LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Several Nebraska state senators are urging their colleagues to kill a bill they say would give Airbnb hosts an unfair tax advantage and create safety concerns.

Senators adjourned without voting Thursday on a bill that would prevent cities from passing any regulations that could prohibit short-term rentals such as those booked through Airbnb. Sen. Tyson Larson of O’Neill, the bill’s sponsor, says encouraging Airbnb in the state will help Nebraska residents earn extra income.

Larson says he’s working on an amendment that would require Airbnb to collect motel taxes when people book Nebraska homes in response to concerns from Omaha-area senators.

Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha says cities should be able to regulate Airbnb rentals the same way they do traditional bed and breakfasts to maintain safety and property values.

BRIDGEPORT, Neb. (AP) — A 43-year-old woman has been given four years of probation for embezzling nearly $30,000 from a trucking company in Morrill County.

Brandy Laur, of Broadwater, was sentenced Wednesday. She’s already paid $10,000 of the restitution ordered by the court.

The owner of Ladely Trucking Co. told investigators that he discovered Laur had written unauthorized checks to herself while working for the company as a bookkeeper and secretary.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A former Shelton school superintendent accused of attacking his wife has taken a plea deal.

Brian Redinger pleaded no contest Wednesday in a Grand Island courtroom to two misdemeanors: domestic assault and reckless driving. He’d originally pleaded not guilty to charges of terroristic threats, strangulation, domestic assault and criminal attempt at assault.

His sentencing is set for June 8.

Sheriff’s investigators say that on April 10 last year, Redinger attacked his wife, hitting her head on a car dashboard and later driving at her before she escaped to safety at a Hall County truck stop.

He resigned his position as superintendent of Shelton Public Schools some weeks after his arrest.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is one step closer to overturning local gun restrictions in Omaha and Lincoln that are stricter than state law.

Lawmakers gave first-round approval to a gun-rights pre-emption bill on Wednesday with a 32-12 vote. Supporters overcame a filibuster by opponents who want to protect existing local rules.

Supporters say the bill would eliminate a confusing patchwork of local gun-possession rules that legal owners unintentionally violate when they travel.

Opponents say the bill would allow out-of-state gun groups and residents to sue cities even if local rules haven’t harmed them directly.

The measure includes some exceptions for Omaha after the city’s police union warned that it could hinder their ability to fight gang violence.

Two more votes are required before the bill heads to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

With 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.

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 7^th, 2017.

The 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. 5^th) 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

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would have allowed more low-income Nebraska residents to qualify for federal food benefits has died in the Legislature.

Supporters fell one vote shy Tuesday of the simple majority needed to give the measure initial approval. The measure would have let an additional 1,840 households qualify for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.

Sen. John McCollister of Omaha says his bill would create an incentive for low-income residents to work harder or find better-paying jobs without fear of losing the benefit. Senators voted 24-19 on the bill.

The bill was unlikely to pass this year because of the state’s projected budget shortfall, but supporters had hoped state revenue would improve enough for it to receive final approval next year.

GERING, Neb. (AP) — Authorities have arrested a Gering woman, accusing her of scamming her 84-year-old grandfather out of more than $250,000 over four years.

Court records say 33-year-old Stacia Keener is charged with one count of felony theft and two felony counts of forgery. Online jail records say Keener remained in custody Tuesday. Her attorney didn’t immediately return a call from The Associated Press. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 18.

The records say the man reported that Keener had lied to him about needing money to pay back taxes and attorney and had forged checks on his account. He also said he was supposed to be a co-signer on a bank loan to her but learned later that he’s been made the primary borrower.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Shopping online may cost Nebraska residents a bit more under a bill intended to level the playing field between internet and brick-and-mortar retailers.

Lawmakers gave the online sales tax measure first-round approval on Tuesday with a 28-13 vote.

The proposal would require online retailers to collect sales taxes if their gross revenue in Nebraska exceeds $100,000 or they conduct 200 or more transactions in the state. Those that refuse would have to notify both buyers and the state that the tax is due.

Nebraska already requires online buyers to pay sales taxes when they file their income tax returns, but few residents comply and the state loses out on an estimated $30 million to $40 million each year. In December, online retailer Amazon announced it would start collecting sales taxes.