID-19 response virtual program will be offered for small businesses and nonprofits across the country affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Country superstar Garth Brooks is holding a concert that will be played at 300 drive-in theaters in June across the country — including the TK/Starlite Drive-In in Neligh.

LINCOLN — Nebraska will move a step closer to “a more normal life” beginning June 22, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Monday.

While the curve has been flattened in many areas, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and the public should still follow recommendations to limit the spread of coronavirus, leaders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday morning in a media briefing.

O’NEILL — The North Central District Health Department was made aware of an additional positive case in Knox County on Friday.

Despite the coronavirus, the annual Norfolk Independence Day fireworks celebration will still go on — just in a different way.

Hundreds of community members dug into their pockets recently to donate to nonprofits for the Norfolk Area Big Give event.

Wednesday was the first day that businesses selected to take part in the “Regrow 2020” match program could begin selling gift cards.

Nebraska Extension in Madison County is opening to the public Thursday, June 11. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska potentially faces nearly $3.7 billion in agricultural losses from the coronavirus pandemic if economic conditions do not improve, the Nebraska Farm Bureau said Wednesday.

Cabins at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park and open air shelter reservations at the parks will resume Monday, June 15, beginning at 8 a.m. at the city administrative offices at 309 N. Fifth St., under the normal first-come, first-serve policy.

O’NEILL — The North Central District Health Department is seeking community feedback on its COVID-19 response. Feedback will offer NCDHD a chance to reflect on its current response and adapt to better serve North Central Nebraska communities during future waves of COVID-19.

HADAR — Shell gas station manager Holly Cunningham wasn’t really surprised when she saw a decrease in traffic on Highway 81 just south of Hadar.

As social distancing has become more widely observed, large gatherings and celebrations have become canceled or postponed. Businesses, such as Kelly’s Country Club, have taken notice.

Tests are being collected at an increased rate for the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department.

There will be another opportunity for workers and residents served by the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department to get tested for COVID-19.

Northeast Community College employees have come together to produce face masks for their colleagues as the college looks to start bringing some staff back to campus.

Starting this week, organized sports will be allowed to use City of Norfolk facilities for practices, and playgrounds around the city will open. A decision on the city’s aquatics facilities will be made in the near future.

The Norfolk Public Library’s doors have been closed for more than two months now, but that doesn’t mean it has stopped serving people.

LINCOLN — Nebraska workers who have exhausted their state unemployment insurance benefits may apply for an extension of benefits through the federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program.

Madison County is joining a group of other Nebraska counties in administering a gift card program that benefits both shoppers and small businesses.

O’NEILL — The North Central District Health Department announced that Test Nebraska would be coming to the area on Tuesday, June 2, in Valentine.

Nearly two weeks after taking the first steps toward a full reopen, the Norfolk Family YMCA plans to enter its second phase of a gradual reopening plan beginning Monday, June 1.

A fourth COVID-19 related death was reported in Madison County on Wednesday.

WEST POINT — Let's get this money rolling.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts will update Nebraskans about the spread of COVID-19 and how educational institutions are planning for the next school year during a one-hour NET News town hall meeting airing at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, on NET, Nebraska’s PBS and NPR stations.

Nebraska State Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus has been hospitalized with COVID-19, a source tells The World-Herald.