Post Staff – Page 516 – North Platte Post Archive

Nebraska State Patrol to put in extra patrols over holiday

Posted on July 2, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — More state troopers will be on Nebraska roads this holiday weekend, thanks to a nearly $16,000 state grant.

Through Wednesday, troopers and communications specialists will put in overtime hours on state roadways in an effort to reduce the potential for serious injury and fatality crashes.

Patrol officials say the July Fourth holiday brings lots of travelers over Nebraska roads. Drivers can help the safety effort by complying with traffic safety laws, such as speed limits and seat belt laws.

The effort is made possible by a $15,960 grant from the Nebraska Department of Roads Highway Safety Office.

Semitrailer fire backs up westbound I-80 traffic Saturday

Posted on July 2, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A semitrailer fire on Interstate 80 at Lincoln has backed up westbound traffic on a busy holiday weekend.

The truck caught fire around 10 a.m. Saturday just west of Lincoln, stalling traffic for miles.

Traffic was diverted north to U.S. Highway 34 at exit 395 and south to U.S. Highway 6 at exit 397 until around noon.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Fire and Rescue were called to the scene. No injuries were reported.

Ex-school employee sentenced to jail for nude photos to boy

Posted on July 2, 2017

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) — A former employee at a South Sioux City school has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for sending nude photographs to a 15-year-old student.

28-year-old Cecilia Hermosillo worked as a paraprofessional at Gateway to Learning and resigned last September. Gateway to Learning is an alternative high school in South Sioux City.

Police began investigating last year when a school resource officer reported a post on Facebook referencing nude photographs sent by a school employee to a student. Police say they were able to obtain the pictures from the 15-year-old boy.

Hermosillo turned herself in after an arrest warrant charging her with enticement by electronic communication device was filed. She pleaded no contest to attempted child abuse in April.

Officer’s gun fires inside Douglas County Courthouse

Posted on July 2, 2017

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says an entrance screening officer violated some procedures when his gun accidentally fired inside the county courthouse.

The officer was checking the slide on the gun when it fired. The gun went off at a closed exit, and no one was hurt. The bullet pierced an X-ray machine and hit a concrete wall near the machine.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Friday that had it not been for the concrete wall, the bullet likely would have gone through a conference room and into his office. Kleine was not in the office at the time the gun went off.

The department says an internal investigation showed some procedures were violated and that corrective action will be taken.

Independence Day fireworks could create air quality woes

Posted on July 2, 2017

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Eastern Nebraska health officials are warning that smoke from July Fourth fireworks could create air quality issues and trigger reactions in those sensitive to pollutants.

The Douglas County Health Department says the concern is greatest this weekend through Wednesday, the day after Independence Day.

Fireworks smoke may cause breathing to be difficult for individuals with asthma or other heart or lung diseases, the elderly, very young children, and pregnant women.

Health director Dr. Adi Pour says those people can minimize the risk by avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and limiting time spent outdoors.”

7 Nebraska recreation areas to allow fireworks July Fourth

Posted on July 2, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Officials say fireworks will be allowed at seven state recreation areas on July Fourth.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says the seven are Branched Oak near Malcolm, Fort Kearny near Kearney, Memphis State Recreation Area near Memphis, the Fremont area near Fremont, Two Rivers near Venice, Pawnee near Emerald and Wagon Train near Hickman.

Fireworks will be permitted from 8 a.m. until midnight on July Fourth only. Signs will point the way to designated fireworks sites, and their boundaries will be clearly marked.

Fireworks at Branched Oak may be used only in posted areas at Liebers Point.

Only fireworks approved for sale in Nebraska by the state fire marshal are permitted. Visitors must pick up expended fireworks and deposit them in appropriate containers.

4 motorcyclists killed in Keith County crash

Posted on July 1, 2017July 1, 2017

A Saturday morning crash south of Lake McConaughy claimed the lives of four motorcycle riders. The accident occurred just after 9:30 a.m. on Highway 26 near mile marker 136 in Keith County.

Nebraska State Patrol troopers believe a vehicle crossed the center line and struck two motorcycles traveling in the opposite direction. Each motorcycle was carrying two riders. All four motorcycle riders were killed.

The riders of one motorcycle were Sheila Matheny, 54, and James Matheny 61, of Bedford, Iowa. The riders of the other motorcycle were Michal Weese, 58, and Jerolyn Weese, 59, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The driver of the other vehicle was transported to Colorado for treatment of injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The Nebraska State Patrol urges motorists to use extra caution during the holiday weekend as a record number of travelers are expected to be on the roads throughout the country.

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses (6.30.17)

Posted on June 30, 2017

David Charles Kesterson, 21, Maxwell and Cindy Diane Bowers, 20, Maxwell

Matthew Alan Pierce, 31, North Platte and Tonya Theresa Fuentes, 31, North Platte

Donavon James Weedman, 25, North Platte and Hayley Rose Mackley, 24. North Platte

Joshua James Crisman, 43, North Platte and Ladonna Mae Lemley, 43, North Platte

Gov. Ricketts relieves NSP leader of duties

Posted on June 30, 2017

LINCOLN – At a news conference this morning, Governor Pete Ricketts announced he had relieved the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Colonel Brad Rice of his duties following a review into how use of force investigations are conducted by NSP.

“Today, I have relieved State Patrol Colonel Brad Rice of his duties,” said Governor Ricketts. “My decision was based on the initial findings of the review being conducted by my Chief Human Resources Officer. My team will commence a search immediately for the next Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol to lead this agency which is vital to protecting Nebraska’s public safety.”

“Over the past week, my review has focused on how recent use of force investigations have been conducted,” said the Governor’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jason Jackson. “This review found interference into the internal investigation process of the State Patrol and violations of internal policies among other concerning issues at the highest levels of the agency’s leadership.”

The Governor has named Administrative Services Major Russ Stanczyk, the senior member of the command staff, as Interim Superintendent of the State Patrol effective immediately.

At the news conference, Jackson said that in addition to the Governor’s dismissal of the Colonel that two other command staff had been placed on paid administrative leave. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Schwarten is among those being placed on leave.

A total of six personnel are being placed on paid administrative leave, including the command staff named above.

Jackson has turned over initial findings from his review to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further investigation. Jackson’s review continues into other matters.

John Denton Streiff

Posted on June 30, 2017

John Denton Streiff, age 73 of Tryon, passed away Wednesday June 28, 2017 at Great Plains Health.

John was born on October 17, 1943 in North Platte to John August and Opal Lucille (Huffman) Streiff. He graduated from McPherson County High School in 1961 then went on to college at Ft. Collins, CO before returning to his family’s ranch west of Tryon. He married Connie J. Seifer on October 19, 1969 in Paxton, NE. The couple settled on the family ranch which they continue to operate. He had a love for Morgan horses, Hereford cattle and his Chevy vehicles. He loved the Sandhills and the ranch life. John loved his friends and family, and especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife Connie of Tryon; children Dawn (Brett) Haake of Thedford, Gina (Jeff) Davis of Rushville, Lana (Gregg) Klein of North Platte, Lynn (Jebb) Rhods of McCook, Josh (Debbie) Streiff of Tryon and Roka (Justin) Klein of Hidden Timber, SD; grandchildren Chase and Brady Haake, Ashton and Delani Davis, Kinsey Rhods, Greysen Streiff and Baby Klein; as well as numerous other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Opal Streiff; and sister Lorraine McIntosh.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family for a scholarship fund for John’s grandchildren. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services with Masonic Rites will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday July 3, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte, with Micah Dunn officiating. Burial will follow at the Miller Cemetery in Tryon. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday July 2, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.