Stories from Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Starting next week, the broadcast networks will unveil their fall programming lineups in what is known as an upfront presentation, or upfront, for short. These are really more for the advertisers than the general public -- after all, they're primarily showcases that allow the networks the chance to sell significant chunks of their ad time before the new season starts. ...

Feb. 9, 1917-May 9, 2011 McCOOK, Nebraska -- Marjorie B. (Blake) Hall, age 94, passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Cambridge, Nebraska. She was born Feb. 9, 1917, on a farm 10 miles north and quarter mile east of Indianola, Nebraska in Red Willow County to Henry and Mildred (Wolfe) Callan...

March 26, 1943-May 8, 2011 ATWOOD, Kansas -- Marlene M. Faimon, 68, died Sunday (May 8, 2011). She was born March 26, 1943, in Stratton, Nebraska. Survivors include three brothers, Gabriel and wife, Nancy of Auburn, Kansas, Gary and wife, Jan of Perry, Kansas, and Adrian and wife, Michelle of Lee's Summit, Missouri; one sister, Michelle Antholz and husband, Robbin of McDonald, Kansas; and mother, Alice Faimon of Atwood...

Sept. 16, 1933-May 5, 2011 
BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Wilfred Marvin Hansen was born Sept. 16, 1933, in Dundy County, Nebraska to Marvin and Velma (Miller) Hansen. The Lord took him home at the age of 77 years and 7 months on May 5, 2011, at the Medical Center of Aurora in Colorado...

Official releases from the Obama administration are naturally suspect when it comes to predictions about repeal of "Obamacare," but nonpartisan predictions about results of the House Republican budget are just as dire. While both releases from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Urban Institute are unlikely to be endorsed by the GOP or Tea Party, the issues they raise must be addressed by those in power, whomever they are...

When the Twin Towers fell September 11, 2001, video of fanatic Muslims cheering in the streets across the Middle East added another layer of pain to the newly broken heart of the United States. And, although the death of Osama bin Laden wasn't unwelcome news in this nation nearly 10 years after he ordered those attacks, I was immediately dismayed to see Americans and people worldwide cheering in the streets because of his demise...

CURTIS, Nebraska -- The Middle Republican Natural Resources District tabled Geraldine Clark's request for a variance for a second time Tuesday night at their monthly meeting at the Curtis Memorial Community Center. Clark's request was tabled a second time because the board is having the legality of the signature on her certification form checked by legal counsel. Clark's form was submitted and signed "Geraldine Clark by Anna Lucero."...

TRENTON, Nebraska -- Hitchcock County Public Schools district patrons have narrowly approved $7.4 million in upgrades and renovations to their school facilities during a two-week mail-in election that saw 80 percent of registered voters cast ballots...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A little bit of moisture and a little bit of heat, and weeds in Red Willow County are growing like ... well, like weeds. Bill Elliott, the county's weed superintendent, told county commissioners at their weekly meeting in McCook, Nebraska, Monday morning that this summer "is going to be a good year for both Canada and musk thistle," two plants on Nebraska's noxious weed list...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Deer Creek Norwegian Church northwest of Holbrook, Nebraska, has been placed on the third annual Heritage Nebraska list of "Hidden Treasures and Fading Places" in Nebraska. Heritage Nebraska executive director J. L. Schmidt said the list includes "places in Nebraska that are 'must sees,' as well as the places that are in danger of being lost."...

KEARNEY, Nebraska -- The immediate future of the McCook High School girls tennis team is very bright, if the success of the 2011 junior varsity team is any indication. McCook entered two teams in the Kearney JV Invitational Monday, May 9, at Kearney High School. The Bison teams finished first and second in the final team standings...

CURTIS, Nebraska -- Medicine Valley High School's boys golf team showed an immense knowledge of their home course Tuesday, May 10, in the Cattle Trail Tournament. The Raiders claimed the top four spots in the individual standings to run away with the team title in the tournament played at the Arrowhead Meadows course in Curtis. ...

The official kickoff to the 2011 McCook Midget Baseball Association season is scheduled Friday, May 13, at historic Felling Field. Friday's festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies at the famous McCook youth baseball diamond located at East 6th and East D Streets...