Stories from Thursday, April 8, 2010

While admitting he'll catch heat from the likes of Rush Limbaugh -- whom he calls a pretty good entertainer -- former Sen. Alan Simpson is heading back to Washington to serve on President Barack Obama's commission to find ways to bring down the federal debt...

With the advent of spring and the warming of the evening temperatures, supposedly, now is a good time to grab the binoculars and head outside for a walking tour of the evening sky. The best time to start is about an hour after sunset. Go to your favorite dark-sky place, preferably one with a clear, unobstructed westward view almost any night this week. Allow about 15-minutes for your eyes to become dark-adapted...

Mr. Thayer, I found your recent letter answering Evelyn Richards letter to be more alarming than interesting. She certainly doesn't have hatred in her heart as you suggested. She is terribly concerned about what is happening in our country as we all should be. And oh, yes, I forgot, she is a Christian. Oh, one more thing, she is a registered Democrat. Probably not for long, as she is going to change her party affiliation, and that's not an April Fool's joke...

I am truly amazed by the excitement generated due to the development of wind generation in Nebraska. As a small child I remember the 32-volt wind generators and the large bank of storage batteries we had on the farm. If we were conservative we had lights in the house, milk house, outbuildings, and power to run the radio even if the wind didn't blow for several days. ...

A bill that would allow first responders to be compensated for mental injuries alone has advanced to final reading, but so far without Sen. Mark Christensen's support. The bill would allow first responders who have mental injuries due to a traumatic event on the job, and unaccompanied by a physical injury, to be eligible for compensation. Currently, mental injuries can be compensated only if accompanied with physical injuries...

A new, environmentally-friendly way to resurface streets is scheduled for Elizabeth Lane this year. The McCook City Council approved bid specifications for this project, along with other street improvements slated for this year, at the regular meeting Monday night...

The McCook High School track and field teams will take one of their longest road trips of the regular season when they head out Friday, April 9, for the Broken Bow Invitational. The Bison teams will be looking for a favorable weather forecast at Broken Bow for the competition that is set to begin at 2:15 p.m. with the boys pole vault. Remaining field events are set to start at 2:30 p.m. Friday...