A North Platte man is in jail on several charges after he led deputies on a short pursuit then fled on foot.

At around 6:44 p.m on Thursday, a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle with a headlight out traveling near Rodeo Road and Adams Streets in North Platte.

When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver began to speed away and a pursuit ensued.  The pursuit ended when the vehicle drove into a drainage ditch on the southwest corner of 14th and Adams Streets.

The driver then fled the vehicle on foot, while three passengers remained in the vehicle.

The passengers identified the driver as 20-year-old Garrett Gray and told deputies he resided near Buffalo Elementary School on West 15th Street.

Deputies responded to the area and observed Gray driving near the house in a different vehicle.

At around the same time, dispatchers told deputies a vehicle had just been stolen in the area.

Gray was stopped and placed under arrest on charges of felony possession of stolen property, willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest, leaving the scene of the accident.

Gray was transported to Great Plains Regional Medical Center before being jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Deputies say Gray admitted to running for them and stealing a car.

Chief Deputy, Roland Kramer, said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the case and more charges my be coming.

A North Platte man is facing a felony sexual assault charge after he allegedly fondled a teenage girl.

On November 22nd, North Platte Police responded to the 300 block of West 4th Street on the report of a sexual assault.

The officer was told that 41-year-old Thomas Barnes had fondled the breasts of a female under the age of 15.

An interview with the victim was conducted at the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center.

The victim indicated that her parents are friends with Barnes and she had visited his house in the 2300 block of East Philip with them.

At one point, the victim said she went into a bedroom and laid down.  She said she awoke to find Barnes laying beside her and fondling her breasts.

Officers determined there was probable cause to arrest Barnes and made contact with him on Thursday, December 5th.

Barnes was placed under arrest and charged with 3rd degree sexual assault of a child.

NPPD Investigator, John Deal, says 3rd degree sexual assault of a child occurs when a subject over the age of 18 has sexual contact with someone 14 years of age or younger.

The North Platte Community College Events Management class is hosting Breakfast at Dinnertime with the jolly ‘ol elf himself, Santa.

The event will take place Saturday, December 7th at 5:00 p.m., and will be held at the North Platte Salvation Army, 1020 North Adams.

The meal will cost $15.00 per family, however, if you bring a canned food item to donate, you’ll save $3.00.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the North Platte Salvation Army.

Come help those in need, enjoy a fantastic meal and hang out with Saint Nick.

A respected surgeon who worked in North Platte and McCook has been killed in a Colorado traffic accident.

Dr. Scott Carroll died in the accident near Denver on Wednesday.

A native of Paxton, Dr. Carroll was associated with North Platte Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, where he specialized in surgery of the hand.

Dr. Carroll began working at Great Plains Region Medical Center in 2008 and was also a visiting doctor at McCook Community Hospital.

The Colorado State Patrol has not released any details of the crash.

 

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Farmers Union plans to mark its centennial at its annual conference that will feature presentations on several issues farmers are concerned about.

The conference will be held at the midtown Holiday Inn in Grand Island on Friday and Saturday.

At one of the presentations, a panel of experts will offer farmers advice about how to buy health insurance under the reforms that are taking effect.

Democratic candidate for governor Chuck Hassebrook will also speak at the conference and take questions from farmers on Saturday morning.

And ethanol industry executives will give an update on the industry. The EPA has proposed reducing the amount of ethanol required in the nation’s fuel supply for the first time since 2007, and critics are again questioning ethanol’s value.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — A Scottsbluff man who was being tried on drug and related charges has been accused of trying to bribe a juror.

According to court records, 33-year-old Brian Ross was charged Wednesday with soliciting a juror, a felony.

Scotts Bluff County Attorney Doug Warner says Ross had spoken to the juror as he arrived at the courthouse Wednesday morning. The juror reported the conversation during the lunch break and was replaced by an alternate.

The jury convicted Ross later in the day of felony possession of methamphetamine and two other crimes. He was acquitted of another charge.

Ross’ attorney didn’t immediately return a call Thursday from The Associated Press.

A North Platte woman, who was recently arrested for possession of meth, has been charged with felony child abuse after follicle samples from two children tested positive for drugs.

According to North Platte Police, Rosa Quintero was arrested on the possession charge on November 12th.

Shortly thereafter, police received information that two children, ages two and seven, had been exposed to narcotics.

Follicle samples were taken from the children and sent for testing.  The results were positive for methamphetamine and THC, the high-producing chemical in marijuana.

Quintero was processed and released from the Lincoln County Detention Center on Wednesday.

Police did not say what was done with the children.

Fur the Love of PAWS is inviting the public to their 1st Annual Soup Fur Paws event to benefit local animals and the North Platte Animal Shelter.

The event will be held Sunday, December 8th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Eagle Club in North Platte.

Organizers say diners will be able to enjoy a variety of eight homemade soups from Bailey’s American Cuisine, Pop Corner and Heidi’s Restaurant, all for a free-will donation.  The meal will also include a garden salad, choice of bread, dessert and a drink.

Additionally, each diner will receive one free ticket for the FURtastic Gift Certificate Basket Giveaway.  This large basket will include a collection of gift certificates and other prizes from businesses all around the community.  Additional tickets for the drawing can also be purchased.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fur the Love of PAWS organization and the North Platte Animal Shelter, and will help animals in need in the community.