Panhandle Scanner - formerly Scotts Bluff County Scanner has been a well-followed source for important local news since 2009. The Scanner can be reached through Hale Multimedia at sbcoscanner@gmail.cm or 940-224-6315.
On 4-22-24 at approximately 0625 am, a theft occurred from a secured area in the parking lot of AKRS John Deere. Several large rolls of cable, copper wire, breaker bars, and gasoline were taken. Two individuals were observed in an older white 4 door Dodge pickup.
The York Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle or the two individuals involved. If anyone has any information, please contact the York Police Department (402) 363-2640 or York County Crime Stoppers (402) 362-2999. Your anonymous tip may be eligible for a cash reward!
(ALLIANCE, Neb.) — The City of Alliance is excited to announce the commencement of a milling and overlay project on 8th Street, spanning from Dakota to Mississippi Avenue, scheduled to begin soon.
In preparation for the upcoming construction activities, the City of Alliance kindly requests that residents who reside along 8th Street trim their trees to a height of 14 feet. This proactive measure will facilitate the passage of construction equipment without complications, ensuring the project proceeds efficiently and safely.
The construction schedule for the milling and overlay project will be announced as soon as it becomes available. The City of Alliance is committed to keeping residents informed about project updates, timeliness, and any potential impacts on traffic or accessibility.
For more information, please contact Public Works Director Ross Grant at (308) 762-1907.
NDOT is currently looking for talented individuals to come join our team; please apply or share this post to anyone in your network who might be interested in this position!
(COLUMBUS, Neb.) — On April 17, 2024, the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, with members of the Platte County Dive and Rescue Team, coordinated with the Loup Public Power District the recovery of a vehicle from the Loup Canal where it intersects with Highway 30, east of Columbus.
On August 15, 2023, the Sheriff’s Office responded to the Loup Public Power Tailrace Park regarding a drowning. During the subsequent investigation, the individual recovered from the water had been identified as Hector Morales-Ajanel, 23, from Schuyler. The investigation also led to the search of the Loup Canal from the area of Tailrace Park to Highway 30 by the Dive and Rescue Team, with the assistance of members from Nebraska Game and Parks.
As a result of that search, a vehicle was located in the Loup Canal, approximately 150 ft. south of the Highway 30 bridge. The investigation and the vehicle’s location led the Sheriff’s Office to believe that the vehicle may have been driven into the canal by Mr. Morales-Ajanel. Initial attempts to retrieve the vehicle proved unsuccessful due to the swift currents. With no indications that the vehicle had any other occupants at the time it entered the water, aside from Mr. Morales-Ajanel, arrangements were made with Loup Public Power to return on a date and time when the water level would be lower and thus safer for those attempting to retrieve the vehicle.
On April 17, 2024, with the water level lowered and a much slower current, the conditions were safer to attempt once again to remove the vehicle from the canal. This attempt was successful.
After the Sheriff’s Office was able to recover and verify that the vehicle was the vehicle believed to have been driven by Mr. Morales-Ajanel, the Sheriff’s Office, was able to notify the family of the recovery of the vehicle.
All evidence indicates that this was an automobile crash.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Platte County Sheriff’s Office at 402-564-3229 or Platte County Area Crime Stoppers at 402-563-4000.
Three Arrested in Investigation into Improper Relationship with Inmates
APRIL 23, 2024
(LINCOLN, Neb.) — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested three people following an investigation into improper contact with multiple inmates of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) in 2023.
On Monday, April 22, NSP investigators arrested two employees of NDCS, who work at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Abbey Fielder, 26, of Lincoln, was arrested for sexual abuse of an inmate, conspiracy to commit sexual abuse of an inmate, and allowing a committed offender to have unauthorized visitation or communication. Laura Schluckebier, 45, of Lincoln, was arrested for allowing a committed offender to have unauthorized visitation or communication and conspiracy to allow a committed offender to communicate.
The third person arrested, Nicole Carter, 47, of Lincoln, was arrested for sexual abuse of an inmate and allowing a committed offender to have unauthorized visitation or communication. Carter is no longer employed by NDCS. She was arrested at her current place of employment.
All charges in this investigation are felonies. Carter and Schluckebier were lodged in Lancaster County Jail. Fielder was cited and released due to medical circumstances. The investigation remains ongoing.
NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys issued the following statement regarding these arrests: “We hold our team members to a high standard, and inappropriate behavior involving a member of the incarcerated population will not be tolerated in NDCS.” Schluckebier and Fielder have been placed on investigatory suspension by NDCS.
(TORRINGTON, Wyo.) — The City of Torrington has many job opportunities currently available. The City of Torrington offers a generous benefit package and competitive wages.
(KIMBALL, Neb.) — On April 22, 2024, the Kimball County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Nebraska State Patrol with the arrest of Dennis M. Veliz Bedoya for DUI-High Test (2nd Offense), Interlock Violation, and Wreckless Driving.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
(COLUMBUS, Neb.) — The Platte County Sheriff’s Office in Columbus, Nebraska is currently accepting applications to establish a register for the position of Deputy Sheriff.
