Stories from Tuesday, May 20, 2025

YUMA, Ariz. – The McCook Community College softball team opened the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 World Series Monday dropping a 4-2 game to Crowder Community College. The Roughriders scored three runs after two outs in the opening inning and held on for a 4-2 win to send the Neosho, Mo., team (50-9) on to face top seeded top-seeded Florida SouthWestern (52-5) at 1 p.m. Tuesday...

ELWOOD, Neb. — He’s on a roll at the perfect golf time as Southwest junior Houston Billeter won Monday’s D-4 district golf tournament. Billeter shot 74 which broke the Roughriders’ school record a second time this month. He’ll advance into the Class D state tourney next off momentum from edging top area golfers Tyson Essex of Loomis and Hi-Line’s Zach Whittaker (both 75s) for the D-4 title...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Hitchcock County’s golfers worked across breezy Lake Maloney Golf Course and secured another Class D state team spot Monday afternoon. Junior Brayden Melchert fired 77 for the only golfer among 17 D-5 district teams that finished below 80...

COLBY, Kan. – It's something you don't think about until you have to: pest control. Whether it's termites in the walls, mice in the attic, or ants in the kitchen, pest problems demand quick and effective action. That's where Hinkle Termite & Pest Control LLC steps in, providing Kansas and Nebraska homes, farms, and businesses with expert service backed by more than 60 years of experience...

Erma “Laverna” (Kotschwar) Ely Dec. 29, 1929 - May 17, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Erma “Laverna” (Kotschwar) Ely passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. She was 95 years old. Laverna was born on Dec. 29, 1929, in Hayes County, Neb., to Leo Peter and Anastasia Christina (Wasia) Kotschwar. Laverna married Wayne Donald Ely on Jan. 1, 1947, in Oberlin, Kan...

Patricia Arlene (Heiser) Snyder Dec. 13, 1930 - May 15, 2025 BEAVER CITY, Neb. — Patricia Arlene (Heiser) Snyder, age 94, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Beaver City Manor in Beaver City. She was born on Dec. 13, 1930, in Lincoln, Neb., to William and Amy (Neiderhouse) Heiser...

Kent and Sandra Osterhoudt MAXWELL, Neb. — Kent and Sandra Osterhoudt, who passed way seven months apart in Arizona, will be reunited in death on their wedding anniversary, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with military honors. They both graduated from Bartley High School. Kent worked for the REA and was in Elks leadership and Sandra worked at First National Bank in McCook, Neb...

Ron Frerichs McCOOK, Neb. — Ron Frerichs, 67, of McCook, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Cremation was chosen and Ron’s wishes to have no formal service are being honored by his family. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. — Amber Norton of McCook has been a fighter since the day she was born. Arriving 10 weeks premature, she has faced more medical challenges in her 24 years than most face in a lifetime. Yet she’s plowed through each challenge with courage and optimism, hoping she can encourage others...

McCOOK, Neb. - The McCook City Council moved briskly through a short agenda Monday evening, May 19, approving two proclamations, a series of routine financial items, and an amendment to the city’s agreement with Mammoth Sports Construction. All members were present except Councilman Jared Muehlenkamp, who was formally excused at the outset of the meeting...

McCOOK, Neb. - The McCook American Legion Post 203 will be holding 2025 Memorial Day services, Monday, May 26th starting at 10:30 am. The ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial Monument located near the north section of Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook...

I’ve been tickled by a reader’s comment. The nice lady told me that her husband too took great pride in his efforts to make straight rows when he planted corn. She always told him that there was more corn in the crooked rows than in the straight ones...

Dear Editor, Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching us once again. The McCook American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts and a number of community volunteers will be setting out flags on our veteran’s gravesites at Calvary, Memorial Park, and Riverview cemeteries in McCook on Saturday, May 24th at 9:00 am...

As Nebraskans brace for another season of hail, wind, and sirens in the night, we find ourselves asking a now-familiar question: why does it cost so much just to stay protected? A new report from LendingTree confirms what too many Nebraska homeowners already know: we are paying a disproportionate share of our income to insure our homes. Averaging 5.73% of household income, Nebraska ranks second in the nation—behind only Oklahoma—in the percentage of income that goes toward home insurance...

McCook Community College sophomore Cory Wouters has been named the Region IX Player of the Year as the region has announced post-season awards which includes six MCC players. In addition to Wouters gaining top honors he was also named First-Team Designated hitter while freshman outfielder Dalton Berg was named All-Region IX second team. ...

Arapahoe Class B state bowling champion Lauren Moore recently signed with the Baker University program in Baldwin City, Kan., as friends and Warrior fans watched this moment at Arapahoe High School. Baker University coach Casey Suchor (second from left) made the five-hour trip to personally see the Arapahoe junior become a Wildcat starting in 2026. ...

Wayne Eric Emrich Feb. 18, 1957 — May 18, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Wayne Eric Emrich, 68, of McCook, passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on May 18, 2025. A full obituary will be published at a later time. Memorials are suggested in Wayne’s name to be designated at a later date...

Crystal Dawn Ward Aug. 1, 1936 — May 19, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Crystal Dawn Ward, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Nursing home in McCook on May 19, 2025, at the age of 88. Services are pending at this time with Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook...