Appeal delays payments

LINCOLN -- An appeal of the Nebraska Public Service Commission's rejection of claims by 17 claimants in the disposition of proceeds from the shutdown of Atlanta Elevator will delay payouts for approved claims.

The commission was informed at its Dec. 3 meeting in Lincoln that Roberts Cattle of Lexington has initiated an appeal with the Nebraska Court of Appeals of the Commission's Nov. 19 order. The commission approved $1.65 million in claims on grain stored in Atlanta Elevator's facilities in Atlanta and near Funk, but denied $2.88 million in other claims. The Nov. 19 order denied a request by 17 claimants for a share of the proceeds from the sale of grain stocks in the defunct company.

Fifth District Commissioner Jerry Vap of McCook, who represents the Atlanta and Funk areas, said no payouts can be made until the appeals process has been concluded.

"We regret we cannot make any payouts at this time, but the appeals process is in place to ensure that anyone who disagrees with the Commission's findings has a legal avenue in which to be heard," he said.

"As a result of the appeal, the Commission cannot provide a timetable for making payments on approved grain claims," he said.