News

Pinnacle Bank Arena To Hold Job Fair
Would you like to work at the new Pinnacle Bank Arena? SMG Lincoln is holding a job fair next Monday, June 24, and Tuesday, June 25, at Pershing Center. The event will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Arena General Manager Tom Lorenz says SMG is looking to hire part-time support staff for operations, technology, engineering, event services, box office and parking. 

Lancaster County Sheriff's Department Investigates Rollover Crash
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Department is investigating a single-vehicle rollover crash that happened around 11:30 p.m. Monday night.  Sheriff Terry Wagner says the vehicle was traveling on Highway 79 between Rock Creek and West Davey Roads, when the road curved and the vehicle continued to travel straight and rolled over into a ditch. 

Grease Starts Fire In Duplex Over Lunch Hour
Lincoln Fire & Rescue were called to a house fire just after 11 a.m. Tuesday morning in the College View area. Fire Captain Scott Bastin says two people were in the upper part of a duplex at 3826 South 47th when a grease fire started on the kitchen stove. The fire had already done some damage to a wall before firefighters arrived. Bastin says fire crews were able to contain the fire quickly...

Lincoln Police Continue Gas Station Robbery Investigation
Lincoln police are investigating another armed robbery that happened Monday night around 11:30 p.m. at the Casey's on 70th and Adams. Officer Katie Flood says a man armed with a knife, demanded money and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.  A female clerk and a male employee were in the business at the time, but no one was hurt.

Lincoln Emergency Services Prepare For Plane Crash With Drill
In case you notice a plane surrounded by a lot of emergency personnel around the airport Wednesday afternoon, don't be worried.  City officials want you to know there will be a large training exercise around 2 p.m. at Northwest 27th & West Vine.  It will be a plane-down simulation...

Two Men Suspected In Auto Salvage Burglary
Police suspect two men caught running outside Kendle's Auto Salvage at 100 West Sumner may have intended to break into the business. Officer Katie Flood says a neighbor noticed the men park a green Ford Pickup at 1st & Garfield and walk towards the auto salvage business. When police arrived just before 4a, they heard someone running through the trees.

NE Lincoln Convenience Store Robbed At Knifepoint
An armed robber is wanted after holding up the Casey's at 70th and Adams late Monday night. Lincoln Police Captain Michon Morrow tells KFOR News around 11:30pm, a female clerk was standing by the door, when a man came up and threatened her with a knife, demanding money from the safe.

Suspicious Activity Lands Two Men In Custody
Hard to say if they were trying to break in or not, but two men are in custody and another is being sought after someone saw suspicious activity outside of a southwest Lincoln salvage yard. It happened near Kendle's Auto Salvage at 100 West Sumner Street around 3:45am Tuesday.

Albright Found Not Guilty In 2012 Murder
A Lincoln murder trial ends on the sixth day. Jurors deliberating the entire afternoon on Monday found Joshua Albright not guilty in the August 2012 stabbing death of Benjamin Miller near 59th and Madison. The two got into a fight over a girl.

Hazmat Crews Find Powdery Substance At Lincoln's Homeland Security Offices
Hazardous Materials crews were dispatched to the Homeland Security Department offices in downtown Lincoln, after powder was found in an envelope. Around 11pm Monday, a worker discovered the powder when handling mail.

Man Jailed In Lincoln First Murder Of 2013
Lincoln Police have arrested 21-year-old Michael Arellano, Jr. on charges connected with a fatal shooting that happened over the weekend. Chief Jim Peschong says officers were called to 316 West Saunders for reports of gunshots. During their investigation, police learned a verbal argument between the murder victim and another man spilled outside, where it became physical, then violent.

Johanns Co-Sponsoring Amendment To Hire Vets For Border Security
Another idea on how to secure the country's borders. It's part of the debate on a comprehensive immigration bill. Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns and Democrat Mark Pryor of Arkansas today co-sponsored an amendment to the bill that would encourage the hiring of veterans to serve in border security positions.

Stromsburg Woman Sentenced For Waco Bank Robbery
A Nebraska woman who made a video in which she gleefully described robbing a bank has been given 10 to 20 years in prison. Twenty-year-old Hannah Sabata, of Stromsburg, was sentenced on Monday in York County District Court. In May she'd pleaded guilty to robbery after a charge of theft was dismissed. 

New LPS Headquarters Ready In July
In three weeks, some of the 250 Lincoln Public Schools' employees working for the district office will start to move into the new headquarters at 5905 "O" Street. Work is winding down on the project started months after the original building burned down on Memorial Day weekend in 2011. KFOR News got a tour of the facility Monday, led by LPS Director of Facilities Scott Wieskamp.

Deadly Shootings In Lincoln and Omaha
A 21-year-old man remains in jail in connection with a weekend shooting which left one man dead and another man injured. Michael Arellano Jr. was arrested Saturday in the shooting of 38 year old Shane Christopher Newman in the 300 block of West Saunders Avenue, but investigators haven't indicated whether he's the shooter. 

Authorities Say Son Fatally Shot Father
A man is shot dead trying to break into his son's house. It happened about 30 miles northeast of Lincoln in the tiny town of Wabash. Cass County Sheriff's deputies say 61 year old Gary Bouzek, tried breaking into his 36-year-old estranged son's house early Sunday morning and was shot by David Bouzek. 

Lifetime Registered Sex Offender Caught Exposing Himself
A registered sex offender is accused of exposing himself to three kids at a Lincoln park. Police say 55 year old Hughie Perdew exposed himself Saturday night at University Place Park, off North 48th Street. An off duty officer riding her bike in the park saw kids yelling and running away from the man.

NE Guard Called To Help Fight Colorado Fires
A Nebraska Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter and crew spent less than 24 hours helping fight wildfires near Colorado Springs. The call to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency came in Saturday.

City Of Alliance Considering Buying Carhenge
Officials in Alliance are recommending the northwest Nebraska city take ownership of Carhenge, the Stonehenge replica made out of junked cars.  Alliance City Manager J.D. Cox and Alliance Visitors Bureau director Kevin Howard began studying the matter after the Friends of Carhenge offered to give the attraction and 10 surrounding acres to the city. 

Secretary Of State Warns Of Mail Scam
There's a questionable mailer making the rounds in Nebraska, and Secretary of State John Gale wants you to know it's a scam. The direct-mail piece, titled the "2013 Annual Minutes Form", is being sent to Nebraska corporations from a business called Corporate Records Service. The mailing urges business corporations to file information and send $125 to maintain proper records.   

Video Surveillance Shows Possible Witness To Sex Assault
There may be a possible lead in a sex assault case that happened a week ago. Officer Katie Flood says video surveillance indicates someone may have witnessed the incident. Last Friday around 1am, a 16-year-old girl was riding her bike to a friend's house under the north 27th Street viaduct, just south of Cornhusker. She reported a man grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her. 

Wright Named New LPS Security Director
The new security director for Lincoln Public Schools is a Lincoln cop. Capt. Joe Wright has worked with the Lincoln Police Department since 1986. He tells KFOR NEWS his skills in threat assessment will serve him well and help in looking for behaviors in people that indicate they have an issue which they may need help with in their lives and go in a safe direction.

