ATLANTA (AP) — Fast-moving airport security lines at the start of the Memorial Day weekend may bode well for return travelers Monday.
Travelers reported moving quickly through airport checkpoints Friday after authorities opened extra screening lanes and used bomb-sniffing dogs to give some passengers a break from removing their shoes.
The extra dogs were concentrated at the nation’s largest airports, but they were not used for all screenings. Many travelers still had to observe the usual procedures.
The federal Transportation Security Administration was trying to offer travelers some relief after weeks of slow-moving lines blamed on an increase in the number of air travelers and a shortage of TSA security officers.
A TSA spokesman said the extra dogs would remain well beyond the holiday.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A new social media campaign in South Dakota wants to people to leave baby wild animals alone.
With the backdrop of the bison calf in Yellowstone that had to be euthanized earlier this month after tourists put it in their car, Thea Miller Ryan is taking to social media to teach people to let nature take its course.
Miller directs the state’s outdoor learning center in Sioux Falls. Her office receives hundreds of calls every year about potential rescues of baby wild animals.
Now, for every call her office answers, she posts on Facebook and Twitter an image of a sparrow that has a sugar skull for a head. She also mentions the creature that the call was about and the phrase, “If you care, leave it there.”
Oxford, Neb.- Traveling two times faster than the posted speed limit lands a Furnas County man in jail for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Just after 9:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, a trooper made a traffic stop of a black 1980 Corvette for speeding 120 mph in a 60 mph zone on Highway 136 just west of Oxford in Furnas County.
Upon contact with the driver the trooper smelled the odor of alcohol. The trooper initiated a DWI investigation that resulted in the arrest of the driver, Tory J. Siebels, 30, Oxford. Siebels was lodged in the Furnas County Jail on charges to include 2nd offense DWI and Speeding.
Motorists are reminded they can report impaired or reckless drivers to the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline when safe to do so by dialing *55 from any cellular phone, or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline. Emergencies should be reported to 911.
Lincoln, Neb.- Reducing the number of fatality crashes on Nebraska roads during the heavily traveled summer months is the aim of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) “ 100 Days of Summer” special initiative.
Each day, beginning with the Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day, the Nebraska State Patrol Field Services Division will work to hold at least one traffic safety enforcement operation somewhere in the State. The “100 Days of Summer” initiative provides motorists an opportunity to view planned enforcement activities.
“We want everyone who travels our roadways to have a safe enjoyable experience,” said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our traffic safety laws exist for your protection. Help us keep our roads safe through voluntary compliance.”
Travelers can visit the Nebraska State Patrol website at www.statepatrol.nebraska.gov and click on the “NSP Enforcement Activities” link on the homepage. The link will display monthly calendars, with each day listing the type and location of a sampling of planned traffic enforcement activities.
Colonel Rice said, “Let’s have a safe summer travel season. Always wear your seat belt, obey the posted speed limit, use extra caution in work zones and never drive impaired or distracted.”
Contestants have been announced for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant, June 12-15 in North Platte. Those vying for the title of Miss Rodeo Nebraska are:
Carly Woerman
Carly Woerman
Carly Woerman’s passion for animals, especially dogs, has led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Her goal is to one day open a small animal clinic in rural Nebraska.
When not studying, the North Bend woman enjoys working on her father’s farm, air boating, tanking on the Calamus River, playing sand volleyball, designing tack and rodeo queen clothing, swing dancing, barrel racing and spending time with her horse, Diesel.
Woerman has had three previous rodeo queen titles, including her current title: Miss Burwell Rodeo 2015. Woerman is the daughter of Loy Woerman and Diane Gehring. (Photo courtesy of KC Creations Photography.)
Leanna Gubbels
Leanna Gubbels
Leanna Gubbels graduated from Creighton University with a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical science. She will apply to veterinary school this fall in the hopes of eventually becoming a rural community livestock veterinarian after serving as an Army veterinarian.
Gubbels is a paramedic for the Vermillion Fire Department and Faith Regional Health Hospital. In her spare time, she judges 4-H competitions and works as an FFA assistant advisor.
Her parents are Matt and Patsy Gubbels of Laurel.
Laramie Schlichtemeier
Laramie Schlichtemeier
Laramie Schlichtemeier is a senior at Chadron State College, majoring in agri-business. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in agricultural banking so she can help expand and further develop the ag industry for future generations.
Schlichtemeier loves anything that has to do with horses, hunting, fishing and Nebraska attractions and also enjoys volunteering for community service projects.
She is the daughter of Jeff and Shari Schlichtemeier of Ogallala.
Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska
There is also a teen division to the pageant. The contestants competing for the Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska crown are:
Maceyn Howard
Maceyn Howard
Maceyn Howard is the 15-year-old daughter of David and Jodi Howard, of North Platte. Maceyn aspires to be an equine chiropractor and is on her school’s honor roll. She is active in 4-H, sports and choir, and likes riding horses, fishing and attending rodeos.
