A two vehicle crash on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County has claimed the life of a 19-year old Callaway woman.

The crash occurred just before 4:30 p.m., Wednesday February 20, on westbound Interstate-80 near the Giltner exit. The Nebraska State Patrol says a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer was eastbound on I-80 when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The SUV crossed the median and struck a 2000 Saturn. Both vehicles came to rest in the north ditch.

The driver of the Saturn, Kristina Leigh Anne Allen, 19, Callaway died in the crash. The driver of the SUV, Lindsay D. Schluntz, 28, Kearney was not injured. Both women were wearing seat belts. Troopers say weather was a factor in the crash.

Motorists traveling in winter weather conditions are reminded to keep up-to-date with the changing weather and road conditions by utilizing 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System at www.511.nebraska.gov, the 511 Mobile Traveler Site at <http://www.ndortraveler.mobi > or by dialing 511 (800-906-9068) from any landline or cellular phone for information.

As conditions change, motorists are reminded to adjust their speed and never travel faster than conditions allow. Slick surfaces make it difficult to steer and stop. Do not drive in slick, wet, snowy weather with your cruise control on. Motorists are also encouraged to give themselves plenty of time and distance to react to others around them. Be sure to exercise caution on bridges and overpasses, keep your headlights on and make sure they are cleaned off.

“With this winter storm, road conditions can change rapidly,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.  “It doesn’t take much to make your travel treacherous. We encourage everyone to keep abreast of the changing conditions and plan accordingly.”

UPDATE

At approximately 7:30 AM on Thursday, Sylvester LeBlanc was arrested in Lincoln, NE by the Metro Fugitive Task Force.  He is being held at the Lancaster County jail on a warrant for Robbery and Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony issued by the Lincoln County Court.  The warrant was related to this case and bond was set at 10% of $500,000.

It is unknown if additional charges are pending in Lancaster County, however, LeBlanc will eventually be transported back to Lincoln County if he doesn’t post bond.

 

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According to a North Platte Police Department news release, Sylvester LeBlanc is in police custody.

Police have been searching for LeBlanc since his alleged participation in an armed robbery on February 11.

At 10:30pm on Februay 11, Officers responded to Kings Trailer Park in the 2400 block of West 9th on the report of an armed robbery.  Through their investigation, officers learned that LeBlanc and Jeffery Denson had fled the scene.  The victim, a 20-year-old female, alleged that Denson and LeBlanc had asked to use their bathroom.  Shortly after they entered the trailer, police say LeBlanc brandished a gun and demanded money.  The suspects also took a cellular phone.

Officers were able to locate Denson a short time later, however, they were unable to locate LeBlanc and he has been at-large since.

LeBlanc faces charges of Robbery, Use of a Weapon to Commit a Felony and Terroristic Threats.

 

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY, CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS

 

The North Platte 911 Center has issued a Snow Emergency effective at 6:00 PM on Wednesday February 20.

A Snow Emergency dictates that all vehicles and trailers parked on a snow emergency route, as marked by the small red, white, and blue signs, are to be removed from these routes or risk being ticketed and possibly towed by the North Platte Police Department.

The objective is to keep all Emergency Snow Routes open to travel and as dry as possible.  These vital transportation links were selected so that emergency vehicles can reach all parts of the city and our hospital.

At the Annual Corporate Sales Conference for Eagle Communications, held Tuesday at Corporate Headquarters in Hays, KS, the North Platte Eagle Sales Staff received the first ever “Spirit Award” from its parent company.  The award recognizes the tremendous sales volume produced by the North Platte group in 2012.  The group narrowly missed the overall “Lead Eagle” market award, which went to the Hutchinson, KS sales staff for posting record sales in 2012.

As a whole, Eagle Communications reported its third straight year of record revenue and profit.  In addition, the company recently announced that it has completed purchasing the stock of founder and former owner, Bob Schmidt, of Hays, KS.  Eagle Communications is now one hundred percent employee owned.

Other awards made at the conference was Market Leader recognition for Connie Jurgens of the North Platte Staff.  Recognition was also given to Dianne Morales and Olivia Brown, both of the North Platte Office.

The winner of the Laura Osborne Award for new sellers was given to Shanna Christensen of the Hutchinson.  This award recognizes a seller who has made an immediate positive impact in their job, and honors the same qualities possessed by Laura Osborne, a former North Platte Sales Professional, who was tragically killed in an auto accident after only six months with Eagle Radio.

It was a big day for the Lincoln County Historical Museum and the Maywood/Wellfleet Fire District.

Mike Sughroue with the Monsanto Fund, presented $2,500 to each of the organizations today, after they were nominated by local farmer Willis Roethemeyer through the “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” program.  Under this program, eligible farmers in 1, 271 counties across 39 states, including Nebraska, could enter to win a $2,500 donation for a local nonprofit of their choice.  Roethemeyer won and chose to direct the donation to the Lincoln County Historical Museum.  As an added bonus, the Monsanto Fund is providing twice the financial support to counties that have been declared natural disaster areas by the USDA.  Lincoln County was one such county, and Roethemeyer chose to direct the additional award to the Maywood-Wellfleet Rural Fire Department.

Roethemeyer chose these organizations because he has been involved with the Museum for 10 years, and feels that it plays an extremely vital role in preserving the history of Lincoln County for generations present as well as future, and he was one of the key players in the formation of the Maywood-Wellfleet Rural Fire Department and understands the importance of a well equipped and functional rural fire department.

