One sentenced, two charged in separate federal cases

One Grand Island woman has been sentenced, and two others have charged, in three separate federal cases.

Trisha D. Thomas, 35, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to eight years, one month in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Joe Stecher's office.

The release also gave the following information:

Thomas sold 18 ounces to 3 pounds of meth in the Grand Island area between Oct. 1, 2005, and July 1, 2007. The sales were made on two occasions to a person working with law enforcement.

In addition to her prison sentence, Thomas was ordered to pay $300 restitution to the Tri-City Drug Task Force.

In a separate case, Machelle R. Sanchez, 36, is charged with possession of 50 grams or more of a mixture containing meth for a Feb. 14 incident. She's also charged with possessing $6,314, which is believed to be the proceeds from, or was used to facilitate, the drug offense.

If convicted, she faces up to 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine, at least four years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

In an unrelated case, Alba Griselda Lima-Rivera, 27, is charged with failure to appear in U.S. District Court on July 24, 2007. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison to be served after any other prison term imposed by the court, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

Partners sought for Inventor and Entrepreneur Clubs

The Center for Rural Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project and the South Central Economic Development District are seeking community partners for Inventor and Entrepreneur Clubs.

The goal of an Inventor and Entrepreneur Club is to educate investors and entrepreneurs to develop successful businesses while giving back to new members and to the betterment of the community.

The two groups are seeking communities or organizations to partner with from Adams, Buffalo, Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties, among others. They plan for the clubs to be operational by May.

Those interested should prepare a narrative addressing why their location should be selected, who the local partners are, what they're willing to commit and how the club fits into other activities in their region.

Narratives should be sent to Sharon Hueftle, 1320 Valerie Drive, Holdrege, NE 68949, by Feb. 28.

Questions can be directed to SCEDD through Sharon Hueftle at (308) 995-3190 or to REAP through Dena Beck at (308) 528-0060.

* AURORA

Outdoor walking tour scheduled at Bader Park

Prairie Plains Resource Institute's first nature walk of the year is set for Saturday, Feb. 23, at Bader Park.

The walking tour begins at 7 a.m. Bader Park is located on the Platte River and south of Chapman.

Those wishing to carpool can meet at the Prairie Plains office at 1307 'L' St. in Aurora at 6:30 a.m. Following the walk, participants will gather at the Bader House and enjoy brunch prepared by Fayne Petersen.

Cost of brunch is $8 per person. Those interested in staying for the meal should RSVP Prairie Plains at (402) 694-5535 by Thursday.

* KEARNEY

Support group for Marine parents meets in Kearney

New support group for parents of active Marines or former U.S. Marines will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the VFW Club in Kearney.

This support group is for parents in the South Central Nebraska area and serves to provide fellowship among parents, share news and gain knowledge for our Marines and family, and to actively participate in events such as care package projects.

The VFW Club is located at 2215 1st Ave.