January 2019 – Page 22 – North Platte Post Archive

US cancer death rate hits milestone: 25 years of decline

Posted on January 8, 2019

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. cancer death rate has hit a milestone: It’s been falling for at least 25 years, according to a new report.

Lower smoking rates are translating into fewer deaths. Advances in early detection and treatment also are having a positive impact, experts say.

But it’s not all good news. Obesity-related cancer deaths are rising, and prostate cancer deaths are no longer dropping, said Rebecca Siegel, lead author of the American Cancer Society report published Tuesday.

Cancer also remains the nation’s No. 2 killer. The society predicts there will be more than 1.7 million new cancer cases, and more than 600,000 cancer deaths, in the U.S. this year.

A breakdown of what the report says:

DECLINE

There’s been a lot of bad news recently regarding U.S. death rates. In 2017, increases were seen in fatalities from seven of the 10 leading causes of death, according to recently released government data. But cancer has been something of a bright spot.

The nation’s cancer death rate was increasing until the early 1990s. It has been dropping since, falling 27 percent between 1991 and 2016, the Cancer Society reported.

Lung cancer is the main reason. Among cancers, it has long killed the most people, especially men. But the lung cancer death rate dropped by nearly 50 percent among men since 1991. It was a delayed effect from a decline in smoking that began in the 1960s, Siegel said.

PROSTATE CANCER

The report has some mixed news about prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

The prostate cancer death rate fell by half over two decades, but experts have been wondering whether the trend changed after a 2011 decision by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to stop recommending routine testing of men using the PSA blood test. That decision was prompted by concerns the test was leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

The prostate cancer death rate flattened from 2013 to 2016. So while the PSA testing may have surfaced cases that didn’t actually need treatment, it may also have prevented some cancer deaths, the report suggests.

OBESITY

Of the most common types of cancer in the U.S., all the ones with increasing death rates are linked to obesity, including cancers of the pancreas and uterus.

Another is liver cancer. Liver cancer deaths have been increasing since the 1970s, and initially most of the increase was tied to hepatitis C infections spread among people who abuse drugs. But now obesity accounts for a third of liver cancer deaths, and is more of a factor than hepatitis, Siegel said.

The nation’s growing obesity epidemic was first identified as a problem in the 1990s. It can take decades to see how a risk factor influences cancer rates, “so we may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of the effect of the obesity epidemic on cancer,” Siegel said.

DISPARITY

There’s been a decline in the historic racial gap in cancer death rates, but an economic gap is growing — especially when it comes to deaths that could be prevented by early screening and treatment, better eating and less smoking.

In the early 1970s, colon cancer death rates in the poorest counties were 20 percent lower than those in affluent counties; now they’re 30 percent higher. Cervical cancer deaths are twice as high for women in poor counties now, compared with women in affluent counties. And lung and liver cancer death rates are 40 percent higher for men in poor counties.

Dr. Darrell Gray, deputy director of Ohio State University’s Center for Cancer Health Equity, called the findings “important but not surprising.”

“We’ve known for some time that race is a surrogate” for other factors, like poverty and difficulty getting to — or paying for — doctor’s appointments, he said.

Troopers arrest 2 following pursuits in Lincoln, Omaha

Posted on January 8, 2019

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested two people following separate pursuits on Interstate 80 that ended in Lincoln and Omaha.

The first pursuit began at approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday, when troopers located a reported stolen vehicle driving southbound on Highway 31 near the Gretna Interstate-80 interchange at mile marker 432. The vehicle, a 2016 Ford F-150, then fled westbound on I-80. Troopers initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle was traveling consistently near 110 miles per hour.

As the vehicle approached Lincoln, it exited I-80 at the 56th street exit at mile marker 407. The vehicle drove into the ditch on the exit ramp, struck a sign, drove back across the exit ramp, and eventually proceeded southbound on 56th street. Seconds later, a trooper was able to perform a tactical vehicle intervention to bring the vehicle to a stop near the I-80 eastbound on-ramp at 56th street in Lincoln. The driver, a 16-year-old male, was immediately taken into custody by multiple troopers on scene. The suspect was transported to the Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center.

The second pursuit began at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday, when troopers received information about a driver going the wrong way on westbound I-80 near 42nd Street in Omaha. As the suspect turned around and started driving westbound, a trooper observed the vehicle unable to stay in its lane and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled and the trooper initiated a pursuit.

