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Protect our community: Vaccinate for measles (3/15/24)In recent years, the United States has witnessed a concerning resurgence in measles cases, with 45 reported cases across 16 states and New York City as of last week alone. While Nebraska has thus far avoided this troubling trend, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our communities against this highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease...
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Better Internet access comes with hazards of its own (3/13/24)The expansion of Internet access in rural areas of Nebraska is undoubtedly a positive step forward, bringing opportunities for connectivity, education, and economic growth. However, as recent data reveals, it also brings forth a concerning rise in fraudulent activities. While we celebrate progress, we must be vigilant about safeguarding against the dangers that accompany it...
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Don't become a victim of the lates online scams (3/4/24)Attorney General Mike Hilgers’ call for vigilance during National Consumer Protection Week couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. The prevalence of online fraud, particularly in the form of identity theft, financial scams, and cyber threats, underscores the importance of safeguarding personal information and accounts. ...
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Happy 157th birthday to Nebraska (3/1/24)Nebraska’s “honestly, it’s not for everyone” drew the nationwide attention it was designed for in 2019, but the reverse-psychology, self-deprecation had a predictably short shelf-life, becoming a thing of the past last month, despite possessing a modicum of truth...
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State property taxes are a matter of perspective (2/23/24)Gov. Jim Pillen has staked much of his first-term reputation on an effort to reduce property taxes. While it’s important to scrutinize tax policies, especially when they impact residents directly, a deeper examination reveals that the situation might not be as dire as portrayed...
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LB907 addresses serious health threat of obesity (2/20/24)State Sen. Merv Riepe’s proposal, Legislative Bill 907, aiming to extend Medicaid coverage to include obesity treatment, is a commendable and much-needed initiative. The prevalence of obesity is not merely a matter of personal lifestyle choices but a complex health issue with profound implications for individuals and society as a whole. LB 907 represents a proactive step toward tackling the root causes of obesity and its associated comorbidities...
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Ibach bill would protect public health, natural resources (2/15/24)State Sen. Teresa Ibach doesn’t represent McCook in the Nebraska Legislature, but we should thank her for one of her current efforts every time we pay our city water bill. That’s because she’s attempting to deal with one of the main issues that has caused that expense to balloon over the years, not to mention the more important issue of public health...
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New disc golf course continues community's commitment to future (2/8/24)The announcement of the forthcoming Barnett Park Disc Golf Course in McCook, Nebraska is cause for celebration and enthusiastic support from residents and visitors alike. This initiative, driven by a group of dedicated disc golf enthusiasts and bolstered by the generosity of local businesses and organizations, promises to enrich our community in numerous ways...
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Partisan elections for public power districts – A step away from public power in Nebraska (1/26/24)The recent advancement of LB541, proposing partisan elections for certain public power districts in Nebraska, signals a potentially troubling shift in the state's governance of crucial utilities. Spearheaded by Senator John Lowe, the bill aims to introduce partisan ballots for primary and general elections within districts receiving annual revenue exceeding $500 million, notably targeting the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the Omaha Public Power District...
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Taking the wheel of safety: State needs to outlaw texting, driving (1/26/24)In 2020, Nebraska witnessed a tragic record of 19 lives lost in distracted driving accidents. The alarming surge in such incidents calls for immediate and decisive action. State Sen. Loren Lippincott’s proposed Legislative Bill 1033, advocating for the classification of texting while driving as a primary offense, is a crucial step toward addressing this critical issue. ...
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Teen boys new online target for sexploitation (1/25/24)Online sexploitation of girls is nothing new, but teen boys can be a target as well. The Atlanta office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a grave warning about the alarming increase in online sextortion cases involving minor boys.. The statistics are not only shocking but also highlight the urgent need for parents to closely monitor their child’s online activities...
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Proposal partners state, business to help reduce poverty (1/23/24)In a recent legislative hearing, State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner presented a workforce development proposal that could mark a significant stride in the battle against poverty in Nebraska. Legislative Bill 993, which introduces the Apprenticeship Grant Act, has received widespread positive feedback, offering a beacon of hope for individuals seeking economic independence...
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Wise water use vital to future of agriculture, state (1/18/24)In a recent study led by the University of Nebraska, alarming findings highlight the imminent threat to food production posed by the depletion of groundwater, particularly in the High Plains Aquifer—the largest in the United States. The study reveals a direct correlation between aquifer depletion and diminishing crop yields, emphasizing the urgent need for policymakers, resource managers, and growers to reevaluate their approach to water usage...
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Dead, dying dogs stark reminder of human duty to pets, animals (1/16/24)In a recent and deeply troubling incident, the Giltner community was shaken by an appalling case of animal abuse that unfolded in the 400 block of North Enfield. The local Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call on Sunday, revealing a shocking scene that underscores the urgent need for responsible pet ownership...
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Sen. Lippincott’s tenure bill is a misguided move (1/11/24)In a recent attempt to overhaul the higher education system, State Sen. Loren Lippincott of Central City has proposed a bill that seeks to eliminate tenure in Nebraska’s state universities and colleges. The motivation behind Legislative Bill 1064 is framed as a pursuit of accountability and the eradication of what Lippincott terms as “woke ideology” on campuses. ...
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Impaired driving tech coming to new cars? (1/8/24)In a significant development toward enhancing road safety, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has taken the pioneering step of initiating the process to require devices in vehicles that prevent drunk or impaired driving. This move, mandated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, underscores a commitment to addressing a pervasive issue that has claimed countless lives and inflicted substantial economic costs on society...
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Not just a list: Embrace the power of change (1/2/24)As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us find ourselves caught in the age-old tradition of making resolutions. These promises we make to ourselves symbolize the opportunity for renewal, growth, and positive change. Yet, the real power of New Year’s resolutions lies not just in setting goals but in the collective willingness to take action and steer our lives toward improvement...
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Remote workers may be a bargain for employers (12/28/23)In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, the surge in remote work has reshaped not only the physical office but also the dynamics of professional growth and compensation. A recent survey conducted by Resume Builder sheds light on an intriguing paradox: while work-at-home employees may face hurdles in terms of promotions and raises, they often find themselves in a happier and less stressed state. ...
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Time to plug our state's brain drain (12/21/23)Nebraska, despite our warm communities and affordable living, faces a persistent challenge that demands urgent attention: the exodus of educated individuals, commonly known as the “brain drain.” The recent U.S. Census data not only confirms the ongoing departure of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher but also sounds the alarm about individuals with lesser levels of education also leaving the state. ...
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Cell phones rival drunk drivers in causing fatalities (12/15/23)For the majority of its existence, the automobile has undergone a remarkable transformation in terms of safety. Advances in road and vehicle design, the implementation of seatbelts, and increased awareness of issues like drunken driving have collectively contributed to a nearly 90 percent reduction in the death rate from vehicle crashes since the 1920s. ...
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Pillen order denies reality, threatens workforce (12/8/23)In a perplexing move that defies the evolving nature of work and employee expectations, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order mandating the return of state employees to in-person offices by Jan. 2. This move, labeled as a step back to the old ways, has sparked a fierce response from the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, representing over 8,000 state workers...
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Learning, applying difficult lessons from Pearl Harbor (12/6/23)Events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor 82 years ago today have been a subject of debate ever since the attack itself. What did our leaders really know? Were they secretly hoping for an excuse to enter the conflict, and simply underestimate Japan’s capabilities?...
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Sometimes a reset can be a good thing (11/28/23)Societal resets, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and historical events like actors’ and writers’ strikes, have undoubtedly caused upheaval and disruption. However, it is essential to recognize that these periods of turmoil also bring about unique opportunities for positive change and growth within society. While the immediate effects of these events are often challenging and sometimes devastating, they can ultimately lead to significant advantages that shape our world for the better...
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A pivotal moment in time for the baby boom generation (11/22/23)Where were you when you hear President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas? Where were you when you heard he had died? If you were old enough to be aware, you can probably remember both places. For the aging baby boomer generation, few events had the impact of the assassination of JFK. By comparison, the deaths of his brother and Dr. Martin Luther King seemed like sad summer reruns...
