Stories from Thursday, January 18, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — Interested referees should not hesitate to see if they’re needed in Saturday’s 27th annual Mac Attack youth basketball tournament. “It’s going to be a huge day. We have around 52 teams entered, which may be down slightly,” tourney co-chairman Aaron Broz said Wednesday afternoon. “But teams are never a problem. We always have plenty of those. Referees might be a different story.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — The conquerors of mighty Class B mat powerhouse Omaha Skutt are ready to test McCook’s wrestlers tonight. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for our wrestlers to measure themselves and compete against one of the top teams in the state,” coach Nick Umsheid said about the dual which begins with JV matches at 5:30 p.m...

McCOOK, Neb. — A look at all the divisions and youth basketball teams entered for Saturday’s 27th annual Mac Attack tournament: Fourth grade boys McCook Bison, Hitchcock Falcons, Hershey Panthers, Dundy-County Stratton, Atwood (Kan.) and Colby (Kan.) Eagles...

One month. 32 days to be exact. My first baby girl turns 18 years old. Still a teenager but legally an adult. Still in high school so still my “child,” my responsibility, so to speak. But four months. 116 days to be exact. My first baby girl graduates high school...

How are you doing with your New Years resolutions? If they included saving money and getting healthier, here’s an idea for killing two birds with one stone. Personal-finance website WalletHub crunched some numbers and released a report showing just how much smokers, by state, might be able to save by giving up their habit...

This week the Unicameral agenda is starting to take its final shape. With today being the last day to introduce bills, we will have an idea of which bills the members of the legislature feel need to be addressed this session. This week two of my bills, LB 760, and LB 819, will be heard in different committees. The following is just a short explanation of each of these bills, as well as, an amendment I will be introducing to LB 758...

Gary G. Hilker June 13, 1935 Jan. 16, 2018 HOLBROOK, Neb. — Gary G. Hilker, age 82, of Holbrook, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Cambridge, Neb. He was born on June 13, 1935, at Oxford, Neb., to Herbert R. and Rose (Kramer) Hilker...

At some point, exasperation sets in with so many rules to follow, so many regulations to meet, so many guidelines to implement. Eventually, you want to give up. But in the end, perseverance pays off and you may appreciate what you achieved even more...

McCOOK, Neb. — Pioneer Seed’s leading the way to a YMCA Men’s Tournament championship after edging Communty Hospital, 74-71, Wednesday evening. Community Hospital had been undefeated and brought the No. 1 seed into this grand finale. The team won a tough 74-70 contest over Big Ballers 3-Point Extravaganza to start Wednesday’s action...

McCOOK, Neb. The first McCook Area Chamber of Commerce Honor Business of 2018 will be Nebraska Public Power District according to Chamber Executive Director Jamie Mockry. “We chose NPPD because of everything they do for the community, including helping with Santa Claus Lane, helping with the Norris Avenue lighting project, and their support of Southwest Nebraska Leadership Institute.” A presentation will be planned at a later date...

McCOOK, Neb. — District 44 State Sen. Dan Hughes has been receiving emails from constituents concerned with a bill introduced at the state level that would impose a one-cent annual tax for every 10 gallons of water used to irrigate agricultural and horticultural land. The tax burden the bill would implement is so massive Sen. Hughes said he isn’t concerned about it advancing...

McCOOK, Neb. — Fire forced a McCook man to break out and crawl through his bedroom window late Wednesday evening to escape the flames engulfing his home at 1107 W. Fourth. McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham said this morning that Leeland Kleckner Jr. was uninjured in his escape, but he has lost his home and belongings...

McCOOK, Neb. — While on his “State of the State” fly-around through Nebraska Wednesday, Neb. Gov. Pete Ricketts explained his proposals for property and income tax relief “that fit within the budget” and spending control that leads also to tax relief...

OXFORD, Neb. -- The 2018 Republican Plains Activity Conference wrestling meet will take place Friday at Southern Valley High School...