Stories from Thursday, January 15, 2026

McCOOK, Neb. - “Norris was a fighter who hated bullies. He was a pugilist,” said Dr. Nathan Tye, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Kearney Department of History, who delivered an in-depth analysis of famed Nebraska Senator George Norris...

McCOOK, Neb. - Salvation Army donations in 2025 exceeded 2024’s total by 3.7 percent, according to Salvation Army Bell Ringer Coordinator Traci Taylor, who reported this year’s collections at $18,218.29 from the annual bell-ringing campaign. The campaign, sponsored locally by the Southwest Nebraska Ministerial Association, remains a cornerstone of the community’s charitable giving. ...

“What does it cost?” – This simple, direct question is one many of us ask frequently, whether shopping at the grocery store or asking questions of our local or state government when projects are proposed. Yes, it seems like a straightforward question but there is a lot more to “cost” than the initial price...

I am hoping that by the time you read this, there will have been some form of multinational intervention in Iran—not necessarily bombs or invasions, but the unmistakable presence of outside powers saying, with one voice, that what is happening inside that country cannot be ignored...

HAYES CENTER, Neb. — Tuesday’s tougher contest did not both Maywood-Hayes Center coach Kimberly Stengel following their 51-41 conquest of visiting Maxwell. “The girls have had some fun, competitive games, and we continue to learn about our team.” coach Stengel said as her Wolves reached 13-1 this season. “We’re making adjustments during the game and in practices.”...

OXFORD, Neb. — Southern Valley shook off a late Chase County rally as the Eagle girls still won 45-43 in overtime Tuesday evening. Chase County held S.V. to two fourth-quarter points while erasing a 37-29 deficit. However, Southern Valley outscored the visitors 6-4 in OT with Emercen Lovitt’s 16 points and 13 from senior Tori Bose leading this well-earned win...

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Dundy County-Stratton’s boys literally needed every point for a 59-58 overtime victory over always feisty Hitchcock County Tuesday. Visiting Hitchcock (6-5 record) broke a 29-29 halftime tie to lead 40-37 into the fourth quarter. However, DC-S (10-2) rallied behind seniors Ethan Latta (18) and August Shaw (17) with a combined 35 points...

OXFORD, Neb. — A 34-10 first half was more than enough to ignite Chase County’s 68-35 conquest of Southern Valley Tuesday night. The Longhorns (5-7 record) are becoming road warriors after surprising once-beaten Dundy County-Stratton in Benkelman last week...

McCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that Blaine Allen Frerichs, 22, of Bartley, Nebraska, died while in custody at the Red Willow County Detention Center. Court documents show that Frerichs was arrested on Monday, Jan. 12 and charged with DUI over .15, first offense. According to the arresting officer’s report, Frerichs’ blood alcohol content was measured at .325. The officer also noted blood on...

Roy T. Remington, a beloved son, brother, and uncle, passed away at the age of 68 in his home in Culbertson, on January 4, 2026. Roy was born in McCook, NE at St. Catherines to parents Alden and Catherine (McConville) Remington. He was one of nine siblings. Roy attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and graduated from McCook High School. In his younger years, Roy and his brother Ron were two peas in a pod always going on adventures and hunting...

Theresa Marie Dicke passed away on January 4, 2026, in her home in McCook, NE at the age of 70. Theresa was born on March 24, 1955, to parents Melvin G. and Mary “Polly” F. (Pollard) Grim in McCook, NE. Theresa grew up in McCook and graduated from McCook High School with the class of 1973...

Gerald (Jerry) Charles Meyerle Sr. passed away peacefully in Lincoln, Nebraska on January 12, 2026 at the age of 95. Gerald was born on October 27, 1930, on the Meyerle family farm north of Holbrook, Nebraska to Charles Meyerle and Delia (Weyenberg) Meyerle. He attended grade school in a one room country school north of Holbrook and graduated from Holbrook High School in 1949...

MCCOOK, Neb. — Thomas Buresh, of McCook, passed away early Thursday morning, January 15, 2026 at Community Hospital in McCook. He was 81 years of age. Services are pending at this time. Online condolnces may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook...