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4th Man Charged In Underage Sex Scandal A fourth man accused of paying a Nebraska mother to let him have sex with her 14-year-old daughter has been charged with sexual assault.   Prosecutors say 22-year-old Logan Roepke (REP-key), of McCook, had sex with the teen twice last year.   The mother is also accused of pimping out her 7-year-old daughter.   Unemployment Drops To Pre-Recession Rate Nebraska's unemployment rate dipped to 3.9 percent in April, marking the state's lowest rate since December 2008.   The state's preliminary April rate is slightly better than the revised March rate of 4.0 percent. The national rate also improved from March's 8.2 percent to 8.1 percent in April.   Nebraska had the second-lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. Mississippi Murder Suspect Charged Authorities say robbery appears to have been the motive in a pair of killings  northwestern Mississippi....including a man from the Lincoln area.   Tunica County Sheriff K.C. Hamp said Friday that 28-year-old James D. Willie was arrested after the investigation of a rape turned up evidence linking him to the killings.  The first roadside killing happened May 8, when Thomas School Lobbying Questioned Nebraska public schools spent more than $457,000 last year on lobbying expenses, an amount that has increased recently despite a law that bans the use of state money for district lobbying.   The report by open-government group Common Cause Nebraska was given to The Associated Press. It shows the amount spent has trended upward from $408,000 in 2008. The report says the 16 Fire Strikes West Lincoln HOme Firemen battled to save a burning home on the west edge of Lincoln Friday afternoon.  The alarm was turned in about 1:30 as a deck on fire at 5125 West Sparrow Lane.  The home is located in the south end of the Ashley Heights Area, just north of Interstate 80 near the Lincoln airpark.  When firemen arrived they found heavy flames and a fire that had spread from the deck into Boy Dies In Thursday Night Fire A 9-year-old boy died in a house fire south of Davey.   Lancaster County Attorney Joe Kelly told our ABC Partner Channel 8 that the victim was Anton Fomin.   The blaze was reported about 10 p.m. Thursday. Crews were told a boy might be trapped in the house, which was destroyed by the fire.   The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause. Preliminary Hearing Set for 19 Yr. Old Authorities believe that before 12 year old, Serena Garrett, took powerful painkillers the night of March 25, she had sexual contact with 19 year old, Andrew Walker, who's now faces 1st degree sexual assault of a child. Garrett died that night of a drug overdose. The Goodrich Middle School 7th grader and another 13 year old girl was asked by 23 year old, Ashley Jackson to watch Jackson's 1 year Less Water Being Used in Lincoln You're not using as much water as you used to. 20% less water is being used today compared to 10 years ago, despite Lincoln's population growing by tens of thousands. You're earning praise from Mayor Beutler and the privilege of not having any water restrictions this summer. City water officials say the city's well field is full. (Photo Courtesy) Suspect Arrested in Shooting Death of a Raymond Man Authorities in Mississippi say they've arrested a suspect in the shooting death of a 74 year old Raymond, Nebraska, man and another woman in separate highway shootings that happened late at night along desolate stretches. 28-year-old, James D. Willie, will be charged with two counts of capital murder in the shootings. Authorities says Willie was not posing as a police officer in the shootings as Overnight Fire Near Raymond A fire near Raymond overnight. Initial reports indicated one person was inside when firefighters pulled up around 10 o'clock. We have had no reports of anyone getting hurt or the extent of damage to the house on North 40th Street between Waverly Road and Mill Road. Prison Time for Man Trying to Bring Meth into Courthouse A Grand Island man caught trying to bring methamphetamine through the security gates of a Lincoln courthouse has been sentenced to up to 6 years in prison. Richard Wittman tried to run out the front door of the Hall of Justice on November 2nd after a security guard looked in Wittman's pack of cigarettes and saw a white powdery substance. Keystone Meetings Well-Attended  Nebraska's hearings on the new proposed route for TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline from Canada are drawing big crowds.  More than 160 attended Wednesday's meeting in Albion.  Some landowners offered praise for the project. Nick Gasper says he thinks project opponents have used scare tactics, and he thinks the pipeline offers more benefits than drawbacks.  City Water Supply "In Good Shape" Mayor Chris Beutler said watering restrictions are not needed this year because the City’s water supply is in good shape. This is the third consecutive year the Mayor is not asking residents to follow designated-day watering schedule implemented during previous drouth years.  Lincoln Water System (LWS) Chief Engineer Jerry Obrist says precipitation is near normal levels. Buckle Revenue, Profits Up It was a successful quarter for a nebraska based clothing retailer.  The Buckle's first-quarter net income rose 13 percent as shoppers spent more in stores and online.  Profit was $37.8 million, or 79 cents per share, for the three months ended April 28.   Their total sales increased 10 percent to $263.8 million.   Online sales rose 15 percent. Injured Gorilla Recovering A gorilla injured in a fight at the Omaha zoo has returned to his home.   Motuba, a 27-year-old silverback gorilla better known as "Tubby," was treated at the Nebraska Medical Center on May 5 for a fractured jaw. Motuba and a younger gorilla got into a fight that left the older gorilla with a fractured jaw that pushed three of his teeth outward.  