Winside teacher arrested for alleged relationship with student

WAYNE, Neb. -- For the second time in a year, a Winside school teacher faces allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Wayne County Sheriff Jason Dwinell's office confirmed that Winside family and consumer sciences teacher Cali Heikes was arrested Sunday.

Heikes is still currently listed as a staff member on the Winside Public Schools website. She is a graduate of Winside High School and Wayne State College.

Dwinell said his office received a tip regarding a potential relationship between the 25-year-old Heikes and a student.

Her arrest comes as 28-year-old Rachel McPhillips, also a former Winside teacher, faces charges of child abuse and third-degree sexual assault in Wayne County Court. She is accused of an inappropriate relationship with a teenage student in 2021 and 2022.

McPhillips has pleaded not guilty in the case. She is next due in court in February for a pre-trial hearing.

Dwinell said Heikes was lodged in the Antelope County Jail until her court appearance yesterday.