Trial date set in Orchard dangerous building case

Earleen F. Jensen, 81, Royal faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on March 1, charged with a Village of Orchard ordinance violation - maintaining a dangerous building, a Class 4 misdemeanor alleged in November 2022. Jensen entered a not guilty plea and asked for more time to hire an attorney. She told Taylor that she had communicated with attorney Ron Temple of Norfolk, who had advised her how to proceed on arraignment. Taylor set trial for May 3. The case is prosecuted by Orchard village attorney Joseph McNally of Neligh.

Katelynn Westley, also known as Katelyn Marker, 25, of Stromsburg appeared on two counts of disturbing the peace, Class 3 misdemeanors alleged Jan. 26. Westley requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found her indigent and appointed Martin Klein of Neligh. She subsequently appointed Dennis Morland of Norfolk, after Klein indicated a conflict. Further arraignment is set March 15.

Doug E. Lewis, 56, of Norfolk appeared for pretrial hearing, alongside Temple, on Count I, third-degree assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and Count II, disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, both alleged Aug. 21 in Tilden. The hearing was continued to March 15, on a defense motion.

Austin R. Bertschinger, 30, of Oakdale was granted continuance of his status hearing on a Class 4 felony count of possession of tramadol, alleged Dec. 10 near Tilden. The hearing is continued to April 19. Bond posted Dec. 28, in the amount of $1,000, 10%, is continued as well.

Several defendants had their charges dismissed last week.

McNally dismissed, without prejudice, a charge of maintaining a dangerous building in Orchard, against Jay Pettijohn, 63, of Royal. Costs were waived.

Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith dismissed a Class 3 misdemeanor count, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, against Michael D. Fox, 37, of Orchard and costs were waived, pursuant to a Feb. 22 plea agreement in an Antelope County district court case.

Smith also dismissed charges filed against James Greenhalgh, 43, of Tilden and Jason Voborny, 41, of Neligh. Each had bad check charges dismissed after payment of restitution to Thriftway Market in Neligh and $51 costs.

Christopher B. Brady, 32, of Elgin appeared for trial on a violation of probation charge. Brady admitted the allegation. Taylor ordered an update as to his performance on probation and any recommendations from the probation officer and set sentencing March 30. Bond posted Jan. 27, in the amount of $4,000, 10% cash, is continued. Taylor reminded the defendant that he remains on probation and is to comply with all terms and conditions.