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District bars yearbook memorials to students killed in crash

CAIRO, Neb. (AP) — A central Nebraska school district has told the parents of two students killed in a traffic accident that they can’t buy space in the school yearbook to honor their children, saying the district must be careful about the adolescent grieving process.

The Centura Junior/Senior High School students, 16-year-old Bailey Jean Packer and 17-year-old Navi Nielsen, died last month after a one-car crash in rural Howard County.

The parents and friends think school officials are being inflexible and insensitive.

“Every child’s life matters,” Staci Nielsen told station NTV. “If that’s something that meant something to them or that family wants to put a tribute in their last yearbook, I don’t see how that could be a negative thing for anyone”

Tara Schenk, whose family raised Bailey Packer since fourth grade, told the Omaha World-Herald they were also upset the district immediately removed from the school photographs and drawings done by Bailey.

“The kids think they’re trying to erase Bailey,” Schenk said.

But district officials said they’re following policy and a consultant’s training on student grieving. Centura Superintendent Julie Otero said the consultant recommends that districts immediately remove photographs and clean out lockers of deceased students because adolescents need finality when grieving.

The district allows graduating seniors to purchase space in the back of the yearbook for tributes, said school principal Tammy Holcomb. But Navi and Bailey were both juniors, so tributes or ads specifically for them were not permitted.

The two appear in photos of their sports teams and other activities. Holcomb said the families will be allowed to place tributes in next year’s yearbook, along with those of other seniors in what would have been the girls’ graduating class.

Former North Platte official pleads not guilty in theft case

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) — The former director of North Platte’s Housing Authorities has pleaded not guilty to theft and several other charges.

Lincoln County District Court records say 42-year-old Jennifer Smith, of Hershey, entered the pleas Monday. The records also say federal prosecutors may be filing a case against Smith.

The County Sheriff’s Office has been working on the case with state and federal investigators. The case surfaced in February after a bank alerted authorities about suspicious activity with an account.

Nebraska lawmakers will not hold special session

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lawmakers will not convene for a special session to deal with Nebraska’s property tax system this year because the effort did not receive enough support.

Laura Strimple, a spokeswoman for the secretary of state, says only 14 senators had signed the request by the 5 p.m. Monday deadline. Support from 33 of the chamber’s 49 lawmakers is needed to bring the Legislature into special session.

Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon proposed the session on April 10 after lawmakers failed to approve tax changes. The session would have been held next week.

Although legislators won’t gather to deal with taxes, supporters of a ballot measure that would cut property taxes are collecting signatures in hopes of putting the proposal on the November ballot.

Prosecutor charges concrete truck driver in La Vista deaths

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — The driver of a loaded concrete truck that tipped onto a car near Omaha, killing two people, has been charged with misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.

Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov told the Omaha World-Herald of the decision on Tuesday.

Last month, a judge deemed prosecutors didn’t have enough evidence to charge 21-year-old Austin Holloway, of Fremont, with two felony motor vehicle homicide counts in the Oct. 25 deaths of Michael Dearden and Phillip Hertel.

Holloway was driving the truck in La Vista when he made a sharp right turn, causing it to tip and land on the car carrying Dearden and Hertel. The judge said there was no evidence Holloway was speeding or driving recklessly, but there was evidence that the truck had been overloaded.

Tribe entities sue Nebraska officials for tobacco regulation

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Native American tribe is suing Nebraska officials, alleging that state regulation of the tribe’s tobacco production is unconstitutional.

Two subsidiaries of the Winnebago Tribe filed a lawsuit last week against Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton, the Sioux City Journal reported. The subsidiaries, HCI Distribution and Rock River Manufacturing, argue that tribal commercial activities are protected under federal law and that Nebraska has no regulatory authority over the tribe’s cigarette operations.

The attorney general’s office declined to comment.

The lawsuit alleges that the largest American tobacco manufacturers are pressuring Nebraska and 45 other states to expand their jurisdiction onto Indian reservations. The “Big Tobacco” manufacturers are leveraging a 1998 settlement of lawsuits with the states, according to the tribe’s allegations.

The tobacco companies have threatened to withhold millions of dollars in settlement payments to coerce states to unlawfully regulate tribal tobacco operations, the lawsuit said.

“This attack has damaged our tribal economy and in turn threatens our sovereignty, self-determination and self-governance,” said Winnebago Tribal Chairman Frank White.

The tribe’s economic development branch, Ho-Chunk, operates the Rock River facility that manufactures cigarettes, which are available in more than 25 states and on most reservations across the country.

