We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Nebraska program connects mental health providers, police

lincoln-policeLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln program is helping to connect police officers, mental health providers and people who need mental health services.

The REAL Program provides contacts for those who need somewhere to sleep, a pamphlet of resources or someone who will listen to them.

The program run by the Mental Health Association of Nebraska also uses people who have struggled with mental illness to work with those who need hope.

Lincoln Public Safety Director Tom Casady says police officers have always had to deal with people with mental health issues, but the number of those calls has grown with the population.

Authorities catch 1 of 2 inmates who left Nebraska work camp

MCCOOK, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say one of two inmates who went missing from the Work Ethic Camp in McCook has been caught.

The Department of Correctional Services said in a news release Sunday that 20-year-old Andrew Russell is in custody in South Dakota. No other details were provided. Russell had been convicted of two drug offenses in Dawes County.

The second inmate, 35-year-old Charles Canady, remains at large. He was convicted of crimes in four counties.

The two men were discovered missing when a head count was conducted at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday. Security video shows the two walking away from the camp around 5:30 p.m.

The department describes the camp as a minimum-security facility for inmates evaluated as being able to work in the community with intermittent supervision.

Nebraska state parks activities celebrating winter season

melting-snowLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Winterfest events are under way at several Nebraska state parks.

Now through April, state parks are celebrating the season through more than a dozen events and seasonal offerings.

Among the activities is the Christmas Bird Count, which continues through Jan. 5 at Indian Cave State Park near Shubert in southeast Nebraska. Guests can aid scientists and conservation efforts by helping identify as bird species there.

Several parks are also planning First Day Hikes on Jan. 1.

Other Winterfest activities include ice skating, archery and more. Details on these and other holiday events are available at online at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website, www.OutdoorNebraska.gov/Winterfest.

Driver, vehicle rescued from surface of frozen Nebraska pond

ambulance-lightsLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A 74-year-old man and his car are safe after he drove onto a frozen pond in Lincoln.

The man was pulling into the parking lot at CHI St. Elizabeth hospital when he lost control of his car, left the roadway, and dropped onto a nearby pond.

The pond was covered with a 6-inch layer of ice, which was thick enough to support the Buick Lucerne. Witnesses helped the man out of the car and off the pond and contacted authorities. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters and a towing company used blocks of wood to create a series of steps so they could walk the vehicle over a retaining wall surrounding the pond and onto dry ground.

Omaha authorities investigating 50-year-old’s shooting death

crime-scene-police-shootOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities are seeking information about a shooting that killed a 50-year-old man in western Omaha.

Omaha police say Michael Brinkman died from his wounds at a local hospital. Authorities responded to the shooting around 5:40 p.m. Friday. Lt. Jerry Siedlik says authorities are investigating the incident as a possible robbery but don’t yet know whether it was a factor in the killing.

Police offered few other details but issued a call for anyone with information to contact them at 402-444-5656. People with information can remain anonymous by calling the Omaha Crime Stoppers program at 402-444-STOP or by going online to www.OmahaCrimeStoppers.org. A tip that leads to an arrest is eligible for an award of up to $25,000.

Residents displaced by Nebraska plant’s odors demand answers

Google Maps
Google Maps

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) — Residents who were displaced by a Nebraska plant’s gas odors are demanding to know what steps are being taken to let them return to their homes.

Residents have been out of their homes since October because of harmful hydrogen gas that a Big Ox Energy plant pumped into sewer lines. A plug was placed to block the residential sewer line from the industrial line Big Ox was using, but the smell has lingered.

South Sioux City Public Works Director Bob Livermore says a team of people will meet with each homeowner to assess the damages. The meetings will start next week.

The city has said that Big Ox will reimburse displaced residents for meals, laundry, hotels and other costs totaling about $336,000.

Nebraska to allow news cameras, tweeting in trial courts

judgeshipLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Supreme Court will soon allow news cameras and tweeting in the state’s trial courts.

The court approved a rule change this week which will go into effect on March 1. It will allow expanded media coverage in county and district courtrooms in Nebraska, with limited exceptions such as juvenile court, grand juries and jury selection.

Expanded media coverage includes broadcasting, recording, photographing and live tweeting of judicial proceedings by the news media.

The decision replaces a 1992 rule that prohibited broadcasting, televising, recording or photographing in courtrooms unless approved.

The Nebraska Supreme Court’s courtroom in the Capitol has been one of the few in the state to allow still or video cameras. But that has been changing in some districts.

Firewood available at Valentine State Fish Hatchery

Nebraska_game_and_parksVALENTINE, Neb. (AP) — People will be able to collect firewood next month at Government Canyon on the Valentine State Fish Hatchery property.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says non-commercial firewood users who obtain permission from the commission will be allowed to cut down dead timber during January.

A free authorization form and map may be obtained by contacting the hatchery at 402-376-2244 or by visiting the hatchery office at 90164 Hatchery Road in Valentine.

Amazon to collect sales taxes on purchases in Nebraska

amazonLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Online retailer Amazon says it plans to start collecting sales taxes on purchases in Nebraska next year, a decision that could generate millions for the state.

An Amazon spokesman says the company will start collecting the taxes on Jan. 1.

State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton says the announcement will help ensure Nebraska consumers comply with existing laws. Consumers are already legally required to report and pay the tax through their annual tax returns, but few ever do.

Fulton says Amazon’s move is a good example of “responsible corporate citizenship” and a chance to educate Nebraska residents about the law.

The announcement follows a similar announcement by Amazon in Iowa.

Marjorie Ruth Frels Service Times

Marjorie Ruth Frels, age 105, of Sutherland, NE passed away December 21, 2016 at the Sutherland Care Center.
Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland United Methodist Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen and memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday January 4, 2017 at the Sutherland United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating. Inurnment will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File