Page man fined for burn ban violation

Ron Crumly, 74, Page, appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on March 1, for sentencing on a Class 4 misdemeanor committed a year earlier, on March 1, 2022. Taylor fined Crumly $250 and taxed him $50 costs for violating a statewide burn ban. Crumly was self-represented.

Roland Hurtig, 61, of Orchard appeared for pretrial hearing 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). A plea agreement was announced. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith filed an amended complaint, charging Hurtig with a Class 3 misdemeanor, reckless driving and agreeing to file no additional charges arising out of the incident, in exchange for Hurtig’s guilty plea.

Taylor fined Hurtig $300 and placed him on probation for six months. He was assessed probation fees totaling $220 and $150 costs. Hurtig was represented by Ronald Temple of Norfolk.

Benjamin T. Smith, 25, of Norfolk faced Taylor for sentencing on a theft charge committed Jan. 6, northeast of Clearwater. Taylor fined Smith $500 and taxed him $50 costs. Smith admitted the crime when he appeared in court Feb. 15 and told the judge he had taken one gallon of gasoline. Charges of criminal mischief and trespassing were dropped as part of a plea deal. He was represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney.

Kimberly A Polston, 46, of rural Elgin pleaded guilty, by waiver, and was fined $25 for allowing a dog to run at large in Neligh. She was assessed $49 costs. Polston was cited by a Neligh officer Jan. 8.