Stories from Wednesday, July 30, 2003

Tyler Bieck: When did you begin to play baseball? Gavin Harsh: When I was in kindergarten. TB: What position would you like to play when you get old enough to play American Legion baseball? GH: Pitcher, because you can throw fastballs and curve balls...

A month or so ago, Bush signed a bill to up our debt limit another billion dollars. This was done very hush hush without any fanfare. Several days later he signed a bill to give a tax break to those who need it the least. All this done to high-fives all around on all the news stations. Is there something wrong with this, or what?...

How would you like to see a four-lane expressway, stretching all the way from the Kansas-Nebraska border, through McCook, to Interstate 80 in North Platte? The idea -- long talked about as a possibility along the route of U.S. Highway 83 -- is gaining momentum because of the increasing importance of trade connections between Mexico, the United States and Canada...

Extra, extra, extra. Read all about it. Only 365 days left until fair. Actually, I love fairs. Growing up, the only fair I remember attending was the one taking place during my sojourn on the Wilson family farm in Albion, Iowa. I was six. It was great...

June photo contest winners are Beverly Powers' photo (left) of Faith Floro, "Spring Fun," first place and $50; Bev Schlager of McCook's "God's Tapestry," (top) second place and $35; and Jani Barger of Culbertson with "Nichol's Farm Girls" (above), third place and $15...

A physician's assistant at McCook Clinic for the past four years, Shane Pierce, is leaving Aug. 22 to join the U.S. State Department as a foreign service medical officer. Pierce, 31, will be assigned to Guinea in West Africa. After receiving orientation in Washington, Pierce and his family will move to Guinea in mid-October. Guinea is north of Liberia, the African nation now in conflict...

U.S. Congressman Dr. Tom Osborne speaks to the McCook Rotary Club during his visit to Southwest Nebraska Tuesday. He spoke about the prescription drug bill, rural healthcare and tax cuts to 52 Rotarians and their guests. Osborne was thanked at the meeting for his interest and action in getting insurance for rural hospitals, including Community Hospital of McCook. ...

The B Street project is approximately two weeks behind schedule due to heavier than expected rainfall in the spring and early summer, according to officials. "This has been an unusual year for not only Southwest Nebraska, but the entire state," said Kurt Vosburg of the Nebraska Department of Roads. The wet season has caused subcontractors to fall behind in other work and forced delays in beginning work on the McCook project...

The MCC Indians Boosters have begun the annual fundraising drive in support of the athletic programs at McCook Community College. Anyone interested in helping the Boosters promote MCC through an exciting sports program are invited to send a contribution...

The McCook Community College Indians Boosters are initiating a new program for the 2003-2004 school year -- the Adopt-an-Athlete Program. The Boosters are currently looking for families to adopt student-athletes and give these students a family away from home while at college in McCook...

Glenn Elmer Redden, 47, died Saturday (July 26, 2003) at his home in McCook. He was born March 6, 1956, to Frank David and Letha Alberta (Wright) Redden at Benkelman. He attended school at Indianola and Republican Valley High School. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Gailen Redden; an infant sister, Brenda Redden; and maternal and paternal grandparents...