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Starting this week: Unemployment benefits change

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans who are on unemployment are expected to lose some extended benefits starting this week.

Local media reports the federal government is phasing out the benefits, which allowed some unemployed workers to collect as much as 53 extra weeks of compensation.

The Nebraska Department of Labor estimates the change will affect between 200 and 250 people per week.

The emergency federal benefits went into effect in late summer 2008, in response to the recession and high unemployment. They have been extended several times, but are set to expire at the end of 2012.

Position of inspector general of Nebraska child welfare…filled.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The new position of inspector general of Nebraska child welfare has been filled.

A news release from the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee says Julie Rogers has been selected for the position, which was authorized by a measure approved this past session.

Under the measure, the inspector general has jurisdiction to investigate state and private agencies that serve children as a part of the state’s child welfare system.

The position is affiliated with the Nebraska Ombudsman’s Office and so is part of the legislative branch.

Rogers, who has a law degree, currently is community planning coordinator for the Juvenile Justice Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

She begins her duties on July 23.

Not interested in missing Garbage Pickup? 4th of July Garbage Service Hours

(North Platte)- Pay attention to this post regarding garbage pick up over the week of the 4th of July. 

A Public Service Department News Release says:Some refuse collections will be delayed and others could be earlier than usual due to the July 4th Holiday which falls on a Wednesday this year. Please have your carts in place for collection one day earlier than usual to avoid being missed. the Transfer Station will be closed Wednesday July 4th.

I know that I am going to put my garbage out two days in advance because I live by one simple rule “what can go wrong, will go wrong” not saying that it will.

Wednesday Weather: Today’s going to be a Breeze!

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a north northeast wind between 15 and 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. North northwest wind between 12 and 15 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.

Fire destroys well-known North Platte mans home. How you can help.

NORTH PLATTE- On June 4, 2012 a devasting fire completely destroyed the home of Larry Lee Britton of North Platte.

He was not home at the time and was not injured, but all his possessions were completely wiped out within a short time. Larry had collected and retained many irreplaceable items including original writings and works of Buffalo Bill Cody.  His historical collection of North Platte included thousands of photos and documents, tracking and chronicling the progress of the City.  All of this is now gone as well as all clothing, furniture and personal items.

Larry is a life-long resident of North Platte who is known for his personal generosity to others.

If you wish to help Larry in this situation, an account has been set up at Farmers State Bank in North Platte.

418 N Dewey

P.O. Box808

North Platte, Ne 69103-0808

SURPRISE TRUCK INSPECTION IN NORTH PLATTE

(North Platte, Neb.)- The Nebraska State Patrol conducted surprise commercial vehicle inspections today, Tuesday, June 19, in North Platte.  The surprise inspections target commercial vehicles that might not travel outside the city or pass through weigh stations as part of their regular routes.

 

During the special enforcement effort, the Metropolitan Aggressive and Prevention Selective (MAPS) Teams conducted 69 inspections, discovered 281 violations, and took 38 vehicles out of service (not allowed to continue on the road).  Vehicles are placed out of service for a variety of reasons relating to bad brakes or tires, or other problems that pose immediate safety risks. In addition, two drivers were taken out of service (not allowed to continue driving) for No Operator’s License (1), Driving Under Suspension (1).  Officers issued a total of $ 4,075 in fines.

 

“The MAPS Team ensures truck operators who rarely leave the city limits are maintaining their vehicles and abiding by safety regulations,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While most truck owners and operators share our concern for safety, we know some think they can ignore safety standards as long as they avoid the weigh stations. The MAPS Team extends our reach into cities and towns across the state.”

 

This was the 5th MAPS Team event of 2012. Inspections have also been conducted in Lincoln, Grand Island, Sarpy County and Omaha this year.  More surprise inspections are planned throughout the spring and summer in cities and towns across Nebraska.

 

The MAPS Team is funded largely by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Troopers check for compliance with federal safety regulations and enforce laws pertaining to weight, size, registration, dyed fuels, and permits associated with commercial vehicles. The MAPS Team was implemented in 1998 and consists of 36 troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division. On average, 20-24 troopers work each MAPS event.

Fun things to do for Kids Fun Festival at the Wild West Arena

Today the Wild West Arena is hosting Kids Fun Festival, presented by Great Plains Regional Medical Center. The best part about The Kids Festival is that it’s free! It kicked off this morning and went strong until 2PM. The Fun Fest will start again tonight (June 19th) again at 5 and closes at 8pm

Take the kids out after work tonight, there’s plenty free fun, which includes two bounce houses, bean bag toss, a petting zoo, and games! Treat the kid tonight with some carnival rides while you’re at it, then wrap it up with an a viewing of Mutton Bustin’ at 7PM, at the Wild West Area for $15.00. It’s almost the end of Nebraskaland Days so take advantage of the fun events while you can!

Former Kimball City Councilman Scott Haun Sentenced for Attempted Sexual Assault(Update)

GERING, Neb. (AP) — A former Kimball city councilman has been sentenced to 14 to 20 years in prison for attempted sexual assault of a teenage boy.

Forty-nine-year-old Scott Haun was sentenced on Monday in Scotts Bluff County District Court in Gering.

He was charged in October with first-degree sexual assault. He pleaded no contest to the lesser charge in April.

Haun was on the Kimball City Council for 12 years. He resigned prior to his plea hearing.

Authorities have said he admitted to performing a sex act on the 14-year-old boy while visiting the boy’s mother in rural Scotts Bluff County. The boy’s mother has said her son is mentally disabled.

Trooper injured during Alliance standoff leaves hospital

ALLIANCE, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska state trooper shot during a standoff at a drugstore in the Panhandle has left a hospital.

Trooper Tim Flick is the last of four people wounded during the standoff to leave Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance.

Hospital spokeswoman Bonnie Wallace told Scottsbluff media that Flick was released over the weekend.

A hostage shot as he escaped on June 12, 62-year-old Charles Lierk, and 43-year-old Alliance police officer Kirk Felker were released Thursday. Alliance officer Matt Shannon was treated at the hospital and released the day of the shootings.

The 14-hour standoff began when 27-year-old Andres Gonzalez tried to rob Thiele Pharmacy & Gifts.

Gonzalez died after a shootout with officers. Officers found his father dead at home earlier that day.

one of seventy nine stolen Lincoln handguns shows up during arrest in Northern California

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Police say a handgun stolen from a Lincoln store has turned up during an arrest of a man in Northern California.

The .40-caliber handgun was one of 79 stolen in October 2007 when two teenagers broke into the Scheels store at SouthPointe Pavilions shopping center in Lincoln.Local media says the gun was found Monday in a car after a 25-year-old man was pulled over for speeding down U.S. Highway 101 in Petaluma.

Authorities have recovered all but 29 of the weapons.

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