Progress

McCook, Neb. – A fresh green oasis has arrived in downtown McCook with the opening of Plants by Ashley. Owned and operated by Ashley and Chad Wiley, the new shop is located at 307 Norris Ave.  It offers a diverse selection of plants, antiques, homemade crafts, and more from local vendors...

McCOOK Neb.- In a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently at McCook’s beloved Sehnerts Bakery, Andrew and Alix Ambriz, the dedicated owners, proudly announced an exciting transformation for the iconic establishment. After three years of nurturing the bakery’s legacy, they unveiled a name change and plans for two new locations, marking a significant step forward for this community hub...

McCOOK Neb. — The McCook Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest member, Impact Closet Boutique, on Tuesday, July 9, but the business was gone the very next day.  But that was by design, as Dan and Casha O’Byrne are the innovative minds behind Impact Closet, a unique concept of a traveling clothing boutique. ...

FALLS CITY, Neb. — Nebraska Public Media is enhancing its FM radio coverage with the installation of a new transmitter near Falls City this week, alongside plans for further upgrades near Columbus, Broken Bow, and McCook in the coming years. This expansion aims to provide more listeners with access to news, music, and public safety information, including alerts from entities such as the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, and the National Weather Service during severe weather events.. ...

McCOOK Neb.- At Garden Thyme Greenhouse, the seasons come alive through vibrant offerings, ranging from Spring blooms to Fall foliage and festive Christmas delights. Nicole Siebrandt’s dedication shines through in the events and workshops she orchestrates, with popular attractions like greens workshops and DIY wreath-making sessions drawing crowds year-round...

McCOOK Neb. — On March 1, Leonard Management officially took over as the new owner of the local McDonald’s franchise in McCook. The transition marks a significant shift in ownership, bringing fresh perspectives and strategies to the fast-food chain. Leonard Management owns McDonald’s locations across four states — Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota — boasting a business legacy of over 32 years with 38 restaurants under their management...

McCOOK Neb. - Julie Cuellar, a mother of three boys, has brought back the highly anticipated Every {little} Thing Kids’ Pop-Up Consignment Sale for its spring edition, offering a blend of community spirit, convenience, and budget-friendly shopping opportunities for families in the area...

ARAPAHOE, Neb. — It all began in 2010 when Gary Thompson, a retiree from the banking world, embarked on a new hobby by planting the first vines. Little did he know that this so-called retirement project would soon evolve into a bustling operation on the north edge of Arapahoe with 19 acres of land adorned with over 15,000 grapevines, making it the fourth-largest vineyard in Nebraska...

McCOOK, Neb. — Tom and Regina Burns embarked on a culinary adventure when they launched their food truck, the Traveling Bison, a homage to both their roots and the local community in McCook. The couple’s shared love for great food and their desire to bring a taste of home to others inspired them to serve a unique blend of flavors, focusing on pizza and Bison burgers...

McCOOK, Neb. — Rotarians and community members gathered at the Garrett House, a historic property owned by the C.K. Swanson family, for an open house/ribbon-cutting re-do. Located at 1001 Norris Ave., this short-term rental property is a popular choice for various occasions such as reunions, showers, family gatherings, community events, and parties...

McCOOK, Nebraska - Beer enthusiasts in McCook have a new destination to satisfy their taste buds with the opening of “The Yard,” a self-serve taproom owned by Tyler Loop. Loop’s innovative approach is evident as customers become their own bartenders while enjoying a variety of locally brewed beers and specialty drinks...

INDIANOLA Neb. - What started as a simple experiment in baking macaroons has quickly turned into a flourishing business for Layne Salas. In 2020, she and her sister Cassa Easter decided to offer these delectable cookies as a gift for Mother’s Day on Facebook. Little did they know, their venture would take off in unexpected ways...

McCOOK Neb. - A ribbon cutting and grand opening was held Thursday, Nov. 29 for ‘Hands of the Heartland’ on the bricks downtown McCook. Serving those with developmental disabilities, the business opened this past August but recently moved to a new and permanent location at 213 Norris Ave. in McCook. According to its website, Hands of Heartland has “a people-first” approach and their array of services reflects that...

McCOOK Neb. —  A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Thursday at Levander’s Body Shop at 1604 West Q Street in McCook.   Levander’s opened in 1997 in Grand Island, Neb. and has expanded services across the state. Partners Brian Levander and Scott Hill began speaking to Lester and Leelan Bieker, previous owners of the body shop, two years ago, but Covid slowed down the purchase.  ...

