Stories from Monday, February 29, 2016

Joseph G. Ross March 9, 1943 -Feb. 22, 2016 NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- Joe Ross was born on March 9, 1943, at North Platte. He was the only child born to Glenn and Laura Henner Ross. Joe grew up on the family farm northeast of Madrid where he attended country school. ...

HOLDREGE, Neb. -- About 220 individuals attended the 24th Annual Mid-Winter Fire School on Feb. 21 at Holdrege High School. The school was sponsored by the Central Nebraska Volunteer Firefighters Association and Central Community College-Holdrege. Sessions covered adrenaline-based stress and active shooter response, fire service roundtable, forcible entry, pipeline emergency response, rapid intervention, synthetic drugs and altered mental status, 10 laws of leadership, 12-lead ECG and cardiac event, and wildland aircraft tactics and pilot rescue.. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- A McCook man sought in connection with last week's statewide drug enforcement operation was arrested in McCook just before midnight Thursday. The man, 37-year-old Brian Titman, is facing federal indictment for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy in Nebraska and Northeastern Colorado...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Thanks to the efforts of McCook High School students, America took an important step Saturday night in recognizing the need for communities and law enforcement to work closely together to keep America safe and strong. The occasion was the McCook Law Enforcement Tribute, which brought together 100 law enforcement members, students and community members at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Building...

Deatta Weaver of McCook helps her 2-year-old daughter Alayna aim at a tower of cups at the Red Willow County 4-H Carnival Sunday on the fairgrounds in McCook. Waiting his turn was big brother, 4-year-old Dalton. 4-H'ers and their families played games, fished in the fish pond and won cakes and brownies in the cake walk...

Greg Fyn assesses the injuries of "victims" of a tornado incident at the Red Willow County fairgrounds in McCook during a training Sunday for new CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members. These are trained volunteers who can help in widespread disasters when the attention of first responders is focused where the need is the greatest. ...

We noticed at least one car dealership offering special deals for shoppers who have tax refunds to spend on a new car, and that's a good idea, especially if it will reduce or eliminate the loan you have to take out to buy the car. Tax refunds are significant for most of us, with the average taxpayer receiving a refund of nearly $3,000 last year, according to NerdWallet.com...

(Note: It was a sad day recently at the Rotary Club meeting when we got the news that Duane and Diana Tappe would soon be leaving McCook for the eastern part of the state---to be closer to kids and grandkids. While we understand why they are leaving, we are truly sorry to see them go. ...

It was another busy week in Lincoln. A couple of high-profile bills were front and center last week. LB 188, introduced by Senator Watermeier, would have clarified some language in Nebraska law relating to "innocent third parties" injured or killed as a result of police action, specifically in regard to car chases. ...

Timothy Wayne Brown Sept. 3, 1958 - Feb. 29, 2016 McCOOK, Neb. -- Timothy Wayne Brown, age 57, passed away Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, at Community Hospital of McCook. Timothy was born Sept. 3, 1958, to Anton W. Brown and Mary L. Eby in Atwood, Kan. On July 1, 1976, he married Teresa Ridpath in Oberlin, Kan. To this union three children were born...

Diane Marie Watkins Oct. 31, 1953 -Feb. 27, 2016 McCOOK, Neb. -- Diane Marie Watkins, age 62, passed away, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at Hillcrest Nursing Home. Diane was born Oct. 31, 1953, to Wayne and Roberta (Kircher) Carlson in McCook. She graduated from Republican Valley High School in 1972, later attended McCook Community College and earned an associate of arts degree in 1977...