Stories from Friday, September 21, 2012

The Dowd family is saddened to share the news that the body of Charlie Dowd was found Friday, Sept. 21, in Haigler, Nebraska, an area between Fort Morgan, Colorado, and McCook, Nebraska. The body was spotted by a BNSF railway worker and immediately reported to the authorities...

(Family Features) With all the things on your morning "to do" list, it might seem challenging enough just to get out the door, never mind eat breakfast. In fact, a recent Morning MealScape study from the NPD Group found that 43 percent of Americans have a morning beverage like a cup of coffee, but don't eat anything until lunch time. However, taking a few minutes to eat right in the morning will help keep you going all day - making that afternoon "to do" list easier to handle...

Participants and competitors at the Pawnee Free Trappers 2012 Fall Rendezvous, Sept. 15, just west of McCook. Clockwise from top left, Sam Hansen of Minden, Nebraska, garbed in primitive attire and holding his muzzleloading pistol and rifle. Hansen placed first in the shotgun range competition. ...

Dixie Dee Martin Jan. 8, 1941 - Sept. 6, 2012 MARCO ISLAND, Florida -- Dixie Dee Martin, age 71, of Marco Island, Florida, formerly of Roselle, Illinois, passed away Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, in Vitas Innovative Hospice Care in Naples, Florida. She was born on Jan. 8, 1941, in McCook, Nebraska, the daughter of Freda May and the late C. Vincent Leffler. Freda just turned 100 years on Aug.11, 2012, and Dixie was there to help her celebrate...

This information is gathered at the McCook Public Safety Center, the McCook office of the Nebraska State Patrol, the Red Willow County Courthouse, the Red Willow County Sheriff's Office and the McCook Humane Society. Police activity Activity log...

90th birthday The family of Melvin Nokes is requesting a card shower in honor of his 90th birthday. He was born Sept. 22, 1922, in Danbury. He has seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Cards of congratulations will reach him at at Hillcrest Nursing Home, P.O. Box 1087, Room 418, McCook, NE 69001...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The Cats and Dogs of McCook calendars are being delivered this week, according to project leader Chloe Dixon. "The fundraiser project we worked on during our summer break is almost complete," said Dixon. The purpose of the summer project was to raise money for the McCook Humane Society. ...

Dear Fellow Nebraskans: I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the generosity of Nebraska's state employees. This year, more than 4,000 workers contributed to the Nebraska State Employees Charitable Giving campaign, which raised over $526,000 for charities across the state -- a 19% increase from last year's efforts. For the last three years, the State of Nebraska has been the largest donor for the United Way, and this is the first time the State Campaign has raised over $500,000...

LINCOLN -- Wesleyan Live, a partnership between Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) and the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, offers continuing education courses for clergy, laity and community members. Courses are held each spring and fall and are taught by Nebraska Wesleyan faculty and other guest teachers with a wide range of expertise; they are streamed live on the Nebraska United Methodist Conference's website, at www.umcneb.org/wesleyanlive...

NORTH PLATTE, Nebraska -- Stories and song of faith will be presented In concert on Monday, Oct. 1, at North Platte's Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The "Story & Song Tour" features three nationally and internationally renowned Christian recording artists, Jesse Manibusan, Sarah Hart, and Steve Angrisano. Concert is at 7 p.m. Autographs and refreshments to follow. Free will offering at the door. The young, young of heart, and people of all faiths are welcome...

Dear Friend, INTRO There are those who do not believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. They prefer to put their own spin on it to make it say what they WANT IT to say. Many believe that God is through with Israel and that the church has replaced Israel. ...

Kim Il-Sung began his military and political career when he was a young man living on the Korean Peninsula. A decade later, he was the despot over North Korea. The "Great Leader," as he was named, succeeded in holding power for the next fifty years. He also succeeded in creating one of the most oppressive governments in recent decades, and one of the more closed and oppressive societies in world history...

The Prophet Amos saw injustice and those that no longer lived faithfully for God and he took action. He called out for justice. He brought the word of the Lord filled with words of warning. When we feel that someone has caused us damage and denies doing so, we feel upset and we want justice to take place. We long for the day when that justice arrives. We long for the day when the wrongs are righted and it is as is should be in our lives...

Bob Kerrey, Nebraska's former governor, U.S. Senator, wounded Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, will be in town today seeking votes in his attempt to win Ben Nelson's seat as U.S. Senator. He will hold a news conference at 3:45 p.m., at the George Norris home and then will appear at a reception after that at the Bieroc Café. ...

