Parks and trails in Lincoln could become smoke-free if a current effort moves forward. KLKN TV reports:

The main concern from parents has been about kids breathing in second-hand smoke while at the park. Some say banning it is a good idea, while others disagree. Either way, smoke is still present at public parks, even where our children play. "We totally either have to leave or get to the opposite end of the park. You still smell it if the breeze is coming in that direction. It stinks," said Lincoln resident, Becky Borrell.

Public buildings have been off limit to smokers since 2005, and according to the Health Department officials, since that ban went into effect they have seen an increase in requests that would expand the ban to parks, trails and playgrounds. The main concern is second-hand smoke.

Library patrons in Columbus will soon be protected from secondhand smoke on library property, with a policy that goes into effect immediately.

The Columbus Telegram reported Monday that the Columbus Public Library Board unanimously approved a policy protecting smoke-free air on library property.

Library Director Jill Owens told the Columbus Telegram that the new policy is a response to complaints and problems with litter.

"Patrons complained about having to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter the building," she said.

Signs notifying library patrons of the new policy will be posted soon.

County buildings, grounds and vehicles could go smoke-free under a measure being considered by the Dawson County board, according to the Gothenburg Times.

The county has put in place a wellness program through the county health insurance. The commissioners have been working to cut insurance costs and help employees be healthier, the Times reported.

Two Rivers Public Health Department has offered to help formulate with the smoke-free policy and offer guidance for its implementation.

No formal action was taken on a smoke-free policy at the board's meeting. Commissioners agreed to notify employees through a payroll memo that it’s coming.


State law requires most indoor worksites to be smoke-free. Dawson County's policy would go beyond state law to make grounds and vehicles smoke-free.

The Morrill County Fair this year chose to go smoke-free, as reported by 10/11 news.

Fair board President Melissa Amateis said that the board decided that going smoke-free "just makes a better place for everybody to come out and enjoy what's going on without having to deal with the smoke."

We agree. Congratulations to the Morill County Fair.

As of Monday, three panhandle-area county fairs had adopted smoke-free policies for this year's events, according to the Scottsbluff Star Herald.

The Morrill County Fair Board in keeping with their theme “Let’s make it a family affair” has adopted a smoke-free fairgrounds policy. Box Butte County and Scotts Bluff County fairs have also adopted smoke-free policies. 

The policies have been adopted to protect all employees and visitors from secondhand smoke.

Fairgoers will see smoke-free signs at all three fairs. 

“We encourage you to enjoy the clean air...," said Tabi Prochaza, Tobacco Free Panhandle Coordinator with the Panhandle Prevention Council. "The fair board promises something for everyone and all events are open to all ages as participants or spectators.”

Signs will be provided to any panhandle fair that adopts a smoke-free policy and technical assistance is available to any panhandle-are interested fair board. 

Secondhand smoke is responsible for 46,000 heart disease deaths and 3,400 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.