Stories from Tuesday, December 19, 2017

McCOOK, Neb. — It may be December, but that didn’t deter nearly 50 runners and walkers from turning out for the 2017 Reindeer Run and Predictor Challenge on Saturday. The cross-country style course wound through the trees, around the ponds and on the roadway, sending more than a few geese scattering at Barnett Park...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Mid-America Economic Development Council board of directors recently selected MEDC Executive Director Andrew Ambriz among the 14 recipients for the 2017 annual Bob Ady Scholarship Program. The scholarship program is named in memory of Bob Ady, a champion for economic development in the U.S. and especially the Mid-America region. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The make-up of the Red Willow County fair board remains McCook and Indianola, even with the appointment of three new members during the county commissioners’ weekly meeting Monday morning. One commissioner, Steve Downer, said at the commissioners’ meeting that he would have liked to have seen two retiring board members attend the fair board meeting last week and vote on replacement recommendations to commissioners. “They’re still members until Dec. 31,” Downer said...

McCOOK, Neb. — Sometimes, it pays to be a perfectionist. For proof, stop by the slate-gray building at 107 East A Street, across from Mead Lumber, and meet Matt Owens, the owner and only employee of Owens Ordnance, a gun shop which not only caters to hunters in the Tri-State Region but also serves competitive hunters from all across the United States...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook economic development officials are in the midst of a commercial property inventory they believe will ultimately help lure new business to the region. “We have to know what we have before we can start chasing what we want,” said McCook Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Andrew Ambriz during last week’s Coffee with a Cop meeting...

After years of hearing that there was no proof our cell phones caused health problems, the California Department of Public Health has issued a warning that, yes, they may be a risk. It’s more important than ever that we pay attention since it’s unusual to see more than two or three people at a time without one of them being engaged with their mobile device...

During the ‘30s, my Dad worked out an arrangement with a Mr. Riley, of Pierce, who had quite a large herd of Shetland ponies, and found them expensive to feed year around. Dad agreed to take one of the ponies, keep him through the winter, and in lieu of cash, trade a certain amount of baked goods for a pony...

You have all seen the distinctive blue spray cans with a red cap and a bold WD-40 emblazoned on a bright yellow patch on one side. WD-40 it is and the cans can be found in nearly every home garage, professional mechanic’s shop, automobile or airplane, and for sure in nearly every farmer’s work pickup. So what in the world is the stuff used by everyone with need to tinker on machinery world around?...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. -- The Cambridge grapplers continued their strong showing in the Fran Jorgensen Holiday Classic with another runner-up team finish on Friday...

Lonnie R. Karre Sept. 21, 1946 - Dec. 14, 2017 LINCOLN, Neb. — Lonnie Ray Karre passed away Dec. 14, 2017, after a long battle with various health conditions. Lonnie was born to Bill and LaVerne Karre of Hayes County, Neb., in 1946. Growing up, he loved driving tractors and working with his dad on the farm. Some of his best memories include working in Lincoln County, where his mother would send them prepared campfire food...

80th birthday The children of Fay Barenberg of McCook are requesting a card shower in honor of her 80th birthday on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017. Cards of congratulations will reach her at 204 West P, McCook, NE 69001.

AXTELL, Neb. — Southern Valley’s basketball teams both sizzled to more than 70 points will winning Axtell Holiday Tournament semifinals on Monday. The Eagle boys (2-5 record) have won two straight with their 72-38 trouncing of Eustis-Farnam. They shot 51 percent, swiped 26 steals from the Knights and featured freshman Brody Yant scoring a team-high 14 points...

PLEASANTON, Neb. — A rugged 11-7 first half didn’t stop the Arapahoe Warriors from having a happy pre-holiday experience Monday evening. With eight players eventually hitting shots, Arapahoe pulled away from host Pleasanton for a 38-23 victory in this Pleasanton Holiday Tournament semifinal...

Southern Valley senior Cassi Bose recently signed to play basketball for Southeast Community College in Beatrice starting next year. Family and coaches joined her for this event at SVHS. From left, seated are dad Monty Bose, Cassi Bose, mom Joey Bose and Southeast basketball coach Lynn Schlake. ...