We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Author: Post Staff

Omaha convention center could get a new name

Posted on

MAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials at a convention center in Omaha hope to sell the facility’s naming rights for top dollar.

The current 15-year, $14 million naming rights contract for the CenturyLink Center will expire in the fall.

The Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority voted Wednesday to hire a consultant to create a new naming rights contract that could go to a new sponsor. The authority hopes to get at least $10 million for the naming rights for an undetermined number of years. That money is used to help fund upkeep and upgrades, said Kristyna Engdahl, MECA spokeswoman.

CenturyLink officials said they’re interested in keeping the company’s name on the complex.

“We’ve been known in the greater Omaha area by our CenturyLink Center Omaha sponsorship for the last 14 years. Omaha is an important market for CenturyLink and we would welcome the opportunity to continue our relationship,” said Rachel Woodward, a spokeswoman for the company.

While the convention authority has had a good working relationship with CenturyLink, officials wanted to explore other options, Engdahl said.

The authority has contracted with Professional Sports Partners to create a new agreement. It will pay the company $10,000 for at least six months and an additional 3 percent of the gross naming rights deal if the company secures a naming rights agreement.

The arena and convention center opened in 2003. Qwest had a 15-year agreement with the city, but the complex was renamed in 2011 after CenturyLink acquired Qwest. When the naming rights first were discussed in the early 2000s, Mutual of Omaha, ConAgra and Cox Communications were all likely candidates.

Naming rights for an arena will likely attract a business that values being philanthropic, said Phani Tej Adidam, professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“It’s like giving back,” he said. “They want to show they’re a good citizen.”

Woman who drowned puppy ruled incompetent for trial

Posted on
Cynthia Anderson

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A Florida woman who drowned a puppy in a central Nebraska airport toilet won’t be punished for violating terms of her probation.

Judge Teresa Luther ruled 59-year-old Cynthia Anderson incompetent to stand trial for the alleged violation and said it’s unlikely Anderson “will become competent within the foreseeable future.” The judge also ordered Anderson freed.

Anderson had been given two years of probation in July 2015 after pleading no contest to a charge of cruel neglect for the Grand Island airport incident. She also was barred from possessing animals. She admitted this past May that she’d violated that provision.

Police in Edgewater, Florida, say Anderson had a dog with her when she was arrested there in October 2016 on a theft allegation.

Edward A. Becker

Posted on

Edward A. Becker, 88, of rural Chadron, died Jan. 8, 2018, at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, where he had been a resident since suffering a stroke on July 30, 2017.

Ed was born on April 24, 1929, in Alliance to Edward M. and Thelma (Zoble) Becker. He subsequently became the big brother to Arlene Minor, Maxine Morris and Charlene Hebbert. Three other sisters, Irene Lowe, Darlene Bonifield and Delores Valentine, preceded him in death, as well as his parents and two brothers, who died as babies, and a baby grandson, Joseph Cawiezell.

Ed attended country school near their Ashby ranch and then attended St. Agnes Academy, where he played football and basketball before graduating in 1948. Following graduation, he joined his dad in ranching.

On July 14, 1953, he and Sally Lowe were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance. He then became associated with Lowe Cattle Company. Ranching was his first priority in life, but he enjoyed rodeo as a pastime. Calf roping was always his best event, but he took a turn at riding barebacks and saddle broncs and even bull dogging. At the age of 30, he began tripping steers. He qualified for the NFR in steer roping six times. In 1973, he won the Average in Laramie, Wyoming, the first year the finals were held there.

In 1983, after Dean and Nancy were well established at Lowe Cattle Company, Ed and Sally bought a place east of Chadron. He was able to rope more, and they both began to enter Old Timers Rodeos all over the West. In 1989, they went to Arizona for two weeks and in time bought their own place, rodeoed, made new friends and enjoyed the warm weather — but were always home by calving time, just in case he was needed.

His family includes his wife of 64 years, Sally, and daughters, Brenda Booth of Casper, Wyoming, Joan (Bill) Bolln of Chadron, Nancy (Dean) Edelman, who live on and manage the family ranches in Ashby, Luanne (Chuck) Cawiezell of Lingle, Wyoming, Julie Roland of Tyndall, South Dakota, and Kerry Becker and her partner Michelle Wright of Riverton, Wyoming. He was always so proud of all his girls because as he told people, “They all know how to work.” They also raised his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he enjoyed as well, Cory and Mark Brennan and their children, Collin and Rylee; Kelli and Jack Rhembrandt and three boys, Tameron and Dillan Sayaloune and Blake Rhembrandt; Traci and Butch Hollibaugh and daughter Laney Klemke; Dean and Ann Lehmkuhler and their girls Eva and Abby, of Lander, Wyoming; Andrew Roland, USMC, Indian Head, Maryland; Jill and Trevor Eppert and TC; and Jake Edelman of Ashby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Grant County Rescue or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Online condolences may be shared at batesgould.com.

Services will be at noon on Saturday, Jan. 13, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chadron with Father Tim Stoner officiating. Bates-Gould Funeral Home, Alliance, is in charge of arrangements.

Wilma Bernice Kentner

Posted on

Wilma Bernice Kentner, 88, formerly of North Platte, passed away peacefully Jan. 2, 2018, in North Ogden, Utah.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean; and sister and brother.

She is survived by her five children, 24 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be shared at myers-mortuary.com.

Services were in North Ogden, Utah, followed by burial at Oakmont Memorial Park, Lafayette, California. Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, is in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Lannon McDonald

Posted on

The sun shines a bit dimmer for those who love Nancy Lannon McDonald. She passed away surrounded by loved ones on the evening of Dec. 30, 2017, after battling a rare bile duct cancer, which was diagnosed in June.

Nancy was born to adoring parents Edward and Katherine Lannon in North Platte, on June 16, 1939. She was the first of seven children and set the bar very high for the siblings to follow.

Her sunny, smiling personality drew people to her like bees to honey. She loved and was loved in return. Upon graduation from St. Patrick High School in 1957, she joined the U.S. Navy and served with distinction as a hospital corps wave. She was an honorary battalion commander and led her basic training class on graduation day.

She laughed later and said her years of dance classes in her youth helped her.

She met her beloved Robert “Mac” McDonald, her husband of 49 years, while serving in the U.S. Navy. They married in 1959 and their daughters, Katie and Kelly, soon followed and together they lived in California and Hawaii before settling in Port Angeles, Washington, after Mac retired from the U.S. Navy. The Pacific Northwest was a wonderful place to raise their children, and it was here that precious memories were made. Nancy used to say, “this is a memory maker,” when something particularly wonderful occurred.

She was one to see the beauty of life and embraced people and experiences in equal measure. Nancy graduated from Peninsula College in Port Angeles and had a long career working in the college library. She enjoyed the academic environment and books, so the library was a perfect combination of those two things. Nancy was a member of the Out to Lunch Bunch, a performing troupe that would enliven many a college party or function.

She had a multitude of friends and many would say that she was their best friend. Nancy was the kind of person who showed kindness, compassion and love. She had a megawatt smile and was gracious. She endeavored to do the right thing.

In her later years after the sorrow of losing her beloved Mac, Nancy found happiness again with Stan Eakin, her partner of six years. They traveled on cruises to the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal and north to Alaska. Nancy helped entwine his family with hers. She was the type of person to unite people. Life will not be the same for those who loved her. She will be mourned and missed so much.

She is survived by her daughters, Katie (Monty) Osborne and Kelly (Dirk) Gouge; grandchildren, Tyler Cannon, Justine (Kolby) Woodward, Connor and Carly Gouge; great-granddaughter Kallie Woodward; six siblings, Jane (Max) Monroe, Mary Lannon, Tom (Rae) Lannon, Bob Lannon, Annie (Brian) George and Jim (Nancy) Lannon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Port Angeles Volunteer Hospice, an organization close to her heart.

A celebration of Nancy’s life is planned this summer.

Melanie Ann Marquette

Posted on

Melanie Ann Marquette, 48, of North Platte, passed away Jan. 9, 2018, at Bryan Medical Center, Lincoln.

She was born on March 12, 1969, in Cranston, Rhode Island. Melanie attended North Platte Public Schools, graduating from North Platte High School in 1987.

Melanie spent her life as a certified nurse’s aid in multiple extended care facilities, where she left a mark on everyone’s heart she touched.

