(Lincoln, Neb.)- The Nebraska State Patrol continues its efforts to “Drive to Save Lives” with an increased presence over the July 4^th holiday.

Beginning Sunday, July 3 and continuing through Tuesday, July 5, troopers and communications specialists will put in overtime hours thanks in part to a $14,255 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

The special enforcement efforts will include vehicle checks and high visibility patrols with an emphasis on impaired driving in an effort to reduce the potential for serious injury and fatality crashes.

“The July 4^th holiday is one of celebrations and gatherings,” said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Motorists can expect increased traffic volumes on our roadways. We encourage holiday travelers to partner with us to help save lives through voluntary compliance with all traffic safety laws.”

Motorists are encouraged to wear their seat belt, obey the posted speed limits, pay extra attention in work zones and never drive impaired or distracted.

For information on special enforcement activities over the July 4^th weekend call your nearest Nebraska State Patrol Troop Area Headquarters. You may also view a calendar of selected NSP enforcement activities at < https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/EnforcementActivities >.

A North Platte man is facing drug distribution charges after authorities say he provided several teenage girls with LSD, also known as acid.

On June 27, just after Midnight, a Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy found a teenage girl outside the Sheriff’s Office, 302 North Jeffers Street.  The deputy reported that the girl appeared to be under the influence of some unknown substance and was only partially clothed.

As the deputy began to question the girl, Chief Deputy Roland Kramer said she attempted to flee, but was apprehended and detained for questioning.

Deputies questioned the girl who stated that she had purchased LSD earlier in the day and had taken it.  Kramer says she then became violent and was transported to Great Plains Health by the North Platte Fire Department.

The investigation continued and deputies found two other female juveniles who had purchased and consumed LSD.  They also learned that they had all allegedly purchased it from an individual later identified as 21-year-old Nathan C. Moon.

At around 10:45 a.m., law enforcement executed a search warrant on Moon’s residence, 1010 West 3rd Street.

Moon was placed under arrest and charged with distribution of LSD and three counts of felony child abuse.

Kramer said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), also known as acid, is a psychedelic drug known for its psychological effects. This may include altered awareness of the surroundings, perceptions, and feelings as well as sensations and images that seem real though they are not.^[8] It is used mainly as a recreational drugand for spiritual reasons. LSD is typically eitherswallowed or held under the tongue.^[8] It is often sold on blotter paper, a sugar cube, orgelatin. LSD injected intravenously takes effect in approximately 30 minutes. (Source: Wikipedia)

It’s that time again when we get to deal with the itchiness and potential sickness caused by mosquitoes.

In an effort to reduce the mosquito population, the City of North Platte and the Village of Sutherland will both be spraying for the pesky pests this week.

North Platte officials say city employees will be spraying from June 28 through June 30, weather permitting.  The treatments will begin at around 8:00 p.m. each night, and should be done by midnight.

Sutherland will begin treatments on June 29, and expect to be completed by June 30, also between 8:00 p.m. and Midnight.

Residents are encouraged to turn off air conditioners, close windows and doors and turn off window fans.  Also, pets outdoor water dishes should be emptied and pets should be brought inside during the hours of active treatment.

NORTH PLATTE TREATMENT SCHEDULE

• Tuesday, June 28: 2nd Street to Front Street and 7th Street to the North Platte River
• Wednesday, June 29: A Street to the South Platte River and Burlington Blvd. to the South Platte River
• Thursday, June 30: South Platte River to State Farm Road, 2nd Street to A Street and 2nd Street to Burlington Blvd.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The company that wanted to build the Keystone XL pipeline is seeking $15 billion in damages from the federal government after the Obama administration rejected the Canada-to-Texas project.

TransCanada Inc. filed a request for arbitration Friday, arguing that the decision violated the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The pipeline would have carried 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Hardisty, Alberta, in Canada to Steele City, Nebraska, where it would have connected to existing pipelines running south to Gulf Coast refineries.

A spokesman for the Canadian developer says the November rejection was “arbitrary and unjustified.” The company also argued in its filing that the administration rejected the project to bolster its environmental credentials.

A State Department spokesman said the agency doesn’t comment on pending litigation.