WICHITA, Kan. (AP)–The Wichita, Kansas, Fire Department says two cadaver dogs are being brought in to help with the search for an 11-year-old boy who was swept away by rushing water.
The search resumed Saturday morning after rescuers were forced to abandon their efforts Friday night when water levels receded too much to use boats in a normally dry creek.
The boy fell into Gypsum Creek around 7:30 p.m. Friday as he was crossing a footbridge. Rescuers spent three hours looking for him before giving up for the night.
The department says on its Facebook page that crews are searching every inch of the creek in what is now a recovery effort.
PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — A Des Moines woman convicted for smashing windows at a Nebraska defense contractor’s building has been ordered to pay more than $4,000 for the damage.
Sarpy County District Judge Patricia Lamberty ordered 34-year-old Jessica Reznicek to pay $4,126. She was also sentenced to time already served.
At her trial earlier this month, a Bellevue police officer testified that he found Reznicek near a baseball bat outside the Bellevue offices of Northrop Grumman on Dec. 27 and said Reznicek told him she used it to smash windows in an attempt to get documents.
Reznicek testified her actions were because Northrop Grumman had weapons contracts with the U.S. government.
Reznicek’s request for the return of the bat, sledgehammer and camera used in the vandalism was denied.
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 3 million spill-proof cups for children between 4 and 12 months old are being recalled by Mayborn USA because of the risk of mold that could cause sickness.
Ingestion of the mold can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and infections in those with compromised immune systems. Mayborn has received more than 3,000 reports of mold in the removable, one-piece, opaque valve of the cups, including 68 reports of children experiencing diarrhea, vomiting or other symptoms associated with drinking from a cup with mold in the valve.
This recall involves five types of spill-proof Tommee Tippee Sippee cups, all with a removable, one-piece white valve. Consumers should stop using them and contact Mayborn for a free replacement.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Seven men have applied to fill a vacancy on the Nebraska Supreme Court.
A public hearing of the Judicial Nominating Commission will be held in the York County Courthouse on June 1 to review all applicants. The public is welcome to attend.
The applicants are attorneys David Bargen, of Adams, and Michael Sullivan, of Hastings. The others are judges, including Daniel Bryan, of Auburn; Michael Burns, of Sutton; Jeffrey Funke, of Nebraska City, Bradley White, of Omaha; and Mark Young, of Grand Island.
The vacancy is due to the retirement of Justice William Connolly.
ATLANTA (AP) — Fast-moving airport security lines at the start of the Memorial Day weekend may bode well for return travelers Monday.
Travelers reported moving quickly through airport checkpoints Friday after authorities opened extra screening lanes and used bomb-sniffing dogs to give some passengers a break from removing their shoes.
The extra dogs were concentrated at the nation’s largest airports, but they were not used for all screenings. Many travelers still had to observe the usual procedures.
The federal Transportation Security Administration was trying to offer travelers some relief after weeks of slow-moving lines blamed on an increase in the number of air travelers and a shortage of TSA security officers.
A TSA spokesman said the extra dogs would remain well beyond the holiday.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A new social media campaign in South Dakota wants to people to leave baby wild animals alone.
With the backdrop of the bison calf in Yellowstone that had to be euthanized earlier this month after tourists put it in their car, Thea Miller Ryan is taking to social media to teach people to let nature take its course.
Miller directs the state’s outdoor learning center in Sioux Falls. Her office receives hundreds of calls every year about potential rescues of baby wild animals.
Now, for every call her office answers, she posts on Facebook and Twitter an image of a sparrow that has a sugar skull for a head. She also mentions the creature that the call was about and the phrase, “If you care, leave it there.”
Oxford, Neb.- Traveling two times faster than the posted speed limit lands a Furnas County man in jail for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Just after 9:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, a trooper made a traffic stop of a black 1980 Corvette for speeding 120 mph in a 60 mph zone on Highway 136 just west of Oxford in Furnas County.
Upon contact with the driver the trooper smelled the odor of alcohol. The trooper initiated a DWI investigation that resulted in the arrest of the driver, Tory J. Siebels, 30, Oxford. Siebels was lodged in the Furnas County Jail on charges to include 2nd offense DWI and Speeding.
