January 2019 – Page 12 – North Platte Post Archive

Plane slides off ice-covered runway at Omaha’s airport

Posted on January 18, 2019

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A passenger plane slid off an icy runway at Omaha’s airport on Friday as freezing drizzle coated thoroughfares across much of the state ahead of expected snow and high winds.

Eppley Airfield officials said via Twitter that no one was injured when the Southwest Airlines plane from Las Vegas went off the end of the runway after landing just after 2 p.m. Friday. The incident led authorities to close the airport Friday afternoon and suspend all flights.

“Airport fire crews are working with Southwest to deplane the passengers and take them to the terminal,” the airport’s Twitter account read.

Freezing drizzle and mist cut visibility and slicked roads and sidewalks in much of the eastern half of Nebraska on Friday as residents prepared for a second straight weekend of harsh winter weather.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for much of the state, with snow expected by Friday evening into Saturday. The service had expected snowfall of more than 7 inches (18 centimeters) in some areas, but adjusted that downward by Friday afternoon to 1-to-3 inches (2.5-to-7.5 centimeters).

Of more concern were high winds of up to 30 mph (50 kph) expected late Friday and into Saturday that could whip up snow, cutting visibility and pushing high-profile vehicles off slick roads. Artic air is expected to move into the state behind the storm, sending wind chills to as low as 20 below zero on Saturday and Sunday.

Schools in the Omaha area canceled or cut classes short Friday in anticipation of the storm.

Dan K. Newmyer Jr. Pending Arrangements

Posted on January 18, 2019

Dan K. Newmyer Jr., age 94, formerly of North Platte, passed away Thursday January 17, 2019 at his home in Kearney. Arrangements are pending at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.

ADAMS AND SWANSON FUNERAL HOME 421 W 4TH ST. NORTH PLATTE, NE 69101 OFFICE 308.532.2044 FAX 308.532.2045

Duane L. Austin

Posted on January 18, 2019

Duane L. Austin, 62, of North Platte, passed away peacefully January 15, 2019 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born August 2, 1956 to Roger and Patricia (Sessions) Austin at Howell, MI. In 1989 he was united in marriage to Julie Ann McConahay.

He served in the United States Army for 9 years. After his discharge he moved to Oklahoma and started his truck driving career, until moving to North Platte in 2007, where he was employed at Western Engineering as a heavy equipment transporter. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, camping, golfing and bowling.

He is survived by his wife, Julie of North Platte; his children, Shawnie Lovell of North Platte; son, Timothy (Valerie) Austin of Oklahoma; daughter, Jessica (Chris) Stogner of Oklahoma; seven grandchildren, Taylor, Rylee, Hope, Lilly, Addison, Phalary and Mycal; one great grandchild, Oliver; brother, Tim (Jeannette) Austin of Utah; sisters, Dawn Cruz of Texas and Linda Fear of Oklahoma; and a brother, Patrick Austin of North Platte.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Roger “Rick” Austin.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign Duane’s memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Monday at the funeral home.

Services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Martin “Marty” G. Burk

Posted on January 18, 2019

Martin “Marty” G. Burk, 64, of North Platte, passed away January 15, 2019, at Ritzville, Washington.

He was born October 25, 1954, to Donald L. and Margaret J. (Diener) Burk at North Platte. He attended and graduated from Sutherland High School in 1974. He moved to North Platte in 1977 and later married the love of his life, Shannon I. Coleman, on February 23, 1979 in North Platte. He was a dedicated truck driver and had received his 1 million miles award three times. He had driven the Husker Football Equipment Truck to a number of games. He was an avid Husker sports fan. Most of all, he was proud of his grandchildren. Marty was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephews Chad Burk and Nick Larson. Marty is survived by his wife of forty years, Shannon; daughter, Tonya C. (Garrik) Pappas; son, Martin M. (Heather) Burk; sisters, Monica Burk and Mary Jo Burk; brothers, Michael Burk, Mark (Diana) Burk and Nino Burk; grandchildren, Keegan Burk Pappas, Keeli Rose Pappas, and Mickey Gene Burk; numerous other family and friends.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A Memorial has been established. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 21, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Rev. Matthew Nash as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, January 19 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Cremation will follow. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Ronald Gene Woodward

Posted on January 18, 2019

Ronald Gene Woodward, 73, of North Platte, died Tuesday, January 8,
2019, at Great Plains Health.

