Stories from Friday, September 13, 2002

INDIANOLA -- "The good Lord was with us," said Indianola farmer-rancher Dennis McConville about the rain that fell -- finally -- on Red Willow County Thursday evening. McConville dumped 3.25 inches from his rain gauge this morning. Red Willow County Sheriff Gene Mahon said he has heard reports of rain anywhere from one inch to four inches. The McCook airport reported 1.65 inches and the Bureau of Reclamation office reported 1.67 inches...

They closed McMillen Hall today, but don't despair. A special ceremony just before noon today marked the end of an era -- and the beginning of a bright, new future for Nebraska's oldest junior college. Thanks to the generosity of the Hormel family and Sen. Ben Nelson, as well as the foresight of college officials, McMillen Hall will continue to be the main focal point for McCook's hometown college...

Dear Editor, As an ex-resident of New Jersey, the World trade Center was seen almost as often as not, just two huge buildings. The lives and innocence lost last year can never be replaced. Thank you for the special 9-11 sections you did. It was handled with grace and dignity...

BEAVER CITY -- Brian D. Sprueill of Oxford was sentenced Aug. 28 in Furnas County district court IN Beaver City on a charge of third degree sexual assault of a minor, a Class I misdemeanor, not a felony as indicated in the Gazette story Aug. 29. Christian R. Schaffert of McCook, sentenced Sept. 6 for third degree assault, reckless driving and possession of methamphetamine, will also serve 24 months probation in Hitchcock County, in addition to 12 months probation in Red Willow County...

IMPERIAL -- An informative and entertaining program is planned for the Chase County Historical Society annual banquet, set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Merrill Ream, Jean and Walt Sehnert and Russ and Sue Ankersen from McCook will present a program of stories and songs from the "Dirty Thirties."...

STRATTON -- The location of the pancake supper benefit for Larry and DeeAnn Eden of rural Stratton has been changed from the Senior Center to the Veterans' Memorial Center to allow for more seating. The Edens lost their home, belongings and truck in a flash flood Aug. 26...

TRENTON -- A 42-year-old Trenton man was jailed after his arraignment Thursday morning in Hitchcock County court on charges of distribution of methamphetamine and possession of intent to distribute meth. Judge Cloyd Clark set bond for Michael A. Kamery at $20,000. Bob Conner was appointed his attorney...

Southwest Nebraskans and Northwest Kansans can have a positive impact in the battle against multiple sclerosis Saturday, Sept. 21, by participating in the annual MS Walk at Norris Park. The McCook MS 2002 walk is scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with on-site registration opening at 8:30 a.m. Pledge forms are available by calling Joann Nemechek at (308) 345- 6816 or Marsha Overton at (308) 345-6412...

With the demand for tickets growing, the sponsors for the 2002 Governor's Debate in McCook announced that free passes for the debate are being made available at a number of additional locations. The hour-long debate will take place tomorrow -- Saturday, Sept. ...

Name tags, school uniforms and bartering. What do they have in common? By implementing all three, we can change the world, making it a better, easier, more simpler place to live. For starters, we all rely too much on money. I'm not saying we should eliminate cash or even buy fewer things; we should just go back to the good ole' days of bartering or trading for services. ...