Stories from Thursday, July 31, 2025

OXFORD, Neb. - Sally Bunnell is a true globetrotter, having visited 119 countries. She has also lived abroad in Denmark and London and resided in New York City and Los Angeles. Yet no place in the world rivals the contentment she feels in her home state of Nebraska. “I’m Nebraska through and through,” she laughed...

WASHINGTON - The USDA has named Red Willow as one of 12 primary counties declared natural disaster areas due to drought. The Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. ...

IMPERIAL, Neb. -Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has confirmed a fourth case of animal rabies in the region this year. The latest case involves a raccoon in Chase County, marking the third positive test from that county alone. Health officials are urging residents across southwest Nebraska to remain vigilant...

Nearly everyone can tell you their last interaction with the police or the fire department. And unfortunately, because of the nature of the organizations, it is usually not at a positive moment. My last contact with the McCook Police Department was just a few weeks ago, when I was pulled over on B Street in McCook…on my scooter...

Joyce Anderson of McCook can be found in her office as an accountant, keeping her client’s finances running smoothly. But just as much time, if not more, is dedicated to various organizations in McCook, keeping them running smoothly too. Because of her involvement with the McCook Humane Society, the McCook Rotary Club and 4-H, the McCook Philanthropy Council is proud to announce Joyce Anderson as the July 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month...

Over the past two-plus decades, “your columnist” Dick Trail and I have periodically revisited our gentleman’s disagreement about the acceptance of federal funds, particularly with regard to economic development efforts. In both commentary and practice, having served on several government bodies, Dick has taken a principled stand against using “free” federal dollars from programs that many of us believe should probably not exist...

Nebraska Football Fan Day is set for the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 2, followed by the Big Red Preview open practice in the evening. Fan Day is a free event that runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. inside the Hawks Championship Center. Doors for Fan Day will open at 4:30 p.m. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook National Bank Seniors delivered a winning season at 16-10, falling barely short of state with two one-run losses to Class B qualifiers. The Seniors see only McCook Community College recruit Quentin Terry and Bison senior Espn Hall finish their Legion Post 203 careers due to age rules...

McCOOK, Neb. — The YMCA of McCook leaders announce that the registration deadline is now approaching for the 2025 Midwest Liberty Youth Flag Football League. Divisions include K-1st, 2nd-3rd, and 4th-6th. The registration deadline is August 8. Practices will begin the week of August 19 with games beginning September 6. All games played on Saturdays. Registration fee is $40 for members and $60 for community members...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Imperial’s Henry Amen shot eight under par while three other McCook-area golfers won 2025 Junior Ambassadors championships at River’s Edge Golf Course Tuesday. McCook Bison alum and Class B state medalist Reid Loop captured the Boys 16-18 Flight title...