HAPPY NEW YEAR!  The year is 2009.  Hopefully 2008 was good to you and 2009 will be as good or better.  

Wow! Wasn't it wonderful to see the Big Red flex it's muscle and come out with a victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl?  It has  been a long time since I have felt this good about NU football.  May the momentum carry forward through recruiting and on into next year.

Happy Birthday to the January celebrants.  Was anyone the first baby born in your birth year wherever that event may have taken place?

Kathie (Trupp) Cappel
Rose Ann (Moureau) Wright
Sandra Gallatin
Connie (Remington) Walter
Mark Winters
Bonnie (McCleland) Scheidt

If things work out, Page 1 which contains all the information since the beginning of our web site will now be Page 2.  This will allow this page to open for the current year yet, maintain a copy of our history. 

Thanks to those of you who contributed information to our web site last year. Hopefully, more of you will make time to contribute in the coming year.

1/09/09

Carol (Bryan) Barrett's new e-mail address can be found in the E-Mail List.  We appreciate your keeping us updated with new info.  Thanks!

1/15/2009

    

Announcing
 
       "The Ant Hill Challenge"
                          is available
This is a book written by Jeanne Boyle Oldweiler.  It contains 88 stories about growing up in southwestern Nebraska during the 1940's and 1950's.  It can be purchased locally, by mail or on the Net.
 
Price:  $18.00 if locally
        $20.00 if mailed
        $20.00 plus postage if from Barnes and Noble or Amazon
 
Quote: The author wanted history to correctly remember how children, on the prairies of Nebraska, spent their lives during the l940's and l950's.  However, where this book is highly successful is the attraction to those of us who were children during the same era.  While you take this nostalgic reading trip your memory bell will ring many times of similar events and feelings that occurred in your childhood regardless of where your roots were planted.  We are all fortunate that Jeanne Boyle Oldweiler has taken the time to tell us stories of growing up in southwestern Nebraska.
 
To order:  Mail check to Jeanne Boyle Oldweiler
                         Bluebird Books
                         704 Gunnison Court
                         Columbia, MO 65203

1/22/09

Today's additions in "The Way We Are Photo Album" are Dale Gibbs and his wife, Nancy ( Mitchell) Gibbs. Dale & Nancy are both members of the Class '66.  They live in Kearney, NE.

2/02/09

February birthday greetings go out to:

Ursula (Wozniak) Leads
Barb ( Anderson) Gaskins
Anita (Baker) Graf
John Trail

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDS!!

A few months ago I wrote to you indicating that OUR CLASS WEB SITE would soon be running out of material without your contributions.  Well, that time has come. Your contributions of personal stories, old school events, recent experiences and just about any other input would be GREATLY welcome to sustain the interest in OUR WEB SITE.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.

The popularlity of the web site continues to be very strong.  Since its begining in 2007 there have been 2,444 visitors which averages out to be 136 visitors per month.  I'd say that is pretty darn impressive considering there were about 154 graduates from the Class of '66.

3/01/09

Thanks to Carolyn (Henton) Masi for submitting a current photo of her and her husband Tony.  You can view their photo in "The Way We Are Photo Album".

Happy Birthday wishes go out to:

Murray Dugger  
Sharon (Trout) Glenn
Marilyn (Heskett) Iverson
Carolyn (Henton) Masi
Ed Pilcher
Don McKillip

Celebrating their 40 Year Wedding Anniversary are Linda (Heskett) & Dean Witter.  Congratulations on reaching a great milestone in life! (see photo in "The Way We Are Photo Album".

That place we've spent our life circling has been found!  It too can been seen in "The Way We Are Photo Album" # 20. 

3/16/09

Happy Anniversary to Tom & Linda Murphy who are celebrating 38 years of marriage this month along with: 

Larry & Kathy (Peters) Larson 3-30-69--40 years

Dick & Karen (Bales) Rima 3-25-06--3 years

4/1/09

Two classmates are celebrating their birthdays in April.  They are:

Gene Wasia
         &
Roger Wilmot 

Happy Birthday to each of you!

Dave & Nancy Nicholaus are celebrating their 41st Wedding Anniversary on 4-17-09

Jerri (Smith) & Virgil Frisbee celebrate their 35th Wedding               Anniversary on 4-26-09.  Happy Anniversary!!

Thanks to Dave Nicholaus we have an article about the begining of McCook which was published June 15, 1932 in the McCook Gazette.

Plans are progressing for the McCook High School All-Class Reunion July 2-5, 2010.

Those who log on to www.mccook2010.com can request the password on-site and webmaster Mathew Winder '07 will email the recipient the required password and enter the person on the database.  The site includes several pages including a message forum, classmate profiles and an "In memory" page.

 The Beginning 
In 1873 Indianola was the only town in Red Willow County and was the county seat. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad had built as far as Culbertson. A post office was built on the north side of the Republican River half way in between the two towns, on what is now Raven Wood Road. and it was called Fairview. The first post master was S.H.Colvin. This new post office was a four room soddie.

 
Indianola and Culbertson had both been competing to become the Division Point for the new Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. Land speculators had been buying land in both cities in anticipation of making a wind fall profit selling to both the railroad and new citizans. However neither could come to an agreement with the B&MR Railroad so the railroad chose Fairview to be the new division point. The president of the B&MR was personal friends with a Civil War General named Alexander McCook. McCook had made a name for himself as an indian fighter and was a hero of Bull Run. The B&MR decided to build a town north of the track at Fairview and call it McCook. Fairview then faded from history.
 
The Lincoln Land Company did the original survey for McCook in 1882. At that time no buildings existed north of the railroad.
 
