Nebraska
Suspect in Nebraska priest’s murder enters ‘not guilty’ plea
BLAIR, Neb. (WOWT) – The man suspected in the stabbing death of a Catholic priest in a Fort Calhoun church rectory submitted a plea of “not guilty” in Washington County Court on Thursday.
Kierre Williams, 43, was arraigned Thursday morning on a first-degree murder charge in the death of Father Stephen Gutgsell.
No trial date has been set yet. In the meantime, Williams is being held without bond.
The prosecution has said that Williams had no prior connection to Father Gutgsell. The court was also previously informed that Williams had warrants in five other states. Investigators didn’t know then why he was in Fort Calhoun.
Previous reports indicated Williams was from Sioux City, Iowa, but authorities have said they don’t know for sure where he’s from, though he apparently had been working at a meatpacking plant in Sioux City.
Father Gutgsell died after deputies found him stabbed in the rectory of a Catholic church in Fort Calhoun on Sunday, Dec. 10. Authorities said he had been stabbed in the face and twice in the back, and had made the call to 911 himself.
Father Gutgsell’s murder, mere months after the death of Linda Childers in August, “spooked” the small-town community.
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LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Four former Nebraska men’s basketball players are set to take part in the 2026 NBA League in Las Vegas.
The players include:
- Rienk Mast of the Indiana Pacers
- Sam Hoiberg of the Phoenix Suns
- Josiah Allick of the Charlotte Hornets
- Brice Williams of the Detroit Pistons
According to Nebraska Athletics, it is the second straight summer that Nebraska has had four summer league participants.
Each team will play at least five games, including four preliminary contests from July 9 to July16.
The semifinals are set for July 18 on Prime Video, while the championship game will air July 19 on ESPN.
Teams not advancing to the semifinals will play a fifth game between July 17 to July 19.
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Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
A Nebraska quarterback commit is making headlines heading into his senior season. Five-star prospect Trae Taylor has been named by Rivals as one of the ‘five high school football transfers that will make a big impact this 2026 season.’
Taylor heads into 2026 after a strong 2025 season at Carmel Catholic (IL). In 11 games, he threw 3,571 yards, 38 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also ran 77 times for 633 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The five-star quarterback is transferring to Millard South (NE) this offseason and will join a team that went 12-1 this past season and won back-to-back Class A State championships. He is taking over as the starting quarterback, replacing Jett Thomalla, who signed with Alabama.
Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes that the transfer quarterback is well-rounded and one of the stronger arms in the 2027 cycle. He also believes that the development he has shown this late in his career should be seen as a positive.
“Brings a combination of high-end arm talent and refinement to the table. Has a whippy release that uncoils quickly to generate fast arm action. Added arm strength in the off-season prior to his senior year. Can drive the football to all areas of the field with palpable zip. Rips throws out to the far hash and up the seam. Throws a tight spiral that cuts through the wind. Has proven to be accurate in multiple settings. Hyper-trained and plays with a good level of consistency as a passer.”
Taylor is also the first Cornhusker commit to ever hold the title of Elite 11 MVP. He was named the Most Valuable Player at the conclusion of The Opening Finals at Nike’s World Headquarters last month.
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