May 2015 – Page 37 – North Platte Post Archive

Police Say Missing UNL Student May Have Fallen into Creek

Posted on May 13, 2015

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police say University of Nebraska-Lincoln student reported missing last week may have fallen into a creek and been swept away in strong currents.

The Lincoln Police Department on Wednesday said a local business’ video surveillance camera contained footage of a woman who is believed to be 30-year-old Anwesha Dey. She was last seen leaving a friend’s house on foot about 7 p.m. on May 3.

The video obtained by investigators Tuesday shows her trying to cross Antelope Creek, falling in and appearing to struggle as she attempted to gain her footing. It then shows her being carried away by the current.

Chief Jim Peschong says crews have begun searching the area. He says heavy rainfall that hammered the Lincoln area last week could have carried her body further downstream.

Man Convicted of Omaha Hate Crime Doesn’t Show at Sentencing

Posted on May 13, 2015

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 36-year-old man convicted of a hate crime in connection with an assault on a Marine in downtown Omaha didn’t show up to his sentencing hearing.

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday after Missouri-native Gregory Duncan didn’t appear for his scheduled sentencing on a third-degree assault conviction. He was charged with punching Ryan Langenegger in the face after using derogatory names regarding the sexual orientation of Langenegger’ friends.

Duncan’s attorney says his client hadn’t informed him that he wouldn’t show up to his sentencing.

Jurors found Duncan guilty in February. During his trial, Duncan’s attorney accused his client’s friends of making the derogatory slurs. But prosecutors argued that Duncan had no other reason to punch Langenegger, who they say was peacefully defending his friends.

Gov. Ricketts OKs Bill Allowing Higher Brand Inspection Fees

Posted on May 13, 2015

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The cost of brand inspections for cattle could rise to as much as $1.10 per head under a law signed by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Ricketts notified lawmakers Wednesday that he approved the legislation, which allows the Nebraska Brand Committee to charge the higher maximum fee. Committee employees inspect cattle that are about to be sold and investigate reports of missing or stolen livestock.

Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis told lawmakers last month that the committee has reached the maximum fee it can charge under state law. The ceiling was last increased from 65 cents to 75 cents per head in 2005.

Davis says the committee needs to upgrade its records system, and is struggling to recruit and retain quality employees because of low salaries.

Omaha Dad Charged with Abuse of 3-Month-Old Son

Posted on May 13, 2015May 13, 2015

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha dad has been charged with abusing his 3-month-old son who he claims was choking when injuries were sustained.

The Douglas County Attorney’s Office says the infant was diagnosed in April with subdural hematoma, or blood on the brain usually caused by severe head injuries.

A police report says the diagnosis came after 31-year-old Brian Swanson told officers the boy began to choke and he tried to help him breathe by hitting him on the back and sticking a finger in his mouth. The baby was rushed to a nearby hospital and later transferred to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center.

Swanson was charged Friday with felony child abuse and released from jail Monday. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years in prison.

Man Who Tried to Shoot Up Nebraska Classroom to Be Released

Posted on May 13, 2015

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A judge has ordered a state psychiatric hospital to release an ailing man who in 1992 tried to shoot up a Lincoln college classroom of students.

Retired Judge Paul Merritt Jr. says 66-year-old Arthur McElroy has become too feeble to present a danger to anyone. Merritt says McElroy is to be released no sooner than June 1 from the Lincoln Regional Center.

Court records say McElroy tried to fire a military carbine into a science class of about 20 students, but the weapon jammed. A judge later ruled that McElroy was insane and not responsible for his actions.

Records say McElroy has since been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and other maladies.

McElroy is expected to go to a local nursing home.

Decision on Nebraska Oil Wastewater Site Challenged

Posted on May 13, 2015

SIDNEY, Neb. (AP) — Landowners whose property is adjacent to a planned oil production wastewater site in the Nebraska Panhandle have filed a court challenge to the site’s approval.

The petition for review was filed last week by Jane Grove and Hughson Flying A Ranch Inc. against the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and Terex Energy Corp., of Broomfield, Colorado. Last month the commission approved Terex’s request to use a well north of Mitchell to dispose of salty groundwater and chemical-laden fracking wastewater that result from oil and gas production.

The petition says the commission didn’t have jurisdiction because the well was intended to dispose of wastewater produced in Colorado and Wyoming and that there were no plans initially to dispose of wastewater produced in Nebraska.

