LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s prison system is facing a staffing crisis that it may not be able to overcome amid a statewide nursing shortage and the state’s relatively low wages.
A spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says 14 of about 65 nursing positions are vacant, including seven registered nurses, two nurse practitioners, two nurse supervisors and three licensed practical nurses.
Nursing leaders say recruiting nurses to the corrections department is difficult because of competition for nurses and better pay at hospitals and clinics.
ACLU Nebraska says unless the department acts quickly to increase staffing, it could face a federal lawsuit.
MINDEN, Neb. (AP) — A 35-year-old Kearney man has been given probation and possible jail time for setting fires at a Minden drugstore last year.
Online court records say Aaron Stones was sentenced last week in Kearney County District Court. He was given four years of probation and 180 days in jail that can be suspended if follows the terms of his probation. He also was ordered to pay more than $2,200 in restitution. He’d pleaded guilty.
The records say Stones set fires at the front windows and rear door of Pedley Drug on March 27.
In January Stones was sentenced to four years of probation for setting fire to a pharmacy in Ravenna on March 25. He’d pleaded no contest to felony arson.
CHAPPELL, Neb. (AP) — A Deuel County grand jury has found no criminal actions were committed by officers involved in the fatal shooting of a man who started shooting when they arrived to arrest him.
A jury document released Wednesday says the use of deadly force against 66-year-old Neil Stretesky was “reasonable under the circumstances” and justified under state law.
Authorities say Stretesky came out of his Big Springs front door shooting on Dec. 3 as Deputy Mike Hutchinson and four other officers arrived to serve arrest warrants. Hutchinson was hit four times, and Sheriff Scott DeCoste returned fire at Stretesky, killing him.
Hutchinson was released from a Greeley, Colorado, hospital and returned home Wednesday to Chappell (CHA’-puhl).
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers will have more money than expected this session, based on new state revenue projections.
The Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board predicted Friday that the state will collect nearly $9 billion during the current two-year budget cycle.
The forecast will give lawmakers about $14.1 million for additional legislation this year, compared to the roughly $1.4 million at their disposal before the latest estimates were approved.
Board members say the farm economy is continuing to struggle, but a worker shortage is putting upward pressure on wages. They also say the local economies in Omaha and Lincoln are holding strong.
According to the estimates, Nebraska will collect more than $4.4 billion in the current fiscal year and nearly $4.6 billion in the next fiscal year, which starts on July 1.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A United States Department of Agriculture official is pushing Nebraska producers to apply for federal grants to develop new businesses.
USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul announced Monday that the 2016 cycle of Value-Added Producer Grants can help the state’s rural farmers and ranchers develop and market products.
The grants will have additional funding this year from the authorizations passed by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill.
The program is aimed at growing rural communities, and the competitive grants may be used for developing studies and business plans for new or existing products.
Since it began in 2000, Nebraska’s USDA Rural Development program has awarded 104 grants totaling $11.8 million.
United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, Deborah R. Gilg, announced today at a press conference in North Platte, Nebraska the federal indictments of sixty people involved in a Methamphetamine conspiracy investigation in Central and Western Nebraska, and Northeastern Colorado.
The joint operation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, included law enforcement officers from the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Drug Task Force, Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group (WING), and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force (CNDSSTF), and Colorado law enforcement authorities.
This year-long operation resulted in the federal indictment of sixty individuals, and another four individuals arrested on state charges, for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to Distribute, and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Starting in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 23, 2016, CODE, WING, and CNDSSTF members, along with the assistance of other Nebraska and Colorado local, state, and federal law enforcement arrested 53 on federal charges and four on state charges, throughout Nebraska and Eastern Colorado. Seven of the federally indicted individuals are still at large. The United States Marshal’s Service assisted in the round-up of these fugitives.
Recovered during the arrest of these individuals were 8.4 ounces of methamphetamine and $1,141.
Two federal search warrants resulted in three vehicles being seized, valued at approximately $85,000, one sawed off shotgun, one revolver, and approximately $17,250. Five state search warrants resulted in the recovery of $17,500, over 2lbs of meth, and 5 guns. Unrelated arrests include 2 individuals on local charges which resulted in the seizure of 1 rifle, a ballistic vest and 16 grams of ecstasy.
Participating Nebraska drug task forces included the CODE Drug Task Force, made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22 county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska; the WING Task Force covering eleven panhandle counties (Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux); and the CNDSSTF covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska. Colorado law enforcement agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation – (Denver Office), Holyoke, Colorado Police Department and the Sedgwick County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office.
