Stories from Tuesday, April 2, 2002

HAYES CENTER -- John and Nanci Mintling of Hayes Center announce the birth of their son, Zane Eldon Mintling, Wednesday (March 27, 2002) at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte. He weighed 8 pounds, 10.5 ounces. Grandparents are Bob and Liz Geisler of McCook, Geraldine Mintling of Hayes Center and the late Eldon Mintling...

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Ryan and Michelle Stevens of Marietta, Ga., announce the birth of their son, Bryce Connor, Monday (April 1, 2002). He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces. He has one brother, Blake, age 18 months. Grandparents are Leonard and Sylvia Stansberry of Hobbs, N.M., and Tim and Terri Stevens of McCook...

As the days dwindle down to a precious few, Nebraska's lawmakers are scrambling to find a way to prevent a $226 million budget deficit. The state senators have to get the job done ... there's no way out of it. Nebraska has a law that forbids deficit spending for state government...

Dear Editor: Thank you for your editorial regarding the city's recent long letter outlining all the new rules and regulations, and increased fees for city services, including oppressive late fees and connect and re-connect charges. Mr. Bingham states that your complaint is the only one his office and the city council have received. I commend you for once again using your bully pulpit to stand up for the man in the street, the little guy, and for stating your reasons so clearly...

Dear Editor, That West Bank Palestinian suicide bomber really set off a smoldering battle between Ariel Sharon and Yasir Arafat when he detonated explosives at Natanya. As a former waiter at various hotels in that seaside resort town north of Tel Aviv, he gained easy access to a Passover seder (meal). The bomb which he exploded not only killed 22 people and wounded more than 100 others, but it has curtailed an important Middle East peace process...

About this time each year, warm weather encourages that familiar malady known as Spring Fever. Nearly everyone feels its effects, from elementary students to great-granddads. Symptoms are especially acute in those who have to spend their days inside...

Robert G. Jezek, 70, died Sunday (March 31, 2002) at his home in McCook after a long battle with cancer. He was born July 2, 1931, at Tobias to Alois and Ollie (Cummings) Jezek. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1949. On Jan. 31, 1978, he married Marilynn C. Callen. They made their home in McCook where he was manager in grocery retail for many years. They moved to Omaha and returned to McCook in 1996...

STRATTON -- Robert L. Turpin, 59, died Friday (March 29, 2002) at his home in rural Stratton. He was born April 18, 1942, at Haigler to Robert N. and Mary F. (Holt) Turpin.  He attended school at Cedar Bluffs, and Wauneta before joining the United States Navy...