Annual Torch Run to pass through McCook June 5

LINCOLN -- ALLTEL and the McCook Torch Run Committee are inviting Red Willow County residents to participate in local Cornhusker State Games County Day activities by running with the torch or performing in the Gold Medal Talent Search.

The Red Willow County Day will take place in McCook on June 5 and is a way for residents to turn in their Cornhusker State Games entries at a location in their area. Of the entries received, three individual entries and one team entry will be drawn for free registrations in the games, which take place in Lincoln on July 13-21. The public is invited to attend the Norris Park observance, which will include a welcoming ceremony for the Cornhusker State Games Torch Run. a preliminary round of the State Games Gold Medal Talent Search and free Kemp's ice cream.

Applicants for the Torch Run will be assigned segments in one-mile increments using highway mile markers. Runners will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee for the Torch Run, and participants will receive a T-shirt.

The Gold Medal Talent Search is open to all Nebraska amateur entertainers.

Participants will compete locally in twelve divisions for the chance to win gold, silver or bronze medals at the talent search finals during the Games' Family Fest July 20 at Lincoln's State Fair Park.

All Talent Search participants will receive a summer games T-shirt, passes to the Games' Opening Ceremonies and Family Fest. Those interested are urged to submit their entries by May 24, the closing date for early entries, to avoid the $5 late fee and the 25-entry limit.

The Torch Run will officially start on May 30 at the Wyoming border west of Scottsbluff. The route will cover over 1,200 miles and involve approximately 1,000 runners and volunteers as it weaves its way across Nebraska.

To register for the Torch Run, Gold Medal Talent Search or the Cornhusker State Games, log on to the web-site, www.cornhuskerstategames.com, or contact the state games office at 800-304-2637.