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Man plans insanity defense in Dawson County slaying

Jose Regalado-Mendez

LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) — Court records say a 38-year-old man charged with murder in south-central Nebraska’s Dawson County plans to rely on an insanity defense.

The records also say attorneys for Jose Regalado-Mendez have asked a judge to delay legal proceedings so Regalado-Mendez can have another sanity evaluation. Last month he was found competent for trial in the fatal shooting of Jose Hernandez.

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

Regalado-Mendez has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and to use of a firearm to commit a felony.

2nd trial begins for former stadium public address announcer

Patrick Combs

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The second trial of a former public address announcer at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln has begun with his lawyer saying no crimes were committed.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Patrick Combs’ attorney, Bob Creager, said during his opening statement Tuesday in Lincoln that, “There is simply no crime here whatsoever.”

Prosecutors say Combs took thousands of dollars from an elderly widow suffering from Alzheimer’s before her 2015 death. Combs has countered that the woman and her husband thought of him as a son and encouraged him to spend estate money earmarked for him in their will — money that would otherwise be taxed.

The 52-year-old Combs’ first trial on theft and other charges ended in a mistrial.

Student accused of having gun on Lincoln university campus

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A University of Nebraska-Lincoln student has been accused of having a concealed handgun on campus.

Court records say 21-year-old Joseph Dembowski is charged with a felony: unlawful possession of a firearm on school grounds. His attorney, Megan Theesen, declined to comment Wednesday.

University police say a staff member in the Military and Naval Sciences Building noticed Dembowski had a handgun magazine on March 1 and asked whether Dembowski had a gun. Police say Dembowski replied that he had a handgun in his backpack.

Police say Dembowski cooperated with officers called to the scene, turning over the weapon.

Students and university employees can store their guns in free lockers on campus.

Dembowski’s next court hearing is set for April 5.

Firefighters seek hot spots left by southwest Nebraska fire

MCCOOK, Neb. (AP) — Firefighters have been detailed to handle hot spots left by a wildfire that destroyed a house and blackened hundreds of acres as it threatened McCook in southwest Nebraska.

At least one person who camps out near the Red Willow County community of 7,500 people was burned Tuesday afternoon as 40-50 mph wind gusts whipped flames down a canyon toward the city. His name hasn’t been released.

Students and staff at an elementary school were evacuated to a high school several blocks south.

Chief Bill Elliott of the Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department said Wednesday that wind knocked a power line into a shed about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from town, and sparks from the resulting short ignited dry brush below. He estimated that 210 acres (85 hectares) were charred.

Lina C. Fredricey

Lina C. Fredricey, 98, of Lexington, died Feb. 27, 2018, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington.

Lina was born on Nov. 22, 1919, in San Miniato, Italy, to Giuseppe and Luigia (Marchi) Matteucci. She attended school in San Miniato, where she learned to be a beautiful seamstress. She made and designed wedding gowns and ball gowns and could sew anything that was asked of her.

She met a young American soldier during World War II, Delmer Fredricey, with whom she fell madly in love. Her brother, Paolo, who was the head of the family by then, would not give them permission to marry until Delmer had a home ready for her in the United States. After the war ended, Delmer went back to the United States and worked to acquire a suitable home for his bride. He returned months later to Italy and married Lina. They were wed on Feb. 13, 1947, in San Miniato, Italy.

She moved with her husband to Nebraska, and three daughters were blessed to this union, Patricia, Maria and Elizabeth. Lina loved being a mother and homemaker. She sewed all of the girls’ clothes and made each of their wedding gowns as well.

The family made their home in North Platte, where Delmer spent 33 years with Union Pacific Railroad. Lina took on sewing. She did alterations and made clothes for many North Platte residents. After retirement, they moved to Lexington to be closer to their daughters. Lina not only sewed, but did beautiful embroidery work. She embroidered many altar cloths for the church, one of which will be displayed the day of her Mass.

She was a devout Catholic and faithful to her beloved church, St. Ann’s. She also enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, baking pies, visiting with family in Italy and being with her loving family. Lina was a beautiful woman with a heart of pure gold. She will be so very missed.

