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McCook, NE – The McCook Public Schools Board of Education convened this evening, hearing reports on a recent external evaluation, upcoming ELA material purchases, and a planned trip to Washington D.C. External Evaluation Highlights District Strengths and Recommendations Superintendent Grant Norgaard presented findings from an external evaluation conducted last month. A team of administrators and educators from neighboring districts assessed the school's progress toward its fi

McCOOK Neb. - Less than a year after breaking ground on the Townhomes at Parkview Addition, the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) celebrated notable progress with an open house for one of the new townhomes located on Cheyenne Road. This event marked an important milestone in MEDC's ongoing mission to improve affordable housing options within the community.The groundbreaking ceremony, held on December 14, 2023, attracted numerous community members who braved chi

McCOOK Neb. - I often find myself questioning the direction of my local independent news website. While I’m unsure of what the ultimate outcome will be, my goal is clear: I want to make important information from public meetings easily accessible to my neighbors in McCook—especially those who may not engage with traditional media. This means sharing that information online, where they already are, particularly on social media. Additionally, I aim to enhance the digital presen

In the heart of rural America, where family farms meet the creative spirit, Emily O’Byrne stands out as a beacon of inspiration.

McCOOK Neb. - On Saturday afternoon, two McCook Junior High students went for a walk and spotted a bag of chips on the ground. However, they noticed something else appeared to be inside it. Their curiosity piqued, they picked it up and discovered what they believed could be drugs. Without hesitation, they called the police, and an officer collected the item as evidence. In an email, McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson stated, “I cannot confirm what the substance was inside the

OBERLIN Kan .- In the quiet community of Oberlin, a profound sadness has settled as family and friends grapple with the devastating loss of 11-year-old Casen Keith-Tomas Kiehn. Casen, born on Dec. 14, 2012, to Andrew and Malenda Kiehn, passed away on November 25, 2024, a victim of the silent struggles that plague too many young lives. Casen was a vibrant soul, a beacon of joy in the lives of those who knew him. He attended Oberlin Elementary School and Christian Academy and

McCOOK Neb. - In a reflective interview, Dave Eaton, a Vietnam War veteran, shared his experience of being drafted at 19 years old—when many young men found themselves thrust into a conflict they barely understood. Drafted in 1966 from Rapid City, S.D., Eaton's journey began with basic training at Fort Bliss, Tex., followed by advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, informally known as "Tiger Land." This training was designed to simulate the challenging conditions

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

During a town hall meeting at The Coppermill Restaurant, Governor Jim Pillen articulated his vision for Nebraska's future, focusing on four crucial priorities for the coming year: supporting children, cutting taxes, bolstering agriculture, and maintaining traditional values. Shortly after recovering from a horse-riding accident, Pillen had the opportunity to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where they enjoyed a three-and-a-half-hour dinner that covered a

With International CVS Awareness Day approaching on March 5, 2025, the Cook family is urging the community to learn more about CVS and show

News Release from MPCC

McCook Neb. - The McCook City Council is set to meet on Monday, February 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. During the meeting, city staff will update the council on the sports complex project and discuss a collaboration with Mid Plains Community College (MPCC) regarding potential investments in championship fields. The council will also discuss user fees for the McCook Aquatic Park for Summer 2025 and consider proposed LB 354, which seeks to eliminate state equalization funding for citie

McCOOK Neb. - During the Jan. 20 McCook City Council meeting, City Manager Nate Schneider provided a detailed update on the proposal for workforce housing at East 11th Street and East C Street. This discussion stemmed from a previous meeting where Amanda Engell of the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) inquired about the possibility of conveying land to the MEDC for constructing much-needed residential units. Schneider explained that the city acquired the land th

McCOOK Neb. - The Red Willow County Fairgrounds, a community hub, has ignited a public debate, starkly illustrated by Dick Trail's nostalgic opinion piece in the McCook Gazette and Commissioner Gans's fact-driven rebuttal via email. This contrast exposes a fundamental rift between preserving tradition and enforcing regulatory compliance. Trail's Sentimental Stand: History vs. Statute Dick Trail's March 4, 2025 column paints a romanticized portrait of the fairgrounds' past, l

On Monday, I attended my first Red Willow County Commissioners meeting. What I anticipated to be a two hour session stretched into nearly five hours, prompting reflection on the process and its implications for our community. Several complaints regarding the Visitor Bureau and the Fair Board had seemingly been allowed to fester rather than being addressed promptly. Commissioner Charles Fritchie is meant to be the liaison between the Commissioners and the Visitor Bureau commit

McCOOK Neb. - As someone who tends to stick to routine, I usually order my groceries online, selecting ingredients for a rotating menu of about 20 meals that my kids will actually eat. Because of this, it took me some time to realize there was a new brand at Walmart. Here’s what I’ve discovered: Bettergoods, which launched in April 2024, offers a range of food items that extend beyond the usual choices found in Walmart’s established Great Value line.. As shoppers have increa

McCook Neb. - The Red Willow County Fairgrounds, a community hub, has ignited a public debate, starkly illustrated by Dick Trail's nostalgic opinion piece in the McCook Gazette and Commissioner Gans's fact-driven rebuttal via email. This contrast exposes a fundamental rift between preserving tradition and enforcing regulatory compliance. Trail's Sentimental Stand: History vs. Statute Dick Trail's March 4, 2025 column paints a romanticized portrait of the fairgrounds' past, li

McCOOK Neb. - The Red Willow County Commissioners convened on Monday at 9 a.m. for their meeting. The Board of Equalization approved five applications for motor vehicle tax exemptions submitted by Hillcrest Nursing Home. During the meeting, Noxious Weed Control Superintendent Sonya Prentice presented her annual reports. Following that, Visitors Bureau Director Carol Schlegel delivered her annual report, leading to the renewal of her contract for 2025. The vote resulted in a

News Release from the Family Resource Center

McCOOK Neb.- The Red Willow County Commissioners addressed the resignation of a Fair Board member and the appointment of a replacement, focusing on compliance with Nebraska statute 2-224, which limits city residency on the board to two members. Commissioner Ted Gans explained that the board had three members residing within McCook's city limits, necessitating a change. Initially, Don Klein, one of the city residents, was considered for resignation, but he was hesitant. Newly