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The unsettling shift from gratitude to mandatory tipping (11/17/23)In recent years, the act of tipping for good service has undergone a subtle yet significant transformation. What was once considered a voluntary expression of gratitude has now evolved into a quasi-tax imposed not by the government, but by businesses themselves, fueled by societal expectations. ...
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Public policy must face workforce reality (11/16/23)A recent Carewell.com survey on the status of older workers in America sheds light on significant trends that have implications for public policy, particularly in states with a higher concentration of senior workers, such as Nebraska. Here are key takeaways and potential policy considerations:...
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Family caregivers play vital role in rural communities (11/14/23)In our rural communities, there exists a group of unsung heroes who deserve our utmost admiration and gratitude. These are the family caregivers, those selfless individuals who provide unwavering support and care to their loved ones facing chronic illnesses, disabilities, or the challenges of aging. ...
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Happy birthday Marines! (11/10/23)Happy 248th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps! On this special day, we gather to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have proudly served in the Marine Corps for nearly two and a half centuries. November 10th marks the day when this distinguished branch of the United States Armed Forces was founded, and since then, the Marines have been at the forefront of defending our nation and upholding the values that make America great...
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Ban on TCE is long overdue (11/9/23)Is the Biden Administration poised to do something about your water bill? Well, not really; but the EPA is finally going to do something about a chemical which, had it been eliminated decades ago, might have made it unnecessary for the City of McCook to build and operate a state-of-the-art water treatment facility at tens of millions of dollars and counting...
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Changing clocks isn't worth the harm it causes (11/7/23)Every year in the fall, Americans “fall back” out of daylight saving time into standard time. While this practice has been a part of our annual routine for years, experts are increasingly advocating for its abolition in favor of permanent standard time. The reasons behind this movement are compelling, ranging from the historical origins of daylight saving time to the detrimental health impacts it imposes on individuals...
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Affordable childcare vital to rural economy (11/3/23)The Bank of America Institute recently released alarming data that should send shockwaves through the United States. According to their research, the average cost of child care has surged by a staggering 32% since 2019, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 20% during the same period. This revelation is not just a matter of financial statistics; it is a stark reminder of the challenges American families, particularly mothers, face in balancing work and family life...
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Immigrants fill America's need for new workers (10/31/23)In the ongoing debate about immigration, the focus often lands on the contentious issue of border control. But let’s take a step back and examine a broader perspective that goes beyond political posturing and short-term debates. A key aspect that deserves attention is the invaluable role immigrants, including “asylum seekers,” can play in addressing America’s increasingly pressing demographic and economic challenges...
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The power of prevention and screening (10/27/23)In a world where our inboxes are flooded with cautionary messages about unknown links and attachments, there is one message that should be welcomed and embraced – the call for breast cancer screening. Every year, in the United States, countless lives are touched by the harrowing diagnosis of breast cancer. However, there is hope, and it lies in the power of prevention and early detection through screening...
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Have fun, but make sure holiday treats are safe (10/20/23)Halloween, a cherished holiday for children across the nation, is once again on the horizon. It’s a time when little ghouls and goblins roam the streets in search of sweet treasures, and the Poison Center in Nebraska has a critical message for parents and caregivers: let’s make it a safe and happy Halloween. ...
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Bullying should not be tolerated (10/13/23)Bullying is a pervasive problem that affects countless children across the United States, damaging not only their school experience but also their mental health and well-being. As we delve into October, the month the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services designates to raise awareness about bullying, it’s imperative that Nebraskans educate themselves on the signs and harmful consequences of this torment. ...
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Public power another major Norris contribution (10/12/23)While we’re on the subject of Sen. George W. Norris, it’s appropriate to recognize his other contribution, besides the nonpartisan Unicameral Legislature, to Nebraska’s quality of life: public power. It’s an appropriate topic for Heritage Days, and it’s also an appropriate topic for October’s National Public Power Month...
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Norris' legacy lives on in Nebraska's Unicameral (10/10/23)NOTE: THE LOCATION OF THE NORRIS BREAKFAST IS McCOOK ARTBANK (the old Well's Fargo building) AT 108 WEST D STREET. THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT THE CORRECT LOCATION. Partisanship — some would say toxic partisanship — is threatening to derail Nebraska’s officially non-partisan Legislature, with some even suggesting we should put the east chamber of the capitol back into use after abandoning Sen. George W. Norris’s nonpartisan Unicameral Legislature. Friday’s Norris Breakfast should be especially relevant this year...
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Nebraska not immune to hate-group growth (9/26/23)In an era where the United States faces a multitude of challenges, the rise of domestic terrorism and violent extremism stands as one of the most pressing concerns. The FBI’s startling revelation that it had 9,049 open domestic terrorism cases in fiscal 2021, marking a 357% increase since fiscal 2013, should serve as a resounding alarm bell for all Americans. ...
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Embracing healthy aging: A recipe for a fulfilling life (9/22/23)September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to celebrate the journey of growing older and to emphasize the importance of nurturing our physical and mental well-being as we traverse the golden years. In this era of increasing life expectancy, it’s essential that we view aging as an opportunity to flourish rather than as an impending decline...
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Make your voice heard: Embrace National Voter Registration Day (9/17/23)Every year, on National Voter Registration Day, citizens across the United States are reminded of the profound impact they can have on their democracy. In Nebraska, Secretary of State Bob Evnen encourages every eligible resident to seize this opportunity and register to vote. His message is clear: Every vote matters, and every registered voter in Nebraska matters...
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Communications focus for National Preparedness Month (9/14/23)Flooding in China, Libya and Brazil, fire in Hawaii, an earthquake in Morocco — they’re all happening somewhere else, but those of us living in Southwest Nebraska know they can quickly become a reality. Even an earthquake isn’t completely out of the question, and neither is any other man-made or natural disaster in our area...
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Don't let calendar fool you, hot cars can still be deadly (9/5/23)Spring or fall are seasons we like to call “lost jacket” times of year. That windbreaker feels great in the morning, but by afternoon, we’re wishing we were wearing a T-shirt. The calendar may say fall, and indeed, evenings can get a mite chilly, but the recent heat wave proves just how hot it can get in September...
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Concealed carry requires clear, steady consideration (9/1/23)“Constitutional carry” is now the law of the land in Nebraska and many other states, but carrying a deadly weapon isn’t a decision to be taken lightly or made on a whim. It’s also not a right that applies everywhere and in every situation. Yes, there are reasons one might want to add a pistol to the list advocated by Adam Sandler — phone wallet and keys...
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America's strength is its ability to right its wrongs (8/22/23)My country, right or wrong? Slavery, genocide of Native Americans, incarceration of American citizens who happened to be of Japanese descent — my country, for sure, but if it’s doing something wrong, America’s true strength is its ability to do something about it...
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Spay, neuter, release program needed here (7/28/23)If you don’t follow local Facebook discussion groups, now’s probably not a good time to start. If you already do, you may already know about many of the local controversies. McCook’s brown water is a “popular” topic, with high water demand stirring up sediment, turning otherwise safe city water a disgusting brown in some parts of town, generating questions about city priorities...
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Don't forget importance of area oil industry (7/20/23)One wag suggested that oil wells in Southwest Nebraska turned some so-so farmers into great farmers. Yes, oil revenue can help the bottom line, but if that land is actually farmed, it probably consumes more oil than it produces, and with the advent of the ethanol industry, the farming and energy industries are even more intertwined...
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No-helmet law should include two more requirements (7/13/23)We enjoyed a motel breakfast conversation with a nice couple, decked out in full motorcycle leathers, who were part of a large contingent on their way to Milwaukee for the 150th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle company this week. We joked that they were a little too early to enjoy a helmet-less ride through Nebraska, since the Cornhusker state will require all riders to wear approved headgear until Jan. 1, 2024...
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Let your mail carriers know you appreciate them on July 1, National Postal Worker Day (6/30/23)You wouldn’t expect a postal carrier to be fond of most of the dogs on a daily route, but we’ve got evidence to the contrary. A pup was new to the neighborhood and took off when given the chance. A daily visitor, the postman saw what was happening and made an extra turn around the block to make sure Fido got back where he belonged...
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Community newspapers have a vital role (6/27/23)With changing technologies combined with recent pandemic-related problems such supply chain and labor pool issues, times are tough for community newspapers, with dozens going out of business or cutting back publication days. Non-profits have picked up the slack somewhat, the Nebraska Examiner and Flatwater Free Press most prominent among them in our state, with their success a sign that community journalism still plays a vital role in our society, regardless of the delivery method...
