Stories from Tuesday, December 16, 2025

LINCOLN, Neb. - Nebraska State Board of Education President Elizabeth Tegtmeier said misappropriated funds distributed through the state’s school aid formula were the primary topic of discussion at the board’s December meeting, according to a statement released following the session. The funding in question involves TEEOSA, the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act, Nebraska’s long-standing and often controversial formula for allocating state aid to public schools...

McCOOK, Neb. - No McCook property tax or sales tax dollars will be used to purchase the long-stalled St. Catherine’s Hospital property, City Manager Nate Schneider told council members. The second portion of Monday’s meeting of the McCook City Council was, in fact, a meeting of the council acting as the McCook Community Development Agency (CDA), and the proposal before the agency would allow the city to temporarily take title to the property in order to facilitate a private redevelopment project.. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - Monday night’s epic meeting of the McCook City Council was, in fact, a series of meetings contending with matters ranging from establishing blighted property status to regulating the use of public spaces. With Mayor Taylor and Council members present to consider, the discussion included development matters, redevelopment studies, policy updates and routine business. ...

Fred H. Gleason, 75, of Kearney, died December 9, 2025, at C.H.I. Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Funeral services will be 10:30 am, December 22, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kearney. Private family burial will take place at a later date. ...

Gayle Lewis Kircher was born October 27, 1929 to Albert and Ola (Elms) Kircher on the family farm in rural Red Willow County, Nebraska. He lived a life characterized by dedication, hard work, and a deep connection to his faith and family. Gayle graduated from Red Willow High School in 1947. ...

Diana Underwood, a longtime resident of Lexington, passed away Monday morning, December 15, 2025 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. She was 73 years of age. Cremation was chosen. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook and a Celebration of Life Service in Lexington are being planned for Friday, December 19, 2025...