Stories from Friday, February 12, 2010

Charles Shultz's "Joe Cool" version of Snoopy told the story. Wearing sunglasses and a sweater, the college-dog was ready to throw a Frisbee flying disc, a scene repeated all over the country on college campuses and city parks. The peak of the fad may have passed long ago, but the toy that evolved into a serious sport is now as much a part of American life as any other recreational activity...

April 25, 1929 - Feb. 11, 2010 OBERLIN -- Leroy Wessel, 80, died Thursday (Feb. 11, 2010) at Oberlin. He was born April 25, 1929, in Thomas County, Kan., to Joseph Francis Wessel and Mary Elizabeth Mindrup. He grew up near Angelus in Thomas County, Kan., and attended country schools prior to serving in the U.S. Army...

I've been writing this column for 12 years now and I don't suppose I've ever been as incensed as I was over an anonymous posting this past week by the person who used the handle mentioned in the title of this column. The last time I thought what someone wrote merited a response was from the ignorant Sheriff in northeast Nebraska who thought he knew what MADD stood for when he didn't and that he DIDN'T know how the DUI laws are significantly impacted by that strong interest group's perspective. ...

Sept. 27, 1911 - Feb. 11, 2010 Kenneth Charles Luther, 98, died Thursday (Feb. 11, 2010) at Hillcrest Nursing Home. Kenneth was born at Orleans, Neb., on Sept. 27, 1911, to Harry Charles and Mary (Backes) Luther. He graduated from Orleans High School in 1929...

Unexpected costs from construction done on J Street last year, a project paid mostly by stimulus funds, will cost the city $42,400. The McCook City Council will be asked to use city sales tax proceeds saved from another project to pay the balance, at its regular meeting Monday night, 7:30 at City Council Chambers at Memorial Auditorium...

March 14, 1925 - Feb. 10, 2010 BIRD CITY, Kan. -- Delbert Wayne Powell, 84, died Wednesday (Feb. 10, 2010) at Good Samaritan Village in St. Francis, Kan. He was born March 14, 1925, at Cheyenne County, Kan. He was a farmer. Preceded in death by one son, Duane Powell...

McCook High School's swimming and diving teams have one last chance to qualify for the state championships with the Greater Nebraska Athletic Conference meet this weekend in Hastings. The Bison teams will join six other schools at the two-day GNAC meet. The one-meter diving competition will begin Friday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m. at the Hastings YMCA pool. The conference swimming events will begin Saturday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m...

Molly Glur is a self-professed "daddy's girl." The petite Southern Valley High School junior excels in several sports for the Eagles. There's probably few high school wrestling coaches in the country that have had the experience Rudy Glur has enjoyed the past three winters. ...

The Gospels are loaded with stories of the healing acts of Jesus during his earthly ministry. The stories of healing in the Gospel of Luke provide a glimpse of Jesus' compassionate love for the people and the power of faith to transform life. The Red Willow County Ministerial Association is again presenting a series of lessons each Friday during Lent, beginning Friday, Feb. ...

Mayor Dennis Berry has filed for re-election to the McCook City Council, saying that although much as been accomplished, much remains be done. In a press release issued Thursday, Mayor Berry cited several issues that were resolved the past few years, including the water problem; improving relationships with state and federal agencies; developing more civil relationships among council members, staff and the public; selection of a new city manager; placement of new playground equipment at Norris Park and fountains at Barnett Park; clean-up of property in disrepair; streets and parks improvements and enhancements at the Senior Center.. ...

The family of Louise (Pollmann) Coburn is requesting a card shower in honor of her 90th birthday Feb. 16. Her family includes Darrel and Jan Coburn of Fleminsburg, Ky., and Lyn and Marci Reynolds of Cedar Bluffs, Kan. She has six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Cards of congratulations will reach her at 1109 County Club Dr., McCook, NE 60001...

The children of Dorothy Hopkins are requesting a card shower in honor of her 80th birthday Feb. 16. Cards of congratulation will reach her at 1108 W. Third, McCook, NE 69001.

