Stories from Tuesday, June 8, 2021

McCOOK, Neb. — While a McCook Bison great was rocking Friday’s Horse Race, another familiar pro seemingly had no pebble’s chance of winning the 32nd Community Hospital Pro-Am. Fortunately, there were no pebbles blocking Shayne Zywiec once he passed his kidney stone Friday afternoon...

McCOOK, Neb. – History’s Mysteries – a long time part of the Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival – will park the busses this year and instead explore historic downtown McCook by foot. In an effort to meet directed health measures related to coronavirus concerns, organizers opted to set up a bus-free tour this year, while keeping the momentum of exploring local history and Friday’s adventure will delve into the history of McCook’s downtown area...

ATWOOD, Kan. - After a year hiatus, the McCook summer swim team kicked off its 2021 season with a meet in Atwood, Kan., on Saturday, returning with handfuls of ribbons for the top finishes. Swimmers were able to swim in three individual events, plus an individual exhibition event (no scoring or ribbon) and two relay events...

HUGH BUTLER LAKE, Neb. — A Family Fun Night is set for the Red Willow State Recreation Area Wednesday and every other Wednesday night through Aug. 4. The event will begin with a cookout at the Spring Creek tent camping area by the Marina Boat Ramp from 6 to 7 p.m., fishing archery, kayaking and s’mores from 7 to 10 p.m., all equipment provided. A park entry permit is required and will be available at the time of the event. Daily permits are 46, annual permits are $30...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Facing sticker shock, Red Willow County Commissioners tabled a decision on awarding a contract for the 2021 armor coat projects. Two projects are slated for 2021 -- #1 south of McCook on Road 714 for 2.8 miles; and #2 north of Indianola on Road 386 for 7.6 miles...

McCOOK, Neb. - Calling the expenditure a bargain, Red Willow County Commissioners approved $1,050 in support of Tri-Valley Health System’s Public Transportation for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The service is available by reservation to residents from McCook and all communities east to Arapahoe, Edison, and Beaver City. In addition to local transportation, the service will transport individuals to destinations outside of the service area for specialty medical services or personal shopping...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Six spoke in opposition, one in support, of the Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership during a Red Willow County Commissioners’ public hearing Monday morning. Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City estimated that about 23 or 24 counties have already signed resolutions expressing their opposition to the National Heritage Area. ...

LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed 14 Nebraskans to the state’s Commission on African American Affairs. The commissioners will serve four-year terms. Appointees include John Carter of Benkelman. Carter has extensive experience in law enforcement, having worked at police departments in David City and Lincoln as an officer, and in Tekamah as interim Chief of Police. He currently serves as Chief Deputy Sheriff for Dundy County. He holds a Juris Doctor from Creighton Law School...

Allan James Otter March 26, 1947 - Nov. 22, 2020 McCOOK, Neb. — Allan James Otter, age 73, of McCook, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, at Lakeside CHI in Omaha, Neb. Allan was born on March 26, 1947, in New Almelo, Kan., to Leo and Agnes (Bruggeman) Otter. He was one of 12 children born to this union. Allan attended school in Leoville, Kan. He furthered his education at Dodge City Community College and St. Mary’s of the Plains, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education...

Let us go fishing There are good people here in southwestern Nebraska! Just this past Saturday Grannie Annie and I gathered up two of our grandchildren and the three great-grandsons and took them to a “Hooked for Life” event at Harry Strunk Lake near Cambridge. ...

Debra A. Petty KEARNEY, Neb. — Debra A. Petty, age 63, of Kearney, died Thursday, June 3, 2021, at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Memorial services are Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 2 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney with the Rev. Chad Anderson officiating. There will be no visitation...

Joan Bartels Feb. 22, 1936 - May 26, 2021 IMPERIAL, Neb. — Joan Bartels, age 85, died on May 26, 2021. She was born on Feb. 22, 1936, to Joe and Laura (Graham) Sauer. The family lived in Benkelman, Neb., until she was nine and then moved to Imperial, where her dad opened a feed store. ...

Rosalie D. (Coburn) Wittman Aug. 7, 1936 - May 26, 2021 PALM DESERT, Calif. - Rosalie D. (Coburn) Wittman passed away May 26, 2021. Rosalie was born to John and Valeria Coburn on a farm north of Indianola. She attended Red Willow High School, McCook Junior College, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At the university she majored in music, and pledged the Delta Delta Delta sorority...

Dora Ann “Dodie” Powell Dec. 26, 1934 - June 2, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Dora Ann “Dodie” Powell passed away at the age of 86 on Tuesday, June 2, 2021, at her home in McCook. Dodie was born on Dec. 26, 1934, in Tulsa, Okla., to Howard “Olie” and Vera Adele (Himes) Olson. ...

Thomas Joseph Ruda March 3, 1943 - May 21, 2021 ATWOOD, Neb. — Thomas Joseph Ruda, 78, of Atwood, died May 31, 2021, at Good Samaritan Society-Atwood. He was born March.3, 1943, in Colby, Kan., to John E. and Rose (Sis) Ruda. Cremation was chosen. A private inurnment has taken place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Atwood...

