Stories from Thursday, May 26, 2016

McCook Gazette McCOOK, Neb. -- Thomas McHale is the first to admit that studying infectious diseases in tropical countries is not exactly commonplace in Nebraska. But taking the road less traveled has never been a problem for McHale, a 2008 graduate of Cambridge High School and now, a third year medical student doing a family medicine rotation at McCook Clinic...

Merlin J. James Aug. 20, 1951 - Dec. 13, 2015 ARAPAHOE, Neb. -- Merlin J. James, 64, died Dec. 13, 2015, at his home in Arapahoe. He was born Aug. 20, 1951, to Glen and Norma James in Norton, Kan., one of twin sons. He grew up east of Hendley, Neb. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Fourth quarter Junior Bison Award students at McCook Junior High are: 6th Grade Lillian Allen Ruth Bond Paige Bopp Riley Bortner Ethan Cacy Brenna Carner Makynna Cunningham Mia Decker Daniel Eaton Caden Edwards McKenzie Farr Joslyn Hammond...

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook Rotary Club recently granted three scholarships to McCook High School graduates. Dustin Bredvick, son of Tom and Janie Bredvick, plans to attend the University of Nebraska -- Lincoln as a full time student pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- New salaries and bids for the Valentine extended campus were approved by the Mid-Plains Community College board of governors Wednesday night. President Ryan Purdy's contract was extended for a third year, and his base salary set at $220,000, increasing to $226,600 in fiscal 2017-18. There was no guarantee in base salary for the third year...

OBERLIN, Kan. -- The City of Oberlin's new swimming pool will offer free admission again this summer, thanks to a local fundraising initiative. The Oberlin pool opens for the summer season this Saturday, May 28, from 1-6 p.m. The $1.9 million pool was built last spring and came in under budget by approximately $600,000. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- During National EMS Week, Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley recognized Nebraska City EMS crews for saving the life of an Otoe County deputy and former resident of Culbertson. In Lincoln, on May 18, Foley said that at least 16 lives have been saved in the year since Nebraska emergency medical services and hospitals started receiving and using the newest technology in chest compression systems, the LUCAS® 2. ...

Donkeys owned by John O'Dea and his sons are death on musk thistles in their pasture south of the old Republican Valley school between Indianola and McCook. John's wife, Michelle, said they have problems with musk thistles growing in the river bottom pasture, but they hate to spray for them because of cattle grazing on the grass. ...

Death penalty opponents offer some valid reasons Nebraskans should vote against reinstating capital punishment. Nebraska's death penalty is broken, State Sen. Colby Coash said during a stop in McCook on Tuesday, and the state has been unable to execute anyone in 20 years...

I saw on a post online the other day showing pictures of two different yards, one that was green and manicured with neatly groomed flower beds and then another that had overgrown grass and weeds and no flowers in site. The post was referring to the difference between sports parents and regular people this time of year, with the overgrown yard reflecting the life of a sports parent. Oh, how I related!...

McCOOK, Neb. -- After 47 years, McCook's golf car dealership is changing hands. Bob and Dee Propes, who have operated Propes Golf Carts Sales and Service since 1969, have sold the business to Terry and Shelley Hoffmaster.

 The Hoffmasters -- who assumed ownership May 10 -- have changed the name of the business to Master Carts.

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McCOOK, Neb. -- The 2016 season for the McCook Summer Swim Team begins next week with the first practice Tuesday. The McCook Swim Team will begin practice Tuesday, May 31, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the McCook YMCA swimming pool. The swim team will practice inside for the first week of the season before moving outside to the McCook City Pool. The first meet of the season is Saturday, June 4, in Cambridge. (Participants are not required to attend all or any of the swim meets.)...

Ersel Joy Boyd Oct. 12, 1924 - May 27, 2016 AUGUSTA, Kan. -- Ersel Joy Boyd, 91, of Augusta, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Wichita, Kan. Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service begins at 11 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2016, at Headley Funeral Chapel in Augusta...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. -- Friday, is the night of the Tri Valley Medical Foundation's fundraising concert, "Rockin' on the Medicine." Due to the inclement weather forecast, the venue is changing to the old school house, 416 Center St. in Holbrook on Highway 6-34.. Pre-party starts at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment by MajorMinor3. Whiskey Bent takes the stage at 8 p.m. Food vendors, raffle and auction items available throughout the night...

Virginia Lou "Peggy" Ellis Brown March 23, 1928 - May 25, 2016 TRENTON, Neb. -- Virginia Lou "Peggy" Ellis Brown, age 88, of Trenton, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at El Dorado Manor in Trenton. Peggy was born on March 23, 1928, in Culbertson to parents, Richard Clark and Doris (Adkins) Ellis. She graduated from Culbertson High School with the class of 1945. Following graduation, Peggy worked in the Hitchcock County Court House in the Assistance Office from 1945 to 1950...

The McCook Bison claimed the 2016 Nebraska Class B State High School Boys Golf Championship in competition Tuesday and Wednesday, May 24-25, at Pioneers Golf Course in Lincoln. The Bison had a two-day, 36-hole total of 619 strokes. Elkhorn Mt. Michael finished second at 627. ...