Holiday celbration leads to open container tickets

Five of about a dozen area residents, who were cited for possessing open alcohol containers July 3, waived court appearances and have each paid a $50 fine and $49 costs. They include Neligh residents Jaryd L. Montgomery, 32, Jamie L. Montgomery, 31, Scott N. Jacob, 46, Cory Coover, 50, and Ewing resident Riley Funk, 27. They were cited by a Nebraska State Patrol officer in a Neligh neighborhood near the intersection of M and 9th streets. Several individuals remain on the Aug. 16 Antelope County Court docket.

Austin R. Bertschinger, 30, of Oakdale faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on Aug. 2 for sentencing on a count of attempted possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Taylor fined him $500 and assessed $50 costs.

Bertschinger, who was represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney, pleaded guilty April 19 to the charge that was reduced from a felony possession charge by Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith, “based on circumstances of the event.”

Bertschinger was arrested Dec. 10, 2022, by an Antelope County deputy, on the Madison/Antelope county line near Tilden, after a bottle of tramadol was found in the purse of a passenger during a search of his vehicle. According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by the officer, Bertschinger claimed the drug and told officers it was given to him by his grandmother for a dog bite he had suffered the previous day.

Rory A. Hoffman, 59, of Plainview faced Taylor for arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, no proof of financial responsibility. He waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty. Taylor fined him $100 and assessed $50 costs. He was cited by an NSP officer June 30.

Dalton W. Clemens, 18, of Stuart waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty to a charge of tobacco use by a minor. Taylor fined him $100 and assessed $50 costs. He was cited for possession of a Vuse vape pen by a NSP officer June 24 near the Clearwater Rodeo grounds.

Cameron S. Bussinger, 18, of Stuart waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty to a charge of tobacco use by a minor. Taylor fined him $100 and assessed $50 costs. He was cited for possession of a Vuse and Lost Mary vape devices by a NSP officer June 24 near the Clearwater Rodeo grounds.

Robbie Evans, 43, of Elgin faced Taylor for sentencing on a violation of Elgin’s public nuisance ordinance. Evans had previously pleaded guilty to the March 9 offense. Taylor fined him $100 and assessed $50 costs. The city was represented by Luke Henderson, while Evans was self-represented.

Neligh city attorney James McNally dismissed a dangerous building complaint filed June 12 against Robert P. Hoefer after Hoefer’s property was deemed compliant with the city ordinance.

Jeffery W. Hinkie, 38, of O’Neill pleaded guilty, by waiver, to violating four Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regulations. Hinkie was fined $100 for Class 2 misdemeanor, fishing without permit (shooting at fish with handgun); $50 each for two Class 3 misdemeanors, shooting at fish after dark and disorderly conduct; and $150 for reckless/negligent operation of boat (accessory to shooting handgun from moving boat while intoxicated). He was taxed $49 costs. Hinkie was cited June 4 at Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area by a NGPC officer.

Wade P. Foner, 29, of Niobrara pleaded guilty, by waiver, to two counts, Count I, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and Count II, violation of stop/yield sign, an infraction. He was fined $100 and $75, respectively, and assessed $49 costs for the June 25 offense. He was cited by a Neligh officer.