Stories from Tuesday, March 16, 2021

McCOOK, Neb. — The Mid-Plains Community College rodeo team delivered a successful spring fundraising performance at Kiplinger Arena during this past weekend. Saturday night’s MPCC Rodeo top placers along with winning money earned: Tie down roping: 1. Chance Wall $538.65, 2. Boe Brown $323.19, 3. Riley Pruitt $215.46...

McCOOK, Neb. — By a unanimous vote, the McCook City Council Monday night approved rate increases for city sewer and water customers on first reading. The 2 1/2% increase in water and 3% increase in sewer “is the right way to go,” said Councilman Jerry Calvin, as the smaller increases “won’t make a huge impact on users.”...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- According to a report filed by the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts on March 11, several “deficiencies and other operational matters” within the City of Benkelman’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects are causing concerns. Dundy County contracted with the State Auditor to analyze and test certain TIF projects for compliance with Community Development law...

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County Commissioners heard from two sides of an issue that, depending on whom you believe, will deprive property owners of rights or help provide income to help them preserve that property. Commissioners received a massive book by Norman L. Kincaide PhD, warning against the establishment of National Heritage Areas...

McCOOK, Neb. — Three recent disturbances or assaults in the courthouse have prompted the Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office to propose the installation of security cameras in the courthouse. Commissioners Randy Dean and Early McNutt tabled the proposal for more information after Deputy Joe Koetter and Sheriff Alan Kotschwar discussed the issue. Commissioner Cayla Richards was absent after her flight home from vacation was delayed by the snowstorm in Denver...

R. Jean Elson Nov. 21, 1929 - March 12, 2021 CURTIS, Neb. ­— Ramona Jean Elson, 91, of Curtis, died Friday, March 12, 2021, at Linden Court in North Platte. She was born Nov. 21, 1929, at home in Somerset township in Lincoln County, Neb., the eldest twin daughter of John J. and Dorothy L. (Garner) Durner...

Alma Young April 5, 1935 - March 9, 2021 STRATTON, Neb. — Alma Elizabeth Young was born April 5, 1935, at Grand Island, Neb., to Jense P. and Henrietta (Lewis) Jensen. As a youngster, she grew up in Grand Island area and attended school. On July 20, 1955, Alma married Richard R. ...

Richard Allan Belknap Feb. 24, 1934 - Feb. 16, 2021 WESTON, Wis. — Richard Allan Belknap, 86, of Weston, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 16, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born Feb. 24, 1934, in Palisade, Neb., to Roland and Dorothy (Huet) Belknap. Richard grew up in McCook, Neb., and graduated from McCook High School in 1952...

McCOOK, Neb. - Pilates can be described as “mindful movement”, according to instructor Katie Farrell, who has recently opened a Reformer Pilates studio located in office space inside Elevate Wellness and Physical Therapy at 801 West C Street. She went on to explain that Pilates involves breathing in a specific way, using certain muscles in a specific way, and building core strength through very low-impact repetitions. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- COVID-19 vaccinations have been opened to anyone 50 years and older, testing is mostly in nursing homes and assisted living centers, and some patients are being treated for COVID-19 symptoms without being tested, according to the latest update from the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department...

McCOOK, Neb. — Emergency work underneath Weiland Field bleachers can start as soon as this week, the McCook City Council was told Monday night at the regular meeting. The bottom of a storm sewer pipe, original to when the football field was constructed, has rusted out, creating a huge cavern and compromising the stability of the south side bleachers on East L, Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said. ...

Retired after many productive satisfying years working in the power industry as a lineman. He and his long-time happy wife used their huge motor home to travel south to spend the winters away from the sometimes disagreeable Nebraska winter weather. By good fortunate, they purchased a large Quonset type building to house their motor home from the summer sun and additionally modified the interior into a comfortable living area. ...

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Iowa Western Community College women responded from a two-point first quarter deficit Monday to down McCook Community College 85-54 at Reiver Arena. The Lady Indians came out and led 17-15 at the end of the first quarter but were outscored 70-37 over the final 30 minutes of the game...

Because of adverse weather and softball teams postponing games because of health concerns related to COVID-19, a new Region IX schedule has been drafted for the remainder of the season. McCook Community College, 9-3 on the season, had four games postponed March 6-7 in Lamar at what was supposed to have been a round-robin, three-day weekend with all seven teams playing six games each, but after playing Friday games, the 12 remaining games of the tournament were postponed for health reasons. ...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Four area poolplayers have earned a spot in the American Poolplayers Association (APA) Poolplayer Championships in Las Vegas after winning their skill level tier at the Western Nebraska APA 8-Ball and 9-Ball Singles Regional Championships held recently...

McCOOK, Neb. — Almost $12,000 was raised during the Mid-Plains Community College Spring Fundraising Rodeo Friday and Saturday at the Kiplinger Arena in McCook. Proceeds will go toward a combination of scholarships, practice equipment and team travel expenses...

BEAVER CITY, Neb. — Two more Oxford men have been arrested in connection with an investigation involving sex trafficking of a minor. Virgil Eman, 61, of Oxford and Chad Cunningham, 46, are set to be arraigned in Furnas County Court on April 9. Eman faces a charge of negligent child abuse with no injury, a Class I misdemeanor, in connection with an incident in June or July 2019 in Furnas County...