Ronald Nootz is sentenced to 24 months probation and a $500 fine after pleading no contest to misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide in Douglas County Court. Last July, Nootz was driving a dump truck when he ran a red light at 171st & W. Maple Rd. hitting Noel Lammers, 75. He died at the scene.
Lammers was an Army veteran and retired from Union Pacific. Even in retirement he stayed busy; he volunteered with the "Step Up to Life" program which provides literature and training to Christian leaders. He was on his way to volunteer on July 22, 2016 when he lost his life.
"That was really his passion. As a Christian he believed strongly it was his duty to help spread the word and his faith,” said Lammers’ step-son, Tim Klemme. “Losing noel we lost somebody that gave selflessly of himself, his time and his resources.”
Nootz’s defense attorney said while the situation is tragic, he was not under the influence or distracted. He said Nootz had a sneezing attack at the intersection.
“Just that I'm sorry this day ever happened with the loss to their family," Nootz told the judge.
Douglas Co. Judge Derek Vaughn also ordered Nootz to do 200 hours of community service.
"The victim in this matter really believed in giving back to the community did a lot of volunteer work, I think it is fitting for you to complete some community service," Judge Vaughn explained.
Nootz will have his license revoked for one year, and it's unclear if he will get his commercial license back or not.