Cocaine Carrier To Prison A Grand Island man caught trying to bring methamphetamine through the security gates of Lincoln's courthouse has been sentenced to four to six years in prison.   Richard Wittman tried to run out the front door of the Hall of Justice on Nov. 2 after a security guard looked in Wittman's pack of cigarettes and saw a white powdery substance.    Buffett Bets On Newspapers Not everyone is giving up on newspapers.   Billionaire Warren Buffett's company is buying 63 papers from Media General Inc for $142 million.   Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has owned the Buffalo News of New York for decades and recently bought the Omaha World-Herald.   Hazardous Materials Crews at St. Elizabeth Hazardous materials crews pulled up to St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center last night (Wednesday) on the call of a chemical spill. Turned out to be a small amount of ethylene oxide, used to sterilize equipment. A lab was evacuated as a precaution...the rest of the hospital went about its business. Young Teens Stealing Items from Unlocked Homes Here's another reason to lock your house and car...a couple of 14 year old boys in northeast Lincoln would ring doorbells on houses with no vehicles in the drive. If no one answered, they'd find an unlocked door, quickly take laptops, iPhones, iPads, gaming systems, anything that would fit in a backpack...and walk out. If you saw them walking down the street, you wouldn't suspect a thing. If House Fire Caused By Man Trying to Kill a Spider Here's how NOT to kill a spider...light a paper towel on fire and throw it at the 8 legged creature. A Lincoln man did that last night (Wednesday) when he saw a spider in his garage. The burning towel started rags soaked with brake fluid on fire, which started the garage on fire, which started the house on fire. The house, garage and everything inside were destroyed...$135,000 damage. People SMG Will Manage the New Pinnacle Bank Arena The same company that manages Peshing Center and Pinewood Bowl will oversee entertainment at Pinnacle Bank Arena. SMG will also be responsible for booking, food services, recycling, promotions and ticketing for festival space around the new arena. Contracts still have to be approved by the City Council and the West Haymarket Joint Public Agency. (Photo Courtesy) New Power Line Planned The Lincoln Electric System is asking for public input on another major power line upgrade.  The new 115 kilovolt line is planned to connect a new sub-station at southwest 7th Street and Bennett Road into the sub-station at 40th and Rokeby Road.  L-E-S has four possible routes...and will share them in an open house Tuesday, May 22nd, from 4-7 pm.  State Senator Fischer Gets the Republican Vote In what will no doubt be called an upset, State Senator Deb Fischer of Valentine is the republican nominee for the United States Senate in Nebraska....Fischer remained close thru the early returns, and moved ahead to defeat the early favorite, Attorney General Jon Bruning. WIth 98 percent of the vote counted, Fischer held a 41 to 36 percent lead ...and Bruning conceded shortly after 10 pm. Fischer (Photo Courtesy) State Patrol Makes Drug Arrests and Seizure Two traffic stops led to drug arrests and the seizure of cocaine and marijuana. The State Patrol says a man was from Tijuana, Mexico, was arrested and 5 pounds of cocaine were siezed during a traffic stop last Friday on Highway 2 near Syracuse. The drugs were hidden in a compartment under the rear seat of the car. Two people from Illinois were arrested and 34 pounds of pot were discovered Man Waives His Preliminary Hearing A Bellevue man accused in the shooting death of his stepdaughter has waived his preliminary hearing and his case has been sent to Sarpy County District Court for trial. Thirty-six-year-old Michael Williams is charged with first-degree murder and a weapons charge. He's accused of shooting 21-year-old Michala Pomfret on the front porch of her mother's home on April 10. She died two days later. Man Suspected Of Using Counterfeit Bills Police have arrested one man and are talking to another"person of interest"  in connection with counterfeit $100 bills showing up in Lincoln. Officer Katie Flood says an employee at the McDonald's near the Lincoln Airport on Monday was able to get a description of 43-year-old Matthew Rohren. The 10 Most Endangered Rivers List Look down the list of most endangered rivers...and you'll find the Missouri River #4. The nation's longest river is used for drinking water, commerce and recreation, so it's well being impacts millions of lives, according to a spokesperson for American Rivers, a Washington D.C. river conservation group, who blames the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for outdated flood management threatening the (Photo courtesy) Occupy Lincoln Members Representing Homeless People representing the homeless continue to plead with the City Council to allow them to live in tents around the city. It's not likely to happen. The Council is expected to vote next Monday on an ordinance making encampments in parks illegal without a permit and setting hours on space, like Centennial Mall. This all comes as a result of Occupy Lincoln, who's tents were set up on the mall for Occupy Lincoln Members Representing Homeless People representing the homeless continue to plead with the City Council to allow them to live in tents around the city. It's not likely to happen. The Council is expected to vote next Monday on an ordinance making encampments in parks illegal without a permit and setting hours on space, like Centennial Mall. This all comes as a result of Occupy Lincoln, who's tents were set up on the mall for Thirteen Yr. Old Girl in Protective Custody The mother of a 13 year old girl is accused of inappropriate discipline for forcing her daughter to sleep in a tent. Lancaster County Deputies learned on Friday the girl was staying outside a house on SW 56th Street. The Journal Start