Post Staff – Page 459 – North Platte Post Archive

Woman ordered to pay triple money received in Medicaid fraud

Posted on August 31, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A woman sentenced to federal prison earlier this week for health care fraud in Nebraska has now been ordered to pay the state more than $400,000 for the false Medicaid claims.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s office said Thursday that Chandra Wrightsell, who ran Evol Consulting, has been ordered by a Lancaster County District judge to pay $439,777 to the state — three times the amount she’s accused of receiving through fraud.

Officials say she submitted more than 1,300 claims to the Nebraska Medicaid program but did not have any documentation to show that the services were ever rendered. She was paid more than $146,000 on those claims.

On Wednesday in federal court, Wrightsell was sentenced to 18 months behind bars and was told to pay nearly $106,000 in restitution.

MPCC to demonstrate grain bin rescues

Posted on August 31, 2017August 31, 2017

Ever wondered how people are rescued from grain bins during an emergency situation? Mid-Plains Community College will demonstrate the procedure at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island this weekend.

MPCC’s portable grain bin rescue simulator will be set up from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday just west of the Nebraska Building at Fonner Park.

Tim Zehnder, MPCC Fire Science director, said it’s important for first responders to know about the different types and mechanics of bins and the dangers associated with specific designs.

Understanding what kind of ropes, rigging and equipment to use, how to build a barricade around the victim and how to maintain proper air quality are also key factors in conducting a safe and successful recovery.

The public is welcome to watch the 20-30 minute demonstrations and learn more about the grain bin rescue training that MPCC offers.

More information about MPCC’s Fire Science program can be found at

Randal “Randy” Sigler

Posted on August 31, 2017

Randal “Randy” Sigler, 64, of Hastings passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 at Mary Lanning Medical Center. Randy was born in Grand Island on May 10, 1953, the son of Lyman and Margaret (Lepant) Sigler.

Faith has always been a big part of Randy’s life. As a young child, Randy was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Randy attended North Platte High School where he graduated with the class of 1971. Following school, Randy went on to work odd jobs until he began employment with Dana Corp in Hastings as Supervisor until the plant closed. He moved to Kearney and North Platte working as a conductor on U.P.R.R. until 2011 when he retired and moved back to Hastings and was able to spend his last three years living with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

Randy enjoyed watching or playing golf. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother. From a young age, Randy learned the value of hard work. He was quiet but social and often would share much needed advice. Mealtime gatherings have always been a favorite time for Randy, he loved getting together and hearing about everyone’s day. He was incredibly proud of all of his family and he lived to spend time with his grandchildren. Randy could, at times be a little ornery or even stubborn, but deep down he was big hearted and was loved by many.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Teresa Lynnette Sigler.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Mike (Sally) Sigler of Tenn., Matt Sigler of Portland, OR and Miranda (Jeremy) Boutin of Hastings; brothers, Terry (Lauree) Sigler of North Platte, Patrick (Cindy) Sigler of Ooltewah, Tenn. and Roger (Joyce) Sigler of Lakewood, Wash; mother of his children and close friend, Sheila Minnick of Hastings; eight grandchildren; along with numerous extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary”s Cathedral in Grand Island. Fr. Scott Harter will officiate. Cremation is to follow with a burial of ashes Saturday at 11 a.m.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at All Faiths Funeral Home with a rosary at 7 p.m.Memorials are suggested to the family. Words of comfort and kindness may be left for the family at www.giallfaiths.com

HIGHLIGHTS: Knights volleyball falls to Northeastern 3-1

Posted on August 31, 2017August 31, 2017

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Lady Knights were defeated by the Northeastern Junior College Plainswomen on Wednesday night, three sets to one, 25-19, 25-14, 24-26, 25-20.

In the first set the set was tied at 10, when the Plainswomen’s Kacey Jaeger was able to keep her serve for three points to put the Plainswomen up 13-10. The Lady Knights only were able to manage six service points compared to 12 by the Plainsmen in the first set.

The second set began with the Plainswomen’s Lauren White serving four points to take a 4-0 lead. After a couple of side outs, the Plainswomen’s Jaeger reeled off six service points to open up the set at 13-2. Carly Moss had two service points and Carlie Wytulka had three service points for the Lady Knights in set two.

In the third set, the Lady Knights jumped out to a 7-2 lead behind the serving of Antonya Schaffert, who had four service points. The Plainsmen rallied back to tie the score at 23-23. After a couple of side outs, Amanda Kroeger served the set winner after a kill attempt by the Plainswomen was just wide.

In the fourth set, the set was tight throughout. The Plainswomen outscored the Lady Knights in service points 10-3.

Lady Knight assistant coach Sally Thalken said, “We must do a better job with serve and serve-receive to compete. I know the girls expect more from themselves and they are willing to pay the price to improve. We have a nice young group and we will go through “growing pains” as we mature as a team.”

The Lady Knights, now 2-4, take to the road over the weekend to compete in the Highland Community College Invitational in Highland, Kans… They will face Allen County Community College and Northeastern Oklahoma A & M on Friday. On Saturday, they will face a pair of pre-season rated teams in six rated Coffeyville Community College and then #18 rated Metro Community College – Longview.

