Stories from Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Our current slogan is "Visit Nebraska. Visit Nice." but the Nebraska Tourism Commission is not so sure some of the agency's spending is "nice." Meeting in one of the state's top attractions, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the commission went into a closed session Tuesday after reviewing an audit that disclosed a number of questionable expenses...

In an Open Forum letter in Monday's Gazette, Dick Trail advised the good people of McCook to vote against the Amendment to the Economic Development Program question which will appear on the Tuesday, May 10, Primary Election ballot. As I read through Dick's letter, I noticed one glaring omission. ...

First off, let us take care of the important matters, today is Star Wars Day, May the Fourth be With You. Those of you who are fans will understand. Now, let's get back to our Top Ten list for things to see from the not-so-dark sky of the city. We started with the obvious, the moon. There are no problems seeing it from anywhere, and this coming Friday, May 6, will provide an excellent opportunity to begin a month-long "Moon Watch."...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The construction bid for a new 6-plex hangar at the McCook airport came in so low it prompted city and state officials to jockey funds around in an effort to ensure the project advanced. "According to NDA, which is Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, our bid came in substantially favorable to the city. They have bid some other hangars that weren't so favorable to other communities," said Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff Monday evening...

CURTIS, Neb. -- Proceeds from the first-ever "Curtis Rod and Bike Show" May 14 and 15 will go to a child abuse awareness organization. Organizer Rob Cappa of Curtis will present dash plaques to the first 70 who register for the new two-day car show. He plans bikes in the park and hotrods, ratrods and custom and stock collectible cars up and down Center Avenue from 8 a.m. until dark each day...

Glass shards and plastic pieces dance in mid-air as McCook Community College music student Kacie Payne of Dunning takes a sledge hammer to the back window of a junk car Tuesday morning. The "take-a-swing, smash-a-car" fund-raiser at MCC raised money to replenish the music department's travel funds after the class traveled to Omaha to see "The Phantom of the Opera" recently. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The ballot for Tuesday's Primary Election will include a request from the City of McCook to renew an amended version of its economic development program through fiscal year 2033. A "Guide to Implementing the Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act" is available on the Nebraska Department of Economic Development website which could serve as a valuable tool for voters seeking more information about LB 840...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Greg Gaston doesn't eat lamb. "By the time I finish showing my lambs, they're big pets for me," the Red Willow County 4-H'er says with a lopsided grin. "I can't eat 'em," he says sheepishly, shaking his head. Greg and two of his 2016 show lambs -- "Palisade" and "Dunlap" -- participated Wednesday in McCook Junior High's annual "Ag Awareness Tour" coordinated by the Ag Task Force of the McCook Chamber of Commerce...