County court judge issues arrest warrants

Kade G. Coble, 39, of Magnolia, Minnesota, failed to appear in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, Aug.7, for arraignment on a Class 4 felony, possession of a controlled substance. Public defender Pat Carney requested continuance. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith objected. The Honorable Donna Taylor ruled a bench warrant be issued with new bond set at $20,000, 10%. Bond filed July 3, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, is subject to forfeiture.

A warrant was issued Aug. 5, for the arrest of Christopher L. Graae, on a charge of attempted procuring alcoholic beverages to a minor, a Class 2 misdemeanor alleged June 11 at Cubby’s in Neligh. Bond is set at $1,500, personal recognizance.

Michael Husak, 38, of Neligh appeared, without counsel, for further arraignment on a June 9 Class 1 misdemeanor assault charge. Husak waived his right to counsel and pleaded no contest. Taylor found him guilty. Sentencing is set Sept. 4.

Smith said he needed to contact the victim prior to sentencing. He said there had been an ongoing conflict between Husak and the victim and that Husak had “struck Ray Connot at least once.” Smith said there was no evidence it was self-defense.

Husak said he just “open-hand slapped” the victim. He further explained to the judge that he had previously won a court judgement over Connot and had not been paid. He said he had asked Connot about payment each time he saw him and claimed he was antagonized.

Court records show a civil judgement for $3,060.55 was awarded to Husak in November 2023, in an Antelope County civil court case.

“You can hire an attorney to help collect,” Taylor told him last week.

Alec M. Ferry, 29, of Elgin appeared for an entry of plea hearing on a charge of making terroristic threats, a Class 3A felony alleged June 23 in Elgin. Ferry pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea bargain with Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith, who reduced the charge to intimidation by phone call, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Taylor ordered Ferry obtain, at his own expense, an alcohol/drug evaluation and to submit to any counseling recommendations. Sentencing is set Sept. 4. Bond is continued, in the amount of $20,000, 10%, with condition requiring conseling. Ferry is represented by court-appointed counsel, Joel Carlson of Norfolk.

Stephanie A. Suhr, 39, of Elgin waived her right to counsel and pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of allowing dogs to run at large, alleged May 19 in Elgin. The case is set for trial Sept. 4. The case is prosecuted by village attorney Luke Henderson of Norfolk.

Justin A. Paulsen, 37, of Oakdale appeared with his attorney, Brad Easland of Norfolk, on a felony charge of violating of the Sexual Offender Registry. Easland requested continuance. He said he anticipated resolution “that would keep (the case) in county court.” Smith agreed. Taylor continued the hearing to Sept. 4. Smith agreed.

Paulsen is subject to registration requirements due to a December 2009 conviction in Madison County District Court, for a Class I misdemeanor, attempted sexual assault of a child, third degree, according to the Nebraska State Patrol’s SOR listing.