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Man pleads not guilty to setting Lincoln vet clinic on fire

Ldavid-fenstemakerINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln man suspected of setting a veterinary clinic on fire Jan. 1 has pleaded not guilty.

43-year-old David Fenstemaker was arrested two days after the fire at the Pet Care Center in Lincoln on suspicion of second-degree arson and burglary.

Police say surveillance video captured a masked man inside the clinic the night of the fire.

Less than an hour later, firefighters put out a small fire that caused an estimated $20,000 in damage, mostly to the contents of an office and break room.

No staff members were there at the time, and no animals were injured.

A trial date in the case has not yet been set.

NSP gives planting season safety reminders

planting-cornWith spring planting underway soon, roadways in Nebraska are seeing an increase in agricultural equipment traveling to and from farm fields. The
Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) encourages everyone to be aware and to use extra caution during this very busy time.

Tractors and other agricultural implements typically travel at slower speeds. Due to their dimensions and loads, operator visibility is often reduced. Motorists are reminded to be aware and utilize caution when approaching, following or passing farm vehicles.

Operators of agricultural implements may travel on the shoulder of the roadway when available and should display Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) warning triangles and utilize their flashing yellow caution lights whenever they are on the road. When turning left from a roadway into a field or farm entrance, operators are cautioned to be aware of vehicles attempting to pass them. If an occupant restraint system is available in the implement they are driving, operators are encouraged to buckle up.

“As we begin to see an increase in farm vehicles on our roadways, it is important for all of us to pay attention,” said Major Mike Gaudreault, NSP Field Services Major. “The law says operators of slow-moving vehicles must move over to allow faster moving vehicles to pass safely. At the same time, drivers of faster moving vehicles should exercise caution when attempting to pass agricultural implements.”

Motorists are also urged to utilize caution when driving at dawn and dusk as sun glare can cause reduced visibility.

NPPSF names Staff Members of the Month

The North Platte Public Schools Foundation in conjunction with North Platte Public schools is excited to announce that DaNesa Fleck and John Shultz have been recognized as the BIG Award “Bulldog” staff members of the month.  DaNesa is a Kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary and John Shultz is in the maintenance/Transportation department.

DaNesa was nominated by Washington Elementary Principal Greg Fruhwirth.    Her nomination read. DaNesa’s passion for teaching students goes way beyond the classroom. She’s always looking for ways to improve.  Her ideas in the classroom are innovative and gives her students the opportunity to be creative.  Every time I walk into her classroom students are engaged in learning.  She has a knack with that tough student in knowing the right time to be understanding or to be tough.  She has a heart of gold and is always looking for challenges.

John Shultz, maintenance and transportation was nominated by Adams Middle School Associate Principal Brett Joneson.  His nomination read.  Since John was hired he has been a friendly face and an ease to work with.  John was helpful in establishing the first interschool route bussing for the district that was created due to the middle school reconfiguration.  I am always making adjustments to transportation and John always accommodates and finds a way with a smile on his face.  John and his crew take great pride in their jobs and go above and beyond to assist our mission of students first.

The North Platte Public Schools and North Platte Public Schools foundation developed the BIG Staff recognition promotion to provide incentives for deserving teachers and support staff. The program is designed to recognize outstanding teachers and support staff for their contributions to NPPS. The nomination symbolizes the esteem and appreciation that everyone has for our school district employees.

Teachers are rewarded with a gift basket, balloons and a gift card to the Bulldog store at NPHS.  The North Platte Public Schools Foundation is facilitating the program and takes nominations from principals and administration.  Staff members will be awarded monthly throughout the school year and were recognized at the end of the year Education After Hours on April 7th, 2017.

Final show of NP Playhouse season brings love to the stage

PrintThe final production of the 2016/2017 season at the North Platte Community Playhouse (NPCP), “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” will open on April 21, 2017.

This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum know as ‘the relationship.’ Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, ‘Say, what are you doing Saturday night?’

The longest running off-Broadway musical of all time, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” was originally performed by four actors, two males and two females.  While the NPCP production features nine actors, each portrays numerous characters throughout the show.

“This show is one that everyone can relate to,” said Director and actor Scott Carlson.  “Anyone who is human has felt the emotions that are displayed in this amazing show.  However, in most cases, it approaches them in a humorous manner. But there are also a few numbers that will probably require the audience to break out the Kleenex.”

