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Omaha Public Schools Board OKs Longer School Days

omaha-psOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A longer school day is ahead for students attending classes in the Omaha Public Schools district.

On Monday night the school board approved a proposal that would lengthen school days by 20 or 25 minutes for all students.

Elementary students will start their classes 15 minutes earlier next school year, at 8:50 a.m., and their last classes will end at 4:05 p.m., 10 minutes later.

Middle schools and high schools will run the same schedule: 7:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Twenty-five minutes were added for middle school students, and 20 minutes were added for high school students.

Backers of the proposal say students need more time with teachers. Opponents complained about the speed with which the initiative was rolled out and said there wasn’t enough community support.

Ashland Farm Paying Nearly $69K in Back Wages

us-department-of-laborOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say an Ashland grower has agreed to pay farmworkers nearly $69,000 in unpaid wages.

The U.S. Department of Labor said Monday that Heldt Produce Inc. also will pay nearly $90,000 in civil penalties for violating wage laws. The department says Heldt Produce violated provisions of the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Employment of Foreign Workers program because it did not properly pay the temporary foreign guest workers during the 2012 and 2013 harvests. The department says Heldt didn’t pay workers the rates stated in their contracts, among other violations.

Josh Weir, Heldt’s attorney, told the Omaha World-Herald that Heldt was victimized by an unscrupulous employee who handled the program for the company. Weir also says technical mistakes were “made in good faith in attempting to comply” with the complicated program regulations.

Lincoln Council OKs $1M to Help Victims of Sewer Backups

city-of-lincolnLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The City Council has approved a $1 million disaster assistance program to help Lincoln homeowners and renters affected by sewer backups during heavy rains.

The council program approved Monday provides $5,000 for victims of backups caused by storm runoff overwhelming the Theresa Street wastewater treatment facility on Oct. 1, 2014, and May 6-7 this year.

City Attorney Jeff Kirkpatrick described the program as disaster assistance, not an insurance program that will reimburse people for all their costs. He says it’s aimed at protecting the health of citizens, so it covers only cleanup.

Some residents affected by the backups have said that despite the new aid program, they’re looking into suing the city.

Motorcyclist Jailed After High-Speed Pursuit Near Nebraska City

state-patrol-logoA motorcycle rider is in the Lancaster County Corrections after running from Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) troopers.

Around 6:30 p.m., on Monday, June 15, a trooper observed a motorcycle speeding just west of the Highway 75/Highway 2 Junction near Nebraska City. The trooper clocked the motorcycle traveling 115 mph in a 55 mph zone. The trooper attempted a traffic stop of the motorcycle. The driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The motorcycle continued west traveling through Otoe County on Highway 2 before entering Lancaster County and turning south onto 120th street. While on the gravel road the motorcycle slowed to speeds of 25 mph. During attempts to stop motorcycle, the driver rammed into two NSP cruisers causing minor damage. Near 120th & Wittstruck Road, the motorcycle ran out of fuel. The driver dumped the motorcycle in the east ditch and took off. He was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.

The driver of the motorcycle, Andrew L. Naderhoff, 21, Hickman, was lodged in the Lancaster County Corrections on charges to include, Felony Flight to Avoid Arrest, Speeding, Willful Reckless Driving, and Driving Under Suspension. Naderhoff was also wanted on a warrant out of Lancaster County for Third Degree Sexual Assault.

The pursuit which last approximately 38 minutes reached speed of 118 mph.

Nebraska-Based Company Picked for New Arkansas Voting System

voteLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin has selected a Nebraska-based vendor to purchase a statewide voting system.

The company, Elections Systems & Software, had submitted a proposal costing around $29.9 million, which was millions of dollars more than alternatives offered by competitors.

Martin spokesman Chris Powell said on Monday that Unisyn Voting Solutions submitted a proposal at around $24.4 million. Hart InterCivic proposed an estimated $18.8 million.

Powell says Elections Systems & Software was chosen because it met every requirement the secretary of state’s office sought.

Powell says Martin hasn’t yet signed a contract with the company. He says that whenever funding becomes available, Martin will purchase the system and that a contract will be signed at that time.

