Briefs package
Three people are dead after a motorcycle crash Saturday near Arthur in western Nebraska, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.
The Arthur County Sherriff's Department requested assistance from the State Patrol after responding to reports of a crash on Nebraska Highway 61 south of Arthur at about 1:35 p.m., the State Patrol said in a news release Sunday.
Two motorcycles were traveling southbound together when one driver lost control and hit the other motorcycle, according to the State Patrol's preliminary investigation.
Jason Byrd, 36, of Brownlee, who was riding one of the motorcycles, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger on the other motorcycle, Stephanie Rodriquez, 45, of North Platte, was also pronounced dead at the scene.
The rider of the motorcycle Rodriquez was on, Michael Laack, 52, of North Platte, was taken to Ogallala Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The State Patrol is investigating.
— Ruth Bailey
Human remains found west of Beatrice
Members of a church west of Beatrice found part of a human skull on the church grounds Thursday.
Deputies and investigators responded to the site at the Mennonite Church at 6714 West Highway 4 east of Homestead National Historical Park, where the church members showed them what appeared to be the top of a skull in the ground.
After excavating around it, they were able to unearth the partial skull; nothing else was found with it.
The Gage County Sheriff's Office consulted with an archaeologist from the Nebraska State Historical Society, who tentatively identified the item as part of a human skull.
It is not believed to be part of any open or active cases, but was brought to the surface by nearby tree roots. The remains will be turned over to the state historical society for identification, possible Native ties and burial.
— Beatrice Daily Sun
Chaperone policy put in place
Vala's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard has implemented a new chaperone policy for its young visitors.
From 4 p.m. until closing time each day, the theme park, located at 12102 S. 180th St. near Gretna, will require visitors aged 14 years old and younger to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. The policy went into effect on Sept. 13 — the first day the family-friendly park opened for the season.
"Vala's is committed to making the environment friendly and safe for everybody but especially families," said Alina Macias, director of safety and attractions at Vala's, in an interview.
Vala's closes at 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays. The park closes at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The park opens at 9 a.m. each day.
In addition to rides, Vala's offers visitors opportunities to pick pumpkins and apples along with other attractions.
— Omaha World-Herald
