Stories from Tuesday, April 6, 2021

McCOOK, Neb. — They’re flying out of the spring gates whether it’s a Sierra Kotschwar discus throw or Branson “Samson” McDonald soaring 14 feet over that pole vault bar. Who cares if it’s only April 6? Never too early to know that those two Bison and three others are leading Class B following McCook’s annual Leroy Hoehner Invite last week...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Cambridge Trojan alum Catlin Rice knows all about going full speed whether it’s leading the wrestling program or his duties as new head football coach. Rice applied for an opportunity that he’s thought about since playing football at Peru State...

The doors of my hangar were opened wide. Sixty some church people were gathered. A short inspirational message and a couple of songs. Then the sun slowly rose over the unobstructed horizon. Perfect. Awesome. See you next Easter. Your old guy columnist’s heart was stabbed this last week at the TV image of two young sisters being dropped from the top of the fourteen-foot high southern border wall. ...

“I’m just going to wait and see,” the healthcare professional said, when asked whether she would get the COVID-19 vaccine. Wait for what? the patient wondered quietly to himself, while not hesitating to entrust himself to her care. So far, 147 million people worldwide are fully vaccinated, about 1.9% of the total population. That includes 62.4 million U.S. residents or 19% and 402,000 Nebraskans, or 20.8% of the state’s population...

NORFOLK, Nebraska – As winter turns to spring and dreams of summertime travel and adventure appear to be real possibilities, I find myself trying to dust off the cobwebs of the past year and figuring out how to transition to the post-pandemic world. There is an opportunity in this in-between-space to pause and consider what’s next...

Darien Jenette Urbom Feb. 17, 1925 - April 1, 2021 ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Darien Jenette Urbom, 96, of Arapahoe, died Thursday (April 1, 2021), at the C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center in Arapahoe. She was born on Feb. 17, 1925, at Arapahoe to Fred C. and Elfrieda (Monter) Hermes. She married Ward C. Urbom on May 26, 1946. They lived in Arapahoe...

McCOOK, Neb. — Now is the time to start thinking about what to fund for next year’s budget, believes one member of the McCook City Council. Mayor Mike Gonzales had requested an agenda item be placed on Monday’s council meeting to further discuss general fund priorities. He offered “City of McCook Priority Worksheets” to city staff Monday night to get the ball rolling and asked city department heads to come up with their top priorities...

McCOOK, Neb. — Although not wanting to sell it, the McCook City Council is willing to work with a local businessman on leasing city property in the downtown area. Richard Haag’s business building abuts city property on Norris Avenue and B Street. The property is currently being used as a “green space” and was originally gifted to the city by the Larry Burns family in the 1970s for a “mini-park.” Haag requested at the March 15 council meeting to buy or lease the property so he could use it for vendors related to his western wear store, as well as for other vendors.. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County received good news regarding its medical self-insurance program Monday morning. Amber Anderson and Brad Swiggart of the Patriot Group told Red Willow County Commissioners that the county could renew its insurance contract for a 2.53% increase, requiring the county to budget for $1.129 million out of pocket, some $600,000 less than last year, when the county had some large health insurance claims...

IMPERIAL, Neb. — The arrest of three men Friday followed a five-month investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in and around Chase County, according to a release by the Chase County Sheriff’s Office. Arrested were: -- Jesus “Chuy” Acuna (42) for the offenses of Possess (Meth) amphetamine 140+ grams ( Class 1b Felony), Conspiracy to Commit a Class 1 Felony (Class II Felony), and No Drug Tax Stamp (Class IV Felony) $1,000,000.00 / 10% bond...

McCook Community College sophomore Kallie Cathcart has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball this fall at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. The Bluejays compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference at the NAIA level. MCC-Kallie Cathcart signing Cathcart, a 5-7 outside hitter from Holly, Colo. believes she found both college and a community that both mirror McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. — Four McCook Community College volleyball players have been named to the All-Region IX south team, two of those were named to the all-tournament team and MCC had three players selected to the all-Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference team...

OBERLIN, Kan. — Rawlins County ruled the season-opening Oberlin Golf Invitational where seven Kansas teams competed on Thursday. Kendrick Woody birdied his final two holes while erasing a three-stroke deficit and joining teammate Isaac Domish in the tourney’s top four medalists...

SUTHERLAND, Neb. — Hitchcock County’s boys placed second to lead area highlights at the Sutherland Trac-Field Invitational on Thursday. Top 10 team scores along with all top six Gazette-area placers. A total of 13 schools participated in this track-field meet:...