Nebraska
Man accused of kidnapping five people in Nebraska Panhandle deemed mentally incompetent
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A western Nebraska man was found mentally incompetent to stand trial Friday on charges of kidnapping five people.
Garden County Judge Randin Roland ordered 71-year-old Carl Thomas of Morrill to receive treatment until his mental fitness is restored.
On Feb. 28, court documents say Thomas picked up two women and three children at a gas station in Big Springs.
He had offered to take them to the Walmart in Ogallala to buy car seats.
But the store was only 22 minutes away, and after 30 minutes, authorities said Thomas was still driving.
SEE ALSO: Affidavit: Scotts Bluff County man kidnapped two women, three children
When one of the children asked if they were still going to Walmart, Thomas ignored him, according to an arrest affidavit.
The Garden County Sheriff’s Office said Thomas then started showing everyone pictures of female genitalia.
He told them he was going to take them to his home to “clean and massage him,” the affidavit says.
One of the women tried to jump out of the car, but the sheriff’s office said Thomas was driving too fast.
Soon after, a deputy found the car and pulled Thomas over. The sheriff’s office had received multiple 911 calls.
Thomas faces 16 charges, including five counts of kidnapping and five counts of false imprisonment.
The judge ruled Friday that he should be held without bond.
He will remain at the Scotts Bluff County Jail until he can be taken to the Lincoln Regional Center, a state psychiatric hospital.
A hearing has been set for May 1 to determine whether Thomas is mentally competent yet.
Nebraska
Weather Alert Day: Dangerous heat grips Nebraska Monday; relief coming Tuesday
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Severe Weather Center is tracking a dangerous heat event that will impact all of Nebraska Monday, with the most intense conditions expected across Lincoln and eastern portions of the state.
A Weather Alert Day is in effect for Monday as actual air temperatures climb into the lower 100s statewide. Combined with dew points in the 60s to low 70s, heat index values will reach between 100 and 110 degrees — with the highest readings of 105 to 110 degrees possible across eastern Nebraska, including Lincoln, through the afternoon into early evening. In central Nebraska, heat indices could approach 108 degrees.
Heat Advisories have been issued for the entire state through late Monday evening.
Even Overnight Brings Little Relief
Don’t expect much relief when the sun goes down. Overnight temperatures will struggle to fall much below the mid-70s, with heat index values remaining between 75 to 80 degrees. This means your home may not cool down overnight, making tonight into Monday morning particularly uncomfortable.
Storm Threat Remains Low, But Watch for Strong Winds
A cold front will begin pushing into northern Nebraska late Monday afternoon and evening, which could spark isolated thunderstorms. There’s only a 10 to 20 percent chance of storms developing, but any that do form could be strong. The main concern with any storms would be damaging winds — the combination of dry air and high clouds creates conditions where winds can be particularly gusty. Areas along and north of Highway 92 in Nebraska have a slightly better chance of seeing storms.
Most areas will remain dry with sunny to mostly sunny skies throughout Monday, with the sweltering heat and humidity being the primary threats.
Relief Arrives Tuesday
Much-needed relief is on the way. Behind the cold front, cooler and drier conditions will move in Tuesday with high temperatures retreating to the upper 80s in the north and low 90s in the south — a welcome drop from Monday’s dangerous heat. Dew points will drop considerably, and a northerly breeze gusting 20 to 25 mph will make it feel noticeably more comfortable.
Wet Pattern Develops Mid-Week
Even cooler weather settles in during the second half of the week. Wednesday through Thursday will see highs in the 70s to low 80s for most of Nebraska — a dramatic change from Monday’s heat.
Rain chances will begin in western Nebraska Wednesday and increase across the entire state Wednesday night into Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected in two waves: one Wednesday night into Thursday morning (favoring northeastern areas), and a second Thursday evening into Friday morning (favoring more central portions). Widespread rainfall of 0.50″ to 1.00″ is possible, with some areas receiving 1.00″ to 2.00″ of rain during this time frame. While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few stronger to briefly severe thunderstorms may be possible as this system moves through.
After morning showers Friday, conditions should dry out into the afternoon with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the upper 70s to upper 80s.
Heat Returns for the Weekend and Beyond
High pressure will begin building back into the region by next weekend, bringing temperatures back to the mid 90s to low 100s Saturday and Sunday. Looking ahead, the long-range outlook shows a very hot finish to July with temperatures well into the 90s and some triple digits possible at times. Dew points will surge back to the upper 60s to mid 70s late this week into the weekend, making it feel even hotter.
The overall severe weather threat for the week remains fairly low, with dangerous heat being the primary concern through Monday.
Stay with the Severe Weather Center for updates as conditions develop. Download our weather app for real-time alerts and the latest forecast information.
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Nebraska
Nebraska flag football announces home facilities
Nebraska flag football announced that it will play its games at Barbara Hibner Field. This is the current home of the Huskers’ soccer program. This announcement was made on Friday afternoon.
The stadium seats 2,500 fans. The capacity can expand via berms and standing-room-only areas. The team will play its first season in 2028 and will hold 15 scholarships for female student-athletes. The season itself will run from January to May.
The program will be coached by Liz Sowers, a former five-time national champion coach at Ottawa University. The associate head coach will be her sister, Katie Sowers. Sowers was the first woman to coach and a Super Bowl. She will be the program’s top assistant.
In any event, it sounds like the program is really beginning to take shape. This will be exciting to watch and will offer another opportunity for some of the top athletes in the country to play at Nebraska.
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Nebraska
Gallery: 39th Annual Kearney Cruise Nite Show and Shine
KEARNEY — The 39th Annual Kearney Cruise Nite Show and Shine was hosted Downtown on the Bricks on Saturday, July 18.
The event is hosted by Central Nebraska Auto Club; customarily, Kearney Cruise Nite events are held the third weekend each summer in July.
All the activities build to a crescendo on Saturday. The annual Show & Shine hosts hundreds of classic vehicles parked on “The Bricks” in downtown Kearney, per the Central Nebraska Auto Club.
Photos by Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today
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