Stories from Friday, January 30, 2026

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Sickness has caught up with the McCook Swim and Dive team but the boys managed to hang on for first place against friendly-rival North Platte at their dual Thursday. The girls only have four swimmers this season and three were out sick for the meet, leaving sophomore Braelyn Dunworth as the lone McCook swimmer for the girls...

This week, we met with Ruby Collins, an entomologist based at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension office in Red Willow County for our monthly “Coffee Talk.” She is a remarkable professional, and we are fortunate to have an expert of her caliber working locally and accessible to the community...

McCOOK, Neb. - For the first Coffee Talk of 2026, the Gazette met with Ruby Collins and Samantha Daniel of the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension offices, or more precisely, “Nebraska Extension.” Both Collins and Daniel hold the title of Water and Cropping Systems Educator, though each is an entomologist by training...

Douglas Lee Wacker, age 67, of Culbertson, Nebraska, passed away in Reno, Nevada, on January 17, 2026. He was born on November 24, 1958, in McCook, NE. Doug is survived by his partner, Kathryn Denise Holt; stepmother, Mary Jane Neville; four children, Heather Wacker, Timothy Wacker (Sarah), Christopher Wacker (Bethany), Catherine Eaton (Curt); seven grandchildren, Dori, Joseph, Kaitlyn, Grant, Layla, River, and Walker; two great-grandchildren, Bennett and Percy; and brother, Timothy Wacker (Odetta) and family.. ...

Carol Anne Samway was called to her heavenly home Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 88. Carol was born June 19, 1937, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Walter and Irene (Meyer) Reher. Carol attended District 74 Elementary School, Trinity Lutheran School, and graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1954. She knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church...

HOLDREGE, Neb. — McCook Junior High’s eighth-grade boys split against two great rivals this week as coach Joel Arterburn reports: “On Tuesday night, the A team lost a close game to Ogallala 52-46. Scoring: Bently Arterburn 17, Beau Bednar 12, Jed Crawford 7, Cooper Rupp 5, Jordan Pollmann 3, Isaac Snyder 2...

BENKELMAN, Neb. — McCook’s seventh-grade basketball boys were ready for a trip to Dundy County-Stratton as the team won 40-32 on Tuesday. The Bison overcame their slow start, only trailing 11-10 until Colton Foster heated up for 12 first-half points...

HOLYOKE, Colo. — The Chase County boys improved to 8-9 this season with a 61-44 victory at Holyoke, Colo., Thursday evening. Chase led from start to finish, building basically a decisive 35-17 advantage before the miday break. Coach Chris Bartels’ boys finished strong, 16-12 during those last eight minutes...

MINDEN, Neb. — Every team’s goal is to play its best basketball in February and the McCook High girls are clearly getting close. After playing 14-3 Holdrege with three on Tuesday, the Bison caught 11-win Minden at 40-40 Thursday night when junior Cali Crawford ripped another “threeee” through those Minden High nets...