Madison County attorney handles Antelope County arraignments

Five of seven defendants who were set for arraignment Dec. 7 faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh. Two others were truant.

Madison County attorney Joe Smith represented the state as prosecutor. Smith said he was covering for Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler, who was absent due to illness.

“I am not sure how long that illness will last,” Smith said.

Roland Hurtig, 61, of Orchard appeared for arraignment on Count I, a Class W misdemeanor, driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense; and two infractions, Count II, possession of open alcohol container, and Count III, speeding (85 mph in 65 zone). Conviction of Count I could lead to a $500 fine, between 30 days and six months in jail and 18-month revocation of his driver’s license. Conviction of Count II carries a potential for up to a $100 fine and Count III, up to a $300 fine.

Hurtig pleaded not guilty to all three counts and requested jury trial. Taylor set pretrial hearing Jan. 18. He is represented by Ronald Temple of Norfolk.

Hurtig was arrested Sept. 11 by a Nebraska State Patrol officer on Highway 20.

Ray M. Connot, 57, of Neligh faced Taylor for arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor, second-degree criminal trespass, alleged Oct. 27. Connot waived his right to counsel and entered a not guilty plea. If convicted, Connot faces a potential sentence of up to a $500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail. Smith said he had talked to Connot to get his side of the story but still needs to talk to the alleged victim.

“This may go away,” he said.

Taylor set pretrial conference for Jan. 18, 2023.

Timothy D. Anderson, 66, of Neligh appeared for arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, leaving scene of property-damage accident, alleged Oct. 28. He requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Antelope County public defender Pat Carney of Norfolk and set the case for further arraignment Jan. 18. If convicted, Anderson faces up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail, along with up to 30 days impoundment or up to one year revocation of his driver’s license.

Gaylen L. Dredge, 60, of Neligh appeared for arraignment on three counts alleged Oct. 21, Count I, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor; Count II, driving under suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and Count III, no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Dredge waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty to Count II. He pleaded not guilty to counts I and III. He told Taylor his insurance had been paid but the company “wouldn’t send the SR22,” a form needed to reinstate his license.

“Sounds like you need to talk to your insurance man,” Taylor replied.

Conviction of Count I carries a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail; counts II and III carry up to a $500 fine and/or up to 90 days, except if license has been reinstated before sentencing, Count II would just have a $100 fine. Taylor set pretrial hearing on counts I and III for Jan. 18. Sentencing on Count II is set at the same time.

As Dredge was leaving the defendant’s table, he said, “I have been fighting this so long, I am sick and tired of it.”

Laurie Kreizel of Elgin faced Taylor for arraignment on a pair of misdemeanor Elgin city public nuisance violations, alleged Aug. 2 and Oct. 5. Temple, who appeared as prosecutor on behalf of the city, announced a plea deal. In return for Kreizel’s guilty plea to the August count, the October count was dismissed. Taylor fined her $25 and assessed $49 costs.

Earlene F. Jensen, 81, of Royal failed to appear on a count of maintaining a dangerous building (105 North Windom Street in Orchard), a misdemeanor village ordinance violation alleged Nov. 14. James McNally appeared as prosecutor for the village. Taylor ruled McNally may file motion, affidavit and order for arrest warrant.

Henry L. Branche III, 66, of White Hall, Arizona, had not filed a waiver and failed to appear at subsequent hearings to show cause. Taylor ruled the county attorney may file motion and affidavit requesting an arrest warrant. Branche was cited Sept. 16 by a NSP carrier enforcement officer on Highway 14. He is charged with overweight load, 35% to 40% (fine if waivered, $1,150), an infraction; driving commercial motor vehicle without obtaining CDL ($100), a Class 3 misdemeanor; failure to carry fuel permit, a Class 4 misdemeanor ($100); and a reciprocity violation, no trip permit, a Class 3 misdemeanor ($25).