Stories from Thursday, March 7, 2013

"Identity Thief," the new comedy starring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman, is a "woulda/coulda/shoulda" kind of movie, as in it woulda/coulda/shoulda been a whole lot funnier and sharper and better than it was. The movie's a big hit -- the first 2013 release to cross the $100 million mark at the U.S. box office -- but for me, it was a whole lot of missed opportunities...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council mulled several options to address downtown parking issues, while some officials raised questions as to whether the problem was really one experienced by many citizens or just a few. Councilor Jerry Calvin, a former McCook police officer, stated that city ordinance on the topic was clear and he would like to see them enforced...

LINCOLN -- Nebraska would become one of only two states in the country that offer tax credits for renewable energy generation under a bill introduced by Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha. The Legislature's Revenue Committee heard testimony March 6 on LB 411...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- The current provost of Southeast Missouri State University will be the new dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. Ronald Rosati will assume the position this summer. "We are most excited to have a person of Dr. Rosati's talent, skills and experience to be our next dean of NCTA," said Ronnie Green, vice president of agriculture and natural resources for the University of Nebraska...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- An individual has been arrested in connection with an ongoing burglary investigation, according to the McCook Police Department. The department received multiple complaints around McCook of someone entering residences and stealing property, and after they were combined with additional complaints of suspicious activity around residence, the subject, who is awaiting a bond hearing, was taken into custody...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Area residents have the chance to win a coconut cake this month with any purchase from Prairie Land Food. This double-layer cake would be a perfect Easter dessert. In addition, Prairie Land Food is offering great deals on a variety of food items for Easter dinner or just for every-day meals. As always, food packages are available to fit any size of family or budget. Large orders from groups or organizations are also welcome...

Sen. Amanda McGill has a great idea that she picked up in Colorado. The Lincoln legislator would like to allow Nebraska individuals, businesses or nonprofits set up solar panels in spare spaces, such as on a vacant lot, on the roof of a church or school, then sell shares of their project to the neighbors, who would get a credit on their electric bills...

Comets are basically just big balls of frozen water, dirt, and gasses. They come whizzing into the inner solar system from out beyond the orbit of Pluto, make a trip around the sun and head back out to where they came from -- generally. In ancient times they were thought to be bringers of bad news. You know, kings dying, catastrophe and other sorts of bad news...

When traveling with my family of five, one would think that the pilot, or the driver of the vehicle, holds the most important position as they are in charge of safely transporting each passenger to their destination. However, as designated co-pilot for the past 13 years, I believe my role may hold equal value, if not, maybe a little more. After traveling across the State last weekend, I was reminded of all the duties of the co-pilot as well as the results of those responsibilities...

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Nebraska's growing grape industry is feeling the burn of chemical drift. Nebraska can grow some varieties that other parts of the country can't, said Alan Vybiral, president of the Nebraska Wine and Grape Grower Association. But last year, Barton Holmquist a grape grower near Eagle, Neb., lost three tons of grapes or about $3,000 because of suspected 2,4-D spray drift from a neighbor. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A Farm Estate and Transition Planning workshop will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 28 in McCook. There is no charge for the workshop and a lunch will be provided. To register (and for questions), call the Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258 or the Red Willow County Extension Office at 308-345-3390 by March 22 to reserve a spot...

Beverly Jean Stutzman Dec. 15, 1927 - Feb. 23, 2013 LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Beverly Jean Stutzman, 85, of Lincoln and former McCook, Nebraska resident, died Saturday (Feb. 23, 2013). She was born Dec. 15, 1927, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Isaac E. Hale and Dehlia M. (Hibbard) Hale...

Georgie Jean Seybold TRENTON, Nebraska -- Georgie Jean Seybold age 71, died at the El Dorado Manor in Trenton on Wednesday March 6, 2013. She was born in Cheyenne County, Kansas, near St. Francis, to Walter and Violet Stella (Seitz) Blankenship. She graduated from Benkleman High School in 1959. In 1966 she graduated from McCook Community College with an Associate Degree in accounting...

This information is gathered at the McCook Public Safety Center, the McCook office of the Nebraska State Patrol, the Red Willow County Courthouse, the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office and the McCook Humane Society. Police activity Activity log...

A Northern Flicker waits his turn at the birdbath Feb. 21, as the snow continues to fall in a Wilsonville, Nebraska yard. Roxy Lang used these settings to capture the image: F/5.6, iso 640, 1/1000, 300mm. The McCook Daily Gazette would love to showcase your weather photos. ...

As an elected representative of the United States Senate, my priority is serving the needs of my constituents in Nebraska. A highlight of my job both in the state and in Washington is speaking with fellow Nebraskans about the issues affecting them in their daily lives...