Stories from Tuesday, May 20, 2014

OMAHA, Neb. -- More than 150 undergraduate and graduate nursing students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing and College of St. Mary were chosen for induction into Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Nursing Honor Society, Gamma Pi At-Large Chapter...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Area students were among more than 2,900 students received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in ceremonies May 9-10. Those graduates included: Arapahoe: Adam Robert Snyder , College of Engineering, bachelor of science in civil engineering; Carmen Renee Warner , College of Education and Human Sciences, bachelor of science in education and human sciences; Garrett Todd Schutz , College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, bachelor of science in agricultural economics with distinction; Jason Brian Hambidge, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, bachelor of science in agronomy.. ...

It's always hard to get kids to go to bed when it's still daylight outside at 9 p.m., but there is a reason other than they'll wake up grumpy. Eventually, they may wake up lumpy, according to a new study that linked childhood obesity to chronic sleep deprivation during infancy and early childhood...

We are fortunate that McCook has a catch-and-release program to protect the habitual criminals in our community. I daresay that I remember a time when McCook was not so politically correct and actually incarcerated criminals for their misdeeds. Now that Nebraskans can obtain a concealed- carry firearm license, it is only fitting that felons not be prosecuted for being in possession of a loaded handgun...

Dear Editor, I wish to thank Bruce C. Desautels for his powerful Open Forum letter. It was an important message for our nation and every citizen. Joyce McLeland via email

If a law were passed deliberately proclaiming that an elite group of only 16 percent of Nebraskans would be allowed to name the probable next Governor and U.S. Senator, one would hope there would be a furious rejection of that law. Yet that is exactly what happened on Tuesday. Nebraska Election law allowed a minority within a minority to determine the people most likely to become its next Governor and U.S. Senator...

If you like the news about the VA stalling appointments for veterans' medical help you are really going to like the Obamacare service. Incidentally one of the whistleblowers at the Denver and Cheyenne offices hails from McCook. Brave lady! And now for the rest of the story. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The most contested race for Red Willow County Sheriff in recent memory came to an end last week, at least for three of the four candidates. Chief Deputy Alan Kotschwar amassed the most votes during this month's primary election and with no Democratic challenger, as well as very few other possibilities, it will likely be smooth sailing for him through the general election...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Thanks to a former pilot, a book signed by the author in memory of a McCook man who was killed in Vietnam was donated to the McCook City Library. Michael Klingner, formerly of McCook, was killed in action in Laos, Vietnam more than 40 years ago while flying a mission in a F-100D Super Saber jet for the United States Air Force...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Post Office is asking for the public's support in keeping their dogs restrained year-round; for the safety of letter carriers and the community. Nationwide 5,581 mail carriers were attacked by dogs last year, including 40 in Nebraska. Many of the bites resulted in medical attention beyond first-aid, and several cases resulted in letter carriers being unable to return to their normal duties for a period of time...

SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- On May 8, Bishop Walker Nickless of Sioux City, Iowa, dedicated a set of "Stations of the Cross" by Cambridge, Nebraska, artist Sondra L. Jonson, at Trinity Heights Shrine in Sioux City. The project encompasses 14 bronze sculptures mounted on stainless steel plaques, with a laser-cut cross at the top of each set of Stations...

Nebraska Public Power District colleagues teach electrical power safety to McCook Elementary third graders during the school's annual spring "Outdoor Education" session in Barnett Park May 16. Chad Johnson, senior energy education specialist, taught at the "Power Line" display table. Journey line technician Seth McConville and line technician Justin Walter taught bucket truck classes to four sessions of about 30 students each...

Jean 'Jeanie' Steward June 15, 1926- May 19, 2014 HAYES CENTER, Neb. -- Jean "Aunt Jean" Steward of Hayes Center passed away Monday, May 19, 2014, at El Dorado Nursing Home in Trenton at the age of 87. Jean was born on June 15, 1926, at Alva, Oklahoma, to Cyrus S. ...