Stories from Thursday, June 4, 2020

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Community College sophomore Kiera Barr -- who nearly gave up on volleyball and dreams of college as a high school senior -- has signed a letter of intent to continue her volleyball career and her biomedical academic pursuits, at Augusta University in Georgia, an NCAA Division II program...

Ann Knickerbocker Sept. 8, 1920 - June 1, 2020 WAUNETA, Neb. — Anna Mae Knickerbocker (Ann, as she liked to be called), was born Sept. 8, 1920, to Lyman and Elva (Nighswonger) Vincent at Sparland, Ill., the 10 of 13 children. In this large family was a mother and father, faithful to the Word of God. Church and Sunday School were a vital part of life...

50th anniversary The family of Neal and Margie Hauxwell is requesting a card shower in honor of the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 7, 2020. They were married in McCook and have spent most of their lives in Southwest Nebraska, working: Neal was the Benkelman UPS man for 30-plus years and Margie was the church secretary and a para-professional at McCook Schools. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Pool Committee is back at work considering what kind of pool is needed for the community and methods of funding. The committee recently met with city staff and discussed several different options, City Manager Nate Schneider told the McCook City Council Monday night...

Stormy weather stopped Men’s League competition at Heritage Hills Wednesday, but the Monday Two-Person Scramble rolled along through its third week. Latest standings: Hutto/Randel 16, Coleman/Vontz 13.5, Hartzer/Wallen 12.5, Anderson/Chmiel 12. Frease/Harris 17, Kilpatrick/Fletcher 14, Townsley/Morrell 13.5, Stramel/Graves 9.5...

McCOOK, Neb. — Despite the concern of one council member, the rest of the McCook City Council approved modifying a liquor license to allow beer to be sold with pizza at a local store. The item came from the consent agenda, that’s usually approved in one motion with other consent agenda items. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — A look at the revised McCook National Bank Seniors’ Legion baseball schedule sent from coaches this week as games have been added against Kearney Runza and Sterling, Colo. All games are doubleheaders unless otherwise noted: Friday, June 19 — Home vs. Elwood/Eustis, 5 p.m...

McCOOK, Neb. — According to city code, all Memorial Day decorations must be removed from Memorial Park and Riverview cemeteries by Tuesday, June 9. After that date, such decorations will be considered abandoned and will be removed by the Public Works Cemetery Department. The city expressed thanks to the public for cooperation...

Lightning created random havoc throughout the area Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, destroying the home of Gayle Kircher northwest of Indianola, and creating numerous grass fires, including one in southwest Frontier County. Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department responded to five responded to five reported dry lightning strikes north and south of McCook, and was called out again after 5 a.m. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — A total of $403,032 worth of new building, plumbing and mechanical work was recorded in May for the City of McCook. The largest project was an 8 by 120-foot commercial building with the estimated cost at $300,000, according to the City of McCook Building Permit report for May...

A Nebraska National Guard hovers over McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport, stopping for fuel between bases in Nebraska and Colorado. Civilian activities dropped considerably from last year; Boutique Air enplanements down 85.58% at 30 passengers this year compared to 208 in May 2019. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Cambridge Trojans tied for No. 7 among more than 150 Class D schools in this year’s NSAA Cup final standings. All factors are tabulated to number of athletic teams to how many place best at state championship events. The Trojans totaled 180 points which matched Mullen at No. 7 overall...

Last weekend, my family and I camped at Red Willow State Recreation Area north of McCook. Every camping spot was taken with fire pits surrounded each evening by people enjoying the outdoors. Boats sped across the water with kids laughing as the tubes bounced off the boat’s wake. And kayakers paddled in and out of the bays regardless of their age and athletic ability...

Hitchcock County senior Shaye Porter (seated center) capped a terrific three-sport, all-state academic career when she signed to play volleyball for the Midland University Warriors recently. Joining Shaye to celebrate the moment were (from left) dad Scott Porter, mom Tandi Porter, Hitchcock coach Lisa Faimon along with sisters Karstyn Porter and Bentlee Porter. ...

HAYS, Kan. — McCook’s Rebel 14s will be among the softball teams finally playing in a tournament at this weekend’s Hays, Kan., Summer Blast. Coaches Lance Gillen, Tom Wiemers and Kelsey Gillen will lead these Rebels into a field traditionally filled with many top teams...