Stories from Wednesday, August 14, 2019

LINCOLN, Neb. — Former McCook standout Zach Schlager announced Tuesday that he is transferring from Colorado State’s football program to Nebraska, where he’ll join the team as a walk-on linebacker. Schlager’s father, Russ, confirmed the move to the Coloradoan newspaper on Tuesday afternoon and subsequently told the Journal Star that Zach is driving to Lincoln today. McCook coach Jeff Gross on Tuesday said, “the whole town of McCook would go nuts and all of the Zach Schlager fans in McCook” would be thrilled if the former Class B star did pick the Huskers. Zach Schlager was a two-way starter for McCook and a prolific one, rushing for 1,134 yards and posting 119 tackles as a junior before injuries shortened his senior season. As a sophomore, he set a school record with 138 stops. “He’s one of the best ones we’ve ever had,” Gross said. “Zach had committed to Colorado State in April or May of his junior year, so long before he even got to play a down of senior year football. “He’s a tenacious defender and he makes plays all over the field. He can run, he’s strong and his work ethic is unbelievable.” Schlager had already been committed to CSU for months when NU head coach Scott Frost and his staff were hired in early December 2018 and Schlager signed with the Rams just a few weeks later. “Timing just didn’t work out. The Nebraska staff was new in December, but he had been committed for so long and with the early signing date he stuck with it,” Gross said. During his freshman season at CSU, the 6-foot and 211-pound linebacker appeared in three early-season games and redshirted. He’ll have four years of eligibility remaining. As as a walk-on at NU, Schlager will likely join the for practice when classes start Aug. 26. Because Schlager was a scholarship player in Fort Collins, NCAA transfer rules say he would have to sit out a year as a walk-on at Nebraska unless he got a waiver for immediate eligibility. The Huskers kick off their season on Aug. 31 with a home game against South Alabama.

INDIANOLA, Neb. — A few obstacles didn’t deter nearly 100 runners and walkers at the Adventure Run on Saturday as part of Indianola’s annual Old Settler’s Celebration. In its’ first year as part of the Republican River Fitness Series, the Old Settler’s Adventure Run included teaming up with a partner to run the race and do the obstacles - up until the end when it was a sprint between the two teammates to the end...

McCook High volleyball practice is getting more intense with coach Audrey Feeney (above) teaching proper net play during Wednesday morning’s workout at McCook High School. McCook will play its first varsity volleyball match of 2019 on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Lexington High School after hosting its annual Jamboree match against Dundy County-Stratton on Aug. 26...

Northwestern Mutual has long been known as an industry leader in life insurance and annuities with a trustworthy reputation and one of the highest financial strength ratings awarded. And that certainly remains to be true. However, the organization that started as a life insurance company in 1857 has transcended significantly since its origin. ...

Gerald Green Dec. 28, 1930 - Aug. 12, 2019 COLBY, Kan. — Gerald Green, 88, died Monday (Aug. 12, 2019). He was born Dec. 28, 1930, to Joe and Josephine (Diederich) Green. He graduated high school from Herndon Public School in 1949. He served in the United States Army, during the Korean War, from 1952-1954, stationed in Japan...

Sally L. Schnase June 24, 1940 - Dec. 2, 2018 MAYWOOD, Neb. — Sally L. Schnase, 78, of Maywood, died Dec. 2, 2018, in North Platte, Neb. She was born June 24, 1940, in Maywood, daughter of Lester and Evelyn (Roach) Schnase. Sally grew up in Maywood and graduated from Maywood High School. ...

MCCOOK GAZETTE McCOOK,, Neb. — No Excuses gym will have its grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its location at 208 W. First in McCook. The public is invited to tour the facility and see demonstrations with staff. Burgers, chips and water will also be served...

McCook High asistant coach Jake Curl instructs players during a pursuit drill Tuesday morning at the MHS practice fields. The Bison will play their annual intrasquad football scrimmage on Saturday at Weiland Field and continue preparations for their varsity season opener against Hastings Aug. 30, in McCook...

PINEHURST, N.C. — McCook’s Noah Hofman finished his U.S. Amateur Championship golf experience just two strokes short of making the cut Tuesday afternoon. The two-time Class B state champion was aiming to reach today’s round of 64 which begins playoff showdowns through Sunday’s national title match...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Republican River Fitness Series men’s season leaders following Saturday’s Old Settlers Adventure Run in Indianola. Female leaders were featured on Tuesday. Age 19 and under: 1. Jackson Blomstedt 90 points, 2. Davien Hanson 84, 3. Caleb Wilkinson 45, 4. Ethan Graff 35, 5. Axel Blomstedt 31...

Connie jo discoe Regional Editor McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County commissioners reviewed proposed 2019-2020 budgets with the veterans services officer, Extension officers and the health department director during their weekly meeting Monday morning...

McCOOK, Neb. — The new drug-sniffing dog for the McCook City Police Department is currently undergoing training at Lafayette, La. Paid for by a grant from K9s4Cops, the german shepherd, Nemo, will be trained to detect drugs but also be trained be around kids and the public, said McCook Police Chief Ike Brown at the budget workshop Monday night at city council chambers...

Issaac Vrbas helps Wade Hodges into a kayak, to float "main street" in Trenton, following a severe summer thunderstorm Tuesday afternoon. Wade's mother, Kayla, said she doesn't know just how much rain they got because the heavy rain knocked over their rain gauge. ...

LINCOLN, Neb.— While rural Nebraskans have mixed opinions about the impact of immigration on rural Nebraska, those more likely to have lived alongside recent immigrants have more positive views, according to the 2019 Nebraska Rural Poll. Overall, 38% of respondents to the Rural Poll — the largest annual poll of rural Nebraskans' perceptions on quality of life and policy issues — agree that immigrants strengthen rural Nebraska, while 30% disagree. ...

With numerous presidential candidates promising “Medicare for all,” it’s a good time to check out how universal healthcare is working out in other countries. A story in the online UK tabloid Mirror also points out the hazards in personal fundraising efforts, online and even otherwise...