Stories from Saturday, January 5, 2008

Gov. Dave Heineman, Attorney General Jon Bruning and Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha will probably draw criticism for Friday's news conference outlining a bill to deny state assistance to people who are in the United States illegally. Most Nebraskans are kind-hearted and generous, but before drawing the conclusion that the promoters of the legislation are ogres, let's look at some of the details of the proposal, which will be introduced this month...

The Christmas card mentioned that Lynn had finally had an operation to repair "that shoulder." The operation went well and he was back to fishing within the month. No other mention but those who know him also remember "that shoulder" was injured when he ejected from his OV-10 Bronco in the low mountains just west of Hanoi. The date was Dec. 26, 1971, and marked the start of a 15-month "extended vacation" as a guest in the workers' paradise, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam...

Hillary got it handed to her in the Iowa caucuses Thursday night and the political prognosticators and pontificators are busy trying to figure out why. She has been the acknowledged front runner since she declared her candidacy and has enjoyed double-digit leads over her competitors since then. ...

A joint plan between the state and the Middle Republican Natural Resources District to regulate water use will be up for approval at the regular MRNRD meeting 3 p.m. Tuesday at the McCook City Auditorium. In basins declared over appropriated or fully appropriated, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and NRDs are required to jointly develop and implement a combined surface water and groundwater management plan, called the Integrated Management Plan...

City Attorney Nate Schneider will give an update to council members on the "Americus Curiae," or Friend of the Court brief, that the council previously voted to file on behalf of the Friends of the River lawsuit, at the regular city council meeting Monday night, 7:30 at City Council Chambers in Memorial Auditorium...