Stories from Friday, December 12, 2025

GOODLAND, Kan. — McCook High’s girls took down a returning 22-win team while Bison boys left no doubts they were blasting on to “the big stage” at Thursday’s Topside Tournament. Both McCook teams advance into semifinals tonight against host Goodland, Kan., in the Cowboys’ classic Field House gymnasium...

McCOOK, Neb. - Nearly two years after a Piper Malibu Mirage plunged into a McCook neighborhood, killing the pilot and seriously injuring his passenger, federal investigators have released their final report on the accident, citing a combination of excess weight, improper loading and a loss of engine power that left the pilot with no chance to recover...

McCOOK, Neb. - Rita Messersmith has been in the framing business for 44 years, but she is preparing to retire by the end of this month. She started framing at McCook Fabrics and Crafts, located in the building on Norris Avenue near West B St. (where Anytime Fitness is today). Her love of crafts had brought her to work there, but she was not interested in framing at first...

Once an obscure figure to most Americans, the European holiday character, “Krampus,” has emerged in recent years as a darkly comic symbol of holiday counterculture. Although Krampus feels like a recent arrival in the American holiday landscape, his roots run far deeper than pop culture...

Peggy Anne Poore, age 93 of McCook, Nebraska went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 08, 2025 surrounded by beloved family. Peggy was born on a farm north of Traer, KS, on May 23, 1932, to Emery and Louise Kelly. She married her college sweetheart and the love of her life, Dale Poore, on March 30, 1952. They spent 68 wonderful years together. To this union, two sons were born, David Scott and Daniel Dean...

Holbrook resident Kevin Dunn will celebrate his 70th birthday on December 27, 2025. He was born in 1955. Cards of congratulations can reach Kevin at 41704 Hwy. 6/34, Holbrook, Neb. 68948

Gazette scribbler R.B. Headley does a quick college football playoff rundown despite already past today’s press deadline: First round No. 9 ALABAMA gets revenge over No. 8 Oklahoma after a late-season Sooners win at Tuscaloosa got OU into this playoff...

COZAD, Neb. — McCook’s lineup with eight freshmen was far too much for the Cozad Haymakers in a 49-29 varsity dual win Thursday evening. Coach Nick Umscheid and the boys enjoyed McCook’s first dual win at Cozad since 2020. “The freshmen answered the challenge and they all fought hard in every match,” Umscheid remarked. ...