Midland University To Purchase Old Dana College Land
Midland University of Fremont will acquire full control of the former Dana College Campus in Blair as of July 19th. The sale of Dana property completes the 2nd phase of a 4-phase redevelopment plan. Midland President, Ben Sasse says they will not only restore the Dana campus, but upgrading facilities and enhancing student housing.

Time Capsules Buried At Memorial Stadium
Fifty time capsules have been buried on the east side of Memorial Stadium in honor of 50 sell-out seasons of Husker football. The capsules were put in storage bins and slowly laid to the ground. Husker fans put all sorts of memorabilia into the capsules. Some guessed what ticket prices will be in 50 years or what the uniforms will look like.

Health and Human Services Offering Fans for People in Need
It's not hot yet, but before it heats up, the state Health and Human Services Department wants to line up fans for people who can't keep cool any other way, but can't afford one. HHS is working with more than 60 organizations in nearly 40 counties to get fans to people who need them. A person must be at least 70 years of age or susceptible to heat because of a medical

More Lead Tests Sought In Lincoln Neighborhood
A former lead recycling company may have left behind higher-than-normal lead levels in residential yards in a Lincoln neighborhood. Recent state testing showed lead in the soil under the parking lot next to the Nebraska Champions Club at Memorial Stadium and in the yards of some homes in the North Bottoms neighborhood to the northwest.

Suspicious Powder Found At Lancaster County DMV
Something wasn't quite right about an envelope that showed up at the 46th and "R" Street office of the Lancaster County Department of Motor Vehicles. The manager put the envelope in a sealed, plastic bag and sent it to the state office on Centennial Mall. No one there recognized the envelope either and called Lincoln Fire and Rescue.

Fatal Crash Near Elmwood Still Under Investigation
Autopsy results may provide clues as to why a Syracuse man was driving erattically Tuesday night, crossing the center line of Highway 34 near Elmwood and slamming his pickup head-on into a Weeping Water ambulance. Investigators say 24-year-old William Whitlatch, Jr. was killed.

Nebraska Winter Wheat Crop Forecast Increases
Authorities have raised their forecast for Nebraska's winter wheat crop, but the harvest still is expected to be the lowest since 1944. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's statistics service says that, based on June 1 conditions, Nebraska's farmers are expected to harvest 45.5 million bushels. 

Pilot OK After Plane Skids Off Runway
An Oregon man suffered minor injuries when he crashed his plane at a northwest Nebraska airport. The crash occurred a little before 7 a.m. Wednesday at Chadron Municipal Airport. Chadron Police Chief Tim Lordino says 66-year-old William G. Earl, of Jacksonville, Ore., was attempting to take off when he had a mechanical problem with the cockpit canopy that caused the plane to nose back down on to the runway. 

Nebraska Awards $1.93M In Tire Cleanup Grants
Nebraska is awarding $1.93 million in grants to support more than 100 tire recycling and cleanup projects throughout the state. Department of Environmental Quality director Mike Linder says the grant money comes from a $1 fee for every new tire purchased in Nebraska. Nebraska residents generate more than 1.5 million scrap tires each year, according to the department. 

Sunday Scientist To Explore Potter-Style Chemistry
The next Sunday with a Scientist program at the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History is inspired by the magical chemistry in the books and movies about "Harry Potter." The event is scheduled to run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at Morrill Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. "Chemistry-Harry Potter Style" will be led by Rebecca Lai.

Hastings Offers Bid for Veterans Home
Hastings is offering more than $8 million as part of its bid to secure a new Nebraska veterans home, a state project that's expected to generate high-paying jobs and other economic benefits.

Ambulance-Pickup Collision Kills Two People
Authorities say at least two people have been fatally injured and three others hurt in a collision between an ambulance and a pickup in eastern Nebraska. The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. Highway 34 near Elmwood. Cass County Sheriff William Brueggemann says deputies had been trying to find the pickup because of a report about an erratic driver.

Witnesses and Investigators Testify In Murder Trial
Day three of Joshua Albright's trial continues on Wednesday. The 28-year-old Lincoln man is accused of stabbing and killing 30-year-old Benjamin Miller in August 2012 outside a home near 59th and Madison.  The fight stemmed over a woman both men had been dating.  On Tuesday, neighbors and investigating officers took the stand.

Tornado Suspected In Nebraska Panhandle Damage
A tornado is suspected of damaging houses and outbuildings in a rural area of the northern Nebraska Panhandle. The National Weather Service says the twister was reported just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday about 19 miles south-southwest of Chadron. No injuries have been reported. Law enforcement reported the twister about seven miles southwest of Red Cloud Campground.

No Vote Yet On Entertainment District Plan
The Lincoln City Council has begun defining boundaries for a downtown entertainment district. Members decided not to vote Monday. Instead...they will wait a week. Right now, the entertainment district would be in the 7th and R area. The district is anchored by the Pinnacle Bank Arena, expected to be completed in August, a month ahead of time. Some downtown bar owners are watching closely.

Fischer and Johanns Vote For Farm Bill
Both of Nebraska's Republican U.S. Senators have voted for the new multi-year Farm Bill. Senator Deb Fischer said, "failure to pass this legislation would cause America’s agriculture policies to revert back to those of the World War II era."

Murder Trial Underway For 2012 Stabbing Death
The trial for murder suspect Joshua Albright is underway. The 28 year old Lincoln man is accused in the stabbing death of 30-year-old Benjamin Miller near 59th and Madison in August 2012, after getting into a fight over a woman. After a longer than expected jury selection, opening statements started Monday afternoon.

Sheehy To Pay Full Fine For Misuse of State-issued Cellphone
Former Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine for improper use of a state cellphone as part of a settlement with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission. Commission members voted 8-0 to impose the civil penalty after ruling that Sheehy had used the phone for purposes other than state business.

Lincoln Man Causes Major Collision, Bellevue Woman Dies
A Lincoln man was allegedly driving so fast in Omaha in a stolen pickup, the first car he hit was pushed for nearly a block. A woman in that vehicle has died. Omaha Police say 28 year old Jefferson Potter faces a manslaughter charge for Friday's high speed crashes which killed Jennifer Siemens of Bellevue. 

Man Jailed For Breaking Breathalyzer Machine
An intoxicated man fought the law early Sunday morning and the law definitely won. Lincoln Police took the man, 28-year-old Jason Hansen, to Cornhusker Place Detox for a formal breathalyzer test. Hansen refused, instead shoving the testing machine off the table and onto the floor, breaking the $6,000 machine.

GI's Finance Director Arrested For DUI, Fleeing
The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested another Grand Island City official. Over the weekend, troopers booked Finance Director Jaye Monter for driving while intoxicated, fleeing to avoid arrest, leaving the scene of an accident, careless driving, and refusal to be tested. After a deputy witnessed Monter rear-end another car, the deputy tried stopping her, but Monter kept driving.

Northern Colorado, Parts of Nebraska Looking To Secede?
There is talk in northeastern Colorado and some parts of far southwest Nebraska that the time has come to secede and form a new state. It all stems from unrest in northeastern Colorado. Saying it's not a stunt, one Colorado county commissioner says peoples' needs in this area have been undervalued. 

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash At Branched Oak Lake
A 20-year-old motorcyclist has died in a crash near Branched Oak Lake northwest of Lincoln. Lancaster County Sheriff's Sergeant Derek Horalek tells KFOR News deputies were dispatched just after 11 p.m. Thursday. The crash occurred just south of the entrance to the lake area, which sits northwest of Malcolm. 

