Progress

McCOOK, Neb. — If you've struggled to replicate your favorite Mexican dish at home, McCook's newest downtown business might just have the missing ingredient you've been looking for. The deli at Carniceria CB Mexican Store features a variety of Mexican cut steaks and specialty cheeses and you'll find a host of imported spices and dry ingredients lining the grocery aisles...

WASHINGTON —The FCC authorized nearly $41 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 8,768 unserved rural Nebraska homes and businesses, stemming from last year’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction.  Providers will begin receiving funding this month...

McCOOK, Neb. — The City of McCook Fire Department will use a $1,000 donation from HomeTown Agency of McCook and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska to purchase equipment for its ambulance. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska is helping the McCook Fire Department with the equipment purchase by request of HomeTown Agency, McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. — Lifetime Eyecare is welcoming a new doctor to its McCook optometry team and has plans to add a Cambridge office in the near future. "Lifetime Eyecare is excited to welcome Dr. Melinda Kennel to McCook and our surrounding community. Dr. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Parker Hannifin says it is growing business at the McCook plant, and that’s good news for the more than 200 current employees — and for the community. New product lines initially will support the automotive market, and more profitable products are being planned for manufacturing here in the coming months, according to a news release from the company...

McCOOK, Neb. — Tucked into the northwest corner of the B Street Auto Spa and sharing the car wash's pure RO water to make crystal-clear ice, "Tropical Sno" opened Friday morning in McCook. Nan Schaper of Olathe, Kan., co-owner of the new shave ice establishment with her husband, Dan, and their daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Josh Cherry of McCook, is excited about offering shave ice to McCook residents and travelers to and through the community...

CONNIE JO DISCOE Regional Editor McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Beauty Academy starts its 201st class of students in June. The academy, founded by Evelyn and Collins Grubb, is the oldest privately-owned beauty school in Nebraska. Since opening in 1952, it has graduated close to 1,800 professional hair dressers...

McCOOK, Neb. — MNB Bank announced today an agreement has been reached for MNB to purchase Gateway Realty of McCook, Inc. “We are extremely pleased to be able to partner with another long-standing and community-focused business,” stated Brian Esch, President and CEO of MNB Bank. “Randy and Kim Bauer, in addition to the agents and staff, of Gateway Realty have provided tremendous service to our community and we look forward to continuing that dedication to excellence.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — Jeri and Dick Collicott of McCook have purchased Lisa Wilcox's "New Life Christian Book Store" in downtown McCook, and as of April 1, it became known as "New Life Christian Store and So Much More." As the new name implies, the Collicotts are enhancing the store's amenities to include a "man cave" of men's gifts and a "book nook" for readers, and Dick is designing and building a new counter with room for two registers. ...

Pizza Hut manager Sarah Rowe cuts the ribbon on the new Wing Street franchise, adjoining Pizza Hut in McCook. The sports bar offers a variety of beers and wings, as well as the full Pizza Hut menu.

McCOOK, Neb. — It just feels right. There was a lot at stake, not only the future but also a history … a legacy. But it's been a good decision. "It takes a special person to do what Anna's going to do," Gary Lucas says. "But she and Tanner have young ideas." And, Gary added, grinning, " … along with the energy to do what Ruth and I are too old to even think about."...

General Manager Daniel Eberg greets customers at the front desk of the McCook Holiday Inn Express Thursday morning, the hotel's first day open for business. At least one floor of the hotel is still closed as finishing touches are being completed. The last of the rooms, and the swimming pool, are expected to be finished in time for a March 15th formal announcement and grand opening...

Many thought it couldn’t be done, but Brad and Sharleen Riemenschneider never doubted the abilities of Southwest Nebraska contractors. From the dirt work that began on July 9th, to the “completion” date of December 20, just 165 short days later and approximately four months ahead of schedule, the Edward Jones office of Sharleen Riemenschneider went from an empty lot to the beautiful 2,000 square foot structure it is today. ...

