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Family Resource Center under new leadership
Photo credit: Alexis Popp

Anna LaBay
Mar 18, 20253 min read


Update on the McCook Sports Complex project, College Backs Out
McCOOK Neb. - City Manager Nate Schnieder updated the council on the Sports Complex project, outlining significant progress. Legal review of procurement policies for the $1.5 million RCRP grant is underway, with a decision expected soon. Miller & Associates are finalizing design contracts for infrastructure, including water, sewer, and streets, with cost estimates to follow. Renderings from Mammoth Construction are anticipated by March 31st. The subdivision of the Walters pro

Anna LaBay
Mar 18, 20251 min read


McCook Officials Review Long-Term Plans for Water and Sewer Infrastructure
March 18, 2025 McCOOK Neb. - This presentation by Matthew Stoffel of PFM Financial Advisors to the McCook City Council focuses on the city's water and sewer rates, providing an annual analysis and recommendations for future rate adjustments. Here's a summarized breakdown: Key Takeaways: Annual Rate Analysis: PFM conducts annual reviews of McCook's water and sewer rates, using historical data and future projections to ensure financial stability. The goal is to align rate incr

Anna LaBay
Mar 18, 20252 min read


To the survivor, read this. To the ones in need of help, read this.
McCOOK Neb. - Every August comes some sort of sadness over me, as time goes on it’s lessened but hopefully one day it’ll be just another day. August 17, 2017 my life changed forever in a split second. Even as the years pass, and things get better it’s just naturally engraved in your mind when your life flashes before your eyes at the hands of another person. You practice forgiveness, give yourself hella grace and you pray for that person more than for yourself. And you PUSH.

Linds Holmer
Mar 13, 20253 min read
McCook Tourism and Chamber Clash Over App Promotion
McCOOK, NEB. -A recent Red Willow County Visitors Committee meeting exposed a rift between the McCook Chamber of Commerce and the Red Willow County Tourism Office regarding the promotion of the "Explore McCook" app, a joint project funded by both organizations. Tensions flared as Chamber Director Sarah Schnieder voiced frustration over what she perceived as a lack of support from Tourism Director Carol Schlegel in promoting the app. Schnieder highlighted her significant perso

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20252 min read
The Sports Complex Project: A Vision in Progress
McCOOK Neb. - The planning phase of the Sports Complex project is making significant strides. Following a productive meeting earlier this month between the Sports Complex committee and a Mammoth Sports representative, the project has been reassessed and expanded to include an additional 10 acres, paving the way for future growth. At the heart of this ambitious endeavor is a proposed 40-acre championship-caliber sports facility, intended to house versatile baseball, softball,

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20251 min read
Planning For Growth
McCOOK Neb. - The city of McCook is finalizing a 10-year growth plan and a final meeting held last week, it's nearing approval. City Manager Schneider says it builds on past progress, guiding zoning and annexation. Developed with Miller and Associates, it addresses modern needs like solar energy. Key points of the plan are the mixed use sports complex, Highway 83 commercial growth, and planned annexations. The plan also outlines future residential and commercial areas. It he

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20251 min read


Transforming McCook: A Vision for the Future Sports Complex
McCook Neb.- The City of McCook is embarking on a transformative project: a proposed $15 million sports complex aimed at boosting recreational opportunities, attracting sports tourism, and stimulating local economic growth. This initiative, discussed at recent community meetings led by Mammoth Sports Construction and The Sports Facilities Company of Clearwater, Fla, promises to reshape the city's landscape and enhance the quality of life for its residents. A Hub for Sports

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20253 min read
City Council Sports Complex Update
McCOOK Neb. - City Manager Nate Schneider provided an update on the sports complex project. Stakeholder meetings for the sports complex feasibility study saw a strong turnout, with approximately 100 attendees across four sessions. Mammoth Sports Construction also presented project concepts and cost-saving measures. The city is actively pursuing grant opportunities. Schneider also noted a valuable conversation with Nebraska Wesleyan University's Athletic Director regarding th

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20251 min read


Community Hospital Light of Hope Cancer Survivor Dinner a Success
McCOOK Neb. — The Cancer Awareness Committee of Community Hospital is pleased to share the success of this year’s Light of Hope Cancer Survivor Dinner, held on Saturday, March 1. The inspiring evening brought together over 30 attendees, uniting survivors and their loved ones in a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and hope. The night began with a warm social gathering and beautiful live music performed by Simply Strings, setting the stage for an uplifting event. Amber

