LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The top leader of Nebraska’s Legislature is warning that he will end the special session convened to draw new congressional and legislative maps if lawmakers fail to advance both measures by Saturday, a move that would likely delay the state’s May 2022 primary election. Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers says he’d prefer to approve all of the redistricting maps in the current session, but he adds that he’s not going to continue if lawmakers keep failing to reach an agreement. Lawmakers remained at an impasse on Tuesday over how to redraw Nebraska’s congressional and legislative maps to adjust for population losses in rural areas and gains around Omaha and Lincoln.
NEBRASKA WILDFIRES
Nebraska Panhandle wildfires now largely under control
CRAWFORD, Neb. (AP) — Authorities in western Nebraska’s Panhandle say two wildfires that had neared Scottsbluff and Crawford have largely been brought under control. The Omaha World-Herald reports that a fire southwest of Scottsbluff that has burned about 3,600 acres was 100% contained by Monday afternoon, while the fire south of Crawford that has burned 5,400 acres was halfway contained. The two fires were first reported last week and are about 70 miles apart in a region that in the grip of severe drought. On Friday, Gov. Pete Ricketts declared the fires an emergency, freeing up additional state resources.
PRIEST-THEFT INVESTIGATION
Ex-Omaha Archdiocese chancellor accused of stealing $275K
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former chancellor for the Roman Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Omaha is under criminal investigation after being accused of stealing a total of $275,000 from a former priest accused of sexual abuse and from a Springfield parish. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the Rev. Michael Gutgsell is accused of stealing $179,000 from the saving of the late Rev. Theodore Richling Jr. and $96,000 from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield. The archdiocese announced the 72-year-old Gutgsell’s resignation last month, saying a routine audit had uncovered the theft. Deacon Tim McNeill, the current chancellor of the archdiocese, says Gutgsell wrote unauthorized loans to himself during his time at St. Joseph.
100-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL
Voters approve replacing elementary school as it turns 100
ELM CREEK, Neb. (AP) — School district officials in central Nebraska plan to mark Elm Creek elementary school’s 100th birthday next year by building its replacement. Nearly 60% of voters supported an $11.9 million bond issue this month that will pay to build a new elementary. Plans call for students to begin attending the new school in August. 2023. Elm Creek Superintendent Bret Schroder said he’s relieved and excited that the bond issue passed. Once the new school is completed, the old one will be torn down to make more playground space.
MOTORCYCLE CRASH-PRINCIPAL ARRESTED
Elementary principal on leave after drunken driving arrest
BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — A suburban Omaha principal is on leave after being charged with drunken driving after rear ending a motorcycle and injuring its driver. Andrew Miller, 46 of Omaha, was arrested Friday after the crash near 141st and Pacific streets. Motorcyclist Bruce Blaydes, 58, of Omaha, remained in critical condition Tuesday, a hospital spokeswoman said. The Bellevue schools district said Miller remains on paid leave from his job as principal of LeMay Elementary School. Miller remained jailed Tuesday in lieu of $250,000 bail. Online court records do not show an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
TRACTOR FATALITY
Man killed in farm accident on property in eastern Nebraska
SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a man died in a tractor accident on private property in eastern Nebraska over the weekend. The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened Saturday afternoon on property just east of Springfield. Lt. Greg Monico tells the Omaha World-Herald that the 79-year-old victim had gone out to trim trees on his property. When he didn’t return home as scheduled, his wife went to look for him and found him pinned under the tractor. Authorities have not released the man’s name.
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