McCOOK, Neb. – A young student in North Platte High School lacked confidence and felt like an outcast at school. The bi-racial student didn’t have many friends and he began exhibiting a lot of destructive behaviors, skipping school, getting into trouble, and drinking...

McCOOK — Just over a year ago, the movie “Called to the Walls” played at the Fox Theater in McCook, bringing the concept of a community mural project to the big screen. Created by Amber Hansen and Nicholas Ward, the film documents the process of creating community-based murals with muralist Dave Loewenstein and the Mid-America Mural Project...

McCOOK, Neb. - First Central Bank and First Central Bank McCook is excited to announce the promotion of two employees. These two promotions took place in Friday, May 12th, 2023. Tammy Sexton was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of First Central Bank and First Central Bank McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Economic Development Corp. is announcing the launch of its Micro-enterprise Loan Program, providing yet another opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners to access capital in the McCook and Red Willow County area. The MEDC was awarded grant funding by the Nebraska Dept. of Economic Development earlier this year to start this revolving loan program...

After 22 years serving McCook and the Southwest Nebraska region, the Bieker family has sold their business, 1604 West Q, to Levander’s Auto Body. Levander’s began serving Grand Island in 1997 and has expanded services by opening additional bodyshops in Hastings, Kearney, North Platte, St Paul, York. Omaha and now McCook. Levander’s also offers quality mechanical service at their Grand Island and North Platte locations. More information is available at https://levanderauto.com...

McCOOK, Neb. – Shelby Anderson is proud of the 84-year history Northwestern Mutual has in McCook. It started with Ken McGooden in 1938, who was joined by Mitch Lyster in 1982. Anderson joined the business in 2017 and has taken the reins. Anderson is very excited about the future of Northwestern Mutual. ...

McCOOK, Neb. – Boredom set in quickly after Maureen Wood retired. She also claims that laziness was a problem, but that may be a bit of a fib, considering the many accomplishments she has achieved over the past few years. Her latest accomplishment is opening a retail store, The Collected Home, at 1310 N. ...

McCOOK, Neb. – A one-time customer of Acme Printing Company was so impressed with the services they provided in building websites and developing brands for his numerous businesses, he decided to buy the company. Withstanding the test of time, the recent purchase of Acme Printing Company by Ben Blecha is securing its position in the community and region as the go-to place for design, print, branding, and web services...

CULBERTSON, Neb. — A Houston businessman who cut his broadcasting teeth by starting a McCook radio station decades ago has started a nonprofit radio station with an easy listening format and promises of a lot of locally-produced programming. Jerrell Kautz, a Hammond organ dealer for Texas and an engineer for a large television station, began working at KBRL at age 16 and founded rock station KZMC not long after...

McCOOK, Neb. — Owners of a highly-anticipated new business hope to create a friendly community gathering place, and what better way to do so than around a bowl of ice cream? Darcy Rambali said he originally thought about opening a coffee shop, but the concept eventually “melted” into a wide variety of ice cream flavors...

McCOOK, Neb. – A new Jimmy John’s sandwich shop located at 109 W 5th St is now open and ready to serve gourmet sandwiches to the people of McCook. “This will be our first store in McCook and our team is excited to serve fresh, fast and tasty sandwiches to a new set of customers in the area,” said owner Sydney Lorandeau. ...

McCOOK, Neb. – A family business that spanned three generations had a questionable future a year ago after the passing of one key player and the retirement of another. But a former employee and friend who wasn’t afraid to try new things stepped forward. Not only was a long-standing McCook business saved, but a new enthusiasm for meeting the desires of its clientele was generated by the venture...

McCOOK, Neb. — A new store of unique home decor, furniture and antique items has opened at 1310 north U.S. Highway 83. “The Collected Home,” owned and operated by Maureen Wood of McCook, has new and vintage decorating items, such as leather and canvas shoulder bags, jewelry, antique McCoy and Jadeite collections and quirky decorating objects, like a distressed white chandelier with candles inside glass...

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Despite concerns over water, waste and smell, the Dundy County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Monday to allow a Canadian company to build a 100,000-head feedlot, provided it follows the board’s conditions. Blackshirt Feeders officials said the feedlot will create 85 jobs and purchase 10 million bushels of corn locally each year...

