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Significant Premium Spikes Expected Under Obama Health Care Plan

health_careWASHINGTON (AP) — Expect insurers to seek significant premium increases under President Barack Obama’s health care law for next year.

A wave of state-level requests will ripple across the country ahead of the political conventions this summer.

Insurers say the law’s coverage has been a financial drain for many of them, and they’re setting the stage for hikes that in some cases could reach well into the double digits.

In Virginia, nine insurers returning to the HealthCare.gov marketplace are seeking average premium increases that range from 9 percent to 37 percent.

The health law’s subsidized insurance markets cover more than 12 million people nationwide. Going into their fourth year, they don’t yet seem to have achieved stability.

The Obama administration says talk of premium increases is premature and overblown.

Omaha Man Found Guilty of Burning Couple’s Gay Pride Flag

Cameron Mayfield
Cameron Mayfield

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man accused of stealing a gay pride rainbow flag and burning it has been found guilty.

24-year-old Cameron Mayfield was found guilty Wednesday of arson. Prosecutors said that the charge was prosecuted as a felony, not a misdemeanor, because the incident was investigated as a hate crime.

Mayfield was accused of taking the flag from the porch of a lesbian couple who lived near him, setting it on fire and waving it in the middle of the street in March 2015.

James Martin Davis, who is Mayfield’s attorney, argued the act was a drunken prank and not a hate crime. Mayfield had testified that he thought the flag was a spring ornament, not a gay pride flag, and that he had no idea that the his neighbors were gay.

Mayfield faces up to two years in prison.

Pursuit in Western Nebraska Leads to Capture of South Dakota Murder Suspect

Jail-Bars-and-Cuffs_mediumA pursuit down Interstate 80 in western Nebraska led to the arrest of a man wanted in connection with an April 22 homicide in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Wednesday evening, April 27, the Nebraska State Patrol was alerted by South Dakota authorities that a male wanted in connection with a homicide in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, may be driving a white Oldsmobile 88 heading west on Interstate 80.

Just after 8:30 p.m., a trooper spotted a vehicle matching the description westbound on I-80 near Lodgepole, in Cheyenne County. The trooper attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The vehicle stopped briefly at which time two women and an infant got out of the car. The suspect then sped away.

A pursuit ensued continuing westbound on I-80.  During the pursuit the suspect fired shots out of the driver’s side window at the patrol units attempting to stop the vehicle. Troopers did not return fire. The Wyoming Patrol was notified the vehicle was approaching the state line. As the vehicle entered into Wyoming spike strips flattened tires on the vehicle which then came to a stop on I-80 several miles west of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming. The suspect, identified as Jared J. Stone, 21, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was taken into custody by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and lodged in the Laramie County jail.

No troopers were injured in the pursuit which covered approximately 65 miles reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.  The two females and the infant initially let out of the vehicle were released.

“The situation could have had a tragic outcome as this individual was determined to evade authorities at all costs,” said Captain Jamey Balthazor, Commander Troop E- Scottsbluff.  “This was a cooperative effort between various agencies in three states. We are grateful no one was hurt and law enforcement was able to get him off the road and into custody.”

Brief Tornado That Struck Omaha Rated EF1

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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The National Weather Service says a tornado that skipped along a few blocks of northwest Omaha was rated EF1, packing winds of 86 through 110 mph.

The service says the tornado stayed on the ground for about eight blocks and seemed to bob up and down after it struck around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. It toppled a few trees, damaged others and knocked down some fences before dissipating about four minutes later. No injuries have been reported.

Golf ball-size hail fell near Valley and other Douglas County spots.

Downpours accompanied the storms that developed Wednesday from the same system that brought rain Tuesday. The service has issued an alert for possible flooding along the Missouri River for Cass and Otoe counties. A flood warning was issued for Nemaha and Richardson counties.

