Stories from Thursday, October 10, 2013

Where was it that you heard about the so-called demise of the newspaper? Probably, you read about it in your daily newspaper; because, as Mark Twain, a journalist himself, was able to write to a friend: "The report of my death was an exaggeration." And a good newspaper will go on to explain the source of the rumor, and if false, will present the facts that debunk it...

I know my girls' hear my voice but I also know they tune out two-thirds of what I'm saying out. If they were really listening, I wouldn't I have to repeat myself 3 or 4 times before they act. I try to give them words of wisdom now and then but when I ask later do you remember what I said, they reply, "About what?" When I talk, they nod their heads but I'm pretty sure only about 15% is retained, and that's being generous. ...

CAMBRIDGE, Nebraska -- Cambridge Physical Therapy and friends of Justin Hamel plan an open house and a benefit to help Hamel purchase a $3,000 handcycle. Hamel has been partially paralyzed since a motorcycle accident two years ago. He's testing a handcycle that could help him reach his goal of riding independently, cycling competitively and/or riding the "BRAN" (Bike Ride Across Nebraska), as his mother, Cindy, has done...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council approved new policy for the city Monday evening establishing depreciation practices for city assets. The new "Fixed Asset Capitalization Policy" was drafted by city staff and intended to improve inventory management of city items with a life in excess of one year and value more than $5,000...

OMAHA, Nebraska -- A horror film gaining popularity and being considered for worldwide release features special effects created by McCook native Ben Garcia's Wetworks SFX Studios in Omaha. The film, "M is for Make Believe," part of "The ABC's of Death2," moved into first place from among 100 films in online polling overnight...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Truth has a way of trumping fiction, Valentin Zech, 16, a Rotary exchange student visiting McCook from Austria, has found out. The stereotype of the fat American laying on the couch watching television is not the America he's seen, Zech said...

A scene from the Oct. 18-19-20 SWNCTA "Steel Magnolias" with Sierra Bustamante, JeriLynn Karr, Kay Flaska, Tiffany Gapp and Nickole Sis. Not pictured is Lori Hinze. Director Janet Hepp said rehearsals have moved to the Fox Theater for polishing the many funny lines. ...

Walter Jack Sikes Dec. 30, 1926 - Oct. 8, 2013 YORK, Nebraska -- Walter Jack Sikes, 86, of York, died at his home Tuesday evening, Oct. 8, in the presence of his family. He was born Dec. 30, 1926, to Norbon and Emma (Gibbs) Sikes in Rowden, Texas. ...

Tootsie Roll time The Nebraska Knights of Columbus started the Tootsie Roll program in 1976 to benefit children and adults with intellectual disabilities and it's still going strong today. Half of the proceeds from the Tootsie Roll drive this weekend will come back to McCook, said Tony Spilinek, coordinator of the event. ...

This information is gathered at the McCook Public Safety Center, the McCook office of the Nebraska State Patrol, the Red Willow County Courthouse, the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office and the McCook Humane Society. Police activity Activity log...

The McCook City Council was introduced to a pair of new police officers Monday evening, from left, Ashley Donovan and Austin Kelley. Donovan was previously a Red Willow County Sheriff's Deputy and Kelley recently completed his required law enforcement training...

SALEM, Oregon -- Christine Grooms, owner and lab manager of Olsen's Agricultural Lab in McCook, Nebraska, was elected and appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Hay Association. Her installation took place during the organization's 118th annual convention which was held in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 10-13, 2013...

Birdhouse gourds are on display ready for decorating, a treasure Roxy Lang of Wilsonville, Nebraska, found on the 10th Annual Junk Jaunt Sept. 28. The McCook Gazette would love to showcase your weather photos. Readers can contribute to our daily weather page, subject to space and color availability, by emailing photos to editor2@ocsmccook.com or bringing them into the Gazette offices at West First and E Streets. ...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Midland University President Ben Sasse kicked off his campaign for U.S. Senate by announcing his candidacy Monday evening in Fremont, Nebraska. Wasting no time before beginning his whirlwind tour of the state, the Republican candidate visited McCook Wednesday afternoon, flying into McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport with his wife and two daughters...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- Everything stayed true to form Thursday, Oct. 10, in the opening day of the Class B-6 District girls softball tournament. Top seeds North Platte and McCook both won Thursday evening in second-round action to set up a Friday, Oct. 11 noon showdown at the Dowhower Complex in the northern section of North Platte...

Sheryl Lee 'Sher' Stroup Sept. 14, 1949 - Oct. 10, 2013 BENKLEMAN Nebraska -- Sheryl Lee "Sher" Stroup passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at her home surrounded by her family. She was 64 years old. Sher was born on Sept. 14, 1949, at Denver, Colorado, to parents, Merle Boyd and Pauline Margaret (Hessler) Nunenkamp. As a child she was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. She graduated from Lutheran Parochial High School in Denver in 1967...