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March Traffic Deaths in Neb. Double Last Year’s Numbers

Posted on April 17, 2014

Traffic deaths on Nebraska roadways in March were more than double the numbers seen in 2013.

The Nebraska Department of Roads reports 18 traffic deaths in March of 2014. Last Year, there were seven.

NDOR provided that following stats:

The 18 fatalities occurred in 17 crashes
Eleven of the 14 vehicle occupants killed were not using safety belts
Three fatalities occurred in the Interstate, seven happened on non-Interstate Highways and eight took place on local roads
Thirteen of the fatalities occurred in rural areas
Seven of the fatalities occurred in vehicle rollovers
Seven of the fatalities were age 24 or younger
Two of the fatalities were pedestrians
One fatality was a motorcyclist
One fatality was a bicyclist

There have been a total of 47 fatalities so far this year, compared to 48 this time last year.

Law enforcement officials strongly encourage all vehicle occupants to wear seatbelts.

Applicants Sought for Neb. Natural Resources Commission

Posted on April 17, 2014

(AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman is seeking applicants for the new, expanded Nebraska Natural Resources Commission.

A new law approved on Wednesday will increase the number of commission members from 16 to 27.

The new members are required to represent different water interests. Applicants are being sought to represent agriculture, agribusiness, irrigation districts, manufacturing, outdoor recreation, public power districts, irrigation districts, range livestock owners, wildlife conservation interests and a Lincoln resident who is interested in water issues.

Applicants should send names and applications Kathleen Dolezal in the governor’s office, at P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509. They also can email them to Kathleen.Dolezal@nebraska.gov.

Applications are available on the governor’s website, or by calling the governor’s office. They’re due by close of business on May 6.

NSP to Consolidate Dispatch Centers

Posted on April 17, 2014

The first phase of a three phase plan to consolidate the Nebraska State Patrol Communications (dispatch) Centers from six to three is underway.

“The consolidation of our Communications Centers is something we have been researching for the past couple of years,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Technological advancements have made it possible to begin the process of dispatching our calls for service in a more efficient and cost effective manner.”

The Agency will consolidate its Troop B- Norfolk Communications Center in mid-May. Calls for service from Troop B will be dispatched out of Headquarters Troop-Lincoln. Headquarters Troop-Lincoln began dispatching overnight calls for Troop B in January in preparation for the consolidation. Currently, Troop B is being dispatched out of Headquarters Troop more than half of the time.

Colonel Sankey said, “While change is often difficult and a period of adjustment is expected, we recognize the hard work and dedication of our Communications Center employees and thank them for their professionalism during the transition.”

The second phase of the Consolidation plan will be implemented by the summer of 2015. A Consolidation Committee will meet to determine the second center to close. Consolidating from six to three Communications Centers is expected to result in a cost savings of $750,000.

Sarah Palin to Join Ben Sasse in Visit to NP

Posted on April 17, 2014

Like her or love her, we’ve all heard of Sarah Palin. And North Platte residents will soon have the chance to see her in person.

The campaign for United State Senate candidate, Ben Sasse, announced Thursday that Palin will be joining Sasse in North Platte.

According to a news release, Sasse, Palin, former Nebraska Governor Kay Orr, Senator Mike Lee and Sasse supporters will all visit Scouts Rest Ranch on April 25th.

“It’s a special thing to host Governor Palin and Senator Lee in the same place Nebraska hosted President Reagan in 1987,” said Governor Orr. “We are so proud to bring these great Reagan conservatives to Scout’s Rest Ranch to support Ben Sasse.”

Orr, then Governor of Nebraska, hosted President Reagan’s visit to North Platte.

Palin officialy endorsed Sasse on March 13th, saying, “Ben Saase is the clear conservative choice in the Nebraska Senate race. Ben knows how dysfunctional Washing is. He’s witnessed firsthand the corrosive effect bad government policies can have, and he knows that Obamacare is as bad as it gets.”

Sasse worked as an Assistant Secretary of Health under President George W. Bush, and is currently the President of Midlands University in Fremont.

Sasse is running in a competitive Republican primary against Sid Dinsdale, Clifton Johnson, Bart McLeay and former Nebraska State Treasurer, Shane Osborn.

UNK to Develop New University Village

Posted on April 17, 2014

(AP) — College officials say a Kearney football practice field and a cornfield will be transformed into a new University Village over the next 10 to 20 years.

The 104-acre development will be nearly as big as the main campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Long-term plans include several student housing options, public residential areas, restaurants, retailers, office spaces, a park, nature areas, softball fields and a recreation complex.

Construction on a new student housing complex could begin as soon as next year, replacing the aging University Heights off-campus apartment complex. UNK plans to sell University Heights and use the proceeds to help develop University Village.

The University Village project has been discussed since 2008. The estimated cost is between $400 million and $500 million.

NPPD Crime Log (4/16-4/17)

Posted on April 17, 2014

Courtesy of the North Platte Police Department

04/16/2014