Stories from Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Dec. 3, 1935-July 4, 2010 McCOOK, Nebraska -- Evelynn Marie Nickerson, 74, died Sunday (July 4, 2010) at Community Hospital in McCook with her family by her side. Evelynn was born on Dec. 3, 1935, in McCook to Edward Carl and Edna Mae (Cross) Friehe. She graduated from Culbertson High School in 1953. She later continued her education at McCook Community College, earning an Associate's Degree in 1981...

May 11, 1943-July 1, 2010 McCOOK, Nebraska -- A son of Ireland, Matthew Augustine "Matt" Mooney, 67, of McCook died Thursday (July 1, 2010) at his home, in McCook, surrounded by family. Matt was born May 11, 1943, to Matthew and Mary Ryan Mooney in Farnane, Cappamore, County Limerick, Ireland, where he grew up. Always the independent spirit, Matt moved to England as a teenager, where the seeds of a professional life of entrepreneurism were cultivated...

Oct. 9, 1921- July 5, 2010 McCOOK, Nebraska -- Jessie June was born Oct. 9, 1921, to Harold and Hazel (Kilgore) From in Chappell, Nebraska. She was the oldest of four children. She lived in Chappell for 10 years before moving with her family to a farm outside of David City, Nebraska. After grade school, she moved to Lincoln where she lived with her grandparents and attended junior high and then high school, graduating in 1938...

Nov. 20, 1922-June 24, 2010 KIMBERLING CITY, Missouri -- Venus Strayer, 87, died June 24, 2010. She was born Nov. 20, 1922, the youngest of seven, to Roy and Merle Williamson in Trenton, Nebraska. She married Archie A. Strayer on June 17, 1939. The couple lived in Trenton for several years until moving to McCook where they raised their family...

"Don your seat in this class is right here on the front row. I've noticed that your grades don't reflect your potential and I believe that you can do much better." So started the year for my classmate Don as he took his seat in a Senior High Algebra class. The wise teacher that uttered those words was Mrs. Gwendolyn McKenzie. She was a large boned strong woman and none of us, her advanced math, students had any doubt that she demanded anything but our best efforts...

Small town experiences are unparalleled.

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council will conduct the first of three budget workshops and present the preliminary 2010-11 annual budget for the city at tonight's semi-monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Memorial Auditorium. Council members also will review three proposed demolition contracts: the West Ward School building demolition contract with Land Construction in the amount of $96,880; P&G Excavating's contract for 508 South Street and 305 East 12th in the amount of $13,000; and Maris General Construction, LLC, with the lowest bid for 25 South Street, 504 South Street and 102 S. ...

OMAHA -- A former McCook High School standout golfer settled for the runner-up trophy in the 2010 Nebraska Golf Association State Match Play Championships. Brandon Crick lost a 5 and 3 decision to John Hurley of O'Neill in the 36-hole final last Friday at the Omaha Country Club. Hurley won his third state match play title in the last four years, with Crick claiming the crown in 2008...

NORTH PLATTE -- For the last decade, the core group of girls competing on the 2010 McCook Rebels 18-Under fast-pitch softball team has been very competitive year after year. The Rebels ended another successful summer season with a third-place finish at the ASA Class B State 18-Under Tournament at North Platte's Dowhower Complex Friday through Sunday, July 2-4...