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McCook Neb .- At a recent McCook City Council meeting, the board discussed a range of topics, from ongoing infrastructure projects to community development and recreational initiatives. Parks and Recreation Updates The Parks Board is set to convene on Wednesday at noon at the Senior Center to discuss several park improvement projects. A major focus will be the Kelly Park inclusive playground and Barnett Park improvements, both funded in part by an RCRP grant. The city is work

McCook Neb. A total of 350 cyclists on the 37st Annual Tour de Nebraska bicycle adventure will roll out of Curtis, Nebraska on Wednesday, June 25 and travel five days to Elwood, Cambridge and McCook in High Plains region of Nebraska for the first time.   As always, it is important for motorists and cyclists to use extra caution on the road. “Our number one goal is to keep everyone safe. We provide information about proper safety rules and laws to all of our cyclists. They mus

LINCOLN, Neb.– June 13, 2025 – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has officially declared Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), commonly known as the “red meat allergy,” a reportable condition in the state. This move aims to better understand the prevalence of the tick-induced allergy, which has seen 15 cases recorded in Nebraska so far in 2025, with 60% reporting serious anaphylactic reactions. AGS is an allergy to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, found in mo

McCook, Neb. - Pat Fawver, the city's Utilities Director, wants everyone to know that McCook's drinking water is safe. He explained that the water is regularly tested and meets all health standards, especially for harmful things like arsenic, nitrates, and uranium. Fawver noted that some people worry about "Total Dissolved Solids" (TDS) based on meters they buy online. He clarified that these small meters aren't for testing drinking water and can give wrong information. The

McCook Neb. – This Friday, June 13th, the Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to delve into significant moments of American history, combining a visit to a historic battlefield with an encounter with the powerful art of the late John Thein. The "Last Battle on the Plains" tour, running from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., promises a journey through the events leading up to the final major intertribal battle between the Sioux and the Pawnee. Pa

McCook, Neb.– The McCook School Board is moving forward with a second attempt to pass a bond issue, aiming to secure up to $42 million for significant renovations and new construction at the junior high and high school. This unanimous decision was made at Monday night’s board meeting, setting the stage for a special election on August 12, 2025. This comes after a similar $43.5 million bond was turned down by voters in November 2024. Superintendent Grant Norgaard emphasized th

Trenton Neb. - Step into Ginny Anderson’s studio in Trenton, Nebraska, and you’re not just entering a tattoo parlor; you’re stepping into a vibrant extension of her soul, a testament to her diverse artistic spirit. The air thrums with creativity, surrounded by a vibrant mural on one wall, a curated collection of works by artists she admires on another, and, of course, her own captivating creations in various mediums—acrylic, watercolor, and even printmaking—adorning a third.

McCook Neb.– The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners and Board of Equalization recently convened to address a range of critical county matters, including budget increases, public safety services, and infrastructure maintenance. The meeting began with the standard Board of Commissioners Meeting proceedings, including the call to order, agenda approval, and review of accounts payable claims. A period for Citizens' Comments was held, though no action could be taken on publi

McCook's New Disc Golf Course at Barnett Park is Almost Here! McCook Neb.-Fore! Get your discs ready, McCook, because the long-awaited disc golf course at Barnett Park is about to drop! Organizers are buzzing with excitement, aiming for a July grand opening for this awesome new addition to our community's outdoor scene. Leading the charge are local disc golf gurus David Brewster and Kaleb Taylor, who already brought us the nationally recognized Kelley Park course. But don't t

MCCook, NE – The unique sounds of Pondstock Music Festival at Lake Hedke will be echoing across the water for the final day today, Saturday, June 7th. This self-supported, independent gathering of musicians, friends, and family is celebrating its 20th year, bringing diverse acts to Southwest Nebraska. The spirit of Pondstock remains strong, largely thanks to organizer Vic Giron, known by his stage name El Jefe. Giron emphasizes the festival is a group effort, cultivating an e

