Chadron State Football Player Dies in Alabama Crash
Auburn authorities say alcohol may have played a role in a crash that killed a Chadron State Football player from Ogallala and injured another traveling in Alabama for Spring Break Monday. Authorities say 19-year-old Garrett Schlichtemeier, a freshman wide receiver, was pronounced brain dead at 10:25 a.m. Monday from a severe closed-head injury suffered in the accident along Shug Jordan Parkway about 2:15 a.m. The driver, 18-year-old Michael Madkins of Elk Grove, California, is recovering from serious injuries at East Alabama Medical Center. Lee County Coroner Bill Harris says 18-year-old Tyler Perri of Covina, California was not injured in the crash. Authorities say Madkins lost control of the Range Rover Discovery, ejecting all the teens. Harris says the teens all attended Chadron State College. They were reportedly on their way to Spanish Fort and had stopped in Auburn to visit with a friend.

Troopers Plan Increased Presence during Boys State Basketball
Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be conducting high visibility enforcement efforts in conjunction with the Boys State Basketball Tournament March 11-13, 2010, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Beginning Thursday, March 11 and continuing through Saturday, March 13, 2010, troopers with Headquarters Troop-Lincoln and Troop A-Omaha will focus on high traffic areas in an effort to reduce crashes.   A $7,800 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) will help pay for the special enforcement efforts. High visibility patrols during the 2009 Boys Basketball Tournament resulted in 300 speeding citations and warnings.
Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limit, always wear their seat belt, never drive impaired and to allow plenty of time to reach their destination.  Several construction projects are underway on Nebraska roadways.  I-80 widening projects between Omaha and Lincoln continue.  Drivers are urged to obey the posted speed limits and use caution in construction zones. Travelers wanting to check road and weather conditions along their route can do so by utilizing 511, the state of Nebraska’s automated weather and road condition hotline. Anyone experiencing a roadside emergency or wanting to report a reckless or impaired driver should call the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline at * 55 from any cellular phone or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline.