Stories from Friday, November 9, 2001

COLUMBUS, Miss. -- Donna Ayala and David Foley were united in marriage during an Oct. 20, 2001, candlelight ceremony at the Gen. Stephen D.L. Lee Historic Home in Columbus, Miss. Parents of the couple are Barbara and Jack Noble of Columbus, and Pat and Lee Foley of McCook...

Tina Rae Fichtner and Chad Leroy Steward announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Parents of the couple are Dean and Charlene Fichtner of rural Hayes County, and Roger and Rhonda Stewart of rural Dunning. The bride-to-be is a graduate of Hayes Center High School and McCook Community College. ...

Lora and Nathan Eldred of York announce the birth of a son, Lincoln Thomas, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001, at Lincoln. He weighed 8 pounds. Grandparents are Bob and Joann Nemechek of McCook, and Rick and Sherilyn Eldred of York.

Scott and Kelli Carlson of Kearney announce the birth of their daughter, Ciera Kyann, on Friday, Sept. 28, 2001. Grandparents are George and Ronda Wurm of McCook, and Linda and Larry Carlson of North Platte.

Loyall W. Nicholson Loyall W. Nicholson, 93, died Friday (Nov. 9, 2001) at his home in McCook. He was born July 14, 1908, at Cambridge to James and Wealtha (Humbert) Nicholson. He grew up in several communities, and graduated from high school at McCreadie, Mo., in 1926...

Delbert R. Eklund Delbert R. Eklund, 73, died Thursday (Nov. 8, 2001) at Community Hospital in McCook. He was born July 14, 1928, at Des Moines, Iowa, to Helena (Moore) and Daryll D. Eklund. He graduated from Council Bluffs High School in 1946. He attended college at the University of Nebraska in Omaha...

George Henry Beims ATWOOD -- George Henry Beims, 76, died Wednesday (Nov. 7, 2001) at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin. He was born April 20, 1925, at Ludell, Kan., to Henry William and Rose Ethel (Burst) Beims. He attended grade school in Ludell and Atwood, and Atwood High School...

Donald D. Harris HOLDREGE -- Donald D. Harris, 56, died Wednesday (Nov. 7, 2001) at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. He was born Aug. 29, 1945, at McCook to Ed and Bernie (Wilcox) Harris. He attended school at Holdrege and graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1963...

We have a small but nasty little contingent of low-lifes in society who are users. Most of us grew up being taught the concept of reciprocity. If we're good and decent to other people, they'll be good and decent to us. On the other hand, if they're NOT good and decent, then we won't be either. "Users" on the other hand, don't subscribe to this policy. They use and control and manipulate other people and expect no negative consequences for their behavior...

A nearly full page ad in the Friday, April 10, 1942, Gazette stated in bold letters that "America Can't Be Bicycled to VICTORY." It said "A stored car is an economic catastrophe, 'Keep 'em Rolling.'" It urged area citizens to use their cars judiciously ... give your neighbor a lift. This was no time for fads, the ad continued ... America had a job to do. Every car owner in Red Willow County could keep their car rolling through sensible driving and good care...

It is good to see a plan come together ... and the moment is even sweeter when you've been struggling to find a solution for more than a year. From all the early indications, that is the case with the long-sought and just-announced solution for the long-haul ambulance needs of Southwest Nebraska...

Stop by any coffee shop, and you're likely to get more than a doughnut and a cup of joe. First, the conversation is likely to focus on the weather. Then, the last football game will be thoroughly dissected, followed up with predictions about the upcoming contest. ...

Thelma Ann Ham GREELEY, Colo. -- Thelma Ann Ham, 81, of Benkelman, died Wednesday (Nov. 7, 2001) at the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. She was born Feb. 8, 1910 in Rawlins County, Kan., to Oscar and Ida Belle (Burkey) Mann, and attended school in Beardsley, and McDonald, Kan. She went on to attend the Capital Beauty School in Omaha with her degree in Cosmetology in 1938...