Nebraska

Police Drop Investigation Into Vandalization of Nebraska Blessed Mother Statue

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Police Drop Investigation Into Vandalization of Nebraska Blessed Mother Statue

A local police investigation into the vandalization of a Blessed Virgin Mary statue outside a Catholic charitable group’s headquarters in Nebraska is currently listed as “inactive” after police were unable to identify the perpetrator.

Although one of the building’s security cameras caught the vandal on video, Erika Thomas, a representative for the Lincoln Police Department, told CNA that the case is inactive and that “it doesn’t look like there has been any movement on it because they don’t have any suspects.”

The incident occurred on the campus of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) on Feb. 7 at 6:32 p.m.

Video footage shows a man calmly approach and remove the Marian statue, which normally sits in front of the building’s entrance. After a brief struggle, the man rips the 5-foot-tall resin statue from its pedestal and carries it out of view. The statue was later found headfirst in a nearby dumpster.

A police report obtained by CNA lists the incident as a “larceny,” not as vandalism nor a possible hate crime.

When questioned by CNA on whether the vandalism would be investigated as a possible hate crime, the police representative said “no.” She explained that the criteria for a hate crime under Lincoln law require there be an intent to intimidate and that since no suspect has been identified the perpetrator’s intent cannot be determined.

“The suspect was too far away from the camera to be able to identify them,” Thomas said.

“All that our incident report says is that it looks like they had security camera video that saw the person taking it and putting it in the dumpster. They ended up finding it and there are no suspects listed,” she added, noting that “the case is listed currently as inactive.”

The statue of the Blessed Mother pictured before the incident on its pedestal in front of the headquarters of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Credit: Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska.

CSS is a nonprofit organization that offers several programs to help underprivileged pregnant mothers and families as well as programs to help migrants. The group works in conjunction with the Diocese of Lincoln, and Bishop James Conley of Lincoln serves as president of the board.

Katie Patrick, executive director of CSS, told CNA that this was the first time an incident such as this had occurred on their campus. Patrick said that the Marian statue is relatively new to the grounds, being added as part of the building’s renovation in October. She said that the statue of the Blessed Virgin was meant as “a symbol of the hope and love we strive to bring in every encounter.”

“As far as what would motivate someone to do something like this to Our Lady, it’s hard to say,” Patrick said.

While admitting that it could just be “a random act of violence,” Patrick said that “it could be construed as a hate crime since the statue was pried off its pedestal (it was held on by a concrete adhesive) and placed upside down in a nearby dumpster.”

She noted that the incident occurred the same day a local television station ran a story featuring their refugee resettlement program.

“There’s no way to know if there’s a connection, but it appears someone was trying to make a statement against CSS and/or the Church.”

Despite the perpetrator’s actions, Patrick said the statue only sustained “minor” damage and that it will be restored to its pedestal later this week.

Rather than bearing any anger toward the perpetrator, Patrick called for people to pray for him.

“We’re praying for this individual — praying that he’ll find remorse in his petty crime and ask for forgiveness from God,” she said. “The public has been made aware of this unfortunate event so that they too can pray for this man and for our mission to bring hope in the good life to those in need.”

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Nebraska

Nebraska State Patrol troopers find 242 pounds of cocaine during commercial truck inspection

Published

31 minutes ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Nebraska State Patrol troopers find 242 pounds of cocaine during commercial truck inspection

LEXINGTON, Neb. (KOLN) – Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.

On Tuesday afternoon, an NSP Carrier Enforcement trooper conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi tractor/trailer driven by Arwinderjit Singh, 30, of California, near mile marker 254 on Interstate 80.

Arwinderjit Singh mugshot(Dawson County Jail)

During the inspection, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity. An NSP K-9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the cab of the semi, troopers said.

After searching the cab, troopers located 242 pounds of cocaine concealed underneath the sleeper bed, NSP said.

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds... — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.(Nebraska State Patrol)

Singh was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of an open alcohol container, no drug tax stamp and displaying a fictitious license plate.

Singh was lodged in Dawson County Jail, and his bond was set at 10% of $2 million. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 12.

