April 2013 – Page 30 – North Platte Post Archive

Heineman Says State Should Have Direct Control Over Firefighting Planes

Posted on April 15, 2013

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman says state emergency officials should have direct control over airplanes that could be stationed in Chadron and Valentine to fight wildfires.

Heineman said Monday he doesn’t believe the planes should be overseen by the federal government or the Nebraska Forest Service. His comments came in response to a question about a bill in the Legislature, the Nebraska Wildfire Control Act of 2013.

The bill has undergone several revisions since it was introduced. The most recent version would require the Nebraska Forest Service to contract for the planes. The forest service is an agency within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Heineman says state emergency officials need operational control of the planes to maintain a clear chain-of-command when coordinating their response to fires.

Google Steps Up to Help People Find Loved Ones in Boston Marathon Disaster

Posted on April 15, 2013

Google is stepping in to help family and friends of Boston Marathon runners find their loved ones after explosions near the finish line.

The site, called Google Person Finder, allows users to enter the name of a person they’re looking for or enter information about someone who is there.

Cellphone use has been difficult in the Boston area. A law enforcement official says cell service was shut down to prevent any possible remote detonations of explosives. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

Far-flung family members and friends are frantically using social media to check on the safety of runners and spectators after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon, killing two and injuring dozens.

Charles Jerry Petrzelka

Posted on April 15, 2013

Charles Jerry Petrzelka, Jr., age 59, of North Platte, passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 at his home. He was born August 9, 1953 in Cheyenne Wyoming to Charles J. Sr. and Bonnie L. (Gates) Petrzelka. Jerry, as he was known, graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1971. The family moved to North Platte in 1971 when his father went to work on the railroad. Jerry had numerous jobs, mostly construction and working on railroad ties in the summer. Jerry loved fishing, enjoyed deer hunting and working around the house. He was good at yard work and helping his mother. Jerry will be remembered as easing going and always trying to help people.
Survivors include his mother, Bonnie Petrzelka of North Platte; two sisters, Joni McClure of North Platte and Deb Brown of Kearney; a brother in law, James Felty of North Platte; a niece Kelly McClure of North Platte; three nephews, Keenan and Clayton Brown of Kearney; and Chris McClure of Pierre, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Anna Felty.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com
Cremation was chosen and a private memorial service will take place at the North Platte City Cemetery at a later date. Adams & Swanson is in charge of local arrangements.

(VIDEO) BREAKING: At Least Two Explosions Rock the Finish Line at the Boston Marathon

Posted on April 15, 2013April 15, 2013

UPDATE: 4/15/13 05:15 p.m.

Boston police say no suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Police Commissioner Edward Davis also says that the fire at a library a few miles away and more than an hour later doesn’t appear to be related to the explosions at the race on Monday. He says the fire may have been caused by an incendiary device.

Authorities say the blasts killed two people and injured at least 73.

Police say it’s too early to get into specifics about the nature of devices or whether shrapnel was involved.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

At least two explosions rocked an area near the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon.

The explosions occurred just a few seconds apart on opposite sides of the street.

According to witnesses, the first explosion left a huge plume of smoke hovering over the entire area.

Both explosions occurred around 2:45 pm, just about an hour after the first runner crossed the finish line. The race was stopped shortly after the blasts. Approximately 27,000 runners competed in the race.

Witnesses said several victims lost limbs in the explosion, and authorities are saying there was at least six reported injuries so far.

Many of the injured appeared to be spectators, and they were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment.

There have not been any deaths reported at this point.

April 15

Posted on April 15, 2013

Actor Michael Ansara (“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) is 91
Country singer Roy Clark is 80
Singer-guitarist Dave Edmunds is 69
Actor Michael Tucci (“Diagnosis Murder”) is 67
Actress Lois Chiles (“Austin Powers”) is 66
Actress Amy Wright is 63
Actress Emma Thompson is 54
Singer Samantha Fox is 47
Guitarist Ed O’Brien of Radiohead is 45
Actor Danny Pino (“Cold Case”) is 39
Drummer Patrick Carney of The Black Keys is 33
Actor Seth Rogen (“Knocked Up”) is 31
Drummer De’Mar Hamilton of Plain White T’s is 29
Actress Emma Watson (“Harry Potter” movies) is 23.

Entertainment History!

Posted on April 15, 2013

On April 15, 1966, the Rolling Stones album “Aftermath” was released in Britain. It was the first Stones album to contain all original material, and it featured songs like “Under My Thumb” and “Mother’s Little Helper.”

In 1967, The Who released the single “Happy Jack.”

In 1971, “Patton” won the best picture and best director Academy Awards. Its star, George C. Scott, was named best actor, but he didn’t accept the award because he didn’t like the academy’s voting process.

In 1977, Gary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd presented Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson with a gold record for the album “One More For The Road.” It had been recorded in Atlanta.