James Griffin, Director of the Lincoln County Historical Museum, stated that the Museum plans to use the funds to enhance their 4th Grade History Day program along with many other projects planned at the Museum.  While Gary Doxon, Chief of the Maywood Fire Department, stated that they will use the funds to purchase additional protective gear for their volunteer firefighters.

The purpose of the “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” program is to recognize the vital role that America’s farmers play and to help them grow their communities by supporting local organizations that are important to them.  More than 60,000 farmers across the country participated in the program this year, and one winning farmer was selected in each eligible county.

Since 1964, the Monsanto Fund has worked to substantially and meaningfully improve people’s lives. Just as Monsanto Company has been the leader in innovative and sustainable agriculture, the Monsanto Fund has worked to be an innovative philanthropic leader, providing sustainable assistance to communities in need around the world.

 

The Nebraska State Patrol is urging motorists to be prepared and keep up-to-date on the latest weather and road conditions as a powerful winter storm with potential to impact travel is forecast for the Cornhusker State.

Travelers can check on road closures and conditions by utilizing 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System at < www.511.nebraska.gov >, the 511 Mobile Traveler Site at < http://www.ndortraveler.mobi > (the site also works on PC’s), or by dialing 511 (800-906-9069) from any landline or cellular phone for information.

“All signs point to this storm having the potential to make travel extremely dangerous,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We encourage motorists to closely monitor weather and road conditions and be prepared to change travel plans as necessary.”

Blowing and drifting snow reduce visibility and bitterly cold wind chills can be life threatening.

The Nebraska State Patrol issues the following reminders for motorists traveling in extreme winter weather conditions:

• ·        Travel only if absolutely necessary. Always wear your seat belt and never drive faster than conditions allow.
• ·        Use well-traveled routes and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
• ·        Let others know where you are going, when you will arrive, and what route you are taking.
• ·        If you do become stranded while traveling, stay with your car until help arrives. Wind chill and freezing temperatures can be life threatening.
• ·        If your vehicle does become stuck, run your motor sparingly and keep a window cracked to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
• ·        Carry a red flag or bandana in your car and attach to the outside to signal you are in trouble.

Be sure to include a winter weather survival kit in your vehicle as your travel. The following are some basic items to keep in your car in case you become stranded in wintry weather:

Emergency first aid kit	Ice scraper, shovel, small bag of sand
Flashlight (extra batteries), portable battery operated radio	Non-perishable snacks or dehydrated foods
Blankets or sleeping bag (extra set dry clothing)	Fully charged cell phone
Jumper cables	Empty coffee can or plastic container

Motorists in need of emergency roadside assistance can call the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline when safe to do so by dialing *55 from any cell phone or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline.

As Nebraska anticipates a sizeable winter expected to bring heavy snow and high winds into the state, Nebraska Public Power District transmission and distribution line crews are on alert and prepared to restore power from any transmission or distribution outages in its service territory.

NPPD has put extensive funds into its transmission system over the past few years, providing a reliable infrastructure that helps keep  the lights on. On top of that, NPPD has done some extensive vegetation management in the areas of transmission lines, removing trees and other growth that could potentially interrupt electrical service. NPPD crews respond as quick and safely as possible to outages during winter storms.

With any winter storm there is the potential for power outages, particularly at the distribution level – residences, commercial business, and manufacturing. This may occur when trees near distribution lines are either blown down by high winds or brought down by heavy snow onto power lines. For NPPD, this could occur in its retail communities it serves – such as Kearney, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, York, and many other communities. 

 

Following is information on outage information resources from NPPD:

 Storm Center Website

During a storm, NPPD’s website is one source of information regarding outages. Real-time outages can be found at www.nppd.com/outages. This will show a real-time map where outages are in retail communities that NPPD serves. Once an outage has been restored, it will no longer show on the map.

 Social Media

In addition, you can follow storm outages on Twitter and Facebook. Our outage specific Twitter feed is https://twitter.com/nppdstormcenter or @NPPDstormcenter. Our Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/nebraskapublicpowerdistrict. Both social media sites list where the outage is and how many customers are affected – and also provide a message as to when power has been restored.

 Nebraska Town Index

There also may be communities served by many of our wholesale public power partners. For example, the City of Columbus is served by Loup Public Power District. If you believe there is an outage in a community and it does not show on the NPPD map, go to NPPD’s town index at www.nppd.com/about-us/nebraska-town-index and there is a pull down menu that lists all communities in the state, providing various pieces of information. For example, the community of Malcolm’s electric service operator is Norris Public Power District, which would have information on the number of outages in that community. Another example, the City of York would have NPPD listed as the electric system operator, and NPPD would have information on the outage situation.

 NPPD Corporate Communications

Another method, especially if you are doing any kind of round up story on the number of outages is to give NPPD Corporate Communications a call. I can be reached at 402-563-5667 (business hours) or at 402-276-7547 (cell phone, anytime). We will be monitoring all retail operation outages with the time of the outage, number of meters (or customers) that are without power, and when service has been restored.

In the event that there are power outages, NPPD will be available to give you the most updated information.

A Cozad man has pleaded guilty to child abuse for shaking an infant hard enough to cause brain damage.

The Associated Press reports that Cameron Hovey’s decision to change his plea was part of an agreement with prosecutors.

The 23-year-old Hovey is accused of shaking a 41/2-month-old child vigorously last summer.

Hovey told police that he shook the child last July because he panicked when it appeared the baby had stopped breathing.

Hovey faces up to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6.