LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – The general manager of a northern Nebraska tomato plant is accused of knowingly using a staffing company that supplied workers who were living in the country illegally.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Rick Karnes and his company, O’Neill Ventures, have been charged with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens. His next court hearing is set for May 2 in Lincoln. Federal records don’t list the name of an attorney who could comment for Karnes.

Prosecutors have said O’Neill Ventures used false names for the workers to hide their identities from enforcement officials and failed to verify the employees could legally work in the U.S.

The case was filed months after agents raided businesses in Nebraska and Minnesota that officials say knowingly hired immigrants who were in the U.S. illegally.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Officials say Nebraska’s unemployment rate remained unchanged last month at 2.8%.

The Nebraska Labor Department said in a news release Friday that the preliminary March rate was a tenth of a point under the year-ago figure of 2.9%. It also was well below the March’s national figure of 3.8 percent, which is down two-tenths of a point from 4 percent a year ago.

It’s the eighth straight month the Nebraska figure’s been 2.8 percent. It’s unclear whether the figure is likely to change soon because of any jobs lost in the massive spring flooding that caused more than $3 billion in damage in the Midwest. A department spokeswoman says she can’t immediately comment.

The preliminary nonfarm employment figure last month was more than 1.01 million, down 1,172 over the past year and up 2,396 over March.

The City of North Platte announced today that it will receive $635,000 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the “North Platte Tree Shredder” project.  The Trust Board announced funding for the project at its April 4^th meeting in Lincoln.

Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful helped the City secure the grant through the proposal process.  The Tree Shredder Project permits funds to spend on a tree shredder to be placed at the transfer station that will allow trees to be mulched into compostable material.  Currently, yard waste collected is turned into compost through Bio-Ag Solutions and used as a soil amendment for farm and home gardens.

The tree grinder is needed to keep up with current demand.  With the threat of Emerald Ash Borer upon us, this will give an outlet to process the excess tree stock that will be created from this threat.  A total average of 180 tons per month is being ground for compost and this project will provide for an added 50 tons per month.   Additionally, mulch will be provided for individual use for Lincoln County residents free of charge at the transfer station as supplies are available.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to assist in this process,” said Mona Anderson, Executive Director for Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful.  “It’s a win, win situation for our community – we are helping the environment, the City will save time and energy, and a product is being created that will help farmers in our area.”

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992.  Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $305 million in grants to over 2,200 projects across the state.  Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers, and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska.  The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.

Two North Platte men have been indicted by a Federal grand jury on child pornography charges.

According to a news release from the United States Attorney’s office, Mathew S. Goad, age 33, of North Platte, Nebraska, and Cory D. Preitauer, age 28, of North Platte, Nebraska, are charged in a five-count Indictment.

Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to produce child pornography beginning on or about June, 2018 and continuing until on or about September, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.

Count II charges the defendants with production of child pornography beginning on or about June, 2018 and continuing until on or about September, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.

Count III charges Preitauer with production of child pornography-parent or guardian beginning on or about June, 2018 and continuing until on or about September, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.

Count IV charges Goad with distribution of child pornography beginning on or about June, 2018 and continuing until on or about September, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.

Count V charges Goad with possession of child pornography beginning on or about March 29, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.