By 1883 McCook consisted of one soddie and four wood frame structures. The use of the soddie is lost in history, but the frame buildings now located north of the railroad were for a General Store owned by Indianola business men A.C.Ebert and two others were for drug store and doctors office, owned by S.L.Green a self made doctor. By 1927 Greens building had become Sauter Bakery. The forth frame building was also a drug store owned by a Thomas Scott who became the first post master of McCook.  Scotts building was just south of what would later become DeGroff,s.
 
Mr. A. Barnett, another Culbertson business man had been selling lumber in McCook since 1882. Barnett Lumber eventually moved to McCook and was located just north of the Depot. A. Barnet was a driving factor in the building of McCook and made his mark on every major building in the town. 
 
During the 1880's McCook was one of the fastest growing towns in Nebraska and the county seat eventually shifted from Culbertson to McCook.

"Pioneer's Dream In 1882", printed on June 15th 1932 by the 
McCook Gazette.

Many couples sent in their Wedding Anniversary information so they could be recognized on the web site as well as having the biggest day in their life acknowledged.  We would like to see you participate in this activity.  It only takes a moment or two to send the information to me and I will do the rest.

How about those Biographies?  Yes, I am thinking some of you  have a spare 15 to 30 minutes to draft a summary of your life since High School Graduation in May '66.  Make an appointment with yourself to do so, then send it to me.

More and more photos keep arriving.  The "Way We Are" photo album is growing slowly but surely.  Everyone would enjoy seeing a current photo of you or you and your family.  Beat the rush, and send it in!

5/1/09

Two birthdays are on tap for May: 

Tom Cavaiani
           &
Nancy (Mitchell) Gibbs

May you both have a happy and enjoyable birthday!  I'd give your ages but I don't want any tears on my watch.

It appears no one is celebrating their Wedding Anniversary in May.  There is plenty of time for those of you who have not sent their birthdates and anniversary dates to get them in.  One person told me if you counted Jr. High they had been a couple many, many years.  I responded by saying you cannot count all the times you were parked in the country, at the lake, in the parking lot, necking in the halls at school, movies, etc. as legitimate years .  I didn't get a rebuttal so I guess they agreed.

I keep waiting for you to send in new stories.  YOUR Class Web Site is Counting on YOU!!!

6/1/09

Welcome summer!  I know people in Denver are happy to see winter behind us and sunny outdoor time available again to wear shorts and flip-flops.

Once again we have two classmates celebrating their birthdays this month.  Happy Birthday to you followed by a new year of good health and happiness!

Anita Drain

Dale Gibbs

Anniversary Greetings go out to:

Gene Wasia & Cathy Carter will celebrate their 42nd Wedding Anniversary on 6-30-67


Linda (Sines) & Dick Clark  will celebrate their 38th Wedding Anniverary on 6-6-71 and to

Dale & Nancy (Mitchell) Gibbs  will celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary 6-8-69

May your future years together be at least as enjoyable as the past!

A photo of Gene & Cathy's Wedding is in the "The Way We Are" Photo Album.  Thanks for submitting the photo Cathy.

That's it folks.  My mailman is tired of me asking him if he has an article or two for YOUR CLASS WEB SITE.  Send me those articles, old school stories, old photos involving classmates, etc.  Your classmates would enjoy reading them or getting a few laughs.

7/01/09

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO YOU AND YOURS!  May the weather cooperate, the food be hot and great to eat and may the beverages be ice cold.

Two couples are celebrating their Wedding Anniversaries this month:

Don & Sue McKillip  7-27-74

Lana & Ken Assyd   7-29-77

July Birthday wishes go out to:

Sharon (Barber) Kennedy

Linda (Sines) Clark

Nancy (Mitchell) Gibbs

Thanks to Ursula (Wozniak) Leeds and Carolyn (Henton) Masi for providing a photo of their golf victory at the Ranch Country Club in Westminster, CO.

Last week the Surgeon did a superbub job in removing my gallbladder.  I am happy to report I am making great progress in my recovery.  With luck it will be a thing of the past come this time next week.

THANKS TO OUR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY OUR MANY FREEDOMS!!


8/01/09

The McCook hotels and motels are experiencing a great deal of activity as people make reservations for Bison Reunion 2010, July 2 - 5.  I was told the Holiday Inn Express is close to sold out.  So, if you plan to attend make your reservations.  If something comes up to interfer, you can usually cancel by 5 or 6 PM on the day of your planned arrival.

Our class website has now recorded over 3,000 visitors since its inception.  Thanks for your continuing interest and support.

There are seven classmates celebrating their birthday in August:

Carol (Bryan) Barrett

Cheryl Bethel

Betty (Crook) Thomson

Jan (Smith) Frisbee

David Nicholaus

Marty Sevier

Denny Weinhold

Happy Birthday To All!  In one year you will be elidgible for Social Securty! 

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to:

Anita (Baker) and Richard Graff celebrating their 40th on 8-31.

Cathy (Bunstock) and Merel Cox celebrating their 18th on 8-30.

Betty (Crook) and Dean Thomson celebrating their 35th on 8-18.

Kathy (Trupp) and Dick Cppel celebrating their 40th on 8-30.

The All Class website has one of our former classmates, Ron Schrein, listed as deceased.  I believe he went to East Ward.  Can someone out there confirm or disprove whether Ron is living or deceased.  Your help would be welcome.

The summer of 2009 is about to go into the history books.  I hope you can make the best of August for you and your family.


8/5/09

It took a considerable amount of research, however it has been discovered that our former classmate, Ron Schrein died in December, 1971 after a very short life.  Ron and his family were living in Denver at the time.

News has it that Barb (Anderson) Gaskins is recovering from foot surgery.  Barb we wish you a complete and speedy recovery.  I suppose this means the Pajama Party has been canceled for this year?

9/1/09

The end of summer bring forth perhaps one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, fall.  This means the start of Nebraska Football is a week or two away.  How will the Big Red do this year?  That answer remains to be seen.  GO BIG RED!!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to:

Ann (Madison) Lipton

Bruce Sweeney

May your 61st year bring you good health, happiness and peace!