Search For Crime Spree Suspect Continues
Lincoln Police need your help finding a robbery suspect they think could be related to at least three crimes. First, a man was robbed at gunpoint in the 14th and Hartley neighborhood just before 4pm Thursday. A few minutes later, the suspect's car was spotted at a convenience store at 23rd and Cornhusker, where the suspect drove off without paying. 

Aspiring Adult Model Cited For Public Nudity On School Campus
A former student who posed naked on a high school campus has been cited by Lincoln police for trespassing and public nudity. Nineteen-year-old Valerie Dodds struck various poses on the football field at Lincoln Piux X early one morning last month. The photos were posted on her website.

North Platte Commits $4-Million For Veterans Home
The North Platte City Council has approved committing $4 million toward the city's bid to land the new state veterans home. The council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to grant the funding request from the North Platte Chamber and Development Corp. At stake is the $120 million replacement for the aging Grand Island Veterans Home.

Lincoln Man Must Repay VA For Theft
A Lincoln man convicted of theft has been ordered to pay the Department of Veterans Affairs more than $124,000 in restitution. Court records say 48-year-old George Strandness Jr. was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge John Gerrard, who gave Strandness five years of probation as well. 

Lawmakers Adjourn Nebraska Legislative Session
Nebraska lawmakers have finished a legislative session highlighted by a $7.8 billion, two-year budget, increased spending for the university and state colleges, and an overhaul of juvenile services.  The Legislature adjourned Wednesday, the 90th day of the session. 

Husker Volleyball Team Releases 2013 Schedule
The Nebraska Volleyball team has released their 2013 schedule and will begin the season on the road at the Marcia E. Hamilton Classic hosted by the University of Saint Louis on Aug. 30-31 with Saint Louis, Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe. Nebraska will return home on Sept. 6-7 for a home tournament with Georgia, Southern Mississippi and Villanova.

Third Teen Dies From Monday's Crash Near Fremont
A third Fremont teen has died from a crash believed to have been caused by street racing near the old state Highway 8 and U.S. Highway 275. Dodge County Sheriff Steve Hespen says the driver, Jackson Blick, and passenger, Tyler Walling, died in the crash Monday evening. Trey Hansen died at an Omaha hospital.

No Time Left To Pass Medicaid Expansion In Nebraska
Wednesday is the last day of the 90 day legislative session. State lawmakers will not have time to pass Medicaid expansion for 54,000 Nebraskans. Some supporters of that expansion met at the state Capitol building to give a voice to a legislative study giving lawmakers a better understanding of the financial impact of Medicaid expansion.

Heineman Signs Wind-Energy Bill
Governor Heineman didn't care for the wind-energy bill he has signed into law, but he did it to prevent the city of Omaha from increasing its local option sales tax. The bill is designed to stimulate wind-energy production in Nebraska by offering sales tax breaks to companies which invest at least $20 million in a renewable energy project.

NU's Pepin Named Midwest Region Men's Outdoor Coach of the Year
Nebraska track and field coach Gary Pepin was named the Midwest Region Men's Outdoor Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday. The coaching association has now named Pepin the coach of the year nine times.  In his 33rd season with Nebraska, Pepin guided NU to a dominating win at the 2013 Big Ten Outdoor Championships. 

New Retail Corridor Planned In Downtown Lincoln
Big changes are underway on "P" Street in downtown Lincoln. The stretch of "P" Street from 9th to Centennial Mall is identified as the newest Primary Retail corridor expected to extend the energy and atmosphere of the new Haymarket Development.

New Neb. Law Will Require Newborn Heart Screenings
Newborns in Nebraska will have to get screened for a potentially fatal heart disease, under a new state law. Gov. Dave Heineman approved a measure Monday that will require screenings for critical congenital heart disease, a leading cause of death in newborns.

City Survey Seeks Input On Public Golf Courses
Golfing is a $3 million money maker in Lincoln and early 200,000 people tee off at the city's public golf courses every year. That number is staying steady, but the cost to keep those fairways functioning is increasing, so Lincoln City Golf Administrator Dale Hardy needs to know from you what you like and shouldn't be changed to what you don't like and could possibly be changed. 

Crash Sends Two People To Lincoln Hospital
At least two people have been hospitalized following a collision at 56th and Arbor Road just after 10:30am Monday. Lincoln Police Captain David Beggs tells KFOR News at the scene a northbound Honda Civic and a westbound 8-ton truck crashed in the intersection.

Big Ten Announces 2015 Conference Football Schedule
The Big Ten Conference announced the conference schedule for the 2015 football season on Monday morning, as approved by the Big Ten Directors of Athletics. The 2015 Big Ten schedule will consist of eight games, before the conference makes the move to a nine-game schedule in 2016.  Nebraska will open the 2015 Big Ten schedule at Illinois on Oct. 3, 2015. 

Crash Hospitalizes Two, One Driver Ticketed
A rollover crash Sunday night sent two people to the hospital. A car, an SUV and a pickup pulling a horse trailer were involved in the crash at the intersection of Highway 34 and West Fletcher Avenue. Lincoln Police Sgt. Kathy Phillips tells KFOR NEWS the driver of the SUV, 32 year old Joshua Nelson of Lincoln, rear-ended a car, which slammed into the horse trailer.

Osborn Plans Senate Bid
The first Nebraska Republican is committing to a candidacy for U.S. Senate. Former Nebraska State Treasurer Shane Osborn has filed with the Federal Election Commission to run for the seat being given up by Republican Senator Mike Johanns, who is not running for re-election next year. Last weekend, Governor Heineman said he wasn't interested. 

Former Regent Hassebrook Planning Gubernatorial Run
The first Democrat has announced his commitment to run for governor. Former University of Nebraska Regent Chuck Hassebrook will announce Tuesday he's jumping into the 2014 race. Hassebrook now serves as director of the Center for Rural Affairs. 

Fumes From Mixed Chemicals Fills South Lincoln Home
A Lincoln man is lucky to be alive after mixing two types of drain cleaner for a clogged toilet. Early Sunday morning in the 1200 block of S. 48th Street, fumes from the commode concoction became toxic...the man started having breathing problems. Hazardous materials experts wearing air packs tried to use a plunger to free the blockage, but couldn't.

Two Men Cited For Fight At NE Lincoln Store
A comment about a T-shirt leads to a fight, which leads to a couple of people taken to the Detox Center. It started at a 21st birthday party early Sunday morning. Three people from the party went to the Russ' Market in Havelock where someone commented about another guy's shirt. 

Huskers Fall Short In WCWS
Lauren Haeger and Jessica Damico scored on shortstop Alicia Armstrong's fielding error in the 15th inning, and Florida eliminated Nebraska from the Women's College World Series with a 9-8 victory Saturday night. The 14th-seeded Cornhuskers (45-16) scored once in the bottom of the 15th, but their chance for a third tying rally ended with Tatum Edwards getting called out on a blown call.

Four Ex-Huskers To Join Neb. Football Hall of Fame
Former Nebraska Cornhuskers standouts Keyuo Craver, Reggie Cooper, Russell Gary and John Havekost lead the 2013 class of inductees into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. Craver, Cooper and Gary all were defensive backs. Havekost was an offensive lineman.

