NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) – Veterinarians around North Platte in central Nebraska are reporting a rise in the number of dogs they’re treating for rattlesnake bites. The North Platte Telegraph reports that it’s a problem local vets see every autumn. Craig Kelly, a vet at Westfield Small Animal Clinic, says his clinic treats three to four cases a year. Kelly says the increase isn’t because of more active snakes, but more likely hunting dogs invading rattlesnake habitats as fall hunting seasons get under way. The treatment is not cheap. Susan Sjeklocha, veterinarian at Sjeklocha Veterinary Clinic, says the antivenom can cost anywhere from $600 to $4,000 per dose.

On September 13, 2011, Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stephen A. Fischer of rural Hershey for three counts of First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child. On September 12th, 2011, Deputies received a report from a child under the age of twelve years old stating Stephen Fischer had sexually assaulted the child on at least three occasions. Interviews were conducted of the child at the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center with the assistance of Nebraska Health and Human Services. Upon completion of the interview Deputies conducted a search warrant of the Fischer residence and arrested Mr. Fischer. Mr. Fischer was transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center and incarcerated. At this time Mr. Fischer has no bond.