LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will have more money than expected this session, based on new state revenue projections.
The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted Friday that the state will collect nearly $9 billion during the current two-year budget cycle.
The forecast will give lawmakers about $14.1 million for additional legislation this year, compared to the roughly $1.4 million at their disposal before the latest estimates were approved.
Board members say the farm economy is continuing to struggle, but a worker shortage is putting upward pressure on wages. They also say the local economies in Omaha and Lincoln are holding strong.
According to the estimates, Nebraska will collect more than $4.4 billion in the current fiscal year and nearly $4.6 billion in the next fiscal year, which starts on July 1.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The uncle of an Omaha man convicted of killing four people has pleaded no contest to being an accomplice in a 2013 murder and for attempted robbery.
Douglas County District Judge Peter Bataillon sentenced Warren Levering to 40 years in prison Friday for his role in the August 2013 murder of Andrea Kruger. A first-degree murder charge was dropped in a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Nikko Jenkins, who is Levering’s nephew, was convicted in the death of Kruger and three other people. Prosecutors say Levering was with Jenkins when he carjacked and killed Kruger.
Television station WOWT reports that Levering’s sentence includes 20 years for the accessory to murder charge and 20 years for attempted robbery. The sentences will run consecutively. He was given credit for 893 days already served.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A United States Department of Agriculture official is pushing Nebraska producers to apply for federal grants to develop new businesses.
USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul announced Monday that the 2016 cycle of Value-Added Producer Grants can help the state’s rural farmers and ranchers develop and market products.
The grants will have additional funding this year from the authorizations passed by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill.
The program is aimed at growing rural communities, and the competitive grants may be used for developing studies and business plans for new or existing products.
Since it began in 2000, Nebraska’s USDA Rural Development program has awarded 104 grants totaling $11.8 million.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A 35-year-old Lincoln man accused of stealing $15,000 from the IRS over two years he worked for the agency has been indicted on a federal charge in the case.
Andrew Sutter faces one count of theft of federal property.
The indictment says Sutter stole $15,069 from the agency from July 2013 through September 2015.
Sutter is scheduled to appear in federal court in Lincoln on March 8.
Online court records do not list an attorney for Sutter, and a phone number for Sutter could not be found Saturday.
MADISON, Neb. (AP) — A 51-year-old Norfolk man has been sentenced to prison for possession of child pornography.
William Walter was sentenced Friday in Madison County District Court to six to 12 years in prison.
A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to a search of Walter’s home on April 1. Prosecutors say child pornography was found on a laptop, tower computer and several DVDs and CDs seized from Walter’s home.
Walter must serve nearly three years before he’s eligible for parole. He must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln woman whose 4-year-old daughter was found wandering a city street earlier this week has been cited on suspicion of child neglect.
A passerby alerted police that the child was walking around alone and had crossed several streets on Thursday afternoon. Police spokeswoman Katie Flood says the child was found about a block from her home.
Officers later found the girl’s 27-year-old mother, who told police the girl was sick and had been left at home while the mother went to pick up another child from school.
Delores “Dee” Jane (Steele) Krebs, 86, of North Platte passed away February 23, 2016 at her home. Dee was born April 6, 1929 in Kearney, Nebraska to Richard and Mabel (Alm) Steele.
Dee attended the Omaha Technical High School, graduating with the class of 1949. On July 29, 1950 in Omaha she married Robert (Bob) F. Krebs. The two recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Dee was a full time dedicated wife and mother, and was involved and supported all her families’ many activities. She was a member of the UPRR Old Timers, North Platte Senior Center, and a Canasta club. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needle/petite point tapestry and was a talented painter. Dee was most known for her seamstress abilities, and created and designed beautiful porcelain dolls and their costumes.
Survivors include her son Jack (Glenda) Krebs of North Platte; daughters, Carolyn (Terry) Osborne of Sutherland, Diane (John) Lemen of Omaha, and foster daughter, Robin Grant of North Platte; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Eklund of North Platte; and a sister-in-law, Mary Krebs of Omaha.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert (Bob) Krebs; and a brother-in-law, Charles Walter Krebs.
In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the family, they in turn will be gifted to Nebraska Public Television; NET Foundation for Television or to the North Platte Animal Shelter in Dee’s name. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 29, 2016 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with Deacon Mark Lister officiating. There will be a luncheon to follow at Jack and Glenda Krebs’ residence in North Platte. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Michelle Lynn Hunter, age 21, of Dothan, Alabama, died as the result of an accident in Alabama on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
Michelle was born April 14, 1994, at Birmingham, AL. She is the daughter of Chad Eric and Heather Lynn Booker Farmer. Michelle spent most of her life in Alabama but graduated from Stapleton High School in 2013. She then moved to Dothan to live and work and wanted to someday go to college and become a nurse.
Michelle loved getting dirty and being outdoors, going hunting, 4-wheeling and mudding. She also enjoyed listening to music, “Butterfly, Fly Away” was one of her favorite songs. Michelle especially loved her friends and would help anyone in need.
