Stories from Tuesday, November 19, 2002

Regardless of the current economic downturn, the city of Mccook continues growing. Several large projects have been completed this year, including the addition to Curley Olneys, the expansion of Willow Ridge, the development of the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, the new super distribution center at Valmont, the remodeling project at the Stinnette building and a large remodeling project at First Central Bank...

Dear Editor, Congratulations to all who have been a part of the success of the 2002 Bison Football season! Especially to the young men and coaches who have worked very hard and very long to accomplish their goals. Special kudos go out to the seniors of this Bison squad who have grown so much under Coach Gross' guidance...

For the past 10 years, representatives from Southwest Nebraska have been reaching across county lines to accomplish projects for the mutual benefit of the region. The group -- known as Southwest Nebraska Resource, Conservation and Development -- has worked quietly and efficiently behind the scenes, marshalling county and community resources to address more than 115 separate areas of concern...

A new group formed to create a growing community with clean neighborhoods and well-maintained housing for all ages of residents plans another meeting in December. The McCook Housing Partnership, formed in conjunction with FHLBank Topeka, plans to meet Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Country Steak Buffet, formerly the Bonanza Restaurant. Interested are invited to attend, and lunch will be on their own...

"Choose to Care" is the theme for this year's United Way fund drive, which has a goal of $81,000 and continues through Dec. 15. The following agency benefits from your United Way contribution: YMCA The mission of the YMCA is to organize human, financial, and material resources to encourage the spiritual, physical, mental, social and leadership growth of any individual within a Christian atmosphere. ...

A consultant's update and a report on a computer upgrade is set for a meeting of the Hillcrest Nursing Home Board of Trustees, set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the lower conference room.

A regular meeting of the Community Hospital board of directors is set for 7 a.m. Wednesday in meeting room 1 at the hospital. Any director who is unable to attend should call Nancy Schmidt at (308) 345-8303.

Red Willow County Health Department has flu vaccine available and will be holding a clinic Thursday, as well as giving random flu shots. Call the Health Department at (308) 345-1790 to make an appointment. Flu shots can be effective as late as December...

The former Carnegie Library on Norris Avenue is a historical landmark in McCook, but it's in danger of being lost, according to supporters. Many people remember their days spent in the library studying and, at times, just visiting with their friends. Others also fondly remember the textbook librarian, Millicent M. Slaby, who would hush the children whose voices grew too loud and who would show the way to the right resource for whatever information was needed...

North Ward students and teachers stretch to complete the circle as North Ward Elementary "hug" the playground Monday afternoon as part of American Education Week. Many other special activities are planned through Friday.

During Monday night's City Council meeting, the council approved an amended version of the parcel packaging for the sale of the Swearingen land, the old Army Air Base. Cindy Hake said the property will be divided into 10 pieces instead of the proposed 12 because of problems discovered with drainage, sprinkler overlap and access to the properties...

If the state of Nebraska approves a plan adopted by the McCook City Council at Monday night's regular meeting, city residents could be enjoying clean, filtered water within the next four years. The council voted unanimously to approve a motion by Councilman Dick Trail to investigate, improve and expand the present municipal well field to secure an adequate supply of raw water, low in nitrates and implement measures to include non-potable water for municipal and industrial use, a water conservation program and well-head protection.. ...

On my hands and knees in front of a kitchen cupboard the other day, I couldn't help thinking of Leo Tolstoy. He penned the famous short story, "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" As I was digging through a pile of muffin tins and plastic tubs, searching in vain for a 9x13-inch cake pan, I had to ask myself, "Just how much cookware does one woman need?" Less than I have, that's for sure...

CULBERTSON -- George L. "Hoss" Gleason, 65, died Sunday (Nov. 17, 2002) at Community Hospital of McCook. He was born March 27, 1937, to Lloyd and Mary (Lamb) Gleason in Eckley, Colo. He grew up in the Brush, Colo., area and graduated from Snyder High School in Snyder, Colo. ...

Fay E. Fitzgibbons, 92, died Sunday (Nov. 17, 2002) at her residence at Willow Ridge in McCook. She was born Aug. 7, 1910, to Charles and Minnie (Hubler) Nelson in Red Willow County. She grew up on a farm northwest of McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1928. She graduated from Concordia College at Concordia, Kan., and began working as an accountant at the McCook Co-op...

ATWOOD -- Daniel Dean Reeh, 66, died Saturday (Nov. 16, 2002) at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kan. He was born Aug. 1, 1936, to Frank N. and Mary T. (Schwartz) Reeh. He attended Forest Hills School and graduated from McDonald Rural High School in 1955. He was in the U.S. Army from September 1956 to November 1957. After returning from his time in the service he worked as a carpenter and farmer. He helped his cousin, Bob Reeh farm until the time of his death...