Pizza Hut in McCook will create a sports bar atmosphere in its new "WingStreet" set to open next door to the Hut at 811 N. Highway 83 in McCook at the end of February. Area coach Lorrie Scarrow of Brady, left, and general manager Sara Rowe of McCook describe WingStreet: Nine flavors of wings, appetizers, jalapeño poppers, fried apple pie, chips and cheese, quepapas (mini potato bites filled with cheese and jalapeños); all Pizza Hut products; four draft beers and 30 bottled beers; bars with high-top chairs; and 10 big-screen TVs. ...

Area business leaders gather to welcome Agri Affiliates to the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce during a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning. Agri Affiliates staff members include the McCook branch manager Brian Reynolds, center, wielding the ceremonial wooden scissors. The farm and ranch real estate services operation is headquartered in North Platte and opened the McCook branch last summer...

McCOOK, Neb. — A new McCook business unveiled its ground-breaking and ground-shaking "Stars and Stripes" Indian Bagger motorcycle at home on Jan. 19 and will present it to the world when they take it to Colorado Motorcycle Expo, one of the largest motorcycle events in the country, Saturday and Sunday...

NEW YORK — Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe of McCook, Neb., was named to receive one of only five James Beard America’s Classics Awards for 2019, and the only one ever awarded to a Nebraska restaurant. The James Beard America's Classics Award is given to “locally owned restaurants that have timeless appeal and are cherished for quality food reflecting the character of their community.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook City Councilman Jerry Calvin stopped by Taco John's 21⁄2 years ago, in a hurry to get to a meeting. When Jerry got his order, Taco John owner Randy Harper asked him, in essence, "Do you want a restaurant with that?" Jerry said Randy asked him, over his all-time favorite menu item, a taco burger, "Have you ever thought of buying this restaurant?"...

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) recently announced the recipients of $9,577,639 in funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. They include Beaver City, $32,500 for comprehensive planning and zoning, and $385,000 to Stratton for a library...

COLUMBUS, Neb. – During its monthly meeting, Nebraska Public Power District’s Board of Directors voted to award a construction contract to Forbes Brothers Timberline Construction Inc., of Rapid City, S.D. at a base bid of $264,999,990 for the R-Project transmission line...

McCOOK, Neb. — A local CPA firm was recognized Wednesday morning by the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce. The firm, Skiles, Loop, Bremer & White, CPAs, PC, consists of four shareholder/partners: Doug Skiles, Jason Loop, Jessica Bremer, and Ashley White...

CULBERTSON, Neb. — Lindsay Vap feels most comfortable in a pair of jeans, a hoodie and a ball cap. BUT, she does like to get dressed up to go out, AND she loves helping women look good and feel good about themselves. So, in her new shop, a boutique she calls “Wild S & Co.,” Lindsay carries blue jeans, hoodies and ball caps, and an eclectic array of fashionable and trendy clothing for women who range in size from small to 3X. She also offers jewelry, accessories, candles, boots, car freshies...

McCOOK, Neb. — New building in the City of McCook, along with new building outside city limits, has topped $10 million for the year. Within city limits, new building for November, including plumbing, was $261,173 for the month of November. This brings the total amount year-to-date of new construction/plumbing/mechanical within city limits to $8.34 million...

McCOOK, Neb. — Luke Olson wanted his young family to experience the farm and the community where his own roots grew.  Luke wants his sons to know the values of the family farm, and he wants to help enhance the retail community of McCook, his hometown. ...

Columbus, Neb. — The technology group Wärtsilä, Finland’s Lappeenranta University of Technology and Nebraska Public Power District , have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the study of the development of a business case for the use of alternative fuels with Wärtsilä generating sets. The MOU was signed Tuesday in Venice, Italy, during Wärtsilä’s Smart Energy Leaders Forum...

Main Street Clothing owners Carlos & Josiane Dominguez take a pause Wednesday afternoon from a busy schedule of unpacking and merchandising clothing at Norris Avenue’s latest retail addition. The clothing store worked through a soft-opening earlier this week with a grand opening planned in the near future. The women’s and men’s clothing store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m...