Federal agents in January raided sites owned by Ho-Chunk and seized records related to the tribe’s tobacco operations. White said the action was sparked by state regulators to leverage an ongoing tax dispute with the tribe.

The cigarette plant has been operating at a reduced output since the raid, said Ho-Chunk spokesman Sam Burrish.

The tax dispute began after the Nebraska Department of Revenue issued tax assessments against some reservation-based cigarette retailers in 2014. The department alleged the retailers made sales that are subject to Nebraska’s cigarette taxes.

HCI Distribution and Rock River disputed over whether the state’s laws apply to their cigarette operations, but negotiations broke down two years ago.

Nurse convicted of molesting Nebraska patients gets prison

Thomas Moore

GERING, Neb. (AP) — A nurse convicted in Colorado and Nebraska of groping patients has been sentenced in Nebraska to three years in prison.

45-year-old Thomas Moore was sentenced Tuesday in Scotts Bluff County Court for convictions of three counts of third-degree sexual assault.

Moore had pleaded guilty to the counts earlier this month.

Three women told investigators that they’d been groped or otherwise sexually assaulted by Moore when he worked at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff in 2014 and 2015. Their accusations came to light as Colorado investigators worked cases against Moore in Fort Collins and Greeley. Moore eventually pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in a Colorado prison.

Darrell W. Heiss

Darrell W. Heiss, 87, passed away April 20th 2018 in North Platte, NE.  Born July 20th, 1930 to Raymond Lee Heiss and Faye Etta (Cullen) in Page, NE. He grew up on the family farm and attend Page Public School. Following graduation from high school in 1947 he attended Wesleyan University and University of Nebraska. Darrell graduated with high distinction in 1952 with a BS degree in Agronomy  and earned his Masters in Bozeman, MT. later on. After graduating he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Cut Bank, MT where he met Jo Ann Miklich . They were married in Nov. 1952. Darrell was released from active military duty in February 1956. That same year he accepted a teaching position at the high school in Burwell, NE. In the summer of 1958 Darrell moved his family to Page, NE to farm and teach. In 1965 Darrell accepted a position with Farmers National Farm Management Co. and moved to North Platte. Darrell left Farmers National to start his own farm management, H-D Management, and continued to buy land in the Stapleton area to farm. Darrell’s achievements and honors in his lifetime include, an accomplished athlete in high school, college and his military years. He was President of Farm House Fraternity, Past President and active in the North Platte Rotary Club.  Darrell was very involved in the United Methodist Church and was a Teammate Mentor for many years.  Darrell’s wife Jo Ann, passed away in 1990 and he later married Karla Dean. Hunting and fishing were Darrell’s favorite hobbies. He loved taking his son-in-laws and grandsons deer and elk hunting.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Faye Heiss, brothers, Don and Ken Heiss, sister Ardis Johnston, wife Jo Ann and daughter Bobbi Jo Leggott.

Survivors include, his wife, Karla, daughters, Cathy Luenenborg, Deb Pittman, Kim (Kim) Zurcher and Wendy (Tony) Young; step-children Kyla (Mike) Dodson, Phillip (Martha) Dean and Jason Dean, grandchildren, Kelly, Wyatt and Garett Luenenborg, Brandon, Jace and Kade Pittman, Ashley Johanson, Tony Grabenstein, Tina Anderson, Ben and Troy Zurcher, Cory and Shea Leggott, Camden, Delani and Bayla Young, many great grandchildren, step-grandchildren,  nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from  9am – 8pm   with the family receiving friends from 6 – 8pm on Tues., April 24th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Teammates or the donors choice.  Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.  Services will be held at First United Methodist Church at 1:00 PM Wed. 25th, with graveside services and military honors following at North Platte Cemetery.

Terreance “Terry” L. Scoville

Terreance “Terry” L. Scoville, 71, of North Platte, passed away April 19, 2018 at the North Platte Care Center.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Cremation was chosen.  Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at the New Life Church with Pastor Dave Cumming officiating.  Those wishing to sign Terry’s memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Ron Detlefsen

Ron Detlefsen passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 20, 2018.  He was born in Stapleton, Nebraska, to Vern and Virginia (Reynolds) Detlefsen on February 15, 1948.

Ron attended Cody Elementary School and graduated from North Platte High School.  While in high school, his extra-curricular activities led him to his lifetime passion for golf and his love of music–playing his guitar in the Showstopper Band.  Later in life he enjoyed improvising at the keyboard and entertained those around with his imitations of ‘Ray Charles.’ He attended the University of Nebraska and University of Northern Colorado as a member of the college golf team. Ron was united in marriage to Teresa Olsen on May 20, 1977, and they were blessed with two sons, Ryan and Brett.

