The Nebraska Humane Society removed nearly 100 cats from a small house Wednesday morning.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Pam Wiese with the Humane Society says this was the fourth time that were called out Hanne Kaea's home at 3812 N. 18th Street.
In 1996, 2001 and in 2007, Kaea was cited for having too many cats. On Wednesday, the Humane Society removed nearly 100 more felines, along with a rabbit and raccoon. Wiese says the conditions weren't the worst she's ever scene, but that many of the cats have upper repiratory problems.
The city Housing Department declared the house too dangerous to live in.
Mayor Mike Fahey announced Omaha's new Police and Fire Chiefs Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Interim Police Chief Erick Buske has been tapped to become the permanent head of the Police Department. He has been in charge of the city's law enforcement agency since former Chief Thomas Warren Retired.
Mayor Fahey tapped Interim Fire Chief Mike McDonnell to permanently assume the role as Omaha Fire Chief.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a former Millard middle school teacher accused of having sex with a student in 2002.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Sarpy County Sheriff's Office says 35-year-old Stephanie Draper faces a charge of first degree sexual assault of a minor. A former student of Draper's claims the two had a relationship when he was 14, while he was a student at Beadle Middle School. The boy is now 21. Draper no longer works at the school.
19 year-old Joshua Van Ackeren says two men offered him cash to give them a ride from 41st and Leavenworth to the Dundee area Tuesday afternoon. When they arrived at 50th and Cuming, Van Ackeren says one of the men pulled a gun and ordered him out of the car. The pair took off in his 1977 Chevy Impala. The suspects are described as Black men in their twenties.
Coach Bo Pelini has released the depth chart that he will be using for the start of fall camp.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Huskers will start practicing again on August 3rd. Going into camp, Pelini says this depth chart will be fluid all the way up to the start of first game of the season against Western Michigan on August 30th.
OFFENSE
Tight end Mike McNeill, 6-4, 240, So., Kirkwood, Mo. Ryan Hill, 6-3, 245, RFr., Arvada, Colo.
Left tackle Lydon Murtha, 6-7, 315, Sr., Hutchinson, Minn. Mike Smith, 6-6, 285, So., Las Vegas, Nev.
Left guard Mike Huff, 6-4, 300, Sr., Ralston, Neb. Keith Williams, 6-5, 305, So., Florissant, Mo.
Center Jacob Hickman, 6-4, 290, Jr., Bakersfield, Calif. Mike Caputo, 6-1, 275, RFr., Omaha, Neb.
Right guard Matt Slauson, 6-5, 320, Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo. D.J. Jones, 6-5, 305, So., Omaha, Neb.
Five Omaha Fire fighters are in Texas, as the Gulf Coast braces for Hurricane Dolly.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The five firefighters that are in Texas are part of the Nebraska Urban Search and Rescue team.
The role of the task force is to support state and local emergency responders' efforts to locate victims and manage recovery operations.
Each unit consists of two 31-person teams, four canines, and a comprehensive equipment cache. US&R task force members work in four areas of specialization:
Search: find victims trapped after a disaster.
Rescue: safely dig victims out of tons of collapsed concrete and metal.
Technical: made up of structural specialists who make rescues safe for the rescuers.
Medical: care for the victims before and after a rescue.
Dolly is expected to make land near Northeastern Mexico and Southeastern Texas on Wednesday and will have the potential of dumping more than 15 inches of rain in some areas.
The family of Jeff Harriman decided to remove life support from their son Tuesday, after learning they could not donate their son's organs.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Harriman was attacked last Friday in Council Bluffs by three transients.
Police have charged Charles Armstrong and Mark Foster with willful injury, but now that Harriman has passed away, Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber says those charges will be upgraded.
On Tuesday, Harriman's family issued the following statement: “We wished we could have donated his organs to save other lives, but we also know it’s important to prosecute the monsters who did this to him. We hope Iowa will pass a law similar to the one in Nebraska that could allow for an autopsy and organ donation. When they do, we hope they’ll call it Jeff’s Law.”
The Omaha Police Department say their effort earlier this month recovered more than 50 guns and 300 pounds of fireworks.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Second Annual Fireworks Amnesty Day was held last Saturday, and once again, the program took a large cache of fireworks, ammunition and weapons off of the streets.
365 vehicles participated in this event at the various sites and dropped off the following items:
Approximately 325 lbs. of fireworks
Approximately 1093 lbs. of ammunition
53 guns (long guns and pistols)
1 grenade (not live)
1 military smoke grenade
1 75 mm artillery shell (not live)
25 lbs. of black powder
47 1.3 class fireworks (commercial artillery shells ranging from 1.5” to 6” in diameter.)
