Stories from Saturday, April 23, 2005

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman announced Friday afternoon that seven Southwest Nebraska counties have been awarded $1.2 million in Homeland Security grant funds to improve communications systems and link the area's emergency response providers. The funding for Southwest Nebraska is part of the $23 million in 2005 federal Homeland Security funds that are earmarked for major communications projects across all of Nebraska...

TRENTON -- Hitchcock County may be the first Nebraska county to apply for a "Livestock Friendly County" designation from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, but the decision by county commissioners to make the application has not been without some debate...

**Dear Editor, I read with interest your editorial admonishing city and county officials not to turn their back on grant funds. Since I am the party who made the suggestion for the city and county NOT to participate in the walking trail grant, I feel obliged to make my position clear. I never stated that McCook or Red Willow County turn their back on ALL state and federal funding, nor did I hear anyone else make that statement...

The discussion of motorcycle helmets prevailed as scheduled throughout the week. Legislative Bill 70, "the helmet bill," received its beginning comments first thing Tuesday morning. This controversial piece of legislation has grabbed the attention of many whether an avid rider or an avoider. Either way, many of us know someone who loves to ride their motorcycle.  ...