News

McCOOK, Neb. — Thirty-nine business, professional and agricultural leaders from the southwestern portion of Greater Nebraska were challenged Tuesday to jump on a statewide bandwagon to help “stimulate Nebraska’s economic growth, competitiveness and prosperity while building on current strengths.”...

WASHINGTON — Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matthew L. Blomstedt joined two other state education chiefs Tuesday to testify at the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing, The Every Student Succeeds Act: States Leading the Way...

WAUNETA, Neb. — Maggie McCoy’s 14 grandkids love her big, white barn. They have slumber parties, back-to-school parties and birthday parties here. They watch movies projected onto the broad side of the barn. Maggie’s grandson and his fiance recited their wedding vows inside the barn...

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County Commissioners and Crime Stoppers are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest of anyone responsible for damaging road signs. Such vandalism is more common this time of year, and is particularly concerning because missing or damaged signs can cause complications for unsuspecting motorists who are unfamiliar with the roads...

McCOOK, Neb. — A house fire in McCook early Sunday morning is blamed on an extension cord short that ignited nearby combustibles. City of McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham said this morning that Patricia Grenier and her son were not hurt when they left their home, at 1002 West K, after smelling smoke and calling 911 just before 4 a.m...

McCOOK, Neb. — Kristi Korf Clapp remembers that her father, as a businessman, “always projected ahead,” thinking of McCook and its future. Kristi hopes that someone who also possesses a “forward-thinking attitude” will purchase the building and land that make up “Barnett’s Do-It Center,” with an eye on what can benefit the community and continue the Barnett commitment to honesty and integrity...

"You are not forgotten was the theme when McCook Community College and the student Veteran's group "Stars and Stripes" hosted Veterans and their families at a POW-MIA Day ceremony Friday on campus. Gathering at the flagpole at the Michal S. Confer Memorial where a POW/MIA flag was flown below the American flag, MCC student and National Guard Captain Riley Sadd welcomed Veterans and led the salute and Pledge of Allegiance...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Hazardous Device Technicians with the Nebraska State Patrol have destroyed two potentially dangerous explosive devices found this week. The first device was located by the owners of a farm near Odell. While cleaning out an out-building on the farm, they discovered a World War II-era rocket. The second device was located in Hastings by workers at Hastings City Iron and Metal. The device was a 40-millimeter grenade. Both devices were reported to NSP on Wednesday...

McCOOK, Neb. — The flu season is coming, and the Red Willow County Health Department is ready to help protect you and your family. “We have a full shipment of flu vaccine and can give flu shots immediately,” said Director Pam Harsh. To that end, a number of flu clinics have been scheduled at area businesses as well as having nurses available every day of the week at our location at the fairgrounds (1400 West 5th Street) in McCook...

LINCOLN, Neb. – McCook High School is among 22 Nebraska high schools selected to receive a College Access Grant from EducationQuest Foundation. The school will receive $7,500 a year for four years to develop or enhance programs designed to increase the number of students who pursue education beyond high school...

McCOOK, Neb. — As of Monday, cell phone users in Red Willow County can send a text message to 911 to request emergency assistance. McCook Police Chief Ike Brown announced this morning that the “text to 911” system is designed primarily for deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired citizens. “However,” he said, “if making a voice call would directly endanger the person calling 911, then texting would be an option.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — Friends of Kenny Johnson of Hayes Center will continue with a fund-raiser they planned for him and his family despite his death Wednesday. The event, now a tribute to Johnson, has been moved up to Monday, Sept. 24, still at the Coppermill at North Highway 83 and Coppermill Street in McCook...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Veronica Waddell of Indianola and Aaron Weismann of Maywood are among participants in Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 38, according to program director Terry Hejny. The two-year program will begin in September...

McCOOK, Neb. —Results of the Nebraska State Bar Association (NSBA) 2018 Judicial Performance Evaluation have been released, with District Court Judge David Urbom and Red Willow County Court Judge Anne Paine earning high marks. Results from the evaluation came from lawyers who assessed judges with whom they had first-hand professional experience, on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 5 (excellent). ...

McCOOK, Neb. — A public “meet and greet” for McCook Community College’s next top leader is set for Monday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kelly Rippen, who has served as Mid-Plains Community College’s Area Dean of Enrollment Management since 2011, was recently named Vice President of McCook Community College and Area Vice President of Student Affairs...

McCOOK, Neb. — The lineup for Heritage Days is set, and the McCook Chamber board of directors excited about the annual celebration. The level of participation is up, according to Chamber Executive Director Jamie Mockry. Although not an official Heritage Days event, the Christian concert on Sunday will kick off a busy week of fun, food, and celebrations. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced the City of Curtis, Neb. (pop. 896) as the State of Nebraska’s newest Leadership Certified Community (LCC). The city was certified in August 2018 and was officially recognized during the community’s city council meeting on September 12. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The coordinator of McCook’s annual coat closet and winter clothing giveaway announced this morning she is discontinuing the event. Barb Ostrum, who has coordinated the coat closet for about 25 years through her position as community services coordinator with Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska, says, “Things change. Times change. Donations and participation have both been down for the past several years. And the average age of my volunteers is, oh, I don’t know, 74?”...

McCOOK, Neb. — In a surprise assembly Tuesday morning, Lt. Governor Mike Foley visited VK Electronics of McCook to honor owner Linda Taylor with an admiralship in the mythical Nebraska Navy. Several community leaders and business associates joined Foley in offering their congratulations to Taylor...

McCOOK, Neb. — Red Willow County district court cases heard Sept. 11 were: Michael P. Anderson 42, of Wauneta, unauthorized use of a financial transaction device, Class IV felony, sentenced to 360 days in jail (credit for 133 days) and 12 months post release supervision; attempted possession of a controlled substance/meth, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia, sentenced to 180 days in jail, $100 fine for speeding, $100 fine for paraphernalia...