Stories from Tuesday, July 1, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. — They found the Raid repellent just in time as a seven-run fourth inning powered McCook Pinnacle Bank’s 10-3 title-clinching victory over Gothenburg Killer Bees Monday evening. MPB started spraying hits all over the Jaycees Complex diamond while finishing a terrific league championship season...

McCOOK, Neb. - Events that bring people together are essential to a healthy, connected community – but few days gather such a diverse crowd as this past Saturday. Cruisin’ on the Bricks, regional food vendors, two Omaha-based bands, Tour de Nebraska, and the Chamber Awards all converged for one unforgettable day in downtown McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. - Tour de Nebraska (TDN) brought its 37th annual 5-day bicycle event to McCook on Friday and Saturday, with nearly 350 riders plus support staff in town. For two days, tents and trailers filled the grassy area between the MCC Graff Event Center and the McCook Aquatic Center and throughout Kelley Park...

This weekend was extraordinary in McCook. The average age of vehicles on the road increased substantially, our population swelled by about 350 people and our average resting heart rate dropped by 10 bpm. The combination of a statewide bike tour, a car show, and a street dance, all happening in one weekend, demonstrated an impressive capacity for coordination and execution not expected from communities of our size. ...

Over and done with! Yes of today your old columnist is no longer an FAA CFI. That stands for Certified Flight Instructor, which in the civilian world means a qualified instructor to teach students to fly airplanes. And yes, it was my choice as the ravages of old age are setting in on my body. ...

Feb. 28, 1940 - June 18, 2025 STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - Robert Val Beneda, age 85, passed away June 18, 2025 at his home in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Bartos Beneda and Frances Wormwood Beneda of McCook, NE; as well as his brother, Glen Edward Beneda of Lompoc, CA; and sister, LuAnne Beneda Haller of McCook, NE. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The YMCA of McCook leaders announce registration is now open for Bison Basketball Youth Basketball Camp. Camp will be held July 31 and August 1. Divisions will consist of 1st-4th grade boys and girls, and 5th-8th grade boys and girls. Please see flyer below for full camp information and follow the link at mccookymca.com to register...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Football league director Joe Vetrovsky offered these remarks about the upcoming 2025 season: “We still have open slots in both the 5th/6th Grade and 7th/8th Grade divisions — it’s not too late to sign up! Open to players entering 5th–8th grade (Limit: 80 per division)...

LEXINGTON, Neb. — Kooper Rakes’ eighth home run of this Legion baseball season was among many great moments for the McCook First Central Bank Juniors. The 19-6 Juniors knocked off Scottsbluff Westco, 9-4, and unleashed a 22-3 defeat upon Lexington. “That (win over Bluffs) was one of our most complete games this year,” coach Konor Rakes said about the offense, defense and strong Kale Sattler pitching...