by Kathy Crawford
Landmark reporter

Parents of North Platte High School students who are involved in extracurricular activities or who want to drive to school can expect to sign a revised student drug screening policy.

The North Platte R-1 School Board approved the modified drug screening policy Monday at a special meeting. A few changes were voted on and changed from a regular session Aug. 18.

Extracurricular activities include athletics, cheerleading, academic competitions and all other activities that take place outside of the regular course of study.

The board Monday night narrowed the policy down to exclude baseline testing. The district will have only random testing, perhaps 15 students twice a month. At that rate, each student would have about a 75% chance of being tested at least once during the school year. For more on story.

by Kathy Crawford
Landmark reporter

Platte City has an increased tax levy rate, but it was not arrived at easily and the vote ended in a tie twice before finally passing.

A majority of the Platte City Board of Aldermen agreed to increase the levy to $1.0395 per $100 of assessed valuation, which was the proposed amount at the start of the Aug. 24 meeting.

Alderman Andy Stanton argued several times throughout city administrator Jason Metten's presentation that some costs the city could live without. He began with city staff cost of living allowances (COLA). Stanton said he favored higher merit raises instead. For more on story.