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Judge found dead in Omaha courthouse; no crime suspected

Judge Mark Ashford
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A judge has been found dead in the Douglas County Courthouse in downtown Omaha.

Authorities say another judge found the body of District Judge Mark Ashford in his chambers around 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says a preliminary investigation found no signs that any crime was involved.

Brother Brad Ashford, a former congressman, says the 66-year-old judge has had heart problems but had been doing better in recent years. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.

Judge Peter Bataillon was a close friend and told the Omaha World-Herald Mark Ashford “had a great demeanor in and out of court. He always wanted to make sure he did the right thing.”

Public defender accused of stealing from private clients

GENEVA, Neb. (AP) — The York County public defender is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from private clients.

Court records say 59-year-old Nancy Waldron is charged with felony theft. She didn’t immediately return messages left Thursday by The Associated Press. The records don’t list the name of an attorney who could comment for her.

The next court date regarding her case is set for Aug. 15.

The records say questions were raised in nearby Fillmore County about checks Waldron had written to herself on a bank account that belonged to two sisters living in nursing homes.

Troopers seize 94 pounds of pot in stop near Cozad

COZAD — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested two men and seized 94 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Cozad.

At approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, a trooper stopped a westbound 2018 Ford F150 for failing to signal near mile marker 227. During the traffic stop, a Dawson County Sheriff’s Office K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance coming from inside the vehicle.

A search of the pickup revealed 94 pounds of marijuana. The estimated street value of the marijuana is $282,000.

The driver, Michael Hedges, 26, and passenger, Brandon Cannon, 25, both of Oregon, were arrested for possession of marijuana – more than one pound, possession with intent to deliver, and no drug tax stamp. Both men were lodged in Dawson County jail.

William N. “Bill” Schaffer

William “Bill” N. Schaffer, 90, of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, passed away July 29, 2018 at Kearney Regional Medical Center.  He was born March 21, 1928 to Jacob and Ida Schaffer at St. Francis, KS.   When Bill was younger he worked for Keenan Coca Cola Bottling Company.  He was united in marriage to Mable Hunter on Oct. 1, 1947 in North Platte. He later served as manager in the Sears Automotive Department.  He then owned and operated Schaffer Sinclair for a number of years before being a sales rep for E & R Automotive.  He enjoyed following his family in their sports and activities.  Bill and Mabel opened their home to four foster children.  Bill was a member of the First Christian Church in North Platte, where he was an Elder Emeritus and a member of the B. P. O. Elks.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (John) Arnold of Kearney; grandchildren, Neal (Kristie) Arnold of Kearney, Lynn (Matthew) Haumont of Broken Bow; great grandchildren, Brodie, Reanna and Lena; other relatives and special friends, Rich and Larea Morrell.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mable and five brothers and sisters.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory.  Services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday August 6, 2018 at the First Christian Church with the Reverend Jan Ekstedt officiating.  Inurnment will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Wilma J. Guggenmos Death Notice

Wilma Jane Guggenmos, age 82 of Ogallala, passed away Wednesday August 1, 2018 at Great Plains Health in North Platte.  Arrangements are pending at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.

Bradley Wayne Roach

Bradley Wayne Roach, 58, of North Platte passed away at his home on July 31, 2018.  Brad was born on July 7, 1960 in North Platte to Lauren and Rojanne (Baker) Roach.  He grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1978.  Brad entered the United States Air Force in 1978 and married Arba J. Johnson on July 20, 1979.  They were stationed in Grand Forks, ND, and later, Blytheville, AR.  After being discharged, the couple returned to North Platte.  In 1989, they moved to Texas where Brad drove for Greyhound.  They again returned to North Platte in 1997 and Brad worked as a contract mail carrier.

Brad loved concerts, fishing, music, Husker Football, and NASCAR with his brother, Bill.  He was a man of his word who loved his family and his dog, Skosh.

Survivors include his wife, Arba, of North Platte; daughter, Taya Roach of Kearney; father, Laren Roach of Silver City, NM; grandchildren, Allorah & Keegan (both of Kearney); great-grandchild, Emberlee of Kearney; siblings, Bill (Shari) Roach of North Platte and Laurie McLaughlin of Seward; numerous other family members and friends.  He was preceeded in death by his mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice or to one of the Veteran’s organizations.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com

Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 4th, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.  A gathering of family and friends will be at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 5th, 2018, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.  Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 6th, 2018 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Gary SMith officiating.  Casual dress is requested.

