Stories from Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The family of Mary Jane (Coker) Cemer is requesting a card shower in honor of her 75th birthday. She was born Nov. 19 at home in Palisade, Nebraska. Her family includes Rocky and Carolyn Stone, Rebecca and Jesse Dutcher, all of McCook, Nebraska, Buck Stone of Trenton, Nebraska, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cards of congratulations will reach her at Hillcrest Nursing Home, PO Box 1087, McCook, NE 69001...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow County, Nebraska, commissioners will give away a stucco-covered red tile block house and a red brick double garage as long as they're removed from lots north of courthouse in McCook. Commissioners said during their weekly meeting Monday morning they've tried giving away the structures, at 516 Norris and 524 Norris, before and have had no takers. But they're still trying to avoid paying for their demolition...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Work is progressing at the former National Guard Armory, now owned by the McCook School District. The McCook School district purchased the building this year for $82,500. There were no other bidders, according to state officials. The district plans to use it for students after some remodeling, as well as to house some of the activity buses...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- State legislators and the McCook Public School system are taking school attendance more seriously. A new school policy approved by the McCook School Board Monday night at its regular meeting will allow five excused or unexcused absences per quarter (nine weeks), instead of the previous seven days...

Shelley Hoffmaster, top right, scoops a very-unexpected 3 to 4 inches of snow from the sidewalk in front of attorneys Paul Wood and Phil Lyons' office in downtown McCook, Nebraska, before office hours this morning. The wet, heavy snow fell after weather forecasters predicted "flurries, with no accumulation." Snuggled in her hooded winter coat, PollyAnna -- Barb Ostrum's petite Jack Russell-Pekingese puppy, top left -- fretted over the possibility of tummy-deep snow. ...

You can expect to shell out a sawbuck more for Thanksgiving dinner this year than last. But don't blame the grocery; they've apparently absorbed costs like shipping, processing and storing food as long as they can, at least in Nebraska. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation has been sending out volunteers to fill the same shopping list, taking advantage of specials and discounts, since 1986. ...

You may have heard that after nine legislative days of the special session, over 25 hours of testimony, and one day of debate, a path has developed to move forward with a compromise on the Keystone XL Pipeline. Many of you have been following the Keystone XL Pipeline issue closely and have contacted my office voicing your opinions regarding the proposed oil pipeline and its route through the Sandhills and over the Ogallala Aquifer; thank you for your involvement. ...

Most of the favored traditions in the old neighborhood were well-steeped in alcoholic beverages. Every adult turned a blind eye to the ages of those imbibing as well, as long as they weren't younger than 14 or so. In fact, the drunkest I ever got in my entire life was at the tender age of 16, in full view of the adults that had settled this particular neighborhood when the homes were first built in the 1950s. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- After several years of saving, the McCook School District was able to use money from two funds in the budget, for upgrades at the high school and to purchase a building. The Special Building Fund, as well as the Depreciation Fund, are part of the budget of the McCook School District and are used to purchase items that will be needed in the future, MPS Business Manager Rick told school board members at their regular meeting Monday night...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook, Nebraska, Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors welcomed representation of McCook Community College to the chamber board during its monthly meeting Nov. 9. Chamber executive director Pam Harsh said that the chamber has changed its bylaws to add MCC to its board, which also includes representatives of the City of McCook, McCook Economic Development Corp. and the Red Willow County Ministerial Association...

Paul Eldon Gigax HAYES CENTER, Nebraska -- Paul Eldon Gigax, 81, of Hayes Center, died Tuesday (Nov. 15, 2011), at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte. Services are pending with Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.Paul Eldon Gigax...