Stories from Thursday, July 22, 2021

CASPER, Wyo. — One of the greatest achievements a college rodeo coach can ever have is seeing their athletes succeed in the arena. The greatest recognition they receive is the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Coach of the Year. Taking on the job of a rodeo coach means taking on the challenges, recruiting, fund raising, working with athletes in different disciplines, managing team members, assistants, practices with four-legged animals, garnering community support, figuring out travel schedules for students and horses, and much more.. ...

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. — A request to use a building for residential use in an area zoned as business was unanimously approved by the McCook City Council Monday night. The request for the special exception came from Kris Flammang/Tri-Star Investments to allow a building at 109 East C Street for residential use. ...

McCOOK, Neb. —Business owners that had merchandise on hand to sell at the annual McCook Shopping promotion, Crazy Days, did great this year, according to a McCook Chamber Commerce member. “Last year for me was a huge success and it doubled this year,” said Trevor Taylor at the McCook City Council meeting Monday night. “It’s like, where did this come from?” Those who had product were able to move it this year but those who couldn’t get merchandise maybe didn’t do as well, according to Taylor...

One of my favorite comic strips is Calvin and Hobbes, featuring a little boy and his stuffed cat. Calvin always had a vivid imagination, which led to some interesting and very insightful comments about everyday life. In just a single, simple frame, the comic strip makes a lasting comment about our expectation for instant gratification these days...

McCOOK, Neb. — Here are more champions and top three placers from area teams during Saturday’s Plains Tsunami Swim League meet at McCook City Pool. The first 66 events were included in Tuesday’s Gazette. More than 1,000 fans arrived at Kelley Park and the McCook City Pool to witness Saturday’s huge league meet...

Imperial’s Senior Legion baseball team will open district play against Bridgeport Friday a 7:30 p.m. The Horns are seeded first in the district. Valentine, the second seed, will begin the day against Carl Heath Curtis/Maywood, the fifth seed, at 2:30 p.m...

MINDEN, Neb. — McCook National Bank Seniors would love nothing more than start the B-6 area tournament Friday like that first area showdown seven weeks ago. MNB trounced Gothenburg’s Melons, 10-2, as Jordan Chancy struck out 13 in five innings. Coleton Lentz and Tanner Jacobs both knocked in three runs. The Melons only managed two hits all game...

McCOOK, Neb. — The new season points standings following Heritage Ladies League competition Tuesday evening. Only one point separates the A League’s top two combos: A League Susie Townsley/Jody Bennett — 88 Karmon Coleman/Helen Reiners — 87 Jennifer Baker/Mindy Haag — 82...

finished their Tuesday/Thursday sessions this summer. From left, front row: Carter Hartwell, Layton Winters, Sutton LaBrie, Reid Loop, Trevor Nokes, James Neel, Izzy Clause, Brooklynn Gillen, Sydney Hodgson, Abi Thompson, Amalia Almanza and Ariana Pierson. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Big plays were more prolific than ever though McCook Bison-like defense filled night two of this 2021 MFL season Tuesday evening. The Ravens reached 2-0 to become McCook Football League’s only unbeaten team — proving how balanced and competitive all these squads have already become...

McCOOK, Neb. — Jessica Schafer joined the golfers at Heritage Hills to make history this summer with a hole-in-one Wednesday. Shafer drove her memorable shot 116 yards from the red tee box and into Hole No. 5. Playing partner Niles Ureste witnessed this great golf moment...

Greg L. Kotschwar April 16, 1959 ~ July 3, 2021  NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. — Gregory L. “Greg” Kotschwar, 62, of Nebraska City, died Saturday, July 3, 2021, at his home. He was born in Culbertson, Neb., on April 16, 1959, to Donald H. and Nell (Bryan) Kotschwar. He graduated from Culbertson High School in 1977. He worked for the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy...

McCOOOK, Neb. -- The Norris Institute Board of Directors is pleased to announce the initiation of construction on the long-awaited Norris Alley open-air downtown plaza. Norris Alley will be a multi-purpose gathering space that honors McCook’s legacy as home to the late Senator George Norris...