CULBERTSON, Neb. — Jake Miller of rural Culbertson was disappointed with the solar-powered fence chargers available on the market. “None of them lasted,” he said. Rather than just complain about the situation, Jake set out to design his own solar fence chargers, and in May 2015, he started “Livewire Fence Supply” to offer his designs to other producers in need of a reliable, long-lasting solar charger set-up...

BASSETT, Neb. — David Gale, Chief Executive Officer of Sandhills State Bank announced the acquisition of three Western States Bank branch locations in Grant, Ogallala and Wauneta. Gale stated, “This continues the build-out of our Western Nebraska footprint through the acquisition of high-quality branches operating in strong Nebraska communities.” Gale continued, “We are excited to welcome Western States Bank’s customers and employees to Sandhills State Bank.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — Swedish immigrant and McCook businessman Otto Nilsson would approve of what Josh and Kristen Cherry have done with his automotive sales and service building. Otto loved a clean car — inside and out. And the Cherrys have transformed Nilsson’s former automotive site into a mega carwash that caters to drivers of all sizes of dirty vehicles. And also to drivers whose dog passengers help make their vehicles dirty...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Surrounded by their family and their staff members, Dan and Jackie Loomis came to McCook Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of their newest NAPA Auto Supply store. "We're just a couple of Hayes County farm kids," the Loomises said, "but we've received wonderful support from the people of Southwest Nebraska."...

McCOOK, Neb. — Kristi Korf Clapp remembers that her father, as a businessman, “always projected ahead,” thinking of McCook and its future. Kristi hopes that someone who also possesses a “forward-thinking attitude” will purchase the building and land that make up “Barnett’s Do-It Center,” with an eye on what can benefit the community and continue the Barnett commitment to honesty and integrity...

McCOOK, Neb. — CharterWest Bank has expanded its mortgage operations in Nebraska by opening a new Mortgage Center in McCook. The new Mortgage Center is located at 116 West E St. The McCook facility is part of an expansion that also opened new offices in Lincoln and Omaha. These join other CharterWest mortgage centers currently operating in Elkhorn, South Omaha, Lincoln, Papillion, La Vista, Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, McCook and Hastings...

McCook has a long tradition of creating its own opportunities and then building upon those ideas for future generations. And once again, McCook is creating opportunities and looking forward, thanks to the generosity of a former McCook resident, who is also showing her appreciation for a childhood full of arts, music and culture in Southwest Nebraska...

McCOOK, Neb. — In early October, downtown McCook will once again be the site of a men’s and women’s clothing store. The enterprise — to be known as Main Street Clothing — will open for business in the former Peterson Jewelers building on the southwest corner of the Norris Avenue and B Street intersection...

INDIANOLA, Neb.  — Dana and Chad Pew came “back home” to fulfill a long-time dream of owning a restaurant, and, in the bargain, became the next caretaker of the coveted 72-year-old recipe for “Rocket Inn” pizza. “We feel it’s an honor … a thrill, to be part of a tradition that’s been around since before we were even born,” Chad says of the iconic Rocket Inn pizza. He chuckled, “There’s definitely some pressure there.”...

WASHINGTON – Linda Taylor of VK Electronics, McCook, Neb., was among five finalists in the 2018 America’s Retail Champion of the Year, awarded by the National Retail Federation. “Small businesses like VK Electronics are the backbone of America’s economy,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “NRF is proud to recognize hardworking individuals, including Linda Taylor, in Washington this week as the industry’s most engaged retail advocates.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — After serving accounting clients in the McCook area for 16 years for the CPA firm of L & B Johnson, P.C., Joyce Anderson has become the owner of the McCook office, which is now known as Joyce Anderson, CPA, LLC. The change took place following the retirement of Lewis Johnson, the senior member of the Johnson firm at age 86. ...

McCook’s businesswoman named 2018 Nebraska Retail Champion McCOOK, Neb. - VK Electronics owner Linda Taylor of McCook has been named the 2018 Nebraska Retail Champion for the Third Congressional District by the Nebraska Retail Federation. The award was presented at the McCook store by State Senator Dan Hughes and Nebraska Retail Federation President Jim Otto. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The new manager of the Nebraskaland Tire and Service store in McCook announced that the local staff is now available for service calls every hour of every day, 365 days a year. James Branch, who moved here from Scottsbluff to direct Nebraskaland’s McCook operations, said, effective immediately, those in need of service can call Nebraskaland 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a member of the staff will be ready to respond...

