Stories from Tuesday, July 10, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — Dangerous Kearney County only inspires First Central Bank to be even more laser-focused on today’s B-6 area title contest. “This has been our No. 1 goal to get to the district title game,” first-coach Kaden Sitzman declared about his Junior Legion baseball team. “Yeah, we’re getting excited (about going to state) but we have one more win to get. And Kearney County has some big hitters.”...

It was noted recently that President Donald Trump takes no presidential salary. President Obama took every penny. First lady Melania reportedly has a staff of four while Michele Obama needed a staff of 23. Hmmm. Now, in all honesty, President Trump’s salary is not taken personally but assigned to a charity of his choosing so we taxpayers are still footing the $400,000 per year bill...

Shirley Jean Johnson March 14, 1927 - July 9, 2018 McCOOK, Neb. — Shirley Jean Johnson, 91, passed away July 9, 2018, at Brookdale Assisted Living in McCook. Shirley was born March 14, 1927, in McCook to Carl and Amanda Axelson. She graduated from McCook High School in the spring of 1944...

Wilva Harchelroad June 22, 1929 - July 3, 2018 WAUNETA Neb.— Wilva Delores Harchelroad (nee Richards) passed away July 3, 2018, in Wauneta at the age of 89. Wilva was born June 22, 1929, in Stratton, Neb., to Clarence and Ora Richards. Wilva, also known as Willie, was one of seven daughters. ...

William Kent Jr. Sept. 13, 1937 - July 9, 2018 CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — William Kent Jr. passed away on July 9, 2018, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. He was born on Sept. 13, 1937, to Marian (Breinig) and William Kent Sr. He attended country school north of Holbrook through the eighth grade, and graduated from Holbrook High School in 1955. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — For the first time this summer, Kearney Jerseys Sports Grill must play McCook National Bank on its home diamond to decide a 2018 Seniors league champion. The matchup has been officially set on Wednesday night with a 7 p.m. first pitch at McCook’s Jaycees Complex...

McCOOK, Neb. — John Brazell, the new business manager for McCook Public Schools, was welcomed by McCook School Board Monday night. With only five days officially on the job, Brazell said he’s “immersing myself in the Bison culture.” He’s also been looking over the reimbursements, accounting system and “where to find things,” he told the board Monday night at the regular meeting. “And have been through all the checks,” he added...

KEARNEY, Neb. – University of Nebraska at Kearney assistant professor Bryce Abbey will appear this summer on a new CBS show hosted by actor and comedian Kevin Hart. Abbey, a former Loper wrestler who teaches exercise science at UNK, will be a contestant on “TKO: Total Knock Out,” an obstacle course competition “where physical meets funny.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education unanimously approved the superintendent’s salary for next year, increasing it by $4,300. With no comment, the board approved the recommendation from board president Tom Bredvick to increase Grant Norgaard’s salary by 2.25 percent for $164,300 in 2018-19 and to keep all previous benefits. In 2017-18, compensation was $160,000. With retirement, insurance, FICA and other benefits, total compensation is $210,598...

McCOOK, Neb. — An unexpected breakdown at the high school’s air conditioning system may mean early dismissals from classes once school starts. That’s one of the scenarios Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the McCook School Board he’s looking at due to the malfunction...

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County’s full-time employees may get a 2 1/2 percent increase in their wages for 2018-19, a figure two of three commissioners discussed during a budget workshop Monday morning. The proposed increase would amount to about $95 a month for 40-hour-a-week employees and $85 a month for 35-hour-a-week employees. Part-timers, who do not get benefits, may get a 50 cent-per-hour raise...

Nebraska is coming from behind when it comes to renewable energy, despite recent progress like a solar farm at Kearney and wind farms in northeast Nebraska and elsewhere. Drive through northeast Kansas and western Iowa, and you’ll be greeted with great, white whirling wind turbines. Those, plus solar arrays and hydroelectric plants can be spotted almost anywhere you drive on your summer vacation...