Ann (Madison) & Don Lipton will celebrate their 34th Wedding Anniversary on 9/27-75.  Congratulations to you!!

Send those articles, old school stories, old photos involving classmates, etc.  Your classmates would enjoy reading them or getting a few laughs. Your Class Web Site is counting on you!

10/1/09

I will be gone the last part of September and first part of October which is why you are receiving this so early. Happy Fall to all!

The McCook Bison's incredible regular season winning streak came to an end a few weeks ago.  I wonder if McCook will ever enjoy a string of victories like that again? 

Happy Birthday Wishes for October go out to:

Janice (Poore) Grossmeyer

Tom Murphy

Richard Mustion

Linda Ball

There is one Wedding Anniversary for October:

Mark & Pamela Winters were married 28 years ago on 10/3/81.
Congratulations to Mark & Pam!

The Big Red needs all the support we have to give them so,
                                           GO BIG RED!!

11/03/09

Most of you know I live in Denver.  Well, last week we had a winter welcome party as Mother Nature dumped 18 inches of heavy, white snow---Welcome to winter.  Summer has been closed until next year.

Happy November Birthday to:

Cathy ( Bunstock) Cox

Cathy (Carter) Wasia

Tom Griffin

Lee Wilhem

It seems as no one is celebrating a Wedding Anniversary this month or if they are they did not notify me.

Just in!  A belated Happy 10th Anniversary to Anita (Felton) & Ron Perez.
 
That's all we have for this month.

 

 

 

 

 

 






Page 2 --  Content from 8/07 to 1/1/08


8/1/07

Your Class Web Site has been seen by some 230 visitors since its beginning June 1, 2007--see the counter at the bottom of the "Welcome Page".  The counter records numbers not names or e-mail addresses.

Check out the NEW Music! It was the second highest ranking song in1966. The site has a limit of one piece of music so it may be rotated from time to time.  You may turn the music on or off at the bottom of the "Welcome Page".

Visit  the NEW photo album--"The Way We Were".  This will take you back a few years.  If you have trouble enlarging the pages when you double click, you may need to use another browser such as Internet Explorer.

Thanks go out to Jim Liggett whose suggestion lead to the creation of "The Way We Were".  Please e-mail me with any ideas you might like to see on Your Web Site.

8/8/07

A new photo album "The Way We Are" is open.  It will contain current photo(s) of you or you and your spouse or you and your family.  It only takes a few moments to scan and e-mail it to me at: 

11/17/07

Thanks to Coach Paul Forch "The Ultimate Jukebox--For Music Lovers" has been added to the "The Sixties".  This site provides music from all decades.  I think you will enjoy it whether you are a music buff or not.

The McCook Bison Football team went 12 wins and 0 losses for the season.  They have accumulated a 98 win, 18 loss record for the past 10 years. They are no longer Class "A" but, were moved to Class "B" some years ago due to a realignment based on population.  Regardless, that is one incredible fete to be proud of.  GO BISON! 

Sandi Langhoff saw the web site blurb in the current newsletter.  Now Sandi's e-mail address has been added to the E-Mail List.  We exchanged e-mails which led to a very enjoyable phone conversation after about 20 or 30 years without contact.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

11/29/07

Contrary to the Thanksgiving greeting above, Thanksgiving week 2007 turned out to be an extremely sad time.  We lost three of our friends and classmates:  Pat Taylor, Danny O'Neil and Ron Hamilton.

Pat died from a sudden heart attack, Danny from an infection in his spinal cord and Ron lost his battlle with leukemia.

May their families find peace with their loss and may our friends find eternal peace now and forever.

Jim Liggett's Bio can be found in the "Class of '66 Bios.  Jim, thank you for making time to write and contribute your Bio.

12/12/07

Dale & Nancy (Mitchell) Gibbs became members of the class web site.  They also submitted a Bio for the two of them since they were both our classmates. Thank you and welcome Dale & Nancy.

Unfortunately three class members lost their Mothers' recently.  They were Susan Peters, Patty Clifton and Carla Myers.

To you and your family, I wish a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, safe and peaceful New Year!

It has been a pleasure to work with each of you this past year.
Tom

1/5/08

HAPPY 2008!

YOUR class web site continues its popularity.  Since the site went on line July 1, 2007--some six months ago--there have been 720 visitors an average of 120 visitors per month.  Thanks to everyone who has visited, contributed and complimented the site.

Welcome to the Class of '67! They enjoyed their 40th Reunion this past fall.  At their reunion they collected about 60 e-mail addresses from their class.  You may access their "67 E-Mail List" in the left column. Looking through the list I see the names of many friends from McCook and I am certain you will to.   

Jim Liggett has contributed his photo for the "Way We Are" photo album. Thanks Jim.  Enjoy a few minutes to see your old friends the way they really look today.  Also, your photo would be a welcome addition.

A new addition to our site is Cheryl Bethel Trail.  Cheryl's e-mail address has been added to the E-Mail List.  Welcome Cheryl!  We are happy to have you participating.

1/18/2008

Judy (Vap) Sealock contributed her photo to the photo album "The Way We Are".  Thank you Judy.

Wayne Awtry's older brother Dennis, Dennis Mizell's Mother and Connie Remington's Mother recently passed away.

Also, note that Cheryl Bethel Trail has reclaimed her maiden name, Cheryl Bethel.

1/22/2008

Some of you may have a blue banner at the top of the "Welcome Page" and a red banner at the bottom of the page. If this is the case, change your Browser to Internet Explorer which is generally found on your desk top.  This still may not resolve the issue.  If it doesn't, go to:  www.mozilla.com and download Firefox which is another more reliable Browser which should give you a red banner at the top and bottom of the "Welcome Page".

