Stories from Friday, November 11, 2016

Demonstrators are protesting the election of Donald Trump and some schools, where teachers have been seen crying, are offering counseling for students who are afraid how the results of the election will affect them. You won't see much of that in Nebraska, especially in our end of the state, but that doesn't mean we're immune to effects from changes in Washington leadership...

The most bizarre presidential campaign in American history ended Tuesday with the most unlikely result. Donald Trump garnered enough electoral votes to win the presidency. Everyone I talked to, Democrats AND Republicans, were shocked and surprised at the outcome because no one saw it coming. ...

Hindus have commended McCook High School (MHS) in McCook (Nebraska) for reportedly launching yoga club, calling it a step in the positive direction. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, applauded MHS for coming forward and providing an opportunity to students to avail the multiple benefits yoga offered...

If you as a voter don't want to be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils, then demand the changes be made to the voting system that will allow you to fully state your preferences. We have the unsatisfactory behaviors and outcomes we have from candidates and elected officials because of the system we use to elect them. If we want different behavior and outcomes, then we must change the system...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A great start ended on a sour note for Dundy County-Stratton...

OSKALOOSA, Iowa -- Despite only six players, McCook Community College's men fought through overtime and topped the William Penn University JV team, 98- 94, Thursday evening...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Head coach Hayley Kobza announced open tryouts for McCook Community College's volleyball team will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19...

Basketball will fill the Peter & Dolores Event Center all weekend with McCook Community College's annual MCC Classic...

Want to spend more time with loved ones this Thanksgiving? Ditch the perfectly timed oven schedule and put your slow cooker to work. It'll deliver the familiar flavors of your favorite holiday stuffing, sauces and desserts in a new, more convenient way...

Claire Wood Eric and Kayla Wood of Arvada, Colo., announce the birth of their daughter, Claire Wood, born Sept. 22, 2016, at Layfayette, Colo. She weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 21 inches long. She has three brothers, Elijah, 6, Seaton, 4, and Jonah, 2. Grandparents are James and Mary Faimon of Stratton, Neb., and Kevin and Pamela Wood of North Platte, Neb. Great-grandparents are Gayle and Barbara Ruggles of McCook, Neb...

40th anniversary The children and grandchildren of Kevin and Cheryl Harpham of Grand Island, Neb., formerly of McCook, Neb., are requesting a card shower in honor of the couple's 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 13. They were married in 1976 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseland, Neb. ...

The family of Irene Vandament of Arapahoe, Neb., are requesting a card shower in honor of her 95th birthday on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. She owned and operated Irene's Style Shop in Arapahoe for over 30 years. Her children are Bonnie Kimberly, Jim Vandament, Lana Demuth and Linda Hamel. Cards of congratulations will reach her at P.O. Box 206, Arapahoe, NE 68922...

30th anniversary The family of Tim and Brenda Walter of McCook, Neb., is requesting a card shower in honor of the couple's 30th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, Nov.15. Their family includes their daughter, Olivia and her husband, John Huffman of Overland Park, Kan. Cards of congratulations will reach them at 38411 Road 719, McCook, NE 69001...

As you all know, I am big on everyone voting. Last Tuesday, I'm proud to say that Red Willow County registered voters did an outstanding job of living up to the privilege that our veterans have defended for us in the last 260 plus years. You all responded to that honor with an over 70 percent voter turnout and each of you deserves a pat on the back for doing so. Congratulations for being involved in the process!...

TRENTON, Neb. -- The Hitchcock County Historical Society will host cowboy poet and humorist R. P. Smith this Sunday at the TCDC Building in Trenton at 2:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served following the speaker. Smith is a fourth generation rancher from Custer County, Nebraska. His...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A Nebraska Department of Revenue hearing into the assessment practices of the now-recalled Hitchcock County assessor continues next week as planned. Jon Cannon, attorney for the Revenue department, said Thursday afternoon that the hearing on the department's recommendation to suspend the assessor's certificate of Marlene Bedore is still scheduled Thursday, Nov. 17, and Friday, Nov. 18, in Lincoln...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook School Board will be asked to accept a letter of resignation, at its regular meeting Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the junior high conference room. JoDee Walbridge cited personal and medical reasons for her resignation, effective Oct. 25. Walbridge, hired in January 2015, was a special education teacher at McCook Elementary...

Mark Graff and members of Youth Change Reaction, above, speak to nearly 400 Nebraska Community Foundation members and guest at the statewide group's annual banquet at the Graff Events Center on the McCook Community College campus Thursday night. Graff is treasurer of the local McCook Community Foundation Fund and honorary NCF board member. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook School Board will be asked to accept a letter of resignation, at its regular meeting Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the junior high conference room. JoDee Walbridge cited personal and medical reasons for her resignation, effective Oct. 25. Walbridge, hired in January 2015, was a special education teacher at McCook Elementary...

In the sunroom at Hillcrest Nursing Home this morning, Jordan Johnson, a member of the McCook Chamber's "Young Professionals Group," prepares a pancake and sausage plate during the YPG's pancake breakfast honoring all American veterans. Robert Hanke of McCook, foreground, served six years in the U.S. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The Museum of the High Plains in McCook is hosting a Sheldon statewide exhibition featuring artwork focused on the beauty of geometric design. "Shape Up! Visualizing the Geometric World" will be on display beginning Monday and until Dec. 11, 2016. The exhibit is free and open to the public for viewing...

PALISADE, Neb. -- The Palisade United Church will host its Annual Harvest Supper at 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday. The menu will include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn and a variety of salads and desserts. The public is invited to join their friends for a great meal. Door prizes and fellowship will be served throughout the evening. A free-will donation will be appreciated...

TRENTON, Neb. -- Friends, family and co-workers of James Loghry of Trenton plan a free will supper and a silent auction to help his family since his diagnosis of colon cancer. This fundraiser will be Saturday, Nov. 19, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Trenton Community Development Center, 402 E. First, east of downtown Trenton...

Volunteers stocked a "Mobile Pantry" in Stratton in October. The "Food Bank for the Heartland" plans a Mobile Pantry Saturday, Nov. 19 in McCook, at the Evangelical Free Church, south of Community Hospital, from 10 a.m. until noon. The food distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis; when the food is gone, it's gone. ...

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- For the fourth year in a row, retail customers of Nebraska Public Power District will see no increase in overall retail rates in 2017 following approval Thursday by NPPD's Board of Directors. The Board approved a slight overall average increase of 0.6% increase to its wholesale customers...

Ron Magner, 73, McCook, displays the coin he received as the Marine of the Year for the First Marine Division, a state honor he will hold for one year. Magner, who served from 1963 to 1992 and retired as a master gunnery sergeant, received the award at the annual U.S. Marines birthday party at the Coppermill steak house, where it was moved from another venue because of a conflict with other activities...

Central Elementary gets U.S. flag from Afghanistan McCOOK, Neb. -- An American flag tucked inside a U.S. servicemen's body armor in Afghanistan was presented to students at Central Elementary Friday. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Neff, the fiance of Hilary Lengel, a fifth grade reading teacher at Central Elementary, told students he took the flag with him on a medivac helicopter mission to Helmand in southern Afghanistan. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Anyone seeing red after Friday's stinging 42-41 playoff loss only witnessed heroes walking off McCook's Weiland Field...