Stories from Tuesday, June 25, 2002

An extended period of hot, dry weather and high water demand is forcing the city of McCook to request that residents follow a voluntary outdoor watering schedule. Effective today, the city of McCook is asking for a ban on outdoor water use between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day...

Whether you love them or you hate them, fireworks will be allowed in McCook despite drought conditions that continue to plague the area. When it comes to the county, however, there may be a different story. McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham said Monday as long as those shooting off the fireworks use common sense everyone should be able to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July...

CAMBRIDGE -- A retired cardiothoracic surgeon from Lincoln plans a study through Tri-Valley Health System to investigate the link between family history and premature heart disease. For the study, Dr. Michael Breiner, MD, wants to involve people 59 years old and younger with or without heart disease or symptoms of heart disease, with close relatives who have heart disease or who have died from coronary disease...

A combine cuts wheat in a field near the Kansas border south of McCook along U.S. Highway 83. Stratton and Culbertson elevators were open on Sunday to receive wheat, while the Frenchman Valley Co-op in McCook began receiving its first loads of wheat Monday morning. Spotty yields were reported, with moisture as low as 8 percent and test weights from the 50s to as high as 62...

A small toad entertains Sandy Baker's daycare children during a trip to Kelley Park this morning.

The abrupt departure of Dr. George Mihel has created an opportunity for a new era of enlightened leadership for the Mid-Plains Community College Area and the colleges in McCook and North Platte. Fortunately, an experienced educator is in place to lead the Mid-Plains Area through the transitional period. Dr. Carlton Williams, who has spent more than 40 years in the ministry, education and administration, has agreed to lead the Mid-Plains system until a new president is in place...

Dear Editor: On behalf of the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Society, I would like to express our appreciation to the residents of McCook and Southwest Nebraska for making our annual meeting on June 13-15 a very enjoyable experience. Several of our members attending the meeting from all parts of the State commented on the community spirit, friendliness and hospitality afforded them during their brief stay in McCook...

Ask yourself what does the city of McCook do for our local kids? New playground equipment? No. All paid for by local businesses and personal donations. Pay for new baseball uniforms and equipment like Oberlin does? No. All Midget League sponsors and softball teams pay for everything...

What value resides in everyday words? Is writing worthwhile, only when it's contained within the covers of a best-selling novel? Or do the words recorded in diaries and daily journals, on recipe cards and across the margins of desk calendars, possess meaning as well?...