Stories from Thursday, January 8, 2026

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Chase County’s boys have literally turned January into a “new year” before, and Tuesday was a good sign with their 60-45 win at Dundy County-Stratton. The Longhorns (4-6) surged past a Tiger team that had lost only once in eight previous games...

Mike O’Dell McCook Gazette After 15 years of trial and error by a series of private owners, the City of McCook is taking steps toward mitigating one of the community’s more vexing problems. To move toward a workable long-term solution, the city must first address the environmental conditions that have prevented the property from being safely reused. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - The Board of Directors of MNB Financial Services, Inc. is proud to announce the promotion of Brian Esch to President and Chief Executive Officer of MNB Financial Services, Inc. Brian will also retain his current position of Chief Executive Officer of MNB Bank. ...

As events unfold in Venezuela, I am reminded of a recent Pew study that offered a glimpse into how Americans—particularly younger ones—view engagement in world affairs. Overall, 53 percent of Americans say it is extremely or very important for the United States to take an active role internationally. ...

Who remembers sitting in their classroom at school, staring at the clock on the wall, as the seconds slowly ticked away? It seemed like the day would never end. The last day of the school year seemed so far away. And graduation? That was a far-off dream that couldn’t get here quick enough...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Community College Lady Indian basketball team returns to the court Saturday after a three-week holiday break. MCC (7-9) will host North Platte (3-11) at 2 p.m. for the start of the Region IX South schedule. Saturday’s women’s/men’s doubleheader will be Blue Out Saturday at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center as well as “Community Hospital Recognition Day.” It’s one of four home doubleheaders in January with three more coming in February...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Eight members of the 2025 Nebraska football team were recognized for their work in the classroom on Tuesday, as they were selected as College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honorees. The group includes offensive linemen Tyler Knaak and Jason Maciejczak, tight end Luke Lindenmeyer, wide receiver Dane Key, defensive backs Derek Branch and Brice Turner and kickers Kyle Cunanan and John Hohl...

BENKELMAN, Neb. — The Dundy County-Stratton girls took a 23-9 second quarter to their ninth win, 64-56, over determined Chase County Tuesday night. The Tigers (9-0 record) featured six players hitting shots in that pivotal period where a 14-12 lead became 37-21 entering intermission...

cCook Community College men return to the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center basketball court Saturday for a key game to begin the spring semester. MCC (10-6) will host North Platte (8-7) at 4 p.m. as both teams dive into the Region IX South schedule which includes home and away games against each of the seven other teams in the south...

BARTLEY, Neb. — The Hitchcock County Falcons resumed their winning ways with a 71-55 win over RPAC rival Southwest Tuesday evening. Hitchcock’s boys raised their record to 5-4 entering a game at Wauneta-Palisade Friday night. Wolves win EUSTIS, Neb. — The Maywood-Hayes Center boys took down Hi-Line, 59-20, with a 15-1 first quarter igniting this win Tuesday night...

BROKEN BOW, Neb. — Smoking was definitely allowed at Broken Bow High Tuesday because those Indians were sizzling through a 72-42 win over McCook High girls. The Indians scorched 12 three-points through those nets, taking a 24-10 lead after one quarter then 47 total points into intermission...

BROKEN BOW, Neb. — Break out your best 80s Pat Benatar albums because the McCook boys are embracing what Joe Imus expects every game in 2026.... “We are going to get everyone’s best shot,” the Bison coach said as in hit us, baby, these guys were ready except for wondering what are albums...