Jamal Abram was arrested earlier this month near Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The 24 year old Abram is charged with attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of his dead cousin's girlfriend last month. Police say Abram shot Sarah Schramm in a wooded area near 53rd and Bauman Avenue on June 23rd. She prentended to be dead until the gunman left and then walked to a nearby house for help. Schramm told police that Abram blamed her for his cousin's suicide.
An Omaha man was killed Monday afternoon when his pickup hit a semi head-on near Schuyler.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Butler County Sheriff's Office reports 21-year-old Andrew Muhle was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi was treated for injuries at a local hospital. Investigators say Muhle's pickup crossed the center line of Highway 15 and collided head-on with the semi just after 2:30 p.m. Monday.
The Gretna Youth Softball and Baseball Association has taken action in regards to an umpire allegedly getting assaulted by a fan earlier this month.
Monday, July 21, 2008
On Monday, the GYSBA said the following in regards to an incident involving umpire Charles Andersen and Jeffrey Johnson:
"Jeffrey Johnson’s action was inexcusable. Johnson will be banned from attending any GYSBA baseball games for 2 years. The coaches involved will be held accountable for confronting the umpire; therefore, they will not be coaching during the 2009 season.
We would like to remind players, coaches, and spectators that good sportsmanship is a critical part of the game and should be followed at all times regardless of circumstance. We, as coaches and parents, set the example for our children and GYSBA believes the conduct of those involved was not appropriate."
Charles Andersen claims that he was blindsided by Johnson, who is facing misdemeanor assault charges.
The 13 people killed on Nebraska roads in June was the lowest number recorded since 1946.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Fred Zwonechek, with the Nebraska Department of Roads, attributes the decrease to the fact that high gas prices are having people cutting back on driving.
Zwonechek says people are obeying the speed limits more closely in an effort to conserve fuel and that more people are wearing seatbelts than ever before.
So far this year there have been ten fewer traffic fatalities than at this point in 2007, and Zwonechek says he is hopeful that this trend continues.
However, the amount of interstate fatalities is up slightly over last year and Zwonechek wants to remind people that whenever possible, move over to get out the way of emergency and distressed vehicles.
Children with disabilities ages 6 to 16 are invited to take part in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games this week in Omaha.
Monday, July 21, 2008
On Sunday, July 27th, area children will have a chance to meet world class wheelchair athletes, learn about their disabilities and compete in sporting events. Children will also be able to interact with the athletes and play t-ball, archery and wheelchair slalom. The event will take place at NorthwestHigh School from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The event is free but you do need to register. Contact either Susan Dover at 402-995-3358 or e-mail susan.dover@va.gov or Sheila Skipper at 1-800-424-8200, e-mail, sheilas@pva.org.
A former teacher at Norris Middle School was sentenced to four to five years in prison for sexual assault on a child.
Monday, July 21, 2008
38-year-old Collin Holcomb admitted to authorities that he arranged meetings with a 14-year-old student. Last May, neighbors became suspicious when they saw his vehicle parked at ChurchichPark near 52nd and “B” Street a number of times and called the police. In court Monday, Holcomb apologized for his actions and stated that he was seeing a psychiatrist and performed community service. A judge today still sentenced him to four to five years behind bars. He is eligible for parole in two years.
An Omaha man claims he was assaulted early Monday morning after two men came into his home with a pit bull.
Monday, July 21, 2008
According to Omaha Police, Steve Simon claims the two suspects demanded money, and when he refused to hand over any cash, one of the men assaulted him. Police are looking for two suspects, described as Black men about 5'9", weighing 200 pounds.
The family of Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts is rumored to be among the bidders for the Chicago Cubs and their storied Wrigley Field home.
Monday, July 21, 2008
A person familiar with the Ricketts family's bid who requested anonymity says the family is interested in the total package of team, stadium and the stake in the cable channel.
Senators Chuck Hagel and Jack Reed are accompanying Presidential hopeful Barack Obama on a tour of the Afghanistan and Iraq.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
On Sunday, Obama, Hagel and Reed issued the following statement about their trip:
"We're in Afghanistan because this is the central front in the war on terrorism. Those who actually attacked us on 9/11 reside in the badlands between Afghanistan and Pakistan. They have regrouped and they are getting stronger, as we saw yesterday with attacks throughout Afghanistan that resulted in the deaths of a NATO soldier and several members of the Afghan police.
We're talking to our military and diplomatic leadership, and to the leaders of Afghanistan, about whether we have the right strategy and the right resources to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda, and to support lasting stability. Our message to the Afghan government is this: We want a strong partnership based on "more for more" - more resources from the United States and NATO, and more action from the Afghan government to improve the lives of the Afghan people.
