Stories from Friday, July 11, 2014

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Even before the sign went up, curious members of the public were peering in the windows, wondering what the store at 410 East B Street had to offer. Now it's official. A large sign is in place, announcing that "The Painted Ladies" are open for business, with vintage furniture, home decor and antiques among their many offerings...

McCOOK, Neb. -- A hailstorm that caught the majority of McCook by surprise early Thursday morning left a slew of damaged vehicles in its wake, including several belonging to the city. The fire and police departments were able to minimize the number of their vehicles damaged, thanks to the expanded indoor bay space provided by the new city building...

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska delivers a $10,000 grant to the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, partnering with the McCook Community Foundation Fund and Nebraska Community Foundation to develop a Community Wellness program Thursday evening. ...

As Nebraska's economy continues to grow and unemployment remains low, the national economy is another story. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase of 288,000 non-farm jobs in June, reducing the unemployment rate to 6.1 percent. These numbers sound like positive news; however, they do not tell the whole story. About six years after the economic crisis began, our economy still has not fully recovered...

Years of economic pain and uncertainty have taken their toll on middle class families. Too many continue to struggle. Worries over everyday affordability and long-term financial security persist in Nebraska and across the nation. Those Americans who have jobs are often underemployed, forced to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet. Still, some families can't get ahead...

Dear Fellow Nebraskans: I want to remind businesses and students about the Intern Nebraska program. Intern Nebraska provides financial assistance to businesses creating new internships and connects Nebraska's college students to hands-on internship opportunities...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Rick Michaelsen's career as an educator has been like a steady, satisfying river adventure. For 45 years he's thoroughly enjoyed the upstream challenges -- the changes in the current, navigating academic landscape changes, the inevitable rapids and eddies along the way. Now he says it's time to go with the currents -- he's ready for the ultimate river adventure --downstream...

This information is gathered at the McCook Public Safety Center, the McCook office of the Nebraska State Patrol, the Red Willow County Courthouse, the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office and the McCook Humane Society. Police activity Activity log...