Stories from Wednesday, April 3, 2002

"A group of people, working together, can change society. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." *** The above quotation -- attributed to the late American anthropologist, Margaret Mead -- came to mind this week when the McCook Swimming Pool Committee presented its recommendations to the McCook City Council...

I wish to commend the city of McCook for finally getting up with the times. We are informed on having to pay high deposits and "oppressive" late fees for our electricity, phone and gas utilities (along with credit cards, car payments, house payments, etc.). Why shouldn't we be responsible for our water utility bill? If the people would just pay their bills on time maybe they won't have anything to worry about!...

I sometimes wonder how life treated the children that Jesus blessed. You remember the story. It is has been the subject of paintings and is no doubt a source of comfort to bereaved parents to hear again Jesus' words, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)...

BURKE, S.D. -- Gerald Duane "Jake" Swanda, 57, died Sunday (March 31, 2002) at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, S.D. He was born Aug. 19, 1944, to John and Mary (Shanahan) Swanda at Burke, S.D. He farmed most of his life on the family farm south of Bonesteel, S.D...

AURORA, Colo. -- Albert Mack Hedke, 64, died Saturday (March 30, 2002) at the Aurora Hospice Care Center in Aurora, Colo., following a battle with lung cancer. He was born Dec. 19, 1937, to Floyd and Wauneta (Preecs) Hedke in McCook. He lived his early childhood on a farm south of Trenton. ...

LITTLETON, Colo. -- Aubrey J. Heller, 85, died Saturday (March 30, 2002) at Porter Hospice in Littleton, Colo. He was born Jan. 14, 1917, to George and Minnie (Ludwig) Heller at Kanona, Kan. He grew up in McCook and attended McCook High School. He graduated from high school at Marion...