The supervisor in Omaha is Nelson Lampe. Anna Jo Bratton takes over at 3:30 p.m. If you have a news tip or questions about the report, call (800) 642-9920 or (402) 391-0031.
AP stories, along with the photos that accompany them, can also be obtained from . Reruns are also available from the Service Desk (877-836-9477).
Please send stories of state or regional interest by electronic carbon, by fax at (402) 391-1412 or e-mail to omahane(at)ap.org. Technical problems may be reported to (800) 822-9921.
DEVELOPING: IMMIGRATION WAIT, XGR–BUDGET WOES,
ADDS: NET AUDIT, AVENTINE-BANKRUPTCY, BBA–YANKEES-CHAMBERLAIN DUI,
NET AUDIT
OMAHA—The state auditor is questioning the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission inventory procedures because the public television network can’t account for nearly $600,000 of its property. Auditor Mike Foley’s office issued a report Tuesday questioning NET’s procedures and suggesting several improvements. The commission defended its practices but promised to review how it deals with property. By Josh Funk.
IMMIGRATION WAIT
OMAHA—The wait for Dr. Irfran Ahmed Vaziri and his wife, Rashida, has stretched to three years and the North Platte couple say they never anticipated waiting quite this long to get green cards. The Vaziris, who are Pakistani nationals, say they’ve exhausted their options in trying to get an answer on their applications to become legal permanent residents. Meanwhile, a North Platte hospital, argues it has stake in the decision, too. They’re taking their battle to a federal court. By Jean Ortiz.
XGR–BUDGET WOES
LINCOLN—Nebraska lawmakers may be trying to write checks that can’t be cashed. On Wednesday, state Sen. Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek warned lawmakers that they have already passed more spending bills than the state may be able to afford. By Nate Jenkins.
With:
— XGR–WIND POWER—Nebraska lawmakers are launching a study on how the state can develop more wind farms and position itself as a leader in the growing industry.
BUSINESS:
AVENTINE-BANKRUPTCY
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—Ethanol producer Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, the latest victim in an industry stung by volatile commodity prices and shrinking profit margins. The Pekin, Ill.-based company warned last month that it may have to file if it could not raise sufficient cash. By Energy Writer Dirk Lammers. Eds: Note Nebraska mention. Also moving on national lines.
ALSO:
— JOHN CRANE ACQUISITION—A Nebraska plant is included in the sale of its corporate owner to a subsidiary of the London-based Smiths Group. Eds: Moved on state news and financial lines.
SPORTS:
BBA–YANKEES-CHAMBERLAIN DUI
NEW YORK—Joba Chamberlain pokes fun at Yankees Hall of Famer Yogi Berra and shows no love for New York City motorists in a police video of his DUI arrest last October on the outskirts of Lincoln, Neb. The New York Daily News, the New York Post and Newsday each reported in Wednesday’s editions that the video, uncovered by thesmokinggun.com, shows the 23-year-old Yankees pitcher making fun of Berra’s diminutive stature. Eds: Also moved on national sports lines.
AP Photos AH101, NELIN101.
ALSO:
— FBC–NEBRASKA TRAINER—The latest from the Huskers’ spring football practice.
ALSO GETTING ATTENTION:
— OBIT-ANTHONY—A longtime western Nebraska newspaper publisher, Marc Anthony, has died at his home in Punta Gorda, Fla.
— PHOTOGRAPHER CHARGED—The attorney for a Grand Island photographer accused of hiding a camera in his studio dressing room is questioning the evidence against his client.
— CEDAR BLUFFS RECALL—Voters in Cedar Bluffs have voted to recall Mayor Claire Grosse after a state audit found the village’s accounting system in disarray.
— INFECTED PIG—A wild pig killed in the Genoa area has tested positive for pseudorabies, and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is warning producers in the area to watch for symptoms.
— STIMULUS-WATERSHED—A flood-control project near Blair is in line for more than $1 million in federal stimulus funding.
The AP, Omaha.