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Memorial Day should be more than a day off (5/26/23)We hope you’ll take time to attend your local Memorial Day service on Monday, and that you won’t be in a hurry to get back to the lake or home for the barbecue. Yes, Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. By commemorating Memorial Day, we can show our respect and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation’s freedoms and values...
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If only we'd learned then what kids are learning now (5/16/23)If only we knew then what we know now ... Congratulations to our local educators on their efforts to help those in their charge to avoid regrets like those expressed above when it comes to career and finances. Monday we were at first concerned when we saw an ambulance and other vehicles parked around Central Elementary, but Principal Joel Bednar assured us it was just “Career on Wheels” day, giving students a chance to learn more about occupations they might pursue in the future. ...
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Graduation good time to evaluate life goals, balance (5/12/23)Congratulations to McCook High School, McCook Community College and everyone else moving the tassel on their mortarboard today and the coming days. Even if you’re not an honor graduate, you’ve proven you can stick to difficult task and see it through...
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Loneliness rivals smoking as threat to health (5/3/23)If you’ve been looking down your nose at folks gathered around a designated outdoor smoking area having a cigarette, maybe you’d better look again. Yes, they’re taking a drag of nicotine and associated carcinogens, but they’re also chatting and sharing their concerns with fellow tobacco addicts...
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Plan time to spend away from screens (5/2/23)As we take time to make our plans and arrange our schedules, it’s hard to imagine that time only a few years ago when none of us had the smartphones that now play such an important part in our lives. Yes, they are convenient, and every day seems to bring a new app we soon can’t imagine living without...
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Common ground must be found to prevent mass shootings (4/18/23)A meeting room at Community Hospital was packed Monday morning as first responders, hospital, city and county officials gathered for an annual “tabletop drill” to rehearse what steps to take in case of an emergency. A full-scale drill in the community will take place in the fall...
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Let's make things more pleasant for our community (4/13/23)Warm weather lures us outside, but we may be tempted to retreat back to the couch if we take too close a look at our homes and neighborhoods. Every neighborhood seems to have a problem house, and if you look around and don’t see one, perhaps it’s yours!...
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Attracting teachers, other workers takes a community effort (4/7/23)Like most major employers, McCook Public Schools is struggling to find workers. The school has had some success attending six recruiting fairs this year but is trying to “widen our net to attract talent to McCook to teach,” according to information on the agenda for Monday’s school board meeting...
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A self-driving car may be better than a distracted driver (4/6/23)If you’re of a certain age, perhaps you remember the apocryphal story about the Middle Eastern oil sheik who purchased a new luxury RV and then wondered why it crashed after he set the cruise control and stepped into the back to make a pot of tea. Nowadays, we hear about troubles with Tesla and other self-driving cars running stop signs or missing exits while their drivers snooze behind the wheel...
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Celebrating National Ag Day (3/21/23)Fewer and fewer of us live on the farm and are involved in direct ag production, but today’s National Ag Day is a good time to remind us that, realize it or not, most of us have direct ties to the farmland that surrounds our communities. We aren’t named the “Cornhusker State” for nothing; we’re near the top in corn exports and at the top in one of the major industries — beef — as well as others near the top, such as ethanol and hogs...
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Alternative energy moratorium right move for now (3/2/23)Red Willow County Commissioners were wise in their decision to place a moratorium on alternative energy projects in the county, for several reasons. For one, the county needs to have all its ducks in a row when it comes to zoning for technologies changing as quickly and being adapted as quickly as solar and wind energy...
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Internet safety and striking back at telemarketers (2/9/23)It’s a scary time to be a parent. Every week, we see news releases about human trafficking and child abuse made possible by the internet. It’s also a scary time to have elderly parents, the type of folks robbed of lifetime scammers via phone or social media...
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Apology to our readers, gratitude for understanding (1/6/23)Boy, that sure wasn’t the start to 2023 that we were hoping for! Publishing and distributing the first issue of 2023 on Tuesday, January 3rd proved to be a combination of obstructions from Mother Nature, frustrations with technology, disappointment in human errors, but ultimately, pride in the incredible cooperation displayed by the Gazette team...
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Public meetings should be streamed (12/22/22)There’s a lot to hate about the COVID pandemic, not to mention the RSV and flu that have joined it to help create a trifecta of misery. Make that a possible four-plex threat; health officials are warning of measles outbreaks because children aren’t being vaccinated...
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Don't confuse the spirit of giving with 'retail therapy' (12/1/22)It may be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but what is really wonderful about it? Is it celebrating the biblical message behind the season, the chance to show our loved ones how we feel — or is it something else? According to a CouponBirds https://bit.ly/3VB3Vn3 survey, something else may be in play...
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We shouldn't have to say this, but it's important to vote (11/1/22)The deadlines for registering to vote in Tuesday’s election have passed, but if you are registered, you can still vote in advance or on the day itself. We hope you’re not like one prominent citizen we questioned about a particular question, who said he wasn’t going to bother. “They’re just going to do what they want, anyway!”...
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Nebraska's a happy state, but there's more to the story (9/23/22)Despite the current fortunes of Husker football, Nebraskans are pretty happy overall. We’re the second lowest state in the number of people who are unemployed for 15 weeks or longer, third in volunteer rate, fourth inadequate sleep and feelings of being active and productive, and fifth lowest in separation and divorce...
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Key to better health may be as close as our feet (8/16/22)They say when you point your index finger at someone, don’t forget that three more are pointing back at you. That’s especially true when looking at figures from one of those number-cruncher outfits that send out news releases about every day. According to a study from BarBend.com, Southwest Nebraskans can use some help when it comes to fighting the battle of the bulge...
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Energy bills painful, but compared to other states, Nebraska's got it good (7/7/22)If you’re not feeling the inflation pinch, maybe you’re just not paying attention. It seems like every small item at the grocery store costs a dollar or two than it used to, and if it doesn’t, it’s because the manufacturers have downsized packages. That “pound” of bacon is probably 12 ounces if you check the label...
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Two years on, many opinions remain unchanged (6/28/22)Can you remember when you first heard the term “COVID-19?” Some of us hoped Americans would unite together to fight a common enemy, the way they did after Pearl Harbor or more recently and briefly, September 11, 2001. Instead, many of us seized on Internet claptrap, lies spread by unscrupulous politicians and media bent on pandering to fearful, gullible viewers and voters to the point where even wearing a mask represented a political statement. ...
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Old Glory deserves more respect than she often receives (6/14/22)Granted, we’ve been a little distracted in this country, what with COVID, inflation, Jan. 6 hearings and the war in Ukraine, but the American Legion’s observance of Flag Day by presenting flags to McCook Community College today makes an important point...
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New season, new hazards for kids with more free time (6/3/22)Some of us have a hard time remembering painful lessons until they’re repeated. You know, that first golf outing or trip to the beach. After a fun day in the sun, those scratch sheets remind us that we should have been more generous with the sun block, if we remembered to apply it at all...
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When neighbors need help, heroism is 'just what they do' (5/3/22)Thanks to the generosity of the Kimmel Foundation and others as well as quick action by local organizers, a busload of local residents enjoyed a trip to Lincoln that included a Lied Center performance of “Come from Away.” We know of several other local residents who took in the show on their own as well; having a chance to see a play that’s appeared on Broadway more than a thousand times is not something to miss...
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Driving habits major influence on fuel costs (3/22/22)While our friends in the oil industry are enjoying prices above $100 a barrel, the rest of us, especially those of us with long commutes, are feeling the pinch of fueling up at nearly $4 a gallon. Whether we blame the current U.S. administration, the Russians, or someone else for rising gas prices, there’s not much we can do about it in the short term...
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When it comes to clocks, just leave them alone (3/15/22)With inflation, a pandemic and the possibility of World War III on the horizon, daylight saving time seems like a trivial thing for lawmakers to concern themselves with. On the other hand, if you’re awake enough after the time change to think about it, consider that this might be the perfect time to do something about it...