McCOOK, Neb. — MNB Financial Services Inc., the parent company of MNB Bank, headquartered in McCook, Nebraska, announced today their application to acquire Doniphan Bancshares, Inc. has been approved and the purchase transaction will be completed today. The acquisition agreement will bring Bank of Doniphan locations in Hastings, Grand Island, and Doniphan, together with MNB Bank’s locations in Nebraska and Colorado. The combined organization will use the name MNB Bank...

McCOOK, Neb. – McCook chamber honored Heritage Acres at a ribbon cutting held at McCook Christian Church on Thursday afternoon. Owner Paula Sandberg announced to the gathering that the farmer’s market portion of Heritage Acres will become Heritage Local Co and will be expanding to serve other communities in 2022...

McCOOK, Neb. — Although an ax-throwing bar in McCook won’t be ready to open until August, its owners have already been contacted for reservations. Ben and Nicole Springer of Indianola, Neb., are currently in the process of gutting and renovating the location of a former hair salon on Norris Avenue for The Axe House. ...

McCOOK, Neb. – Farm Credit Services team members won’t have far to move their belongings come next June, the anticipated completion date of their new retail office building in McCook. Ground-breaking on the lot just north of the current building on North Highway 83 took place Monday afternoon using a good old-fashioned mule team provided by Lee Janssen...

McCOOK, Neb. – If you get hungry for a pumpkin flavor in the middle of July, Joltin Jo’s Espresso has you covered. Jody Frazier told a chamber gathering Monday morning that the popular drive-through coffee shop has new specialty drinks every month, but you don’t have to worry about that favorite seasonal flavor going away. They can make any specialty drink any time of the year...

McCOOK, Neb. — Taryn and Joel Arterburn have taken the classic American snack up a notch with their new “Poppin’ on the Bricks” popcorn store in downtown McCook. Offering premium popcorn in a wild assortment of flavors and gift baskets, it’s the family-owned business of the Arterburn’s, along with a little help from their three kids...

BENKELMAN, Neb. - Dundy County Commissioners will have the final say in the county about the proposed 100,000 head feedlot in northern Dundy County. Dundy County Planning Commission recommended the passage of the required Conditional Use Permit for the Blackshirt Feeders LP feedlot last week...

McCOOK, Neb. — If you’re looking for a unique gift, Nana’s Corner at 213 West C might have what you’re looking for. With alpaca-lined mittens, freeze-dried candy and steam punk art, Nana’s Corner has a little bit of everything. The store features high-quality craft items from vendors in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas and “There’s so much talent out there, I wish I had room for all of it,” Marci Cummins said, who opened the store in December...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. – The Nebraska Public Service Commission recently approved an Order awarding 60 grants to 19 providers totaling nearly $18 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program. In total, Pinpoint Communications received more than $2.2 million in funding (breakdown by location is as follows):...

McCOOK, Neb. - Members of McCook Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee, as well as some area business leaders, gathered Friday to honor and thank Jerome and Linda Knoll for the generous donation they gifted to the fund for the benefit of Discovery Center of Southwest Nebraska...

KEARNEY, Neb. — A Benkelman native’s company is producing equipment and software that promises to help prevent power outages and wildfires like those that have devastated the mountain west. The Benkelman native and University of Nebraska-Kearney alumnus, Dusty Birge, is founder and CEO of Snappy Workflow, which has secured a $45,000 prototype grant from the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development and over $75,000 in orders for software and equipment to help electric utility companies lower inspection costs by 95% and speed the process by 10 times. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Economic Development Corp. has made its first Rural Workforce Housing Loan to Blackwood Enterprises LLC to assist in financing the development of two upper-story apartments at the Bethany Village project, according to MEDC officials...

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved an order Tuesday awarding 60 grants totaling nearly $18 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program. The vote to approve the order was 4-1 with Commissioner Crystal Rhoades dissenting...

McCOOK, Nebraska – A businessman who has had extensive ties to McCook since the 1990s is expressing his gratitude to the community through a generous donation to the McCook Community Foundation Fund for the benefit of the Discovery Center of Southwest Nebraska project...

