Stories from Monday, December 24, 2007

McCook's newest and youngest volunteer firefighters may be interested in fighting fires as a full-time career. Colton Cochran and Tyler Budke, both seniors at McCook High School, joined McCook's volunteer fire department in the fall, after each turned 18. "Volunteering is a great way to try out the profession," Tyler said. "You can't do that with most jobs."...

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. ...

Mr. (Steve) Smith commented that the State and the NRD's didn't purchase as much water as possible ("NRDs should keep big picture in view," Dec. 18, 2007). To my recollection at the period of time it was purchased, the only water that wasn't purchased was a little out of Swanson Lake and Red Willow Lake. ...

For a number of years after McCook's founding in 1882 McCook did not have a hospital. Ordinary procedures and some operations were done in the doctor's office or even in the home (in those days house calls by doctors were the norm), and the old Commercial Hotel on Main Street was the location for many surgeries. ...

March 5, 1921-Dec. 21, 2007 ARAPAHOE -- Ervin August William Petermann, 86, died Friday (Dec. 21, 2007), at C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center in Arapahoe. He was born March 5, 1921, at Arapahoe to Frank and Margaret (Monter) Petermann. He grew up on the family farm north of Arapahoe and attended Immanuel Lutheran School, graduating from the eighth grade. He attended Arapahoe High School, graduating in 1940...

Kristin Montey of McCook and Wade Hunter of Torrington, Wyo., were united in marriage on June 23, 2007, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook, with the Rev. Gary Brethour officiating. Parents of the couple are Jerry and Anna Montey of McCook and Allen and Deb Hunter of Torrington...

Joe and Amber Buresh of Phillipsburg, Kan., announce the birth of their son, Blake William Buresh on Nov. 16, 2007, at Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, Kan. He weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces and 20.5 inches long. He has an older brother, Brock Buresh. His grandparents are Roger and Chris Smith and Tom and Nancy Buresh of McCook. Great-grandparents are Melvin and Leona Smith and Noel and Claudia Schnabel of Trenton. Great-great-grandmother is Iva Schnabel of Federal Heights, Colo...

Paul and Christine Matheny formerly of McCook, now of Junction City, Kan., announce the birth of a son, Randy Jay Matheny II, on Oct. 23, 2007. He weighed 6 pounds, 12.8 ounces. Grandparents are Gary and Kay Matheny of Oberlin, Jan and Duane Collins, Lonnie and Peg Anderson, all of McCook, and the late Sandra Anderson...

The children and grandchildren of John and Mildred Weskamp are requesting a card shower in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married in 1947 in Indianola. Their children are Tom and Brenda Weskamp of Weatherford, Texas and Kathy and Gary Housley of rural McCook. They have five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Cards of congratulatlons will reach them at 805 E.Seventh, McCook, NE 69001...

Ella Ruf of Wilsonville and Chris Pachta Linn, Kan., were united in marriage on Aug. 25, 2007, at St. Johns Catholic Church in Cambridge, with the Rev. Robert Barnhill officiating. Parents of the couple are David and Margaret Ruf of Wilsonville and Jim and Marilyn Pachta of Linn...

Tom and Mika Lentz of McCook, announce the birth of their daughter, Gracie Jo Lentz on Nov. 13, 2007, at Community Hospital in McCook. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long. She has 3 year-old brother, Coleton. Her grandparents are Dave and Terri Winder of McCook and Wiley and Shirley Lentz of Ainsworth. Great-grandparents are Richard and Eloise Farber of McCook...

Amanda and Shaun Bley of Calument, Okla., announce the birth of a son, Zachary Malachi Bley on Nov. 11, 2007. He was born at Parkview Hospital in El Reno, Okla., weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces. Grandparents are Larry Glen, Christine Moore and Lavern and Beth Bley. Great-grandparents are Emma Hatton and the David Hattan Sr., Fern Moore and the late Leo Glen Moore, the Rev. Fred and Bea Wenger, and Ervin and Elaine Bley of McCook...

Capri Nicole Timm of Loup City and Benjamin Francis Klug of McCook announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Parents of the couple are Ann Obermiller of Ravenna and Rick and Pam Klug of McCook. The bride-to-be will graduate in May of 2008, from Hasting College with a degree in Business Administration and Economics Majors...

David and Erica (Weskamp) Potvin of Littleton, Colo., announce the birth of a son, Dawson Andrew. He was born Nov. 26, 2007, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colo. He weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 18 1/2 inches in length. His grandparents are Lonnie and Barbara Weskamp of McCook, Bob Potvin and Dolores Kuzman of Clearwater, Fla., and Marcie Lavoie of Manchester, Conn. Great-grandparents are Kenneth Luther of McCook and Adelia Lavoie of Caribou, Maine...

Rob and and Tiffany Brown of Chadron announce the birth of their daughter, Jaelyn Denae Brown on Nov. 28, 2007, at Rapid City Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 8.3 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long. She has two older siblings, Austin and Trey. Her grandparents are Tim and Cheryl Teel of McCook and Curtis and Jackie Brown of Kimball. Great-grandparents are Don and Marilyn Gugelman of Stockville and Delma Teel of McCook...