Stories from Tuesday, February 15, 2011

We're pushing the season somewhat -- OK, a lot -- but on days like these, it's hard not to think about spring and all it brings. For those addicted to "garage sailing," that means spending Saturday mornings, Gazette classified ads in hand, prowling the alleys and porches of our communities, looking for hidden bargains...

Following World War II our U.S. government was concerned with the rise of communism in the world. Europe was in disarray much like Egypt today. Our military took over the role of government to keep order until local democratic governments could develop and take charge. Then our military governments quietly withdrew and each country was on its own...

By Christ's stripes we are healed, and because of a young warrior's wounds, we came together. We saw our friends and neighbors take the stage to help one of our best who took a uniform so that we might be free. They may not make it on the Grand Ol Opry or American Idol, but they did it anyway. That speaks volumes about our self-reliance and our willingness to share our talents as God would want us to do for the common good...

Columbus, Nebraska -- After four months of research, discussion, and input from its retail and wholesale customers, the Nebraska Public Power District has begun to put a frame around what will be a picture of its future. Last fall, NPPD launched a project to update its strategic plan for the next 10-20 years. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook Public Schools board of education members got their first look at calendar proposals for the 2011-12 school year at their February meeting Monday evening, and found one calendar similar to this year's, and another that includes two early dismissals each month September through April for teacher training...

Georgia Chishom of Indianola, Nebraska, third from the right in the front row, above, the mother of injured and recovering American soldier Dustey Chisholm, right, cries through the singing of "God Bless America" which closed a fund-raiser for the Chisholm family at the Historic Fox Theatre in McCook, Nebraska, Sunday afternoon. ...

SCOTTSBLUFF, Nebraska -- The McCook Community College men's baseball team is getting spring fever. The Indians, possibly influenced by this week's spring-like temperatures, traveled to Scottsbluff Monday, Feb. 14, to open the 2011 college baseball season with a single game against the Western Nebraska Community College. MCC claimed a 3-2 win in the nine-inning contest at WNCC's home diamond...