Local judge gives Omaha man more time to pay fine

Austin Bertschinger, 30, of Omaha appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on Nov. 15, to explain why he hadn’t paid a fine and costs ordered Aug. 2, for a December 2022 crime.

He said he had lost his job. A time-payment warrant had been issued Nov. 8, after he failed to appear in court on Nov. 1. He was arrested Nov. 14 in Lancaster County and transported to Neligh. He posted 10% of a $1,500 bond. Taylor amended the bond to a $150 cash bond and applied it to his unpaid balance. She gave him until Jan. 3 to pay the remaining $300, in addition to a $2 warrant service fee. She said no bill had been filed for transportation costs.

“You’ve had every break, making us really struggle to collect,” she said. “You have until Jan. 3, if it’s not paid, you need to be here (for a show-cause hearing), on your own.”

Shane Sleister, 50, of Oakdale failed to appear on an Oakdale public nuisance charge, alleged Feb. 1. Taylor ruled Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith, who is acting as prosecutor for the Village of Oakdale, may request a warrant or ask for the case be set for trial.

Kegan J. McAllister, 19, of Tilden, faced Taylor for further arraignment on a charge of third-degree domestic assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor alleged July 6. He pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing is set Dec. 6.

Kristopher T. Dorie, 39, of Albion appeared for pretrial hearing on a count of third-degree assault, alleged Aug. 22. Public defender Patrick Carney requested a continuance. Taylor continued the hearing to Dec. 6.