Local – Page 932 – North Platte Post Archive

Neb. AG Bruning, Others Offer Tips to Avoid Fraud

Posted on March 3, 2014

(AP) — Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning and others are warning about fraud and financial scams that can be heartbreaking for victims.

The announcement on Monday coincides with National Consumer Protection Week.

Common scams include foreign lotteries or fraudulent sweepstakes that may involve paying a fee or taxes before being allowed to collect winnings.

Lincoln Postmaster Kerry Kowalski says scam victims tend to be older and trusting.

Kowalski says relatives should check the mail or call logs of parents and grandparents to see if there are any recurring charges.

Better Business Bureau President Jim Hegarty suggests monitoring bank statements and credit card statements on a daily basis.

Heineman: Plenty of Money Available for Tax Cuts

Posted on March 3, 2014

(AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman says Nebraska has plenty of money available for tax cuts, but it’s up to lawmakers to pass them.

The Republican governor on Monday repeated his call for measures that would lower income and property taxes. Heineman says taxes should remain the Legislature’s top priority.

Several tax-related measures have advanced out of legislative committees, but not yet reached the floor. One would add $25 million a year to Nebraska’s property tax credit program. Another would ensure Nebraska’s income-tax brackets keep pace with inflation. A third bill to exempt farm machinery and equipment from sales taxes is awaiting final approval.

Heineman says he’d like to see even more funding for the credit program, which is used to offset local property taxes.

Adams Middle School Placed on Lockdown for Canine Search

Posted on March 3, 2014March 3, 2014

Adams Middle School, in North Platte, was placed on lockdown this morning so a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department K-9 could search lockers at the school.

According to Principal Jeff Steinbeck, the North Platte Public School District policy manual states that, “Students should not expect privacy regarding items placed in or on school property, because school property is subject to search at any time by school officials.”

Steinbeck said, in an email to parents, that the K-9 was used to search lockers in the student hallways and locker rooms.

“The procedure was conducted to ensure the safety of the Adams Middle School students and staff,” Steinbeck said.

Those with questions or concerns should contact the Adams Middle School office at (308) 535-7112.

There are no confirmed reports of any contraband being located.

*THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY*

‘Dresses for a Cause Prom Boutique’ to Assist in Breaking Cycle of Abuse in Lincoln Co.

Posted on March 3, 2014

It’s prom season, and area high school students are looking for the perfect dress.

The Lincoln County Child Abuse Prevention Council would like to help them accomplish that goal.

The 2014 Dresses for a Cause Prom Boutique will be held Saturday, March 8 and Saturday, March 15 at the Platte River Mall.

The Boutique will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Boutique will feature new and gently used prom dresses and accessories for $20 or less.

Organizers say the proceeds from Dresses for a Cause will assist the Council in fulfilling its mission to provide a healthy community dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect, and promoting the safety of all children.

A portion of the proceeds will also go to the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center.

For more information, visit www.lincolncountychildren.com or email council@lincolncountychildren.com.

Nebraska Working on Statewide Testing Problem

Posted on March 3, 2014

(AP) — Nebraska officials have been working with a state contractor to solve technical problems that hampered statewide writing tests earlier this year.

Eighth- and 11th-grade students in at least 87 districts were affected during testing over a three-week period in January and February.

The head of statewide testing for Nebraska says the source of the problems has been pinpointed. Officials intend to have them fixed before students take statewide reading, math and science tests this spring.

Valorie Foy is director of statewide assessment, and she says about 500 students lost work and 1,000 were shut out or kicked off the program for 40 minutes on Jan. 23. Those 1,500 students represent a little more than 3 percent of the state’s 44,000 eighth- and 11th-grade students.

State Child Porn Charges Dropped Against Alliance Man

Posted on March 3, 2014March 3, 2014

(AP) — A former Alliance hospital executive won’t be tried by the state on child pornography charges.

The case has been dismissed because federal charges were filed Feb. 21 against 65-year-old James “Jim” Parks. He’s been indicted on charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography between June 9 and Aug. 8 last year.

Parks’ state trial in Box Butte County District Court had been scheduled to begin April 28. He’d pleaded not guilty.

He is a former member of Alliance’s Police/Citizen Advisory Board.

The Nebraska State Patrol says an investigation began after a report from Box Butte General Hospital officials raised questions about information found on Parks’ work computer. Authorities say there was evidence that Parks and another man had exchanged videos and photos that depicted children sexually.

Authorities Investigate Death of Panhandle Man, 77

Posted on March 3, 2014

(AP) — Authorities have been investigating the death of a 77-year-old Nebraska man who was found by his wife under a four-wheeler ATV in a Panhandle pasture.

Dawes County authorities say no crime is suspected in the death of Garold “Toad” Smith, who was custodian for years at the Dawes County Courthouse in Chadron. His wife told investigators that he was unresponsive when she found him around 6:15 p.m. Thursday.

The pasture is about 20 miles southwest of Chadron.

Midwest Economic Survey Index Drops Slightly

Posted on March 3, 2014

(AP) — A monthly economic index for nine Midwestern and Plains states has dropped slightly but still suggests growth over the next three to six months.

The overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index fell to 57.4 in February from 57.7 in January.

Looking six months ahead, the business confidence portion of the overall index also dropped last month. It hit a still strong 59.7 in February, compared with 62.2 in January.

The survey results from supply managers are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth, while a score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

2 NP Men Charged After Cops Find Meth and Money

Posted on March 3, 2014

Two North Platte men are behind bars following a report of subjects selling drugs out of a local trailer house.

According to Investigator John Deal, North Platte Police responded to a trailer house in the 2400 block of West 9th at around 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, after they received a report that subjects were selling drugs out of the residence.

Responding officers made contact with two residents, 28-year-old Daniel Endicott and 43-year-old Harry Stately.

During a search of the residence, officers located several grams of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a large sum of cash.

Police placed Endicott and Stately under arrest and charged them with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and money and controlled substances violations.

Both are being held at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

NPPD Crime Log (Feb. 28-Mar. 2)

Posted on March 3, 2014

COURTESY OF THE NORTH PLATTE POLICE DEPARTMENT

02/28/2014