Stories from Tuesday, February 5, 2008

--- Brittini Bieker, MHS freshman "I like flowers and big stuff animals." --- Alicia Vandenbark, MCC "Some good brushes" --- Jenna Blanco, MCC "To go on a date with Will Ferrell." --- Frances Lewis "Roses. Or a cruise to Alaska ." --- Barbara Hogsett...

Aug. 19, 1945 - Feb. 1, 2008 BARTLEY -- Merlin Alben Cook of Bartley, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, at Community Hospital in McCook. His was 62 years old. Merlin was born on Aug. 19, 1945, in Scott City, Kan., to Wade A. and Grace E. (Wilken) Cook. ...

Nov. 3, 1933 - Feb. 4, 2008 TRENTON -- Myrna Sue Keller ended her courageous battle on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, at El Dorado Nursing Home in Trenton. She was 74 years old. Myrna was born on Nov. 3, 1933, in Harlan County to Arthur William and Lucille Evelyn (Borges) Fruhling. She attended school in Trenton...

April 23, 1911 - Feb. 4, 2008 CAMBRIDGE -- Irene Mary (Witte) Kubik, 96, died Monday (Feb. 4, 2008), at Cambridge Manor. She was born to Clement and Elisabeth (Ostdiek) Witte on a farm east of Lawrence, Kan., on April 23, 1911. She attended grade school at St, Stevens Parochial School in Lawrence...

Lisa Marie Stull and Kyle Lee Wayman of McCook announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Parents of the couple are James and Lori Stull and John and Julie Wayman, all of McCook. The bride-to-be is employed with Alltell of McCook. The prospective bridegroom is employed with Valmont of McCook. A wedding ceremony is planned for Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at the Cinema 3 in McCook...

It's a commentary on modern government that a proposed tax cut raises concerns about its "cost." We suppose that's akin to calling government expenditures an "investment." Nebraska lawmakers have a long list of ideas for the state's projected $540 million cash reserve, including $200 million for teacher pay as well as a number of other pet projects, but one proposed by Gov. Dave Heineman makes the most sense...

Beginning my broadcasting career 35 years ago the debate continues on the correct pronunciation of Norfolk. ["'Sigh-Ox City?'" (http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/1308176.html)] I appreciate your spin. I must admit once in awhile I might drop the fork just for those other folks...

Most Americans have seen their food bills increase this past year, primarily because of increased energy costs. But despite these increases, food remains very affordable in the United States. It takes just 36 days for the average American to earn enough disposable income to pay for their food supply for the entire year -- a little more than five weeks' labor...

The Nebraska Legislature is beginning its third week of public hearings on bills introduced this session, and we have just over 40 legislative days until the end of this short session. This week I would like to talk about the hearing on one of my bills, Legislative Bill 743, which would repeal the restrictions on trapping in the county road rights-of-way, put in place by an amendment last session...

As I always say, I am not an early morning astronomer, unless there is something worth getting up to see. Friday morning, Feb. 1, was such an occasion. The bright planets Venus and Jupiter were so close together the tip of your little finger held at arms length would have covered them. The pair have been moving closer together for some months now and Friday was the "close" day. They were quite the sight in binoculars...

Thanks to the renewal of the city sales tax, juggling street improvements may be made easier in the future. City engineer/Street superintendent Greg Wolford pointed to the sales tax as a steady stream of funding that will enable street projects to be completed, rather than bumped from the plan because of lack of funding...

The new, part-time building inspector was introduced to the city council Monday night, bringing with him years of experience. Fred Baugher comes to the city with 30-plus years of commercial building knowledge, said City Manager Kurt Fritsch. Baugher told the council he is no stranger to McCook. ...

Commenting on this year's project to resurface Norris Avenue with asphalt, Councilman Lonnie Anderson said that although asphalt is less expensive than concrete, it doesn't hold up as long. Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff agreed, and said asphalt has about 14 years of service when used on a main thoroughfare, but when used on side streets, coupled with armor coating, it can last considerably longer -- about 25 years...

Council takes quick action on consent agenda Things wrapped up quickly at Monday's City Council meeting, with all consent agenda items approved unanimously. There were no regular agenda items. Consent items approved included:...

Arapahoe girls 63, Hitchcock County 47 TRENTON -- Arapahoe's girls and boys basketball teams beat out Hitchcock County Saturday. Arapahoe won a close 48-45 boys game and the Warrior girls cut the Falcons short 63-47. Austin Renfro put in 17 points for the Falcons. Sam Matson followed up with 13 points and Ryne Thompson had 6...

UNK -- All three McCook divers medaled at the diving invitational on Saturday, held at the University of Nebraska Kearney pool. Freshman Kyle Craw added more than 50 points to his season high score that he achieved the night before, at the at the final home meet of the season for the Bison...

Like many trees across Nebraska, the trees in Norris Park are coming to the end of their life span with some needing to be removed as soon as possible. Kyle Potthoff, McCook Public Works Director, gave the council a heads up concerning the serious condition of the hackberry and linden trees in the city park, about 44 trees that are at or near their maximum life span and showing signs of decay...

BEAVER CITY -- The trial of Herchel Huff, charged with killing an Arapahoe wife and mother last year, will be rescheduled. Huff was to appear today and Wednesday in Furnas County district court in Beaver City on charges of motor vehicle homicide, driving while intoxicated (fourth offense), tampering with a witness, refusal to submit to a chemical test and no proof of insurance...

Red Willow County commissioners gave the OK Monday morning to start a STOP program. STOP, "Safety Training Option Program," gives a driver who just received a traffic citation the opportunity to successfully complete an eight-hour defensive driving class rather than appear in court, pay a fine, lose points off a driver's license and pay increased insurance rates...

A new prototype of Pawnee Aviation's kit helicopter makes a test flight in Oberlin on Sunday, benefitting from a number of fine adjustment related to tracking and balance of the main rotors, reposition of bearings and other small adjustments. President Ron Willocks said the latest kits use a new generation of molds for the composite main blades as well as other improvements. ...

Heavy snow obscures Rick Province and a City of McCook road grader as it maneuvered along city streets buried by snow that fell through the night and morning. McCook and most area schools called off classes today, including several that initially called for a late start. Three to five inches of snow was predicted before ending at midnight, with a 20 percent chance of snow Wednesday night...