North Platte – North Platte Community College Knights sophomore men’s basketball player Tyree Peter, was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IX Division I men’s basketball All-Region Third Team. Continue reading “Knights’ Tyree Peter Receives All-Region Honor”
Month: March 2016
Autopsy Report Released on Omaha Man Who Killed Police Dog
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An autopsy report says an Omaha man who officers say killed a police dog during a standoff died because of water on the brain and low levels of sodium and chloride in his blood.
Fifty-nine-year-old Mark L’Heureux (leh’-ROH’) died in custody on Feb. 2, more than a week after the 25-hour standoff with officers.
Officials say L’Heureux was examined at a hospital after surrendering on Jan. 23. He was mildly dehydrated, had some minor cuts and was diagnosed with cold exposure and psychosis.
L’Heureux refused to eat or take medications after he was released from hospital and placed in the Douglas County Jail.
Police say L’Heureux shot the dog, named Kobus, as officers tried to serve a warrant ordering L’Heureux to undergo psychiatric evaluation.
Nebraska Senators Back Patient-Practitioner Agreement Option
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska senators are backing alternatives to traditional health care, including the option for patients to pay practitioners directly for consultations and physicals rather than through insurance.
Lawmakers voted 38-0 Tuesday to advance a measure by Omaha Sen. Merv Riepe, a former hospital administrator, to outline how direct primary care agreements are handled in Nebraska.
Supporters say the agreements minimize regulations and promote better relationships between practitioners and patients.
Riepe says the option does not stand in the way of expanding Medicaid, but offers an alternative for a small niche in the market.
Sen. Kathy Campbell of Lincoln says because direct primary care agreements do not constitute insurance, individuals would likely need additional health coverage to comply with federal requirements.
Ricketts to Visit 4 Nebraska Cities to Promote Agriculture
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts and agricultural leaders will visit four Nebraska cities next week on a campaign to promote farming and ranching.
Ricketts announced Tuesday that he will travel to Hastings, McCook, Falls City and Omaha on Monday as part of National Agriculture Week, a celebration of livestock, crop production and other aspects of the industry.
The fly-around will include Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach; state Sen. Jerry Johnson of Wahoo, who chairs the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee; and representatives of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and the Nebraska Cattlemen Association.
Ricketts says the group will talk about property taxes, trade and other issues related to agriculture.
National Agriculture Week is celebrated from March 13-19.
La Vista Adopts Building Policy for Active-Shooter Scenarios
LA VISTA, Neb. (AP) — La Vista has adopted a policy for responding to active-shooter scenarios in city buildings.
The policy approved by City Council March 1 outlines ways to protect employees, officials and citizens when someone is firing a gun on city property.
The policy says employees should evacuate, hide or fight. The policy offers tips for each option, such as improvising weapons, keeping one’s hands visible while leaving a building, picking a hiding spot that is easy to escape from and throwing things.
There are also guidelines for communicating with news organizations and employees following a shooting incident.
The city will also offer employee training for such scenarios.
Steve Votaw
Steve Votaw, age 69 of Wellfleet passed away at his home on Thursday, March 3, 2016. He was born in North Platte, NE on January 22, 1947 to Francis and Verna (Sandstrom) Votaw, and was raised on the family farm near Wellfleet. He graduated from UNSA in Curtis in 1966 and was drafted into the army.
Steve was a very proud, patriotic veteran. He served two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged. He was a 20 year member of the Nebraska National Guard of North Platte. He was a retired farmer and had just retired from working at Western Engineering in North Platte.
Steve loved coffees, celebrating birthdays and fishing with his friends Verlon VanNetta, Kurt Remus, Dan McCorkle and his best friend and mentor, Bernie Zwickl. He loved people and always greeted friends with a warm smile. He was a gentle, kind and generous soul and will be truly missed.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Verna; baby brother, Mark; and a baby nephew.
He is survived by his sister, Anne Fintel (Chuck) of Omaha; nieces, Brittany Fintel of San Diego, CA and Allison Fintel of Omaha; and great niece and nephew Kayleigh and Peyton Kragskow of Omaha; various cousins and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Cremation was chosen, Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday March 11, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home at 421 West 4th Street, North Platte with the Reverend Jacob Rahrig officiating. Inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery following the services. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
James Joseph “JJ” Bryant Jr.
James Joseph “JJ” Bryant Jr. of North Platte passed away on the morning of Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the age of 64. J.J. was born in Tarboro, ND to James Joseph and Joanne (Hufham) Bryant, Sr. on September 8, 1951. He spent his childhood in California before moving to North Platte in 1970. He married Rebecca Hert and to this union a son, James Joseph III was born. On October 18, 1982 he married the love of his life and best friend, Sherry (Thompson) Garrick. J.J. adopted her two children, Lindsay and Jason. Together they had one child, Jeffrey.
J.J. worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 42 years before retiring as a locomotive engineer in 2011. He had a special love of music, spending countless hours playing his guitars and listening to classic rock. He also enjoyed camping and four-wheeling in his Jeep. However, his great joy in life was spending time and creating memories with his loved ones.
