Stories from Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Kennith Martin Brant Jan. 29, 1926 - Feb. 28, 2016 EUDORA, Kan. -- Kennith Martin Brant, 90, a resident of McCook, Neb., for nearly 45 years, died in Eudora on Feb. 28, 2016. He was born Jan. 29, 1926, in Cheyenne County, Kan. to John and Amy Prickett Brant. He attended school north of Haigler and high school in Benkelman...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Immediately after a 5 p.m. deadline for non-incumbents Tuesday, March 1, the Nebraska Secretary of State released the final list of candidates whose names will appear on ballots for the state's primary election on May 10. Major changes in the make-up of the board of directors for the Middle Republican Natural Resources District will take effect with the general election in November...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Gerald Vap of McCook will face a challenge from newcomer Mary Ridder of Callaway as he seeks reelection during the Statewide Primary Election this May. Ridder filed as a candidate for the District 5 seat on the commission, according to the Red Willow County Clerk's Office. The office serves a term of six years...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Registered Democrats will meet at seven sites Saturday for presidential caucuses, according to the Nebraska Democratic Party. This year's presidential caucus organization marks a first in the NDP's history, as Nebraska Democrats will now be able to attend their caucus in every county of the state, some with multiple locations...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Managing the McCook airport has likely been a taxing endeavor for city leaders in recent years, although new developments indicate it may be taking a turn for the better. City leaders advanced plans earlier this month to construct a new hangar at McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport and a new airline is set to take the commercial air service reigns this summer. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Ongoing financial problems at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook have county officials considering asking voters for funds to help operate the 52-year-old county-owned nursing home. The nursing home has improved its financial standing over the past several years, but circumstances beyond its control are making it difficult to stay above water and gain some breathing room at the same time...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The City of McCook is coordinating a meeting for those planning on using the Jaycees Ball Complex or Felling Field this year. The meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, March 8, at 6 p.m. at the McCook Municipal Facility upstairs training room...

One thing about bringing "legal" marijuana back from Colorado. Don't. Just don't. For one, it's no longer legal once you cross the state line For another, it's an edible marijuana product, you could be placing your family and pets in medical danger as well as yourself in legal jeopardy...

Okay, now I have to go to the blackboard and write 100 times, "It is the summer solstice" in order to make up for my gaff of a couple weeks ago when I mentioned the "summer equinox." The correct reference is summer solstice and autumnal equinox which goes along with the corollary of the vernal (spring) equinox and the winter solstice...