reports the girl said her aunt, uncle and mother made her sleep in the tent as punishment for talking back. When she wanted back in the house, her uncle zip-tied LPD Looking for Suspect in Cricket Store Hold Up The search is on this morning (Tuesday) for an Hispanic-looking man who held up a Cricket store at 4400 North 70th last night just before 7 o'clock. Police Capt. Michon Morrow tells KFOR NEWS the man approached the clerk behind the counter with a silver handgun and demanded money. He stole a small amount of cash and 13 cell phones. The clerk described the man a being 5-3 in his mid 20's with acne Buffett Auctioning off a Private Lunch Warren Buffett is again auctioning off a private lunch. The California charity benefiting from the billionaire's generosity hopes the winning bid will top $2 million for the 5th year in a row. Bidding for the lunch starts June 3rd on eBay. The winner of the last two auctions is now helping manage Berkshire Hathaway's investments and working for Buffett. (Photo Courtesy) Rabies cases are on the rise in Nebraska. State epidemiologist, Tom Safranek, says the numbers of reports is on pace to top rabies cases from each of the past 2 years. 21 cases reported so far this year. There were 53 reports in 2010 and 35 in 2011. Safranek says there could be close to 90 cases this year, the number reported in 2009. He urges you to be careful around bats, skunks and foxes and to avoid domestic animals that are behaving No Signs of Foul Play in Disappearance of Neb. Mother and Son Authorities say there are no signs of foul play in the disappearance of a Nebraska woman and her 11-year-old son. Plattsmouth police say Charlotte and Owen Schilling were last seen Thursday morning in the Plattsmouth area, when she checked the boy out of elementary school. Police say Schilling's vehicle was found Friday near Lake Manawa, near Council Bluffs. Her wallet and cell phone were in the Flag at Half-Staff Tuesday, Peace Officers' Memorial Day Fly your flag at half-staff tomorrow (Tuesday) for Peace Officers' Memorial Day. The day to honor fallen peace officers ha the attention of President Obama, who is expected to sign a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide. In 1994, a federal law was enacted encouraging the American flag to be lowered to half-staff every May 15 in remembrance of the more than 19,000 law Overloaded Electrical Circuits Cause for Asia Grocery Fire Weekend fires badly damage an Asia grocery and an apartment building. Overloaded electrical circuits started Hong Kong Market on fire late Saturday night at 27th and Dudley. Kitchen equipment, freezers and ovens were destroyed. Earlier Saturday, people living in an apartment building at 819 South 12th had to find somewhere else to stay when a fire started from food left on the stove. No dollar Three Lincoln students are National Merit Scholars Jessica Qiu goes to school at Lincoln East, Ahsan Kamal attends Lincoln Southwest and Isaac Bohart lives in Lincoln but attends St. John's Prep School in Collegeville, Minnesota. They are among 17 Nebraska student earning the honor. Each get $2,500.  Another Garage Burglary It's the time of year when people are outside later in the evening, coming-and-going from their garages. It's easy to forget to close it, just like an apartment dweller did in the 700 block of Folsom early Friday morning. Lincoln Capt. Jason Stille tells KFOR NEWS the woman watched 2 men rummage thru her unlocked, open garage and make off with personal belongings.  Police Looking For Carpet Puller Why would someone want to steal a carpet puller ??? Someone did...from a garage in the 2500 block of North Main Street sometime between May 1 and Wednesday. Lincoln Police say it doesn't appear as though someone broke into the garage, no forced entry...and it's the only thing missing. The $12,000 carpet puller weighs 600 to 700 pounds. So far, there are no suspects in the case. Hit & Run Driver To Prison A Lincoln woman has been sentenced to one to three years in prison for a hit-and-run crash that trapped two people in a car.    32-year-old Nicole Jones pleaded no contest to leaving the scene of an injury accident.   Police say Jones ran a stop sign and collided with another car, pushing it into traffic. That car hit a tree, trapping two people inside and leaving one Teenager Hit By SUV A 13-year-old Lincoln boy is recovering after he was hit while trying to cross a busy street. Police and Firefighters responded to the accident at 8th and "A" Street just before 7:30am Thursday, where the boy was hit by an SUV and pinned under the front wheels.  Man Jailed For Pot and Weapons Possession A 29-year-old Lincoln man is in jail facing several drug and weapons-related charges, after the Narcotics Task Force served a warrant at his home Wednesday night. Police Officer Katie Flood when the warrant was served at 3012 Touzalin, they found two large plastic tubs in the basement, containing 24 pounds of marijuana separated into smaller quantities. Postal Service Changes Closing Plans 90 Nebraska post offices could be saved from closing by Wednesday's decision at the U.S. Postal Service.  3,700 post offices nationwide have been targeted for closing because of financial losses. Wednesday, the postal service announced instead of closing those offices it will cut their window hours.  Window hours will be cut to between 2 and 6 hours a day at each. Romney Plans Omaha Stop Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney will make a stop in Nebraska this week.  Romney will appear at Rick's Boatyard Cafe, along the Omaha Riverfront, Thursday afternoon.  His campaign has said only that the event will begin at 1:40 P.M., and will be open to the Press. Lincoln Nurse Nationally Recognized A Lincoln Nursing Instructor has won a prestigious national award.  Michelle Johnson, an assistant professor at Bryan LGH Nursing College, was named a Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar.  