Harold Reutter - Education Reporter

12/14/2017

Reporters in general and newspaper reporters in particular never want to make themselves part of the story. On the other hand, reporters always want to tell other people what they have learned or discovered. They never want to keep a secret. So, this is just a short Facebook note to let people know that I am retiring and that my last day at The Independent is Friday, Dec. 15. I’ve enjoyed telling readers of The Grand Island Independent and Central Nebraska all the stories that this part of the world has to offer: From tornadoes to debates over whether a school bond issue should be passed to arguments over whether Grand Island voters should approve its first-ever city sales tax to who is running for political office to anecdotes about people who simply have an interesting tale to share with others.

12/13/2017

The GOP is getting close to being the midwife to the birthing of tax bill - but no one knows if it is a boy or a girl.Here's why: The legislation is still being finalized, but it does a lot of things such as cut top income tax rate the for wealthy folks, cuts corporate tax rate and ends Obamacare individual mandate. Only corporate tax cuts and mandate repeal are permanent.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Confident congressional Republicans forged an agreement Wednesday on a major overhaul of the nation's tax laws that would provide generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest

12/13/2017

Grand Island City Councilman Chuck Haase will not be running for mayor in 2018. Haase confirmed his decision to The Independent Wednesday morning.

Grand Island City Councilman Chuck Haase will not be running for mayor in 2018.

12/13/2017

The Hall County Facilities Committee will meet with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services officials about the DHHS building at 116 S. Pine St. not being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Facilities Director Loren “Doone” Humphrey announced the decision to the Hall County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

The Hall County Facilities Committee will meet with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services officials about the DHHS building at 116 S. Pine St. not being compliant with the

12/12/2017

Chamath Palihapitiya, former Facebook VP, says Facebook's "dopamine-driven feedback loops" are "ripping apart the social fabric of how society works."

Chamath Palihapitiya used to be in charge of Facebook's growth. Now he doesn't let his kids use the platform.

12/12/2017

As the final parameters of the GOP tax bill took shape, negotiators agreed to cut the top tax rate for individuals from 39.6 percent to 37 percent in a windfall for the richest Americans.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Republicans on Tuesday rushed toward a deal on a massive tax package that would reduce the top tax rate for wealthy Americans to 37 percent and

12/12/2017

I do believe this is the first everyone at a Northwest board meeting has spoken in favor of a 6-8 middle school. However, the story shows that people can have very different ideas of just what a 6-8 middle school entails. Stand-alone? Connected to Northwest High School? Moved into existing Northwest High School?

The Grand Island Northwest school board is inviting representatives from the Adams Central school district and First National Bank to its Jan. 8 meeting to get advice on how Northwest

12/12/2017

Separate disturbances at Conestoga Mall and north Walmart, cause GIPD to arrest man for making threats and possession of a handgun by a prohibited person. Woman writes letter that says man did not know about gun in car he was driving.

Trevis Turner was arrested Friday night by Grand Island police, who say he threatened people at Conestoga Mall and the north Walmart.

12/12/2017

Teresa Archer, an employee of the calendar store in Conestoga Mall, was arrested Friday for possession of m**hamphetamine. Grand Island police had received a call that people were using drugs at the calendar store..

Teresa Archer, an employee of the calendar store in Conestoga Mall, was arrested Friday for possession of m**hamphetamine.

12/12/2017

Ron Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union, think the pending GOP tax 'reform,' has the potential to really hurt farmers, as well as most middle classl Americans.

The tax reform proposed by Republicans in Washington, D.C., shows the party has completely abandoned any interest in reducing the national debt and the annual federal deficit, says Roger Johnson,

12/12/2017

Diane Rouzee is calling it a career as a volleyball coach after being involved with the Northwest volleyball program for the past 34 years, including 30 as the head coach.

Diane Rouzee is calling it a career as a volleyball coach.

12/11/2017

Dale Crandell is a baker, a soup-maker and - not a candlestick-maker - but a woodworker and an all-round good volunteer for the community.

Dale Crandell has a kind face that people remember. Even President John F. Kennedy remembered him by name as they passed each other walking through the White House.