Many court cases continued, other defendants skip

Two defendants were arraigned in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh recently, while, in the wake of a pending winter storm, many either had their appearances continued to February or just didn’t show up. One defendant had his case dismissed.

Austin R. Bertschinger, 30, of Oakdale appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor on Jan. 18 for arraignment on a count of possession of tramadol, a Class 4 felony alleged Dec. 10.

Bertschinger requested court-appointed counsel. After holding an indigency hearing, Taylor appointed Antelope County public defender Pat Carney of Norfolk. Further arr...