McCook Chamber of Commerce help Joyce Anderson CPA celebrate her new office location in the Temple Building at 322 Norris Ave., on the first floor in Suite 4. Anderson opened her office in 2018 after working for another firm for several years. She told a chamber gathering at a ribbon-cutting Tuesday morning that she and her staff are happy to be in the new location with more organized space. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook celebrated a successful business transition as Jody and Wayne Stewart recently purchased Hot Tub Brokers from Blaine and Ann Budke. Jody has been the general manager of the business for the last 10 years. Blaine Budke has been selling hot tubs for the last 20 years and built the business into a regional destination business with a 6,000 square-foot store to display a variety of choices. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — A new coffee shop with local roots is already a busy place, but plans a grand opening next week. Scooter’s Coffee, best known for its fast drive-thru, specialty coffee, and baked-from-scratch pastries, added a new location at 1203 West B Street in McCook...

LINCOLN, Neb. — A McCook business was one of five to earn statewide recognition for partnering with a state agency in creating inclusive workplaces and advocacy for disability employment. Nebraska VR partners Steve and Rachelle Kotschwar, owners and operators of Pristine Clean Commercial Cleaning received the Disability Employment and Inclusion New Business Partner Recognition Award...

McCOOK, Neb. – A newly remodeled building on Norris Avenue has become the home of Charter West Mortgage Center. Mortgage Loan Officer Kerri Waugh, along with her newly-hired co-worker Disclosure Specialist Kacie Greenlee, welcomed a large contingent of Charter West team members from across the state and local well-wishers to an Open House/Ribbon Cutting Friday afternoon...

McCOOK, Neb. — People in McCook can now taste international street food from across the world without leaving town. That’s because Alex Roe and David Orr are offering locally sourced, made-from-scratch street food originating from places like Vietnam and Haiti from their food truck, Pahulu’s...

McCOOK, Neb. - MNB Realty announced an agreement has been reached to purchase Warner Real Estate of McCook and Arapahoe. “We are extremely pleased to be able to partner with other community-focused real estate leaders to serve our clients,” stated Kate Warner, Broker/Realtor, and owner of Warner Real Estate...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. – Gov. Pete Ricketts recently joined representatives from Pinpoint Communications for a 1-day tour of broadband-served businesses in Southwest Nebraska in an effort to better understand the direct impact of CARES Act funding. By receiving this funding from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Pinpoint continued to expand its footprint to serve more overlooked locations in rural Nebraska by providing Fiber-Optic Broadband services up to 10 GB...

LINCOLN, Neb. -- AARP Nebraska has announced that Imperial and to other organizations will receive 2021 Community Challenge grants - part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Dr. Emily Young, PT, DPT, CLC, told a chamber gathering that she had a vision for opening a physical therapy clinic that focused on the spiritual and mental side of therapy, as well as the physical. As a result, Elevate Wellness and Physical Therapy was born. Located at 801 West C Street, Suite #3 in McCook, the spacious clinic is staffed with caring individuals who put the patients’ needs first...

McCOOK, Neb. — If progress continues as planned, a former farm equipment building will be a new retail center with two restaurants, two apartments and an outdoor entertainment venue and space for other businesses by this time next year. Blackwood Enterprises recently received an extension on the tax increment financing contract with the City of McCook after the pandemic slowed construction and raised prices, as it has on nearly all construction in the nation...

McCOOK, Neb. - “I get the question a lot about if I’m going to build another gas station. I’m gonna say NO – right now,” Nick Nothnagel told a large gathering at the ribbon-cutting for N-Stant Convenience in McCook. He went on to say that the process for opening the Shell Oil franchise at 1111 West B Street took about six years. “I think I quit about 15 times,” Nick said...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Heritage Ventures LLC,of Stratton won the 2021 Hormel Entrepreneurship Competition and an $8,000 first prize award. The announcement came at McCook Community College Friday after judges considered the business plans of six local entrepreneurs – all of which received at least $2,000...

