Stories from Tuesday, December 3, 2002

Jerda Garey said she was grateful for the memories she already has of McCook, and for the chance to make new ones as city councilwoman and mayor. Jerry Reitz promised to "do my best to see that the bases are covered," and Jim Kinney expressed his gratitude to the voters for the chance to serve on the council...

A grateful group of men who wanted to thank the women who welcomed them on stops in McCook's train depot during World War II, has sent a card of thanks. A group of 10 women from around Southwest Nebraska gathered to receive the card recently at the Museum of the High Plains Historical Society...

WASHINGTON -- The Trenton chapter of Women Involved in Farm Economics and its education foundation will receive a $24,755 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA distributed $1.6 million in grant funds for projects designed to help provide new ways for agriculture producers to manage risks to their businesses and provide resources for outreach and educational opportunities to underserved farmers and ranchers...

"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 agencies benefit from your United Way contribution: Live 'Y'ers Live "Y"ers is a state licensed non-profit after-school program serving children and their families from the McCook community. ...

What kind of a job will the new McCook City Council do? Will the council members avoid some of the problems of the past? Will they keep in close contact with the public? And, over the long pull, will the council members work together, not only on major issues, but on routine, day-to-day city matters as well?...

I was as excited as anyone in town when the Bison won state. It was great. But let's back up a little. I believe it took 13 or 14 coaches. That's a coach for every four boys to get there. That's not so great. I like Republican Valley volleyball odds better. Just good old Dennis and a helper. That's a lot better on taxpayers pocketbooks...

The Gazette has received word from columnist Renae Bottom that she will no longer write her column "Bottom Line." Bottom is pursuing a masters degree in education and will be dedicating her time to that endeavor. We wish her much success.

WILSONVILLE -- James E. Haught, 64, died Sunday (Dec. 1, 2002) at his home in Wilsonville. He was born Aug. 7, 1938, to Okey and Anna (Krakauskas) Haught at New Britain, Conn. He grew up in Connecticut. On Feb. 27, 1960, he married Carol Lee Scibek at Farmington, Conn. They moved to Colorado in 1969. In 1984, they moved to Nebraska where they opened their own restaurant. They moved to Wilsonville in 1994 where they operated the Wilsonville Cafe. She died Aug. 15, 1996...