Burton Lee “Burt” Matthies

Burton Lee “Burt” Matthies, age 77, of North Platte passed away July 28, 2018, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln.  Burt was born on March 25th, 1941 in Stanton, Nebraska to Raymond and Ruth (Belmer) Matthies.  Burt graduated from Stanton High School in 1958.  Following graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and was stationed in Hawaii.  After being discharged, he attended Wayne State College where he became an All-American Football player and was ultimately inducted into the Wayne State and Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.  He graduated in 1966 with a BA in Physical Education and a minor in Biological Science.  Burt was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams after graduation and later played for the Omaha Mustangs semi-pro team.

Burt married Dorothy “Dotti” Shallenberger on June 29, 1963 in Nebraska City.  The couple had two children, Brett & Michelle.  He taught for six years at Arbor Heights Junior High in Omaha.  In 1973, Burt became a United States Probation Officer.  He was sworn in as the Chief Unted States Probation Officer for the District of Nebraska on February 2, 1978 and the family relocated to Omaha.  Burt retired in March of 1998.  After the loss of his wife, Burt met Karen Campbell of North Platte.  The two were married on November 12, 2005 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte.

Burt was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he served on various committees and was a member of the choir.  He enjoyed traveling and attending his children’s and eventually the grandchildren’s activities.  He loved his dog, Sadie.  Burt was a very generous man who had much joy in his life and never knew a stranger.  He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Burt’s survivors include his wife, Karen of North Platte; his children, Brett (Marsha) Matthies of Omaha and Michelle (Matt) McNamara of Grand Island; stepchildren, Leah (Joi) Anderson of Turtle Lake, ND, Jeramie Love of Turtle Lake, ND, Jenny (Chan) Timmons of Denver, CO and Laralee Castillo of North Platte; grandchildren, Mallory, Grant and Ella Matthies, Jacob & Kate-Lynn McNamara, Lyndi (Tanner) Boe, Taralee (Brand) Roller, Bailey, Carson & Mia Timmons, Tanner, Abby & Graci Castillo; siblings, Claydell “Doc” Matthies of Lincoln and Helen Hilbers of Stanton, NE; great-grandchildren, Tatum & Hadley Boe; and many nieces & nephews.  He was preceeded in death by his parents; his wife, Dotti; siblings, Monabell Mohnsen, Ervin Matthies, Kenneth “Deke” Matthies, Morjorie Mellott, Arthur Matthies and Dale Matthies.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com

Christian Wake Services will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 2nd, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 3rd, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Matthew Nash as celebrant and Reverend James Golka as concelebrant.  Inurnment will taek place at a later date at the Nebraska City Catholic Cemetery.  Visitiation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.

Report: Midwest economy still growing but at slower pace

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A monthly survey report suggests economic growth is still slowing in nine Midwest and Plains states.

The report released Wednesday says the Mid-America Business Conditions Index declined to 57.0 in July from 61.8 in June and 67.3 in May. It’s still the 20th straight month that the index remained above growth neutral 50.0.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the region’s manufacturing growth of 2.6 percent over the past 12 months exceeds the U.S. growth rate of 2.3 percent.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Woman fatally shot in Lincoln home is identified

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a woman who was fatally shot in her north Lincoln home.

She’s been identified as 36-year-old Jessica Brandon.

Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister (BLEYE’-meye-stur) says the intruders entered the home just after 3:30 a.m. Tuesday and officers were called at 3:45 a.m. Bliemeister says four children were among seven people in the home when the woman was shot. No other injuries have been reported.

Brandon was pronounced dead at a Lincoln hospital. No arrests have been reported.

Man killed, others injured at Columbus manufacturer

COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say one worker was killed and several others were injured in an accident at a Columbus manufacturing plant.

Firefighters and medics were sent to the Nebraska Precast plant a little after 10 a.m. Tuesday. One person was pinned under a concrete form used to make livestock feed bunks.

Fire Chief Dan Miller says one worker was declared dead at the scene and four others were taken to a hospital. None of their names have been released.

The accident is being investigated.

Nebraska Precast makes precast concrete products for agricultural, construction, landscaping and utility applications.

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