July 2014 – Page 69 – North Platte Post Archive

States Look at Gun Seizure Law after Mass Killings

Posted on July 6, 2014

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — As state officials across the country grapple with how to prevent mass killings like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, some are turning to a gun seizure law pioneered in Connecticut 15 years ago.

Connecticut’s law was the first of its kind nationwide and was passed after the killings of four managers at the state lottery headquarters. It allows judges to order guns temporarily seized from people after police show they are a danger to themselves or others.

Indiana approved a similar law in 2005. And now California and New Jersey officials are debating gun seizure laws, both in the aftermath of the killings of six people near the University of California, Santa Barbara in May.

Gun rights advocates say such laws can violate people’s constitutional rights.

‘Transformers’ Tops ‘Tammy’ on July 4 Weekend

Posted on July 6, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — “Transformers: Age of Extinction” beat out Melissa McCarthy’s “Tammy” on a weak July 4th weekend at the box office.

According to studio estimates Sunday, the fourth “Transformers” film made $36.4 million in its second week of release. It’s a steep drop for the Paramount Pictures sequel, which had the year’s biggest debut last weekend with $100 million.

The New Line comedy “Tammy,” released by Warner Bros., took in $21.2 million in its opening weekend, well below expectations. The Midwest road trip romp opened on Wednesday, and had a $32.9 million gross over its first five days.

Sony Screen Gem’s horror flick “Deliver Us From Evil” came in third with $9.5 million in its debut.

Neb. Minimum Wage Push Shows Ballot Measure Hurdles

Posted on July 6, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Supporters of a higher minimum wage claimed victory last week in their effort to place the issue on the November ballot, but it wasn’t easy.

The effort required at least 300 volunteers, labor unions, statewide advocacy groups and the guidance of two experienced state senators, including one who worked on ballot initiatives before.

The group Nebraskans for Better wages raised more than $721,000, with nearly half coming from an Omaha philanthropist and prominent Democratic donor.

Critics of the balloting process say the state has created unreasonably steep hurdles for average citizens, and those rules are now being challenged in court. Supporters say the signature requirements strike an appropriate balance.

Heavy Rains Will Mean More Mosquitoes in the Area

Posted on July 6, 2014

AMES, Iowa (AP) — The recent heavy rains and flooding in Iowa and Nebraska created prime breeding areas for mosquitoes, so more bug bites are likely in the next few weeks.

Experts say it’s not clear whether the increase in mosquitoes will lead to more cases of West Nile virus. The types of mosquitoes common now generally don’t carry diseases.

But many cities across the area will be working to minimize bug populations. Ames Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham says the city takes steps to control the mosquito population at Brookside Park and several other locations.

Using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants can help reduce bug bites. Experts say it’s also good to avoid being outside at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Float in Norfolk’s July 4th Parade Draws Criticism

Posted on July 6, 2014July 6, 2014

NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) — A float critical of President Barack Obama in Norfolk’s July 4th parade is generating plenty of discussion.

The float featured a wooden outhouse labeled “Obama Presidential Library” and a figure in overalls standing outside.

Glory Kathurima says she was deeply offended by the float. She is an immigrant from Kenya who is raising her 9-year-old daughter in the northeast Nebraska community of roughly 24,000.

Parade organizers with the local Odd Fellows organization say the float was the most popular one in the event and received an honorable mention award.

Parade committee member Rick Konopasek says he didn’t think the float was any more offensive than a political cartoon, and organizers didn’t want to limit what they considered a political viewpoint.

The First Nationals End Losing Streak, Win Twice on Saturday

Posted on July 6, 2014

The North Platte First Nationals snapped a five-game losing streak on Saturday by beating Beatrice and Lincoln NE Judds in a tournament in Lincoln.

North Platte (26-16) beat Beatrice 8-3 in its first game of the day then finished with a 6-3 win over Lincoln NE Judds in the nightcap.

The First Nationals jumped on Beatrice early by scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning. The inning was highlighted by a Luke Volz RBI double and a two-run home run by Drew Callaghan. North Platte added two more runs in the third and their final run in the fifth inning to go up 8-0. Beatrice scored a run in the sixth inning and two more in the seventh to get on the board as the First Nationals won 8-3.