A long-time contractor in hundreds of major projects in Southwest Nebraska, Paulsen Inc. is now a major local employer with the purchase of Gerhold Concrete of McCook, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Welcoming customers to a barbecue Friday were, from left, owner Larry Paulsen, local manager Roger Henthorn, ready-mix division manager Brian Engel and paving manager and fourth-generation owner Jed Paulsen. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - Travelers and locals have another option for fueling up their vehicles in McCook with the opening of N-Stant Convenience fueling station at the intersection of US Highway 83 and Highway 6&34 in McCook. The Shell Oil franchise includes eight pumps that offer super-unleaded, unleaded, premium, and non-branded diesel fuel. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - Pilates can be described as “mindful movement”, according to instructor Katie Farrell, who has recently opened a Reformer Pilates studio located in office space inside Elevate Wellness and Physical Therapy at 801 West C Street. She went on to explain that Pilates involves breathing in a specific way, using certain muscles in a specific way, and building core strength through very low-impact repetitions. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - Elevate Wellness and Physical Therapy offers physical therapy services, and so much more. The beautifully decorated office opened in late February at 801 West C Street, Suite 3. Staff includes owner Emily Young, PT, DPT, CLC, as well as Shayne Vaught and Ashley Broomfield. The space also includes a Reformer Pilates Studio with instructor Katie Farrell. See Tuesday’s Gazette for a story on Katie...

McCOOK, Neb. - Acee Hardware Corporation is pleased to announce that McCook Ace Hardware of McCook achieved designation as a “Pinnacle Performance Retailing” store for its outstanding performance. Developed as part of Ace’s retail growth strategy, Higher Ground, Pinnacle Performance Retailing is focused on Ace’s customers to ensure that Ace stores deliver on its helpful brand promise...

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook Chamber of Commerce welcomed Nick Wright with Farm Bureau Financial Services to downtown McCook at a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday. Wright’s staff includes his wife, Brittany, and Tammy Dike, both customer service agents with Farm Bureau Financial Services. The Wrights have been in McCook since October last year, but recently relocated their office to a newly remodeled space at 222 West First Street...

McCOOK, Neb. – The Red Willow County Fairgrounds will be home to The Big Show, taking place this weekend, Friday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jesse Stevens, general manager at Hometown Family Radio who sponsors the show, said the event has about 50 vendors setting up at the fairgrounds and will feature everything from shrimp to home security. ...

LINCOLN, Neb. —  Work on the first Super 2 highway in Nebraska is progressing on schedule, with the majority of the work completed on the 10-mile segment of US-83 between mile markers 35 and 45 by Frazier Creek in Frontier County, according to District 7 Construction Engineer Drew Wilson. Work began in the spring of 2020 on the first of six projects that will be part of the US-83 Super 2...

CAMBRIDGE, NE — Pinpoint (Pinpoint Communications, Inc.) announced today that thru the CARES ACT funding from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, they have expanded their footprint to serve more underserved locations in rural Nebraska and continues to deliver on its commitment to deliver fast, reliable fiber-optic broadband internet to underserved rural southwestern Nebraska communities in the year of 2020...

McCOOK, Neb. — After years of being vilified, hemp is making a comeback. And it’s possibilities are endless, said Justin Harris, who with his wife, Kaylynn, owns Wild Ass Hemp Farm in McCook. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is exploding in popularity. The non-intoxicating extract from hemp is being used for pain and anxiety relief, along with sleeplessness, epileptic seizures and other uses. ...

McCOOK, Neb. - A world-wide pandemic has presented challenges to many businesses, especially those in the retail arena. Hot-Tub Brokers in McCook and Grand Island is no exception. Maintaining inventory is the biggest obstacle according to owner Blaine Budke. ...

CULBERTSON, Neb. — Not all coffee is create equal and Susy Bair is aiming to change that. Susy and her husband, Bruce, are on a mission — to elevate the craft and quality of coffee roasting in Southwest Nebraska, at a price people can afford to drink every day. They roast coffee beans in small batches, about four pounds at a time, at their new business, 308 Coffee Roasting. ...

Preliminary construction is underway on a major addition to N-Stant Convenience on West B in McCook. The station will have eight pumps with diesel as well as gasoline, provided by Shell.

October 7, 2020 (LINCOLN, NEB.) — Evolving local incentives designed to assist business and homeowners in the City of Cambridge (pop. 1,026) have resulted in ongoing recognition from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). DED Business Development Consultant Ashley Rice-Gerlach announced the City’s most recent designation in Nebraska’s Leadership Certified Community (LCC) Program a during a special presentation in Cambridge on Monday, Oct. 5...

