Post Staff – Page 673 – North Platte Post Archive

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts touts ‘major’ property tax bill

Posted on February 6, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is touting his property tax proposal as a major change to the way agricultural land is valued even though the state’s largest farm groups say it doesn’t do enough to help them.

Ricketts surrounded himself Monday with farmers and ranchers to draw attention to his measure before a hearing on Wednesday.

The bill would switch the state from a system that relies on land sale prices to value property to one that focuses on how much income it could potentially produce. It’s designed to more closely align land values with commodity prices, which have fallen in recent years.

Groups such as the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Farmers Union say the proposal could help but doesn’t deliver the reforms sought by rural and urban residents.

Ricketts picks Elmwood banker for Nebraska legislative seat

Posted on February 6, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An Elmwood banker will fill an open seat in the Nebraska Legislature.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Monday that he has chosen Robert Keith Clements to replace former state Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion. Ricketts praised Clements as a “numbers guy” with experience as a businessman, actuary and banker at American Exchange Bank.

Clements was not among the 35 people who applied to fill Kintner’s seat. Ricketts says his staff sought other candidates for the seat representing District 2, which includes Cass and portions of Sarpy and Otoe counties. The governor interviewed 10 applicants in person.

Kintner resigned in January after a pattern of behavior that included cybersex on a state computer and retweeting a comment that implied women’s march protesters were too unattractive to sexually assault.

Dick Thurin to retire as Lady Knights Basketball Head Coach

Posted on February 6, 2017

North Platte – North Platte Community College Lady Knights basketball coach Richard Thurin has announced his retirement, following the 2016-17 basketball season.

Coach Thurin has been coaching the Lady Knights since the 2001-02 season. Entering into the 2016-17 season, Thurin has a record of 206 wins and 236 losses.

Coach Thurin has led the Lady Knights to four Region IX Division II Championships and two NJCAA Division II National Tournament appearances in his career. The Lady Knights won the Region IX Division II Championship in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. Coach Thurin has taken the Lady Knights to two NJCAA Division II National Tournaments by winning District F in 2011 and 2013.

Before coming to North Platte Community College Coach Thurin started the girls’ basketball program at Grant High School. Coach Thurin compiled a 304-100 career coaching record at Grant while winning 12 district titles and making 12 state tournament appearances including a state runner-up finish in 1985.

A search for his replacement will begin in the near future.

Authorities ID 2 passengers killed in Buffalo County crash

Posted on February 6, 2017

AMHERST, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have released the names of two people who were killed in a south-central Nebraska crash.

The crash occurred just before 3 a.m. Saturday on a gravel road northwest of Amherst. Investigators say a large pickup driven by a 23-year-old man and carrying five other adults left the road, entered the west ditch and rolled.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two passengers who were pronounced dead at the scene: 21-year-old Amber Frerichs, of Bassett, and 29-year-old Neal Maloley, of Kearney.

The driver was identified as 23-year-old Kalen Pfeiffer, of rural Amherst. Pfeiffer and the three remaining passengers were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Knights and Lady Knights visit Northwest Tech Tuesday night on ESPN Radio 1410

Posted on February 6, 2017

North Platte – The North Platte Community College Knights and Lady Knights will travel to Goodland, Kans., to play the Northwest Kansas Technical College Mavericks on Tuesday, Feb 7 at the Max Jones Fieldhouse.

The Lady Mavericks defeated the Lady Knights in November 92-71 in North Platte.

The Lady Mavericks are 25-1 on the season. Their only loss was to McCook Community College on November 26 90-72. They have won 14 games in a row.

Five Lady Mavericks are averaging in double figures led by Tran Brown with a 19.3 points per game average. A’nikeyawna Barber is second in scoring at 11.8 ppg, followed by Arion Jackson at 11.7 ppg. Zoi Thompson is fourth in scoring at 11.5 ppg and Juliet James is at 11.0 ppg. James is averaging a double-double with 12.5 rebounds per game.

The Lady Knights are 7-14 on the season. Thomesha Wilson leads the Lady Knights in scoring and rebounding with 13.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg. Jessica Lovitt is second on the Lady Knights in both categories at 10.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg.

The Lady Knights hold a 5-4 series lead between the schools.

On the men’s side, the Mavericks are 11-13 on the season and were defeated by the Knights back in November 87-74 at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

The Knights hold a 5-2 lead in the series between the colleges.
The Mavericks are led by Eddie Reese in scoring at 19.3 ppg. Osa Wilson is the only other Maverick averaging in double figures at 10.4 ppg. Toby Van Ry leads the Mavericks in rebounding at 7.0 rpg.

