Stories from Friday, March 23, 2012

Stan Molstad of Colby Canvas, Colby, Kansas, anchors the new awning at Norris Avenue Chapel in McCook, Nebraska, in a brisk breeze Tuesday morning. Assisting him with the project were, from the left, Rod Spencer and partially hidden Mark Fletcher and Dave Davidson, and Kirk Magee. ...

Did you know that you are more likely to accomplish something if you are told to do it than if you chose for yourself to do it? Supposedly it is true scientifically... I read that there is actually , indicating that when someone else tell us to do something, we are far more likely to choose to do it than if it is something we think we are choosing for ourselves. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Christ in the Passover, a Jews for Jesus presentation, shows the link between the ancient festival of Redemption and Christ as the Lamb of God, and will be presented at 6 p.m., Sunday at McCook Evangelical Free Church, 602 East 14th...

Late last year I returned to speak at the church that was my first pastorate. The church was celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, and it had been more than a decade since I had stood in their pulpit. They welcomed me back with incredible grace and affection, and I was truly glad for the reunion...

Dear Friend, INTRO The information I have for you, comes with a real sense of urgency. Just when it seems that WE (the U.S.) is on the verge of a tremendous financial resurgence from the discovery of new techniques in oil drilling that would revive our entire economy and make us energy independent, Israel is on the verge of going to war with Iran. ...

40th anniversary The family of Jim and Kathy Broz of Hayes Center, Nebraska, is hosting an open house and card shower in honor of the couple's 40th wedding anniversary. They were married April 8, 1972, at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton, Nebraska. ...

During my grade school years my Mom's "little" brother stayed with us for a time while he chased work on the then booming oil rigs of North Dakota. Uncle Chris was anything but little in size, I would estimate he weighed more than 300 pounds and was approximately 6 foot 3 inches tall. To me, during my 4th to 5th-grade school years, he was nothing shy of a giant...

FAMILY FEATURES -- On weeknights packed with errands and activities it's smart to be well-stocked with simple dinner solutions. A satisfying salad makes a great quick, convenient meal. So throw on your sombrero and try this recipe for Mexicali Chicken Caesar Salad, a new spin on the classic Caesar that the whole family will love...

FAMILY FEATURES -- If you're looking for ways to make meal times healthier while still keeping your family happy, why not try soyfoods? April is National Soyfoods Month and the perfect time to try these great tasting and great for you foods. Packed with high quality protein, soyfoods are an excellent option to keep your family energized and satisfied all day long. Besides being delicious, you'll enjoy fewer calories, less saturated fat, and low to no cholesterol...

Perry, Klein Sydney E. Perry of Cozad, Nebraska, and Phillip G. Klein of Gibbon, Nebraska, announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. Parents of the bride-to-be are Elspeth and Richard Perry of Linden, Michigan. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are Ivan and LeAnn Klein of Gibbon and Valerie Klein of Wood River, Nebraska...

Neel, Johnson Michelle Neel and Bradley Johnson, both of Colorado Springs, Colorado, announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. Parents of the couple are Richard and Joyce Neel of McCook, Nebraska, and Martin and Connie Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska...

50th anniversary The family of Richard and LuluMae Carter of McCook, Nebraska, is requesting a card shower in honor the couple's 50th wedding anniversary. They were married March 25, 1962. Their family includes children, Charlie of McCook and the late Ricky Carter and three grandchildren. Cards of congratulations will reach them at 38546 Road 728, McCook, NE 69002...

80th birthday The family of Berniece Redden, of Palisade, Nebraska, is requesting a card shower in honor of her 80th birthday. She was born March 27, 1932, south of Haigler, Nebraska. Her family includes Pat Redden of Palisade, daughters, Lois Miller and husband, Tom of Verdon, Nebraska, Linda Bush and husband, Gordon of Riverton, Nebraska, Lola Beyer and husband, Delbert of Boyden, Iowa, Lorene Lanus and husband, Steve, of Algona, Iowa, Leota Schutte and husband, Mike of Seward, Nebraska, Laura Heisler and husband, Kenneth of Humboldt, Kansas; 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. ...

89th birthday Helen Hotze, formerly of Indianola and McCook, Nebraska, will celebrate her 89th birthday March 29 at Cherry Creek Retirement Home.  Cards of congratulations will reach her in care of her daughter, Maureen Bowles, 13803 E. Lehigh Ave., Aurora, Colorado, 80014...

Hethie E. Tanner Sept. 4, 1918 - March 22, 2012 BEAVER CITY, Nebraska -- Hethie E. Tanner, 93, of Beaver City, died Thursday (March 22, 2012), at the Beaver City Manor. She was born Sept. 4, 1918, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Andrew and Nellie (Hannon) Randall. She grew up in the Denton, Nebraska area...

Donald Robert Shafer July 17, 1931 - March 21, 2012 ARAPAHOE, Nebraska -- Donald Robert Shafer, 80, of Oxford, Nebraska, died Wednesday (March 21, 2012), at the Harlan County Hospital, in Alma, Nebraska. He was born July 17, 1931, on the family farm east of Edison, Nebraska to Robert and Velma (Osborn) Shafer...

CULBERTSON, Nebraska --The Culbertson CIP held its March meeting at the Bear Cave with eight members present. Discussion was held with Dusty and Jen Gaston and Pam Hamilton about a ball program for Hitchcock County youth this summer. A letter will be distributed through the school with information about this program...

