Stories from Thursday, March 4, 2004

Greetings to all. I feel like a part of my childhood has died. The downfall of sports trading cards is tough for me to cope with. While other neighborhood children were running around outside playing tag, a person could find me in my bedroom sitting on my baseball card covered floor...

Wednesday afternoon, the facilities committee of the McCook Public Schools board of education interviewed representatives of the three companies that want the job of construction manager if the community builds a new elementary facility. The companies (and their total bids) are: R.L. Fauss of Fremont ($299,266); Hawkins Construction of Omaha ($313,472); and Sampson Construction of Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha ($262,000)...

With several important issues facing the Nebraska Legislature, Sen. Tom Baker believes the lawmakers will be facing an extended or special session after the regular session dismisses April 15. A projected $315 million budget deficit, lethal injections, water issues and mental health issues need to be addressed before the legislature can dismiss, Baker told a group of 12 McCook Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee members...

Nothing's more satisfying than enjoying a new dish that you created yourself. Nothing's more rewarding than seeing your family savor a meal came out of your kitchen. But ask any cook. It can be a drag planning meals, buying groceries, and trying to come up with something new every evening. Pizza anyone?...

Several people have questioned my whereabouts for the last few weeks in terms of my position at the Gazette. In the words of the late-Samuel Clemens, "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Two weeks ago I was in the process of compiling the Gazette's annual Progress edition...

CULBERTSON -- Farmers and ranchers attending the consignment sale in Culbertson recently were attentive, yet cautious. Many of the larger pieces of equipment went unsold. It seems ag producers hold their money tightly when their livelihood is threatened by something completely out of their control -- the weather, and, despite this week's snow and rain, the incessant lack of moisture...

Dec. 29, 1917-Feb. 26, 2004 OMAHA -- George Lee Todd, 86, died Thursday (Feb. 26, 2004) at Good Samaritan Center in Omaha. He was born Dec. 29, 1917, to Harold and Flossie Todd in Nehawka. He lived most of his life in Chase County. He attended school in Imperial...

July 24, 1927-Feb. 28, 2004 Phyllis Elaine Nielsen, the youngest of seven children of George and Lena (Bryan) Harris, was born July 24, 1927, in McCook. Phyllis attended school in McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1945. On Aug. 25, 1946, Phyllis was united in marriage to Charles "Chuck" Martin Anderson in McCook. This union was blessed with four children; Candice, Janie, Lori and David...

By CONNIE JO DISCOE Regional Editor Nebraska must be in full compliance with the 1943 Republican River Compact by 2007. Ann Bleed, the deputy director of the state's Department of Natural Resources, told those at the Middle Republican Natural Resources District water conference Wednesday that compliance will be calculated, in normal years, on a 5-year running average. ...

June 22, 1911-March 1, 2004 Otto P. Weskamp, 92, died Monday (March 1, 2004) at his home in rural McCook. He was born June 22, 1911, to Joseph H. and Marie (Karthauser) Weskamp in McCook. He attended school near Marion and lived in the McCook area his entire life...

May 9, 1917-March 2, 2004 LINCOLN -- Ola Wauneta Cable, 86, died Tuesday (March 2, 2004) at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln. She was born May 9, 1917, to Frank and Estella (Sawyer) Blake in Maywood. On Nov. 13, 1945, she married Leo Joseph Cable. The couple made their home on a farm in the Indianola and Bartley area. ...

Oct. 13, 1935-March 1, 2004 OBERLIN -- Janice Carman, 68, died Monday (March 1, 2004) at Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin. She was born Oct. 13, 1935, to Ward K. and Ellanette (Gierhart) Claar in Oberlin. She was raised in Oberlin and attended school there. She graduated from Decatur Community High School...