Stories from Tuesday, September 18, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — Sophomore Torrington Ford’s tackle for a safety put McCook ahead to stay in the 29-21 JV football win over Class A Kearney Monday night. The Bison erased a Bearcat 14-7 halftime lead with those two points and junior Corban Jernigan’s three second-half touchdowns...

It was a total delight. Out of the blue Carol Schlegel, Red Willow County Tourism Director (Your tax dollars at work) called and asked if I could conduct a tour of the Old Stone Church. “Sure it will be a pleasure,” I replied. The Stone Church is big in the history of my family it is a structure dear to my heart...

There are reporters who dream about receiving this kind of assignment. The assignment in question was one performed by Omaha World-Herald reporters this summer, after one of them noticed State Auditor Charlie Janssen leaving Brewsky’s, a popular Lincoln sports bar, about 3:15 p.m. Monday, June 4...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Mid-Plains Community College Rodeo Team continues to hold its own following two days of competition in North Platte. The team hosted the MPCC Stampede Friday and Saturday at the Wild West Arena. The MPCC cowboys finished second in the men’s team standings and claimed the top spot in the team roping thanks to brothers Chance and Wyatt Williams of Ord...

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County commissioners approved a nearly $20 million budget and a $0.312556 tax levy for 2018-19 during their weekly meeting Monday morning. Budget preparer Dan Miller said that the budget for Hillcrest Nursing Home, which is owned by the county, is $7.9 million and is included in the county’s total budget of $19,878,799.20...

HOLDREGE, Neb. — An early 7-3 Holdrege Duster lead disappeared with 42 unanswered Chase County points in the 45-7 Longhorns victory Friday night. Braden Space caught a 70-yard touchdown pass from Scott Wheeler to make it 10-7 and turn momentum for the 2-2 Longhorns...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council will have the final say on whether water and sewer rates are increased. The council heard a presentation Monday night at its regular meeting, via a conference call, from a consultant from PFM Financial Advisors, who recommended a three percent increase in water rates and a two percent increase in sewer rates, effective in October and continuing each year through 2023. At its Oct. 1 meeting, the council will be asked to approve rate increases for 2018-19...

MAYWOOD, Neb. — The Maywood-Hayes Center Wolves shook off a first-set loss to win their home volleyball tournament Monday evening. Coach Kory Rohde’s Wolves (8-4 record) stopped South Platte 25-22, 25-22 after rallying past Elwood 21-25, 25-18 and 25-15...

McCOOK, Neb. — The City of McCook budget was approved Monday night on its final reading, with the property tax levy remaining the same (.349) and additional funds directed to drainage problems. Changes in the budget that the McCook City Council approved in the final reading included reducing general fund expenditures and using city sales tax revenue instead, due to leasing instead of buying of buying a mini excavator in the cemetery department. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — CharterWest Bank has expanded its mortgage operations in Nebraska by opening a new Mortgage Center in McCook. The new Mortgage Center is located at 116 West E St. The McCook facility is part of an expansion that also opened new offices in Lincoln and Omaha. These join other CharterWest mortgage centers currently operating in Elkhorn, South Omaha, Lincoln, Papillion, La Vista, Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, McCook and Hastings...

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County district court cases heard Sept. 11 were: Michael P. Anderson 42, of Wauneta, unauthorized use of a financial transaction device, Class IV felony, sentenced to 360 days in jail (credit for 133 days) and 12 months post release supervision; attempted possession of a controlled substance/meth, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia, sentenced to 180 days in jail, $100 fine for speeding, $100 fine for paraphernalia...

OMAHA, Neb. — Undefeated Wauneta-Palisade keeps moving on up to No. 8 as the Class D-2 state football rankings were released Monday. The Broncos (3-0 record) made their move without playing a game last weekend. They’ll return from their “bye” with a game at Paxton Friday evening...

The interim months are slowing down and session will soon be upon us. Over the last months, there has been plenty to update on as we accomplished things over the summer break. This week I would like to update everyone on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the State of Nebraska that will help set Nebraska apart. ...