Most Americans who expect to receive a tax refund plan to use the money to improve their finances. TD Ameritrade of Omaha reports a Harris Interactive survey shows that 85 percent of Americans who expect a refund don't plan to spend it. Instead, most people plan to use their refund checks to either bolster their savings, add to their investments or reduce their debt.
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The state's chief medical officer is warning parents and caregivers of the dangers of sharing their beds with infants. Doctor Joann Schaefer says that while sleeping with a baby can be comforting to both the child and the parent, it can be deadly. Bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. The warning follows the deaths of six babies who apparently died while sleeping with their parents. The deaths came over a six-week period.
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A small group of students demonstrated in Norfolk Saturday -- staging a "Power to the Peaceful" rally. Members of the Young Democrats -- Stephanie Riley, Ryan Kyriss, and Adam Roland said they were trying to draw attention to the situation in Iraq and their desire to bring the troops home. Students took part in the demonstration along 13th Street and later on Norfolk Avenue. Young Democrats advisor Kelly DeHaes says there are about 30 to 40 students in the group that meet to discuss political issues.
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Volunteers helped paint the back entrances to some downtown Norfolk businesses Saturday -- helping encourage shoppers to use those back doors during the sidewalk construction project. The downtown project will include new sidewalks, lighting and landscaping and is expected to be completed by early fall. Until then, shoppers are encouraged to use the alley entrances for shopping at businesses along Norfolk Avenue between 1st and 8th Streets. Next Saturday, a grilling event called "Egg Fest" will be held in the Centrum Parking lot behind Grillin' Buddies. And the downtown's new mascot, Alley Cat, is scheduled to make his first appearance of the summer.
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Northeast Nebraskans opened their hearts -- and their wallets -- to the families of autistic students last week, donating $5,000 to the Norfolk Public Schools Autism Program. Julie Rajee, the mother of a 15-year-old with autism, tells WJAG NEWS that Bel-Air Elementary and the Norfolk Middle School will each receive $2,000 from the fundraiser. She says $1,000 will be used by Patty Praeuner's SMILE program south of Battle Creek to provide scholarships for families who cannot afford to put their autistic children in the horse-riding program. Donations are still being accepted at TierOne Bank and at Cornhusker Auto Center and Cornhusker Imports.
