Stories from Monday, July 22, 2019

McCOOK, Neb. — Beatrice pounced on help of four errors and five walks to finish McCook National Bank's season, 5-2, at the Class B Juniors Legion state baseball tournament Monday afternoon. McCook (17-15 final record) stayed within striking range by making some good defensive plays likerelief pitcher Colton Stevens' diving catch of a popped-up bunt. Stevens quickly jumped and threw to third where he doubled off a Beatrice runner...

McCOOK, Neb. — Only one score separated all three super-competitive McCook Football League season openers at Weiland Field Friday evening. The Eagles and Redskins battled so intensely that only one fumble recovery for a touchdown decided their contest...

McCOOK, Neb. — The battle of unbeatens was no contest as Hickman toppled Central City-Fullerton Cornerstone, 15-0, Tuesday evening to clinch a spot in Wednesday's Class B Juniors Legion state championship round. Hickman has won all three games including two shutouts. Coach Sean Bartholomew's boys will play Waverly next at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Jaycees Complex...

Anthony D. Baltazar FORT MORGAN, Colo. — Anthony D. Baltazar, 89, died May 4, 2019 in Fort Morgan. Services are Thursday, July 25, 2019, 10 a.m., at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan. Private inurnment is in Serenity Falls. Heer Mortuary Chapel is in charge of the arrangements...

Charles F. Fuller Nov.1, 1932 - July 10, 2019 MONTROSE, Colo. — Charles Frederick Fuller, age 86, of Montrose, passed away July 10, 2019, in Denver, Colo. Charles was born on Nov. 1, 1932, in Trenton, Neb., to Fred and Nina (Berger) Fuller. He graduated from Trenton High School and enlisted into the Air Force in May of 1952. ...

Sandra Sue Large April 6, 1958 - July 19, 2019 HAYES CENTER, Neb. — Sandra Sue Large was born on April 6, 1958, at Spalding, Neb., to LaVerne A. and Kay L. (Jenkins) Buckles. Sandy, as she was known, grew up in Ericson where she attended school, graduating from Wheeler Central High School in Bartlett, Neb. Sandy continued her education at Wayne State and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, earning a bachelor’s degree in education, home economics...

KEARNEY, Neb. — Former McCook Gazette publisher Gene O. Morris died Sunday in the Kearney Regional Medical Center of double pneumonia and heart complications, according to family members. Funeral services are pending with Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook...

Ten-year-old Kenzie Bardsley distributes freezer pops from her grandmother Susan Todd's "Susie's Creative Stitches" float, first-place float winner in the Wauneta Harvest Fest parade Saturday morning. Along the parade route, kids chased high-bouncing balls and candy blasted from the "Corey & Steinke" cannon. ...

Josh Crocker of McCook has donated a large oil painting titled "Time for Supper" by Emmett Jones (Aug. 5, 1928-Aug. 13, 1991) to the High Plains Museum in downtown McCook, in memory and recognition of the contributions of Emmett Jones to the community of McCook. ...

Over the past month, I have had the privilege of sharing stories about why McCook and specifically Sehnert’s Bakery earned the Nebraska nomination for the “Nicest Place in America” and why it should earn the top prize in the 2019 Reader’s Digest contest...

Gene O. Morris was a man of passion. He embraced everything that he did with zeal. When he believed in an idea, his enthusiasm was contagious; and sometimes even irrepressible. His first passion, of course, was his family. He disclosed on several occasions how fortunate he was to have found Barbara to share his life with, and how grateful he was that she “put up with” him for so many years. ...

COZAD, Neb. — Traling 2-0 with three outs remaining, McCook National Bank scored three runs to beat Minden 3-2 and move within one win of a B-6 Seniors area title Sunday evening. Dawson Bredvick’s two-RBI single capped a terrific rally set up with clutch hits from James Mockry, Seth Dugger and Trae Koetter...

McCOOK, Neb. — Take a deep breath, McCook First Central Bank fans, because bearded wonders and McCook First Central Bank winning big games were not ready to go away Sunday afternoon. “I guess I’m keeping (the beard) until we are done,” Matt Van Pelt declared about the impressive lumberjack look for a soon-to-be Southwest High School junior...