The show does contain adult themes and content and, using the common rating system, would be considered a PG-13 production.

Ticket sales begin Monday, April 17.  Tickets can be purchased on the NPCP website, www.northplattecommunityplayhouse.com, at the Box Office (301 E. 5th) Monday-Friday from Noon-5:00 p.m., or at the door prior to each performance.  Performances will be held April 21, 22, 23 and 28, 29, 30 with Friday and Saturday shows starting and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The show is directed by Scott Carlson with Music Director Lori Swanson.

 

THE CAST

Scott Carlson, Tanner Hand, Michael Lecher, Andrew Lee, Seth Vapenik, Tia San Miguel, Bonnie Nelson, Desiree Russell, Teagan Lovelace.

 

THE ORCHESTRA

Piano-Lori Swanson

Violin-Kristin Simpson

Bass-Robert Martinson

Evangeleen “Vangie” (Hyland) Resavage

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Evangeleen “Vangie” (Hyland) Resavage, 89, of Littleton, Colorado, formerly of North Platte, passed away March 1, 2017.

Evangeleen Resavage was born on Oct. 18, 1927, in Kearney to James and Zella Lymber. She spent her childhood in North Platte, where she always enjoyed dancing and entered many dance contests.

After graduation she attended college and during this time, she married Lester Hyland. They had three children, Constance, Lester and Stuart.

Vangie moved to Denver and married Dave Resavage there. She was an employee of Mountain Bell Telephone until she retired, and a member of Daughters of the Nile, serving as queen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Zella Lymber; sister, Freddie; brother, Jim; her husband, Dave; and a granddaughter, Kara Campbell.

Vangie is survived by her children, Connie of Littleton, Lester (Ruthi) of Maxwell and Stuart of North Platte; granddaughter, Amy Campbell; two great-grandchildren, Christian and Campbell; and her half-sister, Sulin Best.

Memorials are suggested to The Daughters of the Nile.

Services were on March 25 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Littleton. Ellis Family Services Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Iva Mae Kallhoff

iva

Iva Mae Kallhoff, 75, formerly of North Platte, passed away March 11, 2017, in Las Vegas.

Iva was born on April 20, 1941, in Scottsbluff. She was the middle child of Ivan and Della (Mowry) Echelberger. With her father working for the railroad, Iva moved to several different Nebraska towns and attended various schools during her younger years. The family eventually settled in McCook, where Iva graduated from McCook High School in 1959.

On Jan. 16, 1960, she was united in marriage to Loren W. Larington in McCook. To this union four children were born, Deborah Kay, David Wayne, Daniel James and Andrea Irene.

Later, Iva moved to North Platte, where she served the community doing customer service at J.C. Penney and Herberger’s, as well as being an investigator for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Iva married Douglas Kallhoff on Nov. 24, 1982, and they made their home in North Platte. After her retirement from Social Services, she trained to be a medication aide and then put these new skills into practice at Centennial Park Retirement Village. She enjoyed her work helping and serving others.

For the past seven years, until her health would no longer allow, Iva had been traveling all over the United States in her RV with her furry canine friend, Trouble. Although Iva traveled a lot, she headquartered in Arizona. She loved to travel and was always up for an adventure, especially if it involved friends, family, beautiful scenery and a nice glass of wine.

Iva was preceded in death by her parents; mother, Della, in 1991; father, Ivan, in 1999; and husband, Doug, in 2009.

Survivors include her daughters, Deborah (Robert) Rose of Grand Island and Andrea (Mike Castor) Larington of North Platte; sons, David Larington of Las Vegas and Daniel (Michelle) Larington of McCook; grandchildren, Tosha Gott and Tim Rose of Grand Island, Alicia (Levi) Most of North Platte, Sara (Jack) Loomis of Hayes Center and Dane Larington of McCook; four great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly (Dale) Friedemann of Canby, Oregon; brother, Sam Echelberger of Johnstown, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.

Inurnment will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, at East Lawn Cemetery near Minatare. Joliffe Funeral Home, Scottsbluff, is in charge of arrangements.

Catherine A. (Duggan) Casey

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Catherine A. (Duggan) Casey, 58, beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away March 28, 2017.

Cathi was born in Renton, Washington, on Feb. 21, 1959, and grew up in Hershey. She was a graduate of Hershey High School, where she was very active in several clubs and athletics.

