A 12-year-old California boy says he killed his dog because he wanted to see the terrier mix die.

The Salinas Californian reports police officers found the 12-pound dog hanging by its collar on a bedroom door handle.

Investigators say the boy told officers he was mad at the dog and he wanted to see it die.

Dispatchers got a 911 emergency call Friday afternoon from a female caller saying the boy was hurting the dog. People in the boy’s apartment refused to open the door when Salinas police arrived, so officers obtained a pass key.

The boy was arrested and taken to Monterey County Juvenile Hall for investigation of felony animal cruelty.

A man convicted of killing two people in Lincoln is asking a judge to throw out his life sentences, saying he was too heavily medicated on anti-psychotic drugs to be competent to stand trial.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Todd Baker asked a Lancaster County District judge last week for a hearing. Baker wants to present evidenced he says will show that his convictions were unconstitutional.

The 49-year-old Baker was convicted in 2006 in the 1996 killing of Anne True after Baker’s ex-wife went to police with information in the case. In 2007, while already serving a life sentence for True’s death, Baker was convicted of killing 15-year-old Missy Schmidt.

Police say Baker randomly attacked both women with a hammer and dumped their bodies in rural ditches.

A South Dakota man who was burned in a controlled grass fire in the Nebraska border town of Whiteclay is suing local authorities for negligence.

Bryan Bluebird, of Pine Ridge, says authorities failed to spot him lying in a field and ignited the blaze on a dangerously windy day.

The lawsuit, filed in Nebraska’s federal court, comes six months after he sent a tort-claim notice to Sheridan County and the Rushville Fire Department in northwest Nebraska.

Bluebird is suing the county, the volunteer fire department, the village of Rushville and various elected officials.

The 51-year-old man says he was lying in a field March 6 in Whiteclay when flames surrounded him. Authorities ignited the blaze to clear grass and prevent unintentional fires.

As winter approaches, energy prices in Nebraska and South Dakota appear stable, but consumers could still see higher bills if the weather is colder than last year.

Northwestern Energy officials say the price of natural gas remains significantly lower than it has been, so consumers will be able to expect lower utility bills if this winter is mild.

But if more normal winter temperatures return this year, then utility customers will use more energy and see higher bills than last year.

Northwestern’s Bobbi Schroeppel says the utility encourage customers to make their homes as efficient as possible to help reduce their utility bills.

Homeowners are encouraged to install programmable thermostats and add caulk around doors and windows to seal air leaks. Upgrading windows and doors can also reduce energy use.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking applications for the 16th annual Nebraska Young Artist Awards.

The Hixon-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts is sponsoring the awards, which recognize 11th grade students from Nebraska who are gifted in the areas of visual art, dance, music, theatre, film and new media.

To be recognized, students must submit an application and work sample online, along with a recommendation letter from a teacher. Winners will be invited to a recognition ceremony on April 3.

Applications are due by Dec. 14.

Lincoln police have identified the 44-year-old man who was found dead in a field where homeless people are often found.

Lincoln Police Capt. Michon Morrow says Michael Austin’s body was found Friday in a field next to Salt Creek near 25th and Judson Streets.

Police don’t suspect foul play, but they are still trying to determine what caused Austin’s death.

An autopsy was performed Saturday, but the preliminary results won’t be available until Monday.