Stories from Friday, May 15, 2026

McCOOK, Neb. — He’s a McCook cultural icon. He’s a story weaver. He’s a snow cone dealer. He’s Mr. Bill. Camping out at Norris Park or by the pool, Bill Donze — “Mr. Bill” to most — can be seen like clockwork selling dirt-cheap snowcones and other snacks to children and adults alike from his van for over 40 years. ...

Last week, the Gazette received a note from friend and McCook expat Daryl Meister, who owns the Bison Property/Project north of McCook and adjacent to the Red Willow State Recreation Area (SRA). In his note, Meister announces that he has listed the property for sale as of May 11...

OGALLALA, Neb. — The McCook High golf boys were only one stroke from second place among 15 teams Tuesday while warming up for their district tournament next week. Coach Ben Vetrovskyprovided more details: “The Bison finished fourth out of 15 teams in the field shooting a team score of 324. Scottsbluff won the invite with a team score of 301. Gering and Sidney tied for second with a 323...

McCOOK, Neb. ­— Five players from the record-setting McCook Community College softball team were named to the all-Region IX team by a vote of coaches. Sophomore Paige Warren was named Region IX Player of the Year. Others honored included Hannah Schneider, Lyndsay Keogh, Brooklynn Gillen and Josie Wright...

ALLIANCE, Neb. — McCook’s final event of the B-6 district meet was a true grand finale on Tuesday when its boys’ 1600-meter relay earned Class B state qualification. “We had a very nice surprise at the end of the day with the 4x100 meter relay. A team composed of Mile Pollmann, Blake Willis, Krayten Ureste and Oliver Corbett,” Bison coach Tom Sughroue said. ...

OMAHA, Neb. — McCook senior Jaylea Walgren becomes the third Bison girl to make next week’s Class B state track and field meet. Walgren will compete in the 300-meter hurdles as her time of 48.31 at Tuesday’s B-6 district in Alliance became fast enough to qualify...

McCOOK, Neb. — It’s the home of Broadway, Wall Street traders and the Yankees, and soon New York City will be the home of another high performer. McCook High School (MHS) 2026 graduate Abigail Schneider has just been accepted into Columbia University, the Ivy League school in the Manhattan area, and both she and her parents couldn’t be more excited for the new adventure that awaits her...