Nebraskans, like the rest of the country, have until midnight to file their federal income tax return -- but remember; it must be postmarked with today's date. IRS officials say those who don't think they'll make it need to file Form 4868, which provides an automatic six-month extension.
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Norfolk Superintendent of Schools Marlene Uhing gave a legislative update at Monday night's meeting of the Board of Education -- and not all the news was pleasant. She said LB-988 was passed and signed by the Governor -- reducing state aid to the Norfolk Public Schools by half-a-million-dollars. Uhing says another bill of interest to the district, LB1157, has also become law. It changes the way districts administer assessment tests, using a single, statewide test for all districts instead of the current system where each district writes its own assessments.
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The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education approved several new staff members last night -- and the promotion of an existing staff member. Superintendent Marlene Uhing discussed the administration change at the Junior High. Assistant Principal Jennifer Robinson has been named the school's head principal. She'll succeed Dave Wright, who is resigning at the end of this school year. The board also approved the hiring of Sarah Rowse, Emily Wilke, Jennifer Judt, and Jared Oswald at the Senior High, and Carlee Dittmer at Jefferson and Bel Air elementaries. Current instructors Bonnie Begeman, Sally McCallum and Brandi Oligmueller were reassigned within the district.
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Several vehicles were broken into Friday night in portions of north Norfolk. Police Captain Leon Chapman says windows were broken out of vehicles in the 1700 block of Imperial, 2900 block of Dover Drive, 2100 block of Sheridan, at 2501 Lakeridge Drive and in the 2200 block of Highland Drive. He says a purse was recovered in the street from the break-in on Highland and some bank cards were missing. Chapman says anyone who has information about who may have committed these crimes is encouraged to call Norfolk Police or Norfolk Area Crimestoppers at 371-7300.
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A number of children in Norfolk suffer from Autism -- the brain development disorder which impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted repetitive behavior -- all starting before a child is three years old. Julie and Al Rajee's 15-year-old son, Jonathan, is described as very "social" but he can't read or do math. Julie says they're currently trying to raise funds to buy equipment that would assist children through the Norfolk Public Schools' Autistic program. A portion of any vehicle sale at Rajee's Cornhusker Auto and Import dealerships is being donated to the NPS Autism Program. Donations are also being accepted at Tier One Bank. For more information on Norfolk's Autism Support group, call 640-3668