A North Platte woman has been accused of playing a role in stealing thousands of dollars from JC Penney’s.

At around 10:10 a.m., on June 6, an investigation began at JC Penney’s, in the Platte River Mall, in regards to employee theft.

Management reported that hey had discovered that three employees had been stealing from the business.

It was determined that the employees had been selling items to each other at heavily discounted prices, then returning the for a full-price refund.

Investigator John Deal said that the thefts by the employees resulted in thousands of dollars worth of loss to the store.

One of the employees was identified  19-year-old Ashleigh Larson.

Deal said it was determined that Larson caused over $500 worth of loss to the store.

On June 26, Larson was contacted and charged with felony theft by deception.

Deal said the investigation is still on going in regards to the other employees.

A North Platte man is in jail after he allegedly struck his daughter in the face.

At around 10:01 p.m., on June 26, an officer with the North Platte Police Department responded to a disturbance in the 1900 block of Jackson Lane.

Upon arrival, the officer met with a 14-year-old girl and her mother, who reported that the girl’s father, Edward Hagert, had “backhanded” her across the face following an argument over whether or not the girl could run an errand with her mom.

Investigator John Deal said the girl complained of pain in her face, but did not sustain any serious injuries.

Following further investigation, the officer determined that there was probable cause to arrest Hagert and charge him with child abuse.

Hagert was transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center and jailed.

The officer reported that Hagert was intoxicated when the incident took place.

• Today: Scattered thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South southeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Tonight: Scattered thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 7 to 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. West northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
• Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. West northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable.
• Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
• Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
• Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84.