The North Platte Sunrise Rotary Club donated $500 to the Buffalo Elementary School to purchase books and learning materials for the Pre-School class of Mrs, Goentzel. The donation was made as part of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Literacy project headed by Mike McPherron. “Literacy is one of the most important areas that we can have a big influence on in our community.” said Scott Olesky of the North Platte Sunrise Rotary Club. The books can be checked out by the students and then returned to check out a new book at a later date. The class was extremely excited as the books were shown. For more information check rotary.org

A man was injured Saturday night when he jumped off the Jeffers Street Viaduct and landed in an empty train car. On Saturday March 24, 2012, at about 8:48 P.M. an officer responded to the Lincoln Connection on the report of a suicidal subject. The reporting party indicated that Aaron Hecksel, 26, a transient from Michigan, left the Connection and was getting ready to jump from the viaduct. When officers arrived, Hecksel had positioned himself in a way that officers could not reach him. He hung from the viaduct for a short time and then fell, landing in an empty westbound coal car. Officers were able to locate Hecksel in the empty coal car after the train had stopped in Bailey Yard. Hecksel was transported to GPRMC with unknown injuries.

(Minden, Neb.)- Three people are jailed after a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near the Minden Interchange, led to the seizure of 109 ½ lbs of marijuana.

Just before 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 22, a Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) trooper stopped an eastbound 2011 Nissan pickup for violation of the state’s move over law. The trooper was given consent to search the pickup. The search led to the seizure of 109 ½ lbs of marijuana. The drugs were located in speaker boxes in the bed of the pickup.

The female driver of the pickup, Hai Phi Kim Do, 23, Fresno, Calif., along with two passengers, Hanh Thi Kim Do, (FM), 27, Fresno, Calif., and Ron Le, 39, Vancouver, Wash., were each lodged in the Buffalo County Jail on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

NORTH PLATTE, NE      Only one week, until we let the rabbits run wild in the park!!!  Well, not quite; but it is only one week until the 1^st Annual Bunny Run hosted by the North Platte Jaycees.   On Saturday, March 31^st runners, walkers and kids of all ages are encouraged to participate in this brand new fundraiser to benefit the North Platte Jaycees.  “With the triathlon coming soon, we wanted something that would help prepare the runners, plus it is spring time. So why not have a little Easter fun!” said Kirsten Parker, chairperson for the event.    Avid runners will have the competition rush and their raced timed for their preparation.  Walkers will get great exercise.  Kids, ah…well they will have the fun.  “We will have baskets around the track for kids to pick up special prizes and treats, a fun spin on a Easter Egg Hunt, without the competitive craze…everyone will get prizes and eggs” Parker said.  The Easter Bunny will also be in attendance, so bring your cameras for photos.

 

The North Platte Jaycees are a not-for-profit organization that helps teach leadership skills through community involvement.  Through running projects, such as the Bunny Run; members learn leadership skills, organization and time management skills, employee/volunteer relations and how to balance a budget.  The profits from these projects turn around and go back to the community thru numerous ways, such a donations, scholarships and sponsorships.  “Over the last two years, the North Platte Jaycees have handed out over $50,000 in donations” says Linda Shea, the 2012 local president.  “Our biggest fundraiser of the year is our fireworks stand, but projects such as the Bunny Run help us to continue to give money throughout the year and not just after the fireworks season” continues Shea.  

 

The 5k Bunny Run will be held at Cody Park, starting at 10am.  To reach the 3.2 miles, runners and walkers will be directed to run a pre-designed route 3 times around Cody Park.  “Cody Park is perfect place for the run/walk, it not only has a path for a 5k competitive race but also short cuts for those who choose to walk a mile” says Parker.   Medals will be awarded to the top 3 runners in each age group and overall following the race.

 

Pre-registration is encouraged, with a free t-shirt to the first 150 register.  Registration will also open at 9am before the race for last minute registrations.  Everyone participating must register.  Registration is a $20 donation, with kids 12 and under participating for free.  All registration will include a free meal voucher for following the race with grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, provided by First National Bank and the UP.  A bake sale will also be provided before and after the race and lots of other goodies and surprises. 

 

Registration forms may be picked up at either First National Bank locations in North Platte or the Rec Center.  If you would like to learn more about the North Platte Jaycees or have questions about the Bunny Run call (308) 530-0328 or “Like” them on facebook at www.facebook.com/northplattejaycees.