Burkhead, Wong Earn Sportsmanship Award
Nebraska football player Rex Burkhead and gymnast Emily Wong are among 24 Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners. The conference on Thursday announced that Burkhead and Wong were chosen from a group of more than 300 athletes who have displayed positive sportsmanship. 

Water Levels Okay In The East, Still Dry In The West
Not too high...not too low. Water levels are just right now in the Platte and Missouri rivers. Well below flood stage, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. Just last year, you could walk in an inch of water all the way across the Platte River. It was that dry. 2011 was just the opposite..too much water. Roads, highways and farms were flooded for miles. 

NWS: Nine Confirmed Tornadoes In Southern Portions of Nebraska
Initially, the National Weather Service said there were 15 tornadoes Wednesday in south-central and south-eastern Nebraska. Then it went down to a dozen. NWS investigators have narrowed down reports to nine tornadoes touching down Wednesday afternoon, including several in York and Clay counties and one in Butler County.

Tax Reform Study To Take Place
Lawmakers are authorizing a study of Nebraska's tax climate. The expectation is to reform the system, but several senators are making it clear that changes won't necessarily mean tax cuts for everyone. 

Three Nominees For Nebraska Appeals Court Vacancy
A judicial nominating commission has forwarded the names of three people to Gov. Dave Heineman to consider in filling the 1st Judicial District vacancy on the Nebraska Appeals Court.  The nominees are Riko Bishop, Amie Martinez and James Smith, all of Lincoln.

Storms Bring Tornadoes, Heavy Rain
The National Weather Service says nearly a dozen tornadoes have been reported in south-central and southeastern Nebraska but no injuries. Meteorologist Merl Heinlein said Thursday that his office in Hastings had narrowed down reports and suspected that nine tornadoes touched down Wednesday afternoon, including several in York and Clay counties.

Fortenberry Will Not Run For Senate
Nebraska First District Republican Congressman Jeff Fortenberry says he will not run for the U.S. Senate. He made the announcement on Wednesday. The five-term congressman says in an email message that he intends to seek re-election to the House in 2014. 

College Hockey Comes To Fremont
Hockey is coming to Midland University in Fremont, pushing the number of varsity sports on campus to 27. Recruiting for men's and women's programs begin this fall, a search is on now for coaches. Midland has added 11 varsity sports in the past three years, bringing the number of student-athletes to more than 600. 

Officials Confirm Nebraska Tornado Reports

Officials have confirmed that tornadoes were responsible for damaging homes and other buildings and injuring two people in southeast and south-central Nebraska. The National Weather Service says a twister rated at EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita scale ripped into Edgar on Monday night, damaging a dozen or more homes and several grain bins.

Nebraska Lawmakers Override Some Budget Vetoes
Nebraska lawmakers have overridden Gov. Dave Heineman's budget vetoes for county court employees, child advocates, expanded dental services and mass transit funding. Lawmakers voted Tuesday to reinstate funding that the Republican governor had rejected. Heineman announced a series of line-item vetoes over the weekend that made small changes to the $7.8 billion, two-year budget.

Officials Hope To Limit Missouri River Flooding
After several days of heavy rain across the lower Missouri River basin, the amount of water released into the river is being reduced to help minimize flooding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it began reducing the amount of water flowing into the river on Sunday because of concerns about flooding downstream.

Adjutant General Leaving For National Post
The adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard has been named the deputy director of the U.S. Army National Guard.  Maj. Gen. Judd Lyons will assume his new role at the National Guard Headquarters in Arlington, Va., later this summer. His promotion was announced Tuesday by Gov. Dave Heineman. The 50-year-old Lyons is Nebraska's 32nd adjutant general.

Nebraska Ranks High For Senior Health

Americans are living longer, but sicker lives, according to United HealthCare. Looking at 34 different criteria, the foundation ranks Nebraska 14th for senior health. The foundation's first ever senior health care report shows 80% of seniors in this country are living with at least 1 chronic health condition. 

Storms Bring Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, Possible Tornadoes
A wild night of weather across south-central Nebraska. Clay County emergency officials reported a tornado hit near the community of Edgar early Monday night. Power lines and trees are down, homes have reportedly been damaged. A possible tornado reported in Jefferson County near the tiny town of Diller. The National Weather Service reports buildings have been damaged.

Crunch Time For State Lawmakers To Override Vetoes
Six working days left in the Nebraska Legislature. Lawmakers must scramble if they want to over-ride any of Governor Heineman's weekend vetoes. The governor removed nearly $45 million from the proposed state budget, including money for a nursing college in Lincoln, renovations for renovations for the Nebraska History Museum and a 70% increase in mass transit. 

Niobium May Be In Johnson County Town
The tiny town of Elk Creek could be the new home to the planet's rarest heat resistant element. The US Geological Survey estimates the tiny town of just over 100 people 45 miles southeast of Lincoln is potentially the "largest global resources of Niobium & other rare-Earth elements". 

New York man indicted in Neb for incident on plane

A New York man had been indicted on federal charges, accused of assaulting and intimidating flight crew members on a flight from New York to Omaha last month. Deshaun Blackett is charged in the indictment with interference with flight crew members and attendants.

Lawmakers Advance Human Trafficking Bill
A Nebraska bill that would expand protections for human trafficking victims has won first-round approval from lawmakers. The bill that advanced on Thursday focuses heavily on minors of both sexes who are coerced and sometimes forced into the sex trade. Sen. Amanda McGill of Lincoln says the law should reflect that young people often aren't entering the sex trade by choice.

Work-Subsidy Pilot Bill Heads To Final Vote
A proposed work-subsidy program aimed at Nebraskans who qualify for welfare is headed to a final vote in the Legislature. Lawmakers gave the bill second-round approval on Thursday. The measure by Sen. Sue Crawford, of Bellevue, would create a pilot program to subsidize employment for parents or young people who make as much as 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

UNK Professor Accused of Having Child Porn

A University of Nebraska-Kearney professor has been accused of possessing and distributing child pornography. The Kearney Police Department arrested 52-year-old Joseph Benz late Wednesday. The Attorney General's Office says a cyber-crimes unit had been investigating him.

Councilman/Rep's Spokesman Suspected of DUI
A Norfolk city councilman has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Josh Moenning is also a spokesman for 1st District Republican Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. Norfolk Police say officers found Moenning's car parked in the middle of a street early Wednesday morning. 

Football Field Vandals Leave Birdseed
Vandals have irreparably damaged Beatrice High School's football field. Someone scaled a 6-foot outer fence and 4-foot inner fence to spread at least 100 pounds of birdseed on the new artificial turf.

Hitting and Pitching Come Through For Huskers In Win Over Michigan
After dropping a 3-game series to Michigan last week at Hawks Field, the Nebraska baseball team responded with an 11-to-2 win Wednesday afternoon over the Wolverines at Target Field in Nebraska’s first game of the 2013 Big Ten Tournament. Sophomore Kyle Kubat pitched 7 innings of one-hit ball, while Blake Headley, Pat Kelly and Austin Darby each produced multi-hit days at the plate.

Parolee Back In Jail Following Car Chase
A 43 year old Lincoln man released on parole on Monday led the State Patrol on a 5 mile chase into a north Lincoln neighborhood. Late Wednesday afternoon near 27th and Fletcher, Paul Johnson refused to pull over on I-80.

