Stories from Friday, June 16, 2023

MINDEN, Neb. — The Republican Plains Activities Conference girls dominated again throughout a 71-40 New West All-Star basketball win over their Fort Kearny Confernce foes on Thursday. Game MVP Kiley Hejtmanek from Maywood-Hayes Center scored 19 points. The RPAC beat both Fort Kearny and Lou-Platte Conference for Wednesday’s volleyball title...

MINDEN, Neb. — McCook High grad Evan Humphrey absorbed a shoulder (above) from Wood River’s Caleb Paulk to show there was intensity in the New West All-Star basketball games Thursday. Evan still hit multiple three-pointers and MVP Jeron Gager from Ogallala scored 19 for the Southwest Conference’s 74-69 victory over Lou-Platte Conference All-Stars at Minden High...

MINDEN, Neb. — McCook High 2023 graduate Joy Rippen holds the game ball while posing with a New West representative following Thursday’s All-Star basketball action at Minden High School. Rippen earned Most Valuable Player honors for her efforts in a tough 41-38 Southwest Conference victory over the Lou-Platte Conference...

You have probably heard by now that both the U.S. House and Senate are considering a move to force automakers to include AM radios in all vehicles. The “AM for Every Vehicle Act,” introduced in mid-May, would require vehicle manufacturers to include a broadcast AM radio in all passenger vehicles and stipulates that the service be included at no extra charge. I have mixed feelings about that legislation, and I don’t think I’m alone...

McCOOK, Neb. — A presentation from Paul Grieger with D.A.Davidson regarding the upcoming swimming pool infrastructure improvements on the 6.7-million-dollar McCook Municipal Swimming Pool, and the third and final reading of zoning change of rezoning of business park expansion from Agricultural to industrial heavy on third and final reading...

McCOOK, Neb. - Serving as the highlight of summer for much of southwest Nebraska, the Red Willow County Fair is returning for another year with a week jam-packed with events. Preparations have already begun for the event, which is one month away. Carnival-goers can prepare for the festivities as well by purchasing a wristband for $30, as sales of discount wristbands open on June 19th, and will be sold with a $5 discount from the initial $35 price until July 18th at the Fair Board Office, KICX/KBRL, Sehnert’s, Citta’ Deli, and MNB Bank. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — After holding the event only once in the past three summers, the Prairie Roots Festival is making its triumphant return on Saturday, August 19th. The sixth year of the event will feature many familiar forms of entertainment. The main event, of course, will be the live music. This year, bands include the Haymakers, John Poland, and Paul Hanich. The community concert is free for all ages...

CULBERTSON, Neb.- Alissa Erickson began her beekeeping journey in 2014, while Kelly Leggott started hers in 2020. They shared a passion for bees and started “Busy Bees Garden and Greenhouse” in Culbertson, Nebraska. They currently have around 30 hives throughout Hitchcock County...

Results from the McCook YMCA Co-Ed softball league action where lightning permitted just one game to be completed Thursday: Webb Auto Body 17, Cookies & Cream 8 Watch for scores and more details all season.

McCOOK, Neb. — It was time to wave the white flag early on Flag Day Eve as McCook’s Rebels unwound 14 hits in a 12-2 win over Cozad Classics Grey Wednesday. Coach Scott Smalley’s 14-and-under girls (12-6 record) scored during all four innings before the “mercy rule” was mercifully enforced...

McCOOK, Neb. — Benjamin Mestl of Henderson, Nebraska is a second-year (P2) student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He’s currently employed as a pharmaceutical intern at U-Save Pharmacy and Medical Supply in McCook. Benjamin says his internship has already taught him “how to be part of a new work team” and what his role is on that team. ...

McCOOK, Neb. — Calling all cowgirls, the 2023 Red Willow Rodeo Royalty Pageant is quickly approaching! Do you have what it takes to be Rodeo Royalty? Applications are due by July 1st with the pageant being held July 22, 2023, in conjunction with the Red Willow County Fair and Rodeo...

Local artist Skyla Hegwood held a “Sip ‘n Paint” event Wednesday night, where members of the community came together to learn to create matching couples’ paintings. Skyla’s next Sip ‘n Paint event will take place on June 26th at The Scoop in McCook, where individuals can register for $30 per person. For more information or to sign up, beginning painters contact Skyla at (402)641-6702...

MINDEN, Neb. — Fort Kearny Confernce All-Stars started fast and never looked back during a 70-52 win over the Republican Plains Activities Conference boys Thursday evening. Hunter Cunnigham hit two first-half threes to power the RPAC effort. The team fell short despite some talented players from state semifinals Dundy County-Stratton and Maywood-Hayes Center...

LINCOLN, Neb. — On the day a controversial contract between concessionaires on Hugh Butler Lake and Swanson Reservoir, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has clarified its role at the lakes. While Game and Park turned over management of those areas to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation years ago, Game and Parks continues to manage the rest of the lakes...