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All options for future of city pool should remain on the table (3/10/22)It should come as no surprise that the majority of us want things to be the same or better when it comes to a city pool. According to the 2,000 people who completed a survey about the pool, a majority favored an outdoor recreational municipal pool, water features like a splash pad, and the current location...
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Christmas time to think of others first (12/21/21)“I don’t have to listen to this, this isn’t Russia!” The 70-something woman abruptly left a public meeting, where the speaker was making a pitch for vaccination. A few days later, despite not feeling well, she hosted a holiday gathering, where the guests, many of them in their 80s, expressed concern about her appearance...
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Abstinence, vaccination may be best gifts this Christmas (12/17/21)Thanksgiving has the reputation for putting stress on extended family dynamics, but Christmas and New Year’s must be in close contention. This isn’t the first holiday season of the pandemic, but it’s unlikely many of us have changed those attitudes or opinions that create conflict when we come in contact with relatives outside our usual household...
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Judge's ruling offers hope for healthcare solution (11/30/21)Healthcare workers who risked their lives to care for patients during the dark months of the pandemic last year are facing loss of their jobs this year if their conscience or valid health concerns won’t allow them to submit to a series of injections ordered by Washington regulators...
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Observing World Kindness Day (11/12/21)In a day when it’s all too easy to take out our frustrations on individuals or institutions via social media, there’s a movement afoot to turn the tables at a personal level. World Kindness Day focuses on deeds and attitudes that should guide our behavior all 365 days of the year...
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Do we need to be reminded to be kind? In a word, yes! (11/12/21)In a day when it’s all too easy to take out our frustrations on individuals or institutions via social media, there’s a movement afoot to turn the tables at a personal level. World Kindness Day focuses on deeds and attitudes that should guide our behavior all 365 days of the year...
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Veterans deserve more than a trite expression (11/11/21)The phrase “thank you for your service,” has become almost cliché, but delivers an important message when spoken sincerely. It’s a welcome contrast to the words that greeted soldiers returning from Vietnam, who felt it necessary to don civilian clothes as soon as possible to avoid the stigma associated with participation in an unpopular war...
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Don't put off cancer screenings (10/22/21)Except for “essential service” workers, most of us hunkered down and stayed home last year when that was the best option for avoiding the COVID-19 virus, for which, as yet, there was no vaccine. We worked from home, wore masks and stayed away from crowds because that was the best option available...
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Despite lower vaccination rate, Nebraska safer than many other states (10/15/21)Nebraskans, especially in this part of the state, are naturally “socially distanced,” which may one of the most important factors when it comes to safety during the pandemic. The number-crunchers at WalletHub list the cornhusker state as the 21st-safest place to live when it comes to COVID-19. Connecticut ranks No. 1 as the safest, using the website’s criteria, and Idaho is 51st, not all the data was available for that state...
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Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety (10/8/21)Technology can be a lifesaver if it works, but we have to understand what it is trying to tell us if it is to be effective. Toward that end, the National Fire Protection Association has chosen “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” as a theme for this week’s Fire Prevention Week observance...
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Being prepared is just common sense (9/30/21)Be prepared. The Boy Scout model is good advice. No, you don’t have to be a full-blown “prepper,” stocking up on thousands of dollars worth of freeze-dried food, ammunition and toilet paper, but if the last couple of years have taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected...
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Nebraska students have advantage in remote learning (9/2/21)Under the “when life hands you lemons” category, consider this: Nebraska students have an advantage when it comes to remote learning. Nobody wants to return to those miserable days last year when students were forced to huddle around a screen at home on a Zoom call with their teachers, but if that day ever comes again, they’ll be enjoying better lemonade than their cousins in, say, New Mexico, where five times fewer students have access to broadband internet...
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Rural youth have it right when it comes to small towns (8/12/21)We’ve always been puzzled to hear someone opine that “there’s nothing to do” in our small town. That’s especially true when it’s an outsider — have they ever lived in a small town? If so, have they ever pulled themselves away from the television — let’s update that to the ubiquitous video screen?...
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Vaccine reluctance costing American wealth as well as lives (7/20/21)Some 622 people died of COVID-19 on Monday, running the total of American deaths up to 609,000, according to the latest update. If you’ve become jaded to stories of coronavirus deaths, not to mention the B-roll video of a needle going to an arm, perhaps this will. If you have a half-million in a Dow index fund, you lost $10,500 in a single day...
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State recruits social media to save lives from COVID (7/1/21)With the new, more easily spread Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus becoming dominant, continuing vaccinations is even more important. Just how important is illustrated by an Associated Press study, using federal figures from May. The upshot: Nearly all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., now below 300, are now in people who weren’t vaccinated. It could be practically zero if everyone got the vaccine...
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Now is not the time to slow down vaccination drive (6/24/21)We’re looking forward to the third annual Southwest Nebraska Freedom Festival, sponsored by McCook Christian Church, at 6 p.m. next Friday, July 2 at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. The music, food and fireworks are designed to honor those who serve in and for our community, an especially well-deserved honor as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic...
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Pandemic provides valuable lessons for business, life (5/20/21)Perhaps you’ve heard about the Richmond Golf Club in Surrey, UK, that had special rules in effect while the German Luftwaffe was doing its best to break the will of the English people More than 1,000 bombs were dropped on the community between Oct. 7, 1940 and June 6, 1941, but British golfers saw no reason to forgo an occasional day on the links...
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Air the tires, change the oil, get a shot -- Let's not turn Memorial Day into a super spreader event (5/11/21)There’s always something special about Memorial Day, one of the first official outdoor events of the summer. We take a few minutes that day to listen to a speech at the cemetery, wince at the first round from the firing squad, shed a tear at the grave of a relative or friend...
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Back to normal? Not quite (5/6/21)It it heartening to see some sense of normality returning, with a gorgeous Simply Strings concert on Sunday at the Fox Theater, a full schedule of spring sports underway and plans for a return of the Buffalo Commons festival announced. While a lot of us have been fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus, too many of us have subscribed to the “I guess I’ll just wait a while,” attitude -- waiting for what -- the fourth wave like that now decimating India?...
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Be prepared when wild land fires threaten (4/29/21)Hail up to 3 inches in diameter in the St. Francis, Kan. area wasn’t welcome, but the rain that accompanied it throughout Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas was a welcome reprieve from drought conditions. More rain is needed if precipitation is ever to be more common than the Red Flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service office in Goodland, Kan...
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For proof vaccine works, look at rest homes (4/6/21)“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...
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Will going back to 'normal' include more stormy skies? (3/26/21)“What are the sirens blowing for?” a friend texted on Wednesday. The text was an unintentional jab at a news source that should have done a better job of making readers aware that yes, this was Severe Weather Awareness Week, and testing sirens was part of the exercise...
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Liquor law changes make sense for post-pandemic (3/10/21)The Nebraska Legislature is close to taking some common-sense steps to help some of the most hard-hit businesses survive and thrive in the post-pandemic world while preserving reasonable limits on alcohol distribution and consumption. Gov. Pete Ricketts threw restaurants a bone with his temporary executive order allowing them to sell drinks with the to-go order model they were forced to adopt when in-person dining was eliminated early in the coronavirus shutdown...
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Semi-annual rant: Be ready to lose an hour of sleep (3/9/21)State Sen. Tom Briese will be one of the most popular lawmakers among some of us if he is successful in his perennial quest to end the nonsense of daylight saving time. This year’s bill, LB283, would adopt year-round daylight saving time in Nebraska, but don’t look for relief any time soon. It only goes into effect if the federal government allows states to do so, and at least two neighboring states also make the switch...
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Ranked-choice voting should get a fair hearing (2/19/21)Nebraska statehouse reporters feel obligated to point out that our one-house Legislature is “officially” nonpartisan, but political affiliations have never been a secret. As a result, despite George W. Norris’ best intentions in furthering the spirit on nonpartisanship, Nebraskans often are left with an either-or, lesser-of-two-evils choice in the ballot box...
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Balanced budget message should be preached to choir (2/5/21)Sen. Deb Fischer and her Republican colleagues should be commended for their resolution, unlikely as it is to be successful, proposing a constitutional amendment to balance the budget. Unless the national debt is brought under control, so much of the federal budget will go toward interest on the debt that there will be little left to pay for important government expenditures...