North Platte Weather-June 16


forecast-feature-june-16-20
Today: A slight chance of thunderstorms before 1pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 7pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light south southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind 6 to 9 mph.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Barbara Esther Winchell


Winchell Obit

Barbara Esther Winchell, age 87 died June 14 in North Platte, NE. Barbara was born on Oct. 26, 1927, the daughter of John and Ann Harding at Central City Nebraska. She married Bob Winchell January 24th 1943. They brought into this world four children; Linda, Dan, John and Dean.
After the War and Bob’s return from the service they followed job openings on the railroad Eastward from Julesburg, Colorado and finally settling in North Platte.

Barb worked at many jobs to help support her family over the years including St. Mary’s Hospital, Leeding Pharmacy, Dr. TenEyck’s Office and Ben Franklin Store until she retired. Barb and Bob have been officially retired since 1987, enjoying the many friends and Grandkids that have been so much a part of their lives.
When her health was failing even on the toughest days, news of the Grandkids exploits would bring a bright smile to her face.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Bob Winchell; Brother, Marvin Harding of Houston Texas; Sister, Carma Ehalt of Arizona; Sisters-in-law, Rose Harding of Burns Wyoming and Roberta Harding of Thousand Palms California; Brother-in-law, Charles Koester of North Platte; Sons, Dan (Linda) of North Platte, John (Gayle) of North Platte and Dean (Tina) of Harvard Nebraska; Thirteen Grandchildren, Fifteen Great Grandchildren; One Great Great Grandchild; many special Nieces and Nephews and lifelong friends. So many special memories of Dick, Shirley and Chris Linn include the “Thursday night Social Club” and always brought her a smile and a chuckle.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Linda; a son-in-law, Don Fairchild; and two brothers, Ted and Richard.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in her memory.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Private family inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the funeral home. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Kelly Smith


SMITH, KELLY

Kelly B. Smith, 52, of North Platte, passed away June 14, 2015 at Aurora, CO.  He was born August 16, 1962 to Harold and Ila Faye (Murry) Smith at Shenandoah, IA.  The family lived in Plattsmouth, NE until moving to North Platte in 1967.  Kelly graduated from North Platte High School with the class of “80”.  He attended Mid Plains Community College and graduated with a degree in computer science and computer programming.  He then attended Mid Plains Vo-Tech Campus for a course in auto repair and restoration.  On September 10, 1983, he was united in marriage to Jo Henry at North Platte.  Kelly co-owned Smith Brothers Auto and later opened K. Smith Auto Center, INC in 2004. His life was all about family and his love of cars.  He loved spending his free time with their dog, Izzy or playing and watching poker.  Kelly is survived by his wife, Jo of North Platte; his children, Megan (Marcus) and their  two children, Parker and Riley Doughty all of North Platte; Derek, Cassi, and Ryan Smith all of Lincoln; his parents of North Platte; brother, Jody (Cindy) Smith of North Platte; sister, Lisa (Don) Moody of Iowa; Jo’s family; nieces; nephews and other relatives.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tommy Smith, Helen Winkler and Ross and Marie Murry.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  A memorial has been established in his memory.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Michael Pampara as celebrant.  Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday with family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Lincoln Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Crash Last Year

gavel-moreLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a fatal car crash last year.

19-year-old Cristofer Cazun entered guilty pleas to two manslaughter charges Monday.

Cazun was driving a vehicle last September when he rear-ended a pickup. A passenger in the second vehicle, 50-year-old Randall Woita, died at the scene. Two others in that car were also injured.

Authorities say Cazun was high on synthetic marijuana at the time and was speeding prior to the crash.

Cazun is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 3.

Fremont Police: 1 Injured Following Reports of Shooting

fremont-policeFREMONT, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in Fremont say one person has been injured following reports of a shooting.

The Fremont Police Department says it received a report of a shooting Monday afternoon. Authorities say some type of altercation may be connected to the reports.

One person was taken by private car to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say it’s unclear how the person was hurt. The reported shooting remains under investigation.

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