Stories from Wednesday, September 3, 2003

COZAD -- The McCook Bison softball team spoiled Cozad's home opener Tuesday night in the Haymakers' newly-renovated ball park by winning 7-2. A private donation helped Cozad build a brand new field for the Haymakers, ranked No. 1 in Class C and the defending Nebraska State champions...

Hannah Laura Hayes, 100, died Monday (Sept. 1, 2003) at Heritage Nursing Home in Wauneta. She was born June 18, 1903, to William and Ella (Freeman) Thompson in Curtis. She grew up in Curtis and graduated from Curtis High School. On Feb. 21, 1926, she married Frederick C. Hayes in Omaha. The couple farmed in Central City and Atkinson. After the death of her husband in 1968, she moved to McCook where she spent the remainder of her life. She has been at Heritage Nursing Home since 1995...

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Mildred Oetting, 78, of Concordia, Mo., died Monday (Sept. 1, 2003) at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, Mo. He was born May 9, 1925, to Edward and Esther (Stoecker) Buhlig in Corder, Mo. She grew up in Higginsville, Mo. She graduated from Higginsvile High School...

In an attempt to be sensitive to local conditions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has placed County Committee members in a difficult position. The USDA has put committee members on the hot seat by giving them the authority -- when members determine it is justified -- to reduce the amount of disaster payments to farmers hit by drought conditions...

An Alda man has been arraigned in Red Willow County Court on charges stemming from a domestic situation Saturday evening. According to court documents, David M. Miller, 37, of Alda allegedly beat his wife, Shari McConnaha-Miller into unconsciousness before leaving the house at 505 West G to contact the victims adult son...

Roger and Ruth Monter of Holbrook display their tomatoes at Saturday morning's Farmers Market, at Norris and B. An abundance of home-grown vegetables, home-baked bread and other items are offered at the weekly McCook Main Street project.

From a small beginning, the McCook United Way 5k and Fun Run and Walk continues to grow, with hopes this year of surpassing the 100 participant level. "We had 85 runners and walkers last year, and are starting early this year in our quest to top the 100 mark," said Doug Skiles, a dedicated runner who is heading up arrangements for the 5k...

The McCook High School Band has been selected to represent Nebraska at the 2004 Southwestern Bell Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas in January. Bands are selected from the Southwestern Bell coverage area by recommendations of outstanding band programs, from music educators and Southwestern Bell managers over the past five years...

A red "Bison" is emblazoned across the bricks at Norris and C in downtown McCook, in preparation for this afternoon's homecoming pep rally for McCook High School. The football team's opener against Gering on Friday is also the homecoming game.

The approval of McCook's budget for fiscal year 2003-04 came with a warning from City Manager John Bingham. "The preliminary budget presented to this council was a bare-bones proposal," he told council members who had asked city staff to cut as many expenditures on new equipment and ongoing operation and maintenance costs during budget preparation...

The McCook Optimist Club is sponsoring a local qualifying Punt, Pass and Kick for the NFL Pepsi National Event. The local competition is slated for 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at McCook's Weiland Field. Registration is from 1:15-1:45 p.m. There will be separate divisions for boys and girls. The age divisions are 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15 with the age determined as of Dec. 31, 2003...

The second annual Heritage Hills Men's Member Guest Tournament was played during the Labor Day weekend. Thirty-three visitors from eight states participated in the 36-hole tournament. The 2003 champions are McCook's Chris Nix and Dan Bender, Houston, Texas...

OBERLIN -- The Oberlin High School volleyball varsity, junior varsity and C teams combined to post an 8-0 record Tuesday night at a home triangular. The Oberlin varsity squad defeated Leoti 25-11, 15-7, Phillipsburg 21-15, 25-18, 15-7 and Oakley 25-17, 25-23. The JV defeated Leoti 29-27, 25-19, Phillipsburg 25-9, 25-19 and Oakley 25-23, 27-25...

In an attempt to be sensitive to local conditions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has placed County Committee members in a difficult position. The USDA has put committee members on the hot seat by giving them the authority -- when members determine it is justified -- to reduce the amount of disaster payments to farmers hit by drought conditions...

My mom was six days shy of her 50th birthday when she succumbed to cancer in 1986. She fought valiantly, but the disease and the pressures of life proved to be too potent a combination and claimed her -- far too early and far too young. When the news came that she had been hospitalized, I immediately made my way to McAllen, Texas, to be at her side. I was joined by my brothers and sisters within hours...