North Platte Weather-April 28

forecast graphic april 28 2016Today
A 20 percent chance of showers after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Tonight
A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 36. East northeast wind 8 to 11 mph.
Friday
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 47. East northeast wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Friday Night
Rain showers before 1am, then rain and snow showers. Low around 35. North northeast wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday
Rain and snow showers likely, becoming all rain after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night
Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.
Sunday Night
A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.
Monday
A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Danny Jo Johnston

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Danny Jo Johnston, 63 of Boise, Idaho formerly of North Platte passed away April 22, 2016 at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise.

Danny was born September 3, 1952 in North Platte. His parents are Elma Jean Johnston and Bill Dishman. He attended public schools in Gothenburg and North Platte. Danny served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He married Sandy and to this union three sons were born.
Danny worked on the railroad and at a cement factory in Idaho. He loved to ride his motorcycle, play chess, spend time with family and friends and volunteer with ill patients. He had a stroke at the early age of 35 and was unable to work after. His faith and his Lord were very important to him.
Survivors include his mother, Elma; sons, Christopher (Crystal) Johnston, and Mark Johnston; three grandchildren; brother, Randy (Linda) Dean; sisters, Jenny (Tony) Beer, Vivian (Lee) Kolb, Conice (Alex) Romero, Jessie (Steve) Seifer, Carolee (Aaron) Martin, Aprilee (Lonnie) Deaver, and Rosemary; and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his step-father, Bill; a son, Mitchell; brother, Billy Jo; grandparents, including special grandfather, Alvin Johnston: and many other relatives.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Viter officiating. Burial will follow at Miriam Cemetery near North Platte. Visitation will be noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Huskers Post 3-1 Win Over Kansas at Kauffman Stadium

Max Knutson struck out a career high five in 5.1 innings (Photo Courtesy Nate Olsen/Nebraska Communications)
Max Knutson struck out a career high five in 5.1 innings (Photo Courtesy Nate Olsen/Nebraska Communications)

Kansas City – The Kansas Jayhawks had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and left them loaded, as freshman Chad Luensmann notched his ninth save of the year to secure a 3-1 victory for the Nebraska baseball team (26-15, 7-5 Big Ten) at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Continue reading “Huskers Post 3-1 Win Over Kansas at Kauffman Stadium”

Young Child Shot in North Omaha, Police Say

omaha-policeOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police say a child has been shot in north Omaha and taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Omaha police Lt. Matthew Lippold says a child who is thought to be 1-year-old was shot around 5 p.m. Wednesday and taken to the Nebraska Medical Center.

Police did not provide any additional details, saying it was still early in the investigation.

A person was seen being led by police in handcuffs shortly after 5 p.m.

The shooting happened on 34th Street, next door to the home where 71-year-old Merlin Prinz was killed Monday.

Tornado Briefly Touches Down in Omaha

severe-weatherOfficials have confirmed a tornado has briefly touched down in northwest Omaha.

National Weather Service meteorologist David Pearson says a tornado touched down several times Wednesday afternoon but only briefly. Officials continue to monitor the system as it remains in the area.

Pearson says no major damage has been reported in the suburban area, but there have been reports of flying debris.

James Doyle “Dewey” Thomas

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James Doyle “Dewey” Thomas, 91, of North Platte, went to be with the Lord on April 27, 2016 at his home. He was born on August 21, 1924 to Harv and Florence (Davies) Thomas in Parks, NE. He grew up in the Stratton area where he was well known by others in the community. He always wanted to be the Sheriff in town. He spent his time riding his bike, playing his guitar and smokin’ cigarettes. He loved Western movies, gospel music and pretty women. He had a way of making women feel beautiful and special. He always complimented the color of their eyes. He moved to North Platte in 2009 and enjoyed participating in the NPOC Senior Group activities. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Merle; and a sister, Pearl. He is survived by his friends at the North Platte Opportunity Center and his special friend, Marilyn Bockus. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 at Victory Church of God, 3121 West A Street in North Platte with Pastor Dean Bailey officiating. Condolences may be sent to NPOC, 1305 South Tabor, North Platte. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Opportunity Center.

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