2/4/2008

Starting today, when a parent or sibling passes away they will be acknowledged in a group e-mail and will not be part of the web site.  However, when a classmate dies he/she will be acknowledged with a group e-mail and a notice on the web site.  This is being done in an attempt to cut back on the amount of sad news which we have been experiencing since November.

We are looking for the the full name, birth date and date of death for David Callan, Sherwood Korf and Glenn Wilson.  We hope someone out their has this information or can put us in touch with someone who does. If so, please provide this information to me.  Thank you.

2/12/08

Patricia Clifton is a new member of the E-Mail List.  You can find her e-mail address on this web site.  Welcome to the web site!

Also, Sharon Trout Glenn has a new e-mail address which can be found in the 66 E-Mail List

2/28/08

                                   A BOAR STORY by Nick Spratlen

"Feral hogs" is a broad category including some descended from escapee domestic hogs, some descended from wild Russian boars, and some razorbacks. There is no season or bag limits on them in GA. One can hunt them year around. The only requirement is that you hunt with nothing more powerful than is allowed during a concurrent season, such as nothing bigger than rim fire (.17 or .22 caliber) or shotguns during small game seasons. I have talked with one pro hunter who used to bag feral hogs in Florida with a .22 by shooting them behind the ear or in the eye. Might be OK if one is consistently an excellent marksman.

We met two archers this weekend who, like us, had no success over the weekend. One told me he did not carry a handgun for back up and was good at climbing trees quickly (he had been forced to climb trees a few times). The best shot is when they are quartering away from you so you can get the arrow/bullet in under the large, protective clavicle bone. Boars can attack, and sows with piglets can also attack in defense of their litter. The bigger boars, 300 lbs +, have impressive tusks. Hunters often have a pair of tusks mounted for display.

I have also talked by phone with a fellow in S GA (near the Okefenokee Swamp) who, along with a few friends, runs hogs in the Spring with hound dogs, catches them, ties the young boars up, then castrates them. In the Fall, they run them again to bag them when the meat tastes better. I am not attracted to that, but it would be fun to tag along once. I learned from a conversation with one of the deacon's at church, that running feral hogs with dogs in Georgia as described above is not as uncommon as I thought. Which reminded me of coyote runners in Nebraska 40 + years ago. When I was visiting my father in Kansas early last December, I saw a pickup with several greyhounds gassing up. It was a deja vu experience.

There was lots of rain around Savannah this weekend, so the hunting was very difficult. The sandy & muddy roads were in soupy shape too. Even the Army Humvees on exercise were moving slowly. We did see a razorback cross the road approx 200 yards ahead of us. It was black, looked huge, and resembled a rider in a black rain slicker atop a black horse. An experienced hog hunting friend who also saw it thought it was a sow and estimated it weighed about 200 pounds. It sure looked bigger than that to me. The humped or peaked back of a razorback seems to give it a very distinctive appearance. Anyway, it looked to me much like a moose on short legs.

We managed to get stuck several miles back in the forest/swamp on a road used by loggers, and sportsmen (hunters and fishers), plus Abrams tanks and Bradley APC's on training exercises. The first tow truck driver almost slid off the road and refused to drive all the way into where we were stuck. The second tow truck driver was the absolute best "good old Georgia boy" I've ever met. Most good old Georgia boys, when asked by a state patrol trooper if they had any ID would respond, "bout whut?"

I pasted a couple of interesting links below for you.  Scroll down to the photo at the bottom of page 5 of the first one to see what type of habitat we were hunting in. After mid-March, I would be unlikely to hunt in that kind of habitat without tall boots or snake guards. The rattlers near the coast can get pretty big. Coral snakes are also found near Savannah (red ring on black ring = friend of Jack, red ring on yellow ring can kill a fellow).
http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/assets/documents/Feral%20Hogs%20in%20Georgia%202006%20read%20version.pdf

The 800 pound Hogzilla (scroll down):
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/h/hogzilla.htm

1,100 pound hog shot on the South side of greater metropolitan Atlanta area. Weight verified by scale readings.
http://www.gon.com/article.php?id=1017&cid=89

You can see why am reluctant to hunt wild hogs with anything less than a center fire rifle or shotgun firing full jacket sabot slugs thru a rifled barrel. The smaller hogs, which are preferable to eat, would not be a problem. But, if there is a big sow or boar amongst the smaller hogs, THAT could be a problem. 
 

Thanks Nick for the entertaining, interesting and unique story from your "neck of the woods".

3/1/08

The Class of 1966 Web Site achieved a new milestone today!  Visitor #1,000 made a visit to our class site -- just eight months since it went on line.  The site has been averaging 125 visitors per month which is steady and indicates the interest in the site. 
 
To keep this interest going the site will need an infusion of new, fresh ideas in the coming months.  We are open to most any story about a classmate--I know many, many of you are sitting on your hands when you could be sending an e-mail containing an interesting story about yourself and/or your classmates.  It is time to get on the band wagon!
 
Because of you, the above has become a reality!  Help this level of success continue by contributing ideas and stories for the web site.
 
Thank you,
Tom

Welcome to Don McKillip as a new member to our web site.  You may find Don's e-mail address in the class e-mail listing.

Another new member to our web site is Roger Wilmot.  Roger would enjoy hearing from his former classmates and friends.

4/06/08

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY!

This is the year that we are to get old.  Some of us will move into the home, rhuematoid arthritis will set in, we will have both knees replaced, cataracts will appear as will detached retinas and sugar diabetes.  All of which are wonderful events we cannot wait to experience.  Hopefully, they will be postponed until our 70's.

Some of you have already turned 60 and most of us will in the coming months.  If you will give me your birth date, even if it has come and gone, your birthday will be honored in this section of the web site.

