Newshound: 8/7/2009

Headlines:

- Facing the Music
- Killers plea killed by high court
- Best Western victimized

More after the jump...

Facing the Music
Mayor Jim Suttle opened a file today he was hoping would just collect dust. Suttle announced he'll implement the layoff plans, drafted by city department heads, that will result in 130 civilian employees losing their jobs.. Cutting 45 full-time and 85 part-time positions will create between $750,000 and $1 million in savings, said city Finance Director Pam Spaccarotella.

The decision came as projections for the 2010 budget shortfall jumped to $12 million. Suttle said he did approach the Police or Fire Department about laying off sworn employees.

In addition to layoffs, the Mayor said he will again delay the incoming police recruiting class from November to January. He will also ground OPD's helicopter operation for the rest of the year, saving the city around $265,000.

Suttle repeatedly said the city needs to “get out of denial and face the music” on the dismal state of the city's finances.

During today's press conference, Suttle also made clear his proposed 2 percent entertainment tax would not effect non-profit organizations. Since he announced the new tax, there was concern that non-profits, such as the Joslyn Museum, would need to pay the tax, even during fundraising campaigns. Suttle said it was never his intention to burden non-profits with the tax.


Killers plea killed by high court
The Nebraska Supreme Court denied an appeal from a three-time killer, upholding his conviction and death sentence. David Dunster, 55, argued that inadequate representation led him to plead guilty to the 1997 killing of his cell mate at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Dunster has been imprisoned since he was 17, when he killed a mother of eight in Oregon.

County Judge reprimanded by Supreme Court
The Nebraska Supreme Court handed down a harsher penalty to a Douglas County judge than what was initially recommended. The high court suspended Judge Jeffery Marcuzzzo from office for 120 days, up from the 90-day suspension recommended by the Commission on Judicial Qualifications.

Marcuzzo was disciplined for three incidents involving misconduct. In the first incident, he pulled strings for a nephew facing a protection order. Marcuzzo also told a prosecutor that a defendant was under charged, and left a profanity laced message on another prosecutors voice mail.

Another convenience store robbery
Omaha police said the Speedee Mart near S 72nd and Q was robbed by an armed man late Wednesday night. Ralston police officers were at the scene coincidentally—but did not see anyone fleeing the store. The suspect ran off with cash, headed eastbound on Q.


Best Western victimized
Omaha police say the Best Western near N. 30th and Chicago was robbed by four men late Aug. 5. Witnesses said three men forced their way into the lobby by prying the doors open. One suspect was armed. They took cash and payroll checks from the cash register. They were last seen southbound on 30 th in a stolen 1987 Mercury Topaz. Police are looking for four suspects.


Man dies in motorcycle accident
Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department said Robert Etzel died after hitting the side of an SUV with his motorcycle. A medical helicopter took Etzel to Creighton University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the SUV was charged with Failure to Yield the Right of Way, and may face more charges once authorities complete their investigation.