Ron was born March 4, 1945, to Harold Orlando and Vera Irene (Brown)
Woodward in North Platte where he grew up. Ron graduated from North
Platte High School with the Class of 1963 then moved to California to
attend college.

After graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree he entered the ministry for
a short time then went back to school. Ron eventually went to work for
several tech companies in California and Washington and worked
internationally.

He is survived by his children, Vannesa Woodward Aguilar (Rich) and
Collin Woodward, and grandchildren, Kilie and Ryan Aguilar, all of
California; brother, Leon (Lynda) Woodward, of Casa Grande, Arizona; as
well as other family.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and sister.

Cremation was chosen and inurnment will be at a later date in the North
Platte Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com.
Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Jury awards injured railroad worker nearly $3.5M

Posted on January 18, 2019

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A man who still works for BNSF Railway has been awarded nearly $3.5 million for injuries he suffered at a Lincoln rail yard nearly five years ago.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the Lancaster County District Court jury returned a verdict Wednesday of more than $7.1 million against BNSF and in favor of Jimmy Rohr Jr. But it was reduced by 51 percent, the percentage for which the jury deemed Rohr responsible.

The railroad maintained that Rohr was fully responsible. He said the railroad was.

Rohr’s attorney Jeff Chod says a rail car rolled over Rohr’s left foot on Feb. 22, 2014. Eventually his left leg was amputated below the knee.

Chod says Rohr returned to work in October 2015 and plans on staying at BNSF as long as he’s physically able to do the work.

Nebraska jobless rate 2.8 percent for 5th month in a row

Posted on January 18, 2019

INCOLN, Neb. (AP) – The Nebraska Labor Department says the state’s unemployment rate remained 2.8 percent in December – the fifth month in a row at the figure.

The department said in a news release Friday that the rate is down a tenth of a point from the December 2017 rate of 2.9 percent.

Last month’s Nebraska rate was well below the national preliminary December figure of 3.9 percent – a rise of two-tenths of a point from November.

Nonfarm employment in December was nearly 1.04 million – up nearly 12,600 over the year but down more than 3,700 over the month.

NPHS BBall: Girls sink Islanders, Boys fall late

Posted on January 18, 2019

North Platte, NE – The Lady Bulldogs improved to 6-6 on the season and the boys team dropped to 2-10 after Grand Island came to town a day early to avoid weather. The Islanders were slated to play the Bulldogs on Friday the 18th but the threat of freezing rain and slick roads prompted both teams to play a night earlier on the 17th.

The Grand Island girls came out with intensity as they were looking for their first win on the season, things started hard for the Lady Bulldogs as Grand Island started the game making shots from all over the court and playing good defense. The Dawgs would finish the first quarter behind GISH 13-8. During the break Coach Hammond seen emphasizes a few points and telling his team to take care of the ball.

From there it would be all Bulldogs, they would take the first lead of the game 14-13 with 5:08 remaining off of a Gracie Haneborg free throw. The Dawgs would outscore GISH 14-4 in the 2nd and hold a 22-17 point lead at halftime.

The second half for the Dawgs was impressive as they came out playing full-court press and started to get into the heads of the Grand Island girls. Both the Haneborg girls would have and an impressive quarter as Gracie put in 5 points, Callie would add 4 and the Dawgs would increase their lead to 10 after three quarters of play, 34-24.

The Fourth quarter was all about holding the lead for the Bulldogs. Grand Island went to a system early in the 4th where they started to foul the Bulldogs in an attempt to stop the clock and get possessions back. The downfall of that strategy was Abbie Hedgecock who went 8/8 from the free throw line in the quarter (12/13 for the game) and put things out of reach for GISH.

