Stories from Saturday, July 19, 2008

I remember the first couple of weeks I spent in classrooms at the U in Fayetteville, Arkansas like it was yesterday. I came from a pretty small school in Arkansas (46 in my graduating class) and, not knowing any better, expected the same kind and quality of instruction I had received in high school. ...

On July 31, 2008, at 10 a.m., the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission will hear public testimony regarding the classification of products know as alcopops. Their decision on how to classify the products will ultimately impact youth access and availability of these kid-friendly alcoholic drinks...

By LORRI SUGHROUE City Editor The McCook City Council will be asked to approve an emergency street repair job near Weiland Field, at its regular meeting Monday, 7:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium. Heavy rains in May caused erosion damage to the storm sewer on M Street, north of the football field. Repairs will involve installing a new curb and drop structure into Kelley Park...

By JEREMY BLOMSTEDT McCook Daily Gazette Rick and Valda Hammersley's current home rests -- right now -- under the cottonwoods at Karrer Park. Maybe you noticed it as you drove along Highway 34 the last few days, but maybe not. It's a small RV, emblazoned with logos for a shoemaker, a mail-forwarding service, and a "healthy chocolate company." And maybe you noticed the sun-weathered man who might be walking a few miles behind it, dressed in safety orange. Or maybe you didn't...

A symposium starting at 8 a.m., Sept. 8-9, 2008, at McCook Community College will focus on a relict stand of bur oaks near McCook, said Bruce Hoffman, co-owner of Common Scents Greenhouse and Nursery. Two days of activities will include a tree anatomy lab led by consulting arborist, Jack Phillips, and urban and community forester for the Nebraska Forest Service, Eric Berg, a tour of the Bur Oak Canyon trees and a workshop summary and barbecue hosted by Common Scents, Hoffman said. ...

If you think it's ridiculous that McCook hires trucks burning $4.50 diesel fuel to haul two loads a day of trash to Ogallala, imagine if you lived on Oahu. Hawaii's most populous island is looking to send some 100,000 tons of trash to the Mainland each year. ...