Stories from Monday, June 28, 2010

Nebraskans like to complain about taxes as much as anyone, but figures from the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax research group based in Washington, the state is as much in the middle when it comes to taxation as when it comes to geography. That's later than South Dakota (March 29) but earlier than Wyoming (April 11)...

When the white man first came to what is now Nebraska, the Pawnee Nation could boast of a population of some 10,000, in three tribal sections. They were considered among the most advanced of the Nebraska Indian peoples in farming, handicrafts, music, medicine and religion, and the Pawnee methods were imitated by other tribes. ...

The good news is Swanson Lake is now high enough you can launch a boat at the boat ramp in Macklin Bay. The bad news is you can't get your boat through the trees to get to the lake. The Game Commission, National Turkey Federation and others spent thousands of dollars the past few years removing trees on the Republican River to try and save water, but they did not pay any attention to the trees blocking off Macklin Bay...

This was a great piece! ("Morning Joe and Gen. Stanley McChrystal," Mike at Night, Weekend June 25-27, 2010) I served in Gen. McChrystal's task force when he commanded JSOC and have a lot of admiration for the man. Since separating from the military in 2006, I have been involved with a veterans' group that lobbies for support of the commanders on the ground and noticed exactly what you were discussing...

The McCook Fire Department is encouraging firework users to be careful and safe this Fourth of July Holiday. The sale of fireworks begins today through July 4 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The designated times to discharge fireworks is June 23 to July 3 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m...

Like many states, Nebraska state government has a requirement when it comes to spending. Locked in the state's constitution is a provision that requires a balanced budget. There is no borrowing and no deficit spending. It's not easy to do, but during eight years as governor I balanced the state budgets without raising taxes by making tough choices when it came to spending...

Baseball fans were treated to an exciting finish in the championship game at the 2010 McCook Midget Baseball Sluggers Division Tournament. The Pepsi Blue Claws rallied for a 9-8 victory over the Bison Dental Knights to win the post-season tournament championship Sunday, June 27, at Felling Field...

Local youth girls softball teams geared up for upcoming state tournament action at lMcCook Rebels State Prep Tournament. Nearly 60 games were contested Friday through Sunday, June 25-27, at the Jaycees Sports Complex in McCook last weekend. A total of 23 teams representing communities across the Cornhusker State, plus towns in Kansas and Colorado competed in four age divisions...