WASHINGTON – Grain Management, LLC (Grain), a leading private equity firm focused on investments in the communications sector, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Great Plains Communications - the largest privately-owned telecommunications provider in Nebraska...

McCOOK, Neb. — Although he’s new in town, Jeff Blomstedt’s recent move to McCook felt like a homecoming for the Doctor of Dental Surgery. That’s because Dr. Blomstedt is returning to Western Nebraska after serving patients in Farmington, N.M. for the first two years of his dental career...

McCOOK, Neb. — A new McCook business will be born early Monday morning, June 18, when a breakfast and barbecue eating place opens in the brick building on the west side of the Norris Avenue and A Street intersection. To be known as 308 Smokehouse, the corner cafe will serve breakfast from 5 a.m. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Sears Hometown Store of McCook will celebrate its grand opening Friday and Saturday with discounted prices, giveaways, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Prices — which will be discounted an additional 10 percent — will be in effect throughout the entire 18 hours of the grand opening celebration, which will begin at 9 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday and last until 6 p.m. each day...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — As a caterpillar goes through a metamorphosis to become a butterfly, so “Hair Company” in downtown Cambridge has morphed into “Flyaway Market: Home, Heart, Hair.” Nine years ago, Linda Jones opened Hair Company, offering her services as a hair stylist in a building that her husband, Patrick, remodeled over three months...

McCOOK, Neb. — Mother and son Ginger Cash and C.J. Franke are serious about the savings they can offer customers in their new “New for Less” shop. Most of their merchandise is priced at less than half of retail, but if that’s still not low enough for you, they encourage you to negotiate with them...

McCook Area Chamber of Commerce members and friends welcome Robin Campbell, left, and Mandi Hamilton-Rakes of Volume Salon, 521 Norris Ave. Ste. 1, into the business community. The full-service hair salon is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., phone (308) 345-1145...

KEARNEY, Neb. – The GROW Nebraska 2018 MarkeTech Conference on March 15 in Kearney recognized the Central Plains Foundation, which repurposed the former public school in Holbrook after it closed in 1992 and helped with the establishment of GROW Nebraska...

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Tourism Commission has announced that the stops that will be part of the 2018 Nebraska Passport include Loop Brewing Company in McCook. The Passport inspires Nebraskans and tourists to travel the state collecting stamps to earn prizes, while also supporting Nebraska’s tourism destinations...

McCOOK, Neb. — Jade and Bill Lesko have breathed new life into an old downtown McCook building, repairing and renovating it from top to bottom and side-to-side, preparing to drop within its restored walls an expanded version of their popular eating establishment, "Citta' Deli."...

McCOOK, Neb. - A McCook-based hot tub dealer has received national recognition for exceptional sales performance. Blaine Budke, the owner of Hot Tub Brokers, traveled to California in January to receive the 2017 Silver Award at the Cal Spas sales conference in Pomona. The award recognized Hot Tub Brokers' sale of 87 hot tubs in the last half of 2017...

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Leaders from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture and Mississippi State University signed a cooperative agreement Wednesday designed to train workforce entrants for the midwestern state’s burgeoning poultry industry. The newly-developed program includes three semesters at NCTA in Curtis, Neb., and a semester at MSU’s Department of Poultry Science. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Hometown Family Radio, together with presenting sponsor CTE Construction, is holding the BIG Show this weekend, Feb. 3 and 4. More than 70 new and returning vendors are expected to be at the show, held at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds in the Alice, 4-H, and Community Buildings. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free...

OBERLIN, Kan. — McPherron Skiles & Loop CPAs has merged with the accounting firm of Jessica Bremer CPAs LLC located in Oberlin Kansas. Bremer was employed by McPherron Skiles & Loop prior to her move back to her hometown of Oberlin to pursue her CPA license. According to MSL partner, Doug Skiles, “We are happy to have Jessica back on board with us to continue managing the Oberlin office, and we are excited to work with Jackie Neff and JoAnn Schuler...