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Make a New Years resolution to look for joy, not doom (12/29/20)Do you know anyone who’s went to Iceland this year or plans to next? Don’t be surprised if you do. Iceland certainly hasn’t been immune to the pandemic, and has imposed and eased restrictions in response to the COVID-19 virus like the rest of the world...
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Mask mandates shouldn't be needed, but may be necessary (11/27/20)While the governor has resisted the call for statewide mandates, more and more local governments have acted on their own. Ricketts says imposing a mask mandate may make things worse by creating resentment and resistance, and with this year’s political climate, he may be right...
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Holiday season brings special stress this year (11/20/20)The holiday season can be a joyous time as we reunite with family and friends, as well as a time of despair for those who may not be able connect with loved ones or who are alone. Domestic disputes and, sadly, suicides become more common during a normal holiday season, but this year’s pandemic is likely to magnify the problem by orders of magnitude...
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Vote counters should be allowed to do their jobs (11/6/20)Incumbent members of Congress have a definite advantage when election time rolls around. We’re quick to condemn representatives or senators from other districts or states, baffled at how their voters can send the same buffoon back to Washington year after year...
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Daylight-saving time issue will have to wait (11/3/20)We’re all glad to see election day today, and only time will tell which way Hunter Biden’s laptop or President Trump’s tweets will sway the results. Another thing we’re glad to see the end of is daylight saving time -- switching the clocks, that is, not the extra hour of daylight in the afternoon...
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Seniors 'punching above their weight' in value to society (10/29/20)Baby boomers have always had more than their share of influence on society, and still do as they move into retirement age, but in a good way. Although people over 50 made up just 34% of Nebraska’s population in 2018, they contributed 39% to the state’s gross domestic product, according to research released by the AARP...
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Private citizens can help fight abuse of prescription drugs (10/22/20)A company that some see as the worst of “Big Pharma” is paying an $8 billion settlement on guilty pleas of conspiracy to defraud the United States, violating federal anti-kickback laws, but some think that OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma is getting off easy...
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Public support key to success of new directed measures (10/20/20)Officials hoped lifting most virus restrictions last month wouldn’t allow allow the number of new COVID-19 cases to increase the way they have, but it turns out that was wishful thinking. Like fashion fads and other trends, the coronavirus took its time to arrive in the heartland, but arrive it has...
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Residents must do their part to stop the spread (10/16/20)The McCook City Council has some important items on its agenda for Monday, but one item should be a slam-dunk. There should be no debate about supporting the McCook Chamber of Commerce’s proclamation urging citizens to follow public health recommendations to help keep our schools and businesses open...
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Pandemic, flu could combine for 'perfect storm' (10/8/20)Hayes County now has at least one confirmed case of COVID-19, the last county in the state to give up its pandemic-free status. President Trump’s case, along with the many White House staffers who have tested positive, should help make the point that this shouldn’t be a political issue...
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New Medicaid system is nod to fairness, reality (10/2/20)Whether we want to call it that or not, we do have universal health care in America. Get sick, and you will be taken care of one way or another. That may be through your own insurance, or it may be paid for by taxpayers through Medicare or Medicaid, or it may take a combination of insurance customers, private-pay customers, taxpayers and charity sources to pitch in to cover your costs at the emergency room...
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Home schooling moves from fringe to preferred option (9/17/20)Most students, teachers and parents are overjoyed to see kids back in class, and all the people who made sure education continued during the pandemic deserve our gratitude and utmost respect. The fact that Nebraskans were forced to home school for a time, however, is remarkable to those of us who have observed educational controversies over the years...
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Take suicide's warning signs seriously (9/3/20)With the ongoing pandemic isolation and resulting disruptions of routine life, September’s observance of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is more important than ever. If you, or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255...
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Adequate childcare is vital to Nebraska, priceless to parents (9/1/20)Think of the words “economic development,” and visions of a another Parker Hannifin or Valmont come to mind to most of us. Large factories with hundreds of employees don’t come along all that often, and efforts to develop smaller business with a dozen or fewer employers is more likely to sustain growth...
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Pandemic affects younger people in a different way (8/25/20)We can all agree that the class of 2020 got a raw deal. Graduation, prom, spring sports were all drastically altered if not eliminated. Only time will tell whether the classes of 2021 and beyond will experience anything like the traditional transition from youth to adulthood...
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New challenges, old hazards arrive as schools reopen (8/18/20)Kids haven’t been in school since March, and when they returned this week, they were more concerned about masks and social distancing than the process of education. It’s up to us adults to do our best to normalize school as much as possible this fall, and that includes seeing them to and from school safely...
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Weatherization helps meet needs in low-income homes (8/14/20)When it comes to helping low-income families these days, most of the attention is going to Washington’s impasse over a second coronavirus relief bill currently in limbo because of political wrangling and a congressional recess. There are other ways to help, of course. Contributing food or money to the McCook Pantry, Salvation Army or other food bank or organization is one way, of course...
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Military retirement exemption step in right direction (8/13/20)“Thank you for your service.” It can be a cliché, but if we’ve worn a uniform, loved or lost someone who has, the words carry real meaning. Nebraska lawmakers put their money -- our money -- where our mouths are, to a point, with the passage of a tax cut for military retirees...
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Now may be a good time to trade in your used car (8/4/20)The pandemic is affecting things in ways none of us could have imagined. In May, the Nebraska State Patrol put out a news release stating that 200 speeders had been ticketed for exceeding 100 mph over the previous two months. Perhaps the drivers were releasing pent-up energy from quarantine, or perhaps it was a fatalistic attitude that manifested itself in dangerous driving behavior...
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Adversity draining the swamp? (7/23/20)Most of us are willing to go with the flow if things are going well, sitting up and paying attention only when confronted with adversity. President Trump and other political candidates have drawn votes by promising to root out corruption, but it takes motivation and determination to actually do that job...
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Number crunchers offer perspective on our community (7/9/20)The men and women who used slide rules and building-sized tube computers to send Apollo 11 to the moon 51 years ago this month would be in awe to see the digital power that everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens carries in their pocket or purse...
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Nebraskans love their fireworks (6/30/20)A year ago some wag suggested, only partly in jest, that an extra sales tax be imposed on fireworks sales with the proceeds going to the McCook Humane Society to help care for the dogs that wind up there after being scared by all the explosions. Perhaps part of the proceeds should go to pet owners to help pay for cleaning carpets soiled because Fido refuses to go outside to do his business...
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Fake news? You ain't seen nothin' yet (6/26/20)We hope you’ve learned to temper your social media surfing with a healthy dose of skepticism, fact-checking before you share, or at least resisting the urge to share everything that comes across your screen. Even the most responsible social media user is going to face unprecedented deception in the coming years...
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Time to put more effort into reducing demand for water (6/16/20)No one was really surprised Monday when city officials asked water users to avoid outside watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., because water usage was extremely high. Some of us, in fact, are surprised that anyone would try to water when temperatures were in the 90s and winds in the 30s, when water is more likely to evaporate on its way to the neighbor’s yard than to help our lawns survive...
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Mental health may be biggest challenge of COVID-19 lockdown (5/21/20)There are bright spots associated with the coronavirus pandemic for those inclined to look for them, namely the chance to step back from our normal, hectic lives and be with our families or spend time reading, meditating, gardening, crafting, decluttering — all those things we’ve never had time for before...
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Arts, music scene alive and well; just needs an audience (5/14/20)We’re grateful coronavirus cases are relatively rare in Southwest Nebraska, and we know of no deaths as of yet. There are more important reasons to be sad and disappointed, but one that hurt was the SWNCTA production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, performances cut short over fears of spreading the COVID-19 virus...
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Hospital Week honors front-line healthcare workers (5/12/20)You’ll find little news in this paper, on broadcast, cable or internet that isn’t affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. This year is a chance to go beyond simple lip-service to honor healthcare workers on the front line of the pandemic fight. National Hospital Week 2020 honors thousands of area health care workers who are risking their own health to care for their patients...
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Beware of Mother Nature's one-two punch (4/28/20)Somebody said it’s the one you don’t see coming that gets you. No matter who said it, it’s good advice. While we’re all social distancing and wearing our masks, wondering when things can return to normal, we need to remember COVID-19 isn’t the only threat out there...
