The Snow Angels Volunteer Program

Lincoln residents make a difference in their snowy communities

On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, Lincoln saw its first major snow of this winter. As students, this news was not very heartbreaking. We have an amazing Plant Services team that worked tirelessly to salt and clear our sidewalks. We got an extra day off of classes in the middle of the week — not to mention the sledding potential that had quite literally landed onto our doorsteps. For the elderly and physically impaired residents of Lincoln, a snowstorm has bleaker implications. Unable to clear their driveways and sidewalks, those impaired may find themselves housebound. Things get especially tricky when their ability to buy groceries or make doctor appointments becomes inhibited.

The Lincoln Transportation and Utilities office had a problem. They were receiving copious calls from Lincoln residents in need of snow removal help. In response to this demand, the Snow Angels Volunteer program was created. Now, residents can visit the City of Lincoln Website where snow removal volunteers are displayed as snowflakes on a map. By clicking on the snowflake nearest them, residents can view the contact information for their very own “snow angel.” Those wishing to volunteer their help can list their availability and what tools are at their disposal, such as a snow blower. The simplicity of the program’s format makes it easy to navigate. Those in need have incredibly efficient access to those offering assistance.

The benefit of the Snow Angels Volunteer Program to the elderly and physically impaired is undeniable. It has significantly reduced the weight of the demand for snow removal services for the Transportation and Utilities Office and in many cases, it provides snow removal help to residents who would otherwise be unable to acquire it. Additionally, there is another layer to the benefits of the program. In the past, the individuals, families and church groups that have volunteered their time and energy receive as many blessings as they give out. The air may be brisk, and the sidewalks and streets may be frozen, but the hearts of the “snow angels” are warm and fuzzy.

From a practical standpoint, the program may be of specific appeal to Union Students. Various programs like Occupational Therapy Assistant, Nursing, and the Business Division require service hours or offer extra credit for it. Students who need to fulfill volunteer work requirements can sign up on the City of Lincoln website and wait for a Lincoln resident to reach out during the next snowfall. Sign up alone or grab a group of friends! The fantastic feeling of serving others awaits.

Sidney Needles is a senior international relations and history major from Centralia, Mo.

812 bills introduced to Nebraska Unicameral Pet insurance, student discipline, and medical marijuana

The Nebraska Legislature’s 2023 session started on January 4, 2023. The bill introduction period lasted until Wednesday, January 18, during which 814 bills were introduced. This falls short of the record 885 bills introduced in 1997.

Senator Dave Murman introduced Legislative Bill (LB) 811 which would revise the Student Discipline Act to allow educators the “use of physical contact or physical restraint or removal from a class in response to student behavior.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Nebraska responded with the following statement: “The answer is more funding, resources and training for our hardworking educators — not opening the door for school staff to use more physical force on students. We will oppose this bill every step of the way and will advocate alongside parents, guardians and teachers to protect students’ rights.” The statement also raised concerns for how the bill would affect Black, indigenous, and disabled students who already experience disproportionate discipline and removal from class in educational settings.

Lincoln Senator Beau Ballard introduced LB 296, or the Pet Insurance Act. The bill would create a legal framework for the policies and consumer protections related to pet insurance. The consumer protections will include necessary disclosures on waiting periods, benefit schedules, the impact of preexisting conditions, and what services are excluded in the coverage.

According to The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the pet insurance sector is rapidly growing and exceeded $2.83 billion USD in 2021, making this bill a relevant inclusion to Nebraska legislation.

LB 764, introduced by Senator Loren Lippincott, would return Nebraska to the “winner-take-all” method of awarding electoral votes during presidential elections. Nebraska and Maine are the only states that do not follow this system, instead awarding electoral votes based on congressional district. Proposals like LB 764 have failed in past legislative sessions.

Another attempt at legalizing marijuana for medicinal use comes in the form of LB 588, the “Medical Cannabis Act,” introduced by Senator Anna Wishart of Lincoln.

Senator John Cavanaugh of Omaha introduced the Automatic Renewal Limitation Act (LB 132), which is intended as a consumer protection measure. The bill would require clear and conspicuous renewal terms for businesses that offer automatic renewal or continuous services. The bill also would require businesses that allow for consumers to accept automatic renewal/ continuous services online to also provide the ability for the consumers to terminate the service online without engaging steps that “obstruct or delay” the consumers ability to terminate. This bill will include services such as streaming platforms and magazines, but would likely have larger impacts on newspapers and gym memberships, which are notoriously difficult to cancel.

Icy slips and winter tips

4 pieces of cold-weather advice

From black ice on roads and constant frost on the windshield to windy sub-zero temperatures and finger-numbing walks to class, Midwest winters are not something to be joked about. If you are like me, you just can’t get enough of the brisk feeling in the air. Some of you, however, may feel out of place in the cold. Here is a list of tips that might help you survive a little longer in the Midwest this winter.

Hazardous

Always wear waterproof/resistant shoes

When the snow and ice is out, the boots are on. The more your shoes are resistant to the elements, the more comfortable and warm you will stay. You will want shoes that not only stay insulated, but also have decent grip. There have been times when what appears to be a mere puddle turns out to be a four-inch pool of water along a well-traveled trail or sidewalk.

Keep your vehicle/mode of transportation properly equipped

If you do drive a vehicle and you are prepping for the winter, I recommend that you keep an ice scraper in your car for those freezing mornings. I also suggest that you keep the antifreeze in your vehicle topped up. If there is a winter storm coming and you know you have to travel on a daily basis, I propose the idea of jumper cables, a blanket and a basic emergency medical kit.

Driving with icy roads

When driving on icy roads, the brake pedal is not your buddy. You will have several options when it comes to stopping your vehicle but a bumper hugger should not be one of them. Having lived in Florida, I did not learn this the easy way. I would start with pumping your brakes so those hard stops do not turn into slides and crashes. If you do start to slide, don’t panic. Hold the wheel steady and let up on the break, then press it down again.

Dress for a mess

The wintery climate can be something that a lot of people have trouble with. But when it comes to clothes, I have a one word suggestion: layers. Layering when it is cold outside can be lifesaving. The difference between two layers and three could prevent those 15 mile-an-hour winds from bothering you and making you shiver. The next items on the wardrobe list come as a couple: gloves and a hat. Save those digits and ears from the cold with just a simple covering. It could be as simple as muffs or a snow cap for your ears. But when it comes to those precious phalanges, cover them up with some gloves.

So there you have it. Next time you think about walking outside in the cold, remember these tips. If you see someone struggling with this winter, offer to help them out! With the right tools, you’ll be a winter pro in no time.