Lake cabins, Garrett House among top online stories for 2023

McCOOK, Neb. — Here are the four most-read stories on the McCook Gazette Website in 2023. The full stories can be found on our website at mccookgazette.com:

1. “Lake communities fighting federal agency’s plan to remove trailer cabins at Southwest Nebraska lakes”

6/6/23

TRENTON Neb. - Trailer owners facing the prospect of removing their cabins from Swanson and Red Willow Reservoirs in southwest Nebraska may have found a reprieve. A group of about 20 people traveled to Washington, D.C., and the state's congressional delegation has pledged to introduce legislation that would allow approximately 181 mobile homes to remain at the reservoirs. Under the proposed legislation, management of the concession areas, currently overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, would be transferred to Hitchcock County and Frontier County, where the reservoirs are located. Local officials argue that local control is preferable and that removing the trailer communities would harm local businesses and end a 50-year tradition. The legislation would enable the county governments to negotiate leases with concessionaires, who would then manage leases with the trailer owners, allowing them to stay.

2. “One person killed in rollover accident”

3/09/23

McCOOK, Neb. — Icy conditions are believed to be a contributing factor in a rollover accident that killed the driver this morning.

At 7:24 a.m. today, McCook Fire and Rescue, McCook Police Department and the Red Willow County Sheriff responded to a one-vehicle rollover accident north of mile marker 17 on U.S. Highway 83 near the Nebraska Work Ethic Camp.

Despite the efforts of paramedics and Community Hospital staff, the victim died from injuries.

The victim's name will not be released until the family has been notified.

All drivers should be aware of changing road conditions and always use seat belts, Sheriff Kevin Darling said.

3. “McCook Mansion getting new lease on life”

1/27/23

MCCOOK, Neb - McCook's historic Garrett House has been transformed into short-term vacation rental. The Greek Revival-style mansion, built in 1915 by John Garrett and his son Howard Garrett, is now owned by C.K. Swanson Inc. and managed by Melanie Goodenberger. After some cleaning, renovations, and furnishing, the house started accepting bookings in December and has seen overwhelming success. Goodenberger attributes this to word-of-mouth publicity and the property's uniqueness. The Garrett House retains its original charm with features such as a fireplace, wooden flooring, coffered ceilings, and an updated kitchen. It can accommodate up to 20 people and is perfect for family gatherings and reunions. For inquiries or bookings, contact Melanie or Christi at (308) 345-4108 or visit Golden Plains Realty. 

4. “Two killed in plane crash had McCook ties”

1/13/23

AUBURN, Neb. — Two men who died in a plane crash Wednesday had ties to McCook.

Dustan Biegler, 41, Valpraiso, a student pilot, grew up in McCook and instructor Colton Hill, 24, Kearney, were killed in the crash of a Cessna 150 about a mile south of the Auburn airport. Hill also has relatives in the McCook area.

Nemaha County Sheriff Brent Lohman said the county received a call about 11 p.m. Wednesday that the plane had left Lincoln for the Auburn airport and had not returned to Lincoln as expected

The University of Nebraska at Kearney said in a release Thursday that Hill graduated from the school in May with a degree in aviation systems management with an emphasis in flight operations. He was also a pitcher on the 2018 Loper baseball team.

The National Transportation and Safety Board will investigate the crash.