Conspiracy charges filed in theft of irrigation wire

A South Dakota man and a Neligh woman are facing charges in Antelope County related to the theft of wire from center pivot irrigation systems.

The owner of one system estimated the value of the wire stolen from 10 towers on his farm at nearly $9,000, not including labor and equipment costs for repair.

Christopher Barta, 29, of Irene is set to appear Sept. 6, in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor on two Class 2A felony counts, conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, both alleged between April 1 and July 17. Allegations in the complaint, filed b...