House Passes GOP Bill To Speed Pipeline Approval
House Republicans have pushed through legislation to bypass the president to speed approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas. The bill was approved 241-175 largely along party lines. It's unlikely to be taken up by the Democratic-controlled Senate. Democrats criticized the legislation as a blatant attempt to allow a foreign company to avoid environmental review.

Railroads Urge Drivers To Be Cautious At Crossings
When travelers hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, they should be careful when crossing railroad tracks.  It can take more than a mile for a train to stop, and when a train collides with a vehicle there can be disastrous consequences for the vehicle's occupants.  

Longtime LPD Sergeant Dies
Lincoln Police employees are mourning the loss of one of their officers.  Sergeant Thomas Hamm has died. Hamm was 53 years old and a 24-year veteran of the Lincoln Police Department. Sergeant Hamm was found dead around 10:30 pm Tuesday in a wooded area near 75th & Panama Road.  

Remembering Hallam: Nine Years Ago
Many of you may remember the devastating two-and-a-half mile wide EF4 tornado that ripped across southeast Nebraska nine years ago Wednesday. The May 22, 2004 storm hit Hallam and other southern areas of Lancaster County, killing one person and injuring 38 others. 

Heineman Vetoes $200K In Golf Tournament Funding

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman has used a line-item veto to strike $200,000 from the state budget that was approved for an Omaha golf tournament. The governor said Tuesday that funding for the U.S. Senior Open golf tournament is unjustified, given the state's other spending priorities on education and changes to juvenile services.

Wind Energy Tax Measure Headed To Final Neb. Vote
A bill designed to attract large wind-energy farms to Nebraska is headed to a final vote in the Legislature. Lawmakers gave second-round approval Tuesday to the bill, which would extend sales tax exemptions to wind-energy companies. One firm, TradeWind Energy, has expressed interest in developing a wind farm in Dixon County, on the Iowa and South Dakota border. 

47K Pounds of Phone Books Collected For Recycling
Some Lincolnites and a group of Boy Scouts have collected 47,000 pounds of outdated phone directories for recycling. The Cornhusker Council Boy Scouts collected telephone directories door-to-door in Lincoln neighborhoods. Directories were also dropped off at parks and recreation centers throughout Lincoln. 

Martell Teen Back Home With Family
We have good news for you. Seventeen-year-old Lisa Van Meveren is safe. The Martell teen hadn't been seen since she left her house near Southwst 58th and West Bennet Road around 8:30am Monday. An update from the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office says Lisa was found Tuesday evening at a home near Southwest 131st and West Bennet Road.

Help From Nebraska On The Way To Tornado Ravaged Oklahoma
Skilled members of Nebraska Task Force One are in the Oklahoma City area to help with search and rescue efforts after a ferocious tornado slammed into the southern suburb of Moore, Oklahoma on Monday. At least 24 people have been killed. A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office says as many as 40 more deaths could eventually be added to the toll.

New Council Members Sworn Into Office
Roy Christensen, Lerion Gaylor Baird and Trent Fellers are officially members of the Lincoln City Council. They were sworn in Monday and began their 4-year terms. Christensen said he was happy to be there, calling it "a big relief".

Search Is On For Missing Teen
Lancaster County Sheriff's Deputies need your help in finding a missing teen. Investigators say 17-year-old Lisa Van Meveren was last seen Monday about 8:30 a.m. at her home north of Martell. Deputies believe she possibly headed to the Crete area with her large brown lab mix dog. 

Gas Prices Over $4 At Some Lincoln Pumps
Gas prices are nearing record setting numbers. It's over $4 a gallon at some pumps in Lincoln, getting there by 10 and 20 cent jumps. The national pump price is $3.65 a gallon. It comes at a time when people are making plans for Memorial Day travel.

Storms Bring Needed Rain
Welcome rain over the weekend in Lincoln, but it wasn't enough to pull us back to normal for the month. Barb Mayes with the National Weather Service tells KFOR News Lincoln is about 0.20" below normal for May, but for the year Lincoln is just over one inch above normal.

False Alarm With Gage County Sirens
Tornado sirens accidentally went off Sunday afternoon in Gage County. Emergency Manager Mark Meints says staff members were reviewing plans and procedures for activating tornado sirens, when someone accidentally it set off.

Man's Death Remains Mystery
Lincoln Police still don't know exactly how a 25 year old Lincoln man died. Capt. Michon Morrow tells KFOR NEWS the body of 25 year old Mark Wilmore was found in an apartment at 17th and F Street Saturday afternoon.

Lawmakers Will Review Free and Reduced Lunch Options
With ten working days left in the Legislative session, lawmakers are planning to review why few Nebraska students who receive free and reduced-price lunches also participate in the federal funded breakfast program. Of students who take part in the lunch program, the Food Research and Action Center finds only two states have fewer students who also eat free or reduced-price breakfasts. 

Cold Case Investigators Looking For Links Between Slayings
Omaha cold case investigators have been looking for links between this week's slayings of a Creighton University professor and his wife and the 2008 slayings of an 11-year-old boy and his family housekeeper. The professor, Dr. Roger Brumback, was a colleague of the boy's father and mother at Creighton's medical school. They are Drs. William and Claire Hunter. 

Legislature Opts For Study On Plane
Lawmakers have pulled funding to buy an airplane from the University of Nebraska Foundation, choosing instead to study whether better options are available. The Legislature voted 26-14 Friday on an amendment to a state budget bill that withdrew more than $2 million for the purchase. 

Seward Store Sells $2 Million Powerball Ticket
Someone who bought a Powerball ticket at a Seward store can claim his or her $2 million prize.  The Nebraska Lottery says the Powerball ticket with the Power Play option was sold at the Gas N Snaks store on Jackson Avenue in Seward. Wednesday night's Powerball numbers were 21, 22, 26, 30, 57 and Powerball 27.

Economic Index Slips
A 2-point slip in the monthly economic index for nine Midwestand Plains states, including Nebraska. The Mid-America Business Conditions survey slipped to 56.8 in April...any indicator over 50 reflects potential economic growth. The confidence index rose to 59.9 last month.

Register Online For Swimming Lessons
It’s time to sign up for swimming lessons. This will be the first year that the American Red Cross "Learn To Swim" program will be offered through Lincoln Parks & Recreation. That means you can register online at parks.lincoln.ne.gov. Lessons run June through August and are offered for all ages, including children as young as six months.

Lost Boy Found By Neighbor
A 3-year-old boy has been reunited with his family, after he went missing Tuesday afternoon near Branched Oak Lake. Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner says the boy was out playing by a shed. His mother went inside for a short time and when she returned, the boy was gone, along with the family's dog. 

Senator Haar Recovering From Mild Heart Attack
A Nebraska state senator is recovering at home this week after suffering a mild heart attack. An aide says Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm had the heart attack on Friday. Haar was given medication, but surgery wasn't required. Haar's office says the senator is expected to recover and return to the Capitol next week. The 70-year-old Haar was first elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2008. 

