(AP) — Gun rights advocates are arguing that a proposal to let teachers to carry guns in schools would keep classrooms safe, while education groups say it would increase the danger.
Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial presented the measure Friday to the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. The bill would require special training for teachers and approval by local school boards.
Supporters say the bill would provide an option for schools that may be far from law enforcement, or can’t afford to hire officers.
Bill opponents say other measures, such as school resource officers, are a better way to ensure safety.
Dennis George Razes: Conditional Release Violation
Timothy Leeper
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has made five arrests in connection to a burglary north of North Platte.
According to LCSO Chief Deputy Roland Kramer, on February 26, deputies were called to a residence north of North Platte on the report of a burglary.
It was reported that the residence was being looked after by a neighbor because the elderly owner had recently passed away. The neighbor discovered the front door to the house had been forced open and it appeared property was missing.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the neighbor who said others in the area had seen people leaving the home the previous morning.
Deputies contacted family members and learned that, not only had a large amount of property been taken, the recently departed’s car had also been stolen.
Kramer said deputies launched an extensive investigation and developed multiple suspects. With the assistance of other area law enforcement agencies, several search warrants were executed early Friday morning.
As a result, Kramer said a majority of the stolen property was recovered, including the stolen car and a large amount of cash.
Suspects arrested so far include: 46-year-old Brian Spotts, 43-year-old Kim Spotts, 44-year-old Todd Wickware, 38-year-old Dennis Razes and 24-year-old Timothy Leeper, all of North Platte.
All were questioned and transported to the Lincoln County Detention Center. They are facing charges ranging from burglary to vehicle theft.
“The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office believes this is one of the most despicable crimes one could commit, preying on the elderly,” Kramer said.
Kramer said the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.
Organizers have set a goal of a record-breaking $2.5 million for this year’s Cattlemen’s Ball.
The ball is scheduled for June 6-7 at the Hoot Owl Ranch near the Banner County community of Harrisburg in the Nebraska Panhandle.
The theme for the event is “Corral a Cure for Cancer.”
The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska has been held yearly since 1998 at a different ranch. Ninety percent of the proceeds go toward cancer research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The remainder goes to regional medical organizations.
Tickets are on sale at https://cattlemensball.com/ or by calling 308-235-2289.
(AP) — A defense lawyer says his client didn’t intend for a Scotts Bluff County jail guard to be killed or seriously injured in an attack by another teen inmate.
Attorney William Madelung told a judge Thursday that 16-year-old Guy Eagle Elk told 15-year-old Dylan Cardeilhac how to choke the guard only into unconsciousness so her jail keys could be taken.
Eagle Elk, of Lisco, Neb., is charged with aiding and abetting in the death of 24-year-old Amanda Baker on Feb. 14. Cardeilhac, of Torrington, Wyo., is charged with first-degree murder. Authorities say he lured Baker into his cell and strangled her from behind.
Both boys are charged as adults.
The judge ordered Eagle Elk’s case advanced to district court for trial. Cardeilhac is scheduled for district court arraignment on March 17.
Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Blustery, with a light and variable wind becoming north 16 to 21 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of snow after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 2. Wind chill values as low as -13. North northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Snow likely. Cloudy and cold, with a high near 5. Wind chill values as low as -17. Northeast wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around -5. Wind chill values as low as -19. Northeast wind 5 to 13 mph.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of snow. Cloudy and cold, with a high near 5. North northeast wind around 8 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around -6.
(AP) — A Buffalo County group is planning its own “Hero Flight” to Washington, D.C., for county veterans of the Korean War.
The flight is scheduled to take off on June 4, with the veterans returning to Buffalo County on June 7.
The Planning Committee for the Korean War Hero Flight will announce details at a news conference on Friday.
An Omaha-based organization, Patriotic Productions, is raising money for three March 25 flights for Korean War veterans from across the state. Organizer Bill Williams said Thursday that he remained about $30,000 short of his organization’s goal but expected no problems.
(AP) — Nebraska has reopened a stretch of Interstate 80 in western Nebraska that had been closed so the Air Force could search for some missing ammunition.
A news release sent Thursday by the 90th Missile Wing public affairs at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming says a small amount of ammo had been lost from the rear of a Humvee. The vehicle was being used by a security team traveling to a western Nebraska missile field.
The release says the ammunition has been accounted for, as have other items. The Air Force says the ammo posed no danger to people or other vehicles in the area.
The Interstate was closed from Exits 0 to 9 near Bushnell, about 40 miles east of Cheyenne.
The Nebraska State Patrol says lanes in both directions were reopened by 11:15 a.m. Thursday.
(AP) — A proposed ballot measure to allow casino gambling in Nebraska isn’t going anywhere this year.
The Legislature’s General Affairs Committee opted not to take action on the proposed constitutional amendment. The measure by Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber would have put the question on the November ballot.
The measure would have allocated half of the state gambling-tax revenue to property tax relief, 25 percent to K-12 education, 12 percent to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and 12 percent to water projects. One percent would have gone into a state assistance fund for compulsive gamblers.
It also would have required community approval when a casino was proposed.
Nebraska voters last rejected casino gambling in 2004.
(AP) — A bill that could have thrust lawmakers into the debate over the Central Nebraska Veterans Home move is still stuck in committee.
The Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee postponed a vote Thursday to reconsider the measure. The panel rejected the proposal last week, but agreed to review it again.
Sen. Mike Gloor introduced the bill after Gov. Dave Heineman announced that the state would move the home from Grand Island to Kearney. Gloor, of Grand Island, says his bill addresses the divisive process of picking new government building sites.
The committee has approved revisions to ensure the bill only applies to future projects, but some members want assurances that no one will try to change it back. Another vote is scheduled for Tuesday.
(AP) — Gun rights advocates are arguing that a proposal to let teachers to carry guns in schools would keep classrooms safe, while education groups say it would increase the danger.
