Stories from Tuesday, September 2, 2025

LINCOLN, Neb. - In an end-of-week, pre-holiday release, Governor Pillen’s office issued a statement with the lofty headline, “Governor Pillen celebrates new era for Nebraska Healthcare.” The release announced that rural and urban hospitals in Nebraska have started to receive federal funds as a result of LB 1087, the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Act. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - Many people in McCook will remember Pam ‘Mo’ Morello, once both a Norris Avenue resident and business proprietor, who by 2020 had become Warden of McCook’s Work Ethic Camp (WEC).” In the introduction of her November 2020 annual report to the Nebraska legislature, Morello traced the facility’s origins to LB 882, which the Legislature passed and Governor Ben Nelson signed into law on June 10, 1997...

HAIGLER, Neb. - Haigler, Nebraska, may be small, but its spirit is anything but. That energy will be on display again when the village hosts the 2025 Haigler Festival with “Music in the Park” on Sunday, Sept. 14. The festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Haigler Village Park...

Last Friday’s Gazette had an interesting article about our upcoming ICE Detention Facility. The article contained samplings of an unfamiliar outfit (unfamiliar to me) called Nebraska Appleseed, where some 18,300 Nebraskans had registered their complaints, or opinions, about the upcoming conversion of McCook’s WEC, Work Ethic Camp, into a processing facility to oust Illegal Aliens back out of this country. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Needed rain did cause postponements of McCook High tennis and softball on Saturday. The Bison boys’ home tennis invite was called due to wet courts but coach Matt Wiemers plans on playing that tourney on Oct. 13. McCook is also playing home duals today scheduled to begin at 1 p.m...

Vivian Darlene Schluntz passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, in Beaver City, Nebraska after a short battle with cancer. Vivian was born to Ervin and Laura (Dunn) Marble on July 25, 1933 in the family home south of Stamford, Nebraska...

ARAPAHOE, Neb. — Cambridge featured five Trojans scoring touchdowns during an impressive 68-16 triumph over rival Arapahoe Friday evening. Senior Brady Ahlemeyer led the Trojans (1-0), scoring three touchdowns while rushing for 85 yards on only five carries...

Cathy Louise Schutz, age 46, passed away in McCook, Nebraska at the Community Hospital on August 24, 2025. Cathy was born on March 10, 1979, to parents Terry W. and Dixie L. (Matson) Dyer in Amarillo, TX. She grew up in Amarillo where she participated in school choir, orchestra, and the art club, and graduated high school with the Class of 1997. In her younger years, she worked at the Amarillo Goodwill store...

Mary Cecilia (Rayer) Hayes, age 87, passed away in McCook Ne at Kinship Pointe Assisted Living, on Tuesday August 26, 2025 surrounded by family. Mary was born January 13, 1938 to Maurice Rayer & Elsie (Colling) Rayer at McCook, Nebraska. Due to the early passing of Mary’s mother she was raised by her father and two older brothers...

McCOOK, Neb. — Coach Matt Wiemers unleashed 16 varsity players into Friday’s season-opening dual and the result was a strong 9-3 victory over those visiting Gering Bulldogs. Several Bison made successful debuts as regular varsity players including three big wins from new doubles teams...

ajor season goal was only one place away when the McCook golf girls finished their Bison Invitational on Friday. With a tourney-best four among the final top 11, coach Kaylee Wiemers’ Bison placed second overall behind only recent golf state powerhouse Minden...