4/13/08

Barb Gaskins will retire May 15, 2008 after 30 years of service to the University of Creighton School of Law, Omaha, NE.  Barb and her husband built their retirement dream home in Cave Creek, Arizona.  Good luck, good health and years of enjoyment to Barb and her husband.  There is a current photo of Barb and her family in "The Way We Are" photo album.

Roger Wilmot would like to get in touch with Bill Austin.  Please e-mail Roger if you have information which will help him contact Bill.  Our web site would also like to have this information.

Larry Hamler and I met in McCook April, 24.  On Friday, April 25 we were the guests of the Class of '65 at their weekly luncheon. It was great to see so many friends after so many years.  They had the largest turnout ever.  I guess it might have something to do with the quality of the guests.  Thanks for having us as we truly enjoyed your company.

Saturday morning, April 26 our class had an impromptu breakfast gathering also at the bakery.  In attendance were Kathie Cappel, Ed Fahnholz, Dennis Buffington, Larry Hamler and myself.  We enjoyed quality conversation, jokes, reminiscing about old times and our families.  Thanks to those who came. See photo in"The Way We Are" photo album,

Roger Wilmot celebrated his Big 60 on 4/25/08.  Hang in there for another 60 Roger.

5/30/08

From Tom Cavaiani:

Tom,

So Tina and I decided to go to Lucky 13 this evening for Pizza.  So we
place our order and find a seat outside, since it was such a beautiful
evening.  We sit down and I look up to see this very familiar face at
the next table.  Of course I didn't know immediately if it was David
Backer, and did not interrupt these four people who were obviously
engaged in conversation and enjoying there meal.  As they were leaving I asked the obvious question and David responded, that yes indeed it was David Backer from McCook HS.  We (David, Julie, Tina, and I) had a short but informative conversation, and were both astonished that we would bump into each other like we did.

What are the odds that two people who went to the same Nebraska high school over 40 years ago, would wind up sitting within 15 feet of each other at a pizza parlor in Boise, Idaho across town from their homes on the same night at the same time?  Probably astronomical I imagine.  What is really weird is that David and Julie live less than a mile from my house and have been in Boise about 10 years now, and this is the first time we have encountered each other (or at least known about it).

One last comment, if you had not mentioned in your email that you hadrun into David at Costco, I probably would not have made the connection tonight.  Some things are stranger than fiction.

Tom

06/4/08

Anita Drain tells me she is ready to go over some more hills in life.  Anita turns 60 June 20, 2008.  Take a moment to welcome Anita to the 60's Club; there's no going back.

Visit "66 Military Vets" a tribute to our classmates who served in the Military during Viet Nam, Desert Storm and Iraq.  The number who served is unbelievable!

7/9/08

Dave Nicholaus retired after 37 years with the railroad.  Dave spent 31 1/2 years with the Wisconsin, Minnesota & North Dakota Railroad as Manager of Mechanical Operations.  Congratulations Dave!

Today we received word that, our classmate and friend, Bill Cotton passed away in Kearney on 7/07/08.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and his family.

7/11/08

It is time for our class to give a VERY BIG thank you to two VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE for all they have done over the years for our class   out of the goodness of their hearts.  They are the "glue" that has kept our class together all these many years.  Thanks to CATHY BUNSTOCK COX, our volunteer Class Representative, who among other things, coordinates our class news for the BISON and helps with our class reunions.  Also to KATHIE TRUPP CAPPEL, who among other things, is our Treasurer and arranges to have flowers from our class at each classmate's funeral or if the deceased lived out of town, gives a donation from the treasury to the BISON in the name of the deceased.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION OF TIME, TALENT AND ENERGY!  We would be lost without you!

Classmates please send them a note of gratitude!

Anita Baker Graff is a new member to our site.  Anita's e-mail address is in the E-Mail List.

08/02/08

Have you read our  "66 Class Prophecy" since 1966?  You can find it as a topic in the left margin.  Let me know  if your career turned out as projected.

Dusty Bower and his customized cars are a focus on the "Class of '65" web site.

See the last photo in the "Way We Were" photo album to see Ursula and Roger on Prom Night.

The search continues for my backup for this site.  As it stands, if I go, so goes the site.  Someone step up please.  Your class needs you!

Larry Hamler is a new member of the "60's Club".  Has anyone else recently hit the magic 60?  If so let me know.

08/015/08

The newest member to the "60's Club" is Denny Weinhold.  Denny, Happy Birthday and good luck during the next 60 years !

The "60's Club" seems to be the popular place to be.  Cheryl Bethel made her entry.  Happy Birthday Cheryl!

Dick and Kathie (Trupp) Cappel just celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary.  Congratulations and many more!

8/29/08

A former McCookite and MHS grad, Jeanne (Boyle) Oldweiler, has written a book on her experiences growing up in southwest Nebraska and McCook. 

"Name of the book is "The Ant Hill Challenge and other stories of growing up in southwestern Nebraska during the 1940's & 1950's." 

"I
t runs from the time I was a young girl living southeast of Stratton about events that take place in the rural communities and our many trips to McCook and continues with stories during WW2, then following the war and Dad's death and moving to McCook.  It ends with my graduation from college in l959.  It is a series of 86 individual stories.  The price of the book will be $20.00. If anyone is interested they can contact me at either 704 Gunnison Court, Columbia, MO 65203 or jeanne704@socket.net"

Dick & Kathie (Trupp) Cappel's photo apppears in the photo album "The Way We Are".  It is nice to have more and more of our class submitting current photos.  Thank you and keep them coming!

09/02/08

Anita (Baker) Graff sent a very nice photo of Anita and her husband, Rich, which may be found in the photo album "The Way We Are".  Thank you Anita!

09/06/08

The McCook Bison football team has picked up right where they left off.  They trounced Sidney, last week, in the season opener 67--0 and rolled passed  Alliance  51--6 last night.  The Bison have an unbelievable string of 73 wins in their last 77 games and a ten year record of 98 wins and 19 losses. 