Preceding Lina in death were her parents; husband, Delmer; daughter, Maria; infant son, John Joseph; grandson-in-law, J.R. Divine; two brothers, Paolo and Antonio; and one sister, Anna.

She is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Joe) Medrano of North Platte and Elizabeth (Robert) Waterman of Lexington; seven grandchildren, Amy Divine, Anna Weddel Molina, Paula Weddel Peterson, Joseph Waterman, David Waterman, Christopher Weddel and Kayla Thagard; 12 great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Anesha, P.J., Brayden, Logan, Bryon III, Karleigh, Miguel, Nila, Bella, Via and Cecilia; one great-great-granddaughter, Cecelia; son-in-law, Gary Weddel of Wayne; and nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with the Revs. Matt Koperski and Jorge Canela as celebrants. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, March 5, with Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel, Lexington, which is in charge of arrangements.

Alice Mary Jones Donahue Rima

Alice Mary Jones Donahue Rima, 90, of Scottsbluff, passed away peacefully from injuries sustained in a fall on Feb. 23, 2018, at Heritage Estates in Gering.

Alice Mary Jones was born to Arthur and Maude Jones on Aug. 5, 1927, in North Platte. The youngest of four children, she grew up in the neighboring city of Paxton.

She met Thomas E. Donahue and they were married in 1945. She became a stay-at-home mom and raised two wonderful children. After the tragic loss of her husband in 1970, she finally found true love again and married Gerald Dean Rima on June 20, 1980.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brothers, husband and daughter.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Donahue; granddaughter, Heather (James) Jackson; and great-grandchildren, Ashley, JT and Jakoby Jackson.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please do a kindness for another person in remembrance of Alice. She was a beautiful light in this world and will be truly missed. Online condolences may be shared at bridgmanfuneralhome.com.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Bridgman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Scottsbluff, is in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth (Heil) “Liz” Hazen

Elizabeth (Heil) “Liz” Hazen, 93, longtime Brule resident, went to be with her Lord and Savior Feb. 19, 2018, at Indian Hills Manor of Ogallala.

Elizabeth was born on Feb. 2, 1925, to Michael and Caroline (Buyer) Heil in Moorefield. She attended grade school in the Moorefield/Curtis area, graduating from Curtis Ag School in 1943.

Elizabeth married Lyle Hazen of Wellfleet in 1944, and they were blessed with seven children, Sheron, Donald, Larry, Jack, Carol, Rick and Lynn.

During World War II, Liz helped serve coffee and sandwiches to the servicemen at the North Platte Canteen. Liz will be forever remembered for her acts of kindness and willingness to help wherever needed. She was a faithful volunteer for many years, delivering commodities in the Ogallala and Brule areas.

She was employed as a cook at local steakhouses and cafes for more than 40 years. Liz worked for 20 years at Virg’s Cafe in Brule. Liz was a very good cook and baker, known for her fried chicken, delicious pies and often-requested cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed working outdoors, tending her flower beds and feeding a large variety of birds and squirrels. Up until her 92nd year, she continued to mow and maintain her considerably large lawn.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; six siblings, Caroline, David, Jacob, Michael, Alfred and Reinhold; son-in-law, Omar Clark; daughter-in-law, Kandace Hazen; and a great-granddaughter, Shelby Pelton.

Survivors include two daughters, Sheron Clark of Custer, South Dakota, and Carol (Dionicio) Jara of Beaumont, California; five sons, Donald (Anne) Hazen of North Platte, Larry (Sally) Hazen and Jack (Cathy) Hazen, all of Brush, Colorado, and Rick Hazen of Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Lynn Hazen of Brule; one sister, Katherine Wingett of North Platte; sister-in-law, Cleona Douglas of Ogallala; 17 grandchildren, Adam (Amanda) Hazen of North Platte, Aaron (Heidi) Hazen of Wasilla, Alaska, David (Trish) Hazen of Blue Hill, Tammy (T.J.) Floyd of Evans, Colorado, Mechelle Hazen of Brush, Colorado, Becky (Doug) Pelton of Sturgis, South Dakota, Justin Hazen of Brush, LRod (Rosie) Jara of Yucaipa, California, Alisa (Ben) Williamson of Beaumont, California, Damian (Brianne) Jara of Highland, California, Zachariah Hazen of Santa Clara, California, Gabriel Hazen of Pratt, Kansas, Shawn Hazen of Sunnyvale, California, Rachel Hazen of West Palm Beach, Florida, Alan Hazen and Nicole Hazen, both of Ogallala, and Matt (Sarah) Hazen of Lincoln; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several cousins, nephews and nieces; and many special friends.