Cathi furthered her education at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte and went on to work as a paralegal in Lincoln, a career that she loved and was very proud of.

Yet her proudest accomplishment was raising her two daughters. They, along with her grandchildren, were her pride and joy. The love she had for them was written all over her face.

Cathi moved to Ogallala in 1998, where she was quick to make lifelong friends. Cathi loved walking Cassie to the park on a nice day, chili and cinnamon rolls and Husker football. She looked forward to her old-fashioned donuts on Saturday mornings, took pride in gifting her home-baked cookies and puppy chow, always made sure to have her toes painted and most of all, she always made herself available to her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Duggan, and niece, Cortney Duggan. They were waiting to embrace her.

Cathi is survived by her mother, Mary Duggan; daughters, Alysia (Harles Elliot Cone) and Nichole (William Jackson Dozier); grandchildren, Lexie Lucile Ann Cone, Lyla Mary Nan Cone, Morgan Lee Dozier, Maddox Cate Dozier and Jackson Thomas Dozier; sisters, Phyllis (Rick Engelhardt) and Sharon (Jeff Randle); brother, Doyle (Kimberly) Duggan; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Cathi will be remembered for her witty sense of humor, her sincere kindness and thoughtfulness and her unconditional love, friendship and strength. She is our hero. We are so proud to call her our mom, daughter, sister and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hershey United Methodist Church or the National MS Society at P.O. Box 172625, Denver, CO 80217 or online at nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/COC/Donate.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, at the Hershey United Methodist Church. A reception will follow. Committal services will be private.

Sisters hurt on Kansas waterslide that killed boy reach deal

Schlitterbahn-Water-ParkKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two sisters injured in a Kansas waterslide accident that killed a state lawmaker’s 10-year-old son have reached a settlement with the water park’s owner.

Attorney Lynn Johnson on Wednesday confirmed the out-of-court deal with the Schlitterbahn park over the “Verruckt” slide accident last summer.

Johnson wouldn’t reveal details of the settlement. The sisters’ names haven’t been publicly released.

Authorities said Caleb Schwab was killed and the sisters injured last Aug. 7 while riding the Verruckt, which was billed as the world’s tallest waterslide. That ride has since been closed, and a Schlitterbahn spokeswoman says it will be demolished as soon as a court rules it’s no longer needed for evidentiary purposes.

Schwab’s family reached a settlement in January with Schlitterbahn and the raft’s manufacturer.

Caleb was Rep. Scott Schwab’s son.

Barbara Jean Johnson

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Barbara Jean Johnson, 72, of Fremont, formerly of North Platte, died April 8, 2017, at Premier Estates in Fremont.

Barbara was born on Aug. 30, 1944, in McCook to Cecil and Sybil (Magoon) Pease. She grew up in North Platte and was a 1962 graduate of North Platte High School.

She lived in North Platte until moving to Fremont 4½ years ago.

Barbara worked in the deli department at Walmart in North Platte. She was an avid garage saler, loved angels and collecting porcelain dolls, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by daughters, Tia (David) Mentzer of Ames and Kim (Brian) Spotts of North Platte; three grandchildren, Heather (fiancé, Sean Clemmons) Wright, Amanda (special friend, Sammy) Kendall and Roger Johnson; seven great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Gracie, Payten, Ryeker, Cory, Paige and Cody.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Program, Fremont Care Corps or The Yaffe House in Denver, Colorado. Online condolences may be shared at mosermemorialchapels.com.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 13, at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont with the Rev. Jon Ashley of the Fremont Presbyterian Church officiating. There will be no visitation. Moser Memorial Chapel, 2170 N. Somers Ave., Fremont, is in charge of arrangements.

Lack of sewer funding delays Omaha development

omahaPAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — A lack of drainage infrastructure is blocking progress and growth in one of the few places still available for development in Omaha’s metropolitan area.

The Legislature on Thursday will debate state Sen. Sue Crawford’s bill aimed at making it easier to pay for a sewer system that would be built in stages and eventually cost $220 million.

The bill would allow cities and villages to form a public agency with a county to manage an entire region’s sewer system.

There’s a push for legislation as Sarpy County prepares for the construction of a freeway, which would cross the southern portion of the county that currently lacks sewers.

The first phase of sewage work would begin in 2019 should the bill pass.

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