Stories from Thursday, December 21, 2023

In October, Norris Avenue was shut down for several hours as the Heritage Days parade streamed down McCook’s main street. People lined the streets for blocks with kids darting after candy while adults visited with friends and neighbors as part of the McCook Chamber’s annual event...

LINCOLN, Neb. — McCook has taken initiative to showcase its arts and culture, and the community’s efforts have gained national notice. In August, McCook landed a coveted spot on Travel & Leisure’s shortlist of the Best Small Towns in America—winning runner-up in the category of “Best Food + Culture.”...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Two major purchases for McCook Community College were approved by the Mid-Plains Community College board of governors Wednesday night. The purchase of LED video displays, controllers, shot clocks, and other accessories for the Graff Events Center Gymnasium from ScoreVision was greenlit at $180,380. Additionally, a sole source bid for an ambulance simulator from Echo Healthcare, including installation and shipping, was approved for $290,000...

McCOOK, Neb. — Students got a chance to go head-to-head with their teachers at Tuesday night’s “Students vs. Staff Basketball Game” sponsored by the McCook High School Student Council. The event, aimed at raising funds for a worthy cause, proved to be an enjoyable evening for all attendees. ...

Nebraska, despite our warm communities and affordable living, faces a persistent challenge that demands urgent attention: the exodus of educated individuals, commonly known as the “brain drain.” The recent U.S. Census data not only confirms the ongoing departure of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher but also sounds the alarm about individuals with lesser levels of education also leaving the state. ...

PAXTON, Neb. — Senior Jeremiah Ingison unleashed 31 points with 14 rebounds to lead Maywood-Hayes Center’s 64-47 victory over Garden County Tuesday night. The Wolves (7-1 record) advanced into tonight’s Paxton Holiday Tournament title game where they’ll take on those 4-3 host Tigers...

PLEASANTON, Neb. — The Cambridge basketball teams made a clean sweep of Tuesday’s Pleasanton Holiday Tournament title games. Both teams are now 6-2 entering their holiday break. The Cambridge girls won a tough 48-43 final over host Pleasanton (4-5 record)...

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska put six players in double figures and used a strong second-half surge to fight off North Dakota, 83-75, Wednesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The Huskers (10-2) overcame a 14-point second-half deficit by shooting 58 percent from the floor after halftime en route to out-scoring North Dakota, 51-33, in the final 20 minutes. The 10-2 start marks NU’s best 12-game start since the 2018-19 campaign...

BARTLEY, Neb. — Southern Valley’s boys evened their record at 4-4 going into holidays with a 52-40 pounding of Southwest Tuesday evening. The Eagles crashed glass for a 36-23 rebounding edge with senior Kody Collins securing nine and junior Tylor Grove eight boards...

BARTLEY, Neb. — Southern Valley’s closest win since opening night showed why Richard McDonald wasn’t offering any sugar coating about Christmas break. “We’re really tired. Our legs are shot,” the head coach revealed following a 44-27 triumph over Southwest Tuesday evening. “This is was our fourth game in six days. We have two big injuries.”...

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. — The McCook Bison are all set to play next in a Nebraska City Holiday Tournament tipping one week from today. McCook joins a field featuring the Louisville Lions, Ralston Rams and host Nebraska City Pioneers. Both teams will play the Pioneers as here is a look at that entire two-day tourney schedule:...