News

McCOOK, Neb. -- As technology has continued to advance over the last decade transforming the way people communicate, so too has it increased the abilities churches have to meet, support, and disciple one another. Technology allows us to further our reach with the Gospel. To this end, McCook E-Free has been streaming our services for several years enabling us to reach many that are homebound or not in our local area...

McCOOK, Neb. — 2020 is an historic year, so be prepared for future fourth graders wanting to interview you about it, said the keynote speaker at the George W. Norris Prayer Breakfast this morning. As the director of History Nebraska (formerly the State Historical Society), Trevor Jones is a fan of all things historical and speculated on how Sen. George Norris would respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues impacting Nebraskans today...

McCOOK, Neb. — A McCook City firefighter was recognized for his work in applying for a grant that netted the department more than $150,000. Steve Yager, a six-and-half-year member of the McCook City Fire Department, researched what grants were available and eligibility requirements, City of McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham said at the McCook City Council meeting Monday. ...

McCOOK, Neb – The Heritage Days Grand Marshal joked, “You don’t have to be good, you just have to be old to get an award,” adding, “I love this community, it has so much to offer.” Dennis Berry was named the Heritage Days Grand Marshal during a mixer hosted by MNB Bank and taking place at the Keystone Business Center Wednesday evening. The award winners were announced from the balcony of the historic building, while attendees were able to social distance on Norris Avenue...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The public is invited to join in the McCook Heritage Days celebration as former U.S. Sen. and Nebraska Gov. Ben Nelson personally welcomes the public Saturday, 1 p.m. at the southeast entrance of McCook Public Library with the announcement of the future Birdella Nelson Technology Center...

Letters of commendations were presented to four McCook City police officers by McCook City Police Chief Joel Smith on Sept. 16. Police officers Luke McGinley, from left, Eric Burke, Jake Metcalf and Sgt. Michael Jordan were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty to save the life of a male subject. ...

MAYWOOD, Neb. -- Wild milkweed adorns the roadsides and fields in Maywood and the surrounding area, but it’s more than a pretty plant, or as some may think, a pesky weed. Milkweed promises extra income for those who are willing to pick its pods when the time is right. Local resident, Annette Wood, is spearheading the first Community Conservation wild milkweed collection effort in the area for Sustainable Monarch, a nonprofit in North Platte...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department has had 20 new cases of COVID-19 reported since Sep. 14, many of them related to family gatherings over the Labor Day weekend, according to officials. This brings the totals for the health district to 194 cases with 151 cases recovered...

McCOOK, Neb. — A McCook City Councilman wants to make sure the council is updated quarterly about McCook Chamber of Commerce events. And the executive director of the chamber has no problem with that. “The (chamber) events fall about every three months and I’m here at the council meetings anyway,” said Dawson Brunswick, chamber director...

ARAPAHOE, Neb. -- A major renovation and remodeling project is underway for the Arapahoe Public Library, adding much-needed room for after-school and community activities as well as making current space more accessible. Director Jennifer Einspahr credited overwhelming local support and assistance from surrounding communities with making the project possible, with Paulsen Inc. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Entrepreneurs who may need dedicated space, enhanced tools and high-speed internet access to help get their business off the ground can now get a leg-up from the McCook Economic Development Corp, The MEDCs Cowork Space in downtown McCook is one of the most economical such facilities in the country, according to Andy Long, MEDC executive director...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) “Look Up, Look Out” tour event scheduled for Friday, September 25 at Red Willow County Fairgrounds has been canceled, however, NPPD, Nebraska Extension, and UNMC Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) are still partnering together to spread awareness about potential dangers as harvest season approaches...

McCOOK, Neb. — One person has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus at the McCook Public School District. Superintendent Grant Norgaard said Monday that procedures are in place, in cooperation with the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, for contact tracing and declined to specify if the individual was a student or staff member, citing privacy concerns...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Red Willow County commissioners approved the issuance of county sales certificates for delinquent property taxes. Meeting for a total of 37 minutes this morning, commissioners reviewed a list of 36 parcels of land with unpaid taxes, a slightly higher number than last year's 31. If property owners do not redeem the property by paying the company that purchases the taxes at a tax sale, they could eventually lose the property to the high bidder at the property tax sale...

McCOOK, Neb. -- A week after passing the annual budget, one of their biggest tasks of the year, Red Willow County commissioners have a relatively light agenda Monday. After calling the meeting to order at 9 a.m., the board will meet with County Treasurer Sue Wesch at 9:25 a.m. on issuance of county sales certificates, and with County Assessor Kristi Korell at 9:30 regarding a contract with the Pritchard & Abbott appraisal firm...

McCOOK, Neb. — Beginning Monday Sept. 21, 2020, all McCook Public School students enrolled in grades pre-K through grade 12 will receive free breakfasts and lunches. This program is funded by the Federal CARES Act and is scheduled to be in effect until Dec. 21, 2020, the start of Christmas break. After the first of the year, it’s expected the school lunch program will return to normal status...

McCOOK, Neb. -- “What would George Norris think about 2020?” That is the question History Nebraska CEO, Trevor Jones, will address as the keynote speaker at the McCook 2020 Norris Breakfast, Sept, 25 at 7 a.m. The breakfast is an annual event hosted by the Norris Institute, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the legacy of former U.S. Senator George Norris...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council will be asked to approve a re-platting request from MNB so the bank can build a professional building. A public hearing on the request is Monday night at the McCook Council meeting, 5:30 p.m. at city council chambers at the City of McCook Municipal Building...

McCOOK, Neb. — The number of Boutique Air passengers deplanning at the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport dropped by 77.36% for second quarter totals. The second quarter includes the months of April, May and June. In April, a 88.37% drop was seen in enplaned passengers, followed by an 85.43% decrease in May and a 58.95% decrease in June...

McCOOK, Neb. — Students at McCook Public Schools will get free lunches until the end of December. The USDA has extended the program that funded free lunches during the summer to December 31, said McCook Public Schools business manager John Brazell at the regular McCook Board of Education meeting Monday night...

McCOOK, Neb. — The completion of the 2020-21 budget and the re-opening of schools in August dominated the “Positive Comment” portion of the McCook School Board meeting Monday. Comments from school board members included: -Teresa Thomas: thanked John Brazell, McCook Public Schools business manager, for putting together next year’s budget; also cited the opening of schools this year and appreciates everyone who made that possible...

McCOOK, Neb. — Viaero Wireless Heritage Days 2020 is a go, with a few adjustments made due to COVID-19. “We’re very excited to be able to have it…we’ve been in conversations with the local health department to make sure we satisfy all the requirements,” said Dawson Brunswick, McCook Chamber of Commerce director. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education was asked to “dream big” at the the regular meeting Monday night. Cindy Huff of the McCook Community Foundation said the organization wants to partnership with the school to make a big impact on generations to come. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Little Richie Bauer knelt in the dust before a chalked outline at 12th and O. Two of his friends sat across on a rough, uneven section of pavement awaiting their turn in the ring. Jimmy reached forward, planted his knuckle, and nervously fingered his emerald “killer” into position. A sharp flick of his thumb launched the orb, scattering three smaller marbles to the outside; they were now his to keep...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has had 10 new cases of COVID-19 reported since September 8th. SWNPHD has also received confirmation of one additional death due to COVID-19 in the health district. This brings the totals for the health district to 174 cases with 151 cases recovered...