The Knights are 15-5 on the season. Sophomore Diontae Champion leads the Knights in scoring at 16.5 ppg. Four other Knights are averaging in double figures: Mike Amius is averaging 12.1 ppg, Godfrey Rolle is at 12.1 ppg, Samuel Kearns is averaging 11.7 ppg and Victor Lewis is at 11.1 ppg. Amius leads the Knights in rebounding at 6.1 rpg.

Tip-off for the women’s game is at 5 pm CST with the men’s game to follow at 7 pm CST. The games will be broadcast on ESPN 1410 radio and on the Internet at www.northplattepost.com.

Beth Schneider

Posted on February 6, 2017

Beth Schneider, 62, passed away January 30, 2017, from a hard fought battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held at the Government Peak Chalet on February 11th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Alaska. For our Nebraska friends and family, there will be a celebration at the First Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport at 2:00 pm on February 11th.

Beth was born Aug 22, 1954, in Bridgeport NE to Ray and Geri Satchell. She moved to Alaska in 1975 with husband Bruce thru a military transfer. She married David Schneider in Homer, AK on March 20, 1986. Beth has her associate’s degree and too many awards to mention. She was the kindest most caring person you could ever meet. Her family, friends and dogs were the focus of her life. She loved her job as a Legislative Aide from which she retired in 2013.

Survivors include her father Ray Satchell, husband David, sisters Lynda (Larry) Sydow, Dotty (John) Erickson, Diane Contratto and brother Michael (LuAnn) Satchell, daughter Becky (Corey) Goerdt and son Barry (Shawnna) Cape and 4 grandchildren.

Proceeding her in death was her mother Geri, brother, Duane and ex-husband Bruce Cape.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to donor’s choice

Stephen Lee Allen

Posted on February 6, 2017

Stephen Lee Allen, age 66 of North Platte, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2017 at home with his devoted mother by his side.

Stephen was born on November 11, 1950 in North Platte to Ray William and Ruth Viola (Haney) Allen. Stephen attended school in Thermopolis and Worland, WY. In 1983 when his father retired the family moved back to North Platte to be closer to extended family and friends. He enjoyed making cards, writing letters and working on his computer, but he was never happier than when he was spending time with friends and family. He had a great sense of humor that could light up a room and make everybody laugh.

Steven is survived by his mother Ruth of North Platte; cousins Pam (Kevin) McClary of Benton City, WA and Jeffrey Lambert of FL; Uncle Wilbur of Stapleton; cousins Fred and his daughters Candi and Tammy, Bobby and family, Bruce and his children Mitch and Brenda, Hannah and Jan Doyle; as well as many other cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Ray; and his grandparents.

“After the storm, a haven. After the pain, sweet peace. After the days of illness, came a sweet release. His work on earth is ended, “Not lost, but gone before.” His Savior gently beckoned, and he entered heaven’s door. He was kind and gentle, unselfish to the end. A peerless son and brother, an ever faithful friend. We shall miss him greatly, but may God ease the pain, as we accept the blessed hope and prepare to meet again.” By Ernestine Lutes.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday February 6, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Daniel Hitch officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery near Tryon. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday February 5, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Isabella Rose Plunk

Posted on February 6, 2017February 8, 2017

Isabella Rose Plunk, 7 months old, of North Platte died February 3, 2017, due to an auto accident. She was born June 20, 2016 to Matt Plunk and Stacy Shannon at North Platte.

Isabella had the most beautiful big brown eyes and smile that melted your heart. She was so happy and smart and oh so strong. She was loved by all and knew her smile and laugh would light up her parent’s eyes. Isabella touched everyone that knew her.

Those that will always cherish her are her parents; sister, Fiona Layne Storm; grandparents, Jim and Becky Plunk and Melanie (Matt Skunda) Shannon; great-grandparents, Marilyn Canady, Fran Egner, Jim and Carolyn Plunk, and Jim Canady; great-great grandmother, Virginia Canady; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Lane Shannon Sr. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Cremation was chosen. A memorial has been established at US Bank in her name. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

North Platte Forecast-February 6

Posted on February 6, 2017

Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. West wind 6 to 11 mph.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 7 to 11 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

A chance of rain before 7pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 7pm and 8pm, then a chance of snow after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. East wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Saturday

Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Nebraska could add more penalties for some drunken drivers

Posted on February 5, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill that would create penalties for suspected drunken drivers who don’t comply with blood tests, but one senator is vowing to make sure the measure dies.

A proposal brought Friday by Sen. John Lowe of Kearney would criminalize refusing to consent to search warrants now required for blood tests.

The bill calls for offenders to lose their driver’s licenses for up to 18 months for the first offense and three years for subsequent offenses, but Lowe says he plans to amend it so penalties instead are a fine up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha says requiring blood tests could violate constitutional self-incrimination protections. He says he’ll filibuster the bill if it comes to the full Legislature.