Stories from Thursday, November 7, 2024

LINCOLN, Neb. – With winter approaching and an increased likelihood of power outages, Nebraska officials are encouraging residents to take early action in preparing for severe weather. Governor Jim Pillen has designated November 7, 2024, as Winter Weather Awareness Day, underscoring the importance of readiness as the state braces for unpredictable conditions...

OMAHA, Neb. — Two Nebraska residents, Kenneth Breyer, 75, and Elaine (also known as Edith) Breyer, 74, were sentenced on Nov. 6, in federal court in Omaha for their role in operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced the Breyers to five years of probation and ordered them to pay $55,000 in restitution...

EUSTIS, Neb. – In a significant step toward community development, voters in the Village of Eustis passed two propositions Tuesday to introduce a 0.5% sales and use tax, expected to fund economic development projects under the LB 840 plan. Proposition 1, approving the sales tax increase, garnered 114 votes in favor and 93 against, while Proposition 2, which permits allocating the tax revenue specifically for economic development, passed with 122 votes in favor and 84 against...

McCOOK, Neb. — Presidential and Senate races coupled with important issues such as McCook’s school bond resulted in heavy turnout both locally and statewide, according to officials. Red Willow County tied the 2020 voter turnout record with 76% of registered voters turning in ballots, according to County Clerk Penelope Cooper. Other high turnouts included 2018 with 72%, 2012 with 69% and 2008 with 67%...

Obituary Walter L. Dye Sept. 7, 1946 - Nov. 5, 2024 MITCHELL, Neb. - Walter L. Dye of Mitchell, Neb. passed away on Nov. 5, 2024 at the Mitchell Care Center. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m. (MST) at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff, Neb. with Rev. George Kilmer officiating. A graveside service will be held on Monday, Nov.11 at 2:00 p.m. (CST) at the Trenton Cemetery, Trenton, Neb. The family requests casual/ golf attire to both services...

Obituary Earl Edward Raker July 31, 1959 - Nov. 2, 2024 BROKEN BOW, Neb. - Earl Edward Raker, aged 65, passed away on Nov. 2, 2024, in Broken Bow, Neb. Born on July 31, 1959, in Albion, Neb., Earl grew up attending local schools and later attended North West Nebraska High School. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Registration is now open for winterim classes at Mid-Plains Community College. Winterim is the period between the end of the fall term and start of the spring semester. All classes begin Dec. 9 and end Jan. 9. The month-long courses offer a unique opportunity to earn credits in a short amount of time online...

McCOOK Neb. -The Station Taphouse and Eatery stands as a testament to community spirit, culinary innovation, and the rich history of the building it occupies. Formerly known as The Loop Brewing Company, this beloved local hangout has transformed under the ownership of Jesse Pierson and his fiancee, McKenzie Schmitz, who recently took the reins. With a focus on quality food and a commitment to local partnerships, they will continue to serve the community...

McCOOK, Neb. - In Tuesday’s election, Red Willow County voters considered several significant ballot initiatives with both local and statewide implications, reflecting diverse stances on issues ranging from abortion to education and medical marijuana...

Nebraska played two potentially pivotal roles in national outcomes. Sen. Deb Fischer defended her seat against Dan Osborn, an Omaha candidate who, despite positioning himself as an “independent,” gained significant backing from Democratic organizations hoping to shift Senate control away from Republicans. Osborn’s well-supported campaign drew the approval of 417,801 voters statewide, or 46.14%, posing a serious challenge to the two-term incumbent...

Since 1996, I have written columns for the McCook Gazette on and off in one capacity or another, whether as a reporter for the newspaper, for the McCook YMCA or now on behalf of the McCook Community Foundation Fund. Coming up with ideas on a weekly basis usually comes easy for me but some weeks are harder than others. This is one of those hard weeks...