Danielle Forster
Danielle Forster
Danielle Forster is the 16-year-old daughter of Kim and Kevin Forster, of Smithfield. Danielle will be a junior in the fall at Elwood High School, where she has been involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. Danielle also participates in 4-H and horse shows and loves going to rodeos.
Rebel Sjecklocha
Rebel Sjeklocha
Rebel Sjeklocha is the 15-year-old daughter of Susan and Rusty Sjeklocha, of Hayes Center. She will be a junior this fall and is active in volleyball, basketball, track, drama, speech, quiz bowl, swing choir and National Honor Society. She enjoys showing horses and cattle in 4-H.
Taylor Fugate
Taylor Fugate
Taylor Fugate, 15, is a sophomore at North Platte High School where she competes in volleyball, basketball and track. Fugate is Miss Ogallala Junior Rodeo and was previously the Sutherland Rodeo Queen. Her parents are Jeremy and Dustie Cole, of North Platte.
Chyanne Friehe
Chyanne Friehe
Chyanne Friehe is the 16-year-old daughter of Brad and Jennifer Friehe, of Culbertson. Chyanne will be a junior at McCook High School this fall, were she is an active member in her FFA chapter. After she graduates, Chyanne plans to attend a college where she can major in vet tech.
Halee Kohmetscher
Halee Kohmetscher
Halee Kohmetscher is the 16-year-old daughter of Duane and the late Laurie Kohmetscher, of Lawrence. Halee will be a junior at Blue Hill High School, where she plays volleyball and basketball, runs track and participates in band, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FBLA and FFA. She also serves as the dance team captain.
KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A regional airline based in Alaska has been chosen to serve Kearney, North Platte and Scottsbluff.
The U.S. Department of Transportation approved PenAir’s bid for a two-year essential service contract on Wednesday.
PenAir is a family owned airline based in Anchorage that has been in operation since 1955. Outside of Alaska, the airline provides routes to and from Boston and Portland, Oregon. In Nebraska, it will provide flights to and from Denver.
Last year, it flew more than 266,000 passengers.
PenAir was the only airline that submitted bids which met all five of the department’s selection criteria.
Kearney Mayor Stan Clouse says city officials are excited to start working with PenAir. It will replace Kearney’s current provider, Great Lakes Airlines.
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68. Northeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tonight
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. North northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
Saturday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Memorial Day
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.
Monday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Wednesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
ORD, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska bicyclist has died after being struck by a pickup truck.
The Nebraska State Patrol says 67-year-old Gregory Jensen, of Ord, was riding his bike Tuesday night along Nebraska Highway 11 in Ord when he was struck by the pickup. Authorities say Jensen was wearing a helmet but died from his injuries.
Officials have not issued any citations for the pickup driver, 20-year-old Tucker Tonniges.
North Platte Community College is now accepting registrations for the next round of summer classes, many of which start in June.
Summer classes allow students to rack up credit hours in a short amount of time. On-site, online and distance learning courses are available, making it easier and more convenient than ever to pursue a postsecondary education.
Courses offered this summer include, but are not limited to: CPR Rescuer, General Biology, E-Marketing, Non-profit Management and Leadership, Personal and Professional Development, Human Relations: People Skills, College Prep Writing, American Government and Politics, Fundamentals of Mathematics, Trigonometry, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Philosophy, Professional Truck Driving and Fundamentals of Human Communication.
Lincoln, Neb. – Sworn members of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) were honored during the 17th Annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Hero Awards.
The awards ceremony held Tuesday, May 24, in Lincoln, recognized law enforcement officers who work daily to ensure Nebraska roadways are kept safe from drinking and drugged drivers.
“I am very proud of our troopers for the work they do in keeping our roadways and communities safe,” said Colonel Brad Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “I want to thank MADD for their recognition of these dedicated individuals and its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.”
The troopers listed below were honored by MADD for their dedication and commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Nebraska.
Troop B-Norfolk
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. Bryan Wiggins #495
Troop C-Grand Island
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. Andy Ecklund #84
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. Nicole Saathoff #364
Troop D-North Platte
Adult DUI Enforcement-Team: Trp. Jeff Van Stelton #433 & Trp. Bryan Walter #456
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. Justin Buhlke #12
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. Jeremy Thorson #393
Troop E-Scottsbluff
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. Cody Potthast #304
Troop H-Lincoln
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. Mike Thorson #394
Adult DUI Enforcement-Individual: Trp. John Lukesh #342
ATLANTA (AP) — Fast-moving airport security lines at the start of the Memorial Day weekend may bode well for return travelers Monday.
Oxford, Neb.- Traveling two times faster than the posted speed limit lands a Furnas County man in jail for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Lincoln, Neb.- Reducing the number of fatality crashes on Nebraska roads during the heavily traveled summer months is the aim of the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) “ 100 Days of Summer” special initiative.
KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A regional airline based in Alaska has been chosen to serve Kearney, North Platte and Scottsbluff.
ORD, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska bicyclist has died after being struck by a pickup truck.
North Platte Community College is now accepting registrations for the next round of summer classes, many of which start in June.