Stories from Monday, December 14, 2015

Jack Bryan Sept. 3, 1929 - Dec. 11, 2015 PUEBLO, Col. -- Jack Bryan, 86, died Dec. 11, 2015, in Pueblo. He was born in Aurora, Nebraska, on Sept. 3, 1929. He graduated from high school in 1947 and then attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney graduating in 1951 with an BA in Education. He received his Master's degree in 1959 from the University of Idaho...

Keith Olson WICHITA, Kan. -- Keith Olson, 83 died Saturday (Dec. 12, 2015), at St. Francis Via Christi Hospital in Wichita. Services are pending with Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin.

McCOOK, Neb. -- The American Red Cross encourages McCook area residents to #GiveWithMeaning and help save lives by giving blood this holiday season. The McCook Holiday Blood Drive in honor of Abby Sedlacek is Tuesday, Dec. 29, and Wednesday, Dec. 30...

The facade on part of the former Walmart store in Westview Plaza is taking on the distinctive Tractor Supply Co. look as the company prepares to open a store in McCook early in 2016. The store will cover more than 25,000 square feet and is expected to employ 12 to 17 full- and part-time team members...

Some environmentalists lauded results of the Paris Climate Change Conference, although many admitted it didn't go far enough. The voluntary agreement aims to limit the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere in order to reduce the climate change that scientists say has caused 14 of the 15 warmest years in recorded history over the last two decades...

In the years following World War I "The Empire of Japan" became increasingly active in the South Pacific. The islands that make up Japan comprise a very small area in the Pacific, but support a dense population. The islands are devoid of oil, and land for agriculture to support the heavy population is scarce...

Concrete is going into place for the new 54-room Cobblestone Hotel on North U.S. Highway 83 and N Street in McCook, constructed on land previously occupied by a car wash and storage units. The project is expected to be completed by spring.

McCOOK, Neb. -- City leaders are looking at hiring a consultant in the near future to provide training on the statutory responsibilities of City Council, as well as what it would entail to annex property into city limits. Both items will likely be brought before City Council for formal consideration within the next three months, according to City Manager Nate Schneider...

McCOOK, Neb. -- An undefeated junior high wrestler lost his first match and he couldn't be happier. The crowd was on its feet and cheering Dec. 7 when Landon Towne, an eighth grader on the McCook Junior High wrestling team, allowed Brady Lewis, a seventh grade wrestler with special needs at Cambridge to pin him and win the match. It was Towne's first loss of the season...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- The Mid Plains Board of Governors will consider a policy on athletic grants and aid on first reading Wednesday, as well as consider the purchase of a pickup truck and two minivans from Janssen Motors of North Platte for a total of $70,553...

HAIGLER, Neb. -- The Haigler Winter Holiday Festival is Sunday afternoon, Dec. 27, 251 East Norman in Haigler. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. MST so visitors can enjoy goodies and the winter wonderland. Register to win a seven-foot inflatable jolly snowman. The Calhouns from North Platte will perform at 3 p.m. Admission is free...

Kenneth Earl Rowe Nov. 15, 1947 - Dec. 11, 2015 DANBURY, Neb. -- Kenneth Earl Rowe, age 68, of Danbury, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, in Kearney, Nebraska. Kenneth was born on Nov. 15, 1947, in Cozad, Nebraska, to Miles and Geraldine (Armstrong) Rowe...

Melvalyn Guinn March 16, 1935 - Dec. 13, 2015 OBERLIN, Kan. -- Melvalyn Guinn was born on the family farm west of Oberlin, Kansas, on March 16, 1935. She passed away Dec. 13, 2015, at her home in Oberlin surrounded by family. Melvalyn was the second of four daughters born to Myron Lee and Pearle (Pearson) Pollnow...

McCOOK, Neb. -- We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful evening on Dec. 5 for the annual Christmas Light Parade! The winners for the Christmas Light Parade this year were; third place VK Electronics, second place Mike Fanning and first place Bradley machine & Pump Repair!...