By D. Zwickl
    
    One Year Ago
    July 5, 2007
     The Red Hatters were on the road again to Lewellen for lunch and wine tasting at the 17 Ranch Winery. Gerry and Rosalie offered to stomp grapes but the owners didn't need their help.
     Eric McCormick, owner of the recently opened Bench Warmers, was presented a "First Dollar" by the Perkins County Chamber of Commerce.
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    Young Jasmine Schulze of Grant gained some new experiences when she rode on a horse during the "Special Horses for Special Kids" event held by Silver Spurs 4-H Club in Imperial June 28th at the fair arena Saturday morning. She gives a big wave while being assisted by Morgan Strand of Imperial, left, her mother, DeAnna, and James Marlatt of Imperial, leading the horse. In addition to the horse rides, the kids got to enjoy a petting farm that included a kitten, a calf, a lamb, goats and chickens, plus crafts and a barbecue. (Courtesy photo)
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    Editor's note–This story appeared in the May 23 issue of the North Platte Telegraph and is reprinted here with permission.
     Life's music took on a different cadence for Donna Hahn in February 2007, when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer.
     The tempo changed for the Wallace community leader, who was forced to master the intricate three-quarter rhythm of the "The Cancer Waltz." Surgery and five weeks of treatment at Great Plains Medical Center in North Platte followed.
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    July is filled with fireworks, hot dogs, parades and family traditions. This summer, the American Red Cross is asking blood donors to begin or continue with a lifesaving tradition and help "meet the need" by making an appointment to donate blood.
     "The average blood donor gives less than two times a year," said Misti Loughran of Midwest Red Cross Blood Services in North Platte. "It's important to remember that you can donate whole blood every 56 days."
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    Dan Bowlin of Clarkson, Neb., and Karen Bowlin of Ogallala, Neb., and Michael and Terri Sullivan of Wallace, Neb., wish to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their children Kimberly Bowlin and Shawn Sullivan.
     The bride-to-be is a 1998 graduate of Clarkson Public School and a 2002 graduate of Wayne State College with a bachelor's in elementary education.
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    Local woodcarvers had the opportunity to test their skills against carvers from three states at the annual North Platte woodcarvers artistry wood show and sale held Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15 at Quality Inn & Suites in North Platte.
     Archie Silvrants and John Potts, both of Grant, were among the contestants taking part in the annual competition that involved 41 categories for judging. One category involved each contestant being given a 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-inch block of wood, and had until 3 p.m. Sunday to complete a project. Silvrants received third in this competition.
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    Grant carver John Potts won several ribbons as well as Runner-up Best of Show in North Platte June 15. (Photos by Jan Goff)
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    Hastings Memorial Library in Grant is the recipient of anextensive collection of southwest Nebraska history from Phyllis (Pankonin) Hughes of Boulder, Colo., formerly of Grant, in what librarian Robin Quinn calls "a fantastic gift." Hughes, whose family's roots go back to Grant's origin, has graciously donated a collection of Nebraska history books as well as scrapbooks she has created herself. They include genealogical history and hundreds of photographs from early Perkins County history, all indexed.
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    The library is in the midst of the Summer Reading Program for children. The program, led by librarian Robin Quinn, is intended to keep children interested in reading and prepare them for the upcoming school year. Gathered at the table for a craft are a few of the 50 participants (clockwise from bottom left): Brendon Pankonin, Alissa Overstreet, Lyle Harms, Julianna Ritesman, Bailey Colman, Robin Quinn, Harleigh Colman, Sydney Kennicutt and Jaclyn Kurkowski. (Photos by Jan Goff)
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    The Thomas D. Buckley Trust of Chappell again issued a $5,000 grant to the Perkins County Health Services Foundation.
     This year's award is designated to assist in the purchase of a new anesthesia machine at the PCHS Hospital. To date, the foundation has raised $8,237 for the project.
     Foundation administrator Ron Patrick reports that the goal is to raise $22,500 for the anesthesia machine purchase.
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    For many years to come, residents at Sunset Haven in Grant will enjoy an Eagle Scout project created by Ben Jones, who has finished the construction of a gazebo on the Sunset Haven grounds.
     The octagonal structure, set on a concrete pad, featuring two benches, not only adds visual interest to the grounds, but provides an opportunity for residents of the Grant apartment buildings to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
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    Thirty-one family members gathered for a Shalla Family Reunion Friday, June 20 at Wendell and Marci Shalla's farm in Grant and on Saturday, June 21st at Chris and Traci Raffaeli's home in Ogallala. 
     While in town the family did some sightseeing around Ogallala and Grant and visited the Ogallala pool. 
     This reunion was blessed with great weather, safe travels, good food and a wonderful time of fellowship together.
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