Lincoln Man Fired From Bus Driving Job, Following Assault On Passenger
The 43-year-old Star Tran bus driver who faces assault charges after punching a 40-year-old passenger several times on a bus last month is no longer employed with the transit company. Troy Fischer was fired after a pre-disciplinary hearing Thursday. A video of the incident was released to the media during Friday's police media briefing. (CLICK HEADLINE TO VIEW SECURITY VIDEO FROM INCIDENT)

Country Superstar Jason Aldean To Perform At Pinnacle Bank Arena
The second announced act at Lincoln's Pinnacle Bank Arena will be ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Jason Aldean. He will perform September 19 at 7:30pm with special guests Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 19 at 10am at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Pershing Center Box Office and ticketmaster.com. 

Offutt Air Show Cancelled
The annual air show at Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha has been canceled because of federal budget cuts.   A written release from the base issued Wednesday says the 2013 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, scheduled for Aug. 24-25, has been canceled. 

Another Approval For Wind Farm
A new electric generating plant is one step closer to reality.  The Gage County Board of Supervisors has approved a special use permit to allow a proposed $138 million wind farm that will straddle the Jefferson-Gage county line.   The board unanimously approved the Steele Flats Wind Farm, one week after it was OK'd by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners.  

IBM Chooses Baton Rouge Over Lincoln
Lincoln has come in second to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for a large IBM operation, losing out on nearly 1,000 jobs. On KFOR's Lincoln Live, Mayor Beutler characterized the IBM offer in the West Haymarket area as, quote, "a huge deal...this was as good as it gets", end quote. The mayor said all the IBM jobs would have been high paying, high tech jobs. 

Bruning Renews Scam Warning
Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is warning consumers about increasingly sophisticated scams from offshore.   Bruning announced Monday that his office received more than 450 fraud-related consumer complaints in 2012. He says the most common scams involve fake checks, lottery letters and "mystery shopper" job offers.

G.I. Mayor Arrested For DUI
Grand Island's mayor meets this morning (Monday) with the City Council president to learn more about a weekend DUI arrest. Jay Vavricek went to jail Saturday night after being stopped by a State Trooper in Howard County. Vavricek's car was driving on the shoulder of the road...

Ben Nelson Starting New Company
Former Nebraska U.S. Democratic Senator and Governor Ben Nelson, is forming a new limited liability company called Heartland Strategy Group. Nelson is teaming up with his former Chief of Staff in the Senate and in the Governor's Office, Tim Becker, along with Barry Rubin...

Former LPD Officer In More Trouble
Cassandra Briggs is in trouble again. The former Lincoln Police officer already in prison for stealing money from LPD's Santa Cop program faces 5 more years behind bars. Briggs allegedly gave her mother her debit card to withdraw money to help raise Briggs' child...

Senate Confirms Hagel
The Senate has voted to confirm Chuck Hagel to be the nation's next defense secretary. The vote Tuesday was 58-41, with four Republicans joining Democrats in backing President Barack Obama's nominee. The vote ended a contentious fight over the president's choice for his second-term national security team...

Lincoln Police Officer Dies
Lincoln Police are mourning the loss of one of their own. Veteran Officer John Clarke died yesterday (Monday) after collapsing at a gym and being rushed to a hospital. The cause of the 43-year-old's death wasn't immediately clear. Lincoln Police Chief Jim Peschong says Clarke was an accomplished officer with many commendations...

Russ' Market Robber Being Sought
A man is on the loose, after he robbed the liquor counter at the Russ's Market on Coddington and West "A" Street around midnight. Lincoln Police Captain Michon Morrow told KFOR News the man walked up to the counter, where the clerk noticed the handle of a gun in the waist of his pants...

Former State Senator Bohlke Dies
Former Hastings State Senator Ardyce Bohlke has died of brain cancer. Her daughter-in-law, Stacey Bohlke, said she passed Thursday at Mary Lanning Health Care in Hastings. Bohlke was appointed by then-Governor Ben Nelson in 1991 to fill a vacancy in the Legislature. She was elected in 1992 and served until 2001...

Man Assaulted After Bad Escort Experience
Lincoln Police say a man was robbed after a disagreement with an escort service. Officers were called to the Microtel Inn at Fairfield Street and North 27th a little after 10 o'clock Saturday night. The victim said he was assaulted and robbed by Devin Ashford when he walked out on the escort...

Man Wanted For North Platte Robbery Captured In Lincoln
A man wanted in connection with a home invasion robbery in North Platte has been captured in Lincoln. Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner reported that 19-year-old Sylvester LeBlanc was arrested just before 8 a.m. Thursday by the Fugitive Task Force at his mother's house on South 11th in Lincoln...

Body Found In Parking Lot Identified
An autopsy has been scheduled for Saturday on the body of a man found early Friday morning in Lincoln. The body of 53-year-old Kevin Harvey was discovered by a snow plow operator in a parking lot at 240 P Street around 3:40 a.m. Fire & Rescue officials tried to resuscitate Harvey, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital...

Snow Goes, Cleanup Begins
A residential parking ban will go into effect at 8 a.m. Friday, February 22nd.  At that time parking will be banned on the even numbered sides of the streets in all residential areas – those are the north and east sides of all City streets that are not arterials or bus routes...

Snow Coming- Be A Snow Angel!
Thursday’s winter storm could bring over a foot of snow to the Capital City. If you have a shovel or snow blower, think about helping someone who has neither. Ahead of tomorrow's snow storm, the City Public Works Department is putting out the call for Snow Angels...

Beatrice Man Severely Injured In Crash
A 2-vehicle crash on a wide-open stretch of Highway 77 has left a Beatrice man fighting for his life this morning (Wednesday). Police Capt. Michon Morrow told KFOR NEWS that just before 8 last night (Tuesday), a pickup turned in front of a car at the intersection of Highway 77 and Warlick Blvd...

Possible Shooting Being Investigated
There was a possible shooting overnight. Police Capt. Michon Morrow told KFOR NEWS that around 1 o'clock this morning (Wednesday), a call came from the 47th and Meredith neighborhood that a woman had been shot. Another caller said a screaming woman was being chased by a white car. Capt. Morrow reported that a 40-year-old woman underwent surgery...

LCSO Seeks Would-Be Burglars
Burglars caused nearly $525 damage trying to break in to Tony's Corner at Highway 79 and West Raymond Road. Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner reported that surveillance photos show two men wearing painter's masks or respirators over their faces, along with hoodies and sweats, around the store sometime before 3 a.m. Sunday...

House Fire Ruled As Arson
A January fire in a residential home has been classified as arson. Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on January 28th, witnesses reported seeing smoke and flames on the front porch and interior of a home at 6430 South 56th Street. Fire crews responded and battled the blaze for more than 30 minutes...

Auditions Being Held For Lincoln Movie Shoot
Auditions are being held for a movie to be shot in and around Lincoln this spring. The film, “Community Watch,” is a story about some “rambunctious rednecks” and a mysterious thief. Actors and musicians are welcome to a dry read audition at Red 9, 322 South 9th, tonight (Tuesday) 7-9...

Janssen Will Run For Governor
Monday was a significant day in Nebraska politics. A state senator announced he's running for governor and a U.S. Senator announced he's retiring. Fremont Senator Charlie Janssen made the official announcement yesterday (Monday). He's running for governor in 2014 to help keep Nebraska's conservative values alive...

City Council Candidate Suffers Mild Stroke
Roger Dodson, Lincoln City Council candidate, has suffered a mild stroke and is recuperating in a local hospital. According to a news release, Dodson intends to continue his campaign for city council...

