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Three arrested with help of thermal drone following high-speed chase and manhunt (3/16/24)NORTH PLATTE, Neb. - In a collaborative effort between the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) and several law enforcement agencies, three individuals were apprehended with the help of a thermal drone after a high-speed pursuit and subsequent manhunt in southwest Nebraska on Friday evening...
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Benkelman project on college board agenda (3/15/24)NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Remodeling of a building in Benkelman is one of the items on a short agenda for the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors Wednesday. The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the W. W. Wood Room 200 on the North Campus at 1101 Halligan Drive in North Platte...
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Vault artist (3/15/24)
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Highway work set for N-18 near Curtis, Stockville (3/15/24)McCOOK, Neb. — Weather permitting, work will begin March 18 on N-18, on the bridge at reference post 0.35, over Medicine Creek just south of Curtis and the bridge at reference post 10.75, over Medicine Creek just east of Stockville, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation...
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Former band kid thriving in new cheer coach career (3/15/24)McCOOK Neb. — Former band kid Kaylee Thompson is in her fourth year coaching for the McCook Bison Cheer Team. Despite never having been a cheerleader herself in high school, Thompson’s journey into coaching is one of unexpected opportunity and dedication...
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Murman updates constituents on legislative action (3/15/24)McCOOK, Neb. - At the latest legislative call, Senator Dave Murman updated participants on some of the discussions going on at the Unicameral. Murman shared that he voted for LB 904-Change provisions regarding child care reimbursement rates, created the Intergenerational Care Facility Incentive Grant Program, and provided for the use of the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund. ...
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Council to consider ambulance service, utility rate hikes (3/15/24)McCOOK Neb. — The McCook City Council will have costly increases to consider at the upcoming council meeting on Monday, March 18, 2024. The consent agenda includes Resolution No. 2024-03, which proposes amending the rates for the ambulance service operated by the City of McCook, Nebraska...
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McCook's coolest business has array of unique offerings (3/14/24)McCOOK Neb. — In a quest for holistic wellness, Kristine and Gabe Stritt embarked on a transformative journey to create Country Chill—a sanctuary where health, beauty, and vitality converge. Their venture began about three years ago when Gabe struggled with sciatic nerve pain, prompting them to explore alternative therapies beyond conventional medicine...
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Library's Libby app brings books to patrons' fingertips (3/14/24)McCOOK, Neb. — When we think of libraries, a flood of memories washes over us — the hushed whispers, the creaking shelves, and that unmistakable scent of well-worn books. The McCook Public Library, catty-corner from Norris Park, continues to uphold this tradition while embracing the digital age...
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SWNPHD fields new air quality monitor network (3/14/24)SWNPHD fields new air quality monitor system McCOOK, Neb. — In a partnership with the Nebraska Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department has unveiled an initiative aimed at enhancing air quality surveillance across several communities...
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GOP candidates' forum Sunday (3/14/24)McCOOK, Neb. — A multi-county Republican Candidates’ Forum for all local, state, and federal Republican candidates is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bedore Barn/Marlene’s Kitchen, 38404 Road 719. Candidates will address the group beginning at 2:30 pm. All three of our federal representatives are up for reelection this year and have been invited. Sen. Deb Fischer is running unopposed on the Republican ticket and a representative from her campaign has confirmed the date...
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Family releases information on man injured in blast (3/13/24)KEARNEY, Neb. — The family of a McCook man seriously injured in an explosion Monday is thankful for the prayers and support of the community. Thatcher Skolout, 25, is expected to remain sedated for at least five days in an effort to reduce swelling in his brain, according to information released through the Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office by his wife, Shelby Skolout...
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McCook man hospitalized after propane tank explosion (3/12/24)McCOOK, Neb. — A McCook man is hospitalized in Kearney with serious injuries following a propane tank explosion Monday afternoon. Sheriff Kevin Darling said the man appeared to be attempting to convert an empty propane tank into a smoker when the explosion occurred...
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School board accepts $43K in three donations (3/12/24)McCOOK, Neb. — Donations totaling nearly $43,000 were accepted at the latest Red Willow School Board of Education meeting Monday, including $8,000 from the Nebraska Community Foundation earmarked for funding a bond issue survey. Residents within the school district boundaries are currently being contacted via phone calls and text messages to participate in this survey, gauging community support for the proposed construction of a new junior high school and targeted renovations at the high school...