She was one of 142 nurses chosen nationwide.  The award pays $10-thousand annually for two years toward completion of a Ph.D. Nebraska Sharing Drug Settlement Nebraska will receive nearly $5 million from Abbott Laboratories to settle concerns that it improperly marketed its anti-seizure drug Depakote (DEHP'-uh-koht).   Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning says the state will receive a share of the $1.5 billion settlement Abbott agreed to.   Nebraska's Medicaid program will receive $3.7 million, and $1.2 York Man Gets "Cooler" Name A 23-year-old man has legally become Tyrannosaurus Rex.   The  man entered the York County courtroom on Monday as Tyler Gold and left it named Tyrannosaurus Rex Joseph Gold.   Gold says in his public filing for the change that the dinosaur's name is cooler. He says that "as an entrepreneur, name recognition is important and the new name is more Junior Dope Dealer''s Driver To Prison A 44-year-old man who helped a 13-year-old boy sell methamphetamine in Lincoln has been sentenced to prison.  Shane Samuelson was sentenced to nine to 19 years after pleading guilty.   Prosecutors say the boy had been selling drugs and on Nov. 16 sold some meth to an undercover officer in a parking lot. Police say Samuelson drove the boy to the lot, knowing what the boy intended. Fake ID = Prison Time A 57-year-old Grand Island man has been given a year and a day in prison for Social Security fraud.   Jesus Chavez-Flores must also serve three years of supervised release after he leaves prison.  Last April, Chavez-Flores used the name and Social Security number of a Texas resident to apply for benefits at the Social Security Administration office in Hall County.   Mayor Seeks Budget Advice Mayor Chris Beutler is asking Lincoln residents to take an online survey on budget priorities.  The Mayor's "Taking Charge" survey will be online at the city website thru June 9th.  It's the third year in which the mayor has asked for public input on whether or not to continue or eliminate certain tax-supported programs.  They include library hours, bus routes, Big Name Entertainment At County Fair You'll see world class entertainment again this year at the Lancaster County Super Fair.  Multi-platinum Country star Mark Wills will open the fair with a concert August 4th.  A children's concert August 5th will feature the group "Go Fish".  Two more country names...Darryl Perry on Monday August 6th, and Susie McEntire, the younger sister of Superstar Reba Car Among Items Missing From Home Burglary Lincoln Police need your help finding a stolen car, taken during a home burglary early Sunday morning near 34th and Randolph. Officer Katie Flood says a 21-year-old woman woke up hearing her dogs barking during a thunderstorm, went to check on them and noticed the back door was open. Soon after, the victim noticed two TVs, two cameras and two laptops were gone for a loss of $1,800.  Shipment of Diaper and Baby Wipes Mistakenly Sent To Vacant Home A delivery mix up of 37 boxes of diapers and five boxes of baby wipes goes to an old north Lincoln home of a Cedars Youth Services employees. Police Officer Katie Flood says both items were supposed to be shipped to the Cedars home at 66th and Pioneers. When employees couldn't find the boxes, Flood says the employee contacted UPS, who said they delivered it to a home where that employee used to live about five years ago.  Ground Breaking Set For Memorial Honoring Slain Deputy A week from this Friday, ground will be broken for the "Craig Dodge Memorial" on the site where Deputy Dodge was shot and killed 25 years ago. It was March 14th, 1987 when Dodge and other Lancaster County deputies were responding to a domestic incident at a Hickman apartment. Sheriff Terry Wagner remembers it well. He says Dodge went in to investigate without back up at the scene and Capitol Falcons Hatching Two fluffy white baby peregrine falcons have now hatched in a window box on the 14th floor of the state capitol.  Two more eggs are yet to hatch; Game and Parks Department officials say we should know this week whether they will.  You can view the birds live on the falcon-cam at http://www.outdoornebraska.NE.gov . Toddler Dies In Fall From Horse A 2-year-old girl has died after a fall from a horse in the Nebraska Panhandle. The accident occurred Friday afternoon, near Scotts Bluff.  The County Sheriff says 2 year old Emily Guerra was sitting on a horse with her father, something spooked the horse, it took off, and the toddler fell.  The girl was taken to a Scottsbluff hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Woman Dies In N.E. Nebraska Crash  A 46-year-old woman has died after a collision on U.S. Highway 81 in northeast Nebraska.  The collision occurred early Sunday five miles north of Norfolk.   The State Patrol says the car driven by Bonnie Stevenson, of St. Paul, crossed the center line and hit a pickup driven by 54-year-old Eugene Marksmeier, of Coleridge.  Stevenson was pronounced dead at the Cabela's Bank Expands A big bank expansion project was completed in the Highlands area Monday.  Cabela's World's Foremost Bank cut the ribbon on a 40-thousand square foot addition at 48-hundred northwest First Street.  The addition will bring employment at the bank to 430, with more than 300 additional people expected to be hired in the next five years.  The Bank first opened in 2001 to LFR Unveils New Alternative Response Vehicle Lincoln Firefighters will be utilizing their new Alternative Response Vehicle, The extended cab pickup truck will seat four firefighters and house medical equipment. Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Sellon says the ARV will be responding to minor medical calls, lift assist calls and other special details, not putting as much stress on fire engines that have been involved in minor responses.   Bruning Says "Fairness Ordinance" Unconstitutional--Beutler Disagrees The state attorney general says Nebraska cities cannot enact ordinances that protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.   Jon Bruning says cities have no authority to extend protection to groups that aren't protected under state statute.   Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler and City Attorney Rod Confer both said they disagree with the opinion. Drug Shopper Sentenced A 47-year-old Lincoln man has been given 15-plus- years in federal prison for acquiring an ingredient used to make methamphetamine.   Shawn Bursovsky had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture meth. Bursovsky was sentenced on Thursday. He also must serve four years of supervised release after he leaves prison.   Kofoed Appeal Denied The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a former top crime scene investigator serving a prison sentence for evidence tampering in a double murder case.   Former CSI chief David Kofoed had asked the state's high court to grant him a new trial, arguing among other things that the trial court judge should have recused himself from the case. Keystone Application Re-Submitted The Canadian company that wants to build the disputed Keystone XL pipeline in the U.S. says it has submitted a new application for the project after changing the route to avoid environmentally sensitive land in Nebraska.   TransCanada says it filed a new application Friday for the project to carry oil from western Canada to Steele City, Neb., to link up there with other pipelines Teacher Faces Additional Sex Charges A teacher in the Omaha suburb of Ralston who's accused of inappropriately touching students faces two additional charges.    58-year-old Nicholas Richter is now charged with five counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a child. Richter's attorney, James Shaefer, says the additional charges were filed after two more children came forward with allegations.    Drug Suspect Given Diversion Prosecutors have dismissed a drug charge against a Lincoln woman arrested after she kept a prescription for painkillers mistakenly given to her by a pharmacy.   Diane Louise Meyer was arrested in February and charged with possession of a controlled substance.   The  prosecutors dismissed the charge Friday after Meyer agreed to participate in a drug diversion Student Must Prove He's Alive A Nebraska high school senior is set to graduate and go to college, although he's been listed as dead.   Corbin Russell's education plans are on hold because credit agencies and other records show that he's deceased.  Russell's Social Security number was used in a death benefit claim for a man in South Carolina who died in January 2010.   Russell and his Mom Accused Of Pimping Daughter A 35-year-old south-central Nebraska woman has been arrested, accused of pimping out her 14-year-old daughter.   A news release from the  State Patrol says the woman was arrested at a Kearney motel after offering her daughter to an undercover officer.   The woman is charged with child pornography and with conspiracy to commit sexual assault of a child. Her name has not Councilman Faces Ethics Complaint The Douglas County Republican Party is filing a complaint with state officials against Omaha City Councilman Ben Gray, a Democrat, saying the councilman violated ethics rules by voting to give his employer one of 35 coveted permits to sell fireworks this year.   It's the latest volley between Republicans and Democrats in the Omaha area in recent months. It follows complaints by Bellevue Police Chief Suspended Bellevue officials say an investigation into the police chief should be complete within the week.   Chief John Stacey is on administrative leave over a comment he allegedly made at a volunteer fire department. City Administrator Dan Berlowitz says Stacey was placed on leave on Wednesday. Berlowitz says it stems from an incident that happened on Monday.   Berlowitz referenced a Husband Killer Sentenced A southeast Nebraska woman has been given life plus 50 years in prison for beating her husband to death.  55-year-old Susan DeJong was sentenced to life in prison for murder and another 50 years for using a weapon.  52-year-old Thomas DeJong was beaten with two hammers at the couple's home eight miles west of Fairbury last March. He died the next day at a Lincoln Arrests In Toddler Death Three family members have been arrested in the death of a Franklin County toddler in southern Nebraska.   The State Patrol say 2-year-old Joseph Rinehart of Naponee died after he was taken to a hospital Monday night.  The patrol say an autopsy shows he died of head and internal injuries caused by blunt force trauma. The boy's mother, 24-year-old Laura Rinehart, and his Gretna Fires City Administrator The Gretna city attorney says a theft allegation played a role in the council's decision to fire the city administrator.   The council voted Tuesday to dismiss 49-year-old Colleen Lawry. She was arrested later on theft allegations that were not related to questions raised by the state auditor about city finances and her spending.   Exmark Recalls Mowers 2,200 Exmark riding mowers that were made in Nebraska are being recalled because a part could fail and cause a crash.   Exmark says it has received 18 reports of problems with its Quest 42-inch ZRT riding mowers, but no injuries have been reported.   Exmark says bearings that support the mower deck could fail and interfere with the operator's controls.    LIBA Questions Bike Lane Plans Questions have been raised about plans for more downtown Bike Lanes.  The Lincoln Independent Business Association says no more bike lanes should be built downtown until the Pinnacle Bank Arena is open, saying it will be difficult to gauge the new traffic patterns until then.  The association statement also expresses concern about the possibility that bike lanes suggested by a Governor Begins Endorsing Candidates Governor Dave Heineman threw his support behind a candidate for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents Wednesday.  