State Patrol Warrant Arrest Leads To Drugs
A man wanted in California on a drug possession warrant was arrested by state troopers early this morning along I-80 near Lincoln. 41-year-old Shane Barrett of Willits California was arrested after being pulled over for a traffic violation around 2:30 a.m. Friday. A check on his license showed an active California warrant for drug possession...

Florida Company Wants To Build Nebraska Wind Farm
A Florida-based company has filed paperwork to build a $138 million wind farm in parts of Jefferson and Gage counties in southeast Nebraska. Documents filed by NextEra Energy Resources of Juno Beach Florida with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission say the wind farm would generate nearly 74 megawatts of electricity...

LPD Seeking Kohl's Shoplifters
Lincoln Police are on the trail of two unsuccessful shoplifters. Officer Katie Flood reported that two women filled a cart at Kohls Department Store with a number of items valuable at nearly $1400 including clothes, jewelry, perfume, wallets and makeup and proceeded to leave the store without paying...

Victim Stabbed In Attempted Robbery
A man is recovering from minor stab wounds, following an altercation near an alleyway in the 1400 block of North 20th Street late last night (Thursday). Lincoln Police Captain Jason Stille tells KFOR News the 20-year-old victim was outside of his apartment, when two black males approached him demanding money...

Rogers Sentencing Delayed
Charlie Rogers' case has been delayed. Rogers will now face a March 14 sentencing date after a Lancaster County Court judge today (Thursday) issued the order for a delay. Rogers faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine after pleading no contest to faking an anti-gay hate crime...

KX 96.9 Holds 'Cares For Kids' Radiothon
One of KFOR's FM sister stations, KX 96.9, is holding the Cares for Kids Radiothon through the Children's Miracle Network today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday). The effort is to raise money to help purchase new equipment and fund programs and services at Children's Hospital in Omaha. The money raised stays in Nebraska, helping Nebraska children...

Heineman Picks New Lieutenant Governor
Governor Dave Heineman has selected University of Nebraska Regent and former Elk Creek Senator LaVon Heidemann to be his Lt. Governor. Heidemann took the oath of office yesterday at the Capitol. He replaces former Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, who resigned earlier this month following news that he had made thousands of calls to women, other than his wife...

Lincoln One Of 'Best Run' Cities
According to a 24/7 Wallstreet (247wallst.com) article, Lincoln is the fourth best-run city in America. The online financial news and opinion site listed Lincoln’s unemployment rate, which is the lowest among all metropolitan areas in the country...

Assault, Robbery Has Police Searching For Suspect
A 25-year-old Lincoln woman is recovering from injuries she suffered during a robbery around 11 o'clock last night (Tuesday), as she was walking into her apartment near 16th and H. Police Officer Katie Flood reported that a man walked up to the victim and asked if she was someone else. When she said no, the suspect asked for cash...

Lincolnites Looking For Love
Lincoln is a cheating city according to the extra-marital dating site, AshleyMadison.com. Lincoln is the 9th most adulterous city in America with over 5,000 new members signing up last year. Washington D.C. is #1...

Fortenberry Responds To State Of The Union Speech
Nebraska 1st District Republican Congressman Jeff Fortenberry was pleased to hear President Obama talk about a reasonable and responsible strategy in Afghanistan at the beginning and again at the end of his State of the Union speech last night, as well as a new focus on manufacturing....

Driver Injured In Weekend Truck Accident
Lincoln Police have released more information on a weekend accident involving a truck on the Mopac Bike Trail. Police Officer Katie Flood said that the driver, 26-year-old Kyle Christenson had left the road around 9:00 Saturday night and was traveling westbound on the Mopac Bike Trail...

Vandals Hit NW Lincoln
Lincoln Police need your help in tracking down some vandals who damaged mailboxes in two different areas of the northwest portion of the city over the weekend. A woman living in the area heard a loud boom outside her home just after 2 a.m. Sunday and saw a mailbox knocked down. At least 18 mailboxes were damaged early Sunday morning near Campbell Elementary School...

Two Teens Arrested For Home Invasion Gone Bad
Two teens are in jail for their alleged involvement in a January 31st shooting during an attempted robbery at 1848 Garfield. Lincoln Police Officer Katie Flood reported that 17-year-old Alontae Ross and 18-year-old Luis Diaz forced their way into the residence and demanded cash. Ross was armed with a gun and Diaz had a baseball bat...

LPD Searching For Downtown Assailant
A 47-year-old man remains in critical condition at a Lincoln hospital, after he was assaulted by another man at 10th and "N" Street just after 2 o'clock Sunday morning. Three witnesses said they saw a black Honda Accord pull up; a man got out and punched the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground unconscious...

Mayor Beutler Discusses Good Government Resolution
Mayor Chris Beutler said today (Monday) that the “good government” resolution being introduced to the City Council will end conflicts of interest at City Hall and create a level playing field for contract bids. If the Council passes the resolution, voters will decide May 7 whether to ban elected City officials and City Department Directors...

Truck Thief Rounded Up By Quick Acting Cop
A police officer took just 5 minutes from the time a pickup was stolen yesterday (Sunday) afternoon from DeLeon’s near 12th and South to capture the 22-year-old alleged thief near 12th and H Streets. Capt. Michon Morrow told KFOR NEWS Shawn Brooks allegedly jumped into a running truck, left unattended by its driver...

Customer Foils Bank Robber
A weekend bank robber didn't get out of the building; a customer held him down until police arrived. Capt. Michon Morrow told KFOR NEWS that Saturday morning inside Union Bank, 1300 North 48th, 23-year-old Brett Dovel of Lincoln demanded money from the teller...

Elderly Woman Dies After Pedestrian-Car Collision
An 80-year-old Lincoln woman injured in a car/pedestrian accident near 66th and Vine Tuesday morning has died. Elizabeth Bergstrom succumbed to spinal injuries Thursday night at a local hospital. The 81-year-old driver of the Dodge Dakota pickup which struck Bergstrom has not been cited...

Man Robbed After Accepting Ride
Police say a 23-year-old man was robbed at knifepoint Thursday after accepting a ride. A late 90s Honda Civic containing two males offered the victim a ride in the parking lot of Walgreens near 3600 Old Cheney. The victim accepted and shortly after the backseat passenger pulled a knife and demanded his wallet...

LCSO Looking Into Another Pet Fraud
The Lancaster County Sheriff is investigating another case of pet fraud. A 48-year-old Lincoln woman was attempting to purchase two English bulldog puppies from an online seller who requested that a $446 Western Union money order be sent to cover shipping costs. After sending the money, supposedly to Casper, Wyoming...

Body Found Under I-180/Sun Valley Bridge
It appears that the body found yesterday (Thursday) afternoon under an I-180 bridge south of Sun Valley Boulevard had been there awhile. A Nebraska Department of Roads worker who found the body while inspecting the bridge told our television partner 10/11 NEWS the body had a blanket and was surrounded by bottles...

Marijuana Debate Hits UNL Campus
Steve Hager calls himself "an American hippie." The editor-in-chief of High Time magazine was on the UNL campus to engage in a debate with retired DEA agent Bob Stutman over the legalization of marijuana. 18 states allow the drug for medical reasons. Stutman says the country doesn't need more people using recreational intoxicants...

