Downtown McCook says farewell to a friend

While driving up and down McCook's Norris Avenue Thursday, townspeople and visitors saw ample evidence of how deeply friends cared about Corky Reed.

On the day of Corky's funeral, an abundance of floral tributes stood outside Mexico Lindo, the restaurant he owned and managed for many years. Then, farther up the hill, these words topped the Fox Theater marquee: "So Long Corky -- We Will Miss You. Love -- All Your Friends Down Here."

Corky, who was 76 at the time of his passing, endeared himself to friends with his easy-going, yet zestful approach to living. His many interests included the Humane Society, radio-controlled airplanes, motorcycling, star-gazing and collecting memorabilia from his father's medical practice.

During the final years of his life, Corky was the greeter and seater at his restaurant, most usually sharing a grin or a witty comment with his guests.

Corky's loss will leave a void, but we were uplifted by the time he spent with us.

Stations feel the pinch

It's not only motorists who are being hard-hit by higher gas prices. Local stations are suffering as well.

Scott McDonald, who operates Scott's Sinclair in Stratton, shared that fact Thursday while attending the Kugler Co. gathering at Heritage Hills in McCook.

"Two weeks ago, when I bought gas, the price dropped a quarter a gallon the day after I put in my order," he said. "Then, yesterday, just before I ordered again, the price went up 18 cents."

The price fluctuations are making it difficult for local stations to come out ahead. "By the time credit card companies take out 3 percent for transactions, and we pay for labor and overhead, there's nothing left over," he said. To make a go of it, McDonald said the local stations have to rely on tire repair and oil changes. "It's the toughest it's been in the 18 years I've been in business," he said.

While local stations are taking the heat, McDonald said they're not to blame. "The refineries are the ones setting the price," he said, "not the stations here at home."