Stories from Wednesday, August 17, 2005

CAMBRIDGE -- The body of a rural Cambridge man was found Tuesday morning after he apparently died in an ATV accident some time Monday evening. Frontier County Sheriff Dan Rupp reported this morning that Robert Sandman, 59, was found by spotters in the Nebraska State Patrol aircraft, called in to help search when Sandman did not return home after checking his cattle at his residence north of Cambridge in rural Frontier county...

While night class offerings have become increasingly popular at McCook Community College, college officials are launching a program this fall which makes it possible to earn an Associate Degree in four years taking night classes. Last year, MCC instructors initiated discussions about how to come up with better options for those who have work and family obligations during traditional daytime hours. ...

Vice President and General Manager Alan Usher has announced that an ownership and management agreement has been reached to operate two radio stations in Southwest Nebraska. Radio stations "Coyote Country" 105.3 KIOD FM and 93.9 "The Prairie" KSWN FM will join the group's five radio stations to expand broadcast services to Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas...

No matter when it comes, rain is welcome in the Golden Plains of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas. That was especially true early this morning, when residents of the McCook area were awakened by claps of thunder, flashes of lightning and a very needed soaking rain...

It's a rather tasteless joke, which nevertheless evokes at least polite laughter if not out and out guffaws. Seems a brother needed to leave town for a few days and left his worldly possessions in the care of another brother. A phone conversation a few days into his absence went something like this...

July 22, 1925--Aug. 16, 2005 Floyd Harold Wesch, 80, died Tuesday (Aug. 16, 2005) at the McCook Community Hospital. He was born July 22, 1925, at McCook, the son of the late Charles and Nellie (Crocker) Wesch. Floyd grew up in McCook and graduated from rural school. ...

Dec. 9, 1919--Aug. 15, 2005 Robert Alvin "Toots" Mitchem, 85, died Monday (Aug. 15, 2005) at his home in McCook. He was born Dec. 9, 1919, at Simla, Colo., the son of the late Jesse and Viretta (Bales) Mitchem. He grew up in McCook where he attended McCook Schools. ...

Aug. 16, 1926--Aug. 15, 2005 ARAPAHOE -- Duane Aldon Gardner, 78, died Monday (Aug. 15, 2005) at the Cambridge Manor in Cambridge. He was born Aug. 16, 1926, to George H. and Daisy E. (Morse) Gardner in Gosper County. He served in the Army from December 1945 to February 1947 in Japan...

Nov. 11, 1945--Aug. 15, 2005 CAMBRIDGE -- Robert W. Sandman, 59, died Monday (Aug. 15, 2005) as the result of an accident. He was born Nov. 11, 1945, in McCook to Clarence and Onna (Stock) Sandman. He attended Afton Country School and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1964...

CAMBRIDGE -- On Friday afternoon, a whimsical, artsy event will come cruising into Cambridge. The first-ever "Route 6 Nebraska Art Car Tour" began earlier this week, traveling parade-style and stopping for events in many communities and overnight in Lincoln, Hastings and Minden...