Newshound 9/14/2009

- Ex-employee sues Bellevue
- Two weekend murders
- Iowa native Norman Borlaug, father of the green revolution, dies

More after the jump ...



Ex-employee sues Bellevue
A lawsuit against the city of Bellevue is tying together allegations that the city offered no-bid contracts, fired the whistleblower, and lost a “dongle.” Michael Burns, a former information technology employee with Bellevue, is suing the city and City Administrator Gary Troutman for wrongfully firing him in March, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

While still employed with the city, in September 2008 Burns called Troutman to tell him he believed the city had violated local, state and federal open-bidding laws when it purchased a telephone system. Burns also discussed his concerns with City Attorney Pat Sullivan.

About two months after Burns made the complaints, a “dongle” went missing from his office. The instrument is used to record incoming calls to the police station. Burns was interviewed by police in December about the missing instrument; he denied having anything to do with its disappearance.

On Feb. 19 Burns received notice that he would be laid off due to budget cuts and a reorganization of city's computer administration department. The layoff took effect March 6.

Two weekend murders
Omaha police are investigating two separate homicides that occurred on Sept. 13. Luis Sandoval, 25, was stabbed at 659 South 26th Ave. around 9 p.m. and was taken by his brother to Creighton University Medical Center. He died while in surgery. Justin Jackson, 30, was arrested at his home and charged with criminal homicide and use of a weapon to commit a felony. Sandoval was a father of two.

Another homicide was reported at 5246 South 88th St. Officers located the body of Diante Stieneke, 22, who had suffered several gun shot wounds. Stieneke was found inside a car in her apartment parking lot. The investigation continues as a suspicious death as no arrests have been made.

Iowa native Norman Borlaug, father of the green revolution, dies
Through Norman Borlaug's actions, 250 million lives are estimated to have been saved from starvation. Borlaug, winner of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, died Saturday at his home in Texas from complications due to cancer. The Iowa native was 95.

In 1960 the world generated 692 million tons of grain. By 1992, thanks to Norman Borlaug's techniques and development in cross breeding strains of wheat from around the globe, the world now produces 1.9 billion tons using only one percent more land. Borlaug won the Nobel for his efforts in helping create agricultural self-sufficiency in many developing countries around the world.

Borlaug was one of the five people in history to win the Nobel, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, placing his name next to the likes of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa. Borlaug was able to create man-made strains of wheat resistant to rust, a type of root eating fungus that wiped out entire crops. His efforts made Mexico self-sufficient in wheat production by 1956.

However, he was criticized by some environmental groups for introducing fertilizer to his strains of corn, rice and wheat which caused widespread pollution. Critics argued only natural sources should be used, such as manure. Other groups protested the sale of genetically modified crops, calling them 'frankenfood,' even though they are tested regularly by the FDA and USDA.

Man tries to run down officer
Officer Fred Hykel, 39, was responding to an assault call at Creighton University Medical Center just before 4 a.m. when he saw another disturbance. When Hykel went to help, the driver tried to run him over. Hykel fired shots at the car, hitting it at least once as the driver sped off. Police later found the car and the driver, Sergio Hernandez, 21, and took him into custody. Hernandez is charged with attempted felony assault of an officer and felony domestic violence. No injuries were sustained by the officer or the suspect.

Rally supports Suttle budget
Around 40 people rallied in Elmwood Park Sept. 12 to support city employees and Mayor Jim Suttle's budget. The rally was organized by the group Omaha Together, One Community, which draws much of its support from area churches. Demonstrators said they wanted the city council to accept Suttle's vetoes, which struck the council proposed furloughs for city employees and replaced it with a property tax increase. Several speakers decried proposals to balance the budget on the backs of city workers.

Smoking snuffed on Cass property
Cass County could become the first county in Nebraska to ban smoking on all county property. Officials say they expect the draft resolution to pass.

The resolution bans tobacco products on all county property, even outdoors, including fairgrouds and outside county buildings. It would apply to all tobacco products. Sarpy, like all Nebraska counties, bans smoking inside courthouses and law enforcement buildings. It also bans tobacco in county vehicles.

The state of Iowa went tobacco free on all public grounds in July 2008.