10/01/08

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!!

Membership in the "Sixties Club"  continues to grow!  Barb (Anderson) Gaskins, Linda (Sines) Clark, Suzanne Poirier, Ann (Madison) Lipton, Ed Pilcher, Sharon (Trout) Glenn, Jari (Smith) Frisbie, Pat Clifton, Carolyn (Hinton) Masi, Dennis Mizell, Cheryl Bethel, Cliff Davis, Ursula (Wozniak) Leeds, and Libby (Hassler) Hoyt had recent celebrations moving THEM into the next decade of life.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL!!

10/08/08

These classmates celebrate their birthdays in October.  They are:

Janice (Poore) Grossmeyer
Tom Murphy
Richard Mustion
Linda Ball

They are officially members of the "Sixties Club".  Happy Birthday to one and all!  May they each enjoy many more in happiness, good health with caring family and friends.

The MHS Bison continue to steam roll past their opponents.  They are undefeated and ranked # 1 in the State.  Go Bison!!

The response to the "Pajama Party" and the Oldest/Youngest age contests has been a great deal of fun for everyone.  Your participation is what made it so much fun----Thank you. Thanks also goes out to Janice (Poore) Grossmeyer for asking the question "Who is the oldest in our class"? Soon thereafter, it became the question heard around the globe!  Linda Ball is the oldest and Bill Austin is the youngest in our class.

Also, many of you have sent me your birth month so we can recognize you and others during the month of your birthday. Please know you are free to send any of the celebrants your own greeting or a zinger or two.  Please keep it clean.  There is plenty of room for all classmates to submit their birth months so hurry as you aren't getting any younger!

May you be enjoying beautiful fall weather--we sure are.

10/24/08

Dave Nicholaus submitted a current photo of himself and his beautiful canary yellow Jeep.  Dave it looks like you are all set to enjoy your retirement.

Sharon (Trout) Glenn provided a family photo of her, Dave their children and grandchildren.  Both Dave Nicholaus' and Sharon's  photo is in "The Way We Are" photo album.

Your web site recordered its 2000th visitor this month. I think this is quite an accomplishment which you continue to participate in to contribute to its success.  Remember that I welcome any idea you might have for your web site. The more ideas we have the greater the variety of topics we can offer.

One of my sisters and one of my sister-in-laws' had Class Reunions over Harvest Days in McCook.  The Classes of '53, '58 and '68 were each having seperate celebrations.  I enjoyed visiting with John & Cathie (Reid) Barna, Larry & Susan (Gilbert) Weber, Linnea (Sevier) & Rich Wells, Lori (Lebsack) Backer and many others I've forgotten.  I did enjoy breakfast and a nice visit with Dick & Kathie (Troup) Cappel.  Otherwise, I do not believe I saw anyone else from our class.

I did make a traditional visit to Mac's.  You can rest knowing that somethings remain just as good as they were 40 years ago.  Mac's is definitely one of them while the other is the bakery on Main Street.

11/08/08

These classmates are celebrating their birthday during Novemeber:  

Cathy ( Bunstock) Cox
Cathy (Carter) Wasia 
Tom Griffin
Lee Wilhem

They are now official members of the "Sixties Club"!  May each of you enjoy a special and enjoyable day on your birthday.

"McCook History" contains a true recount of an actual Indian Massacre that took place in the McCook area about 1869.  It was pointed out to me how odd it is that we were not taught in school about our local history of the Indians and pioneers.  This  true story provides a tidbit of insight into our local history.

11/25/08

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!

12/02/08

December brings birthday wishes to Cliff Davis and Jim Steinke. Happy Birthday guys!

I would venture to guess that close to 100% of our class are now official members of the Sixties Club.  What a stress filled year it has been worrying about leaving our fifties behind and entering our sixties.  Well, we have one optimal choice, so we might as well go full steam ahead!

12/16/08

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, HEALTHY ,SAFE NEW YEAR!!

Enjoy the Christmas Song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To822SCxolM



   





tcmurphy66@aol.com . If you do not have access to a scanner, send a photo to me. If you want the photo returned, send  it in a self addressed stamped envelope.  I will scan it and add it to the album. It doesn't get much easier than that.  Tom Murphy, 4975 W. 116th Way, Westminster, CO 80031 

I am looking for backup on this web site in the event something happens to me.  I can assure that most of it is common sense and the willingness to be dedicated plus some creativity.  I do not anticipate anything happening in the near future but, I would rather be prepared than not.  If you have an interest, please e-mail me.

8/14/07

Connie Remington has a new e-mail address which has been listed in the E-mail List.  Connie wrote that she would love to hear from you.

8/28/07

YOUR class web site has enjoyed 330 visitors to date.  This is a great response.

So far about 10 classmates have sent in current photos for "The Way We Are" photo album.  It sure would be nice if we had a greater participation for this activity.  It is time for you to send your photo.

There are two new additions to the web site.  "The Sixties" & " McCook Sites".  Take some time to visit these new sites.  I believe you will find them enjoyable and informative.

I am still hoping for someone to volunteer to be my backup for this site.  Currently, if I go down so does the site.  I really dont think this is what you want so, send me an e-mail to volunteer.

8/17/2007

Sharon (Trout) Glenn's new e-mail address is: 
 sglenn@hamilton.net  This change has also be made to the E-Mail List.

9/29/07

The popularity of Your Class Web Site continues to be strong.  The site has recently recorded its 450th visitor in three months or an average of 150 visitors per month.

Larry Hamler and Tom Cavaiani submitted current photos for the "Way We Are" photo album.  Please keep them coming!

The Fighting McCook Family and Historical Information submitted by Nick Spratlen can be found in "McCook History.  Thanks Nick.  We appreciate your time and effort.

