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Nebraska Crash Deaths Likely to Hit 5-Year High

roadLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s highway safety administrator says the number of people who died in Nebraska crashes in 2014 likely will be the highest number in five years.

As of Wednesday morning, 221 people had died in crashes. That’s the highest number since the 223 in 2009. Because of the holiday, officials couldn’t provide the final toll for 2014.

Nebraska highway safety administrator Fred Zwonechek (ZWAHN’-ah-chehk) says he expects the rate of fatalities per million miles traveled may be lower than last year, however. He expects the miles driven to be higher than 2013 because fuel prices have dropped below $2 a gallon in some parts of Nebraska. Plus, mild weather for Christmas, Thanksgiving and Labor Day led to more trips for people.

New Foundation to Help Grand Island Entrepreneurs

workforceGRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A new tool has been created to help entrepreneurs flourish in the Grand Island area.

The Central Nebraska Growth Foundation will receive and disburse contributions aimed at economic development. It was founded by the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corp.

Foundation Chairman Bill Westering says the foundation represents “a very long-term opportunity for Grand Island — way beyond our lifetimes.”

The foundation will give successful entrepreneurs a tax-deductible way to help future business growth in the community. And it will help up-and-coming entrepreneurs find assistance for their new ideas, new machinery and new products.

Man Dies Week After North Platte Accident

fatal-accidentNORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a 51-year-old man has died a week after his car collided with a sport utility vehicle in North Platte.

Timothy “Tim” Christophersen died on Dec. 26 after he was taken off life support.

He’d been flown to an Omaha hospital after the Dec. 19 accident. Police say his car crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the SUV. People in the SUV declined to be taken to a hospital for treatment.

December 19 Story:

https://www.northplattepost.com/2014/12/22/np-man-seriously-injured-in-crash/

Pets Die as Fire Destroys Platte County Residence

fire-graphicMONROE, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters spent four hours battling flames in subzero temperatures at a rural home nearly 10 miles northwest of Monroe in eastern Nebraska’s Platte County.

The fire was reported about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. The elderly residents were not at home, but they lost several pets in the blaze.

The fire cause is being investigated.

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