Park honors former local city manager

Vivid memories of George Pyle came rushing back this week for former friends and associates of the early day McCook city manager. The remembrances were triggered by a report from Hutchinson, Kan. that the oldest park in that city is being renamed in Mr. Pyle's honor.

Pyle, who served as city manager in McCook from 1957 to 1967, went from here to Hutchinson, where he served for 22 years as city manager before retiring in 1989. George passed away Jan. 1, 2004. His widow, Donna, continues to reside in Hutchinson.

Two of the staff members who worked closely with Pyle during his years in McCook are Clara Adams and Jack Lytle. They remember him as an intelligent leader with high professional standards.

Judicial Appointment -- McCook also has reason to be proud of another former resident, David Keith Arterburn. On Monday of this week, Gov. Dave Heineman announced that Arterburn, 47, was his choice to be the new 2nd District Judge in Sarpy County. He will replace retiring Judge Ronald Reagan, who has the same name as the former president but is not related.

Arterburn is the son of Keith and Hazel Arterburn of McCook. He graduated from McCook High School in 1975, then continued his education at York (Neb.) Christian College and Abilene Christian College in Texas. He received his law education at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1985. Most recently, Arterburn has been a member of the staff of the Nebraska attorney general.

Judge Arterburn has performed key roles in high profile cases, including the prosecution of Ivan Henk, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 4-year-old Brendan Gonzalez.

Outstanding Art Show -- If you can find the time Friday morning, stop by the Wrightstone Fine Arts Building at McCook Community College. The attraction is the 30th Annual High School Art Show and Paint-In. The paint-in will be Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by the awards ceremony from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

MCC's new art instructor, Rick Johnson, is excited about the quality of artwork, which comes from students throughout the area. "We have 200 exhibits, including pottery, water color, ceramics, sculpture, stained glass, photography and printwork. The artwork is impressive and widespread, with entries from as far away as Blue Hill, Mullen and Ogallala," he said.

Johnson is determined to keep the college art program on the grow. By reaching out to students in a wide area, he is taking an important step in that direction.