McCook, NE – Art enthusiasts, aspiring painters, and seasoned artists in Southwest Nebraska have a rare and exciting opportunity approaching! Nationally recognized Nebraska native, Todd A. Williams, whose stunning works are sought by prominent collectors and displayed in museums across the country, will be hosting a three-day painting workshop right here in McCook on June 16, 17, and 18, 2025. Presented by the McCook Art Guild, this immersive workshop offers a unique chance t

McCOOK Neb. - City Council Addresses Key Community Issues at Latest Meeting McCook, NE – The McCook City Council convened on Monday, June 2, 2025, for a meeting that saw discussions and actions on a range of topics crucial to the city's development and daily operations. The session, which concluded at 6:31 PM, covered everything from infrastructure projects and event planning to animal control and potential new revenue streams. Community Events & Enhancements City Manager Nat

McCOOK Neb. - In our hyper-connected world, a sense of digital privacy can feel like a rapidly fading luxury. Between relentless data harvesting, eerily precise targeted advertisements, and applications that trace our every digital footprint, it’s natural to ask: Is genuine privacy still attainable? This article will delve into common digital privacy concerns, demystify how different messaging platforms handle your personal information, and equip you with actionable steps to

McCOOK, Neb. -The McCook Police Department has concluded a focused enforcement period between March 26, 2025, and May 21, 2025, leading to numerous arrests for drug-related offenses and outstanding warrants. The concentrated effort aimed at addressing criminal activity within McCook and the surrounding areas. Among those arrested during this initiative were individuals facing serious charges related to controlled substances, weapons offenses, and outstanding warrants from var

McCook Neb. During their Monday meeting, Red Willow County Commissioners addressed several items with unanimous 3-0 votes. They approved routine payables (except a food service bill for further review) and a tax roll correction. Roadwork plans for 2025 were finalized, earmarking Roads 403, 383, and 716 for armor coating, while the Cambridge Lake Road's maintenance was discussed. Val Jansante from Congressman Smith's office provided a legislative update, focusing on efforts to

McCook Neb.abStarting in the 2026-27 school year, a new Nebraska law, LB 390, will require all school districts to publish online catalogs of their library books by building and provide parents with notifications. Sponsored by Senator Murman, the law aims to increase parental involvement by making students' reading materials transparent. While proponents believe it empowers parents, opponents like Senator Hunt worry about student privacy and potential harm to vulnerable youth

McCook Neb. - The McCook City Council meeting celebrated Jennifer Doucet, McCook's 911 Coordinator, who received the prestigious 2025 Laura Becker Memorial Award from the Nebraska Emergency Communication Services Association (NESCA). This award recognized her exceptional dedication to dispatch centers in the south-central panhandle, particularly her work in policy creation, multi-site system coordination, and inter-agency communication. Chief Kevin Hodgson lauded Doucet's con

The works of two MCC Graphic Design and Visual Communication students will be on display at the Wrightstone Gallery on campus through Friday. This will be the first exhibit staged by the students of first-year MPCC instructor Kelsey Reiman.   This exhibition will showcase the portfolio work of MCC sophomores Ayana Goodwin and Kaileigh Barger. Their works include print design such as illustrations, books, brochures, and poster designs.   MCC’s Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery is

McCook Natalie Harmata experienced a comforting clarity while in a hospital bed in McCook – far from the Sydney, Australia skyscrapers that surrounded her most of her life. That clarity and her journey will lead her to the podium as this year’s student commencement speaker at McCook Community College.   Commencement ceremonies will be May 9 at 10 a.m.at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. Also the college will recognize McCook College alum and long-time MCC supporter

McCOOK, Neb. - Red Willow County Commissioners unanimously accepted the "voluntary resignation" of 47-year employee and former commissioner Earl McNutt at Monday's meeting, following a closed-door session regarding his potential termination. After convening in executive session for over an hour to discuss the matter, the board reconvened and approved the resignation, effective June 30, 2025, without providing further details. The "voluntary" designation reportedly allows McNu