Ron was involved in the petroleum business as a oil jobber until his retirement—Detlefsen Truck Stop, Detco stations, and transports.  His knowledge and dedication to the industry led him to being active in the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers Board of Directors.  In his early years, he was part of the North Platte Ambassadors and was founder of the first annual North Platte Youth Ambassador Golf Tournament.

Ron’s first loves centered around his wife and his family.  Around 1990, he and Teresa moved their two boys to Lake Maloney and the family grew to love and enjoy many of the same things.  As a family, a favorite was always playing golf, he inspired his boys to love fishing and hunting and they all embraced the lake and all it had to offer–water sports, skiing, wakeboarding, sunset cruising–just  being together and enjoying its beauty. “Captain, Oh My Captain” was a familiar quoted title for Ron as the best pontoon boat and tour captain on the lake! Many enjoyed the experience of his “Fifty Cent Tours.”

Like in life, each round of golf begins the same–and with each swing and movement and placement, the ball is hit, the game begins and…we learned about RD…his quiet character, his love of life and family, his loyalty and commitment to friends and fellow golfers, his competitive spirit, his appreciation for not just the game but the courses– the challenges & intrigue of their differences, his ability to face adversity head on, forty plus years of sobriety, and RD’s humor!!  His humor–sometimes hidden, but when it came out, all took note and enjoyed being in his presence.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Teresa; sons, Ryan of Lincoln and Brett (Kelly) of Austin, Texas; sister, Barb Detlefsen of Omaha; uncle, Bobbie Smith of Arnold; sisters-in-law, Sheryl (Ken) Parish and Marcy Etzelmiller of Omaha; brother-in-law, John Lund of Ogallala; nieces and nephews, Stacey (Beau) Reid of Omaha, Corey (Susan) Sheen of  Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Coby (Janet) Lund of Atlanta, GA, Jason (Erin) Lund of Lone Tree, CO, Michael Etzelmiller (Katie) of Omaha, Lindsey (Fiancé Jared Hyland) Etzelmiller of Omaha, and Tim Jorgensen of Evergreen, CO; four legged granddogs, Disco and Finnley; numerous cousins, including Robbi  (Shelley) Smith of Arnold, friends, and golfing buddies. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Virginia; aunts, Gloria Smith and Earlynn Biggs; and sister-in-law, Linda Lund.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Harbor Lights, 711 N. Lake Rd, North Platte, Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Casual attire is requested.  Those wishing to sign Ron’s memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Mable May Rasmussen

Mable May Rasmussen, 97, longtime resident of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away April 22, 2018 on Good Shepherd Sunday, in York, Nebraska.

Mable was born January 20, 1921 in North Platte, Nebraska, the youngest child of John and Zilphia (Freel) Cook. She attended grade school at District 3 Sioux Lookout School southeast of North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1938.

She taught two years at District 3 Sioux Lookout School. During this time she also attended Kearney Teachers College, now UNK, for three summers and one school year. She earned her two year diploma in elementary education in 1941. Mable then taught third and fourth grades at Stapleton, Nebraska for two years.

Mable worked as a Personnel Clerk in Employee Relations for Moore Dry Dock Ship Repair in Oakland, California. After World War II, she returned to Nebraska and taught third grade at Cody School in North Platte.

Virgil Rasmussen and Mable Cook were married September 28, 1947 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte. They lived their entire married lives on the Rasmussen family farm southwest of North Platte in the Miller School neighborhood. They were blessed with two children, Susan and Dave. Virgil died February 1, 1992.

Mable belonged to First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte and taught Sunday School for many years. She served as a 4-H leader for a cooking club and also served on the Election Board for many years. She belonged to the Jolly Dozen neighborhood women’s club and was an active member of Women Involved in Farm Economics, W.I.F.E.

Mable is survived by daughter, Susan (Cliff) Jewell of Cairo; son, Dave (Julie) Rasmussen of York; grandchildren, Amy (Brandon) Lehman of York, Travis Jewell of Cairo, Lora Jewell of David City, and Eric (Lisa) Rasmussen of York; great-grandchildren, John, Caleb, and Anna Lehman of York; beloved nieces and nephews; and special friends, the Dick Wuehler family of North Platte.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; parents, John and Zilphia Cook; brothers, Bob (Betty) Cook and Art (Louise) Cook; sister, Gladys (V.E.) Clark; and sisters-in-law, Dorothea (Pat) Kunkel, Martha (Loren) Woodcock, Doris (Bob) Carpenter, and Carlie (Milton) Tobey.

Memorials are suggested to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Pastor Steve Berke officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be Friday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

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