Lila Rose (Woeppel) Day Nov. 13, 1938 - May 31, 2021 FREMONT, Neb. — Lila Rose (Woeppel) Day, 82, of Fremont, passed away Monday, May 31, 2021, at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont. Lila was born Nov. 13, 1938, to Elmer and Addie (Mikkelsen) Woeppel, in Ewing, Neb. She grew up in Ewing and graduated from Ewing High School in 1956...

William “Bill” Knapp LEROY, Mich. — William “Bill” Knapp, 89, currently residing in LeRoy, died Friday, June 4, 2021, at Cadillac Hospital after a prolonged recovery from COVID.  He was surrounded by family when he passed. Bill was born in Detroit, Mich., in 1932, son of Harold and Lola Knapp.  After leaving the Army post World War II, Bill worked diligently at many jobs across the country, from mechanic, to technical writer and later in life with his wife, Sandy, running a small-town cafe. ...

Mary Esther Bennett Aug. 26, 1942 - Feb. 19, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. — Mary Esther Bennett, 78, of McCook, died Feb. 19, 2021, at Community Hospital in McCook. She was born to James and Margie (Bogart) Plotts on Aug. 26, 1942, in Oberlin, Kan. Memorial services are Thursday, June 10, 2021, 10:30 a.m., at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with the Rev. Dale Heimer officiating...

Virgil V. VanCleave, Sr. McCOOK, Neb. — Virgil V. VanCleave, Sr., 74, of McCook, died Dec. 25, 2020, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. Memorial services are Saturday, June 12, 2021, 2:30 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook...

Virginia May Reynolds Bolles June 5, 1925 - May 28, 2021 SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Virginia May Reynolds Bolles passed into glory on May 28, 2021. She was born at home in McCook, Neb., on June 5, 1925, the oldest of nine and the first daughter to Francis and Lila Campbell Reynolds. ...

Sughroue, Johnson CHADRON, Neb. — Naomi Sughroue and Pete Johnson of Chadron announce their engagement and upcoming wedding. Parents of the bride-to-be are Lorri Sughroue and Harry and Shannon Sughroue, all of McCook. Grandparents are Kathy Schaaf of McCook and the late Don Schaaf and the late Charles and Rita Sughroue...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Red Willow County received over $1 million from the American Rescue Plan, which represents half of the funds that they are scheduled to receive from the federal government’s COVID-19 emergency grant. The challenge becomes figuring out a way to spend the funds...

McCOOK , Neb. — Final top placers from the recent McCook Elementary School track-field meet. All names and results were provided through the McCook schools. Fourth-grade girls 50 meters heat one: 1. Kailey Shilz, 2. Brooke Propes, 3. Emma Sheldon. Heat two: 1. Erin Mullen, 2. Abigail Porter, 3. Bailey Kolbo. Heat three: 1. Cacy Hope, 2. Emma McConville, 3. Jenna Degnan. Heat four: 1. Kenadi Porter, 2. Izabella Longberry, 3. Jayden Conroy...

STRATTON, Neb. — After several years of planning, obtaining grants and fund-raising, and despite delays created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Stratton residents were treated to tours of the new city offices and library Saturday. In addition to a Community Development Block Grant of $385,000, the village received an $85,000 grant from the Hansen Charitable Foundation, a $10,000 one-to-one grant from the Graft Foundation, and numerous fund-raising activities including a Kiss a Pig Contest, Cow Patty Bingo, Ride for Reading Poker Run, silent auction, soup supper and numerous private donations made the new half-million-dollar facility possible.. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Wow, Mac Daddy’s Original Spices went jalapeno with seven runs in the final inning of a 9-8 comeback win over Dan’s Sanitation Friday night at Felling Field. Abil Wilson walloped three doubles and that third started the Rock Hounds’ rally from a 7-2 deficit. They overcame 13 strikeouts including 12 from Blue Rocks pitcher Kaden Riggins during the first four frames...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Central Nebraska Baseball Academy is excited to be visting McCook on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon fora ges 8-12 years old and 1 to 4 p.m. for ages 13 and above at McCook’s Jaycees Complex. The CNBA is a baseball academy founded by former University of Nebraska-Kearney baseball coach Damon Day, and features former Lopers and current players from the CNBA Elite High School prospect teams that will instruct campers...

McCOOK, Neb. — Carpenter Breland Hot Rods stayed close at 1-0 but couldn’t manage a hit against Dan’s Sanitation Monday night. Blue Rocks pitchers Jordan Pollmann and Justin Chancellor worked around six walks while striking out 10 in a 6-0 Blue Rocks win at Felling Field...

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Kevin Kopps threw seven scoreless innings of relief, Charlie Welch hit a pinch-hit three-run home run in the eighth inning and Arkansas rallied to beat Nebraska 6-2 on Sunday night and win the Fayetteville Regional. No. 1 overall seed Arkansas (49-11) advances to its third consecutive super regional where the Razorbacks meet North Carolina State...

KEARNEY, Neb. — McCook Bison alum Alec Langan made seven tackles and was named South team defensive MVP in Saturday’s Nebraska Shrine Bowl football game. The North won this tight contest, 10-3. More details and remarks from Langan will appear on Thursday...