10/24/07

Thanks to Larry Hamler and Tom Cavaiani for submitting a photo for the "Way We Are Photo Album" last month.  We still are missing about 90% of your photos--beat the rush.

Jim Steinke's e-mail address has been added to the E-mail List.  I am sure that Jim would enjoy hearing from you.

Dick and Kathie Cappel have a new granddaughter to add to their family.  Congratulations to Mom, Dad, baby Emma, grandparents and their entire family!

Class of '66 Millitary Vets visit "66 Military Vets"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  The year is 2009.  Hopefully 2008 was good to you and 2009 will be as good or better.  

Wow! Wasn't it wonderful to see the Big Red flex it's muscle and come out with a victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl?  It has  been a long time since I have felt this good about NU football.  May the momentum carry forward through recruiting and on into next year.

Happy Birthday to the January celebrants.  Was anyone the first baby born in your birth year wherever that event may have taken place?

Kathie (Trupp) Cappel
Rose Ann (Moureau) Wright
Sandra Gallatin
Connie (Remington) Walter
Mark Winters
Bonnie (McCleland) Scheidt

If things work out, Page 1 which contains all the information since the beginning of our web site will now be Page 2.  This will allow this page to open for the current year yet, maintain a copy of our history. 

Thanks to those of you who contributed information to our web site last year. Hopefully, more of you will make time to contribute in the coming year.

1/09/09

Carol (Bryan) Barrett's new e-mail address can be found in the E-Mail List.  We appreciate your keeping us updated with new info.  Thanks!

1/15/2009

    

Announcing
 
       "The Ant Hill Challenge"
                          is available
This is a book written by Jeanne Boyle Oldweiler.  It contains 88 stories about growing up in southwestern Nebraska during the 1940's and 1950's.  It can be purchased locally, by mail or on the Net.
 
Price:  $18.00 if locally
        $20.00 if mailed
        $20.00 plus postage if from Barnes and Noble or Amazon
 
Quote: The author wanted history to correctly remember how children, on the prairies of Nebraska, spent their lives during the l940's and l950's.  However, where this book is highly successful is the attraction to those of us who were children during the same era.  While you take this nostalgic reading trip your memory bell will ring many times of similar events and feelings that occurred in your childhood regardless of where your roots were planted.  We are all fortunate that Jeanne Boyle Oldweiler has taken the time to tell us stories of growing up in southwestern Nebraska.
 
To order:  Mail check to Jeanne Boyle Oldweiler
                         Bluebird Books
                         704 Gunnison Court
                         Columbia, MO 65203

1/22/09

Today's additions in "The Way We Are Photo Album" are Dale Gibbs and his wife, Nancy ( Mitchell) Gibbs. Dale & Nancy are both members of the Class '66.  They live in Kearney, NE.

2/02/09

February birthday greetings go out to:

Ursula (Wozniak) Leads
Barb ( Anderson) Gaskins
Anita (Baker) Graf
John Trail

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDS!!

A few months ago I wrote to you indicating that OUR CLASS WEB SITE would soon be running out of material without your contributions.  Well, that time has come. Your contributions of personal stories, old school events, recent experiences and just about any other input would be GREATLY welcome to sustain the interest in OUR WEB SITE.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.

The popularlity of the web site continues to be very strong.  Since its begining in 2007 there have been 2,444 visitors which averages out to be 136 visitors per month.  I'd say that is pretty darn impressive considering there were about 154 graduates from the Class of '66.

3/01/09

Thanks to Carolyn (Henton) Masi for submitting a current photo of her and her husband Tony.  You can view their photo in "The Way We Are Photo Album".

Happy Birthday wishes go out to:

Murray Dugger  
Sharon (Trout) Glenn
Marilyn (Heskett) Iverson
Carolyn (Henton) Masi
Ed Pilcher
Don McKillip

Celebrating their 40 Year Wedding Anniversary are Linda (Heskett) & Dean Witter.  Congratulations on reaching a great milestone in life! (see photo in "The Way We Are Photo Album".

That place we've spent our life circling has been found!  It too can been seen in "The Way We Are Photo Album" # 20. 

3/16/09

Happy Anniversary to Tom & Linda Murphy who are celebrating 38 years of marriage this month along with: 

Larry & Kathy (Peters) Larson 3-30-69--40 years

Dick & Karen (Bales) Rima 3-25-06--3 years

4/1/09

Two classmates are celebrating their birthdays in April.  They are:

Gene Wasia
         &
Roger Wilmot 

Happy Birthday to each of you!

Dave & Nancy Nicholaus are celebrating their 41st Wedding Anniversary on 4-17-09

Jerri (Smith) & Virgil Frisbee celebrate their 35th Wedding               Anniversary on 4-26-09.  Happy Anniversary!!

Thanks to Dave Nicholaus we have an article about the begining of McCook which was published June 15, 1932 in the McCook Gazette.

Plans are progressing for the McCook High School All-Class Reunion July 2-5, 2010.

Those who log on to www.mccook2010.com can request the password on-site and webmaster Mathew Winder '07 will email the recipient the required password and enter the person on the database.  The site includes several pages including a message forum, classmate profiles and an "In memory" page.

 The Beginning 
In 1873 Indianola was the only town in Red Willow County and was the county seat. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad had built as far as Culbertson. A post office was built on the north side of the Republican River half way in between the two towns, on what is now Raven Wood Road. and it was called Fairview. The first post master was S.H.Colvin. This new post office was a four room soddie.

 
Indianola and Culbertson had both been competing to become the Division Point for the new Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. Land speculators had been buying land in both cities in anticipation of making a wind fall profit selling to both the railroad and new citizans. However neither could come to an agreement with the B&MR Railroad so the railroad chose Fairview to be the new division point. The president of the B&MR was personal friends with a Civil War General named Alexander McCook. McCook had made a name for himself as an indian fighter and was a hero of Bull Run. The B&MR decided to build a town north of the track at Fairview and call it McCook. Fairview then faded from history.
 