The Governor endorsed State Senator Lavonn Heidemann, who's running for the district 5 Regents seat that's being vacated by Jim McClurg of Lincoln.  Heidemann faces David City Insurance Agent Mike Jones and former Regent Robert Prokop of WIlber in the primary Occupy Lincoln Members Quietly Leave Centennial Mall City officials want to make a compromise with groups, such as Occupy Lincoln, to express their first amendment rights, but do so in appropriate venues. Mayor Beutler says the occupiers were cooperative and observed the law, and the Police, Parks and Recreation, Health and Building and Safety departments worked together to protect their well-being.   Economy Continues Slow Recovery A survey of supply managers suggests growing economic strength in a nine-state region of the Plains and Midwest.   The Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 60.0 in April, compared with 58.6 in March and 58.4 in February.   Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey. Ernie Goss Drug Decoy Sentenced A 30-year-old California woman suspected of acting as a decoy to protect a big shipment of marijuana has been given 180 days in jail.  Natalie Nguyen (wihn)  pleaded no contest to attempted possession of more than a pound of marijuana.   The State Patrol says Nguyen and 37-year-old Tri Minh Dao (trihn mihn dow), both of Westminster, Calif., were following another vehicle too Bluffs Teacher Faces Drug Charge A Council Bluffs teacher is on administrative leave after authorities say he gave a prescription drug to a student. Adam Jones, a science teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School, is charged with  giving a student Xanax, a drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.   Authorities say an investigation into text messages led to the Jones' arrest.    Supreme Court To Hear Daycare Suit The Nebraska Supreme Court will hear arguments this week in the case of an Omaha couple who say they've been unfairly ordered to shutter their home-based child care service.   Glen and Rhonda Wolf appealed after a Douglas County court found in favor of Farmington Woods Homeowners Association, who sued over the Wolfs' child care service. The association says the service violates Feds Seek Dismissal Of Nebraska Suit  The Justice Department has asked a judge to dismiss a legal challenge to a new federal rule that would require contraception coverage for employees of church-affiliated hospitals, schools and outreach programs.   Department lawyers argued in court papers Monday that they have agreed not to enforce the rule until August 2013, and have promised changes in the meantime to address the New Lincoln Race Course Planned A new horse racing track is on the drawing board in Lincoln to replace the one on the old state fairgrounds.   The Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association on Tuesday announced the purchase of about 100 acres in the southwest part of town for the new Lincoln Racecourse.   This is the last year for live racing at the current track . Former Gage County Official Loses Firing Appeal The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has denied an appeal by the former Gage County highway superintendent. Marlin Kliewer (KLEE'-vur) had appealed a decision by the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission that upheld Gage County.   The Nebraska panel ruled the evidence didn't support Kliewer's allegations of discrimination.   Horse Racing Staying In Lincoln   Horse racing will stay alive in Lincoln. Lynne Schuller is the legal counsel for the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. She tells KFOR News revenue from the closure and sale of a track in South Sioux City and from the simulcast operation at the old facility will be used to build a grandstand, one-mile track and barns for up to 1,000 horses.  Tea Party Express Schedules Lincoln, Omaha Stops Fans of the tea party can see the organization's national touring road show entitled the Tea Party Express here in Nebraska Tuesday.  The group's chairman, Amy Kramer, says they'll be making two stops in Eastern Nebraska:  One at Lincoln's Antelope Park at 11:30 A.M. and the other at Omaha's Elmwood Park at 5 PM.  Each stop will include speeches by Minority Women Face Greater Health Threats A new report by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services shows an ongoing health disparity between minority women and other populations.   The report says African-American women in Nebraska were more likely to die from cancer, heart disease, and strokes than women from other racial and ethnic groups. American Indian and Hispanic women were more likely to develop diabetes, Supreme Court To Review Murder Conviction The Nebraska Supreme Court will hear the appeal of an Omaha man convicted of killing an Omaha college student whose body has never been found.   Christopher Edwards was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2006 disappearance of 19-year-old Jessica O'Grady. Edwards was sentenced to 100 years to life.   Edwards filed an appeal in 2010 in Douglas County District Court, State Tourism Touted Nebraska officials are promoting the state's golf courses, wineries, restaurants and parks in a new campaign designed to change outside perceptions of the state and attract tourists.   The attractions are part of the Nebraska Passport program. Nebraska Tourism Director Kathy McKillip says the program is broken into 10 subject areas of interest, including a culinary tour, culture Voter Registration Deadline Approachnig If you want to vote in the upcoming primary election, the registration deadline is this Friday, May 4th.  Election Commissioner Dave Shively says anyone who is new to Lincoln, has changed names or addresses, or will turn 18 by November 6th is welcome to register.  Registration can be done in person at the Election Commissioner's office at 601 North 46th street.  