Stories from Friday, October 7, 2011

It's fright night! Vampire-themed goodies cast a spooky spell on ghoulish guests this Halloween. To charm your gathering long past dawn, entertaining experts from Wilton recommend serving an array of lip-smacking snacks and a sip of "blood red" Strawberry Cooler. These supernatural recipe sensations are sure to summon vampires of all ages to enjoy your devilishly delicious treats ... and maybe a few tricks...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- I once referred to the "forbidden fruit snack" and Declan's insatiable craving for the candy that is oh so cleverly disguised as something else. I eventually won the war against the dreaded sugar-packed snack and can now safely maneuver my shopping cart past them in the grocery store, without my son turning into something akin to a raving cookie monster...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Employees of a local manufacturing company were recently given 30 days notice that the company was being relocated to Minnesota. The 15 employees of Springer Magrath also were given severance packages, and some have expressed interest in transferring to Minnesota, "but we are still working through that decision process with interested parties," said Amy Scheel, vice president of Springer Magrath's parent company, { http://www.frandsencorporation.com/asp_p... Frandsen Corp.}, Eagan, Minnesota.. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The community supper hosted every Thursday by the United Methodist Church in McCook has been providing a weekly free meal to those in need since 2005. Originally starting out as a monthly event with approximately 25 to 30 in attendance, increases to the numbers participating caused the shift to a weekly meal in 2009. The weekly dinner has been steadily growing ever since, according to chairman of the community supper, Marilyn Anderson...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A Maywood woman was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay $5,256 in restitution to her former employer, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, Oct. 3 in Red Willow County District Court. The offender, 49-year-old Gaylene M. ...

While Southwest Nebraska has a relatively low unemployment rate, it was sad and alarming to learn that a local manufacturer, the Springer Magrath Co., was relocating to Minnesota, taking about 15 local jobs with it. Springer Magrath was the kind of company that provides most of the job growth in the American economy, small local companies founded by entrepreneurs with a vision for creating products and services that meet a need...

I write about domestic violence once a year, always during the month of October, since this is the month that has been designated domestic violence awareness month. The horror stories are real, vivid and disturbing and they continue to fill up journals, magazines and police blotters. And although some men are also domestic violence victims, about 90 percent of all victims are women and that percentage has stayed fairly stable over the past several years...

I am concerned about a proposal for the Universal Service Fund under consideration by the FCC that would severely limit high-speed mobile wireless broadband expansion in rural communities in favor of outdated landline technology. Under this proposal, rural Nebraska would lose out on up to $128 million for new mobile broadband sites and infrastructure over the next 10 years. We cannot allow this measure to leave our residents and businesses with yesterday's technology...

HOLBROOK, Nebraska -- Businesses and individuals are being asked to be suspicious of anyone spending large amounts of coins. Karen Buettner said after she and Ike Snider left their home in Holbrook Tuesday morning, Oct. 4, someone stole 5 1/2 cans full of coins, as well as a bag of 100 dollar coins...

The U.S. Postal Service is an integral part of American life, especially in rural communities. In rural areas like the Third District, residents rely on the USPS for the delivery of prescription drugs, retail purchases, business mail, and cards from loved ones. In fact, you are likely reading this column in a newspaper delivered through the mail...

June 13, 1929-Oct. 7, 2011 GERING, Nebraska -- Robert "Red" L. Warburton, 82 of Gering, Nebraska passed away Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at his home. His memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Gering Memorial Chapel. At his request, cremation was held...

Feb. 23, 1920-Oct. 6, 2011 COZAD, Nebraska -- Garnett Alva Ginther passed away Thursday, Oct.6, 2011, at Golden Living Center Nursing Home in Cozad. He was 91 years old. Garnett was born on Feb. 23, 1920, at Atwood, Kansas to Clarence Alva and Edith Adaline (Brown) Ginther. He attended rural school near Atwood...