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McCOOK, Neb. — Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen spoke to a packed room in McCook this week, emphasizing themes of appreciation, community values, and what he described as the need for “hairy, audacious dreams” for the future of the state. Pillen began his remarks by asking the audience what they loved most about Nebraska, calling it a reminder not to take for granted the state’s people and opportunities. “It’s the people,” Pillen said, noting that even service members stationed a

McCOOK, Neb. — “I am not sure how to write this as I am angry! Anger doesn’t get you anywhere so….. I will write and beg for the people driving by Central Elementary School to slow down and obey the cross-walk paths,” wrote parent Alicia Hegwood in a recent post to a local Facebook group. Hegwood described witnessing “not once but 3 times in a matter of 2 minutes” when “3 young kids almost get hit.” She said she was “sitting at a stop sign” watching traffic for her daughter

McCOOK, Neb. — A young man with a mission will pass through McCook this week, carrying not only a backpack but also a message of health, resilience, and hope in the fight against addiction. Andy Kaucic, known online as Andy’s Ventures, began his walk five months ago on a beach in Maine. Since then, he’s traveled down the East Coast through Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., before turning west across the mountains and into the Midwest. His route will take him through McC

McCOOK Neb. — McCook Community College is hosting a fall job fair for employers and those looking for work. This is for members of the public as well as college and high school students. It is set for Aug 27 on campus from 10 a.m.-noon north of von Riesen Library on the MCC campus.   This free job fair is open to businesses and organizations who want to set up on campus as well as any member of the public who wants to attend and may be looking for full-time or part-time emp

McCOOK, Neb. – The journey of Chris Wagner didn’t begin with a ribbon-cutting, but with a promise. As a teenager, he was already an entrepreneur, a side hustle artist inspired by his father who “would rebuild [cars] and then sell them.” When a local dealer offered him a job, Chris was eager to start immediately, wanting to graduate midterm. But his mother, following the untimely loss of his father, had a different plan. “I told my mom I’m gonna see it through (and finish his

McCOOK, Neb. — In a live interview Wednesday morning on KICX High Plains Radio, McCook Public Schools Superintendent Grant Norgaard responded to the failed $42 million school bond and discussed what comes next for district facilities. The bond, which proposed a new junior high, industrial arts facility, and a connection to the high school, was defeated Tuesday with 1,124 “yes” votes and 1,929 “no” votes — about 37% in favor, 63% opposed. The total turnout was over 3,000 ballo

August 13, 2025 McCOOK Neb. — Voters have rejected a proposed $42 million bond to build a new junior high school and fund other facility improvements, with the measure failing by a wide margin in Tuesday’s special election. The final tally from the Red Willow County Clerk’s Office was 1,124 “yes” votes to 1,929 “no” votes, out of 3,053 ballots cast. That breaks down to roughly 37 percent in favor and 63 percent opposed. Ballots for the all-mail election were verified against

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Rotary Club hosted Dr. Dele Davies, interim chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), for a luncheon program last week at McCook Community College’s East Campus. The visit, coordinated with help from UNMC Board of Counselors chair Brian Ash, brought UNMC leaders to southwest Nebraska for two days of meetings with hospital staff, educators, and community partners. Davies outlined UNMC’s statewide role in training health professio

McCook has a rising star, and she’s ready for your vote! McCOOK Neb. — Fifteen-year-old Angelina Cruse is one of the finalists in the Galaxy of Stars People’s Choice competition at the Nebraska State Fair — and she’s representing McCook with her powerful vocals and big dreams. “I’ve been singing since I could talk,” Angelina said, pushing herself to get better every day. A sophomore-to-be at McCook High School, she’s the daughter of Courtney and Robert Wagner. Angelina recen

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Public Schools Board of Education held its regular August meeting Monday evening, covering preparations for the start of the school year, reviewing long-term improvement goals, and taking action on several resolutions. Public Comment During the public comment portion, a resident raised concerns about a teacher’s conduct and questioned whether the district has appropriate policies in place regarding student–teacher relationships. The resident referen