Motorists are reminded they can report impaired or reckless drivers to the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline when safe to do so by dialing *55 from any cellular phone, or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline. Emergencies should be reported to 911.
Lincoln, Neb.- Reducing the number of fatality crashes on Nebraska roads during the heavily traveled summer months is the aim of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) “ 100 Days of Summer” special initiative.
Each day, beginning with the Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day, the Nebraska State Patrol Field Services Division will work to hold at least one traffic safety enforcement operation somewhere in the State. The “100 Days of Summer” initiative provides motorists an opportunity to view planned enforcement activities.
“We want everyone who travels our roadways to have a safe enjoyable experience,” said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our traffic safety laws exist for your protection. Help us keep our roads safe through voluntary compliance.”
Travelers can visit the Nebraska State Patrol website at www.statepatrol.nebraska.gov and click on the “NSP Enforcement Activities” link on the homepage. The link will display monthly calendars, with each day listing the type and location of a sampling of planned traffic enforcement activities.
Colonel Rice said, “Let’s have a safe summer travel season. Always wear your seat belt, obey the posted speed limit, use extra caution in work zones and never drive impaired or distracted.”
Dale V. Benham, 89 of Sun City, AZ, and formerly of North Platte and Omaha, NE, died in Sun City, AZ, December 22, 2015. Memorial Services will be held at the Adams-Swanson Chapel on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 11:00 AM.
Dale Benham was born October 3, 1926, in Cozad, NE to Howard B. & Beulah M. Miller Benham. He spent his childhood and early years in North Platte, NE. He graduated from North Platte Senior High School in May 1944. He received his Associates College Degree in Business Management on February 25, 1985 from the Metropolitan Technical Community College in Omaha, NE. He maintained a 4.O GPA and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Eta Sigma.
In May 1947 he married Arleta R. Reynolds in North Platte, they were later divorced.
On November 15, 1969 he married Rosa Marcette (Wells) Sawyer. They lived in Omaha and North Platte, NE. After retirement they moved to Sun City, AZ in 1990.
Mr. Benham began his railroad career in 1944, as a clerk for the Union Pacific Railroad until 1946. He went to Alaska in 1949 and worked as a clerk for the Alaska Railroad. He returned to North Platte on November 28, 1949 and worked again for the Union Pacific Railroad as a clerical worker. He then advanced to higher positions and to Union Pacific’s headquarters in Omaha, including the position of Private Secretary to the Engineer of Track, that overseen the rail lines in a private car. He advanced to the Secretary of Chief Engineer and several different management positions in Personnel Services. He celebrated his retirement on September 27, 1985 after 36 years with the Union Pacific Railroad.
In North Platte he was an active member and officer of the Oddfellow Lodge (IOOF). He maintained a lifelong membership in the Lodge after leaving North Platte. He was active in the Omaha Sports Club for both Bowling and Golfing for many years. After retiring, he and his wife Marcette spent several years traveling in their 5th Wheel around the United States performing host services at National and State Park Campgrounds. After retiring to Sun City, he became a member of the Sun City Genealogy and Computer Clubs. He did extensive home computer research in Genealogy and traced his family lines back over 600 years. He frequently returned to North Platte to participate in class reunions.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved/devoted wife of 32 years, Rosa Marcette in 2001; son John R. Sawyer in 2011 and grandson, Bryan A. Benham in 2010.
Mr. Benham is survived by a son, Kevin R. (Cindy) Benham, of Aurora, CO; 5 daughters, Colleen Benham Blevins of Sun City West, AZ; Kathleen L. Benham, of Denver, CO; Robin Lea Sawyer (Ronald) Swanson of Loup City, NE; Lila Marcette Sawyer (Robert) Mason, of Pittsburgh, PA; Shari L. Sawyer (Tim) Bazzie, of Charlotte, NC; a brother, Gary L. (Jeri) Benham of Flagstaff, AZ; a brother in law Albert A. (Ruby) Wells, of Sun City, AZ; a brother in law James S. Wahlberg, of Colorado Springs, CO; 14 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, May 31st at the Adams and Swanson Chapel in North Platte, with Pastor Scott Mustion of the Presbyterian Church officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Contestants have been announced for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant, June 12-15 in North Platte. Those vying for the title of Miss Rodeo Nebraska are:
Carly Woerman
Carly Woerman
Carly Woerman’s passion for animals, especially dogs, has led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her goal is to one day open a small animal clinic in rural Nebraska.