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Trees are an investment in better times for future generations (4/24/20)City officials as well as everyone else have had plenty on their plate dealing the COVID-19 pandemic, but they, like the rest of us, know that someday, hopefully sooner than later, things will return to something closer to normal. One of those normal activities is the city’s Tree Rebate program, which has earned McCook Tree City USA honors for several decades and made our community a better place to live for generations to come...
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Nebraska among states least affected by coronavirus (4/21/20)Tom Osborne was famous for his slow and steady demeanor, doing his best to help his players level the emotional highs and lows that hurt their performance on the field. We remember our first trip into the cornbelt of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, amazed at the crops that could be produced on rainfall alone...
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There's no rush to return to our old social routines (4/15/20)Internet “experts” will argue with the analysis to no end, but COVID-19 is now claiming more lives per day, about 2,000, than heart disease or cancer, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. And, despite theories that we need to mingle to develop “herd immunity,” the coronavirus is proving deadly because it spreads so easily, transmitted by those who have not yet had, nor may never have, symptoms, endangering the lives of the elderly and those with fragile health...
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Don't let modern-day Willie Suttons into your bank account (4/14/20)Willie Sutton denied saying it, but he usually gets credit for coining a popular phrase. Sutton, who stole $2 million from banks and spent half his adult life in prison, despite escaping twice, was supposedly asked why he robbed banks. “Because that’s where the money is,” was the reply...
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Don't expect a quick reboot from coronavirus (4/9/20)When things go wrong on your old PC, you can hit the “control-alt-delete” buttons and reboot the machine. Sure, you will lose whatever you are working on at the time, whether it’s the great American novel or an email to grandma, but at least you’ll get the computer running again, cleared of whatever bug was causing it to not function...
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Lessons to be learned from wartime English golfers (4/1/20)President Trump was accused of being slow to take action, but even he is now warning Americans to brace for a “hell of a bad two weeks” ahead, with 100,000 to 240,000 coronavirus deaths even if we faithfully maintain our social distancing guidelines...
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Projections offer limited relief from uncertainty on virus (3/31/20)Uncertainty is one of most frightening things about a threat such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and even though a couple of items Monday weren’t necessarily good news, they helped alleviate some of the uncertainty. Gov. Pete Ricketts confirmed expectations during his daily briefing Monday, saying April will be another “tough month,” calling for continued the 10-person limit on social gatherings, and tougher restrictions in more hard-hit counties, including 12 more in the Panhandle with May 11 expiration... ...
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If you think you may have COVID-19, just assume you do (3/25/20)There are no reported cases of the coronavirus in the counties served by the Southwest Nebraska Health Department, but they’re sure to report one when there is. Notice we said “when” when we would have preferred to say “if.” Do the math, and you’ll see why it’s a virtual certainty COVID-19 will be diagnosed in our area. ...
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Will coronavirus cause more babies or more divorces? (3/24/20)“You can’t spell divorce without COVID” some Twitter wags are pointing out. Or, will a spike in coronavirus cases lead to a spike in births nine months later? We’ve seen stories supporting either prediction. The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported a spike in applications for divorce in the Chinese city of Xi’an, where are thousands of couples are quarantined, and lawyers predict a similar phenomenon elsewhere in the world...
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Nebraskans show wisdom in response to officials' pleas (3/23/20)Like columnist Walt Sehnert, whose column on the 1918 H1N1 “Spanish Flu” is reprinted on this page, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is looking to the past to provide guidance in dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic. It’s all about slowing the spread of the illness enough to give health care professionals time and resources to help save the patients who need it the most...
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Protect your mental health as well as physical (3/19/20)We’re part of the problem; we admit it. We’d rather pass along good news, and we do, when it’s available. But we owe it to our readers to relay the truth, and a lot of the truth is bad news in recent days. But the choice of reading a paper or watching television or scanning online news sites is ultimately up to consumers who decide how much time to devote to the activity...
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Coronavirus' special challenges for rural health (3/18/20)If you aren’t tired of news about the COVID-19 pandemic, you probably haven’t been paying attention. If you’d like to learn more about the issues surrounding a virus outbreak, however, you might want to take in the Netflix series “Pandemic How to prevent an outbreak.”...
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Coronavirus bringing out best of local community (3/17/20)“Crises like COVID-19 tend to bring out the best and worst in humanity,” World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday. He said the current coronavirus outbreak “is the defining global health crisis of our time” and “the days, weeks and months ahead will be a test of our resolve, a test of our trust in science and a test of solidarity.”...
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Coronavirus: Lessons to learn, opportunities to take (3/13/20)As the effects of the coronavirus make themselves felt in Southwest Nebraska, it’s more unusual to hear of an event taking place as scheduled than to hear of one canceled. Most schools are closed to some extent, many of them simply expanding spring breaks that were already on the calendar...
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No need for panic, but precautions are still appropriate (3/11/20)Nebraska reported its fifth confirmed case of COVID-19 on Tuesday, and many more are sure to follow. The virus is certainly something to be taken seriously. As one virologist noted, the virus is sufficiently different, contagious and its full effects so unknown, that people should do whatever they can to avoid it...
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Take precautions, but keep threat of virus in perspective (3/9/20)The coronavirus crisis, like most similar events, is as much about perception as reality. After health officials told us the most important things we can do are wash our hands and stay at home when we are sick, many of us responded by stocking up on toilet paper and bottled water...
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Don't let purveyors of fake news ruin your online reputation (3/5/20)Mark Zuckerberg had no idea what he was doing when he converted Harvard “Face Books” -- physical books with photos of fellow students living in the dorms -- into a web site that quickly grew into the social media phenomenon that plays such an important part, for good or ill, in our daily lives...
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Don't let purveyors of fake news ruin your online reputation (3/5/20)Mark Zuckerberg had no idea what he was doing when he converted Harvard “Face Books” -- physical books with photos of fellow students living in the dorms -- into a web site that quickly grew into the social media phenomenon that plays such an important part, for good or ill, in our daily lives...
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Money can't buy happiness? Studies say yes and no (3/4/20)Nebraskans are pretty happy, but they shouldn’t be, according to conflicting reports. We’re inundated on a daily basis by emails from number-crunchers who use various measurements to tell us about ourselves and create clicks on their websites. While they’re interesting, they should be consumed with enough salt to throw your blood sodium level into the danger zone...
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An early reminder that spring can bring storm skies (3/3/20)Perhaps you visited the local big-box store during the cold snap last week, and noticed a few of the parking spaces missing on the north side of the lot. Taking their place were racks for landscaping bricks and bags of mulch, garden soil and peat moss...
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Coronavirus puts Nebraska back in the spotlight again (2/26/20)Nebraska is back in the spotlight as the world tries to react and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, well on its way to becoming a pandemic in the United States. That’s because 14 people evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan are in isolation in a special unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and 12 of them have tested positive for the corona virus...
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Thanks to those who see our kids safely to school (2/20/20)There can be plenty of problems getting a kid off to school. Did he get up in time, more importantly, did he go to sleep in time to be rested up enough to stay awake in class? Is her homework done? Where is it? How about breakfast — here’s a frozen sausage biscuit, or maybe the school breakfast is a better option today...
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City avoids a new cat-leash controversy (2/18/20)We don’t know how many McCook City Council members have heard about the Great Cat Leash Controversy of 1967, but they wisely avoided a similar flap by voting to drop a cat-at-large ordinance from the books. They also voted to more closely clarify what constitutes a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog. Dog owners should take a close look at the proposed ordinance before getting their hackles up; the wording seems to be reasonable about allowing dogs to be dogs while advancing public safety...
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CSU Pueblo to offer cannabis degree (2/17/20)Nebraska State Patrol news releases about drug busts on Interstate 80 have become so common we’re tempted to start running them as a type of scoreboard. On second thought, we’d only have the “points” scored by law enforcement, since we have no idea how many loads of marijuana, methamphetamine, THC vapes and other assorted illegal substances make it through the state unmolested...
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Latest semantics spat proves that words still matter (2/13/20)Gov. Pete Ricketts hit a nerve when he picked up President Trump’s use of the word “government” to describe public schools. In his general endorsement of a school aid reform bill in the Legislature, Ricketts adopted the description Trump used in his State of the Union speech, decrying “failing government schools.”...