McCOOK, Neb. — KNGN Radio supporter and board member Judy Schow finds it comforting that with the radio station’s new FM capabilities, she’ll be able to fall asleep listening to music and radio programming that so deeply touches her heart. When the Federal Communications Commission approves the radio station’s application for its new FM translator station and new equipment is installed, KNGN will be able to broadcast 24 hours a day, “not just dawn to dusk,” Judy says. ...

A new industrial and commercial repair company was welcomed to McCook this morning during ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Keystone Business Center. The new business, McCook Mechanical Services LLC, is owned by Mark Griffin, center with scissors, and his wife, Catherine, an archeologist with the U.S. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Wells Fargo will be closing its McCook branch at noon March 28, according to a company spokesperson. “Until then, customers can use the branch and bank with us as they always have,” said Staci Schiller, vice president, communications manager of Midwest Regional Banking...

McCOOK, Neb. — Two years of dreaming, studying and planning are becoming reality as Josh and Kristen Cherry transform the former Automotive Sales and Service, in the 400 block of West B in McCook, into a mega car wash facility they'll call "B Street Auto Spa."...

McCOOK, Neb. — AmFirst Bank’s philosophy about the value of community banking continues with the three Nebraska banks’ acquisition in mid-summer by Pinnacle Bancorp, this according to an official of the McCook bank location during a McCook Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning...

McCOOK, Neb. — After starting as a one-man enterprise in 2009, a McCook-based engineering firm has grown into an international company with six staff members and offices in both McCook and Lincoln. The company — Engineering International, Inc. — was launched by Jeff Tidyman, a professional architectural engineer, upon his return to Southwest Nebraska following his second tour of duty in Iraq...

McCOOK, Neb. — The franchise owner of “Anytime Fitness” is enthusiastic about his new 24-hour fitness gym in downtown McCook. “We are super excited about the opportunity for the club, and for the community,” said Brian Barton of Denver, Colo., who plans to open the new fitness center after the first of the year...

BENKELMAN, Neb. — At “Lamp Post 613” in downtown Benkelman, Ashley and Joshua Bailey have blended their dreams of a coffee bar, bistro and boutique into one unique shopping experience. As Joshua finishes the restoration of their historic red brick building, he and Ashley hope now to integrate the Lamp Post into the lives of Southwest Nebraskans...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — On Oct. 18, Tri Valley Health System’s Board of Directors approved an affiliate agreement with Avera Health. The agreement is effective December 1, 2017. Through the agreement Avera Health will provide a full range of consultation services and management support. Tri Valley Health System’s Board of Directors remains the decision-making body of all operational aspects of Tri Valley Health System and ownership of the health campus remains local...

McCOOK, Neb. — The new Armadillo Arms & Sporting Goods LLC store will celebrate its grand opening Saturday by serving pulled pork sandwiches and offering a series of in-store specials. They’re planning some nice surprises, said Larry and Matt Eden, the father-and-son team that own and operate the Armadillo Arms business at 210 Airport Road...

McCOOK, Neb. — Thanks to “lots and lots of volunteers,” the United Methodist Women are only five days away from opening the convenient, new ground floor location for the Helping Hand Thrift Store. “We’ve had people working ten hours a day for the past three weeks,” said Kathy Eaton, the thrift store coordinator, in praise of the congregation-wide effort to get the former Hershberger Music Company building at 202 West First Street ready for the opening...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Thinkery of Southwest Nebraska plans its first ever “Cardboard Challenge” Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., in McCook’s Memorial Auditorium, at West Fifth and C. The challenge is free to everyone. Inspired by themes like science fiction, towns and transportation, teams of youngsters, families and friends will challenge their imagination to build haunted houses, costumes or puppets using the cardboard and construction supplies provided...

