Stories from Thursday, April 15, 2004

Twelve area basketball players and two alternates were selected to play on the 2004 Bison/NBDA Junior All-Stars squad. The players were selected from a recent tryout that drew more than 40 participants. The coach of the team is Steve Nicholson, the co-head boys coach at McCook High School...

OXFORD -- The Southern Valley girls track team claimed their own title while the Cambridge boys won the team title Tuesday at the Southern Valley triangular. The Eagles were led by Darcy Lans, who finished with a pair of first-place medals including the 200 meter dash in 28.9 seconds and the 400 meter dash in 1 minutes, 5 seconds...

It seems that an Iowa Senator is stepping into Nebraska's politics. According to an AP News story, House Speaker Chris Rants of Iowa has told Nebraska Legislative Speaker Curt Bromm Nebraska should tread lightly when it comes to bringing gambling to the state...

After a number of studies and years of discussion, the Red Willow County Commissioners have decided it's time to face up to the jail issue. And, so -- at this week's meeting -- the commissioners created a jail task force to look at the facts and come up with a recommendation...

The 2004 racing season at Hitchcock County Speedway in Culbertson starts Friday. The gates open at 6 p.m., followed by hot laps at 7 p.m. and racing at 8 p.m. On the track will be IMCA modifieds, stocks and hobby stocks, classic modifieds (above) and mini-trucks. ...

INDIANOLA -- It's hard to say good-bye to a good friend. Whether they're moving across the country or to the next town over, you know things just won't be the same without them. Nancy Renard's third-graders got a taste of good-bye April 2, at "The Last Roundup," a farewell celebration for the founder of the Good Friends program at the Indianola elementary school. Renard is retiring after 36 years of teaching and 21 years of coordinating the unique program...

After two years of harrowing budget talks and family health problems, Nebraska Sen. Tom Baker is looking forward to a relaxing summer. The Nebraska Legislature was expected to wrap up its 60-day session at noon today. Once it's done, Baker said his summer activities will turn to "family, family, family."...

Nov. 23, 1935-April 13, 2004 Wanda was born Nov. 23, 1935, in Wauneta to Howard E. and Lois Fern Stinnette. She attended school in Wauneta until the family moved to McCook in 1952, where she graduated from McCook High School in 1953. After graduating, she attended teletype school in Kansas City, Mo., and when completed, returned to McCook where she met her future husband, Larry Wareham...

HASTINGS -- Derek and Maria Downer of Hastings announce the birth of their son, Dylan Scott, March 10, 2004, at Mary Lanning Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long. Grandparents are James and Yanis Helm of Danbury and Steve and Patricia Downer of Bartley. ...

Ryan and Kim Peters of McCook announce the birth of their daughter, Carley Lynn, March 29, 2004, at Community Hospital of McCook. She weighed 7 pounds, 5.8 ounces and was 20 inches long. She has one brother, Cole. Grandparents are Richard and Annita Frew of Grand Island, Jeanette Peters of North Platte and Randy and Elaine Peters of McCook. Great-grandparents are Ruth I. Nelson of Loomis, Robert Peters and Virginia Myers of McCook and Milton and Florence Hegwood of Culbertson...