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Red Willow businesses pass liquor compliance checks (3/12/24)GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — All 11 Red Willow County businesses with liquor licenses passed alcohol compliance checks on Sunday, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. Hall County businesses didn’t do as well on Leap Day, with two of the 10 checked selling liquor to minors...
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New McDonald's owners emphasize employee growth, community engagement (3/12/24)1McCOOK Neb. — On March 1, Leonard Management officially took over as the new owner of the local McDonald’s franchise in McCook. The transition marks a significant shift in ownership, bringing fresh perspectives and strategies to the fast-food chain. Leonard Management owns McDonald’s locations across four states — Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota — boasting a business legacy of over 32 years with 38 restaurants under their management...
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Commissioners pondering road repair options (3/11/24)Bruce Crosby Editor McCOOK, Neb.. — Red Willow County Commissioners have their work cut out for them when it comes to roads. After opening two bids for various road repair projects around the county, and finding it difficult to “compare apples to apples,” a decision was tabled until the next regular meeting, March 25...
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Cops bring in experts to help corral loose bulls (3/8/24)McCOOK, Neb. — When local law enforcement was faced with corralling loose bulls, they knew who to call. McCook Police officers and a Red Willow County deputy sheriff were called to the Red Willow County fairgrounds at about 12:46 a.m. today on a report of cattle wandering around the fairgrounds, ready to stray onto West Fifth Street, according to a MPD Facebook post...
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SWNCTA joins chamber (3/8/24)McCook Chamber of Commerce and community members join the Southwest Nebraska Theater Association(SWNCTA) board and members along with the cast of “The Spitfire Grill” on stage as founding member and Director of this year’s musical “ The Spitfire Grill,” Don Harpst cuts the ribbon at the ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday evening. ...
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Kids' pop-up consignment shop sale returns for spring (3/8/24)McCOOK Neb. - Julie Cuellar, a mother of three boys, has brought back the highly anticipated Every {little} Thing Kids’ Pop-Up Consignment Sale for its spring edition, offering a blend of community spirit, convenience, and budget-friendly shopping opportunities for families in the area...
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A reason to smile: Effort underway toward filling the gap in dental care (3/8/24)McCOOK Neb. - With a multi-faceted approach involving policy changes, community events, and collaborative programs, Nebraska is making strides in enhancing dental care access for all residents, especially those most in need. Efforts are underway to enhance access to dental care for underserved populations, particularly those covered by Medicaid. ...
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Black Hills Energy relocating meters (3/8/24)McCOOK, Neb. — In an effort to ensure safe and reliable natural gas service for residents in McCook, Nebraska, Black Hills Energy has announced a proactive initiative to upgrade natural gas meters in the area. Starting this March, residents may notice Black Hills Energy crews working in neighborhood alleyways as part of this upgrade project. Approximately 529 residential and commercial meters serving customers in and around McCook will be replaced...
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Possible bond election changes topic for school board (3/8/24)McCOOK Neb. - Superintendent Grant Norgaard will express his concerns about LB 878, a legislative proposal related to scheduling bonds by public municipalities, at the Red Willow School District School Board meeting on Monday, March 11. During the Feb. 29, legislative call hosted by the McCook Chamber of Commerce with Sen. Dave Murman, Norgaard highlighted that the bill could limit local autonomy by centralizing the timing of bond elections to a single date in November of even-numbered years...
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Inheritance fund transfer on county board agenda Monday (3/8/24)McCCOOK, Neb. — With a bill to phase out inheritance tax still on general file in the Legislature, Red Willow County Commissioners are poised to use $100,000 of that money for health insurance for county employees. That transfer is on the consent agenda for Monday’s meeting of the county board...
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City plans crack-sealing project (3/8/24)McCOOK, Neb.— The City of McCook plans to begin crack sealing various streets in the community on Monday, March 11, weather permitting. It should take roughly two weeks to complete, weather permitting. The contractor will be Shelco Construction out of Elsie, Neb. Officials ask that citizens remove any vehicles, including trailers, that are parked on the following streets beginning Monday morning March 11 by 7 a.m.. The order of streets will be determined by the contractor...