McCOOK, Neb. — Aug. 11, 2025 – The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners covered a wide range of business Monday morning, from hiring outside help for floodplain issues to starting work on next year’s county budget. Hospital gets tax exemption for replacement vehicle Acting as the Board of Equalization, commissioners approved Community Hospital’s request for a motor vehicle tax exemption on a new 2025 Ford that replaces an older vehicle. Tax roll correction approved A busi

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting Monday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Junior High Conference Room, 700 W. 7th Street. The meeting begins with public comment. The consent agenda includes minutes, financial reports, and July payroll and expenditures. Board members will also review reports from administrators and committees, including updates from all school levels and special education. Superintendent Grant Norgaard will share the

McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, Aug. 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the commissioners’ room at the courthouse. The meeting will begin with accounts payable claims, followed by public comment at 9 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., the board will convene as the Board of Equalization to hear from County Treasurer Crystal Dack on a motor vehicle tax exemption application and a tax roll correction, then reconvene at 9:30 a.m. for her report on collected and unc

McCOOK Neb. - When Angie Sovereign came back to McCook for her dad’s birthday, she expected a week of family time, fishing, and showing her kids the parks she grew up with. Instead, a trip to Barnett Park left her feeling disappointed — litter scattered in the grass, trash in the water, and only a few dumpsters placed far apart. She still has great memories of the park from her childhood, so rather than just feeling frustrated, she decided to act. Angie picked up trash during

McCOOK, Neb. — Local families can get a head start on the new school year at the Annual Backpack/School Supply Giveaway & Resource Fair on Wednesday, August 6, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at McCook Christian Church, 507 West B Street. The event, open to students in grades K–8, provides free backpacks filled with essential school supplies — no income guidelines, paperwork, or ID required. Families simply check in and let volunteers know what grade each child is entering. Organizers ex

McCOOK Neb. — Families in McCook will have access to free dental care on Wednesday, August 6, thanks to Nebraska Total Care’s mobile dental van program. The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at McCook Christian Church, 507 W B Street. The dental van, part of a statewide outreach initiative, travels to communities with limited access to dental services. McCook has been a repeat stop on the tour due to high demand and ongoing need in the area. This will mark th

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council met on Monday, August 4, 2025, to discuss ongoing projects, upcoming community events, and accept a unique recognition highlighting the city’s place in aviation history. A Plaque Honoring Four Decades of Flights The meeting opened with a presentation of a commemorative plaque from longtime aviator Larry Grant, recognizing the City of McCook’s decades of support during his aviation record-setting career. The plaque, delivered by McCook Ga

McCOOK, Neb. — A lovingly crafted dollhouse now on display at the McCook Municipal Building is more than just a miniature work of art — it’s a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and sacrifice. Donated in memory of Dayle Erin Morningstar Laird by her parents, Maureen and Lonnie Wood of McCook, the dollhouse is being raffled by the City of McCook Fire Department to raise funds for critical EMS equipment. Dayle’s remarkable journey began in McCook, where she graduated f

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook’s annual National Night Out celebration rolls back into Norris Park on Tuesday, August 5, with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. the parade will start at 6 p.m. Hosted by Prairie Plains CASA in partnership with the McCook Police and Fire Departments, Rotary Club, Community Hospital and Linda Maiden State Farm Insurance with additional support from local businesses, the event invites families to enjoy an evening of fun, connection, and community safety

McCOOK, Neb. — A helicopter spotted circling McCook on Sunday afternoon was assisting local law enforcement in the search for an individual with an active warrant, according to a statement from the McCook Police Department. Police say the situation began on Sunday, August 3, when an off-duty officer observed the wanted individual in the area of West F Street. The officer notified the on-duty sergeant, and patrol officers responded to attempt to locate the subject. The indivi