The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Last Wednesday was not a typical day in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh.

The Honorable Donna Taylor heard from a man who requested a year in jail and a woman who cited religion as a reason not to appear.

Billy Russell, 29, of Elgin had spent the previous 96 days in the county jail on charges of driving under the influence, third offense, and resisting arrest, as his case proceeded to the point of sentencing.

He nearly begged Taylor to keep him there.

Russell’s mother sent a letter to the judge, asking her to keep him “as long as you can,” because he was doing so well.

County attorney J...