Stories from Friday, July 14, 2023

In a few days, a small city within our city will begin to take form at West 5th and M streets, replaying a tradition that dates back at least 130 years, perhaps longer. I recall reading somewhere that it was first held in 1886. That seemed plausible to me because the county was first organized in 1873, but I haven’t been able to confirm that figure. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — More action to expand McCook’s business park and a housing project on the north side of town is on the agenda for Monday night’s meeting of the City Council. Public hearings will concern designating land destined to become the McCook Business Park Phase II as “blighted and substandard.”...

McCOOK, Neb. — In an effort to bring dental care to children with little to no access to it, Southwest Nebraska Dental Center hosted a “Give Kids A Smile” day Friday morning. The event offered exams, x-rays, and cleanings free of charge to children in McCook and surrounding communities, many of whom do not have dental insurance...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — It’s back! Legion Combat Sports, sponsored in part by Visit North Platte, will be bringing back the Buffalo Bill Brawl boxing tournament this year in North Platte. The host gym is long-time local business and martial arts training facility Top Tier...

Final results from the McCook YMCA Adult Co-Ed softball tournament Thursday night: Semifinals K-C Motor Electric 15, Cookies & Cream 0 Samway Floor Covering and Furniture 12, Webb Aubto Body 2 Championship Samway Floor Covering and Furniture 14, K-C Motor Electric 6...

Latest results from the Heritage Hills Ladies golf league on Tuesday. Low scores Front nine Taylor Ford and Cassidy Redl. Back nine Jennifer Baker and Mindy Haag. Flag prizes Hole No. 3 — Kim Kuykendall No. 7 — Ashley Vontz No. 10 — Lindsey Siegfried...

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The McCook Community College women’s volleyball team has earned a 2023 United States Marine Corps/American Volleyball Coaches Association Academic Award. MCC was one of six division 1 schools in the National Junior College Athletic Association to receive this award, designating the top 20 percent of team grade point averages...

OXFORD, Neb. —A look ag some of the Gazette-area champions from each regional meet entering Saturday’s Plains Tsunami Swim League showdown. South Region Age 8 and under 50-freestyle: 1. Asher Bennett, McCook, 45.43; 25-backstroke: 1. A. Bennett, McCook, 25.67; 25-short free: 1. A. Bennett, McCook, 19.22;...

McCOOK, Neb. - Plans are already being put in place for the eighth year of the Big Give effort in McCook. Formerly named Big Give McCook, the event is now known as Southwest Nebraska Big Give. McCook Community Foundation Fund (MCFF) coordinator Ronda Graff says that the reason for the name change is that it “better encompasses who the project serves. ...

IMPERIAL, Neb. — The emergence of Noah hopefully doesn’t mean flood waters will be approaching Class C Juniors state baseball games this weekend. Young Noah Rau is one of perhaps three or four pitching options as the Imperial Horns start another state title journey...

CULBERTSON, Neb. - Jimmie “Jim” Eugene Bopp, age 76, of Culbertson, passed away peacefully in his home on July 12, 2023. He was born in Imperial, Neb. on October 10, 1946 to Phillip and Theda (Johnson) Bopp. He attended high school and graduated from Imperial High School in 1964...

McCOOK, Neb. — An open house concerning the proposed McCook Solar project northwest of McCook is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, in the Keystone Business Center lobby, 402 Norris Ave. Project proponents will be available to answer questions about the project. Light refreshments will be available...

McCOOK, Neb. — A presentation on a full body scanner for the jail is among the items on the agenda for a Red Willow County Commissioners meeting Monday. Jeff Parker is on the agenda at 9:30 a.m. with a presentation on the TEK 84 machine. County assessor Kristi Korell will present a three-year plan of assessment at 9:15 a.m. and a review of county cemeteries...

80th birthday McCOOK, Neb. - Ron Fritz of rural McCook will be turning 80 on July 18, 2023. An open house will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sat., July 22 at the M.M.M Motel (formerly the Chief Motel). Cards will reach him at: 71169 Road 382 McCook, NE 69001...

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following comments were submitted concerning plans for Swanson Lake and Hugh Butler Reservoir by Kent Confer, who urges others to comment on the plans as well Review the plan: Bureau of Reclamation’s plans for Hugh Butler and Swanson Reservoirs are not in the best interest of the residents of Southwest Nebraska. ...

90th birthday McCOOK, Neb. - Joyce McLeland will be celebrating her 90th birthday on July 23. Birthday wishes will reach her at: Kinship Point 1500 East 11th Street Room 106 McCook, NE 69001

FREMONT, Neb. —The McCook summer swim team is nearing the end of its season with summers participating in different meets across the state. Several high school-age McCook swimmers headed to the Fremont YMCA this past weekend as part of the Cornhusker State Games, bringing home a few medals along the way...

Toxic algae bloom prompts health alert at Swanson Reservoir McCOOK, Neb. — Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has been notified of high levels of toxic algae at Swanson Reservoir, also known as Trenton Lake, located in Hitchcock County. This means the water is currently unsafe and should be avoided. This is the first time a lake in the health district has had a harmful algal bloom in many years...

McCOOK, Neb. - More than 30 members of the McCook Chamber of Commerce convened Thursday at the McCook Christian Church for a quarterly luncheon to stay up to date on current Chamber events as well as hear a new perspective on volunteering. After Chair-Elect Joe Townsley welcomed several new members to the Chamber, President Molly Smith confirmed that she would be vacating her position at the end of this month...