ARAPAHOE, Neb. -- A major renovation and remodeling project is underway for the Arapahoe Public Library, adding much-needed room for after-school and community activities as well as making current space more accessible. Director Jennifer Einspahr credited overwhelming local support and assistance from surrounding communities with making the project possible, with Paulsen Inc. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Owning a home is the American dream, but for some people, circumstances can knock that out of reach. That’s why the home being built on East Second and C by Southwest Nebraska Habitat for Humanity is an answered prayer for one local family...

HAIGLER— The Haigler Community Foundation has been named a recipient of a 2020 AARP Community Challenge grant, one of three grantees selected in Nebraska. The $5,000 grant will help fund a restroom in the Haigler Cornerstone Museum that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. ...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Tyler McCarty’s livestock operation should be the envy of feeders throughout cattle country. His “herd” achieves a “conversion rate” -- the amount of feed consumed compared to the weight of food produced -- that is many times higher than that achieved in feedlots throughout the cornbelt...

McCOOK, Neb. -- The new teacher at Spotlight Studios in McCook has been dancing for years. Jazlyn Hurt of Alliance, Neb., recently graduated from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo., with a bachelor’s degree in dance. She starting taking lessons when she was in kindergarten and hasn’t stopped since. “I really love everything about dance,” she said, who has experience in recitals, competition and theater productions...

This last month, the MEDC board spent time looking back on what we have been working on and then looked at where we want to be in the future. Even though we live in a time of uncertainty, there are opportunities for McCook as we look forward. Two years ago, we identified business recruitment, workforce development, and housing as our top three priorities. We’ve had some wins, but a few projects have taken a little longer than expected. Here’s a few successes:...

Dick and Janet Haag have opened up “Bottom Dollar,” the new cowboy tack shop at 203 Norris. The store has everything from spurs to bits, saddles and ropes and a large selection of boots in all sizes. The Haag’s have been selling cowboy tack for years at rodeos and horse shows. A grand opening is planned for later in August, with a soft opening planned for today...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield, Mo.,-based Foster Senior Living, a senior living operator and management company with over fifty years of experience, today announced the new management agreement and name change for Brookdale McCook and three other senior living communities in Nebraska...

McCOOK, Neb. == Carryout is always popular at barbecue restaurants, and now is as good a time as any for Braxton's Brisket Barbique to open in McCook, owner Steven Powell said. The restaurant at 102 Norris Ave. named after his wife, the "Barbi" in barbique, and their son, Braxton, 3, is their second location; the other at 116 S. Fourth in Atwood, Kan...

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council approved another tax increment financing project Monday night, the second TIF project approved this month. At its April 6 meeting, the council approved a $200,000 TIF bond for a project submitted by Blackwood Enterprises. That project will improve a vacant building at 520 West B for mixed retail businesses. The bond will be paid back using tax increment proceeds...

LINCOLN, Neb. – For those who watch NET, Nebraska’s PBS & NPR Stations, over-the-air in the Culbertson/McCook area, installation of a new transmitter and broadcast antenna is planned today through Friday. During installation of the transmitter and antenna systems, there will be a radio and television broadcast outage. Removal of the old and installation of the new system should be completed by the end of the day April 17...

McCOOK, Neb. — Nicole Siebrandt believes that being inside a greenhouse makes a person happy, that dirty hands and dirty jeans are good for the soul and that her love of plants is infectious. “You can never have too many plants,” says a smiling Nicole, who will open a new greenhouse — “Garden Thyme Greenhouse and Garden Center” — in McCook on Monday, April 20...

Tammy Slater, CEO of Goodwill Industries Nebraska, cuts the ribbon for the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce’s official welcoming of the new Goodwill Store in Westview Plaza in McCook. Goodwill offers services here as well as the retail store. Visit https://www.goodwillne.org/ for more information...

The transformation of Schmick’s Market in Westview Plaza is complete with the installation of new red-and-white signs. Gary Suhr of Gary’s Super Foods in North Platte purchased Schmick’s Market in McCook Feb. 2, after purchasing the Schmick’s Market in Broken Bow a year ago. The Schmick family purchased the McCook store in December 2005, and still own two stores in Lincoln...

McCOOK, Neb. — Weather permitting, work on US-83 is scheduled to begin March 16 north and south of Frasier Creek, from Reference Post 35.00 to Reference Post 44.75, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.  This will be the first of six projects that will be part of the US-83 Super 2...

