Stories from Tuesday, October 15, 2019

I write this on Monday the 14th -- Columbus Day. Memories. It was a great time in grade school. Things to color, replicas of his boats, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria we crafted out of paper. Columbus Day of my youth was a great celebration. I wonder how it is in the grade schools of today? At least the Post Office has the good sense to holiday in celebration...

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...

Colleen A. Kinder Sept. 3, 1929 - Oct. 11, 2019 IMPERIAL, Neb — Colleen Ann (Forsbeck) Kinder was born Sept. 3, 1929, at home in Gorham, Kan., to the late Ansel and Ruffina Forsbeck. A life-long Missouri Synod Lutheran, Colleen was baptized on Sept. ...

Nina G. Fortkamp July 28, 1922 - Oct. 13, 2019 IMPERIAL, Neb. — Nina Georgia (Brown) Fortkamp was born July 28, 1922, to John and Rossa (Krutsinger) Brown at the Chase County Hospital in Imperial, the fifth of seven children. Nina was raised on the family farm in Dundy County, Neb., attended rural school nearby and graduated from Dundy County High School, Benkelman, Neb., in 1939...

Elaine Elizabeth Bishop Feb. 17, 1940 - Oct. 10, 2019 MANHATTAN, Kan. — Elaine Elizabeth Bishop, 79, of Manhattan, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. Elaine was born in Chicago, Ill., on Feb. 17, 1940. Her parents were Lillian (Tipman) and Edward Behrens...

McCOOK, Neb. — School districts are using more diverse surveillance methods to keep an eye school activity. When discussing the new McCook Public School district’s policy for surveillance cameras, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said at some schools, student tracking is done via a tag that students have to wear. Facial recognition is another method some districts are looking at. However, Norgaard said none of that is being considered at the McCook School district...

McCOOK, Neb. — Although the recent state ranking of McCook High School was a disappointment to school officials, they are in the process of compiling evidence to be considered for a bump-up. Schools are ranked on AQuESTT using a number of factors, including a complex mathematical formula, as Excellent, Great, Good and Needs Improvement. ...

McCOOK, Neb —A salary increase of 2.23% for the superintendent was approved Monday night by the McCook School Board. Board president Tom Bredvick made the motion for a $167,600 salary for Superintendent Grant Norgaard, up from the current $164,300 salary and to maintain Norgaard’s current heath insurance at family coverage...

ALMA, Neb. — An attack of 671 yards on 63 plays showed again the Cambridge Trojans were almost unstoppable during their 66-40 win at Alma Friday evening. Senior Paxton Ross totaled 561 yards himself with 424 passing and five touchdowns. He carried 17 times for 137 yards with three more scores...

KEARNEY, Neb. — The Southern Valley-Alma Saints plated 35 runs during their final two district tournament games while ending a 20-10 softball season on Saturday. Gamechanger.com recaps from both games: Saints 23, Ord 14 Both pitching staffs had their hands full on Thursday in a high-scoring affair where Southern Valley/Alma Saints Varsity bested Ord, 23-14...

IMPERIAL, Neb. — The McCook freshman football team finished a 7-0 season with their 41-0 win over the Chase County Longhorns JV team Monday night. Adam Dugger’s 30-yard touchdown run started the fun finale which included his four-yard TD pass to Lucas Gomez-Wilson...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Cambridge golfers are on target for a Class C top five repeat or even higher as they tee off today’s final state tournament round. Senior Maria Jauken held the No. 7 spot among all state golfers entering her 11:40 a.m. start today...

McCook’s Tate Felber (19, above) blasts through to hit this Grand Island Northwest running back during JV football action at Weiland Field Monday night. Meanwhile, a Bison receiver (right) drew pass interference contact to set up McCook’s first touchdown. However, visiting Northwest still owned a 14-7 lead and went on to triumph 28-14...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. -- Tri Valley Health System is offering a Healthier Me Wellness program for those who are looking for help to make healthier lifestyle choices. A free informational meeting will be held on October 16 from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Meadowlark Room at Tri Valley Health System...