Stories from Thursday, October 2, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. - Internationally recognized photographer Leon Borensztein visited McCook the week of September 18 to open his latest exhibition, “Sharon.” The show, currently on display on the second floor of ArtBank, presents a moving collection of black-and-white photographs chronicling the life of his daughter, Sharon...

McCOOK, Neb. - Chronic absenteeism has been on the radar of McCook Public Schools for some time. As the Gazette reported in February, Superintendent Grant Norgaard and the McCook School Board approved steps to address the root causes of the issue, which have only worsened since the pandemic in 2020. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. - The sick leave benefits approved by Nebraska voters last November took effect Oct. 1, requiring many employers across the state to begin providing additional paid time off. Supporters said the measure ensures that workers have a fair chance to recover from illness without losing wages. Opponents argue that the new mandate places additional costs on businesses, especially smaller employers, least able to absorb them...

Feb. 21, 1927 - Sept. 28, 2025 HASTINGS, Neb. - Duane E. Webb, age 98, of Hastings, Nebraska, formerly of Arapahoe, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Grand Island VA Care Center in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was born in Randolph, Kansas on February 21, 1927 to Harold and Viola (Frazier) Webb...

Dec. 1, 1939 - Sept. 28, 2025 MINNEAPOLIS, Kan. - Terry Gartner, of Minneapolis, KS, met the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 28, 2025. At age 85, he passed away at home with family by his side and peacefully entered God’s Kingdom. Terry was born December 1, 1939, in Cedar Rapids, IA to Donald and Viola Gartner. He graduated from Minneapolis High School in 1958 before attending San Bernardino College in California and the University of Nebraska School of Architecture in Lincoln, NE...

Ah, the beauty and promise of being young with your life of adventure before you. That’s probably not the first sentiment that comes to mind for our young people, especially those in their senior year of high school. Thoughts about where to go to college or trade school, what career to choose, and what life will look like may cause more anxiety and uncertainty than excitement and anticipation...

Recaps fromTuesday evening: Southwest sweep The 17-2 Southwest Roughriders took a 25-18, 26-24 match from Decatur Community, Kan., with senior Kyra Nelms crushing 16 kills. Sophomore Aspen Billeter delivered 25 assists while senior Caitlyn Adams covered the home court with her team-best 11 digs. Senior Anikka Nelms dug another 10...

Current team standings and results from the last two weeks of Men’s League bowling at TJ’s Famil Fun Center. Men’s Major Rednecks 136-44 Lickity Splitz 117-63 Kingpins 110.5-69.5 Hayes Construc. 93.5-86.5 The Krips 92.5-86.5...

BROKEN BOW, Neb. — McCook’s journey to Broken Bow on Tuesday paid off with three Southwest Conference tournament medalists. Senior Kapri Loop and sophomore Hailey Smalley both made the top nine while building momentum for a shot at another Class B state tournament...

McCOOK, Neb. — Only a rough first inning really hindered the McCook softball team from topping Adams Central on “Seniors Night” Tuesday at McCook’s Jaycees Complex. The Bison (6-18 record) fell 6-4 even though senior pitcher Gracey Cornelsen and catcher/classmate Peyton Cock combined on seven solid innings overall...

NORTH PLATTE – The McCook Community College volleyball team got back on the winning track Wednesday night with a sweep over North Platte Community College on the road. After trailing 18-13 in the opening set, MCC came back to win 26-24 then closed out the match with consecutive 25-19 set wins...

HASTINGS, Neb. — Some might say Hastings vs. Beatrice “was a game someone had to win” last weekend. Yet McCook coach Joe Vetrovsky knows better than to focus on the Tigers spotting their foes a 104-0 start in this 2025 football season. The Tigers not only erased that ugly “0” during week four, they’re now fresh off win No. 1 as McCook arrives for Friday’s annual showdown at Hastings College...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Entering October, Nebraska state volleyball power rankings feature some familiar southwest Nebraska teams. Class D-2 Cambridge (15-5, 45.3 points) holds No. 3 behind only Sumner-Eddyville-Miller (13-5, 45.388) and Wynot (11-3, 453571)...

History offers a sobering reminder of what can happen when political and military power gather under one roof. In June 1937, Joseph Stalin summoned the Red Army’s high command for what was billed as a defense meeting. Instead, it became a showcase of terror. ...