Start Plans for a New Court House and Jail   

Nebraska City, August 8 – Steps were taken by Otoe County commissioners to get a new court house and jail, when a levy of 50 mills was made in the general tax levy of the county to be known as a courthouse fund.

This will bring an estimated amount of $14,974.35, which in three years is expected to build the courthouse.  The entire county levy remains at 2.1 mills the same as last year, which is expected to raise the $121,974 necessary for expenses during the fiscal year.

Of this amount $948 will be for soldier’s relief, $8,948 for widows pensions, and $58,069 for the bridge fund, with $43,087 general fund, and $1,974 for County Fair.

The Lincoln State Journal – Thursday, August 9, 1923

To Bring Suit Against Railroad   

 Nebraska City,Nebraska, August 7 – A. H. LaDuke of O’Brien, Texas, father of Leland LaDuke, the man that lost his foot when forced from a Missouri Pacific Freight train, is in the city to prosecute the railroad for $15,000 damages.

 Because of infection that developed in the injured leg, young LaDuke was forced today to undergo another operation, that amputated about three inches more of his leg.

The Lincoln State Journal – Thursday, August 9, 1923

Will Issue Distress Warrant   

 Nebraska City, Nebraska, August 8 – Several hundred tax payers at Otoe County will have to pay their back taxes, with all penalties attached at once or be served with attachments or executions according to County Treasurer McAllister, who says he is issuing distress warrants for all outstanding taxes, and will put them in the hand of Sheriff Ryder for service at once.

The Lincoln State Journal – Thursday, August 9, 1923 

Brutal Murder    

Nebraska City, Nebraska, April 30. – Leo Shellenberger, a substantial farmer, and his wife, were arrested this evening for the murder of the former’s child and a step-child of the woman.  The child was found in a cellar under their house with its throat cut from ear to ear.  She was a bright, golden-haired girl of 11.  The evidence shows previous brutality and general hatred, especially on the part of the woman.  They claimed that she killed herself, but this pronounced impossible by the physicians.  The parties are in jail.  Strong threats of lynching have been made, and there is great excitement in this city.  The child was heir to valuable property which reverts to the father, and this fact is given as the direct motive. 

Herald Democrat (Leadville, CO) - May 1, 1886 

Transcribed and contributed by:  Pat Tomko