Newshound 8/11/2009

- Omaha offered $3 million for Elkhorn
- Sister fires near-fatal shot on request
- Counterfeit DVD's draw prison term

More after the jump ...

Omaha offered $3 million for Elkhorn
Who's flexing the muscle now? As the city of Omaha searches for more ways to close a $12 million budget shortfall, an Elkhorn man made an unusual offer: a check for $3 million if Omaha “de-annexes” Elkhorn. Mayor Jim Suttle's spokesperson Ron Gerard said the city is not for sale.

Patrick Gottsch is the founder and president of RFD-TV, a rural television network that broadcasts over several cable outlets, DirectTV and Dish Network.

In his Aug. 10 letter to the mayor, Gottsch said he would pay the money if Omaha returned to the pre-annexation borders. The offer underscores Omaha's desperate financial situation and the bitterness of some Elkhorn residents who long fought annexation until Omaha won out in 2008.

Omaha faces a $12 million budget shortfall, largely due to drops in sales taxes and a souring economy.

Sister fires near-fatal shot on request
Sean Brennan handed his sister a gun and told her to shoot him. He said the gun was loaded with blanks. But when Elizabeth Brannan pulled the trigger, a live round hit Sean in the forehead. Sean is on life support at the Nebraska Medical Center. Elizabeth is charged with reckless use of a firearm.

Counterfeit DVD's draw prison term
A man arrested for possessing some 4,000 illegally copied DVD's was sentenced to eight months in prison and three months supervised release. Michael Colvin, 33, must forfeit all of the videos and dubbing equipment.

Last May, Colvin’s car was pulled over by police near 36th and Curtis. Police found 3,133 illegally copied DVD's inside the car. Policed uncovered another 1,267 bootleg DVD's inside Colvin's home.

Benson memorial cross stolen
Five years ago Matt Schmill's parents erected a roadside cross in Benson to honor their son's tragic death and warn others not to drink and drive. But now that memorial cross is missing. In 2004 Schmill was killed in a hit and run collision while walking near the corner of 61st and Maple. It was his 23rd birthday. Matt's father Bob Schmill told KETV if the cross was not returned he would ask a nearby business to put a new memorial on their property.

Police cruiser crash
An Omaha Police cruiser with its lights and siren on was involved in a three vehicle crash near 84th and West Center Road. Officer Adam Moore was responding to a hostage situation call Aug. 10. when his cruiser struck a 2004 Dodge Dakota. The force of the collision caused the Dodge to strike a 1994 Ford Explorer. Moore suffered head injuries and was taken to Creighton University Medical Center with injuries not considered to be life threatening. Dodge driver Edgar Hagerty, 76, suffered head and arm injuries. The driver of the Ford was uninjured.

Construction accident sends man to hospital
A man was hospitalized after falling 40 feet at a construction site near 67th and Pine. The man fell from a lift and was unconscious after the fall.