Dalton Pflughaupt pitched the complete game for North Platte and earned the win by allowing three runs, two earned, on 10 hits, while striking out five batters and walking two. Volz led the way at the plate by going 3-4 with a double, a triple and three runs batted in and a run scored. Alec Wesslund was 2-3 with a run scored and Callaghan’s home run was his second this year.

North Platte ended the day with a 6-3 win over Lincoln NE Judds. Judds took the early lead by scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning. North Platte took control of the game in the top of the third inning by scoring three runs thank in part to an RBI double by Darian Allberry. Lincoln NE made it a 3-2 game by scoring a run in the bottom of the third inning. The First Nationals scored a run in the fourth, sixth and seventh inning to go up 6-2 before Judds scored the final run of the game in the bottom of the seventh for a 6-3 final.

Riley Vierya earned the complete game win on the mound for North Platte by allowing three runs, two earned, on five hits. He also struck out two batters and walked two. Volz stayed hot by going 2-4 at the plate with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Alex Harms and Marcos Silos each had two hits and Jayden Kruse led North Platte with two RBI.

North Platte continues play in the Lincoln tournament on Sunday with a 10:00 am game against Norris. The First Nationals return to Bill Wood Field Wednesday with an 8:00 pm game against Gering.

The North Platte Juniors won two games on Saturday as well. The Juniors beat Millard Sox 7-3 and Lincoln Carpetland 8-6 in Hastings. The First Nationals Juniors are now 21-8 and play Fremont in Grand Island at 10:00 am Sunday. They also play Gering on Wednesday at Bill Wood Field with a 5:30 pm first pitch.

House Records 1st Major-League Win for Indians over Royals

Posted on July 5, 2014

CLEVELAND (AP) — T.J. House allowed three runs over 6 2-3 innings for his first major league win and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Saturday night.

House (1-2) scattered nine hits, struck out three and didn’t walk a batter. The rookie left-hander was making the eighth appearance, and seventh start, of his career.

Michael Bourn’s leadoff homer sparked a three-run third inning while Nick Swisher’s bases-loaded single scored two runs in the fifth and finished Jeremy Guthrie (5-7).

Michael Brantley had three hits, including an RBI single in the eighth, for Cleveland.

Rockies Hold On for 8-7 Win over Dodgers

Posted on July 5, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Drew Stubbs hit a two-run homer, Jorge De La Rosa pitched six strong innings before giving way to a shaky bullpen and the Colorado Rockies snapped a five-game skid by holding off the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 on Saturday.

The Rockies are 3-16 since June 16 — with De La Rosa (9-6) accounting for each win. The lefty allowed two runs and three hits, all in the first inning. He then watched the bullpen almost completely unravel.

The Dodgers turned this into a game with a five-run seventh, but Adam Ottavino put the brakes on the rally.

Dan Haren (8-5) gave up a season-high eight runs in 5 1-3 innings while striking out eight. He had a hard act to follow after teammate Clayton Kershaw’s masterful performance the night before, when he allowed two hits in eight innings.

Tulowitzki Takes Another Day Off with Tight Groin

Posted on July 5, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Troy Tulowitzki is being cautious with a tight groin and will miss a second straight game to rest.

The Colorado Rockies shortstop said before the game Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers that earlier in his career he might have tried to play. Give his injury-plagued past, he’s learned to listen to his body.

Tulowitzki believes he could be back in the lineup Sunday. He leads the National League in hitting (.350) and is second in homers (18). He will also serve as the NL captain for the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game in Minnesota.

Josh Rutledge started in Tulowitzki’s place Saturday.

Before the game, the Rockies activated left-handed reliever Boone Logan (elbow) from the 15-day disabled list. The team optioned infielder Ryan Wheeler to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Rockies’ Jurrjens Calls Tightness in Chest “Super Scary”

Posted on July 5, 2014

DENVER (AP) — Jair Jurrjens was breathing a little easier Saturday after the tightness in his chest turned out to be nothing more than a scare.

The newly acquired Colorado Rockies pitcher was taken to the hospital following his start Friday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers after struggling to catch his breath.

Jurrjens said X-rays and blood work revealed nothing out of the ordinary and his shortness of breath may simply be due to the altitude.

The 28-year-old described the incident as “super scary” and that “every time I wanted to take a deep breath, I wasn’t able to. Just got tighter and tighter.”

Jurrjens made his first big league start in a year against the Dodgers, lasting 4 2-3 innings and giving up eight runs.