“This is an incredible effort involving nearly thirty law enforcement agencies”, said U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg, “The coordination and cooperation in this investigation is a tremendous tribute to the selfless dedication we see time and time again with our law enforcement agencies.” “Two years ago today we were gathered in North Platte to honor many of these same law enforcement officers who were being recognized with an award from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into the drug conspiracy involving many of these indictments and arrests earlier this week.”
Those indicted are:
Anthony Apodaca-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Vigil Apodaca Sr.-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Virgil Apodaca Jr.-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jack Seals (AT LARGE)-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Mary Bockman-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Brett Smyth-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Mauricio Cabrera-Scottsbluff, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Lorinda Cabrera-Scottsbluff, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jose Cantu-Morrill, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Eric Molina-Scottsbluff, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Courtney Rae Coleman-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000.000 fine)
Joel Cervantes-Morales-Omaha, Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Ricardo Diaz-No Hometown Listed, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Wendy Pulido-No Hometown Listed, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Janet Fontenot-Hershey, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Stephanie Hill-Hershey, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Lori Formanek-Wheat Ridge, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Francisco Gomez-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Rose Gomez-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jason Hibbs-Kearney, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Manuel Ortiz-Kearney, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Maria Robles-Rojas-No Hometown Listed, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jesus Aguirre-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Gilbert Gomez Jr.-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Gilbert Gomez Sr.-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Martin Gomez-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Monica Gomez-Hastings, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Richard Keith-Evans, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jesse Klempter-North Platte, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Enrique Martinez-Cozad, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Oscar Escandon-Gibbon, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Jessica Miller-Gibbon, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Juan Manuel Munoz-Lexington, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Aaron Nunnenkamp-North Platte, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Lee Benson-Big Springs, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Louis Ortega-Big Springs, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Randy Casillas-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jody Casillas-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Ryan Gabel-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Rachel Humphrey-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Donald Morrissey-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Keith Phelps-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Andrea Tracy-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jesus Quezada-Lexington, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Teresa Enninga-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Tyce Miller-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Martin Radel-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Jesus Gonzales-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Domingo Rivera-Grand Island, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Sheri Queen-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Roxanne Reynolds-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Nasario Sanchez-Julesburg, CO, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Brian Titman-McCook, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Jose Valierra-Lexington, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Christopher Gonzales-North Platte, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Thomas Venegas-Scottsbluff, Distribution of Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Roy Vieyra-North Platte, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (0-20 years, $1,000,000 fine)
Jeremy Soto-Gering, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Tiffany Zerley-Gering, Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
Danny Huerta-Grand Island, Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (5-40 years, $5,000,000 fine)
According to Gilg, all fugitives have been captured, with the exception of Jack Seals, Manuel Ortiz, Maria Robles-Rojas, Thomas Venegas and Danny Huerta. Officials are asking for the public’s assistance in locating these individuals.
The first group of defendants from the round-up will make their initial appearance in US District Court in Omaha this afternoon.
Hear the statements from Gilg here (the Presser starts at around 2:20 in the video. Edits are pending.):
Don McCullough from Santa Rosa, CA, USA (commons.wikimedia.org)
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska senator says lawmakers need to start looking at ways to keep unmanned aircraft from violating people’s privacy.
Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell presented a bill to a legislative committee Thursday that would require a property owner’s written consent for a drone to shoot footage while operating less than 200 feet above the property.
The bill is unlikely to advance this year, but Kuehn says he introduced it to start a conversation with those directly affected.
Opponents say the bill could hinder legitimate uses for the technology, such as researching thunderstorms or reporting a news story.
The Nebraska Rural Electric Association says the technology could help workers inspect power lines in rural areas, but also raised concerns that other drones could damage that infrastructure.
KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — Kearney residents are organizing plans to create a safe spot for rail enthusiasts to watch trains from the south side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
Organizers hope to celebrate the city’s train history by building a platform for train enthusiasts to enjoy a view of the rails.
At one point, the city had two train depots, Union Pacific and Burlington. Both have since been demolished.
The observation deck would be located in a lot of the former Burlington Station.
Organizer Pat Compton says that the visitor attraction would unite with the city’s other historical sites, including the Trails and Rails, the Firefighters Museum and The Archway.
City Manager Mike Morgan says organizers would have to present the idea to the City Council if the city owns the land.
Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 25. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south southwest after midnight.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 73. West southwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest 17 to 22 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 31.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Monday Night
A chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Blustery.
Tuesday
A chance of snow before noon, then a chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Breezy.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s prison system is facing a staffing crisis that it may not be able to overcome amid a statewide nursing shortage and the state’s relatively low wages.
