Stories from Monday, February 28, 2011

With its roots dating back to 1789, the Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, and in fact, most of its jurisdiction is derived directly from our Constitution. It is an honor to have the opportunity to sit on a committee with such a rich history and great tradition. However, at the same time, it is humbling because this assignment enables me to serve Nebraskans on critical issues facing our families, farms, businesses, and ranches...

Five years ago, a new package of economic incentives known as the Nebraska Advantage went into effect that has helped attract outstanding new business opportunities to Nebraska while helping existing businesses expand. We worked closely with the Legislature to develop and pass legislation creating the Nebraska Advantage, which was the first comprehensive update to Nebraska's economic incentives since the mid 1980's. Our goal was to stimulate statewide economic development and job creation...

Feb. 28, 1929--Feb. 23, 2011 ARAPAHOE, Nebraska -- Floyd A. "Bill" Fisher, 81, died Wednesday (Feb. 23, 2011), at the Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge, Nebraska. He was born Feb. 28, 1929, north of Edison, Nebraska on the family farm to Melvin and Mabel (Musick) Fisher...

Sept. 20, 1961--Feb. 24, 2011 McCOOK, Nebraska -- Michael John Kennedy, 49, passed away Thursday (Feb. 24, 2011), at his home in McCook. Mike was born Sept. 20, 1961, in McCook to William H. "Bill" and Dorothy J. (Schuering) Kennedy. He graduated from McCook High School in 1979 and continued his education at McCook Community College...

It's not easy for us as individuals to do much about financial problems in Washington, but we do have a lot to say about the money that goes through our own bank accounts. Times of financial stress throw the spotlight on weaknesses in our money management, as many of us are finding out. There's no time like the present to make the tough decisions that will put us in a better fiscal position in the future...

We do not often think of Nebraska as the hotbed of automobile manufacture, but in the early days of the automobile (1890-1912) more than a few automobiles were manufactured at a number of varied locations throughout the state (as in most states). Needless to say, these early ventures did not rival Detroit as the Capital of Auto manufacture, but they did serve to fuel the dreams of these early Henry Ford wannabes...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Pam Morello, warden at the Nebraska Department of Correction Services' Work Ethic Camp in McCook, announced an anticipated reduction of road crew members in July in an effort to address possible legislative cuts to the correction facility's budget...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The "balanced scorecard" that Community Hospital of McCook, Nebraska, reviews each quarter to keep itself on track as a successful organization is experiencing a slight "imbalance," a tick that the hospital's CEO attributes to the early impact of the federal government's healthcare reform...

Red Willow County, Nebraska, Sheriff's Deputy Ashley Donovan, right, and Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department personnel respond to a one-vehicle accident four miles south of McCook on U.S. Highway 83 Sunday evening. Jeremy E. Stoney, 33, of Oberlin, Kansas, was transported to Community Hospital of McCook by City of McCook fire and rescue personnel; hospital nursing services could release no information about Stoney this morning. ...

There are nearly a half million children in America's foster care system today. This includes more than 6,000 in Nebraska. As the parent of two adopted children, I am committed to doing all I can to take care of these most vulnerable of our citizens. This is why I am joining the bi-partisan Senate Caucus on Foster Youth...

TRENTON, Nebraska -- The public is urged to attend a meeting to provide input regarding the future of the Hitchcock County school system, 7 p.m. Tuesday in the high school gym in Trenton. a $9.8 million bond issue to renovate and expand existing school facilities failed 521-295 in the general election Nov. 2...

McCook High School head girls basketball coach Jeff Ellis is probably counting the days until the start of the 2011-12 season. Ellis, in his second year heading the Bison girls program, watched his team show vast improvement this past season over the previous campaign. With a strong nucleus of returning players expected back next year, Ellis and his squad will hope to take another big step forward...

SCOTTSBLUFF, Nebraska -- McCook High School's boys hope third time is the charm against Scottsbluff this season. The Bison will face Scottsbluff for the third time this year as McCook advanced to the Class B-6 District Tournament championship finals. The Bison and Bearcats are scheduled to meet Tuesday, March 1, at 8 p.m. at the Western Nebraska Community College gym...