Stories from Thursday, December 20, 2001

Despite pressure from their colleagues, the U.S. Senators from Nebraska, Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson, stood by their convictions this week and voted against the $26.5 billion Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Despite the Nebraskans' opposition, the bill breezed through the Senate in overwhelming fashion, garnering 87 votes in favor and only 10 votes -- including those of Hagel and Nelson -- in opposition...

There has been an old big truck on about the 900 block of J Street for 31/2 weeks. Is it legal to park by the fire hydrant? It is sure a disgrace for J Street.

Dear Editor, Hello. Well, because of my low income, we had to go to Health and Human Services to ask for medical help because we have no insurance at all, so my wife can go to the doctor. They at the doctor's office ask us to have cash and we cannot come up with as much as she needs to. ...

Each year it seems harder to get into the holiday spirit. This year has been especially difficult. How in the world can anyone get in the Christmas mood when it's been warm enough to camp and picnic at the lake? The weather is ruining my yearly shopping list. A sweater for my mom? She'd faint from heat exhaustion...

Brandon Lee Hendricks Brandon Lee Hendricks was born March 13, 1972, in Oklahoma City, Okla. He graduated from Russellville High School in Arkansas in 1990. Brandon interrupted his college in 1999 to enter the U. S. Navy. He attended Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Ill., and graduated with Honors and Distinction as the Class Valedictorian. ...

G. Randall Amack OBERLIN -- G. Randall Amack, 68, died Wednesday (Dec. 19, 2001) at the Hays Medical Center, St. Anthony's Campus, in Hays, Kan. He was born July 11, 1933, at Prairie Dog Township in Decatur County, Kan., to Stanser James and Minnie Elva (George) Amack. He was raised in rural Decatur County and attended the District No. 102 school and the Selden Grade School. He graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1951...