North Platte came away with the win 44-30, Abbie Hedgecock lead the way with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Dawgs. The Bulldogs next welcome in Fremont on Saturday the 19th.

The Bulldog Boys would come up next taking on a GISH (4-9) that struggled against a Class A schedule themselves. Like the girls game previous Grand Island would jump out to an early 9-4 lead taking the Bulldogs by surprise. Coach Kaminski would let the guys play through the opening salvo by GISH and would tie things up with a Max Hays 3pt shot with five minutes left in the first. The Bulldogs would clamp down on defense for the rest of the quarter and would push their lead to 16-11 on another Max Hays 3pt shot, he would end the quarter with 9. The Dawgs would have the 16-14 lead after one-quarter of play.

The second quarter saw teams trade baskets for the first 5 1/2 minutes. The score stood at 22-20 in favor of the Dawgs when GISH took a timeout with 4:25 left. Coming out of the time out each team found a groove on offense and would end the 2nd with the same two-point North Platte lead, 30-28. Jack Mohr for the Dawgs was in double digits with 11 points at the half.

Third Quarter the Dawgs would come out guns blazing. They would push their lead to six points with 3:35 left in the third and then a big Kiya Kramer three-pointer would make it a nine-point lead with 3:15 to go. GISH would take time out to try to compose themselves and it looked like the momentum was all Bulldogs. The timeout, however, proved to be all the Islanders would need, they would rattle off a 10-0 run to end the third quarter and North Platte would hold on to a one-point lead 42-41.

That would set up a close fourth quarter. The teams would trade the lead a few times over the first couple of minutes but GISH had the momentum going from the run that ended the third. They were on an extended 18-2 run that started back in the third when Coach Kaminski called a time out with 4:32 left in the game. The Bulldogs couldn’t find their footing on defense at the end of the game behind a flurry of offense from GISH standout Much Biel (34 points, 7 reb) and they would fall to the Islanders 54-47.

Boys will play in the nightcap on Saturday night against Fremont that will follow the girls game.

Tip off of the girls game will be 5pm.

NSAA news: Bowling and Girls wrestling close to a reality

Posted on January 18, 2019

Coming up in April the NSAA Representative Assembly will have the opportunity to add two new sports in the winter: Girls wrestling and Bowling.

Last year the Assembly got close to giving the 60% needed to pass to make bowling a sport, there were concerns on how the schedule was going to be structured and what the playoffs would look like. It looks like the NSAA heard those concerns and have made the proper changes. NSAA executive director Jay Bellar said the most recent proposal “addresses many of the issues people had last year.” During the 2017 fall high school bowling club season, the proposal states approximately 900 student-athletes competed on high school club teams around the state.

The other sport the Assembly is looking at is adding girls wrestling. Girls wrestling passed in four of the six districts, and the sport appears to have even stronger support looking at a survey of wrestling coaches conducted by the NSAA. Of the 139 coaches who responded, 118 were in favor of the NSAA proposal of adding a separate girls division and girls state championship.

Bellar said 144 girls in the state took the Optimum Performance Calculator assessment to participate in high school wrestling this year competing against boys. Bellar mentioned that if the numbers were there they would be open to adding girls wrestling.

The proposal right now would start as soon as the 2019-20 season and would call for just one division throughout the state. According to the NSAA there is enough room during the state championships to add the girls format.

Ex-Omaha bar manager gets jail for unwanted touching

Posted on January 18, 2019

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A fired Omaha bar manager has been given 30 days in jail for harassing, grabbing and kissing female employees.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 57-year-old John Thompson was sentenced Thursday in Douglas County Court after pleading guilty to four counts of third-degree assault. He had been charged with six counts of third-degree sexual assault and six counts of disturbing the peace.

In addition to the jail time, Thompson received two years of probation and was ordered to write letters of apology to each of six women he’s accused of harassing.

The women say Thompson touched their backs, buttocks and thighs and yelled insults and obscenities at them. One woman said he forcibly kissed her. The women received settlements of $10,000 to $40,000, but were required to sign nondisclosure agreements.