Registration New District Judge To Be Named Governor Dave Heineman will pick one of five Lincoln attornies for a new Lancaster County District Judgeship.  The five include Joseph Dalton, Thomas Fox, Milissa Johnson-Wiles, Timothy Phillips, and Rodney Reuter.  The new judgeship was created during the just-completed legislative session, in response to the growing caseload in the Lincoln area. Toddler's Death Caused By "Medical Condition" Lincoln police says there's no evidence of foul play from a preliminary autopsy on a 2-year-old boy who died after he was found unresponsive at his home.  The report says Axton Nolte probably died of a medical condition, but  toxicology tests will be done.   The toddler died on Tuesday. Police say he wasn't breathing when his mother went to wake him up from a nap. Dam Damage Investigated The Army Corps of Engineers plans to cut the flow of water coming out of Gavins Point Dam in southeast South Dakota next week to check for damage from last year's flooding. The corps will conduct the test on Tuesday to look for damage caused by last summer's sustained high water releases.    State Auditor Criticizes Gretna City Officials The Nebraska state auditor's office has questioned spending by city officials in Gretna.   State Auditor Mike Foley sent a letter dated Thursday to City Council President Jason Stahr that raised questions about use of city credit cards and the city's lack of financial controls.   Foley cited in one example that the city administrator used her city card for personal Lincoln Man To Prison For Pornography A Lincoln man has been sentenced to five years in prison in a federal child pornography case. 45-year-old Todd Hobbs was sentenced for possession of child pornography  in U.S. District Court in Lincoln.   Hobbs was charged last year during an investigation into child pornography on the Internet. Prosecutors say Lincoln police were able to identify the Internet address for a Park Assault Investigated The search is on for a man who tried to assault a teen-age girl at Antelope Park Thursday afternoon.  Around 3:45pm, a 17 year old girl, in the park with friends, went to use the restroom alone. A man hiding behind the door grabbed her and tried pulling her toward the bathroom.  She used backward kicks, escaped and ran away.   Lincoln Tree Program Honored Again Lincoln has been named a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 35th consecutive year. Lincoln also received a Tree City Growth Award for continuing demonstrated commitment and progress in managing more than 130,000 public trees along streets and in parks.  Woman Escapes Would Be Attacker Lincoln Police need your help finding a man who allegedly tried to harm a 17-year-old girl Thursday afternoon, as she was walking into the restroom at Antelope Park. Investigators say man had been hiding behind the partition wall that separates the bathroom entry door from the park. The victim applied backward kicks, striking him a few times in the lower leg and got away. The suspect is Lincoln Man Arrested For Robbing Woman Of Her Beer A 35-year-old Lincoln man is behind bars, suspected of robbing a 21-year-old woman of her beer, while she sat out on her patio with a few friends late Thursday at an apartment in the 700 block of South 14th Street. After the women refused to give Nehemiah Winters the beer, he lifted his shirt up and showed the handle of what was thought to have been a knife in his pants. KFOR News Team Earns Four 1st Place AP Awards SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - KFOR in Lincoln, Neb., brought home four first-place awards to lead the large commercial radio category in the 2012 Great Plains News and Photo Contest.   Lincoln Building Scores Gold A new Lincoln Office Building has received national recognition.  The new Veterans Administration regional office in Williamsburg Village at 40th and Old Cheney has been certified as LEED GOLD.  The rank is the second highest a building can receive for environmental efficiency.  Hampton Construction of Lincoln was the contractor. New Supreme Court Justice Named A Nebraska Court of Appeals judge has been chosen to fill a vacancy on the state Supreme Court.   Gov. Dave Heineman said Thursday that he had chosen William Cassel, of O'Neill, to join the Nebraska Supreme Court. He replaces Judge John Gerrard, who left the high court for appointment as a U.S. District Court judge in Nebraska.   Cassel will be eligible to begin serving Supreme Court Reverses Weapons Verdict The Nebraska Supreme Court says a lower appeals court got it wrong when it declared there was not enough evidence to support the weapons convictions of an Omaha man.   Michael Ross Jr. was found guilty in 2010 of three weapons counts in the death of his cousin, Tiffany Ross, who was caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting on Feb. 10, 2010. She lost her unborn child, then died Drunk Mom Accused A 32-year-old woman accused of using her 11-year-old daughter to drive the mom and two friends during a night of drinking has pleaded not guilty to child abuse.  Jennifer Etgen, of Tilden, is out of jail on bond and is scheduled for trial on June 12.   Norfolk police say an officer saw a pickup driven by the girl almost hit a curb just before 3:15 a.m. on March 13.   Robber Stabbed By Victim Sentenced To Prison A man who attempted a robbery at a Lincoln apartment in July and was stabbed nine times during a struggle is going to prison for at least a dozen years.   Booker Holloway III stormed into a Lincoln apartment with a gun in July, intending to steal money and drugs and to get back a laptop that had been stolen from him.   After a struggle he was stabbed with a pocket knife.  Water Main Break Closes Street 4 Days Early Part of First Street just north of Cornhusker Highway is closed because of a water main break.  It happened early Thursday afternoon.  Water from a 16 inch main flooded the street a foot deep, causing a pavement break-up.  