Update: Grand Island Mayor Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

By: Sara Geake - Email

Updated: Mon 5:40 PM, Mar 04, 2013

It's been a tough term for Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek - one that could now include a criminal record.

An accusation of his drunk driving comes just months after a city council censure and a voter attempt to recall the mayor.

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Vavricek was stopped at Highway 281 and Highway 58 in Howard County Saturday night after someone called in the vehicle he was driving as a possible drunk driver.

A trooper said that vehicle was driving on the shoulder of Highway 281 around 6:00 p.m. when the stop was made.

After sobriety tests, Vavricek was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and booked into the Valley County Jail.

A local liquor store employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, told 1011 the mayor bought alcohol from her earlier that afternoon. She said he appeared to have a limp, but otherwise seemed normal. She told us the mayor frequents that liquor store.

Vavricek released a statement Sunday afternoon, saying, "I am sorry and embarrassed for the events that have occurred in the last 24 hours. I apologize to my family, those dependent on me, and my community, and will take corrective action so they will never be affected like this again."

City Council President Bob Niemann said he has a meeting with the mayor Monday morning, but doesn't buy into rumors of a resignation.

He said the mayor is resilient, telling us, "Jay Vavricek is committed to the City of Grand Island."

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