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McCook, Neb. - The area’s live music scene is getting a fresh boost with Break the Bank, a new all-ages event coming to The Artbank this Saturday, July 12th at 6 PM. The evening promises a mix of live performances, skateboarding competitions, and community connection—plus free hot dogs while the last, courtesy of Renegade Removal. Organized by Brigham and Devon, with creative support from Brigham’s wife Elise, who designed the event poster, Break the Bank reflects a grassroo

McCook, Neb. - Norris Park came alive Thursday evening as the North Platte band Platinum Pearls headlined Hot Summer Nights, an annual community event hosted by McCook National Bank. Community members gathered for the evening of live music and family fun, including long-time attendees John and Debra Walters. The event featured face painting, root beer floats provided by the McCook Community Foundation, and a community meal served by the Community Chest. “We make it a traditio

McCook, Neb. - This past week, I had the privilege of working alongside SWATS and the ArtBank on the pilot phase of a new art program designed to provide creative opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. The idea for this program grew out of conversations with Tom DiMaria, Director Emeritus of Creative Growth in Oakland, California, and founder of Arts Access for All. Tom has spent his career supporting artists with disabilities, helping

Platinum Pearls to Headline Hot Summer Nights This Thursday in Norris Park McCOOK, Neb. — The sounds of summer will fill Norris Park this Thursday, July 10, as the Hot Summer Nights concert series welcomes The Platinum Pearls for an evening of live music, community connection, and summertime fun. Presented by MNB Bank, the Hot Summer Nights series brings free, family-friendly concerts to the McCook community. Thursday’s event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a community meal serv

McCOOK, Neb. – For more than 50 years, McCook’s public transit system has quietly helped residents stay connected to the places and services they rely on. This dial-a-ride program, open to all ages, offers affordable, accessible transportation across the city for just $2 per ride. On Monday night, the McCook City Council got a first look at the newest addition to the fleet—a Ford Transit bus that’s been six years in the making. Senior Services Director and Transit Manager Bet

McCook Neb. - The Red Willow County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Key Actions: Personnel Matter: The board entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter related to the Road Department. Following the closed session, they approved a Separation Agreement for Road Department employee Earl McNutt, finalizing the terms with the county’s attorney. Budget Workshop: Commissioners began preliminary discussions on the upcoming county budget. More

McCook Neb. - The McCook City Council met Monday evening, July 7, to finalize projects and discuss policies affecting local residents. Playground Contracts Approved, Projects Moving Forward The Council ratified contracts for two playground projects that had been previously approved as part of the Rural Community Recovery Program (RCRP) grant. This vote allowed the city to lock in equipment and installation for: A new inclusive playground at Kelley Park, designed to be access

McCook, Neb. — Miss Nebraska 2025, Makinzie Gregory, kicked off her year of service with a visit to the McCook YMCA summer camp on Monday, July 1. Speaking to an energetic group of students, Gregory shared her personal journey and encouraged the campers to prioritize their health and well-being. “You are able to do what you love better when you take care of your health,” she told the students. “Whether it’s school, friendships, or your favorite activities, healthy habits help

The Elizabeth Project: A Community’s Answer to Stray Cat Overpopulation McCook Neb. - Courtney Hampton is leading a compassionate grassroots initiative called The Elizabeth Project, created to address the growing problem of stray cat overpopulation. Named in honor of the late Elizabeth Schaffert—a young woman remembered for her deep love of animals and her tireless efforts to rescue kittens—the project seeks to carry forward her legacy through humane, community-driven solutio

July 3, 2025 For Immediate Release Contact: Melissa Propp RN, Clinic Manager 308-345-4223 Hugh Butler Lake Health Notice McCook Neb. - Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has been notified of high levels of E. Coli at Hugh Butler Lake in Frontier County also known as Red Willow Reservoir. This means the water has a higher than usual number of bacteria, and residents should take extra care to not swallow any lake water. “With the assistance of DHHS, we careful

