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McCOOK, Neb. — On a patch of prairie south of McCook stands a quaint one-room church. Its towering steeple beckons folks to its doors on Sunday mornings. A new voice can now be heard echoing throughout the century-old building. James Helms took up the duty of pastor at St. John’s Lutheran (Ash Creek) Church, just 20 minutes southeast of McCook, in February, and he has no regrets...

McCOOK, Neb. - In the April 29 edition of the McCook Gazette, a reader’s letter raised questions about the city’s decision to name the new sports complex after a single fallen service member and its connection to the purchase agreement for the property, which he noted was acquired at roughly $27,000 per acre. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Trent Jollensten is a well-rounded guy. He’s worked in tar and asphalt, heating and air conditioning, concrete and pivots. He’s been employed as a general manager for Fastenal and a territory account manager for Hillman Group. He’s also been a finance manager and a salesman at a car dealership. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - The signing of a memorandum of understanding between McCook Public Schools and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing marked a significant step toward addressing the region’s healthcare workforce needs, as local and state leaders gathered Wednesday at McCook Senior High School to formalize a new nursing pathway for students...

Four of the five candidates running for Nebraska’s 38th District have filed first primary reports with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission (NADC). In Nebraska, candidate committees follow an election-based reporting schedule rather than quarterly deadlines, with filings tied directly to the primary and general elections. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Little Eleanor doesn’t know it now, but she’s the inspiration for her grandfather’s recent unexpected journey. At just four months old, her grandfather is already planning for her future, but not in the typical way grandparents do. Brandon Burton, who grew up in Bartley, realized after grandparenthood was staring him in the face for the first time that he wanted to leave more than simple oral stories as a legacy for her...

McCOOK, Neb. - After 17 years, McCook Public Schools will see a changing of the guard. At a special meeting on Tuesday, the McCook Public Schools Board of Education formally accepted the resignation of Superintendent Grant Norgaard and began discussing next steps for district leadership...

McCOOK, Neb. — This year, the McCook Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 95th anniversary. And with that, the Chamber has decided it’s time for a change. Not a change for change’s sake, but for something bigger and more impacting to the entire area. A community-driven branding system has been proposed and built around four core community strengths, anchored by the flexible word “Here,” designed to unify the county, boost local pride and make the area more visible and attractive...

McCOOK, Neb. - Counties across Nebraska are preparing for the May 12 primary election, with required testing underway to verify ballot-counting equipment. In an April 17 press release, Secretary of State Bob Evnen said county election offices are conducting logic and accuracy testing as part of their preparations...

McCOOK, Neb. - McCook Public Schools hosted its annual HAL (High Ability Learners) showcase Wednesday evening in the Junior High School cafeteria. The showcase gave teachers and students an opportunity to display and share work and projects that students had created throughout the year. Students did not have to be identified as HAL students to participate; classroom projects that merited recognition were also presented...

While much of the country is still talking about the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, I had the good fortune to stumble upon Tuesday night’s live broadcast of King Charles III’s remarks at the White House state dinner in his honor. I’m sure it’s all over YouTube by now, and students of American History should seek it out for both the historic references and a considerable touch of humor...

McCOOK, Neb. — Longnecker Jewelry is marking its 30th anniversary in April 2026, celebrating a business that has grown from a one-man operation into a regional leader in fine jewelry across southwest Nebraska and northwest Kansas. Founded in August 1996 by Bill Longnecker, the store opened at a time when McCook supported six competing jewelers. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - Counties across Nebraska are preparing for the May 12 primary election, with required testing underway to verify ballot-counting equipment. In an April 17 press release, Secretary of State Bob Evnen said county election offices are conducting logic and accuracy testing as part of their preparations...

Who among us is old enough to remember what we once called “election day?” Think back. It may take some effort, but there was a time when we all went out and voted on the same day, and it almost had a holiday feel about it. An election day, of sorts, still exists. For candidates, it’s a finish line, and for people in my line of work, it’s a news event, but for voters, it’s now just a deadline. It’s the last day to turn in our homework...