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Nebraska

Athlete of the Week: Creighton Prep boys wrestling’s Zaiyahn Ornelas

Published

13 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Athlete of the Week: Creighton Prep boys wrestling’s Zaiyahn Ornelas

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Creighton Prep senior Zaiyahn Ornelas won his fourth consecutive Nebraska state wrestling title on Saturday.

According to NSAA records, he joins 39 other wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat.

“It’s a great feeling,” Ornelas said. “It’s a feeling everybody wants.”

The senior ended his career as the 39th four-time state champion in Nebraska history, winning three at Wilber-Clatonia before joining the Jr. Jays.

Ornelas won three Class C state titles at Wilber-Clatonia at 106, 113 and 120 pounds before transferring to Creighton Prep for his senior season, where he competed in Class A at 126 pounds.

“Three state titles there and then just thought I could bump up my competition,” Ornelas said.

“Zaiyahn is one of the cleanest technicians I’ve ever seen. That’s a huge testament to his coaching staff at Wilber,” Fisher added.

Ornelas was one of four Creighton Prep wrestlers to win state titles this season, helping lead the Jr. Jays to the Class A team title. Teammates said his presence in the practice room raised their level of competition.

“I could never slack off just because my competition in the state was easy. I always had to come in this room and get better or else I was going to get beat,” said sophomore Cruzer Dominguez, a two-time Class A state champion at 106 and 120 pounds.

Sophomore Kameron Green, the Class A 144-pound state champion this year, also credited Ornelas for aiding in his development.

“Zaiyahn being a training partner has helped me in tremendous ways,” he said. “When he wrestles, he’s not the nicest or shyest kid, but he’s tenacious and tough.”

The sophomore won his first state title after finishing as a runner-up at 126 pounds as a freshman.

Junior JT Smith, a two-time state champion at 175 and 190 pounds, said the achievement carries weight for the entire team.

“It’s something really special to have a teammate that’s a four-time state champion,” he said. “That’s something everyone wants to be.”

The junior finished the season as a back-to-back state champion after winning a gold medal at 175 pounds as a sophomore.

Fisher said Ornelas’s attitude set the tone from the start.

“He has so many skills and then coming into our room, he’s extremely coachable. Every time he came in here he was humble, ready to work, wanting to get better and that’s why he is as good as he is,” Fisher said.

Ornelas signed to wrestle at the University of Nebraska in November. He said the move to Creighton Prep delivered what he was looking for.

“This is the reason why I came here. I went out to explore, to find the best, and this is the territory that I found. If it wasn’t for these guys — the push — I would have not been there,” Ornelas said.

“It’s hard to believe. That’s kind of what I wanted since the beginning, freshman year,” he said.

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Nebraska

Nebraska Chamber taps former state senator to lead during leadership transition

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Nebraska Chamber taps former state senator to lead during leadership transition

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected a former state senator and longtime board member to lead the chamber while it searches for a new president and CEO.

Board of Directors Chair Pat Keenan said Thursday that Matt Williams of Gothenburg agreed to serve as interim president.

ALSO READ: Nebraska Chamber president and CEO resigns after less than a year

“The Board is grateful to Matt for stepping into this role during a very active and productive time for the Nebraska Chamber,” Keenan said. “He has steady leadership, strong relationships and trust from his many years of advocacy for economic development, and decades of experience working with the legislature and state government on tax policy and economic development incentives.”

Matt Williams(NE Chamber)

Williams represented District 36 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2015 to 2023.

The chamber said Williams has had a lifelong career in banking and serves as chairman of Flatwater Bank. He previously served as chair of the Nebraska Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association.

His long involvement with the chamber includes membership on the Board of Directors; he currently serves as director for District 6. In 2025, he was named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

“The Nebraska Chamber is on rock-solid footing, with the clear vision of the Board, and talented and hard-working staff hitting its stride in legislative policy and advocacy, technology, manufacturing, leadership-development, fund-raising and membership. The success of cutting-edge initiatives like 6 Regions, One Nebraska, the launch of the Go Big Future series, and the strong member engagement across the state demonstrate the success and strength of this organization. I’m excited to lend my support in whatever way I can for the Chamber. I know how strong businesses and communities make for a stronger Nebraska, and I’m glad to be part of that.”

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