Stories from Tuesday, January 23, 2024

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Forget about seeing his shot go through the net. McCook junior Josiah Wilkinson barely even saw the basket while driving in a 64-64 tie with only seconds to go Friday evening. “I did my little euro (step) and put it up in the general direction (of the basket),” the 6’2” slithery guard explained.

LINCOLN - The McCook swimmers and divers had to wait an extra week for the Cotter Invite in Lincoln, but the team returned home with several bananas (awarded by winning an event heat), set several personal bests and qualified another diver for the state meet...

MAXWELL, Neb. — The Maywood-Hayes Center girls tipped off their RPAC tournament play with a 48-30 win over Dundy County-Stratton Monday. Coach Kim Stengel’s Wolves (14-1 record) will play Paxton for the RPAC West title on Friday. The tourney concludes at MCC’s Graff Events Center with that annual Saturday championship game...

McCOOK, Neb. — It was Independence Day, 2018, and Lucia Archuleta was in her last year of undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). She was driving to an internship and approaching an intersection when a texting teenager ran a red light, crashed into her and dramatically changed her life – the first time...

Congratulations are in order for Becky Dutcher who is retiring from Management of McCook Housing Agency. You may know the place as Missouri Avenue Circle. Becky has managed the place for umpteen years and upon reaching the age of retirement is happy to turn the reigns over to new talent. ...

Dear Editor, I read the McCook Gazette article: “Pillen addresses issues, outlines priorities” (Jan 17). Having family in McCook, Cambridge and Arapahoe, I try to pay attention to Nebraska news. I feel that Gov. Pillen is likely trying his best but trying to satisfy too many constituencies. I think it was rather harsh of him to say “I don’t believe in welfare.”...

In a recent legislative hearing, State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner presented a workforce development proposal that could mark a significant stride in the battle against poverty in Nebraska. Legislative Bill 993, which introduces the Apprenticeship Grant Act, has received widespread positive feedback, offering a beacon of hope for individuals seeking economic independence...

Gary (Butch) Edward Doetker Dec. 11, 1939 - Jan. 16, 2024 WAUNETA, Neb. - Gary (Butch) Edward Doetker, 84, longtime resident of rural Wauneta, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 16th at his residence southeast of Wauneta. Gary was born on Dec. 11, 1939, to John and Lena (Busking) Doetker. ...

Kathleen Sue Hartwell March 30, 1954 - Jan. 19, 2024 McCOOK, Neb. - Kathleen Sue Hartwell, age 69 of McCook, Neb. passed away Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 in McCook. Kathleen was born March 30, 1954 in McCook, Neb. to Robert and Dorothy (Kircher) Vontz. She attended and graduated from McCook High School in 1972...

Roy Irvin Jacobs McCOOK, Neb. - Roy Irvin Jacobs passed away unexpectedly at his home in McCook on Nov. 15, 2023, due to a massive heart attack. Cremation was chosen and a celebration of life service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge, Neb. Burial with military honors will follow in the Fairview Cemetery of Cambridge...

60th anniversary McCOOK, Neb. - The family of Darrell and K.C. Eckhardt is requesting a card shower in honor of the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary on Wed., Jan. 31, 2024. Cards of congratulations will reach them at: 803 Missouri Avenue McCook, NE 69001...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Almost 30 individuals will face state, local and federal charges after arrests in McCook, Lincoln, Kearney, North Platte and elsewhere after arrests this morning. Omaha FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowell, U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr and Nebraska State Patrol Maj. Jeff Roby of North Platte provided a brief news conference this morning following the CODE Task Force operation...

McCOOK, Neb. – Community Hospital has announced the addition of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Douglas Tice to its medical staff. Dr. Tice brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Community Hospital, having spent two years at Shepherd Air Force Base as the Chief Orthopedic Surgeon, then at Charleston Area Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center, serving as the Vice-Chairman of Orthopedic Trauma. During his time there, he played a key role in starting the orthopedic residency program...

WALLACE, Neb. — Senior Katie Jarecke blazed for 19 points as RPAC West No. 6 Hitchcock County pulled Saturday’s best win based on seeding, 46-43, over No. 3 Wauneta-Palisade. The Falcons (7-8 record) already owned a 51-42 home win over W-P (5-8) on Jan. 5...

LEXINGTON, Neb. — All the McCook Bison wrestling victories and best results from last weekend’s John Higgins Invitational. Coach Nick Umscheid provided these insights about his boys: “Saturday, we had six wrestlers compete in the varsity tournament at Lexington...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — McCook girls showed their toughness with a late 9-0 surge, but North Platte still finished the 43-32 victory Friday evening. The Bison (7-7 record) pulled within seven, 39-32, when senior Kori Rippen sent a perfect pass out to freshman Cali Crawford...

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...