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Snow cone king teaches cancer a lesson in tenacity
Snow cone king teaches cancer a lesson in tenacity
Stacie Sandall
McCOOK, Neb. -- He's a McCook cultural icon. He's a story weaver. He's a snow cone dealer. He's Mr. Bill. Camping out at Norris Park or by the pool, Bill Donze -- "Mr. Bill" to most -- can be seen like clockwork selling dirt-cheap snowcones and other snacks to children and adults alike from his van for over 40 years. ...
  • Ranch sale revives tourism questions
    Last week, the Gazette received a note from friend and McCook expat Daryl Meister, who owns the Bison Property/Project north of McCook and adjacent to the Red Willow State Recreation Area (SRA). In...
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    McCook grad earns Ivy League acceptance
    McCOOK, Neb. — It’s the home of Broadway, Wall Street traders and the Yankees, and soon New York City will be the home of another high performer. McCook High School (MHS) 2026 graduate Abigail...
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    Snow cone king teaches cancer a lesson in tenacity1
    McCOOK, Neb. — He’s a McCook cultural icon. He’s a story weaver. He’s a snow cone dealer. He’s Mr. Bill. Camping out at Norris Park or by the pool, Bill Donze — “Mr. Bill” to most — can be seen like...
  • No losers... (5/14/26)
    In 1850, the poet Lord Tennyson famously wrote, “’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” In the ensuing years, the phrase has been extended beyond romance and it has been...
  • State, local primaries set up fall showdowns (5/14/26)
  • Domestic assault investigation leads to arrest (5/14/26)
  • Final: Anderson and Anderson-Ehrke advance to general election in 38th District (5/13/26)
  • Automatic recount likely in county election (5/13/26)
  • Six city council candidates move forward to November election (5/13/26)
  • Anderson and Anderson-Ehrke likely contenders in November (5/13/26)
  • McCook board sets course for administrative transition (5/12/26)1
  • Nebraska Voices objects to ICE deal (5/12/26)1
  • Prescribed burn tactics reversed to fight Cottonwood wildfire (5/8/26)
  • McCook Esports shines at NETA (5/7/26)
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    Week of May 5-7-8 2026
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    Week of April 28-30-May 1, 2026 (5/8/26)
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    Week of April 21-23-24 2026 (5/8/26)
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    Week of April 14-16-17 2026 (5/8/26)
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Sports
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    Bison girls breeze to sweep of final regular-season dual
  • McCook senior added for her third state meet at Burke (5/15/26)
  • Bison sending seven to state: four boys, two girls, one add (5/15/26)
  • World Series-bound MCC puts five on all-Region team (5/15/26)
  • Bison almost reach top two in last meet before district (5/15/26)
  • Can McCook girls 'break the bubble', make state today? (5/12/26)
  • Bison boys compete for state track and field trip today (5/12/26)
  • Chase boys capture Twilight Invite behind vaulter, power thrower (5/11/26)
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Obituaries
  • Della Matson (5/14/26)
    NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Della Matson, McCook, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026,...
  • Roger Dickerson (5/14/26)
    McCOOK, Neb. — Roger C. Dickerson passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Home, McCook, Neb., on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 87...
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    Retha Miller (5/14/26)
    CODY, Wyo. — Retha Miller, 92, of Cody, Wyoming died peacefully on May 11, 2026...
Births/Weddings/Engagements/Anniversaries/Birthdays
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    60th Anniversary (4/30/26)
    The family of Eugene and Shirley Axtell of Danbury, Nebraska,...
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    67th Anniversary (4/22/26)
    DANBURY, Neb. — The family of Dale and Roberta Blake, Danbury, is hosting a card shower...
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    90th Birthday (4/17/26)
    McCOOK, Neb. — The family of Neva Korell is hosting a party and card shower in celebration of Ms. Korell’s 90th birthday...
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    Lois Hudson (5/14/26)
    POCATELLO, Idaho — Lois Jean Hudson passed away on October 19, 2025,...
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    Valaria Rhoades (5/14/26)
    OMAHA, Neb. — Valeria Iris Rhoades, 94, of Omaha, Nebraska, died of natural causes on May 11, 2026...
  • Betty Renner (5/12/26)
    LINCOLN, Neb. —Betty Ann Renner, age 94, formerly of Palisade, Neb., passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026,...
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Public Notices-Legals
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    Bobby Mills
    “The Dream Race” 100 Meter Dash Finals - The Results (4/22/26)
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Columnists
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    Ronda Graff
    Transforming a community one compliment at a time (5/14/26)
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    Dick Trail
    Casting ballots, preserving principles (5/12/26)
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    Ronda Graff
    Underestimating our own capacity (5/7/26)
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Opinion
  • Editorial: The work of self-government (5/12/26)
    Mike O'Dell
    Today’s publication falls on the day of Nebraska’s primary election. Mail subscribers will already know the outcomes by the time they read this, yet a bit of reflection upon the exercise itself still...
  • Editorial: Cinco de Mayo: History and myth (5/5/26)
    Mike O'Dell
    In the process of writing this column, the calendar often serves as a starting point. Our religious institutions do a fine job of preserving the meaning behind their high holy days, but many other...
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Classifieds
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Help Wanted
Southwest public schools is looking for a full-time custodian starting in June. This is a 12 month position that includes full family health insurance, retirement and the pay starts off at $17 an hour. Please send résumé references and application to Drew.Billeter@swpschools.org
Miscellaneous for Sale
The Bargain Center at 107 N. Main in Palisade has Antiques, Collectibles, and used Furniture. We also buy estates. 308-882-0343
Help Wanted - Professional
Dental Hygienist, McCook, NE. Fill in or part-full time. $43-48/hr based on experience. Monthly bonus and benefits based on # of days. $2500 hire bonus for part-full time. Hours adjustable for school drop off/pick up for kids, 308-345-1510 email resume tobiasdental@gpcom.net
Help Wanted
Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District is accepting applications for a full-time Ditch Rider. Duties include operating canal checks, turnouts, and wasteways; regulating and measuring water deliveries; and performing maintenance on irrigation works. On-call hours may include nights and weekends. Heavy equipment experience preferred. CDL with Nebraska driver's license required. Will help with CDL if needed. Must lift 75 lbs. and pass CDL drug testing. Full benefits package including health and...
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Last week's most read
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  • Six city council candidates move forward to November election
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