McCook, Neb. – Community Hospital has announced the difficult decision to close Curtis Medical Center, located in Curtis, Nebraska. An exact date for the closure is yet to be determined. Inflation over the past few years combined with the current uncertainty of future federal funding has led to this decision. Curtis Medical Center has proudly served the Curtis community and surrounding areas for over 30 years, providing essential healthcare services to families, students, and

McCOOK Neb. - I typically focus on local news here at McCook News Now, but I believe this national story deserves our attention. The One Big Beautiful Bill is a sweeping piece of legislation that could have a significant impact on Nebraskans-from healthcare access and food assistance to taxes and energy policy. Because of the size and scope of the bill, and the speed at which it's moving through Congress, I wanted to provide a straightforward, unbiased summary so that readers

McCOOK Neb. - The Red Willow County Visitors Committee met Tuesday morning, July 1, at the Keystone Business Center to review fund balances, approve expenses, and discuss ongoing promotional efforts for the county. Committee members present included Chairman Daniel Stramel, Chris Wagner, Kerri Unger, and Andrea Harms. Member Natalie Allard was absent. As of June 30, the Promotion Fund held $63,158.78, and the Improvement Fund held $202,075.96. Petty cash on hand was reported

McCook Neb. - McCook is the place to be this weekend as three major events converge to bring a surge of energy, visitors, and celebration to the community. With Tour de Nebraska, the Cruise Night & Car Show, and Bash on the Bricks all happening in tandem, downtown will be buzzing with live music, food trucks, classic cars, and cyclists from across the country. Tour de Nebraska Riders Roll Into Town Tour de Nebraska is officially rolling into McCook! As of Friday afternoon, cy

McCook Neb. - A familiar scene unfolds in countless kitchens: you stare into the pantry, a collection of everyday items staring back, and wonder, "What's for dinner?" For Marine Corps veteran Noelle Hinz, this question became particularly poignant when she first received her WIC benefits. "How do you use 30 ounces of tuna and three huge containers of baby cereal?" she recalls asking herself, faced with an abundance of unfamiliar ingredients. This challenge resonated deeply w

Submitted Community Feature: The following article was submitted by a local community member and has been lightly edited for clarity. Photo and article from Brigham Larington. Third Thursday’s Fashion Show Invites Spectacle from Beyond McCook Neb. - On June 19, at ArtBank in downtown McCook, local artists and designers Asher Long, Isabelle Claus, Vania, Maria, and Fatima Rodriguez curated a fashion exhibit featuring mannequins dressed in garments designed by Creative Growth a

McCook, Neb. - The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Equalization met on Monday, June 23, 2025, covering a full agenda that included road improvements, community funding, tax assessments, and legislative updates. Chairman Ted Gans and Commissioner Randy Dean led the respective meetings, with Commissioner Charles Fritsche also present. Emergency Preparedness Plan Updated To ensure the county remains ready for disasters, the board approved an updated Loc

McCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department has issued a strong advisory against open burning, citing current and forecasted weather conditions that significantly elevate the risk of wildfires. Despite requests for burn permits, the department will not be issuing them at this time, prioritizing public safety. In a recent Facebook post, the department emphasized the critical factors they consider before granting a burn permit: "Did you look at the 7-10 day for

McCook, Neb.- ArtBank in McCook is buzzing with anticipation for tomorrow's opening of "Beyond Trend," a distinctive fashion exhibit. This unique display showcases handmade garments from 10 years of Creative Growth Art Center's renowned fashion shows. Curated by ArtBank Interns Asher Long, Fatima Rodriguez, and Isabelle Clause, the exhibit promises a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and inclusivity in the contemporary art world. Creative Growth Art Center, located i

McCook Neb. - The McCook Art Guild recently concluded a highly anticipated three-day painting workshop led by nationally recognized Nebraska artist, Todd A. Williams. Held on June 16, 17, and 18, 2025, at the McCook Art Guild on Norris Avenue, the immersive experience provided local artists and enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to learn from a master of his craft. Todd Williams, known for his stunning works displayed in museums and sought by prominent collectors, guided p