We need a sense of urgency and determination. We need urgency because the threat from the Taliban and al Qaeda is growing and we must act; we need determination because it will take time to prevail. But with the right strategy and the resources to back it up, we will get the job done."
More than 30,000 people attended Horsemen's Park four-day live racing event.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Fans nearly filled the stands on Sunday, as live horse racing returned to Omaha for the 11th straight year at Horsemen's Park.
Nebraska has a strong horse racing heritage, but live racing is becoming harder to find. In 1984, the Ak-Sar-Ben horse track was the sixth most popular track in the country, but its last race was run 11 years later in 1995.
The StateFairPark race track in Lincoln will soon be closing its doors for good with the University of Nebraska taking ownership of the land and the State Fair moving to Grand Island.
The trend in Nebraska mirrors what is happening nationwide with an increased emphasis on simulcast horse racing, with most fans not wanting to wait the 45 minutes in between races to place a bet.
Omaha Police are investigating a shooting early Saturday morning that left one person in critical condition.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
At 2:46 a.m. Saturday, police were called to the area of 4th and Bancroft on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found 54-year-old Larry Harwood Sr. suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition, and investigators said late Saturday morning they are unsure whether he will survive. According to police, several people were arguing, when someone pulled out a gun and shot Harwood.
An Omaha man accused of kidnapping and raping a 10-year-old girl last October has pleaded guilty in the case.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Michael Zimmerman pleaded guilty to sexual assault and kidnapping. Police say the 51-year-old Zimmerman saw the girl walking to school and offered her a ride. When she refused, police say forced her into the car by threatening her, took her to his house and raped her. The girl was able to escape after the assault and ran, naked, to a Metropolitan Utilities District employee working in the area and begged him for help. The utility worker, Alvin Clark, put the girl put her in his van, called police, and kept Zimmerman from fleeing the scene until officers could arrive. Zimmerman is set to be sentenced in October.
A murder charge against a 26-year-old Omaha man has been dismissed for a second time.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
A Douglas County judge ruled Friday that there wasn't enough evidence to allow the case against Derrick West-Jones to move forward. He had been charged with murder and use of a weapon in the April shooting of 20-year-old Kathleen Jackson in an Omaha apartment building. Investigators say she had complained about loud music coming from his apartment. The charges were dismissed and refiled last month. Douglas County prosecutors say unless a new witness comes forward, it's unlikely charges will be refiled against West-Jones.
Eastern Nebraska will be able to get federal help repairing storm damage because President Bush has declared a major disaster exists.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The declaration covers damage from severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that struck the area on June 27. That storm left more than 125,000 people without power. And winds of up to 115 mph damaged trees, power lines and homes, and killed two teenagers in Council Bluffs, when a tree fell on their car. Federal assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.
Drivers who use the South Omaha Veterans Memorial Bridge will need to find another route for the rest of the summer.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Starting Monday, July 21, the Veterans Memorial Bridge will be closed in both directions while crews work on the intersection of 13th Street and U.S. 275. Officials say the bridge will remained closed for about 60 days.
Detours will be marked. Drivers are encouraged to use the I-80 bridge and travel on 13th Street in Omaha and South 24th Street in Council Bluffs to get to area destinations.
Six Nebraska stores are set to close in the coming months
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Seattle based company says two of the stores are on 72nd Street in Papillion, which opened in the past year. One is at Highway 370 and the other is on Giles Road. The stores at 63rd and Center, 120th and Blondo and Highway 370 at 36th Street in Bellevue will also close.
Starbucks has been operating in Omaha for six years. The closings will begin this month and continue through the first half of the next fiscal year.
There will be a Metro Area Fireworks Amnesty Day on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The event will be held at three locations throughout the metro area for disposal of fireworks, ammunition and guns.
Locations:
Ambassador Worship Center, 103rd and Fort Street(Former Wal-mart)
SeymourSmithPark, 72nd and Harrison Street
Please enter the park from the 72nd Street entrance due to construction on Harrison Street.
Council Bluffs, 28th and Broadway (Former No Frills parking lot)
All three sites will be accepting fireworks, ammunition and guns.
The Fireworks Amnesty Day has many goals that would be beneficial for public participation.The day gives the public the opportunity to dispose of fireworks, ammunition, or any other explosive devices at a safe location.The operation will also give authorities the opportunity to educate the public on the dangers of fireworks and other explosives.
Due to the July 4th Independence Holiday occurring prior to this event and the fact that fireworks can be legally discharged in some surrounding metro areas, we would like the public to be aware of fireworks safety information on the following websites:
Cat House
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