'Wonderful, caring man' will be missed

Family, friends and patients are feeling a deep sense of loss today following the death of Dr. Emanuel Beyer. "Doc," as many came to know him, was a family physician who moved to Southwest Nebraska in the late 1970s and quickly became a well-known and well-respected member of the area-wide community.

Donna Sailors of McCook, who became acquainted with Dr. Beyer in 1978 when her family sold him their home, praised him as "a wonderful, caring man."

"We doctored with him for over 20 years. He listened. He was patient. We could call him at any time of the day or night."

Dr. Beyer did all he could for his patients, Donna said, but when the time came, he had no hesitation to refer them to medical specialists. "He was a good person and a very caring doctor," Donna said. "We will miss him terribly."

After serving patients in McCook for more than 20 years, Dr. Beyer spent his final years of practice in Benkelman. Despite serious heart problems -- which eventually required a transplant -- Dr. Beyer continued to provide medical care until the final few days of his life.

How fitting it was earlier this year when Dr. Beyer was named the Nebraska Rural Health Practitioner of the Year. It was a great, richly deserved honor which will serve as a lasting memorial to his life of medical service.

One Vote Important -- Never forget the importance of one vote. You can make the difference. Mitty Quigley of rural Indianola offered those words of advice Monday when she called the newspaper to urge citizens to exercise their voting privilege. "If you vote, the choice is yours," she said. "If you don't vote, the choice is theirs."

To show the power of one vote, Mitty pointed to three historical examples: In 1845, Texas was admitted to the Union by a single vote difference in the U.S. Senate. In 1869, President Andrew Johnson escaped impeachment by one Senator's vote. And, in 1923, Adolph Hitler was chosen as the leader of the Nazi party by a single vote.

It can happen. It does happen. Your vote has the power to make a tremendous difference.

Aerial Extravaganza -- Keep your eyes on the sky! The High Plains Freedom Flight is returning to McCook! John Kugler reported today that 15 hot air balloons from a wide area of Nebraska and Colorado are expected in town Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the balloon festival. "The best thing for spectators is that it's a free event," John said. "Come out and enjoy"

Balloonists will arrive Friday, then gather for the group liftoff on Saturday morning. He advised those wanting a close-up view to arrive on Airport Road about 7:45 a.m., as the balloons will be lifting off at 8:15. Events will continue through the weekend, with a final flight planned Sunday afternoon.