Stories from Thursday, February 19, 2026

For the past several months, as I drove the McCook High School swim and dive team to practice in other towns, I would return and be amazed by the number of people at the bowling alley on the edge of McCook. The parking lot was overflowing. Cars were parked in the grass. ...

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Bob Evnen announced his support for LB 927, a bill introduced by Sen. Bob Andersen (Dist. 49, La Vista) that would strengthen existing laws prohibiting ballot question committees from accepting funding from foreign nationals...

McCOOK, Neb. - Area women are invited to participate in two beloved activities simultaneously next week—eating chocolate and supporting a great cause. A group of McCook women, calling themselves the MOR Collective, has a heart for improving their community, and it is putting on the “Gather & Give Women’s Night Out and Chocolate Festival,” with the proceeds going towards additions to the city pool. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Mayor Linda Taylor is among the incumbents who did not file for reelection by the Feb. 17 deadline, confirming that McCook will have a new mayor in 2027. Taylor, a returned mayor and longstanding city official whose public service spans many years and multiple terms, has been a central figure in local civic leadership for decades. Her decision not to seek another term ensures a transition at the top of city government alongside other emerging changes in local offices...

Infant Kaisen Lee Francis passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. Kaisen was born on Valentine’s Day, to parents Max and Julie Francis of Holbrook, NE. Even though his time on earth was short, he was deeply loved by his parents and three siblings, Walker, Elena and Dominic...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Junior High’s seventh-grade boys won both games over Southern Valley Monday afternoon. In the “A” game, McCook started aggressively on offense and built a 28-12 halftime lead. Even after a slow third period, the Bison finished strong with 17 in their fourth...

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Western Nebraska Community College dealt the MCC men a 74-65 loss Wednesday to complete the season sweep over the Indians. “Obviously a disappointing night for us,” said MCC Assistant Coach Drake Henderson. “We came out lethargic in the first half and allowed Western to jump out to a 20-point lead.”...

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Western Nebraska Community College sent the McCook Community College women to their third loss in four games Wednesday, topping the Lady Indians 68-55. The Cougars led 16-11 after one quarter and at intermission 32-24. MCC shot just 34.4 percent in the first half. After both teams scored 18 points in the third quarter, WNCC outscored MCC 18-13 in the final stanza...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Community College baseball team swept both games of the home-opening doubleheader Wednesday taking down Western Nebraska Community College 12-7 and 10-2. Eight McCook pitchers combined to allow 13 hits and five earned runs for their 14 innings of work, walking five and striking out 27 hitters...

ndown of other area state wrestling wins besides those already mentioned today: Southwest B100 Capri Sayer (45-7) placed 6th and scored 13.0 team points. Champ. Round 1 - Capri Sayer (Southwest) 45-7 won by fall over McKenna Hernandez (Ord) 27-14 (Fall 0:33)...

MAYWOOD, Neb. — Sophomore Aspen Billeter’s 34 points ignited the No. 3-seed Southwest girls to a 60-57 win over No. 2 Arapahoe in Class D1-11 subdistrict action Tuesday night. Billeter made 12 of 12 free throws which helped the Roughriders (12-10 record) prevail despite a 24-point Arapahoe fourth period...

COZAD, Neb. — The McCook Bison boys take on a super final regular-season hoops challenge at 21-2 Cozad tonight. The Haymakers have only lost twice to unbeaten and Class C No. 1-ranked Ogallala this season. McCook (17-6) is looking for one more win to the best season since going 20-7 in 2022...