Stories from Thursday, May 22, 2014

OMAHA, Nebraska -- Surrounded by family and banking friends, Ken Foster of McCook was honored May 9 by the Nebraska Bankers Association for 50 years of service to commercial banking. Ken received the recognition at the bankers association annual banquet at Embassy Suites in Omaha...

McCOOK, Neb. -- A Catholic family physician will be the special guest of McCook's next "Theology on Tap" gathering at the Bieroc Cafe, 312 Norris Ave., on Friday, May 30. The evening's meal is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., with the program starting at 7...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Municipal Swimming Pool will be open for business Monday, weather permitting. The pool will offer free swimming on opening day, open from 1-5 p.m. Regular pool hours will be 1-7 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday...

ATWOOD, Kan. -- Former Kansas senator and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole will "meet-and-greet" fellow Kansans during a stop in Atwood Thursday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Dole said in a statement printed in the Rawlins County Square Deal newspaper, "I'm looking forward to returning to Kansas for the third time this spring. I hope to see friends and former supporters of mine and I am looking forward to enjoying some brownies along the way."...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Public Library is coordinating an open house on June 9, 4-7 p.m., to show off their recently completed renovations. A short program providing details of the project will begin at 5:30 p.m., according to library staff.

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Public Library is coordinating an open house on June 9, 4-7 p.m., to show off its recently-completed renovations. A short program providing details of the project will begin at 5:30 p.m., according to library staff.

We're all looking forward to Memorial Day, the traditional first day of summer, a time to remember those who have sacrificed their all for us, a day to spend extra time with family and friends. But not everyone is looking forward to a good time. Officials know that Memorial Day is also the start of the 100 most dangerous days for teen drivers...

I was just wondering if someone could tell me what season we're in or perhaps what state I live in, because I've been thoroughly confused. Gosh, is it winter or is it spring? Oh wait, maybe it's summer? I don't know because it's all occurred in the same darn day. At 6 a.m. it's a frigid 36 degrees outside but by dinner time it might be balmy 85 degrees. Hmm? Confused much?...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- Salaries were the major item of business for Wednesday night's meeting of the Mid-Plains Community College board of governors, with increases approved for non-negotiated, adjunct faculty and the college president. President Ryan Purdy's contract was extended through 2016-17, $190,000 for 2014-15, $205,000 for 2015-16 and $220,000 for 2016-17...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Being part of something bigger than himself is what drew Dr. Rob Stamm, OD, of McCook, to compete in the 2014 Boston Marathon. Only he didn't know it would be something bigger that carried him through to the end of the race. Joining 36,000 other runners April 21, the first 13 miles of the race felt good, Stamm remembered. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Incoming city manager Nate Schneider likely has a lengthy list of priority items to tackle in his new role, however, one item that is probably a safe bet to appear near the top of that list would be renewing the city local option sales tax. ...

A standout McCook High School senior knows how it feels to be the best in the state. Molly Sughroue has won multiple state track and field meet first-place medals during a brilliant prep career that culminates later this week at her final Nebraska State High School Track and Field Championships. ...

There's no doubt that the McCook High School name on a track and field uniform draws respect from other schools in the state's Class B ranks. Both Bison girls and boys programs have produced consistently strong teams year-in and year-out competing at the state meet. This year should be no different, as both McCook squads have the potential to bring home a long list of medals from the Nebraska Class B State High School Track and Field Championships...

She's a shy teenager, a typical small-town girl from southwest Nebraska. A three-sport athlete wrapping up her high school career this weekend in Omaha at the Nebraska Class D State Track and Field Championships. Get a chance to chat with Southwest High School graduate Kenzie May, and it will likely be a pleasant, friendly conversation. It might take awhile for her to come out of her shell. Have to be visually impaired not to notice a smile that lights up the room...