LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The chairwoman of a committee that investigated problems with Nebraska’s public benefits service says the system has improved, but lawmakers should continue their oversight.
Sen. Sara Howard of Omaha said Monday that ACCESS Nebraska has made “notable gains” in the last year, following numerous complaints about long call-waiting times. Howard urged the Legislature’s Executive Board to advance her proposal to create an oversight committee in place of the investigative committee, saying the reforms still need to be monitored.
ACCESS Nebraska was unveiled in 2008 as a more efficient way to help low-income residents apply for and renew public benefits. The initial system reduced the number of case workers who met with residents in person and relied more on a state website and call centers.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is one step closer to commemorating mountain lions on a special license plate that would raise money for youth wildlife education.
Senators gave second-round approval Monday to legislation that would create “mountain lion conservation plates” through the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The measure would impose a $5 fee for the plates, with the revenue going to a state program that educates youth about conservation. Personalized plates would cost $40.
Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, well-known animal lover, has said he introduced the proposal because of the public’s interest in preserving the mountain lion population.
The bill requires one final vote before it goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts.
Three North Platte residents are facing felony charges following a vehicle pursuit on Saturday night.
At around 8:39 p.m., on February 6, North Platte Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies were provided information that Rosendo Duran would be traveling westbound on Interstate 80 in a gray Toyota Camry, and would be arriving in North Platte.
According to Investigator John Deal, the information indicated that Duran, who had an active warrant, had drugs in the vehicle as well as firearms. A short time later, Duran’s vehicle was observed exiting the Interstate at Exit 179.
A trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop as the Camry traveled northbound on Newberry Access, but Duran fled. According to Deal, Duran turned westbound on to Philip Avenue before heading northbound on Welch Street. The chase ended when Duran hit a snowbank near the intersection of 5th and Welch Streets.
Police say Duran fled the scene on foot while a passenger, identified as William Dimas, was taken into custody at the scene. Deal said Dimas was observed throwing an object that was later determined to be a handgun. A second passenger, Alyson Goodman, had jumped out of the moving vehicle near 4th and Welch Streets and was transported to Great Plains Health by a passerby. Deal said her injuries were minor.
A perimeter was established and Duran was eventually located hiding under a vehicle in the 1700 block of East 6th Street.
The Camry was towed, and a search produced scales, bulk quantities of plastic baggies, paraphernalia, and numerous other items used in the distribution of methamphetamine. Deal said suspected methamphetamine was also located in the vehicle.
In the end, Dimas, a convicted felon, was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, Goodman was charged with distribution of a controlled substance and Duran was charged with felony leaving the scene of an injury accident, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, willful reckless driving, hit-and-run and flight to avoid prosecution.
All three were jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center and the investigation is ongoing.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Public Service Commission is seeking applicants for a board that reviews and recommends grant requests for Internet service in underserved parts of the state.
The commission has three vacancies on the Nebraska Internet Enhancement Fund Advisory Board. The seven-member board helps the commission administer the Nebraska Internet Enhancement Fund, created by the Legislature in 2001.
Two of the open seats would represent local telephone companies, while one would represent local governments.
Advisory board positions are unpaid. Applicants should submit a statement of interest and a resume to Nichole Mulcahy at the Nebraska Public Service Commission. Materials can be sent to P.O. Box 94927, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4927, or [email protected]
Applications are due by April 1. More information is available by calling 402-471-3101.
CRAWFORD, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials have decided to suspend a former Crawford teacher’s license for a year because she violated state testing rules last spring.
The state Board of Education unanimously approved the suspension of Ramona Hourt’s certificate Friday.
The Nebraska Professional Practices Commission determined that Hourt violated rules for the state writing test by taking pictures of students’ computer screens, discussing answers with students and making writing suggestions during the test.
Hourt said in a letter to the board that she was encouraging students during the test and didn’t believe she was giving them answers.
Hourt apologized for her actions and resigned from the Crawford school district last year.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Advocates for survivors of sexual assaults in Nebraska say some victims mistakenly receive statements for medical costs of sexual assault exams, despite state and federal law prohibiting such notices.
A measure proposed to the Nebraska Legislature would create a state fund for the charges that pile up when a victim reports a sexual assault, ensuring survivors will not be charged with paying for going to the hospital.
Suzanne Gage, a spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office, which is backing the bill, said Nebraska’s current system has been leading to questions about who pays and when. The proposal would shift the onus off of law enforcement and instead would use a pool of private, state and federal money to pay for up to $200 for the examiner’s fee and up to $300 for the examination facility.
LOUP CITY, Neb. (AP) — A former Loup City teacher accused of hiding cameras in the Loup City Public Schools girls locker room has pleaded not guilty.
Anthony Rahe entered the plea Thursday to 15 counts in Sherman County District Court.
Rahe’s trial is set to begin April 11. The charges against him include unlawful intrusion, possession of child pornography and manufacturing a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.
The 24-year-old Rahe was arrested on Oct. 9. He remains free on bond.
District officials say a student reported finding the camera in the girls locker room on Oct. 8. Investigators say school security camera footage implicates Rahe. Rahe was suspended and has been barred from the school campus.
KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — Central Community College officials say they may break ground earlier than expected on a new Kearney campus, thanks to a campaign that has so far raised $8.5 million.
Foundation Executive Director Dean Moors said construction on the $23.3 million campus will hopefully begin “yet this spring.”
Moors says that date could be moved up if the college can hit its $10 million goal in outside contributions. Moors says a $1.5 million donation was confirmed Friday from the William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation in Omaha.
The college plans to use $13.3 million from reserves and bonds, in addition to the $10 million in private funds in hopes to raise, to pay for the new addition.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The chairwoman of a committee that investigated problems with Nebraska’s public benefits service says the system has improved, but lawmakers should continue their oversight.