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Nebraskans go above and beyond in another area of generosity (2/11/20)Nebraskans are known for helping their neighbors, so it’s no surprise when we read stories about farmers coming together to harvest a sick neighbor’s crops or going above and beyond when they hear about someone who’s lost everything in a tornado or flood...
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Statewide report reinforces need for childcare progress (2/10/20)There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that creates a successful community. Jobs, education, health and safety and infrastructure are high on the list, churches and civic organizations all work together to create the positive environment we need to function as a society...
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Alzheimer's group: Use Valentine's Day to reconnect (2/5/20)You're the last person I will love You're the last face I will recall And best of all, I'm not gonna miss you Not gonna miss you They’re the words to the last song and recorded by iconic country star Glen Campbell, written after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and part of the soundtrack to the film, “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” documenting his disease and final tour...
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Short-term saving can translate into long-term suffering (2/4/20)As the cost of healthcare rises, more of the cost is being shifted to consumers in the form of higher deductibles. The consumers naturally avoid all the expenses they can, but that often includes routine checkups and visits to primary care providers at the point when health problems are most effectively, and economically, addressed...
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Don't write off public libraries just yet (1/30/20)In this age of video streaming, podcasts, e-readers and a smart phone in every pocket, is there anything more quaint than the idea of sitting down and reading an old-fashioned printed book? Don’t feel sorry for libraries just yet. When it comes to popularity, they’re leading live music, movies, theater, national or historic parks, museums, casinos and zoos, according to the Gallup organization...
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Familiarity creates dismissive attitude about deadly virus (1/29/20)A virus has sent 7 million people to the doctor, and 140,000 to the hospital. Since Oct. 1, as many as 20,000 people have been killed by the microbe, 54 of them children. From the headline, you’ve probably guessed that we’re talking about the “regular” seasonal influenza virus, this year mostly influenza B, which seems to be especially deadly for young people. That may be because older people may have some immunity built up in previous years...
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Rollback of Obama-era WOTUS rule is welcome change (1/24/20)Nebraskans are in a good position to see past the spin applied to the Trump administration’s move to change Obama-era changes to the Clean Water Act. The president has been promising the changes since he came into office, lifting restrictions that could hinder agriculture and economic development throughout the “flat-water state.”...
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Slow down, move over to help keep first responders safe (1/22/20)It’s tempting to push the speed limit while traversing Nebraska on Interstate 80, which is on the state’s flattest, most boring terrain because is it was the easiest and cheapest place to build it. No matter the road, however, shaving a few minutes off your trip isn’t worth endangering the lives of you and your passengers, other drivers or first responders who have been called out to care for travelers who have encountered misfortune...
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Young voters, health care key election factors (1/21/20)A popular meme notes that 18- to 30-year-olds are the largest voting bloc for this year’s election, and should exercise that right. Statistics on the health and outlook for millennials point to issues that should be of concern them and Generation Z and all upcoming generations...
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Even a mismatched vaccine is better than no shot at all (1/17/20)If you’ve ever had the flu -- the real flu, influenza -- you know what we’re talking about. “It feels like you got hit by a truck -- a Mac truck,” is how one victim described it. Whatever the brand, the viral semi-tractors are rolling through the state this year, killing 14 Nebraskans so far, including at least one child...
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Mentors get results, but caring about kids is their top priority (1/16/20)For quite some time now, a standard item on the McCook school board agenda is “positive comments.” It’s not just a P.R. ploy, although it does virtually guarantee a bit of good news out of each school board meeting. It does, however, force board of education members who might be weary of dealing with problems and complaints, to look for something good to share with themselves and the public...
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Electro-economy continues to gain steam ... er, watts (1/15/20)McCook High School’s newest extracurricular club probably won’t score any points with physical fitness enthusiasts, but hold that thought for now. Principal Jeff Gross told school board members that students came to him asking to form an e-sports club for online videogame enthusiasts...
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Incentives to put felons to work worth a try (1/13/20)Benjamin Franklin said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But does that hold true if the “disease” keeps reoccurring? A Nebraska state senator wants to find out. Our state is enjoying low unemployment and high demand for qualified workers, but convicted felons don’t benefit. Nebraska’s current seasonably adjusted unemployment rate was 3.1% in November, compared to 3.5% nationally, but about 27% of ex-cons don’t have jobs, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, a national research and advocacy group. With the state struggling to maintain staffing for Nebraska’s overcrowded prisons, it’s not a problem that can be ignored. The vast majority of those prisoners will return to society, and finding and keeping a job is one of the most important factors in keeping them from returning to prison. Sen. Justin Wayne’s bill would allow companies to deduct 65% of the wages paid to workers with a felony condition for their first year of employment, capped at $20,000 per employee. Iowa, Louisiana and Texas have similar laws. It is estimated the direct cost to the state would be about $2.4 million a year in lost revenue starting in fiscal year 2021, and Wayne doesn’t know how that would be made up. His similar bill wasn’t designated a priority and didn’t make it out of committee. There’s already a federal tax credit available for up to $2,400 for hiring ex-offenders, and the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and Nebraska Department of Labor have a “workforce Academy” to help prepare inmates for job interviews. Is Nebraska investing enough in prevention to prevent the need for a cure? That’s for the Legislature to decide. But Benjamin Franklin’s advice is as true today as it was in his day.
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Community colleges in good position to help single moms (1/9/20)A new report confirms what we’ve always thought; you’re seriously missing out if you don’t take advantage of our local community college. What are you missing? Well, if you’re a single mother, you’ll make more than a million dollars over your lifetime if you obtain a bachelor’s degree. That’s more than half a million dollars more than a woman who has only a high school education...
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Time for failing to wear a seatbelt to be a primary offense (1/7/20)Always trend-setters, the Italians had an unusual taste in fashion a number of years ago. Shirts with a black stripe across the front, extending from the left shoulder to the right hip, were a hot seller. That’s because the polizia were enforcing one of the world’s first mandatory seat belt laws. Scofflaws could risk their lives and escape detection by purchasing one of the above-mentioned shirts...
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'Gentle knight' should not be forgotten (1/6/20)While most of us were worrying about mystery drones or watching the Golden Globes, a Nebraska observance slipped by with barely a mention in McCook, where it should have been in the spotlight. Jan. 5 is designated “George W. Norris Day and shall be set apart for holding suitable exercises in the schools of the state in recognition of the many great benefits bestowed upon the people of the State of Nebraska and the United States as a whole, due in large part to the influence of George W. Norris.”...
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Church incident one more example of 'good guy with a gun' (12/30/19)The idea of “gun-free zones” is fast losing credibility as more mass-shootings are stopped short because responsible people with guns are on hand. You may have seen the video from the incident in the church service in White Settlement, Texas. It’s a short one...
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Tired of shopping? If you're in the car market, don't stop yet (12/26/19)Today is usually one of the busiest retail days of the year, with unwanted gifts being returned, gift certificates cashed in or clothing switched for a different size or color. While you’re at it, don’t neglect the chance to save some serious money on one of the biggest-ticket items most of us buy, a car...
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When warring sides shared a bit of peace on earth (12/24/19)The late Gazette editor Jack Rogers, stationed in Alaska during the Cold War, told of at least one incident that would have resulted in court martial, had higher-ups been aware or not looked the other way. It seems American military personnel and their sworn enemies from the USSR were not opposed to occasional fraternization, meeting on the frozen Bering Sea to exchange pleasantries and not a small amount of authentic Russian vodka for some type of U.S. brew...
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Festivus, Krampus and other odd holiday traditions (12/23/19)If you’re of a certain age and have a slightly-askew sense of humor, you’ve probably heard of Festivus. Originating with one Seinfeld writer in the 1990s, the anti-Christmas includes the display of a plain aluminum pole, a clock in a bag nailed to the wall. ...
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Can you spend even the shortest day entirely offline? (12/18/19)Although they want us to buy as much of their product as possible, beer companies regularly urge us to “drink responsibly,” knowing it puts their companies in a better light. With the internet proving to be just as addictive as alcohol, a wireless company is using the winter solstice to urge its customers to “sober up” from cellphone use, if even for the shortest day of the year...
