Aubrey Trail
A World War II-era rocket was found on a farm near Odell this week and destroyed by the Nebraska State Patrol.
This World War II-era grenade was found in Hastings Wednesday. Technicians with the Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad diffused it.
Aubrey Trail waived his right to a speedy trial in Saline County Court Sept. 20. The trial for his alleged role in the death of Lincoln woman Sydney Loofe will begin June 17, 2019, at 9 a.m.
Earlier this week, Trail's girlfriend, Bailey Boswell, appeared in Saline County Court in connection with first-degree murder charges in Loofe's death. The state is seeking the death penalty for both.
Boswell has not yet entered a plea, but her attorney, Todd Lancaster, has argued that Nebraska's capital punishment laws are unconstitutional.
Read more HERE.
A 57-year-old Grand Island man was arrested following a 35-minute pursuit that began in Seward County Thursday morning, Sept. 20. The pursuit ended after Nebraska State Patrol troopers deployed spike strips and tactical vehicle intervention (stopping the car with a patrol car). The man was Tased and apprehended with K9 assistance after refusing arrest. Read the full story HERE.
The Nebraska State Patrol has been busy in other ways, too, recently destroying World War II-era explosive weapons found in two Nebraska towns.
Hazardous Device Technicians with the NSP responded when the first device was located by the owners of a farm near Odell. While cleaning out an outbuilding on the farm, they discovered a World War II era rocket.
The second device was located in Hastings by workers at Hastings City Iron and Metal. The device was a 40-millimeter grenade.
Both devices were reported to NSP Sept. 19. Troopers with the NSP Bomb Squad responded to both situations and rendered each device safe by use of a counter charge. X-ray examination was unable to determine with certainty that the
devices did not contain explosive filler, so they were both treated as if they contained live explosive material.
“Any explosive device can be extremely dangerous, especially old devices that may have lost stability over the years,” said Lt. Jim DeFreece, commander of the NSP Bomb Squad. “If you ever find any type of explosive item like this, report it to law enforcement immediately.”
NSP thanked the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and Hastings Police Department for their assistance.
Seward High School will hold its homecoming parade this afternoon, beginning at 2 p.m. The parade route will begin at the high school and run down Pinewood to the elementary school and back. The public is welcome to watch and cheer on the Blue Jays, who will take on the Grand Island Northwest football team in a 7 p.m. game at Concordia University.
The annual Harvest of Hope will be Friday, Sept. 21, starting at 6 p.m. at Junto Wine, 1356 182nd Road. The evening includes wine tasting, live music, food, grape stomping, a silent auction and more. The event is a benefit for the Child Advocacy Center. Tickets are available at www.smallvoices.org/hoh.
Friday, Sept. 21, is National POW/MIA Day. Many Americans across the United States pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war, as well as those who are missing in action, and their families. All military installations fly the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag, which symbolizes the nation’s remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing. Watch for a table set with an empty place in Seward to remember those military personnel.
The Blue Valley Quilt Guild will host a luncheon and “bed turning” event Saturday, Sept. 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church in Seward. Quilts will be displayed on a bed, and their stories will be shared. More quilts will be on display around the room. Tickets may be purchased for $10 at the Udder Store in Seward or from Diane Swartzlander, (402) 643-5873, or Maralee Meyer, (402) 432-8064. Tickets must be purchased by Saturday, Sept. 15.
Seward County Public Transit is planning a trip to the Nebraska City Apple Jack Festival Saturday, Sept. 22, The trip price is $10. Call the office at (402) 643-4067 to reserve a seat.
A Buddy Check for military veterans will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Valentino’s in Seward, located at 1519 West Highway 34. Buddy Check is an effort by local volunteers to help prevent suicide by giving veterans a chance to talk to other veterans over pizza. Events will be held at the same time and location each month and are open to veterans of all branches, times of service and ages. For more information, contact Seward County Veterans Service Officer Jeff Baker at (402) 643-4105.
The Garland American Legion will serve breakfast Sunday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon. Menu items include scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage and biscuits and gravy. Call (402) 588-2246 for more information.
Would you like to have an informal chat with a successful writer and poet? Come to Seward Memorial Library on Sunday, Sept. 23, and find a seat at 2 p.m. Former U.S. Poet Laureate and current Presidential Professor at the University of Nebraska Ted Kooser will talk about writing and the writing life during his one-hour program.
(click name for service information)