Fischer Announces Opposition To Hagel
In an op-ed article published today (Thursday) in the Omaha World Herald, Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer says she will vote against Chuck Hagel to be the next defense secretary. She casts Hagel's views as out of the mainstream and that Hagel gave, quote, "confusing and contradictory" testimony...

Teen Accused Of Bringing Replica Handgun To School
BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) - A Bellevue teen faces charges after police say he brought a pellet gun that looks like the real thing to his high school. Omaha television station KETV reports that police were called to Bellevue East High School on Wednesday after a teacher saw what looked like a handgun in a 17-year-old student's possession...

Sales Tax Exemption Debate Rages
The Revenue Committee hearing room at the state Capitol building overflowed with people waiting to testify on Governor Heineman's controversial tax proposal. He wants to eliminate state income tax by ending nearly $2 1/2 billion in sales tax exemptions for things like agricultural machinery and medical equipment...

Lincoln Chamber Does Not Support Heineman Tax Plan
When it comes to Governor Heineman's proposals to eliminate the state income tax and dozens of sales tax exemptions, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is not a fan. President Wendy Birdsall said in a prepared statement that without further evidence and econometric analysis, the Chamber cannot support the governor's proposals...

Community Leaders Discuss School Safety
From mental health services to more School Resource Officers, city and school leaders are talking about ways to make schools safer. City Council members joined Mayor Beutler, Police Chief Jim Peshong, City Public Safety DirectorTom Casady, school board members and Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Joel for a roundtable discussion on school safety...

Sheehy Returns Some Campaign Money
Former Lt. Governor, Rick Sheehy, has returned some of the money given to him for his gubernatorial bid in 2014. Sheehy resigned over the weekend after it was reported he used a state issued cell phone to make thousands of calls to 4 women over a 4 year period, promoting the question of whether he would still run for governor...

Lincoln Police Nab Car Thieves
Three men are in jail after an alert citizen witnessed them breaking into cars and contacted police. The witness reported three males dressed in black clothing getting into vehicles around 1 a.m. Tuesday in the 4900 Block of Myrtle Street, near 50th & Normal. Sgt Jeri Roeder reported that police found the suspects carrying numerous items...

Man Arrested For Domestic Assault, Drug Possession
Several charges are facing a 31-year-old man after Lincoln Police served a drug-related warrant at a Lincoln motel. Sgt. Jeri Roeder said that Jeremy Hayes was staying at the New Victorian Inn near 50th and "O" when officers arrived around 10:30 yesterday (Sunday) morning...

Sheehy Steps Down Amid Controversy
This morning (Monday), Governor Heineman is looking for a new Lieutenant Governor. Rick Sheehy resigned over the weekend after it was discovered that he had made thousands of calls over the last 4 years to 4 women on his state-issued cell phone. Some lasted just a few minutes while others lasted more than an hour...

Lawmakers Set Hearing On Medicaid Expansion
Nebraska lawmakers have set a hearing date for a proposal to expand Medicaid coverage as part of the federal health care law. The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee will hear public testimony on Feb. 28 at the state Capitol building. The bill was introduced in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down part of the federal health care law...

Burglar Arrested After Craigslist Post
An alert Lancaster County man helped lead authorities to the person allegedly responsible for a burglary in his garage. Waylon Timmerman reported to authorities that his detached garage near 98th and Waverly Road had been broken into and several items including a tool chest, rifles and numerous tools were missing...

LPD Investigating Delivery Driver Robbery
Lincoln Police are investigating the robbery of a DaVinci's Pizza delivery driver. Thursday evening around 9:30 pm, the 24 year old male driver was called to a house at 235 B Street. Upon exiting the vehicle, Police Officer Katie Flood said he was approached by an approximately 6 foot tall, black man armed with a handgun...

Man Arrested For 2011 Meth Overdose
A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a methamphetamine-related death from 2011. Charles Blowers was taken into custody yesterday (Thursday) in Denver, Colorado after an arrest warrant was issued on January 7th for his involvement in the death of 26-year-old Latrice Shaner...

Three Jailed For U Stop Robbery
3 people are in jail this morning (Thursday) for their part in an armed robbery just before midnight at the 27th and Stockwell U-Stop convenience store. Police Capt. Jason Stille told KFOR NEWS that 15 minutes after the hold-up, officers found 3 people sitting in a car in a driveway in the 6300 block of South 28th...

National Counterfeit Check Scam Strikes Lincoln
A wide-spread counterfeiting group which uses homeless people to cash fraudulent checks has struck in Lincoln. 54-year-old Paul Bellew was arrested yesterday for his role in the scheme. Bellew, a transient, was approached by a group of individuals who offered to get him a hotel room and food in exchange for his help cashing the checks...

LPS Closed Due To Weather
Lincoln Public and Catholic Schools are closed because of the snowy weather. The same goes for College View Academy and Norris Public Schools. Many of the city's street crews have been busy working to keep the main arterials clear and in most cases haven't been able to work the streets around many school buildings...

Overnight Attempted Robbery Fails
An armed robber is in jail this morning (Wednesday), after he tried to hold up the liquor section at the Russ's Market near 17th and Washington just before midnight. Lincoln Police Captain Joe Wright told KFOR News that 20-year-old Guno Yankton allegedly walked up to the clerk behind the counter and pointed a handgun, while demanding money...

Crime Spree Lands Parolee Back In Jail
A recent parolee is back in trouble, suspected of stealing several cars in Lancaster and Seward Counties and creating a major disturbance at his ex-girlfriend’s home. Around 9:50 p.m. Sunday, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a complaint at 19000 North 14th that the resident’s ex-boyfriend was banging on doors and kicking at windows trying to get inside...

Major House Fire In Southeast Lincoln
No one was hurt in a house fire in southeast Lincoln last night (Monday). Firefighters were called shortly after 7 o'clock to a 6430 South 56th Street, after a passerby saw flames coming from the home. Assistant Fire Chief Pat Borer says the woman living there was not home at the time...

Lincoln Man Arrested For Growing Pot
A 19-year-old Lincoln man was arrested after police found a small marijuana growing operation while investigating a robbery at his residence. Police responded to a robbery complaint at 2965 Starr Street around 4:30 am Saturday on a report that two unknown men had taken two hookah pipes from the resident, Danar Hassan, at gunpoint...

Authorities Warn Of Pet Scam
Authorities are warning about a pet scam. A Lancaster County woman is out $300 after wiring the money, supposedly to buy a Samoyd puppy from someone in Portland, Oregon. The man requested that the woman use a code word so he didn't have to use ID to get the money which reportedly went to Cameroon, not Portland...

LPD Seeking U-Stop Robbers
Two men are on the loose, after robbing the U-Stop near 27th and Pine Lake Road just before 2:30 this morning (Monday).  Lincoln Police Captain Michon Morrow told KFOR News that the clerk reported that two black males wearing dark masks and clothing walked in, one of them pointed a handgun at him and demanded cigarettes and cash...

Four Jailed For Shooting, Car Chase
Four people are in jail this morning (Monday) following a car chase that stemmed from shots fired at another car in southwest Lincoln. Police Captain Michon Morrow tells KFOR News around 10:30 last night (Sunday) a woman driving with another person reported being shot at by another vehicle at 13th and High Streets...