The last three bills languished far past their due dates.

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Pam Klug, RN, at the Red Willow County Health Department states that "Influenza is a serious respiratory illness that causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a flu vaccine annually for everyone age 6 months and older."...

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce finalists for the 2012 Heritage Days Royalty. Finalists were interviewed on Wednesday, Sept. 19, and the selected Royalty will be revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the McCook National Bank mixer. ...

The sun sets on another summer as fall begins Saturday. Temperatures will be seasonal with the forecast calling for mild and dry days. There is a slight chance of precipitation on Tuesday as a cold front moves into the region.

LORRI SUGHROUE McCook Daily Gazette McCOOK, Nebraska -- It may not be pizza or cheeseburgers, but to some children in the world, the meal package of dried chicken, vegetables, soy and rice is what brings a smile. Called MannaPack Rice, the meal packets are designed to be used with hot water and are scientifically formulated to meet the needs of a child, 8-13 years of age, suffering the effects of malnutrition. ...

Hannah Goltl, a fifth grader at Central Elementary, blows on her pinwheel made for the "Pinwheels for Peace" project. About 200 fourth and fifth grade students at Central crafted the pinwheels with words about peace, anti-bullying and anti-violence, said art instructor Deb Goodenberger, and placed them on the front yard of Central. The project will join other pinwheels across the world celebrating Sept. 21 as the International Day of Peace...

Soden, Malleck Andrea Ronelle Soden, of McCook, Nebraska and Brandon Michael Malleck of Indianola, Nebraska, announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Parents of the bride-to-be are Ron and Kellie Soden of McCook. Grandparents are the late Lester and Vera Soden and Ronald and Gloria Warren of McCook...

Jordan Kelly Banzhaf Cory and Jamie Banzhaf of Kearney, Nebraska, announce the birth of their daughter, Jordan Kelly Banzhaf, who was born Aug. 29, 2012, in Kearney. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 20 1/4 inches long. She has one brother, Cole, 15 months old. ...

Cooper Alan Zywiec Jeremy and Erica (Reitz) Zywiec of Columbus, Nebraska announce the birth of their son, Cooper Alan Zywiec, who was born Sept. 7, 2012. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce. He has one brother, Chase, 2-years-old. Grandparents are Ed and Margo Zywiec of Columbus and Jerry and Deb Reitz of McCook, Nebraska. Great-grandparents are Betty Zywiec of Columbus and Henry Reitz of Arizona...

Emily Kate Gullion Danny and Tiffany Gullion of Culbertson, Nebraska, announce the birth of their daughter, Emily Kate Gullion, who was born Aug. 13, 2012, at Community Hospital of McCook. She weighed 7 pounds, 7.9 ounces and measured 19 1/4" inches long. ...

Davis, Gibbs Jessico Jo Davis and Colt Lee Gibbs, both of Holyoke, Colorado, announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Parents of the bride-to-be are Don and Shirley Davis of Benkelman, Nebraska. Grandparents are Dick Davis of Benkelman and the late Arlene Davis, and the late Tom and Wanda Thompson...

80th birthday The family of Dorothy Stute of Parks, Nebraska, is requesting a card shower in honor of her 80th birthday on Sept. 25. Cards of congratulations will reach her at 33004 River Road,Parks, NE 69041.

COLUMBUS, Nebraska -- Morgan Malynn Epley of Lusk, Wyoming and Heath Jarrod Campbell, formerly of McCook, Nebraska, were united in marriage June 2, 2012, at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, Nebraska, with the Rev. Michael V. Klatt officiating. Parents of the bride are Joel and Donna Epley of Columbus. Grandparents are Dick and Carolyn Barber of Grand Island, Nebraska...

Catherine 'Cate' Renee Walker Billy and Heather Walker of Grand Island, Nebraska, announce the birth of their daughter, Catherine "Cate" Renee Walker, who was born Aug. 5, 2012, in Grand Island. She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and measured 20 inches long. She has one brother, Michael, 2 years old. Grandparents are Elmer and Tally Case of Max, Nebraska, Johnny and Nel Walker of Trenton, Nebraska and the late Rosemary Walker...

The McCook High School football team might have been caught looking past Sidney to their Sept. 28 showdown at Alliance. Turns out the Bison were definitely focused on the Red Raiders. McCook used a strong all-around effort and a potent rushing attack featuring seniors Jake Schlager and Kyle Stewart to romp past Sidney, 34-12, in Class B football action Friday, Sept. 21 at McCook's Weiland Field...