Survivors include his wife Sherry Bryant of North Platte; children, James J. III (Dawna) Bryant of Littleton, CO, Lindsay (Levi) Caudy of North Platte, Jason Bryant of North Platte, and Jeffrey Bryant of Englewood, CO; father, James J. Bryant Sr. of North Platte; sisters, Teresa (Mark) Crewdson of North Platte, and Lynda Beach of Grand Terrace, CA; grandchildren, Conner, Treven, Jaycee, Kinlee, Evan, Ian, Ibaleen, Aroque, Andrew, Javen, Addysen, Kaylee, Cassady, Sonny, and Shady; great-grandchildren, DayLynn and Ronen; several nieces and nephews; mother-on-law, Marge Thompson of North Platte; and a sister-in-law, Debbie (Bruce) Holm of Wallace.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joanne; uncle, Johnny Bryant; and father-in-law, Ron Thompson.
Per J.J.’s wishes a funeral service will not be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church of North Platte. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jeanette “Jenny” Murrain
Jeanette “Jenny” Murrain, 52 of Gothenburg passed away March 5, 2016. Jenny was born September 30, 1963 in Grand Island to Leonard F. and Mary Frances (Leonard) Buhrman. She graduated from North Platte St. Patrick’s Catholic High School with the class of 1982. Jenny attended Mid Plains Community College and worked at Quik Shop while she finished her degree. She later went back to school and received her dental hygienist degree. On June 11, 1988 Jenny was united in marriage to Rodney Murrain. To this union two children were born, Samantha and Cody. Jenny worked at Taco John’s for 30 years, which included 10 years as a manager. She began working at Shopko in 2008 and was currently store manager at the Shopko in Gothenburg. She was a hard worker, loyal friend, and a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Survivors include her children, Samantha (Jon “JT”) Beck of North Platte, and Cody Murrain of Gothenburg; father, Leonard Buhrman of Grand Island; grandchildren, Alyssa Dimmitt, and Emily Beck; siblings, Kathy Buhrman of Denver, CO, Connie (Bill) Niles of Hastings, Patty (Don) McBride of Grand Island, Richard (Vickie) Buhrman of Gretna, and Bill (Lisa) Buhrman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; best friends, Jamie Holson of North Platte, and Barbara Robinson of Maxwell.
She was preceded in death by her mother; and a sister Jean Ann.
Memorials may be made to North Platte Catholic School Endowment and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverends Don Buhrman and James Golka as co-celebrants. Burial will follow at Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Former Scottsbluff Motel Manager Accused of Theft
GERING, Neb. (AP) — A former manager has been accused of stealing more than $13,000 from a Scottsbluff motel.
Forty-year-old Phillip Flowers is charged with theft. His attorney didn’t immediately return a call Tuesday from The Associated Press.
An arrest affidavit says the Capri Motel owner contacted police in December after an accountant examined transactions that occurred when Flowers was the motel manager last year.
Gary Arthur Greder
Gary Arthur Greder, age 76, of North Platte, NE, went to be with his Lord, with his family by his side on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.
Gary was born January 3, 1940, to Kenneth Ernest and Ruth Augusta Stern Greder at Lincoln, NE and grew up in Ainsworth, NE. In 1958 he graduated from Ainsworth High School, lettering in football, basketball and track. Gary then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity and participated in ROTC for two years. In 1962 he graduated with a degree in Range Management.
On June 21, 1959, Gary was united in marriage to Doris Marie Best at Wood Lake, NE, and to this union three children, Gregory, Paige and Grant, were born. Following his graduation from UNL, Gary and Doris moved to Halsey, NE where he worked for the George and Leona Bush Ranch. In 1964 they moved to North Platte, NE. Gary was employed by the Nebraska Board of Educational Land and Funds for 10 years. After that he managed farms and ranches for the National Bank of Commerce Trust Department and United Farm Management for 30 years. In 2012 he formed his own real estate and farm management company, Circle G Ag Real Estate, where he mentored his grandson, Jordan Maassen.
Gary obtained his Real Estate License and Appraisal License which allowed him to teach at Appraisal Schools throughout the Midwest. He was a 40 year member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and served as Chapter President.
Gary was very active in his community, generously giving of his time and talents to his family, friends and those in need. He was a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff Posse for 15 years and President for 5 years. He rode in the Pony Express Reenactment for over 20 years and was a 4-H Leader for 15. Gary coached football, basketball and Little League Baseball, and rarely missed any of his children’s or grandchildren’s activities. He was also a life time member of the First United Methodist Church and served as Head Usher for 3 decades. Gary never faltered in his Christian faith and loved his family and friends very much.
Gary leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Doris of North Platte, NE; their children, Paige (Brian) Maassen of Hershey, NE, and Gregory (Tezra) Greder and Grant (Sarah) Greder of Lincoln, NE; six grandchildren, Jordan (Megan) Maassen of North Platte, Amber Maassen (fiancé, Kyle Krula) of Rogers, NE, and Landan Maassen, Trevallion Greder, Gianna Greder and Nash Greder all of Lincoln, NE; a great-granddaughter, Teagan Maassen of North Platte, NE; his sister, Karen (Brent) Johnson of Johnstown, NE; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Jay) Stombaugh of Lexington, NE, and Louise Knoedler of Camarillo, CA; brother-in-law, Jim Best, of Lakewood, CO; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Greder and Ruth Greder Atwood; stepfather, Arthur Atwood; his brother, Gail Greder; and brother-in-law, Carl Knoedler.
Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will be 3:30 p.m. in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Wood Lake, NE with Pastor Don Letellier officiating. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. 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, memorials are suggested to the Lincoln County Sheriff Posse or First United Methodist Church.