She leaves behind her parents, Chad and Heather Farmer, of Stapleton, NE; three brothers, Ethan Koinzan, of Broken Bow, NE, David Booker, of McCook, NE, and Joshua Hernandez, of Stapleton; sister, Tasha Lynn Booker, and nephew, Cash Booker, both of McCook, NE; great-grandfather, Kermit Paxton, of North Platte, NE; grandparents, Adelbert ‘Tuck’ and Joan Farmer, of Stapleton and Janice Vansant and Steve Boyd, both of Rome, GA; aunts and uncles, Misty (Kenneth) Gravitt and Barbie Boyd, both of Rome, GA, Theresa Farmer, of Tryon and Joshua (Leah) Shelly, of St. Augustine, FL; great-aunts and uncles, Gary (June) Farmer, of North Platte, Anna Mae (Lester) Wycoff, of Barron, WI, and Jim (Bonnita) Paxton, of Hillsdale, WI, LeeAnn Paxton, of Thedford, NE, and Dale (Colleen) Pettit, of Tryon, NE; and many other family members and her friends.
Michelle was preceded in death by her great great-grandparents, Joseph and Rachel Mize; great-grandparents, Eldon and Mary Farmer; and grandfather, Bobby Joe Mize.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m.Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Hall Church in Ringgold with Pastor Jonathan Martino officiating. Burial will follow in the Lone Star Cemetery, north of Ringgold. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.
United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, Deborah R. Gilg, announced today at a press conference in North Platte, Nebraska the federal indictments of sixty people involved in a Methamphetamine conspiracy investigation in Central and Western Nebraska, and Northeastern Colorado.
The joint operation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, included law enforcement officers from the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Drug Task Force, Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group (WING), and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force (CNDSSTF), and Colorado law enforcement authorities.
This year-long operation resulted in the federal indictment of sixty individuals, and another four individuals arrested on state charges, for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to Distribute, and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Starting in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 23, 2016, CODE, WING, and CNDSSTF members, along with the assistance of other Nebraska and Colorado local, state, and federal law enforcement arrested 53 on federal charges and four on state charges, throughout Nebraska and Eastern Colorado. Seven of the federally indicted individuals are still at large. The United States Marshal’s Service assisted in the round-up of these fugitives.
Recovered during the arrest of these individuals were 8.4 ounces of methamphetamine and $1,141.
Two federal search warrants resulted in three vehicles being seized, valued at approximately $85,000, one sawed off shotgun, one revolver, and approximately $17,250. Five state search warrants resulted in the recovery of $17,500, over 2lbs of meth, and 5 guns. Unrelated arrests include 2 individuals on local charges which resulted in the seizure of 1 rifle, a ballistic vest and 16 grams of ecstasy.
Participating Nebraska drug task forces included the CODE Drug Task Force, made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22 county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska; the WING Task Force covering eleven panhandle counties (Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux); and the CNDSSTF covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska. Colorado law enforcement agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation – (Denver Office), Holyoke, Colorado Police Department and the Sedgwick County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office.
“This is an incredible effort involving nearly thirty law enforcement agencies”, said U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg, “The coordination and cooperation in this investigation is a tremendous tribute to the selfless dedication we see time and time again with our law enforcement agencies.” “Two years ago today we were gathered in North Platte to honor many of these same law enforcement officers who were being recognized with an award from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into the drug conspiracy involving many of these indictments and arrests earlier this week.”
Those indicted are:
Anthony Apodaca-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Vigil Apodaca Sr.-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Virgil Apodaca Jr.-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jack Seals (AT LARGE)-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Mary Bockman-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Brett Smyth-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Mauricio Cabrera-Scottsbluff, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Lorinda Cabrera-Scottsbluff, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jose Cantu-Morrill, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Eric Molina-Scottsbluff, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Courtney Rae Coleman-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000.000 fine)
Joel Cervantes-Morales-Omaha, Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Ricardo Diaz-No Hometown Listed, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Wendy Pulido-No Hometown Listed, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Janet Fontenot-Hershey, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Stephanie Hill-Hershey, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Lori Formanek-Wheat Ridge, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Francisco Gomez-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Rose Gomez-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jason Hibbs-Kearney, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Manuel Ortiz-Kearney, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Maria Robles-Rojas-No Hometown Listed, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jesus Aguirre-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Gilbert Gomez Jr.-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Gilbert Gomez Sr.-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Martin Gomez-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Monica Gomez-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Richard Keith-Evans, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jesse Klempter-North Platte, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Enrique Martinez-Cozad, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Oscar Escandon-Gibbon, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Jessica Miller-Gibbon, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Juan Manuel Munoz-Lexington, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Aaron Nunnenkamp-North Platte, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Lee Benson-Big Springs, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Louis Ortega-Big Springs, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Randy Casillas-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jody Casillas-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Ryan Gabel-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Rachel Humphrey-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Donald Morrissey-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Keith Phelps-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Andrea Tracy-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jesus Quezada-Lexington, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Teresa Enninga-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Tyce Miller-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Martin Radel-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Jesus Gonzales-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Domingo Rivera-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Sheri Queen-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Roxanne Reynolds-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Nasario Sanchez-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Brian Titman-McCook, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Jose Valierra-Lexington, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Christopher Gonzales-North Platte, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Thomas Venegas-Scottsbluff, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Roy Vieyra-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jeremy Soto-Gering, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Tiffany Zerley-Gering, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Danny Huerta-Grand Island, Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
According to Gilg, all fugitives have been captured, with the exception of Jack Seals, Manuel Ortiz, Maria Robles-Rojas, Thomas Venegas and Danny Huerta. Officials are asking for the public’s assistance in locating these individuals.
The first group of defendants from the round-up will make their initial appearance in US District Court in Omaha this afternoon.
Hear the statements from Gilg here (the Presser starts at around 2:20 in the video. Edits are pending.):
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will have more money than expected this session, based on new state revenue projections.
