Stories from Friday, March 4, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- A new scholarship for Southwest Nebraska students has been established for those working or studying in the health care field, as well as non-traditional students who are returning to school to pursue a degree in the medical field. The Barbara Fassler-Neumann Nursing Scholarship provides scholarships to residents of Southwest Nebraska to pursue a degree or certification in nursing or another related medical field at an accredited college, community college, or vocational school...

When you visit our society's web page, you can scroll down to the Newspapers section and access weddings and obituaries from not only the McCook Tribune but also the McCook Republican and McCook Democrat ranging in dates from 1886 through 1916. The following were taken right from those transcriptions. Go to www.swngs.org to look for references to your ancestors!...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Library Improvement Grants for 2016 totaling $58,983 to McCook, Beaver City and 11 other Nebraska public libraries, and a state-run institutional library. These competitive grants were funded with federal Library Services and Technology Act monies from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Applications for the 2016 spring grants from the McCook Community Foundation Fund are due April 1. Grant applicants must align with MCFF's mission to improve the quality of life for the people of Southwest Nebraska. Up to $30,000 will be available for public charities, government entities or other community groups performing charitable activities...

Have you made up your mind who to vote for in this year's presidential primary and general election? Do you consider yourself an informed voter? Try today's quiz: (1) This candidate wanted to be an astronaut as a child -- even wrote to NASA -- and admittedly can't carry a tune...

Have you made up your mind who to vote for in this year's presidential primary and general election? Do you consider yourself an informed voter? Try today's quiz: (1) This candidate wanted to be an astronaut as a child -- even wrote to NASA -- and admittedly can't carry a tune...

The University of Nebraska is nearing a decision on who will be the next chancellor of the Lincoln campus. And at the same time the Nebraska Legislature is nearing a decision on LB 1109, a revision to state law that would deny the public information about future searches for chancellors and NU presidents...

McCOOK, Neb. -- City leaders will present an amended version of the McCook Economic Development Plan to City Council next week as they prepare a second renewal effort in the coming months. Voters turned down renewal of the economic development plan last May and it is set to expire in 2018. City staff indicated at the time the rejection left room for one more renewal effort prior to expiration...

TRENTON, Neb. -- In a recent set of rulings, a judge has sided with Hitchcock County commissioners and Nebraska's property tax administrator, and against Hitchcock County's assessor who made claims last year that she had been wronged as she defends some of her property valuations and her valuation procedures...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Sometimes an idea is right there in front of you or - more precisely - right there on your wrist. Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook has developed a new enhanced Alzheimer's care program which involves the use of a Fitbit, the fitness bracelet that can track activity, exercise, food, weight and sleep...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Doris Ruppert has always loved to draw, especially the barns, windmills and animals of her rural childhood and then the country lifestyle that continued with the family that she and her husband, Don, raised on their farm southeast of McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Board of Education will have a special meeting Monday for training on eMeeting technology. The board last year voted to go paperless and use laptops at its meetings. iPads and Chromebooks used in the district will be available for board members at meetings if they do not have a laptop of their own...

McCOOK, Neb. -- An incorrect time was listed in Thursday's Preview for the upcoming McCook Area Chamber of Commerce quarterly networking affair. It will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Auditorium, 302 W. Fifth in McCook. The event is an evening of networking opportunities hosted by Brookdale McCook, Edward Jones-Garrett Rippen, First Central Bank, Garrison's for Men/ McCook Lettering, Great Western Bank, Hen Hat LLC, Jenn West Photography, McCook Community College, Orscheln Farm & Home, and Unified Therapy Clinic.. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Downtown renovations to the city parking lot at the corner of East First Street and East D Street will get underway next week. The parking lot will be closed for reconstruction beginning Tuesday and scheduled for completion by the end of May...

MCCOOK - It's no secret that opportunities exist to fill a need for affordable, quality housing in McCook. Since a 2013 housing study confirmed what most residents already knew about the shortage, the McCook Economic Development Corporation has taken several steps to start providing solutions, including initiating the recently completed Clary Village and the upcoming Quillan Courts and providing financial infrastructure support for the North Pointe development...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce plans a ribbon cutting ceremony 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 10 celebrating a new location at 512 Airport Road for Chamber member Weathercraft Roofing.

McCOOK, Neb. -- At their board meeting Feb. 17, Community Hospital board of directors heard a balanced scorecard report, and quarterly compliance, performance improvement and risk management reports. Steve Shaner , Strategic Planning Director shared the second quarter 2016 balanced scorecard report, reporting on results and trends of the four seeds: People, Service, Quality and Finance. The overall score was at 5.13 (out of 10) with four scores up, five scores the same and eight scores down...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The National Weather Service in Goodland and Red Willow County Emergency Management invite the public to attend a Storm Spotter Class in McCook, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24 at the Heritage Senior Center, 1400 W. Fifth Street.

McCOOK, Neb. -- Monsignor Paul Witt, Pastor of Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso will present a 2-evening Lenten Retreat on Sunday and Monday, March 6 and 7. Msgr. Witt will discuss "Did You Know" (There are many who can tell you what they think but cannot tell you what they know about our faith, about our Lord and about our spiritual base) and The 8th Day (Preparation in this life to gain eternal life)...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Tourism Commission is pleased to announce the stops that will be on the summer 2016 Nebraska Passport. "The Passport Program encourages travelers to explore the state collecting stamps, while reconnecting with Nebraska and supporting small businesses and attractions," Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director Kathy McKillip explained. ...

CURTIS, Neb. -- One of the most important steps a college-bound student can take each winter or spring is to visit college campuses. The Nebraska College of Technical College in Curtis will host "Discovery Day" on Monday, March 7 as an opportunity for high school students and their families to tour and learn about academic programs, said Tina Smith, NCTA admissions and recruiting coordinator...