In 1982, Billy Joel was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident on Long Island, New York. He spent about a month in the hospital.

In 1990, actress Greta Garbo died in New York at the age of 84. Among her movie credits are “Grand Hotel” and “Camille.”

In 1996, the rest of Grateful Dead singer Jerry Garcia’s ashes were scattered near the Golden Gate in San Francisco. A small portion had been scattered in the Ganges River in India eleven days earlier.

In 2001, singer Joey Ramone of The Ramones died in New York after battling lymphoma. He was 49.

In 2004, Bill Rancic (RAN’-sik) beat out Kwame Jackson to win the first season of “The Apprentice” on NBC.

In 2007, Richard Gere spontaneously kissed Indian actress Shilpa Shetty during an AIDS awareness rally. A judge in India issued an arrest warrant for Gere, claiming the kiss amounted to public obscenity.

Heineman Says $2.2 Million Plane Needed to Reach Rural Parts of Nebraska

Posted on April 15, 2013

Gov. Dave Heineman says his $2.2 million budget request to buy an airplane from the University of Nebraska Foundation is needed to reach rural parts of the state quickly.

Heineman argued Monday that the plane ensures that he and other state officials are accessible to residents when needed. He says a state-owned plane is more cost-efficient than relying on a charter service.

The plane is a Beechcraft Super King Air plane. It is owned by the foundation but also serves the governor, agency heads and other state officials. The foundation has decided to sell the plane.

The Legislature’s Appropriations Committee has so far declined to include the plane in its proposed two-year budget. Some members have said they aren’t yet persuaded that it’s necessary.

American Red Cross Urges Nebraskans to Prepare for Snow Storm

Posted on April 15, 2013

The American Red Cross is prepared for the next spring snow storm that is forecasted to hit the state this week and is urging people to take action to be ready before the snow starts to fall. Meteorologists are predicting heavy deep snow, and strong winds which could cause dangerous driving conditions and power outages. Volunteers with the Nebraska/SW Iowa Region of the Red Cross are on stand-by should shelters need to be opened for stranded travelers.

“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” said Tina Labellarte, Region CEO. “We can help you and your family create a disaster preparedness plan now, before our community is threatened by dangerously low temperatures, snow, ice and strong winds.”

As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Preparing Your Home and Car: Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact the American Red Cross at (402) 343-7700, visitwww.redcross.org or call1-800 RED CROSS. Please share these Red Cross winter storm preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best protection is to be prepared ahead of time.

NE Governor and First Lady Promote Volunteerism

Posted on April 15, 2013

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and first lady Sally Ganem are promoting volunteerism in advance of a statewide service week.

The ServeNebraska Week of Service is set to run from April 22-28 in each of Nebraska’s 93 counties. The governor and first lady are expected to read to students on April 23 at McPhee Elementary School in Lincoln.

Nebraska ranks in the top 10 in volunteerism among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Jamesena Moore, chairwoman of ServeNebraska, says ambassadors are available to connect volunteers with service opportunities in all parts of the state.

Joan Elizabeth Elson Walter

Posted on April 15, 2013

Joan Elizabeth Elson Walter, 84, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Joan was born March 22, 1929, in Blair, NE to Layland Fred and Mildred Wilhelmena Koopman States. The family moved to North Platte in 1930 where she grew up and graduated from North Platte High School in 1947. Joan then attended Dana College in Blair for two years.

On June 18, 1951, Joan married Clarence Rolland “Rod” Elson in North Platte where they made their home. She taught kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary for two years then operated Story Book Preschool for 10 years. Joan had a life membership in Campfire Girls and was their office manager for 17 years. She was also office manager for States and States Dental for six years.

After Rod passed away in 1979, Joan married Iven R. Walter on March 22, 1985, in North Platte. He preceded her in death in 1986.

Joan was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a life member of U.M.W. and the PTA. She was also a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association, R.S.V.P and was a member of P.E.O. for over 40 years. Faith, family and friends were the most important things to Joan.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan “Sue” (Roger) Eggleston, daughter-in-law, Lauri Elson, brother, Jim (Mary) States and sister-in-law, Jean States, all of North Platte; a stepdaughter, Anne (Jack) Brewer, of New Mexico; four granddaughters, Karena (D.J.) Plautz, Stephanie Eggleston, Beth (Jamie) Tabares and Kate Elson; four great-grandchildren, Alexis Bacon, Gabby and Hayley Plautz and Lucas Tabares; several nieces, nephews and other family; and her special little dog, Daisy, who brought much happiness to Joan.

Also preceding her in death was her son, Rich Elson; a brother, Jerry States; her sister, Jean States; and her parents, Layland and Mildred States.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service and inurnment will be at a later date. The memorial book may be signed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore or online at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Women or the North Platte Animal Shelter. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.