Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a Valentine man in connection with the shooting death of his wife on Monday, March 4.

NSP was initially called by the Valentine Police Department after they had responded to a shooting at 301 Edna Street in Valentine at approximately 7:00 p.m. The victim, Pamela Nickisch, 71, was found deceased. Her husband, Paul Nickisch, 70, and a juvenile grandson were also present at the residence.

Investigators have determined that Paul Nickisch shot Pamela Nickisch as a domestic violence situation escalated. He was arrested for murder and lodged in Cherry County Jail. A final determination on charges will be made by the Cherry County Attorney.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Valentine Police Department, Valentine Fire and Rescue, and Cherry County Attorney’s Office have all contributed to this investigation and response

Charges are pending against a North Platte man who was believed to be under the influence of drugs when he was involved in a traffic accident.

On March 5, 2019 Deputies were sent to mile marker 197 (just east of Brady, NE.) on U.S. Highway 30. It was reported two vehicles had struck each other and there were injuries to both drivers. Deputies arrived and met with the drivers of the vehicles.

The investigation revealed that a black GMC Denali was eastbound on Highway 30 in its proper lane. A white Mitsubishi Mirage was westbound on Highway 30 and crossed the center line and struck the GMC Denali. The driver of the GMC was injured but refused medical treatment.

The driver of the Mitsubishi suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Great Plains Health. He was identified as thirty-one-year-old Joshua Baker of North Platte.

Deputies believed Mr. Baker was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the accident. Deputies found suspected THC Wax in the vehicle and other items. Mr. Baker did not have a license or insurance at the time of the accident.

Criminal charges are pending Mr. Bakers release from the hospital and laboratory testing.

The investigation continues.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Juveniles who successfully complete probation or a diversion program after committing a crime in Nebraska could get those records sealed right away under a bill advanced by lawmakers.

The measure won first-round approval Wednesday on a 33-0 vote.

Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, of Lincoln, says she introduced the bill to give juveniles the chance to move on with their lives once they’ve been rehabilitated. Current law prevents the records from being sealed until the minor reaches the age of 17.

The State Court Administrator could allow the viewing of sealed records for bona fide research.

A North Platte Community College Student was arrested after police say he was “playing” with a firearm on the college’s North Campus.

On March 5, at 1205 PM, the North Platte Police Department received an anonymous tip about a subject with a firearm on  Mid-Plains Community College property located in the 1100 block of Halligan Drive.

The tip further detailed that 19-year-old Robert Battreall had been “playing” with the firearm in the past and had pointed it at other students, but that the firearm was now stored in his vehicle.

Battreall and his vehicle were not located at that time. Officers worked with school staff, and on March 6, at 910 AM, the vehicle was located at the school and officers responded. A firearm was located in plain sight in the vehicle and seized.

Battreall was arrested for possession of a firearm on school property, a class IV felony, and lodged at the LCSO jail.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have advanced a bill to make additional space available at the state’s prison work camp in McCook.

Senators gave the measure first-round approval Wednesday on a 38-0 vote.

The bill by state Sen. Steve Lathrop, of Omaha, eliminates the need for the state’s Work Ethic Camp to reserve space for female offenders. The space is currently unused but cannot be set aside for other purposes because of existing state law.

Lathrop says he introduced the bill after hearing from Nebraska’s inspector general for correctional services that the space could be put to better use.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Authorities say a man convicted of shooting to death his father killed himself in a Lincoln prison.

The Nebraska Correctional Services Department says 46-year-old Steven Braesch died Tuesday at a Lincoln hospital. Prison staffers began CPR after Braesch was found unresponsive in his cell.

He’d been sentenced in November 2014 to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder and other crimes. Braesch shot his dad, 69-year-old William Braesch, five times within the clear view of three children under the age of 7 at the family home in Gretna.

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the death, and a grand jury will conduct an investigation. Nebraska law requires a grand jury to investigate whenever someone dies in custody or while being taken into custody.

A department spokeswoman didn’t immediately answer a request for data that compares Nebraska’s prison inmate suicide rate with national or other states’ rates.

MARCH 6, 2019 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — As the NSAA Boys State Basketball tournament tips-off, troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) will be working to keep the madness of March off Nebraska roads.

Throughout the NSAA Boys State Basketball tournament, troopers will perform extra enforcement to help keep Nebraska roadways safe for all drivers. The enforcement will run from March 6 through March 9, thanks in part to a grant for $10,380 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

“Nebraska’s state basketball tournaments are filled with incredible moments for athletes and fans from across our state,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “The memories created this week should be those made on the court, rather than on the road.”

Travelers may encounter another round of winter weather while they make their way to Lincoln this week. The National Weather Service is projecting several inches of snow for the northern portions of Nebraska, with smaller amounts possible further south.

“We urge teams and fans to be prepared for winter driving conditions this week,” said Colonel Bolduc. “Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and check Nebraska 511 before you start the journey to and from Lincoln.”

Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit, always wear seat belts, allow extra time to reach your destination safely, and never drive impaired or distracted.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators on Tuesday warned people not to use certain Claire’s makeup products after samples tested positive for asbestos, but the retailer disputed the findings.

The Food and Drug Administration said it issued the warning because it said Claire’s refused to comply with its request for a recall, and that the agency doesn’t have the power to force one.

In a statement, Claire’s noted that it removed the three products identified by the FDA from its stores “out of an abundance of caution,” and that it’s also removing any remaining talc-based cosmetics. But the company said the FDA’s test results mischaracterize fibers as asbestos. It said it tried to discuss the matter with the FDA, but the agency moved ahead with its warning.

The FDA conducted the tests after learning of reports of asbestos in products sold by retailers Claire’s and Justice in 2017. A Justice representative noted that it quickly recalled products in 2017. Justice said one set of its tests showed no evidence of asbestos, while a second round of testing showed trace amounts. Claire’s removed products from stores but didn’t issue a recall. The FDA said Tuesday its tests, conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and AMA Analytical Services, confirmed asbestos in three Claire’s products and one Justice product.

The FDA said the three products people shouldn’t use are Claire’s Eye Shadows, batch/lot No: 08/17; Claire’s Compact Powder, batch/lot No.: 07/15; and Claire’s Contour Palette, batch/lot No.: 04/17.

The agency said it was not aware of anyone being sickened by the makeup. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in the lungs and it can cause cancer, but the greatest risk is to people with frequent, long term exposure to it.

Cosmetics do not have to be reviewed or appoved by the FDA. On Tuesday, the agency said it plans to collect information on how companies ensure the talc they use is free from asbestos.

The FDA also asked companies to register their products and ingredient lists on its website, but noted that doing so is not required.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska legislative committee that’s looking for ways to reduce property taxes is considering a half-cent sales tax increase as one way to address the issue.

Members of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee floated several options Monday but didn’t vote on any of them. They also discussed getting rid of tax exemptions on soft drinks, candy, bottled water and zoo admissions.

Committee members are trying to find a way to lower property taxes amid complaints from farmers, ranchers and homeowners who have seen their tax bills rise.

Property taxes are collected by local governments and not the state, but many cities, counties and school districts say they’re saddled with unfunded state mandates and costs that make it very difficult to cut spending and lower their levies.