The area is scheduled for a re-surfacing project starting Monday anyway, so it will remain closed between Belmont and Nance until the re-surfacing project Robbery Suspect Arrested Quickly Police made quick work of finding a robber Thursday afternoon.  The house of flowers at 27th and Randolph reported a man walked in, said he had a gun, and wanted all the money they had.  He did not show the gun, but was given cash before leaving.  He left on foot around 4:05 P.M.  20 minutes later, a man fitting the description was taken into custody at De Man Arrested For Disturbance At SW Lincoln Home A 19-year-old Lincoln man is in jail, accused of being responsible for a disturbance initially thought to have been a kidnapping attempt Wednesday in the 1500 block of Southwest 15th Street. Police Officer Katie Flood says early Thursday, a family member called to report that Dalton Gilsdorf came home with a stolen bike.  State College Tuition Going Up Tuition is going up on for students at three Nebraska colleges this fall.   The Nebraska State College Board of Trustees has approved a 3.5 percent increase for students at Chadron, Peru and Wayne state colleges.   For in-state undergraduates, tuition will go up $4.75 per credit hour to $140 - or an additional $71 for a fulltime student taking 15 credit Zoo Giraffe Dies A month-old giraffe calf at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has died.   A zoo news release says the female giraffe born on March 25 died early Wednesday morning, despite round-the-clock care by zoo veterinarians and staff.   The calf had been under veterinary care for about 10 days for multiple problems, including a bacterial infection. She appeared to have recovered, but North Lincoln Gas Leak Closes Busy Street Parts of 40th and Superior streets were shut down early Wednesday afternoon because of a natural gas leak.  The leak was traced to a pressure regulator station on the corner of 40th and superior.  Black Hills Energy Company Spokesman Bob McKeon told KFOR News that a pressure relief valve opened to allow the gas to escape, but it wasn't determined whether it was because of North Lincoln Roofing Fire Damages Shed and Nearby Vehicle Firemen were called to the 37-hundred block of North 56th street Wednesday afternoon on a report of thick black smoke coming from McKinnis Roofing Company.  When firemen arrived they determined the smoke was coming from a shed behind the firm.  Inside, building materials were on fire.  The fire also crossed a fenceline and heavily damaged a car. Lincoln Boy Gets To Achieve Dream An 11-year-old Lincoln boy, who has been battling brain tumors the last few years, is realizing his dream to become a pop-star.   Through the Make-A-Wish foundation, Cayden is getting to live his dream, by getting the star treatment.   Cayden tells KFOR News he was surprised when he saw a limo outside of his school, Wednesday morning waiting for him.  Malcolm Couple Victims of New Scam A rural Malcolm couple became the latest victims of a nationwide scam, where they were advertising to sell a time share they had through Windham Resorts.  Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner says the couple got a call from a man in Florida, who said he wanted to buy their time share.  (VIDEO) NE Lincoln Convenience Store Robbed A robbery just before 2:30am Thursday inside the U-Stop convenience store at 84th and Cornhusker Highway. Police Capt. Jason Stille tells KFOR NEWS three men wearing hooded sweatshirts and bandanas ordered money and cigarettes. One man was armed with a handgun. A tracking dog started searching for the suspects in a nearby field. Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies and the State Patrol Kerrey will run in Nebraska OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Former Sen. Bob Kerrey is reversing course and says he'll seek the Democratic nomination for the Nebraska seat he once held.    Kerrey's announcement Wednesday comes just weeks after he publicly rejected a run to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson. It's also just two days before Nebraska's candidate filing deadline.     Fatal West 'O' accident leaves one dead One person is dead after a collision between a compact car and a semi-truck in the 900 block of West “O” Street shortly after 11am Thursday. The driver of the car was killed and the semi-truck driver was not hurt. The investigation continues and the name of the victim has not been released. Teenager Hit By SUV A 13-year-old Lincoln boy is recovering after he was hit while trying to cross a busy street. Police and Firefighters responded to the accident at 8th and "A" Street just before 7:30am Thursday, where the boy was hit by an SUV and pinned under the front wheels.  Key Execution Drug Recalled A Swiss pharmaceutical company has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that it is recalling a supply of a lethal injection drug held by Nebraska, which could leave the state without a way to carry out executions for the foreseeable future.  Naari AG has asked Nebraska officials to quarantine its supply of sodium thiopental and return it to the company or the FDA.   State Retirement Plan Mistakes Found  A state audit has found that some Nebraska school district employees have not paid into the state's pension fund when they should have, and one employee improperly collected retirement benefits while continuing to work for the district.   State Auditor Mike Foley said Wednesday that the cases were isolated. But he said his auditors see a handful each year. Weather Postpones Husker Baseball Friday night's Nebraska Cornhusker Baseball Game at Haymarket Park against Cal-State Bakersfield was postponed until Saturday.  The two teams will play a double-header Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:05.  The cancellation was caused by the forecast for high winds and possible thunderstorms Friday night.  The three game series will conclude with a single game Sunday

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