Post Staff – Page 46 – North Platte Post Archive

Omaha man sentenced to life for 2015 shooting death

Posted on April 9, 2019

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man has been sentenced to life in prison for the August 2015 killing of a fellow gang member.

29-year-old Marcus Short was sentenced Tuesday for the August 2015 shooting death of 19-year-old Garion Johnson outside Johnson’s girlfriend’s house.

A co-defendant, Preston Pope, was sentenced to life in prison in November for Johnson’s death. He also received another life sentence for the shooting death of 23-year-old DePrecia Neelon, who was killed two days before Johnson. Short was also charged in Neelon’s death but was acquitted by a jury.

NSP urges preparedness for dangerous winter storm

Posted on April 9, 2019

As Nebraskans continue to deal with the aftermath of the last major winter storm, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is urging preparedness for another dangerous winter storm projected to impact the state Wednesday and Thursday.

“We may have turned the page to spring across most of the state, but this storm is expected to pack a major winter punch over the next couple days,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Being properly prepared can save lives in a situation like this.”

The National Weather Service is projecting as many as 18 to 24 inches of snow in portions of north-central Nebraska. With winds in excess of 50 miles per hour, blizzard conditions are expected to impact a large portion of central to western Nebraska.

Motorists are encouraged to stay up to date on forecasts and conditions during the storm and to plan ahead as travel may become difficult or impossible in some areas. Nebraska 511 is the best resource to monitor road conditions and closures. Motorists can also view real time conditions with the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Plow Tracker system.

Troopers will be on the road to assist any driver who needs help. Anyone in need of assistance can call *55 from a cell phone to reach the NSP Highway Helpline to speak directly with an NSP dispatcher.

“During last month’s major blizzard in the Panhandle, people were prepared and stayed off the roads for the most part,” said Colonel Bolduc. “We ask that people do the same with this dangerous storm and only travel when necessary and safe to do so.”

Drivers are urged to maintain a winter weather survival kit in their vehicle with necessities in case they become stranded at any point of travel during the storm. More information on winter driving safety can be found here.

Nearly 950 THC vape cartridges found in I-80 traffic stop

Posted on April 9, 2019

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested an Iowa man and seized nearly 950 THC vape cartridges during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near North Platte.

The traffic stop occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. Monday, April 8, when a trooper observed an eastbound Ford Escape speeding at mile marker 179. During the traffic stop, the trooper became aware of drug activity and conducted a search of the vehicle.

The search revealed 947 THC vape cartridges in vacuum sealed bags hidden inside a box in the cargo area. The driver, John Norris, 22, of Johnston, Iowa, was arrested for possession of THC/Hash Oil with intent to deliver and no drug tax stamp. A female passenger was cited and released for possession of marijuana – less than one ounce.

Norris was lodged in Lincoln County Jail.

Nebraska advances property tax break for homes hit by flood

Posted on April 9, 2019

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska residents whose homes were destroyed by last month’s historic flood could get a property tax break under a bill advanced by lawmakers.

Lawmakers gave first-round approval Tuesday to a bill that would require county officials to adjust the assessed value of homes that were destroyed by fires or natural disasters, such as floods and tornadoes.

The proposal’s sponsor, Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, says it’s designed to help flood victims who are likely suffering financial hardships.

Some lawmakers questioned what would happen to local government budgets in the event of a widespread natural disaster.

Sen. Ernie Chambers, of Omaha, criticized the measure as vague and blasted lawmakers for their unwillingness to pass other bills intended to help people, including a minimum wage increase for tipped workers.

NPCC English honor society inducts new members

Posted on April 9, 2019

Pictured front row, left to right are: Kari Bell, Seth Smith, Angel Murphy, Micaelia Hernandez, Sarah Dillenburg, Kathleen McIntyre, Hannah Anderson, Amber Rathbun, Jami Lynn Davis, Amanda Hanson and Caprice Brown, historian.
Pictured back row, left to right are: Rho Zeta Treasurer Nathan Snider, Faculty Advisor Kristine Leibhart, Patrick Haynes, Brian Mixer, Jordan Hajj, Katie Cox, Taylin McNair, Gabrielle Menghini, Vice President Ashley Husemoller, Dasia Lively and President Ashley Linke.
Not pictured are: Tiffany Gies, Elizabeth Heskett, Scott Taylor, and Patricia Tofilau.

The Rho Zeta chapter of Sigma Kappa Delta inducted 20 new members during a ceremony Sunday evening at North Platte Community College.

New members were presented with official society pins, which signify high achievement in English, along with yellow carnations and green and gold honor cords to wear at commencement. Anne Schmit, NPCC English instructor, was the guest speaker at the event.

NPCC is currently the only college in Nebraska to offer membership in SKD – the official English honor society for two-year colleges. According to Kristine Leibhart, NPCC English instructor and faculty advisor, membership in the Rho Zeta chapter has nearly tripled since December.

Nebraska leads nation in growth of wind energy capacity

Posted on April 9, 2019

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new report says Nebraska led the nation last year with the growth of its installed wind-energy capacity, creating economic benefits for the state.

The American Wind Energy Association said in a report Tuesday that Nebraska now hosts 1,972 megawatts of installed wind capacity from 25 projects across the state. The projects represent more than $3.5 billion in capital investment.

The group says the wind industry generated $8.5 million in additional state and local tax revenue in 2018.

Josh Moenning, director of the group New Power Nebraska, says the state now creates energy as efficiently as it does food and is helping to meet the market demand for renewable energy.

Clerk who sold booze to teens gets year behind bars

Posted on April 9, 2019

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A convenience store clerk has been given a year behind bars for selling alcohol consumed by a 17-year-old who later died when his speeding car crashed on the west end of Omaha.

Douglas County District Court records say 30-year-old Kevin Hart was sentenced Tuesday. He’d pleaded no contest to a felony charge of procuring alcohol for a minor that resulted in death.

Prosecutors say Hart sold the liquor Oct. 11 to two teenagers who later sold it to George Gervase and another teen. Prosecutors say Hart knew the two were underage.

Gervase’s wrecked car and his body were found early the next day. His blood alcohol level tested out at nearly three times the legal limit.

NPPD Activity Log (4.8.19-4.9.19)

Posted on April 9, 2019

Call Date

Call Time

Call Number

RMS CFS

RMS CFS Description

Location Of Incident

04/08/2019