When not studying, the North Bend woman enjoys working on her father’s farm, air boating, tanking on the Calamus River, playing sand volleyball, designing tack and rodeo queen clothing, swing dancing, barrel racing and spending time with her horse, Diesel.
Woerman has had three previous rodeo queen titles, including her current title: Miss Burwell Rodeo 2015. Woerman is the daughter of Loy Woerman and Diane Gehring. (Photo courtesy of KC Creations Photography.)
Leanna Gubbels
Leanna Gubbels
Leanna Gubbels graduated from Creighton University with a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical science. She will apply to veterinary school this fall in the hopes of eventually becoming a rural community livestock veterinarian after serving as an Army veterinarian.
Gubbels is a paramedic for the Vermillion Fire Department and Faith Regional Health Hospital. In her spare time, she judges 4-H competitions and works as an FFA assistant advisor.
Her parents are Matt and Patsy Gubbels of Laurel.
Laramie Schlichtemeier
Laramie Schlichtemeier
Laramie Schlichtemeier is a senior at Chadron State College, majoring in agri-business. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in agricultural banking so she can help expand and further develop the ag industry for future generations.
Schlichtemeier loves anything that has to do with horses, hunting, fishing and Nebraska attractions and also enjoys volunteering for community service projects.
She is the daughter of Jeff and Shari Schlichtemeier of Ogallala.
Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska
There is also a teen division to the pageant. The contestants competing for the Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska crown are:
Maceyn Howard
Maceyn Howard
Maceyn Howard is the 15-year-old daughter of David and Jodi Howard, of North Platte. Maceyn aspires to be an equine chiropractor and is on her school’s honor roll. She is active in 4-H, sports and choir, and likes riding horses, fishing and attending rodeos.
Danielle Forster
Danielle Forster
Danielle Forster is the 16-year-old daughter of Kim and Kevin Forster, of Smithfield. Danielle will be a junior in the fall at Elwood High School, where she has been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. Danielle also participates in 4-H and horse shows and loves going to rodeos.
Rebel Sjecklocha
Rebel Sjeklocha
Rebel Sjeklocha is the 15-year-old daughter of Susan and Rusty Sjeklocha, of Hayes Center. She will be a junior this fall and is active in volleyball, basketball, track, drama, speech, quiz bowl, swing choir and National Honor Society. She enjoys showing horses and cattle in 4-H.
Taylor Fugate
Taylor Fugate
Taylor Fugate, 15, is a sophomore at North Platte High School where she competes in volleyball, basketball and track. Fugate is Miss Ogallala Junior Rodeo and was previously the Sutherland Rodeo Queen. Her parents are Jeremy and Dustie Cole, of North Platte.
Chyanne Friehe
Chyanne Friehe
Chyanne Friehe is the 16-year-old daughter of Brad and Jennifer Friehe, of Culbertson. Chyanne will be a junior at McCook High School this fall, were she is an active member in her FFA chapter. After she graduates, Chyanne plans to attend a college where she can major in vet tech.
Halee Kohmetscher
Halee Kohmetscher
Halee Kohmetscher is the 16-year-old daughter of Duane and the late Laurie Kohmetscher, of Lawrence. Halee will be a junior at Blue Hill High School, where she plays volleyball and basketball, runs track and participates in band, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FBLA and FFA. She also serves as the dance team captain.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP)–The Wichita, Kansas, Fire Department says two cadaver dogs are being brought in to help with the search for an 11-year-old boy who was swept away by rushing water.
Oxford, Neb.- Traveling two times faster than the posted speed limit lands a Furnas County man in jail for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Lincoln, Neb.- Reducing the number of fatality crashes on Nebraska roads during the heavily traveled summer months is the aim of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) “ 100 Days of Summer” special initiative.
