by Brandon Vogel

In a press release that ended with the words "God Hates Nebraska," the Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church announced it would picket outside the Nov. 12 funeral for Omaha South High School teacher Stacey Klinger, who died last week after being hit by a car. The group claims Klinger was "cut off by an angry God for teaching rebellion to the youth of this nation." The WBC is infamous for its funeral pickets, taking the view that military deaths, natural disasters and other tragedies are divine retribution for a "wicked nation." In August, the group protested in Omaha at the funeral of Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Bock. Klinger, 45, died Nov. 3 after she was struck by a car while crossing 23rd Street after school. Witnesses say Salvador Jimenez, 32, was turning left following a stop at the intersection of 23rd and J. when he struck Klinger. Jimenez tried to administer CPR before officials arrived and transported Klinger to the Creighton University Medical Center. Police are continuing to investigate the case, but don't believe speed and alcohol were factors.

COMMENTS

(We're testing Facebook commenting (you can login using other services, too); please let us know if you have trouble.)