They return to the home court on Tuesday September 5 to host Hastings College Junior Varsity at 7 pm.

The Hastings match will be livestreamed at www.npccknights.com.

Justice Dept implores FCC to combat prison cellphone problem

Posted on August 31, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice is pressing federal regulators to come up with a solution to combat cellphones in the nation’s prisons.

In a letter obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, Assistant Attorney General Beth Williams wrote to the Federal Communications Commission that addressing the security threat posed by contraband cellphones “should be a chief priority” of both Justice and the FCC. It follows an appeal from South Carolina’s prisons director to Attorney General Jeff Sessions in June, beseeching the top prosecutor for help pursuing FCC permission to jam prison cell signals.

Williams says smuggled cellphones enable inmates to continue criminal efforts outside prison and potentially plan insurrections. Telecommunications companies are opposed, saying jamming cell signals could set a bad precedent and interfere with legal cell users nearby.

Utah man dies after semitrailer swerves off I-80 in Nebraska

Posted on August 31, 2017

ASHLAND, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a driver died after his semitrailer swerved off an interstate in eastern Nebraska.

The crash was reported about 3 p.m. Wednesday on Interstate 80, just southeast of Greenwood. The Nebraska State Patrol says the truck rolled after it left the roadway and ended up on one of its sides in a cornfield.

The patrol identified the driver as 51-year-old Robert Murray, who lived in Wellsville City, Utah. The patrol says Murray may have suffered a medical problem that led to the crash.

NP man accused of slapping friend’s child

Posted on August 31, 2017

A North Platte man is facing child abuse charges after he allegedly slapped his friend’s child in the face.

At around 7:30 p.m., on August 30, North Platte police responded to a reported child abuse in the 200 block of South Chestnut Street.

Officers met with a 5-year-old male, his father, and a witness.

Investigator John Deal says it was reported that the child had been playing with a Sharpie-type marker when Michael Nelson told him he couldn’t play with it.

The investigation revealed that Nelson then took the marker and slapped the child in the face with an open hand. Deal said the child had red marks on his face consistent with being slapped.

Deal says Nelson was not the child’s father and lived in a camper parked at the residence.

Officers made contact with Nelson and placed him under arrest for child abuse.

He was jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Officials release name of teen killed in Lincoln collision

Posted on August 31, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a high school student who was killed in a collision involving five vehicles in east Lincoln.

The boy’s been identified as 16-year-old Blayne Rezac, who was a junior at Lincoln’s North Star High School.

The crash was reported a little before 10 a.m. Wednesday near the Lancaster Event Center. Six people were taken to hospitals.

Details about what led to the collision have not yet been released.

Kenneth Albert Deibert, Sr.

Posted on August 31, 2017

Kenneth Albert Deibert, Sr., of North Platte, NE, died Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at Great Plains Health at the age of 86.

Ken was born on October 20, 1930, in Sheridan County, KS, to Julius Edward and Faye Barr Deibert. He grew up and attended school in Sheridan County until he was 15 years old. He then moved to Thomas County, KS where he worked for Foster Farms until 1950.

On March 25, 1950, Ken was united in marriage to Donna Darlene Black in Hoxie, KS. They continued to live in various Kansas communities before moving to California. After a while they returned to Goodland, KS, then moved to Colorado, Lexington, NE, and in ’71 they settled in North Platte.

Ken was employed by Central Nebraska Packing and was a supervisor when he retired in 1993. He then worked another 13 years part-time at Shopko, worked for Leonard Messersmith, fixing up rental houses. After working for so many years, Ken finally retired for good.

In his free time, Ken enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member and leader at Valley Christian Church.

Ken leaves behind his wife, Darlene, of North Platte; children, Rebecca “Becky” (Randy) Gilland and Kenneth, Jr. (Olga) Deibert, of North Platte, Danny (Linda) Heyer, of Arnaudville, LA, and Dean (Teresa) Deibert, of Bostic, NC; son-in-law, Milo (Sharon) Klein, of Gregory, SD; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; as well as other family.

He was preceded in death by his children, Michael Dee Deibert and Patricia Klein; his parents, Julius and Faye Deibert; brothers, Fredrick “Sam” and Frank Deibert; and sisters, Junita Sewell, Dorothy Beilser, Maggie Brown and Mildred Van Diver.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at the Valley Christian Church with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Hoxie, KS. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Valley Christian Church.

Police say woman injured in Lincoln blast died in hospital

Posted on August 30, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a woman critically injured when her southeast Lincoln home blew apart has died at a hospital.

Lincoln police say Jeanne Jasa died around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police say her husband, Jim, remains in critical condition. He also was blown into their backyard on Aug. 14.

The natural gas explosion shattered windows and knocked some neighboring homes off their foundations. Debris from the shattered home was scattered for blocks.

Authorities say tests have confirmed the blast didn’t start outside the house, because there were no issues with gas delivery to it. The investigation is continuing.