CHADRON, Neb. (AP) — Nearly 50 bighorn sheep in the Nebraska Panhandle have been outfitted with new tracking devices to help wildlife officials monitor their health and combat diseases.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says helicopter crews captured the sheep, gave them vaccinations and equipped the animals with tracking collars and ear tags. Several ewes also received vaginal implant transmitters to help study lamb mortality.

Twenty-two sheep were tagged in the Wildcat near McGrew and 26 at three locations in the Pine Ridge near Chadron and Crawford. Seven chronically ill ewes also were taken to South Dakota State University for additional study.

About 50 people helped with the process, including commission staff and those with South Dakota State University, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the Lincoln Zoo, private veterinarians and the Alliance Animal Clinic.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett says the company he built through decades of acquisitions continues to perform well even though he hasn’t found any major deals at attractive prices recently.

Buffett released his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. shareholders on Saturday. He says the two potential successors he promoted last year to oversee most day-to-day operations are doing well, but the 88-year-old tycoon makes no mention of retiring.

Buffett also encourages investors to continue betting on the American economy because Berkshire has prospered by doing so, but he says they shouldn’t forget about the rest of the world.

He says Americans will benefit and be safer if all nations thrive.

Today, Deputy Phelps County Attorney Natalie Nelsen announced the charges filed against Manuel Gomez, 45, of Holdrege, in connection with the shooting deaths of Raymond Burton, 65, and David Rogers, 54, as well as the shooting of Doyle Morse, 64. Morse is currently in serious condition at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney after being transported via life-flight in critical condition Thursday.

Gomez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, three counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of flight to avoid arrest. Gomez will make his first appearance in Phelps County Court this afternoon.

Gomez was arrested Thursday afternoon outside the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office following a brief, low-speed pursuit. He had previously been identified as the suspect in a shooting that occurred at 416 Logan Street in Holdrege, where Doyle Morse had been shot but was able to call 911.

Additional crime scenes were identified in multiple units at the Sunrise View Apartments at 1422 12^th Avenue, where Raymond Burton and David Rogers were both found deceased with gunshot wounds.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Nebraska State Patrol, the Holdrege Police Department, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, and South Central Area Law Enforcement Services are working together in the investigation.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case or anyone who had contact with Manuel Gomez prior to these events Thursday is asked to call Nebraska Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-1494, the Nebraska State Patrol, or the Holdrege Police Department.

The crash that occurred Wednesday morning on Interstate 80 near Aurora has now claimed the life of an Indiana man.

Jason Palmer, 29, of Mishawaka, Indiana passed away Friday morning as a result of injuries suffered in the crash that occurred Wednesday at approximately 9:10 a.m. on eastbound I-80 near mile marker 328.

The chain-reaction crash involved nine semis and two passenger vehicles. Palmer was the passenger in a Jeep Cherokee that was involved in the early stages of the crash. After it had come to a stop, two semis that were traveling together came upon the scene. One of the semis was able to slow down, but the other was not. That semi struck the first semi and then collided with the Jeep Cherokee.

Palmer was transported to the hospital in Aurora before being life-flighted to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, where he passed away this morning. The driver of the Cherokee was transported by a trooper to the hospital in Aurora and was treated for minor injuries and released.

Weather conditions were a factor in the crash. The crash investigation is ongoing.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Howling winds and heavy snow are forecast for much of Nebraska and Iowa this weekend.

The National Weather Service says a rain later Friday could precede freezing rain and ice accumulations before the snow arrives in abundance on Saturday.

Snow totals could range up to 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) or higher in some spots. Blizzard or near blizzard conditions are expected, with wind gusts reaching 55 mph (88.5 kph) or more.

The service says the conditions could make travel all but impossible in many areas and cause power outages.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) crews are prepared for the latest round of winter weather which looks to impact most of the State and good portions of the country.  While the forecast could fluctuate, concerns are highest for high winds creating low visibility and potential for freezing drizzle or rain.  Workers and equipment will be out to clear the highways and monitor changing conditions throughout the storm which look to impact travel today into Sunday.

“This latest storm looks to have a significant impact on a majority of the State this weekend on top of already significant snowfall,” said NDOT Director Kyle Schneweis.  “As always, drivers are encouraged to be informed about weather and road conditions before making the decision to travel.  Regardless, our crews will be out working to clear roadways as conditions allow in a potential blizzard.  We urge caution if you must travel during this winter storm and know before you go.”

“Driving conditions can change quickly during a winter storm,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP).  “Knowing what to expect is critical if you have to travel during this weekend’s weather.  Please stay up-to-date with local forecasts and check 511 or NDOT’s Plow Tracker before you venture out.  If you become stranded or need assistance while traveling, our troopers will be on the road throughout the state and ready to help.”

Travelers are advised to be alert, be aware and check the most up to date travel conditions available through 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System.  The system is available at all times via by phone, online at www.511.nebraska.gov, Nebraska 511’s smartphone app or by dialing 511. Travelers are also encouraged to utilize NDOT’s Plow Tracker at https://plows.nebraska.gov/index.html where the public will be able to observe road conditions in real time from the cabs of NDOT snowplows. Please note that weather conditions are often worse than they appear on camera.

Should travel be absolutely necessary,  NDOT reminds motorists to be prepared with warm clothing water and food.  Be sure to travel on well-established routes and notify someone when you are leaving for your destination.  If traveling a distance, a winter weather survival kit is advised with additional basic items.  Travelers are advised to not drive faster than conditions allow.  Surfaces will be slick under the snow and visibility may be poor.  Allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

With snowplows out on the roads, travelers are urged to be cautious and courteous to those operating
them, making sure to:

• Slow down as you approach plows.  They travel slowly, usually 25-30 miles per hour or less.
• Stay well behind plows to give you and them plenty of room.  When traveling outside of a business or residential district, it is unlawful to follow a highway maintenance vehicle (snowplow, truck or grader) more closely than 100 feet when it is plowing snow, spreading salt or sand, or displaying a flashing amber or blue light.
• Never pass a plow on the right – snowplows are equipped with “wing plows” which extend beyond the truck itself.
• Know where plows are and actions they may be taking while they plow snow.

Motorists are reminded to make sure everyone in their vehicle wears a seat belt and children are in a car safety seat.  Do not use cruise control in wet or snowy weather and keep a full gas tank.

For safe-driving tips and winter weather information, visit NDOT’s website:
https://dot.nebraska.gov/safety/driving/winter/.

As a reminder, the NSP Highway Helpline is available 24 hours per day for motorists in need of assistance.  Drivers can reach NSP by dialing *55 from any cell phone. Call 911 for any emergency.