Stories from Tuesday, March 5, 2019

McCOOK, Neb. — Good news to perhaps warm anyone who’s not drinking hot chocolate at every available moment. Today’s high temperature should actually surpass the number of days until McCook High’s first outdoor spring sporting event. An occasional shorts-and-hoodee combination spotted on McCook’s streets has also been a good sign this week of spring being in the air...

Cruise the alleys of the older parts of McCook and other small towns and you’ll notice structures that jog the memories of the older among us while baffling younger folks. For many of us, one of our first chores was taking the household trash out to the incinerator — that fireplace-like brick structure that has fallen into disrepair, been overgrown with vines or converted into a planter...

The letters to the editor in response to my weekly column are sometimes interesting to say the least. Recently “bob s”, whoever that might be, wrote: “Nobody really follows Jesus. I have never met a Christian who has. Not one.” Yep, Mr. Bob has a point but he leaves out those of us who are trying. ...

Last spring, the college hosted a one-day leadership conference with a variety of local speakers. I still think about Clark Bates and Kyle Dellevoet talking about the thoughtful leadership transition at McCook Christian Church. They used the illustration of the 4x100 relay race and successful baton handoffs. For a relay team to be successful, they have to execute clean baton handoffs. It happens with both runners being at full speed when the exchange happens...

Margaret N. Augustine July 25, 1924 - March 2, 2019 CURTIS, Neb. — Margaret N. Augustine, 94, of Curtis, died March 2, 2019, at Linden Court in North Platte, Neb. Margaret Nell Green was born on July 25, 1924, at Curtis, to William “Dick” and Cecile (Wilkins) Green. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — After hearing from a McCook citizen and discussing the issue, the McCook City Council went full speed ahead in the process of prohibiting engine brakes used inside city limits. Mayor Mike Gonzales asked city staff to come back with an ordinance modeled after one used in Kearney, Neb. and an action item prohibiting the use of engine brakes...

WAUNETA, Neb. — At first glance, Wauneta-Palisade’s best state tournament goal will be to break the 45-point barrier against Paxton Thursday afternoon. The mighty Tigers (23-1 record) have scored two wins over W-P (20-5) by scores of 58-45 and 63-45...

KEARNEY, Neb. – Former Nebraska-Kearney All-American wrestler Kamarudeen “Marty” Usman won the UFC welterweight (170 pound) title Saturday in Las Vegas. Usman, now going by Kamaru, won via unanimous decision over Tyron Woodley in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) 235. The win pushes his career record to 15-1...

OSBORNE, Kan. — Powerful Central Plains, Kan., brought 10 wins of 50 points or more into Saturday’s Class 1A substate title game against Rawlins County Saturday night. The talented Buffaloes became No. 11 as those Oilers scored a 69-13 state tourney-qualifying victory...

McCOOK, Neb. — It just feels right. There was a lot at stake, not only the future but also a history … a legacy. But it's been a good decision. "It takes a special person to do what Anna's going to do," Gary Lucas says. "But she and Tanner have young ideas." And, Gary added, grinning, " … along with the energy to do what Ruth and I are too old to even think about."...