A memorial has been established. Online condolences may be shared at drauckerfuneralhome.com, where services will be live streamed for those unable to attend.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Brule St. John’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Jon Dickmander officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Wellfleet Cemetery. Draucker Funeral Home, Ogallala, is in charge of arrangements.

Vivian M. Sorenson

Vivian M. Sorenson, 64, of North Platte, passed away Feb. 21, 2018, when her son called her home while at Hospice of the Valley Tempe, Arizona.

She was born on April 21, 1953, to Richard J. Webb Jr. and Mary Helen (Urban) Webb.

She was employed as a florist, at one point owning her own flower shop. Arranging flowers brought her great joy.

Later in life, she went to college to pursue nursing and was employed as a nurse from 2002 until June 2017, when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Vivian was preceded in death by her dad and her son, Brian Sorenson.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Webb of South Hutchinson, Kansas; daughter, Rebecca Sorenson of North Platte; eight sisters; three brothers; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dog, Teddy.

Memorials are suggested to Mid Nebraska Community Foundation for the Brian Sorenson Memorial Scholarship.

Cremation was chosen. Services will be at a later date in South Hutchinson.

Mary C. (Blankenship) Horn Allberry

Mary C. (Blankenship) Horn Allberry, 82, of La Vista, formerly of North Platte, passed away on Feb. 24, 2018, at Bergen Mercy Hospital, Omaha.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Bob Allberry and Jerry Horn; parents, John and Ruth Blankenship; sisters, Marge Horacek and Betty Heinzman; and brother John Blankenship.

Mary is survived by her children, Kathy (Brett) Gibson, Sherry Adams, Tom (Jolene) Allberry, Lori Allberry, Bob Allberry, Patricia (Steve) Lynch and John (Lori) Allberry; eight grandsons; 11 granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Rita Reynolds and Patricia (Russ) Abernathy; brother, Robert Blankenship; brother-in-law, Gene Heinzman; and sister-in-law, Patricia Blankenship.

Memorials are suggested to Masses or American Legion Baseball of Chadron, 5108 F St., Omaha, NE 68117.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 2, at St. Bernadette Church, 7600 S. 42nd St., Bellevue. Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 5, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, at Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz, 5108 F St., Omaha. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, at Krisko Larkin Staskiewicz. Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz is in charge of arrangements.

Benny D. Miles

Benny D. Miles, 80, of North Platte, passed away Feb. 28, 2018.

He was born on July 22, 1937, in Lynch to Hershel and Wilma (Bivens) Miles. Benny attended grade school in Dorsey and later graduated from Plainview High School.

On Aug. 4, 1957, he was united in marriage to Thelma L. Schmer in Brush, Colorado. He was a mechanic at the Ford Garage in Brush and then worked as mechanic and bus driver manager in Wiggins, Colorado.

In 1969, he moved to the family farm in Dorsey, where he was a mechanic for local farmers. In 1977, he then moved to North Platte, where he was a house parent at the North Platte Opportunity Center for seven years.

In 1980, he and his son, Allen, bought a bicycle shop, which he helped operate until 1996. He then went to work roofing and building a number of homes. In 1981, he rode his bike to Spencer, Wisconsin. In 1982, he and two others rode to Austin, Texas, and in 1983, he did a 500-mile ride from Waco, Texas, through the hill country.

Even after retirement, he continued filling in at Alive Outside, working on rentals and doing maintenance at a daycare.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Buddy Miles; a sister, Janis Jenkinson; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma; sons, Randy (fiancée Melody) Miles and Allen (Julie) Miles, all of North Platte; grandsons, Benjamin Miles, Chase (Dani) Miles and Jayden Miles; and two great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Britton.

Memorials are suggested to the Orphan Grain Train or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert Deardoff officiating. Casual dress is requested. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation with family receiving friends will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, March 5, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

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