CULBERTSON, Nebraska -- St. John's Guild met March 13 with Norma Klein as hostess. Rev. Schnakenberg led the Bible study, "What do You Have to Say?" The business meeting was called to order by Wendy Reiners, president, with six members and Rev. Schnakenberg present...

TULARE, California -- Eric Sitzman couldn't resist saluting his old commander in chief, former President George W. Bush, at an event in Tulare, California, last month. "What branch?" Bush asked as he noticed the salute. "Marines," he said proudly. "Semper Fi," replied the president as he returned the salute...

The McCook High School girls tennis team pulled out the brooms Thursday, March 22. The Bison girls swept all 18 varsity matches to claim 9-0 victories over Hershey and North Platte in the double dual meet at the Bison Courts. McCook improved to 4-0 in dual meet action early in the season...

Nebraska state high school athletes can earn a long list of awards and honors during their respective careers. There's all-conference, all-state teams, state tournament qualifying, medaling at state competitions, to name a few. For Cornhusker State prep football players, perhaps there's no bigger honor than being selected to represent their school and community in the annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook Fire and EMS personnel, along with McCook Community College paramedic students and their instructor, were able to participate in training Thursday that uses some of the latest and greatest trauma simulation technology available. Representatives from Mid-Plains Community College brought iStan to McCook, a patient simulation dummy that is hailed as being unlike any other simulator available...

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- Mid Plains Community College governors plan a work session at 4 p.m. Wednesday and a regular meeting at 6:30 in Room 200 at the W.W. Wood Building, 1101 Halligan Drive on the North Campus as North Platte Community College. The work session will include a presentation on dual enrollment, discussion of policy changes and a budget update...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- An opponent to the location where Red Willow County Commissioners plan to build a jail and law enforcement center will make another pitch for a new location Monday. Dale Dueland, who has been among those opposed to building the $5 million facility on lots just north of the county courthouse, is on the agenda to provide follow-up information on a site on land for sale near the Work Ethic Camp on North U.S. Highway 83...

Frenchman Valley's elevator is shrouded in fog, silhouetted against the rising sun this morning. Motorists were wise to take extra time getting to work as a ground fog covered low areas in McCook and the surrounding area.

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will begin collecting walleye eggs earlier than usual this spring because of the recent warm weather. Closures and warnings for boaters and anglers again will be in place. Game and Parks staff will begin collecting walleyes the night of March 26 at Sherman Reservoir, when the dam is closed, and then during that week at Merritt Reservoir and Lake McConaughy...

McCook residents have been keeping track of a flock of geese that have been wandering through town recently, including in front of Ronda Jasnoch's home, below, on South Seventh, and across B Street, right.

Derided from the right for his supposed unwillingness to promote oil exploration, President Obama is now being blasted from the left for his decision to fast-track construction of the southern section of the Keystone XL, from Oklahoma to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico...

I loved to fly when I was younger. It was such a wondrous adventure, flying high at 35,000 feet and feeling like you could see forever when you looked out the window. Practically all flights over an hour in length served full meals, the stewardesses were all attractive and friendly and you were really made to feel special...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A Curtis, Nebraska, man accepted a plea agreement, March 7 in Red Willow County District Court, that admitted guilt to a misdemeanor charge of third degree assault. Sentencing was subsequently scheduled for the man, 27-year-old Jason C. Hunter, for April 30, 2012...

TRENTON, Nebraska -- Hitchcock County, Nebraska, Sheriff D. Bryan Leggott is requesting the help of the public in his department's investigation of a break-in at Lakers NorthShore Restaurant and Bar at Trenton Lake on Feb. 10. Someone forcibly entered the establishment and took beer, spirits and more than $600 in currency...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook Economic Development Corporation announced today that a new program has launched that will provide financial incentives for improving the facades of business in McCook Commercial areas. Funded from the Economic Development portion of the Local Option Sales Tax, this program will provide grants of up to $5,000 with a one to one match plus additional zero interest loans up to $10,000 to local businesses or building owners to improve the looks and structural soundness of their building fronts. ...

Late night debates at the Legislature are in full swing and we are nearing the pinnacle of the 2012 Legislative session. We began debating on consent calendar bills last week, which are bills that have been deemed non-controversial and are allowed no more than 15 minutes of debate. My bill, LB 1126, is one of the bills that passed first round on consent calendar...

Victor L. Beebe April 13, 1921 - March 22, 2012 HAYES CENTER, Nebraksa -- Victor L. Beebe, age 90, of rural Hayes Center, passed away on March 22, 2012, at El Dorado Nursing Home in Trenton. Victor was born April 13, 1921, on the family farm 11 miles north of Culbertson. He attended grade school in a one room country school house. Victor attended Bluff View his freshman year, then transferred to Culbertson High School. Here he met Naomi Hock, a classmate. They graduated in 1939...

90th birthday The family of D. Neal Callen is hosting a birthday celebration for his 90th birthday. He was born April 7, 1922, in Frontier County. The celebration is Saturday, April 7, 2-4 p.m. at the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 908 Yellowstone Avenue in Alliance. His family includes his children, Ron and wife, Cindy Callan, Sandy and husband, Mark Hissam; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cards of congratulations will reach him at 416 Lane 2, Alliance, NE 69301...