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20251 min read


Sex Trafficking, a 150 Billion Dollar Business
McCOOK Neb. - In a powerful presentation at the McCook Rotary Club, District Governor Amelia Stansell of Warrenton, Virginia, shed light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking. Representing Rotary District 7610, which encompasses 53 clubs in northern and central Virginia, Stansell is also a dedicated member of the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS), serving on its board of directors and as the RAGAS state coordinator for Virginia. Dressed as Wonder Woman, Stan

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20253 min read


Revitalizing the Legacy of George Norris: A New Vision for the George Norris Home
McCOOK Neb. - Harold Callahan, the newly appointed curator of the George Norris Home, recently shared his vision for revitalizing the historic site with the McCook Rotary Club. Callahan, who is pursuing a thesis on Norris and training to become a certified historian, expressed his enthusiasm for re-energizing the site and expanding its community reach. George Norris, a prominent figure in Nebraska history, left a legacy that remains relevant today. However, as Callahan not

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20252 min read


The Power of Collaboration: Strengthening Local Media for Our Community
McCOOK Neb. - In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, local media can face significant challenges. However, instead of competing against one another, collaboration offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our community's engagement, share resources, and provide comprehensive coverage of what makes McCook unique. I’m thrilled to share how Find It in McCook is partnering with local organizations like the McCook Chamber of Commerce and Hometown Family Radio to improve my pl

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20252 min read


UpComing County Comissioners Meeting
The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, at the courthouse. The agenda includes discussions on road issues, noxious weed control, and county tourism efforts. The meeting will begin with a review of accounts payable and payroll, followed by a brief Board of Equalization session. Noxious Weed Superintendent Sonya Prentice is set to present her department’s annual report during the noxious weed control discussion. The commiss

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20251 min read
Creative Growth
McCOOK, Neb.- The Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) conference held at the ArtBank in October featured an impactful presentation by Tom Di Maria, Executive Director of the Creative Growth Art Center. His heartfelt message focused on the crucial connections between art and disability, capturing the attention of attendees.During his address, Di Maria urged educators and advocates to acknowledge the transformative power of creative expression for individuals with developm

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20252 min read
MPCC Presidents List
Friday, January 24, 2025 A total of 116 students qualified for the President’s List during the 2024 fall semester at Mid-Plains Community College. To make the list, each student had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours in college-level courses and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 or greater on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were: Nebraska Arnold – Josiah Coleman, Rhyan Jacobsen Atkinson – EmiLee Walnofer Broken Bow – Paige Gibbens Brule – AJ Orth, Isaac Orth

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20252 min read
Red Willow Tourism and Chamber Clash Over App Promotion
McCOOK Neb. - A recent Red Willow County Visitors Committee meeting exposed a rift between the McCook Chamber of Commerce and the Red Willow County Tourism Office regarding the promotion of the "Explore McCook" app, a joint project funded by both organizations. Tensions flared as Chamber Director Sarah Schnieder voiced frustration over what she perceived as a lack of support from Tourism Director Carol Schlegel in promoting the app. Schnieder highlighted her significant perso

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20252 min read


YMCA Community Book Swap Aims to Bring Community Together Over Reading
McCOOK Neb.– The YMCA of McCook is excited to announce a Community Book Swap event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The premise of the event is to find a new book to read and enjoy at no cost for event attendees. Those wanting to participate are encouraged to clean out their bookshelves, bring their books to the YMCA in preparation of the event from February 3-21 or on the day of the event, and then attend on Feb. 22 to shop for a new book or two. All

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20252 min read


MCC hosting more than 200 students at Inter-High Day Wednesday
News Release From MPCC
McCook Community College
Mar 12, 20251 min read
From Fan to Activist: McCook Woman Fights for Fair Ticket Practices
McCOOK Neb. - In a world where music enthusiasts often find themselves pricing out from their favorite artists, one passionate fan is making waves in advocating for change. Olivia Johnson, a dedicated “Swiftie” with over 29,000 followers on Facebook, has become a vocal advocate for fair ticketing practices in the live music industry. Shockingly, Johnson traveled to Europe to attend a Taylor Swift concert, revealing that the entire trip—flights, hotel accommodations, meals,

Anna LaBay
Mar 12, 20253 min read
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