March 2014 – Page 31 – North Platte Post Archive

Donn Wayne Hansen

Posted on March 19, 2014

Donn Wayne Hansen, 68, of North Platte, NE, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at his home.

Donn was born March 19, 1946, to John Wesley and Janet Malsbury Hansen at Superior, NE. He grew up on a farm near Bostwick, NE and graduated from Superior High School in 1964.

In 1966 Donn was drafted into the U.S. Army and served until 1968. Following his discharge he worked at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Depot near Grand Island, NE before moving to North Platte in 1970 where he worked as a Carpenter on the Union Pacific Diesel Shop. In 1971 Donn began his career with the North Platte Fire Department and retired from there in 2005.

Donn married Marilyn Jones in 1966 and to this union two children, Sheila and Brian, were born. He later married Susan Lynn Weiss. Donn was a member of the Aeries Eagles #2839 and Local #831 Union. He liked carpentry and playing cards with friends. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. Donn especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Hansen, of North Platte; two daughters, Sheila Miller, of Henderson, NV and Wendi, of Kearney, NE; three sons, Brian Hansen (Barb) and Jeffery, of North Platte and Brandon (Staci), of Lincoln, NE; nine grandchildren, Peyton, Logan, Amber, Samantha, Brandon, Brittini, Tiffini, Camden and Carter; four great-grandchildren, Tyce, Beckett, Zoey and HaLeigh; a brother, Dwight (Janet) Hansen, of Cedar Rapids, IA; three sisters, Sharon (Bob) Schmidt, of Buckeye, AZ, Debra Young, of Fort Collins, CO and Wanda Hansen, of Las Vegas, NV; three nieces; two nephews; and other family.

Donn was preceded in death by his parents, John and Janet.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Gary Smith officiating. Burial with military honors will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Evergreen Cemetery in Superior. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the ALS Association. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Boy, 11, Signs 1-Day Deal with Pro Hockey Team

Posted on March 19, 2014

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan boy who said he didn’t want an 11th birthday party because he had no friends is getting a new gig.

Professional hockey player.

Colin and his family were surprised by players, coaches and representatives of the Kalamazoo Wings at a restaurant Tuesday. The team presented the Richland boy with a one-day contract that will allow him to join the Wings for their home game Sunday.

Colin has a condition similar to Asperger’s syndrome that makes it difficult to relate to peers. His mother created a “Happy Birthday Colin” Facebook page that drew more than 2 million “likes.” He also received thousands of cards.

The family asked that their last name not be used.

Colin tells the Kalamazoo Gazette (https://bit.ly/1gG57hO ) that the outpouring of affection has “been very heartwarming.”

MPCC Rodeo Team Spring Banquet Deemed Success

Posted on March 19, 2014

The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team’s Spring Banquet held March 15 at the Holiday Inn Express in North Platte was deemed a resounding success by event coordinators.

According to Dustin Elliott, MPCC Rodeo Team Coach, ticket sales and auction items brought in more than $7,000. The funds will be used to purchase team gear and for traveling expenses.

“All ten members of our current rodeo team, their families, and many college employees were involved in everything from selling tickets to soliciting donations for auction items,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without all the help and support we received.”

Elliott said approximately 140 tickets were sold and about 40 items were donated for the silent auction.

“Our biggest auction item, which came from an anonymous donor, was tickets to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas,” he said. “The Cowboy Connection in North Platte also generously donated a saddle that sold for $800 in the auction.”

Other auction items included sculptures of rodeo events that were made by NPCC welding student Eric Rasmussen and a quilt made by Elliott’s mother and grandmother.

“The community really stepped up to the plate to support us,” Elliott said. “If they didn’t buy a ticket most of them donated.”

Along with the auction, those who attended enjoyed a nice dinner and entertainment by Rascal.

Elliott said the committee is already planning next year’s event; however it will possibly take place earlier in the year to avoid calving season and spring break.

“We want to accommodate everybody and give them a chance to have fun while contributing to a worthy cause,” he said.

Family Trout-Fishing Events

Posted on March 19, 2014

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will be holding several Family Trout-Fishing events

that will be in conjunction with the Commission’s March trout stocking in area lakes.

Dates and times for the separate events are as follows:

Family Trout-Fishing at McCook/Barnett Pond, Tuesday, March 25 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm CDT

Family Trout-Fishing at Curtis/Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course Pond, Wednesday, March 26 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm CDT

Family Trout-Fishing at Ogallala/Lake Ogallala, Thursday, March 27 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm MDT

The free events are open to the public – individuals, friends and families are invited to come learn about trout fishing, tackle, equipment and experience trout fishing fun.

Those wishing to attend and are 16 years of age and older must have a valid Nebraska fishing permit. Permits are available online or at local vendors.

NP Police Investigating Death of Lincoln County Inmate

Posted on March 19, 2014March 19, 2014

The North Platte Police Department is investigating the death of an inmate at the Lincoln County Detention Center from an apparent heart attack.

According to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, Roland Kramer, at around 10:15 p.m. on March 17, an inmate, 43-year-old Harry Stately, began complaining of chest pains.

Kramer said detention officers immediately offered first-aid and transported Stately to Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Stately was released from custody and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, where he died.

Stately was being held for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver.

Lincoln County Attorney Rebecca Harling ordered an autopsy, and the NPPD was contacted to conduct an independent investigation which is still ongoing.

‘Construction Connection’ to Benefit NP Homeless Shelter

Posted on March 19, 2014March 19, 2014

The Connection Homeless Shelter in North Platte is expanding and making improvements thanks to the support of the community.

With their new Thrift Connection location at 5th and Walnut up and running, the former location at 6th and Walnut was left empty.

Connection Executive Director, Neal Criddle, saw an opportunity that would increase funding for the Connection and provide a needed service to the community, which led to the creation of The Construction Connection.

The Construction Connection sells slightly-used, discontinued or unneeded remodeling materials that are still in good, useable condition.

“Sales are coming in for the few items that have been donated, but the potential is huge with the help of the community,” said Connection Board member Olivia Brown.

The Board of Directors is asking residents to donate unused wood, hardware, faucets, cupboards, tile or any items that could be used to remodel or upgrade a home.

Brown said the Board is planning to hold grand opening sometime in April.

The Construction Connection is open Monday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In addition to the Construction Connection, the shelter was also recently able to upgrade some of their computer equipment.

Thanks to a grant and donations, officials say they were able to upgrade one computer in the classroom that is used by residents to search for jobs, write resumes and stay in contact with friends and family.

They also purchased a new computer for the front office that will allow for better, more accurate record keeping.

If you are interested in supporting the mission of the Connection, contact the shelter at 308-532-5050.

NPPD Crime Log (3/18-3/19)

Posted on March 19, 2014

Courtesy of the North Platte Police Department

03/18/2014