The Lincoln Land Company did the original survey for McCook in 1882. At that time no buildings existed north of the railroad.
 
By 1883 McCook consisted of one soddie and four wood frame structures. The use of the soddie is lost in history, but the frame buildings now located north of the railroad were for a General Store owned by Indianola business men A.C.Ebert and two others were for drug store and doctors office, owned by S.L.Green a self made doctor. By 1927 Greens building had become Sauter Bakery. The forth frame building was also a drug store owned by a Thomas Scott who became the first post master of McCook.  Scotts building was just south of what would later become DeGroff,s.
 
Mr. A. Barnett, another Culbertson business man had been selling lumber in McCook since 1882. Barnett Lumber eventually moved to McCook and was located just north of the Depot. A. Barnet was a driving factor in the building of McCook and made his mark on every major building in the town. 
 
During the 1880's McCook was one of the fastest growing towns in Nebraska and the county seat eventually shifted from Culbertson to McCook.

"Pioneer's Dream In 1882", printed on June 15th 1932 by the 
McCook Gazette.

Many couples sent in their Wedding Anniversary information so they could be recognized on the web site as well as having the biggest day in their life acknowledged.  We would like to see you participate in this activity.  It only takes a moment or two to send the information to me and I will do the rest.

How about those Biographies?  Yes, I am thinking some of you  have a spare 15 to 30 minutes to draft a summary of your life since High School Graduation in May '66.  Make an appointment with yourself to do so, then send it to me.

More and more photos keep arriving.  The "Way We Are" photo album is growing slowly but surely.  Everyone would enjoy seeing a current photo of you or you and your family.  Beat the rush, and send it in!

5/1/09

Two birthdays are on tap for May: 

Tom Cavaiani
           &
Nancy (Mitchell) Gibbs

May you both have a happy and enjoyable birthday!  I'd give your ages but I don't want any tears on my watch.

It appears no one is celebrating their Wedding Anniversary in May.  There is plenty of time for those of you who have not sent their birthdates and anniversary dates to get them in.  One person told me if you counted Jr. High they had been a couple many, many years.  I responded by saying you cannot count all the times you were parked in the country, at the lake, in the parking lot, necking in the halls at school, movies, etc. as legitimate years .  I didn't get a rebuttal so I guess they agreed.

I keep waiting for you to send in new stories.  YOUR Class Web Site is Counting on YOU!!!

6/1/09

Welcome summer!  I know people in Denver are happy to see winter behind us and sunny outdoor time available again to wear shorts and flip-flops.

Once again we have two classmates celebrating their birthdays this month.  Happy Birthday to you followed by a new year of good health and happiness!

Anita Drain

Dale Gibbs

Anniversary Greetings go out to:

Gene Wasia & Cathy Carter will celebrate their 42nd Wedding Anniversary on 6-30-67


Linda (Sines) & Dick Clark  will celebrate their 38th Wedding Anniverary on 6-6-71 and to

Dale & Nancy (Mitchell) Gibbs  will celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary 6-8-69

May your future years together be at least as enjoyable as the past!

A photo of Gene & Cathy's Wedding is in the "The Way We Are" Photo Album.  Thanks for submitting the photo Cathy.

That's it folks.  My mailman is tired of me asking him if he has an article or two for YOUR CLASS WEB SITE.  Send me those articles, old school stories, old photos involving classmates, etc.  Your classmates would enjoy reading them or getting a few laughs.

7/01/09

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO YOU AND YOURS!  May the weather cooperate, the food be hot and great to eat and may the beverages be ice cold.

Two couples are celebrating their Wedding Anniversaries this month:

Don & Sue McKillip  7-27-7Lana & Ken Assyd   7-29-77

July Birthday wishes go out to:

Sharon (Barber) Kennedy

Linda (Sines) Clark

Nancy (Mitchell) Gibbs

Thanks to Ursula (Wozniak) Leeds and Carolyn (Henton) Masi for providing a photo of their golf victory at the Ranch Country Club in Westminster, CO.

Last week the Surgeon did a superbub job in removing my gallbladder.  I am happy to report I am making great progress in my recovery.  With luck it will be a thing of the past come this time next week.

THANKS TO OUR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY OUR MANY FREEDOMS!!


8/01/09

The McCook hotels and motels are experiencing a great deal of activity as people make reservations for Bison Reunion 2010, July 2 - 5.  I was told the Holiday Inn Express is close to sold out.  So, if you plan to attend make your reservations.  If something comes up to interfer, you can usually cancel by 5 or 6 PM on the day of your planned arrival.

We have many celebrating their birthday this month:

Carol (Bryan) Barret

Cheryl Bethel

Jan (Smith) Frisbee

David Nickolaus

Marty Sevier

Dennis Weinhold

Happy Birthday!  In just a year you qualify for Social Security!

The anniversaries for August are:

Anita (Baker) and Richard Graff will celebrate their 40th on August 31.

On August 30, Cathy (Bunstock) and Merel Cox  celebrate their
18th.

Betty (Crook) and Dean Thomson will celebrate their 35th on August 18.

Kathie (Trupp) and Dick Cappel celebrate their 40th on August 31

The All Class Website has a former classmate, Ron Schrein, listed as deceased.  Can someone out there either confirim or disprove this.  I believe he attended East Ward.  Your help would be appreciated.

Summer 2009 will soon be in the history books so make the best of August for you and your family.

8/05/09

After considerable research, it has been determined that our former classmate, Ron Schrein, died in December 1971 after a very short life.  Ron and his family were living in Denver at the time.

News has it that Barb (Anderson) Gaskins is recovering from foot surgery.  Barb we wish you a complete and speedy recovery.  I suppose this means the Pajama Party for this August has been canceled?