KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A development group has bought the University Heights apartment complex from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The university said in a news release that Henning Brothers LLC is paying just over $800,000 for the 57-year-old, 108-unit complex and will take ownership June 1. Hennings Brothers plans to renovate the nine buildings for rental housing.

The decision to sell University Heights, which sits northwest of the university’s main campus, came after an analysis of the structure and the cost to renovate. It had been the option for married students and others who wanted to live off-campus. In October the university told the 43 students living there that University Heights will close this spring.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are weighing two options to decrease the use of mandatory minimum sentences.

A legislative committee heard arguments Wednesday from Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, who wants to do away with mandatory minimums altogether, and Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus, who wants to let a panel of three judges decide whether to enforce the minimum for nonviolent drug offenders.

The state now requires minimum sentences for felonies including robbery, possession of 10 or more grams of certain drugs and assault on a police officer.

The Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association supports both measures. It says the bill would return discretion to judges and help with prison overcrowding.

The state Attorney General’s Office and Nebraska County Attorneys Association spoke against the bills. They contend mandatory minimums ensure equal treatment under the law.

The North Platte Community Playhouse kicks off the second half of its 2016/2017 season with a classic musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl”, and “Part of Your World”.

Performances are February 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, with Friday and Saturday performances beginning at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees beginning at 2:00.

Tickets go on sale Monday, February 6, and cost $15 for adults and $8 for students.  Tickets will be available at the NPCP Box Office Monday-Friday Noon to 5:00 pm. online at www.northplattecommuinityplayhouse.com or at the door.

Corporate sponsors are Farm Bureau Financial Services-Jay Engle and Nebraskaland National Bank.

The Cast

Ariel                Nicole Schmidt

Pilot                Tim Scholar

Prince Eric      Matthew Pederson

Grimsby          Justin Morgan

Flounder        Skylar Stethem

Scuttle             Butch Lehmkuhler

Windward      Susan Williams

Leeward         Lou Cox-Fornander

King Triton    Mark Cullinan

Sebastian        Maximus Wohler

Aquata            Marissa Pascoe

Andrina          Jessica Shore

Arista              Kelley Flock

Atina               Keri Fisher

Adella             Lindsey Pederson

Allana             Melissa Mitchell

Flotsam          Tanner Hand

Jetsam             Tia San Miguel

Ursula             Angelina Gradel

Chef Louis      Tyler Cronin

Sailors            John Pettit, Sam Fornander, Malachi Murtagh, Matt Goad

Chefs               Teagan Lovelace, Emily Kammerer, Megan Huddle

Gulls                Seth Vapenik, Hannah Sucraw, Phillip Ryan

Maids              Florence Todd Gonzalez, Ashley Aloi

On Feb. 7, 2017, at approximately 6:07 pm Hall County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Highway 2 and Schauppsville Road in reference to a two-vehicle injury accident. This location is approximately 4 miles east of Cairo.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts’ plan to cut Nebraska’s top personal income tax rate is drawing a mixed response in a public hearing.

Ricketts presented his measure Wednesday to the Legislature’s Revenue Committee, repeating his argument that it’s necessary to help the state compete with its neighbors.

The state’s leading business groups say a lower tax rate is one factor companies consider when deciding whether to relocate. Opponents of the bill say there’s little correlation between tax rates and economic growth.

Nebraska’s top bracket kicks in at roughly $29,800 for single taxpayers and $59,700 for married couples, but with deductions and credits, many taxpayers would have to earn tens of thousands of dollars more before they could qualify for the cut. People whose taxable income is less would see no savings.