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McCook, NE – The first year of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program at McCook High School is concluding, marking a year of significant growth and opportunity for its students. In a recent email to parents and guardians, JAG Career Specialist Meghan Giorgione celebrated the program's impactful inaugural year. Giorgione expressed immense pride in the students' achievements, noting that the JAG group had developed into a supportive "family" through hard work and teamwo

McCook Neb. - Today marks an important milestone in my journey with stage 1 triple negative breast cancer. I am starting round 4 of Chemotherapy. After today's treatment, I am down to potentially just two more sessions. Next week, I'll undergo an MRI to determine whether I need another round of chemo or if I can move forward to surgery. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and the word "cancer" carries so much weight and fear. However, it’s crucial to

McCook, Neb. – Community Hospital is pleased to announce that it has issued its latest Community Health Needs Assessment, a report following a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the community’s healthcare use, practices and needs.   The CHNA report includes health-related information from myriad local and other sources and identifies the greatest health needs in our community.   “We studied our hospital’s service area,” said Troy Bruntz, Community Hospital President an

McCOOK, Neb. - Prairie Plains CASA proudly celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week last week by recognizing the extraordinary commitment of our CASA volunteers and Board of Directors. Their dedication ensures that the most vulnerable children in southwest Nebraska have a voice in the court system. As part of this year’s celebration, Prairie Plains CASA is excited to announce the  swearing-in of several new volunteers  who recently completed extensive training and are now offic

McCOOK Neb. - An opening reception for two McCook Community College fine art students is set for Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Wrightstone Fine Art Gallery on the McCook Community College campus. This reception kicks off the Thesis Capstone Exhibition for sophomores Jett Gillen and Robi Winder.   The exhibit runs through May 2 in the Wrightstone Gallery, which is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday.   Gillen, a McCook native, said his works represent the importance tha

McCOOK Neb. - Prepare to encounter a unique artistic vision later this week at McCook's ArtBank with the opening of Brigham Larington's "33rd Street Angels" exhibit. This show promises a compelling exploration of nature, perception, and the surprising beauty woven into the fabric of the everyday. Larington's inspiration draws from unexpected sources, including a burl—a distinctive growth on trees he describes as “like a scab, but a little bit like cancer too...they form when

McCook, Neb. – The McCook City Council approved the final plat for the Walters First Edition, a new addition to the city. This plat includes the sports complex area and commercial lots. Infrastructure development, including street, water, sewer, and storm sewer, is planned for the area. Craig Bennett from Miller Associates presented details of the plat, highlighting the future land use designations for recreational, commercial, and multi-family development. A significant step

McCOOK Neb.- The ArtBank will soon feature "To Be Afraid of Trees," an exhibition of stunning black-and-white photographs and thoughtful poems by Nebraska artist Quentin Fortney. The show opens next week, April 26th. Fortney, who lives in Lincoln, shared insights about his upcoming show. This marks the first time he has created a complete black-and-white collection of work. The photographs in this series were taken during Fortney's three-month stint in Yakutat, Alaska, where

McCOOK Neb.- Cambridge High School artist JoLie Farr received the Best of Show award Friday at the 50th anniversary of the McCook Community College Paint-In and Art Show Competition. In addition, four winners in each of seven categories were announced. This year there were 338 entries from 19 area high schools that competed in the event.   Friday was also the annual paint-in competition with 30 teams from 20 area high schools gathering at MCC’s Peter and Dolores Graff Events

McCOOK Neb.- The Red Willow County Visitors Committee, is seeking two new members following the resignations of Tyler Loop and Bill Lesko, leaving the committee with only three active members. The committee's main role is to fund events that promote tourism through a 2% lodging tax, split into two separate funds for improvement and promotion. During their recent meeting, chaired by Dan Stramel, the committee discussed the importance of distinguishing between commerce and tour

McCOOK Neb. -  At the beginning of January, Natalie Gilbert Marks launched her new venture, "Bookmarks Boutique," now located within the Rustic Market on First Street. What started as a simple Facebook announcement, "Welcome to the Bookmarks Boutique Facebook page where we can build a bookish community," has quickly transformed into a cherished local book haven.  For Marks, the boutique represents more than just a business; it's a passion project. "My daughter Erin graduated

McCOOK Neb.:  Carrie Clay's life is a powerful transformation narrative, a journey of extraordinary resilience. From a dedicated paramedic to a mother forging a new path, her story illuminates the strength of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable challenges. A Seismic Shift on Sept. 4, 2021, marked a profound turning point. During the birth of her daughter in Huntington, West Virginia, a complication from an epidural resulted in paralysis. "Sept. 4, 2021, I was paral

McCook Neb.- A long-standing fixture in McCook's auto supply scene is shifting gears - but not disappearing. Kohl Auto Parts, located just off B Street at 908 W C St, has been acquired by Arnold Motor supply, promising expanded inventory and familiar faces. Despite the change in ownership, Barry Kohl says there's no need for concern. The merchandise will remain largely the same - just more of it. "We were aligned with them, Arnold Motor supplyl previously, as they were a supp

McCook Neb. - The energy around Sports Complex is palpable in McCook. Following the City Council's enthusiastic discussions and the recent securing of a significant $500,000 grant, the vision of this multi-faceted project is steadily becoming a tangible reality. City Manager Nate Schneider, clearly excited in recent radio updates, highlighted the unique advantage the complex will offer Western Nebraska with its planned turf fields. This feature isn't just about aesthetics; it

McCook Neb. - The recent McCook City Council meeting addressed key developmental projects alongside honoring important community contributors. The agenda saw the council move forward with plans for a significant new subdivision, receive updates on the highly anticipated sports complex, and recognize the vital roles of library staff and public safety dispatchers. The meeting began with a series of heartfelt proclamations. April was officially declared Child Abuse Prevention Mo

McCOOK Neb.– Art enthusiasts rejoice! ArtBank is set to reopen its doors for its second full season tonight, April 3rd, at 5:00 PM. After an off-season filled with artistic exploration across the globe, including visits to major art hubs like New York, Paris, and Berlin, Chad Graff and his wife, JoAnn Faulkenburg, are ready to unveil a dynamic lineup of exhibits and programs. Graff emphasized the focus on accessibility and community engagement, stating, “We'll reopen on Thurs

Indianola, Neb. – The Indianola Historical Society celebrated a significant milestone today with the successful relocation of a historic schoolhouse, a tribute to Red Willow County's rich educational past. This project honors a time when the county supported 71 schoolhouses, including District 27, before their decline in the early 1960s. The schoolhouse, formerly located on Griff Malleck’s property five miles southwest of Indianola, holds a special place in the community. Gri

McCOOK Neb. - Congressman Adrian Smith recently engaged with community members at the Keystone Business Center, discussing a range of critical issues affecting Nebraska and the nation. The conversation spanned from agricultural policies to fiscal responsibility and federal spending. A significant portion of the discussion centered on agriculture, with Congressman Smith highlighting his long-standing support for E15 ethanol. He noted the growing bipartisan support for year-rou

McCOOK Neb. The proposal to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a cornerstone of our nation's commitment to equal educational opportunity, is a dangerous notion that threatens the very foundation of our society. While calls for smaller government and increased local control may resonate with some, the consequences of such a move would be devastating, particularly for our most vulnerable students. The Department of Education is not merely a bureaucratic entity; it is a

Dear Readers: In recent news, it has come to light that Arlington National Cemetery has removed links to pages featuring notable Black, Hispanic, and female veterans from its website. This decision, reportedly part of a broader initiative by the Department of Defense to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) related materials, has sparked significant concern and debate. While it is true that the biographies of these brave individuals remain accessible through other