LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is one step closer to commemorating mountain lions on a special license plate that would raise money for youth wildlife education.

Senators gave second-round approval Monday to legislation that would create “mountain lion conservation plates” through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The measure would impose a $5 fee for the plates, with the revenue going to a state program that educates youth about conservation. Personalized plates would cost $40.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, well-known animal lover, has said he introduced the proposal because of the public’s interest in preserving the mountain lion population.

The bill requires one final vote before it goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Three North Platte residents are facing felony charges following a vehicle pursuit on Saturday night.

At around 8:39 p.m., on February 6, North Platte Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies were provided information that Rosendo Duran would be traveling westbound on Interstate 80 in a gray Toyota Camry, and would be arriving in North Platte.

According to Investigator John Deal, the information indicated that Duran, who had an active warrant, had drugs in the vehicle as well as firearms.  A short time later, Duran’s vehicle was observed exiting the Interstate at Exit 179.

A trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop as the Camry traveled northbound on Newberry Access, but Duran fled.  According to Deal, Duran turned westbound on to Philip Avenue before heading northbound on Welch Street.  The chase ended when Duran hit a snowbank near the intersection of 5th and Welch Streets.

Police say Duran fled the scene on foot while a passenger, identified as William Dimas, was taken into custody at the scene.  Deal said Dimas was observed throwing an object that was later determined to be a handgun.  A second passenger, Alyson Goodman, had jumped out of the moving vehicle near 4th and Welch Streets and was transported to Great Plains Health by a passerby.  Deal said her injuries were minor.

A perimeter was established and Duran was eventually located hiding under a vehicle in the 1700 block of East 6th Street.

The Camry was towed, and a search produced scales, bulk quantities of plastic baggies, paraphernalia, and numerous other items used in the distribution of methamphetamine.  Deal said suspected methamphetamine was also located in the vehicle.

In the end, Dimas, a convicted felon, was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of  a felony, Goodman was charged with distribution of a controlled substance and Duran was charged with felony leaving the scene of an injury accident, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, willful reckless driving, hit-and-run and flight to avoid prosecution.

All three were jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center and the investigation is ongoing.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Public Service Commission is seeking applicants for a board that reviews and recommends grant requests for Internet service in underserved parts of the state.

The commission has three vacancies on the Nebraska Internet Enhancement Fund Advisory Board. The seven-member board helps the commission administer the Nebraska Internet Enhancement Fund, created by the Legislature in 2001.

Two of the open seats would represent local telephone companies, while one would represent local governments.

Advisory board positions are unpaid. Applicants should submit a statement of interest and a resume to Nichole Mulcahy at the Nebraska Public Service Commission. Materials can be sent to P.O. Box 94927, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4927, or nichole.mulcahy@nebraska.gov

Applications are due by April 1. More information is available by calling 402-471-3101.

CRAWFORD, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials have decided to suspend a former Crawford teacher’s license for a year because she violated state testing rules last spring.

The state Board of Education unanimously approved the suspension of Ramona Hourt’s certificate Friday.

The Nebraska Professional Practices Commission determined that Hourt violated rules for the state writing test by taking pictures of students’ computer screens, discussing answers with students and making writing suggestions during the test.

Hourt said in a letter to the board that she was encouraging students during the test and didn’t believe she was giving them answers.

Hourt apologized for her actions and resigned from the Crawford school district last year.