COZAD, Neb. – Family-owned, community-oriented First Bank & Trust Co. has announced a name change to Waypoint Bank effective Oct. 10, 2017. The rebranding brings name consistency for all seven locations including five Nebraska branches in Cozad, Cambridge, Clay Center, Eustis and Imperial; one in Colorado Springs, Colorado (known as Mountain View Bank) and a Loan Production Office in Loveland, Colorado (using the name Waypoint Bank). ...

McCOOK, Neb. — After 12 years as a member of a Denver law firm, Alexis Davidson has returned to Southwest Nebraska and joined the firm of Goodwin Siegfried LLP in McCook as an associate attorney. “I look forward to serving the legal needs of the people of this area,” said Davidson, who grew up in Culbertson and went on to receive bachelor’s, master’s and law degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln...

McCOOK, Neb. — A local charitable organization has big plans for a current downtown parking lot and community leaders are encouraging area residents to get involved. The Norris Alley project intends to repurpose the parking space between the Keystone Business Center and the Fox Theatre into an indoor-outdoor dining venue for public use. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — A little-used parking lot nestled between the Keystone Business Center and the historic Fox Theatre in downtown McCook is slated for a significant repurposing. Supporters of the project gathered Saturday afternoon at the Norris Avenue site to announce they had reached their first phase goal of $148,000...

McCOOK, Neb. — A popular downtown McCook eatery is on the verge of touting 60 years in business. Sehnert’s Bakery will celebrate its 60th anniversary next week with daily drawings for $60 gift cards and promotional offerings, as well as free samples all week long...

McCOOK, Neb. — Ace Hardware is officially coming to McCook, after a franchisee acquired the vacated JCPenney’s building on West C Street earlier this week. The ownership group hopes to have the McCook location up and running by end of this or early next year. McCook will become the fourth Ace Hardware the group operates, according to representative Dallas Madsen. The franchise group already has operations in Yuma and Wray, Colorado, as well as a third in Ogallala, Nebraska...

McCOOK, Neb. — With a promise “to work very hard to give legendary service,” Kathy Gerver has returned to McCook as manager of the Tractor Supply Co. store in Westview Plaza. Born and raised in McCook, Kathy worked for Burlington Northern for 19 years before embarking on a business management and ownership career which took her to many places in the U.S. and several foreign countries...

McCOOK, Neb. — The corner of West Eighth and B Street in McCook will take on a whole new look after a 50-year-old service station and car wash are demolished and the debris hauled away. Lee Janssen, of Janssen-Kool Honda, located a block north at 711 West C, bought the Bunstock oil, service station and car wash property to expand parking for his car inventory. ...

OMAHA, Neb. — Central Bancshares, Inc. parent company of First Central Bank and First Central Bank McCook announced today that it will acquire Republic Corporation, the parent company for United Republic Bank in Omaha.  This transaction will combine assets to better capitalize on the banks’ individual strengths. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Into a world filled with people eager to buy homes and people wanting to sell houses comes two “Kates,” each with a passion to be the fresh and honest connection between buyers and sellers. Kate Warner of Arapahoe and Katie Graham of McCook have combined their talents in a real estate company new to McCook. “Warner Real Estate LLC” promises to “take the pressure out of the process” of buying and selling...

McCOOK, Neb. — When the doors open at Cinema 3 in McCook Friday evening, the multi-theater complex at Westridge Plaza will be locally owned for the first time in its history. Cody and Amanda Dame, the new owners, announced this week that they have formed a new company, Carver Cinemas, LLC, and have acquired the Cinema 3 theater business in McCook from Fridley Theaters of Des Moines, Iowa...

McCOOK, Neb. — A Nebraskan with extensive retail experience began her duties Monday, July 31, as the manager of the Orscheln Farm & Home store in McCook. The new manager, Dee Scott, formerly served in retail management positions in the Kearney and Grand Island area...

The Bolles Canyon Skatepark looks sharp as ever Thursday afternoon as parks worker Hunter Potthoff trims new grass taking root in the area.

