Stories from Thursday, July 24, 2014

Leota May Brown May 25, 1934 - June 26, 2014 McCOOK, Neb. -- Leota May Brown passed away at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska, on June 26, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by family. She was 80 years old. Leota was born in Palisade, Nebraska, on May 25, 1934, to Gladys (Sharrah) and Wayne Porter. She graduated from Curtis, Nebraska, in 1952...

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...

McCOOK, Neb. -- An official dedication will occur this fall, but the Mid-Plains Community College board of governors voted Wednesday night to rename the McCook Community College Events Center to the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. Dolores Graff and her late husband were presented with honorary degrees in 2013...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Board of Zoning Adjustment will meet Monday evening to consider a request for a setback requirement from McCook Community College related to a Brooks Residence Hall expansion project. The college is requesting the setback be reduced from 20 ft. to 12 ft. along East First Street for the project...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Citizens looking to construct a garage or storage shed on their property should find the process easier after the McCook City Council loosened up accessory building zoning restrictions earlier this week. The change was appreciated by at least a few citizens in attendance, including one that claimed it would significantly reduce the workload for his wife...

Several rocketeers check out a prepped rocket as they receive some last minute instruction from 4-H judges. 20 contestants were graded on preflight preparation, the actual launch, as well as the landing and recovery of their rocket Wednesday afternoon...

Morayah Cupp, right, Adam Wolford, above, and Rachel Gordine, inset, will represent Southwest Nebraska at the Galaxy of Stars competition at the Nebraska State Fair. They were among 14 singers competing at the Coyote Country Lifetime Eyecare Music Showdown talent show Wednesday night at the Kiplinger Arena. ...

So I've decided to change my 14-year-old's name to Gretel. She must think she'll get lost because everywhere she goes; she makes sure to leave a little trail. Ya know, a little something to help her find her way back or to remember where she's been...

When it rains it pours, but sometimes it hails. That was the case recently, and neighborhoods are buzzing with activity, first as adjusters take a look at property damage, then as crews make repairs. The recent hailstorm was not as damaging as storms of recent years, although because a second storm came up unexpectedly, a lot of car dealerships were caught off guard and are now offering hail-damaged bargains...