As the suspect vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, exited Omaha on I-80, the trooper was able to perform a tactical vehicle intervention near mile marker 438 to bring the vehicle to a stop. The driver then refused to obey commands from multiple troopers. After repeated attempts to get the suspect to exit the vehicle, and as the suspect reached toward the passenger seat of the vehicle multiple times, a trooper deployed a taser in order to take the suspect into custody.

Once in custody, Ronald Blue, 22, of Omaha, was transported to CHI Midlands Hospital in Papillion to be medically cleared. While at the hospital, Blue spit on a trooper. After receiving medical clearance, Blue was lodged in Douglas County Corrections for flight to avoid arrest, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under suspension, failure to obey a lawful order, assaulting an officer – bodily fluid, and an outstanding warrant.

NP man killed in Nance County crash

Posted on January 8, 2019

FULLERTON, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a North Platte man died when the pickup truck he was in crashed in central Nebraska’s Nance County.

The accident occurred Friday night near Fullerton. The Nebraska State Patrol says 27-year-old Riley Dolan was ejected and fatally injured when the pickup went out of control on a curve.

The driver’s been identified as 26-year-old Klinton Knopik, of Cozad. The extent of his injuries is unclear.

Jon A. “Jack Gentleman

Posted on January 7, 2019

Jon A. “Jack” Gentleman passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 in Alliance, Nebraska. He was born on January 2, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska to John “Jack” and Patricia Gentleman, the oldest of six boys. He grew up in North Platte, Nebraska where he enjoyed many sports, including football, track and wrestling in middle school and high school. He had a few jobs, but the Sirloin Stockade in high school may have been his favorite. He had many stories about it. He also worked in carpentry jobs and at the Gerald Gentleman Power Plant. He later worked at Burlington Northern for 21 years and Siemens for 18 years until his health forced him to retire last year. He enjoyed scuba diving, riding motorcycles, playing with his grand-kids and building anything. He created many amazing decks, sheds and wrap-around porches, including his grandchildren’s favorite, the big backyard playhouse. He was loved by children and adults alike for his playful nature, fun ideas and amazing stories.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Alberta; their three children, Tara (Rich) Stanec, Jenny Gentleman, and Matt Gentleman; and nine grandchildren, Tabetha, Austen Jon “AJ” and Kera Stanec, Mercedes Maxey, Casey and MaKenzie McCarty, and Landon Brody and Ember Gentleman. He is also survived by his mother, Pat, and his brothers Mike (Michelle), Greg (Paula), Tim (Krisanne), Mark (Linda), and Shawn (Teri); as well as many nieces and nephews and “adpoted” grandchildren. Any child that knew him, called him “Grandpa Jack.”

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time at the Alliance United Methodist Church, 702 Box Butte Ave, Alliance, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Jane’s Closet in Alliance, Nebraska or the Festival of Hope in Scottsbluff, Nebraska

NPPSF awards 2019 staff scholarships

Posted on January 7, 2019January 7, 2019

Since 2010 The North Platte Public Schools Foundation has awarded NPPS employees staff scholarships for their continued education.

The awards are made possible through the North Platte Public Schools Employee giving program called Class Act administered by the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. The Foundation was able to increase the amount of their scholarships by 20% due to the increase in donations from North Platte Public Schools Employees.

The Foundation is proud to award three North Platte Public School educators for their continued education efforts.

DaNesa Fleck-DaNesa is a Kindergarten Teacher at Washington Elementary. DaNesa is working on her masters from Arkansas State University in Educational Leadership and hopes to one day become an Administrator.

Marlo Roberts-Marlo is a first-year school counselor at North Platte High School. She will be obtaining her School Counseling Endorsement from Chadron State University.

Amanda Curtis- Amy is a para-professional at Lincoln Elementary. She is earning her Bachelor of Elementary Education at Chadron and hopes to have her own classroom someday.

The NPPS Foundation acknowledges that a better-educated staff equates to a better education for our students.

The NPPS Foundation is committed to promoting development and assisting NPPS in pursuing higher education and has awarded over $18,000 in Staff Scholarships since its inception. They are pleased to have been able to make this opportunity possible for our dedicated staff.

Helen Y. Kamino

Posted on January 7, 2019

Helen Y. Kamino, 96, of North Platte, passed away January 5, 2019, at Linden Court in North Platte, Nebraska.

Helen was born on Oct. 19, 1922 in Yoder, Wyoming, to Koshichi and Chiyo Kanno. She lived in Morrill, Nebraska, until 1954 when she married Hideo Kamino and moved to North Platte. Helen and Hideo farmed in the Platte Valley area until the late 1980s. She enjoyed life on the farm and was truly a small town girl.