She will always be remembered for her kindness, selflessness, quick wit and love for animals. Melanie was one to put everyone’s needs before herself, and heaven gained a beautiful angel.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Lawrence and Mary Catherine Marquette and Vera Burrill.

Survivors include her love, Kenny McCutcheon of Friday Harbor, Washington; parents, Edward and Kathleen Marquette of North Platte; sister, Denise (Mike) Munson of Spokane, Washington; brother, Larry (Amanda) Marquette of North Platte; uncle, John (Mary) Marquette of San Diego, California; aunt, Ann Milton of North Platte; cousin, Yolanda Milton of Lincoln; nephews, Eric and Eddie Gadberry of Spokane, Washington; nieces, Elysia Wesson of San Antonio, Texas, and Alexa Munson of Spokane, Washington; great-nephews and -nieces; and many friends.

Services will be at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Esther C. (Danielson) Walbert

Posted on

Esther C. (Danielson) Walbert, 99, of Oakland, Maryland, passed away Jan. 13, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Jan. 22, 1918, in Sutherland, Esther was the daughter of the late Ernest and Cora (White) Danielson.

Her husband of 53 years, Russell C. Walbert, passed away on Dec. 14, 1998. They were married on Aug. 11, 1945 in Ogden, Utah.

Esther was a housewife who enjoyed sewing, especially keeping busy with wedding dress alterations, and was very active in the community. She was a member of the Election Board of Sutherland for 47 years. She also was a census taker for the Sutherland School District. Esther was chairwoman of the Cancer Drive and also active with the Bloodmobile. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for over 50 years.

Esther was a member of the United Methodist Church of Sutherland for 87 years. Esther loved music and was a very accomplished organist. She played organ at the United Methodist Church of Sutherland for over 54 years as well as substituting at many other local churches. She played for over 100 weddings and nearly 200 funerals. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women.

Esther was a 1936 graduate of Sutherland High School, and more than anything else, loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents and her husband, Russell, Esther was preceded in death by her sons, Dale R. Walbert and Jim Bowers; and by her brothers, Grant Danielson and Vance Danielson.

Esther is survived by her daughter, Anita M. (Anthony P. Jr.) Zeus of Oakland; her son, Ted Bowers of Chewelah, Washington; her grandchildren, Russell, Justin, Dale Jr., Jeff, Kari and Toni; her great-grandchildren, Logan, Christine, Brittney, Brooke, Jacob, Jaden, Landon and Ciena; also by her step-grandchildren, Anthony III and Tracy; her great-step-grandchildren, Ryan, Nathan, MaryKate, Mikayla, Jack, Taylor, Bella and Angelo; and her great-great-step-grandchildren, Harlow and Caden.

Online condolences may be shared at WalbertFuneralHome.com.

Services in late spring in Sutherland. Walbert Funeral Home & Cremation Services, PC, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, is in charge of arrangements.

Anna L. McCoy

Posted on

Anna L. McCoy, 88, of North Platte, formerly of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away Jan. 11, 2018, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Anna was born on May 5, 1929, in Little Sioux, Iowa, to the late George R. and Mary (Peasley) Peary.

She married Glen A. McCoy on July 12, 1948. They were blessed with six children.

Anna worked as a food processor at Blue Star Foods (Con-Agra) in Council Bluffs for 35 years, retiring in 1990. She was a member of the Nazarene church.

In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Glen A. McCoy on Nov. 3, 2006; sons, Mike McCoy, William Glen “Bill” McCoy; grandson, Patrick McCoy; great-granddaughter, Sophia Marie Walter; son-in-law, Lavern Walter; sisters, Margaret Benson and Donnarae Peary; and brother, George Peary Jr.

Anna is survived by her daughters, Linda (Dan) Katzenstein and Roberta Walter, both of North Platte; sons, Fred (Judith) McCoy and Pat (Joanie) McCoy, both of Council Bluffs; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel Gerry of Council Bluffs; brother, Wayne Peary of Council Bluffs; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel, Council Bluffs. Burial will be at Cedar Lawn Cemetery. Lunch will follow at the Walnut Hill Reception Center, 1350 E. Pierce St. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., with the family, on Friday, Jan. 19, at Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File