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Is a nativity scene really offensive to reasonable people? (12/17/19)We understand the reasoning behind prohibiting religious displays on public property. The Judeo-Christian majority would certainly be offended should a satanic cult appropriate public property, and atheists have a right to object to their tax dollars being used to “promote” religion, as tiny an amount as may be involved...
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Influenza has Nebraska in the crosshairs this holiday season (12/16/19)The flu has Nebraska in the crosshairs, and we have a feeling we ain’t seen nothing yet. That’s because the Christmas season is here, a ripe time for the flu virus to spread far and wide, thanks to holiday gatherings and travel. The flu vaccine is far from foolproof, but it’s still you best bet to avoiding an infection that can put you in the hospital or even prove fatal...
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Plant-based burger: American diners try to have it both ways (12/10/19)Have you tried a plant-based burger at a fast-food chain? Frankly, our tastebuds were too busy dealing with with the onion, lettuce, tomato, condiments and bun to pay much attention to the taste “meat” in a Burger King Impossible whopper. It was there, all right, and your kid probably wouldn’t know the difference if he didn’t hear you make the order at the drive through...
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Arming teachers not easy answer to school shootings (12/9/19)Cell phones can cost $1,000 or more and even a cheap one is an important possession for most of us. Still, it’s not unusual to see one skittering across the floor after slipping from a pocket or purse, or to find yourself googling ideas for drying one out after it has been dropped in the commode...
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Feeling down this holiday season? Help is available (12/5/19)Christmas is a favorite time of year for most of us, but for others, the holidays can be a real struggle. If you’ve lost a loved one, face financial or health issues in yourself or loved ones, cheery music and television specials can make you feel especially alone and hopeless...
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Red Cross offers opportunity to help our hurting neighbors (12/3/19)“Routine” emails arrive at the news desk several times a week with basic information about a house fire in Nebraska, the number of family members displaced by the fire, and how the American Red Cross has responded. The events are anything but routine for those affected by the fire, of course, and the help provided by the organization is anything but basic...
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McCook among safest cities, but care still in order (11/29/19)We’re always skeptical of sweeping conclusions based on Nebraska statistics, with our sparse population and low number of examples of any one data point, but some reports are interesting nonetheless. The Safewise home security site issued a report that indicates McCook is the sixth safest city in the state...
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Gratitude, food health may form a self-fulfilling cycle (11/27/19)Want to be happier and healthier? Try a little gratitude. That’s easier said than done if you’ve recently suffered a loss, can’t see your way out of a difficult circumstance or face seemingly unsurmountable problems. In that case, please reach out for help — and if you know someone that needs that help, please do what you can...
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Oncoming storm may be a blessing in disguise (11/26/19)If you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving, we have some advice: Don’t. True, the brunt of today’s storm is expected to be over by Wednesday, but turkey day itself is predicted to bring freezing rain, followed by rain Friday -- which in November means ice -- and more chances of snow on the weekend, when you’ll be trying to get home. 400 flights were already canceled today at Denver’s airport...
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Any day is right day to give up smoking (11/21/19)We haven’t heard much about the Great American Smokeout this year, but it is today, part of Tobacco Cessation Awareness Week in Nebraska. There has been more publicity about a related subject, vaping, a practice which the American Medical Association said should be banned...
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Ready, set -- take a deep breath before you start shopping (11/20/19)It may be more blessed to give than to receive, but if you’re addicted to buying those gifts, you may be headed for trouble. German researchers have published a study finding that a small percentage of people are actually addicted to shopping. They say 1 in 20 adults has “buying-shopping disorder” (BSD), which “is characterized by extreme preoccupations with and craving for buying/shopping and by irresistible and identity-seeking urges to possess consumer goods.”...
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South Dakota takes lead from Nebraska slogan (11/19/19)A discussion around the coffee machine this morning drew some laughs. South Dakota’s new anti-drug slogan is “Meth. We’re on it.” Its unveiling Monday naturally drew some instant criticism as “a colossal blunder.” Gov. Kristi L. Noem (R) held her ground, saying the campaign, which a Minneapolis ad agency created for nearly $449,000, underscores the importance of combating drug use in a state where twice as many 12- to 17-year-olds reported using meth compared with the national average...
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More evidence loneliness affects our physical health (11/14/19)You know the tune, you’ve probably heard a thousand times without thinking about it much: “Once I was seven years old my momma told me “Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely “Once I was seven years old...” The lyrics of the 2015 song by Lukas Graham progress through life’s milestones -- friends, a wife and children -- ending with hopes at age 60 that his children will visit a couple of times a month...
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Safety top priority for deer season (11/13/19)Southwest Nebraska is hard to beat when it comes to outdoor opportunities. With four great lakes for fishing and water sports, top-flight public golf courses and some of the best pheasant and upland game bird hunting in the state, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine...
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Actors next to lose their jobs to artificial intelligence? (11/7/19)Auto workers have seen their jobs taken over by robots. Some fast-food restaurants have done away with order-takers at the counter, replacing them with touch screens. Truck drivers will soon be replaced by self-driving semis, as scary as that sounds...
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Take some time to relax on today's Stress Awareness Day (11/6/19)Despite the “extra” hour of sleep on Sunday, some of us are finding it hard to get adjusted to a new work/sleep schedule. Perhaps that’s what public health experts had in mind when they designated Nov. 6 as Stress Awareness Day. The last time you took a commercial flight, maybe you heard the instructions for people traveling with children...
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Microsoft cuts work week, boosts productivity (11/5/19)Now that you’re going to work an hour later, thanks to the end of daylight saving time, how about taking it a step farther? As part of its “Work-Life Choice Challenge,” Microsoft’s Japan office closed its offices every Friday in August and found that labor productivity increased by 39.9% compared to August 2018...
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2020 is good year to get involved in election process (11/4/19)Unhappy with the way things are going in our local, state or federal government? If you’ve never bothered to vote, or perhaps even run for office, you may have only yourself to blame. Nebraska Secretary of state Robert B. Evnen has published the 2020 election calendar, and if you want to get involved -- run for office, or, definitely, vote -- you should mark down some dates...
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Let's make sure Halloween is only scary in a fun way (10/30/19)Maybe the hundreds of kids who took part in the Gazette’s Halloween Parade Saturday have so many goodies they won’t bother going out for more Thursday night. If you believe that, let me tell you about some swamp land I have for sale in Florida .....
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Time to relearn lessons from the Cold War? (10/29/19)Baby boomers may remember the excesses of the late 1950s, when Sen. Joseph McCarthy saw a communism behind every rock, and a single, unfounded accusation could ruin a promising career. Now, a couple of generations later, and we’re in danger of going from that extreme to the other...
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Want to help out at work? Stay home when you're sick (10/28/19)Dedicated workers are a prized commodity, but healthy workers are just as important. The majority of us don’t let a little sneezing or coughing keep us home, but more of us should. According to an Accountemps survey, nine in 10 workers admit to going to work with cold or flu-like symptoms...
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12-hour shifts only temporary solution to prison problem (10/25/19)Nebraska’s overcrowded prison system has helped make McCook’s Work Ethic Camp more like just one more prison than the innovative rehabilitation center which it was originally envisioned as. The prison system as a whole bears watching, however, as the WEC is one of McCook’s most important employers...
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Lied performance enhances McCook's stature in the arts (10/22/19)Local fans of Broadway music were treated to memorable performances Monday night, but the folks who made it possible were impressed as well. Students packed the Fox Theatre that afternoon, and their parents and grandparents did the same for the evening performance...
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Sometimes, you can believe what you see on the internet (10/17/19)You can’t believe anything you see on the internet, or can you? Just like any media, it depends on the source. There’s plenty of opportunities for hypochondriacs to find a rare, imagined illness, the “zebra” budding doctors are advised to avoid by their more experienced mentors...
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Technology taking on more roles that humans used to fill (10/16/19)Did you ever get assigned to be a hall monitor? Some of us reveled in the authority to check passes and tell fellow students where they could and could not go. Now that role is likely filled by a ceiling-mounted CCD, feeding a video signal to a bank of monitors in the school office...
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Are workplace drug policies obsolete? (10/15/19)At last report, organizers of the petition drive to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska was doing well, destined to reach the goal of going on the fall 2020 ballot. According to a Gallup survey, 64 percent of us support legalization of marijuana...