McCOOK, Neb. -- Community Hospital’s 11-year-old, eight-ton MRI machine was recently removed to make way for a new, more technologically advanced model. The old, 16,000-pound machine was removed from the building last week by Sampson Construction with help from Community Hospital maintenance staff...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. -- Today, Pinpoint unveiled plans to build and execute a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network in McCook, Neb., that will initially encompass approximately 1,000 homes and businesses. The decision to proceed with this project is a part of Pinpoint’s strategic plan to continue to invest in rural communities and provide them with world-class broadband networks...

McCOOK, Neb. – Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska opened it newest store and donation drop off Thursday in McCook. It is in the former Sears building at the intersection of Highways 6-34 and 83 in Westview Plaza. The store’s sales floor offers 7,200 square feet to allow for donations of clothing, housewares, electronics, books and other items that will be sold at bargain prices.  Store hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — The Schmick family has announced the sale of Schmick’s Market in McCook to Gary’s Superfoods of North Platte and Broken Bow. A Facebook posting today reads as follows: “McCook, Neb., changed the trajectory of the Schmick family when we came here in 2005 to chase a dream of owning our own grocery store! We all moved into one house and worked our tails off to bring the best hometown, family owned grocery we could to the folks of McCook. ...

McCook, Neb. -- Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska is excited to announce they will be opening a store and donation drop off in January 2020 in the former Sears building. Goodwill is familiar with the McCook community, hosting consistent donation drives for many years and providing Employment and Career Services to individuals living with disabilities since 2012. ...

COLUMBUS, Neb. — Paige Wireless LLC., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paige Electric L.P., announced Saturday a partnership with Nebraska Public Power District to accelerate the deployment of interconnectivity across Nebraska for computing devices embedded in everyday objects via the Internet, enabling them to send and receive data...

STRATTON, Neb. — What are the odds of having two stylists with the same first name and similar last names, both graduates of the same beauty academy, both working in one two-chair shop, in a small community in rural Nebraska? The owner of "The Jewell" boutique in Stratton defied the odds, and is pleased with the serendipity of "the two Mya(h)s."...

PARKS, Neb. — The new owner of 2 1/2 acres of grape vines near Parks plans to grow hops vines instead. The Benkelman Post reports that Sye Tecker, of rural Parks, will transform "Sage Hill Vineyard" into "Uppa Crik Hops," and is offering the grape vines to anyone who wants to come dig 'em up before he starts cutting them off in early September...

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — The Arapahoe Public Mirror and Elwood Bulletin newspapers have new owners. Gayle Schutz, co-owner with her husband, Brad, of the two newspapers since 1995, says she is confident the newspapers will be in good hands, those of Ashley and Cody Gerlach of Cambridge...

McCOOK, Neb. — If you've struggled to replicate your favorite Mexican dish at home, McCook's newest downtown business might just have the missing ingredient you've been looking for. The deli at Carniceria CB Mexican Store features a variety of Mexican cut steaks and specialty cheeses and you'll find a host of imported spices and dry ingredients lining the grocery aisles...

WASHINGTON —The FCC authorized nearly $41 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 8,768 unserved rural Nebraska homes and businesses, stemming from last year’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction.  Providers will begin receiving funding this month...

McCOOK, Neb. — The City of McCook Fire Department will use a $1,000 donation from HomeTown Agency of McCook and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska to purchase equipment for its ambulance. Farmers Mutual of Nebraska is helping the McCook Fire Department with the equipment purchase by request of HomeTown Agency, McCook...

McCOOK, Neb. — Lifetime Eyecare is welcoming a new doctor to its McCook optometry team and has plans to add a Cambridge office in the near future. "Lifetime Eyecare is excited to welcome Dr. Melinda Kennel to McCook and our surrounding community. Dr. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Parker Hannifin says it is growing business at the McCook plant, and that’s good news for the more than 200 current employees — and for the community. New product lines initially will support the automotive market, and more profitable products are being planned for manufacturing here in the coming months, according to a news release from the company...

McCOOK, Neb. — Tucked into the northwest corner of the B Street Auto Spa and sharing the car wash's pure RO water to make crystal-clear ice, "Tropical Sno" opened Friday morning in McCook. Nan Schaper of Olathe, Kan., co-owner of the new shave ice establishment with her husband, Dan, and their daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Josh Cherry of McCook, is excited about offering shave ice to McCook residents and travelers to and through the community...