Helen was very active as a volunteer at Linden Court, Great Plains Regional Medical Center, the Ready to Serve Volunteer Program and was a Member of the Episcopal Church of our Savior.

She loved to cook and bake for family and friends, and share and exchange recipes with everyone. She had a natural gift for gardening and nurturing flora. Helen’s other activities included bowling, playing cards, and reading.

An ever smiling Helen was devoted to her family and friends—loving, kind, thoughtful, and generous, for which she will always be remembered.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hideo; parents, Koshichi and Chiyo; sisters Mary Yoshimura and Josie Sato; brothers, Tucker Kanno, George Kanno, Harry Kanno, and Bill Kanno; brothers-in-law, Sam Kamino, Ed Yoshimura, George Sato and Thomas Tomoi; sisters-in-law, Frances Kanno and Mary Kogiku.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia (Jeffrey) Pasternak, son Terry Kamino, sister, Ruth Tomoi, sister-in-law, Dr. Ruth Kamino, and seven nephews and five nieces.

Helen’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all family members, including her Episcopal Church family, Linden Court staff and residents, and all of her other dear friends, for their love and blessings throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers and koden, memorials are suggested to the Episcopal Church of our Savior or PAWS-itive Partners. On-line condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.

Visitation with family receiving friends will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wed., Jan. 9^th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. A private service will be held at the Episcopal Church of our Savior. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

James Richard Kemp

Posted on January 7, 2019

James Richard Kemp, age 84 of Tryon, Nebraska, passed away Saturday January 5, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

Richard was born July 31, 1934 north of Tryon to Ray and Irene (Neal) Kemp at the home of his grandparents, Tom and Pearl Neal. He was born on his mother’s 21^st birthday, in the same house and the same bed as she was. Richard was baptized as a young boy in the Dismal River. He attended Gospel Ridge District #9, a little country grade school, and graduated high school with the class of 1952 from McPherson County High School. Richard grew up on the family ranch ten miles north of Tryon. He helped build the McPherson County High School and Highway 97 north of Tryon. He was proud to serve his country in the US Navy from March 1956 thru March 1958, being stationed in Long Beach, California. He served aboard the USS Herbert J. Thomas destroyer ship and during these two years, 21 months were spent at sea. His ship was known as the “eyes of the sea” as it was equipped with extensive radar and was sent 50 miles ahead of the rest of the fleet. After his discharge, he returned home and married Carolyn Black on July 3, 1960 at the Tryon Methodist Church. To their union, Gaylene Kay and Lamar James were born. Richard was known for drilling some of the best water wells in the Sandhills. He enjoyed his neighbors and friends and was always up for a good game of pitch. He was known to be quite a “card shark” and his family will always cherish great memories of playing cards with him. He had a special love for his cattle, horses, kids, grandkids, and then the great-grandkids! He will always be remembered for his great story telling and memorable laugh.

Richard is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 58 years; daughter Gaylene (John) McCall of North Platte; 5 grandchildren, Jessica (BJ) Wilson, Jennifer (Josh) Staab, Ben (Alexa) McCall, James Kemp and Christopher Kemp all of North Platte; 8 great grandchildren, Hali, Levi, Carsen, Josie, Oakley, Axel, Hadlee and Remyton; brother Jerry Kemp of Tryon; as well as nieces and nephews and other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Irene Kemp; son Lamar; infant granddaughter Rebecca Leanne Kemp; and brother Karl Kemp.

Memorials are suggested to the McPherson County Fire and Rescue or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswansoncom. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday January 10, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery near Tryon. Visitation will be noon until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday January 9, 2019 with Family Receiving Friends from 6:00 until 8:00 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Man gets 40-45 years for Dawson County slaying

Posted on January 7, 2019

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) – A man accused of murder in south-central Nebraska’s Dawson County has been sentenced to 40 to 45 years in prison.

Dawson County District Court records say 42-year-old Jose Regalado-Mendez was sentenced Monday. He’d pleaded guilty to manslaughter and use of a weapon to commit a felony. He had been charged with first-degree murder in the October 2016 slaying of 37-year-old Jose Hernandez. Prosecutors lowered the charge in exchange for Regalado-Mendez’s plea.

Prosecutors say Regalado-Mendez shot Hernandez and hid the body near a farmhouse north of Lexington. The remains were found Dec. 12, 2016.

NP Police Activity Jan. 4-7, 2019

Posted on January 7, 2019

Call Date

Call Time

RMS CFS Description

Location Of Incident

01/04/2019