McCOOK, Neb. — Summer Molitierno can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they taste Galaxie’s Ice Cream for the first time. “They’re in for a real treat. It’s rich ... it’s creamy ... it’s delicious,” says Summer, who is joining with her husband, Tom, and their family to open a sweet shop called Galaxie’s at 208 West First Street in McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. — On the northwestern edge of McCook, a large gray metal building is taking shape as the headquarters for a regional business known as Cherry Seed & Imagery. The structure — featuring an 8,000 square foot warehouse and 1,000 square foot office area — will be the centerpiece of a seed business which will serve grain producers throughout western Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern Colorado...

McCOOK, Neb. — As farmers worldwide search for ways to limit costs and increase yields, an increasing number are turning to the American Agricultural Laboratory in McCook for soil fertility recommendations. With the aid of a master agronomist and expanded software, in the past two years the ag lab has increased the number of crops it consults on from 60 to 151. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — One of this region’s oldest crops — wheat — is the source of a snack treat which is being marketed in Nebraska and is under consideration for national distribution. The snack — called Rowdy’s — comes in two varieties: Conceived and developed in Southwest Nebraska, the Rowdy’s Original snack is touted as “great on salads, in wraps or as a straight up snack,’ while Rowdy’s Sweet Wheat is described as “great on yogurt, hot cereal or just as a snack.”...

A crew installs the new “Pinnacle Bank” sign at the former AmFirst Bank in McCook this morning. On July 1, AmFirst Bank locations in McCook, Benkelman and Hayes Center joined Pinnacle Bank’s 61 branches in Nebraska. The new sign was created by Omaha Neon Sign Co. Inc.; the big B Street sign will be installed in August. Family-owned since 1938, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc. is a $9.9 billion financial holding company operating more than 140 community banks in eight states...

Oprah Winfrey is famous for identifying unique and inspiring items and featuring them, originally on her television talk show, and now in her “O Magazine.” A piece of Southwest Nebraska has been revealed as one of “the most delicious tastes in our great land” in the July issue in an article titled “The U.S. of Yum.”...

HERNDON, Kan. — Restaurant owners of Ash Creek Bar & Grill in Herndon, KS are looking to sell their business. Dan and Myra Stoney made the difficult decision due to increased activity with their jobs and family. The restaurant plans to remain open until June 17...

Imperial, Neb. — Harchelroad Motors Inc., is breaking down stereotypes when it comes to entrepreneurship in rural Nebraska. Harchelroad Motors has been in business for 82 years and has overcome family succession, devastation and the ups and downs of rural ag economics...

McCOOK, Neb. — A 4,950 square foot building is arising on the east entrance to McCook, signaling the approaching opening of a multi-line fishing, hunting, shooting range and bait business known as Armadillo Arms & Sporting Goods LLC. Larry and Matt Eden say they are shooting for a July opening of the store and shooting range. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Cupcakes — baked fresh throughout the day — are now available Tuesday through Sunday at McCook’s newest business place. JHCupcakes, the creative business idea of Jody Klahr and Heather Fielder, opened for business Wednesday, June 7, on the southwest corner of the Norris Avenue and A Street intersection, catty-corner across the street from the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad depot...

McCOOK, Neb. — Some day, hopefully soon, Southwest Nebraska will be the home of a discovery center for youth. The plans are already in motion, with a 19-member advisory council meeting regularly for the past year to come up with ideas for a center which will stimulate imagination, spark creativity and inspire a passion for discovery among youth of all ages...

McCOOK, Neb. — Soon, hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities in Nebraska can get close-to-home help when they need to fill temporary nursing shortages. Now making preparations to assist with the staffing needs is a new company — Team Staffing Network LLC — which will be based in McCook and be on call 24-7 to respond immediately when nursing needs arise...

LINCOLN, Neb. — The McCook/Red Willow County Visitors Bureau will receive a share of $271,656.42 in grants announced by the Nebraska Tourism Commission Thursday. A grant of $11,016.67 was awarded to the local visitors' bureau for print advertising, social media marketing, and digital promotions...

The McCook Public Library honored some of this year’s biggest, little readers with a storytelling and prize presentation at the library recently. Zander Ralston was dubbed the season’s “Big Reader” with more than 3,000 books read. Approximately 120 kids signed up for the program this year, which is the second year the library has put it on...