Stories from Friday, December 27, 2024

McCOOK, Neb. – As New Year’s Eve approaches, Americans prepare to mark the end of the year in a variety of ways. According to CivicScience data, 59% of U.S. adults typically participate in New Year’s celebrations, with a similar percentage planning to observe the holiday this December 31. Celebrations range from parties and nightlife to quiet evenings at home with loved ones...

LINCOLN, Neb. – The One Hundred Ninth Legislature will convene its First Session on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., embarking on another chapter in the history of our unique unicameral system. Our perrinial discussion of property taxes will surely continue, but school funding, infrastructure and a few touchy social issues are sure to be considered. None of those issues, however, will see daylight until a substantial list of housekeeping issues are settled...

McCOOK, Neb. (AP) — Residents of McCook can take pride in knowing that municipal construction projects are being built with American-made materials, which is in line with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). The law passed as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, mandates that federally funded infrastructure projects use domestically sourced materials...

McCOOK, Neb. – Over the year, McCook has seen a lot of progress and movement, thanks to volunteers, businesses and organizations coming together to make things happen. From opening a new outdoor pool to a multimillion-dollar capital campaign at the YMCA to a drive-in movie at the fairgrounds, McCook is on the Move...

As the end of the year draws closer, it’s not just holiday preparations that should be on our minds—tax season is right around the corner. The Gazette recently received an IRS bulletin that outlines steps taxpayers can take now to prepare for filing their 2024 federal income tax returns in 2025. And while taxes may not be the most exciting topic, it never hurts to have some inside tips to make the process smoother...

Peggy Ann Carswell July 30, 1950 - Dec. 19, 2024 OBERLIN, Kan. - Peggy Ann Carswell, age 74, of Oberlin, Kansas, gracefully passed away surrounded by family at Decatur Health on Dec. 19, 2024. Peggy was born on July 30, 1950, to William Jasper “W.J.” Light and Geneva Mardelle Light in Hugoton, Kan. ...

Roland LeRoy Carlson Jan. 18, 1937 - Dec. 22, 2024 McCOOK, Neb. - Roland LeRoy Carlson left this earth to meet his Heavenly Father on Dec. 22, 2024. Hillcrest Nursing Home had been his residence for the last 16 months. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Roland’s family will be present to greet friends...

PERU, Neb. – From his days as a high school teacher and coach through his time as a school administrator and beyond, Jack Moles has always been dedicated to educating and advancing young people. A new member of the Peru State College Foundation – a private nonprofit organization dedicated to generating, managing, and providing private funds for Nebraska’s first college – Moles brings a wealth of knowledge about what young people need to access and achieve a quality, affordable education...

Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Police Department is investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Christmas morning, leaving a 19-year-old man dead and another driver facing charges. At approximately 2:58 a.m. on December 25, emergency responders, including the Grand Island Fire Department, EMS, and police, were dispatched to the intersection of South Blaine Street and West Lamar Avenue. ...

NORFOLK, Neb. – A mid-morning fire in the heating and air conditioning system atop Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk on Thursday prompted the evacuation of several floors and drew an estimated 60 firefighters from multiple departments to the scene...