Stories from Thursday, January 4, 2018

McCook's Mason Bales scored an upset pin of Kansas state-rated wrestler Drew Juenemann from Decatur Community at Oberlin, Kan., Thursday evening. The Bison won this dual and more details will appear in Friday's Gazette.

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- Eli and Gideon Fink are the perfect examples of where opportunity can take you...

So every week I wonder, what will happen this week that I will feel I need to write about. And every week, I never have to worry because something happens to give me something to share. So this week I was wondering if I should write about Christmas or New Years and all the hubbub a mom goes through during the holiday season. ...

“A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.” But what happens when your house runs out of room for more stuff? Hoarders aside, there’s a big market in helping people solve that problem. Google lists seven storage facilities in McCook, and while at least one of those was incorrectly listed, we’re sure there are others that didn’t show up on the map...

Dr. Vernon G. Ward, MD March 5, 1928 - Jan 1, 2018 OMAHA, Neb. — Dr. Vernon G. Ward, MD, 89, died Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 at Omaha. He was born March 5, 1928, to Charles Bennett and Mildred Belle (Graves) Ward in Palisade, Neb.  He graduated from Palisade High School in 1945 and earned his bachelor's of art degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1948.  He was an instructor and research fellow in anatomy at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, 1948-1950. ...

Richard V. Spray Nov. 30, 1956 - Dec. 24, 2017 NORMAN, Neb. — Richard V. Spray, 61, of Norman, died Dec. 24, 2017, at his home in Norman after a short battle with cancer. He was born Nov. 30, 1956, in Bridgeport, Neb., to Glen A. and Virginia M. (Frickey) Spray. ...

Merlin Shaffer TRENTON, Neb. — Merlin Shaffer, 69, of Trenton, died Dec. 31, 2017, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. Services are pending with Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

The second session of the 105th Legislature started on Wednesday, Jan. 3 and will finish with our 60 working day on April 18. This was my fourth opening day and I am always reminded of a statement by a senior senator on my first opening day. “This is one of only two days each session we all like each other.” Of course, the other day is closing day. ...

Many people save special items that become treasured heirlooms. Gary Hobbs of Trenton, Neb., saved some ash from the volcanic eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State at Yakima. Mol oldest son graduated from McCook High School in 1980. Some of that ash blew into McCook and landed on the graduation gowns of that class of 1980...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — They haven’t collided since Southwest ended Cambridge’s 2016-17 basketball season last Feburary. The Roughriders (6-3 overall) are already 1-0 for 2018 after winning Tuesday night over Hitchcock County, but they’ll face a taller challenge when those Trojans invade Bartley Friday night...

The change is subtle at first. A few more people on the treadmill. A few more people in lap pool. A few more people in the fitness classes. Then the next week, you arrive at 5 p.m. and the front row of exercise machines are completely full. You figure out how three people can swim in a lap lane. You get the last stationary bike in the rYde class...

Their season’s clearing south with the McCook wrestlers are ready to face some great Kansas competition starting tonight in Oberlin. The Bison dual those Decatur Community Red Devils at 6 p.m. (approximaely) followed by another showdown against Phillipsburg...