Kathryn Elizabeth ‘Kathy’ Shimmin

Posted on May 13, 2015

Kathryn Elizabeth ‘Kathy’ Shimmin, 56, of North Platte, NE, passed away suddenly at Great Plains Health on Wednesday, May 13, 2015.

Kathy was born June 6, 1958, to Elmer Lee ‘Hank’ and Marion Elizabeth Weiland Keith in North Platte where she grew up and attended school. While in high school, Kathy worked for Dog ‘n Suds then following graduation she went to work for Alco and later Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Linen Services.

Kathy was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where she was chairman of the barbecue committee. She enjoyed working in her yard and gardening. Kathy also like fishing, sewing, volunteering at the Thrift Center and helping with Bingo at the Senior Center. But most of all, her true love was for her daughter and granddaughter.

She is survived by her daughter, Marie (Eric) VanOverbeke, granddaughter, Abbygail Elizabeth VanOverbeke, and mother, Marion Keith, all of North Platte; brothers, Mike (Mary) Keith, of Omaha, NE, Larry Keith, of Cheyenne, WY, and Doug (Sharon) Keith, of North Platte; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Hank, and brother, Allen Keith.

Cremation was chosen. Services will be Friday, May 15, 2015, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A Rosary Service will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. with Father Jim Novakowski as celebrant. Inurnment will be at a later date in the North Platte Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice.

Melvin J. Ackerman

Posted on May 13, 2015

Melvin J. Ackerman, a lifelong North Platte resident, died peacefully at home May 13th, 2015 following a long illness. He was born November 27, 1934, to Katherine and Harry A. Ackerman. He attended North Platte schools, graduating from NPHS in 1953. He brought recognition to the High School track team for his outstanding athletic performance in setting state records for the half mile races. He enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard, and served for several years. In 1954, he married Zoe Valentine, with whom he had five children. The two later divorced. Mel chose the vocation of a carpenter, following in the footsteps of his Ackerman grandfather. As a lifelong employee of Dowhower Construction Company he contributed his skills, precision, and dedication to the building of many homes and business sites throughout the area including, The First Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member. With a deep awareness of the wonder and beauty of the natural world, Mel loved the lakes and prairies of the Great Plains, and the birds, the fish, the wild creatures which inhabit it. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, and camping with his children. Planting a garden and watching it grow was another joy. Mel was a dedicated Husker fan, and that also brought him many hours of enjoyment and bonding with his family. His children were the delight of his life and he leaves them incomparable intangible gifts as his legacy. A striving for doing one’s very best, a strong work ethic, living simply and neatly, stewardship of personal resources, how to tend a garden, build a house, and how to figure out how to fix things.
Melvin is survived by sons, David M. Ackerman of Winchester, CA, and Matthew Ackerman of North Platte; daughters, Cynthia (David) Lowry of Centennial, CO and Ann (Jan) Frohman of Ashland, NE; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; his sister, Mary (Keith) Peterson of Ashland, MO; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Peter Ackerman; brother, Arthur Ackerman; sisters, Eugenia (Raymond) Reynolds, and Shirley (James) Wresche.
Services will be 1:30 Friday, May 15, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Thompson Square Headline Act at College World Series Concert

Posted on May 13, 2015

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Country act Thompson Square will be the featured band at the concert next to TD Ameritrade Park the night before the start of the College World Series.

The Road to Omaha Jam will be held in Lot B south of the ballpark beginning at 6 p.m. on June 12. The Railers will be the opening act.

The concert highlights the Opening Celebration Day that begins at 10 a.m. with team practices and autograph sessions. The CWS Fan Fest also will be held, with free baseball interactive games, prizes and other entertainment.

The day ends with Opening Ceremonies inside the stadium. There will be Olympic-style team introductions, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and a fireworks show.

Nebraska Firm Loses Round But Insurance Fight Continues

Posted on May 13, 2015

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A judge has ordered a defunct Nebraska insurance company to pay Florida regulators at least $2.2 million, but this week’s ruling isn’t likely to settle the case that began in 1998.

The Nebraska Supreme Court has already ruled on aspects of the case four times, and it may get another chance.

The case centers on the relationship between David Fulkerson’s former company, Countrywide Insurance Agency, and an insolvent insurance company Florida regulators took control of in 1997.

Bob Craig, who represents Florida, said Wednesday he’s pleased with the ruling, but more appeals are likely given the case’s history.

Attorney William Gast, who represents the Fulkerson family and Countrywide, says he’ll appeal because a procedural issue should have killed the case several years ago and because he disagrees with the judge.