Henry and Danielle (Dueland) Angle announce the birth of a daughter, Addison Louise Angle. She was born Jan. 8, 2010, at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln, weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 3/4 inches. She has a brother, Henry, 7. Grandparents are Dan and Peg Dueland of McCook, and Shuana Stanton and Henry Angle, both of Kearney. Great-grandparents are Joanne Dueland and Linnea Budke, both of McCook and Marie Upton of Trenton...

Jerod and Andrea (Howe) Houghtelling of Billings, Mont., announcd the birth of a daughter, Aleena Bryn Houghtelling. She was born Jan. 11, 2010, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 21 3/4 inches long. Grandparents are Dennis and Donna Houghtelling of Columbus, formerly of Indianola, and Dan and Kari Howe of Big Timber, Mont..Her great-grandfather is Jim Howe of Big Timber, Mont...

The family of Kenneth and Elaine Kolbet is hosting an open house in honor of the couple's 40th wedding anniversary, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m, Feb. 28., at the couple's home, 306 Christie Ave, Culbertson, NE 69024. Cards of congratulations will reach the couple at that address...

The family of Floyd Lankford is requesting a card shower in honor of his 75th birthday. He was born Feb. 15, 1935, at Telephone, Texas. His family includes wife, Jackie, eight children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, living from Alaska to Texas and overseas, too. Cards of congratulation will reach him at 405 Elizabeth Lane, McCook, NE 69001...

WASHINGTON -- Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor that Goodwill Industries in Nebraska will receive more than $2 million to support job training for the unemployed. The funds are made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009...

Jared and RaeAnn Knoell of Omaha announce the birth of their son, Mason William Knoell, on Jan. 22, 2010 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. Grandparents include Jan Burton of Curtis, Robert Burton of Nebraska City and Bill and Mary Knoell of Fremont. Great-Grandparents are Delma Teel of Maywood and R.B. and Carra Beth Johnson of Fremont...

NORTH PLATTE -- Kelli Leann Nelms and Justin Tobey Jensen, both of North Platte, were united in marriage on Oct 10, 2009, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte, with the Rev. Frank H. Fitch III officiating. Parents of the couple are Dann and Sue Nelms of Benkelman and Jerry and Gail Jensen of North Platte. Grandparents are Richard and Yvonna Hayes of Cambridge and Don and Shirley Nelms of McCook, the late Milton and Carolyn Tobey and the late Herb and Mildred Jensen...

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama stated his strong support to double exports within five years, noting how important trade is to job growth and business investment. I could not agree more. It was encouraging to hear the President's views on the importance of trade. At a time of 10 percent unemployment, enacting trade agreements that spur job growth and boost our economy should be a no-brainer...

WASHINGTON -- Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that CIMRO in Nebraska will receive more than $6.6 million to assist health professionals in updating their use of information technology, which can help reduce the cost of health care. The funds are made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009...

LINCOLN -- Nebraska First Lady Sally Ganem attended a national forum on alcohol prevention this week. The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's 20th Annual National Leadership Forum was held in Maryland. Ganem is the treasurer and member of the Leadership To Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation, which released a new discussion guide to help communities discuss childhood drinking. ...

By now, you should have received your 2009 tax information. I want to encourage Nebraskans to file their individual income taxes electronically this year. Electronic filing, better known as e-filing, is convenient and secure. This option provides a speedy refund, reduces the risk of errors and offers confirmation that your return has been filed and received...

Hayes Center's Keifer Messersmith (11) hustles away with a steal from Paxton's Cooper Bollman (3) in high school boys basketball action at Hayes Center. The Cardinals of Hayes Center captured a 74-52 [check score from stats] win over the visiting Tigers. Hayes Center will wrap up their regular season on the road at North Platte St. Pat's next Friday, February 19. (Photo/Ann Fornoff)...

Hayes Center's Keifer Messersmith (11) flies to the hoop to score a bucket for the Cardinals in high school boys basketball action at Hayes Center, Friday, February 12. Paxton's Cooper Bollman, Cody Corfield (33) and Justin Callihan (22) work on defense. The Cardinals posted a 74-52 win [please check score] against the Tigers. (Photo/Ann Fornoff)...