Stories from Friday, December 3, 2004

In the midst of preparing for the upcoming legislative session, Nebraska Sen. Tom Baker learned the political landscape in Lincoln is changing. Baker said he was in a meeting Thursday discussing funding for the Nebraska Department of Roads when he heard the news that Nebraska Gov. Mike Jo-hanns had been nominated for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. "I about fell out of my chair...

Three-month-old Daniel Eaton, son of Stephanie and Aaron Eaton of McCook is bundled up and ready for his first Christmas Light Parade in McCook. The First Assembly of God float was awarded the trophy for Best Use of Theme. The annual parade sponsored by the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and KFNF 101.1 began at Norris Park. ...

June 28, 1962-Dec. 2, 2004 Dennis J. Kennedy, 42, died Thursday (Dec. 2, 2004) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Clarkson Hospital in Omaha. He was born June 28, 1962, to Howard and Wanda (Carter) Kennedy in McCook. He grew up in McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1980. He received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney...

What a dramatic turn of events it has been, not only for Nebraska and the nation, but for the people of McCook and Southwest Nebraska as well. Suddenly, Nebraska has another governor with a connection to McCook, and the nation will soon have a Secretary of Agriculture who many in this area know on a first name basis...

**Dear Editor, There have been many well-deserved positive comments made about McCook's teacher/coach Ron Coleman. His loss is a tragedy for our community. We were moved by Rich Barnett's radio tribute when he described Ron Coleman as a big, lovable teddy bear...

With December here, the holiday decorating can officially begin without placing a snowman next to a pilgrim or having red and green lights clashing with the orange and black from two months ago. Yet, I cannot begin to unload the half-dozen boxes devoted to Christmas decorations before my house is in proper order. That means the shelves are dusted, the floors are vacuumed and 83 percent of my kitchen counter is uncovered...

McCook boys honor 'RC' The McCook High School boys and girls basketball teams tipped off the 2004-05 season with a sweep over Chase County-Imperial Thursday night at the MHS gym. The McCook boys handed the Longhorns a 48-41 loss, and the Bison girls used a 22-8 second quarter en route to a 48-34 win...

CAMBRIDGE -- Waid Vontz dropped in 30 points, on nine of 20 shooting, to lead the reigning Class C2 state champion, which now plays in D1, Cambridge to a victory over Hitchcock County in the season opener for both teams, 68-40. After taking a 20-4 first quarter lead, 38-16 at the half, Cambridge never looked back...

INDIANOLA -- The Southwest Roughriders wrestling team defeated Cambridge and Alma yesterday in triangular action. Southwest downed the Trojans, 58-18, then dropped Alma 60-17. The Cardinals edged Cambridge, 36-30. Southwest had six wrestlers pick up two wins on the day...

May 4, 1918-Dec. 2, 2004 Patrick Joseph Flaherty, 86, died Thursday (Dec. 2, 2004) at Community Hospital of McCook. He was born May 4, 1918, in Lawrence to John and Mary (Baune) Flaherty. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1936. On Oct. 13, 1942, he married Frances M. Sullivan at McCook. To this union three children were born. They made their home for several years north of Indianola, then moved to the McCook area in 1947 and continued in farming until the present time...

May 10, 1928-Dec. 1, 2004 CULBERTSON -- Arthur Raymond Stock, 76, died Wednesday (Dec. 1, 2004) at his rural Culbertson home. He was born May 10, 1928, in Hitchcock County to William Winton and Erma Fern (Matson) Stock. He graduated from Culbertson High School in 1946 and attended Veteran's Agriculture School in Hayes Center...

GRANT -- Chelsey Scrivner and Matthew Tines were united in marriage Sept. 25, 2004, at the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant with the Rev. Bill Grant officiating. Parents of the couple are Lynn Scrivner of Lebanon, Susan Jones of Grant and William "Dude" and Alice Tines of Venango...

CAMBRIDGE -- Brandi Lyn Hayes and Justin Scott Gufford were united in marriage July 16, 2004, at St. John's Catholic Church in Cambridge with the Rev. Robert Barnhill officiating. Parents of the couple are Dallas and Teresa Hayes of McCook and Mike and Lori Gufford of Cambridge...

The family of Dale and Billie Bryan of Oberlin is hosting a card shower in honor of Dale's 85th birthday Dec. 9 and Billie's 80th birthday, Dec. 14. Cards will reach the couple at 24 East 35th, Apt. 4, Kearney, NE 68847.

The family of Violet Stahly is hosting a card shower in honor of her 90th birthday Dec. 9. Cards will reach her at Grandview Retirement Center, Stratton, NE 69043.

The family of Ray Stehno is hosting a card shower in honor of his 80th birthday Dec. 9. His family includes Karen and Ken Stute, Frank and Pat Stehno, Janet and Gary Faimon, Lynda and Bob Wilkinson, Anita and Gerard Pochop, 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Cards of congratulations will reach him at PO Box 85, Stratton, NE 69043...

Before the McCook City Council can get down to the business at hand, three newly elected members will have to be sworn in during the regular meeting, Monday. Aaron Kircher, Bill Longnecker and Dennis Berry will be sworn in at the beginning of the meeting Monday after which, the new council will vote to appoint the new mayor and vice-president of the board...

A McCook High School basketball play wears an "RC" armband in Thursday night's game against Chase County, in memory of Ron Coleman, who co-coached the team last year. A memorial service is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the high school gym, with funeral services at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church...

For the first time in 18 years, the feminine touch will be missing from McCook City Council sessions. When the council reorganizes Monday night, Mayor Jerda Garey will complete her council term, as will Vice Mayor Dick Trail. This will leave two incumbents, Jim Kenny and Phil Lyons. on the council along with two newcomers elected to four-year terms, Aaron Kircher and Bill Longnecker, and a former councilman returning to serve a two-year term, Dennis Berry...

I don't know why but I've always had such an immediacy to life. I don't know where I got it. Maybe it was from growing up in an extended family and being the only child in that family. Maybe it was watching infirmity and old age and accidents and death occur from a very early age...

ATWOOD -- Irene E. (Zwickle) Rummel, 95, died Friday (Dec. 3, 2004) at the Good Samaritan Center in Atwood, Kan. Services are Monday, 2 p.m., at Williams Funeral Chapel in Atwood. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Atwood. Visitation is Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., at the funeral home...