Stories from Thursday, September 20, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — Buzzing gnats are likely bothering every Nebraskan these days ... But nothing compares to those wearing red with “Bison” emblazoned across their chests. “They are like gnats on defense. They swarm and are everywhere,” Lexington coach Jeff Rowan remarked this morning. “They are very, very good. They (McCook) will clearly be the best team we have faced this year.”...

Retailers are the backbone of any community. Most people got their first jobs at a retail establishment, whether that was within the food industry or some other retail outlet. Retailers are the first ones we look to when garnering support for local charities or community events. Retailers make our communities vibrant and attractive for not only residents but also for visitors. In Nebraska, retailers account for 14 percent of our gross domestic product...

McCOOK, Neb. — The lineup for Heritage Days is set, and the McCook Chamber board of directors excited about the annual celebration. The level of participation is up, according to Chamber Executive Director Jamie Mockry. Although not an official Heritage Days event, the Christian concert on Sunday will kick off a busy week of fun, food, and celebrations. ...

Claudine Shifflet April 28, 1923 - Sept. 9, 2018 CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Claudine Shifflet, age 95, passed away at the Cambridge Manor in Cambridge on Sept. 9, 2018. She was born on the family farm in Frontier County, Neb., near Afton on April 28, 1923, to Claud and Lois (Pyle) Shifflet. ...

Marilyn Meyers FORT COLLINS, Colo. —Marilyn Meyers, formerly of McCook, Neb., died Sept. 17, 2018, at Morning Star Retirement Home in Fort Collins. She graduated from McCook High School in 1956. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Nellie Meyers...

Shelby Lee (Kamer) Cano March 9, 1956 - June 16, 2018 OMAHA, Neb. — Shelby Lee (Kamer) Cano, 62, of Omaha, died June 16, 2018. She was born in Pana, Ill., on March 9, 1956, and grew up in McCook, Neb. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy Kamer and Bonnie Kamer (Neisman); and sister, Kathy Kamer...

McCOOK, Neb. — A public “meet and greet” for McCook Community College’s next top leader is set for Monday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kelly Rippen, who has served as Mid-Plains Community College’s Area Dean of Enrollment Management since 2011, was recently named Vice President of McCook Community College and Area Vice President of Student Affairs...

McCOOK, Neb. —Results of the Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA) 2018 Judicial Performance Evaluation have been released, with District Court Judge David Urbom and Red Willow County Court Judge Anne Paine earning high marks. Results from the evaluation came from lawyers who assessed judges with whom they had first-hand professional experience, on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 5 (excellent). ...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Veronica Waddell of Indianola and Aaron Weismann of Maywood are among participants in Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 38, according to program director Terry Hejny. The two-year program will begin in September...

McCOOK, Neb. — Friends of Kenny Johnson of Hayes Center will continue with a fund-raiser they planned for him and his family despite his death Wednesday. The event, now a tribute to Johnson, has been moved up to Monday, Sept. 24, still at the Coppermill at North Highway 83 and Coppermill Street in McCook...

I was wasting time scrolling through the iPad looking at all my “friends” posts and after about 30 minutes I started to notice a pattern. Other moms were posting all kinds of exercising photos, were sharing healthy recipes they tried and posting pictures of them smiling and hugging their kids. ...

Latest results from league action at TJ’s Family Fun Center: Men’s Major Pivotal Bowling 71.5-47.5 Stockman’s Feed 71-49 Five Loners 44.5-70.5 Family Issues 44-66 TJ’s Family Fun 43-77 Maris General Const. 39-81...

ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Area football fun kicks off Friday afternoon when familiar foes Cambridge and Arapahoe meet for a 3 p.m. showdown in Cambridge. The contest promises to deliver plenty of entertaiment. Cambridge owns a 1-2 record, but those two losses have been amazingly close contests: 46-40 at Ravenna and 32-30 to undefeated Ansley-Litchfield last week...

Over the new few months, I will be highlighting the different activities and programs available at the YMCA. There are simply too many to properly showcase each fitness class or youth activity in one column. But to kick things off, I would like everyone to consider something trying something new. It’s that first step which is often poses the biggest hurdle...

McCook’s posted four shutouts and four wins by 40 points or more over Lexington during the past 10 football seasons. Yet there was that one unforgettable 2011 showdown where the 3-4 Minutemen nearly knocked off 7-0 McCook. Late Gazette sports editor Steve Kodad was there to recount some of those moments including one game-saving Bison blocked kick:...