Stories from Tuesday, February 18, 2025

BARTLEY, Neb. — Wauneta-Palisade’s three freshmen learned how to handle their first test of survival at subdistrict playoff time Monday night: Come out shooting, maybe ask questions later! The Broncos unleashed nine three-pointers from six players to break free for a 51-40 victory over Hi-Line at Southwest High School...

CRETE, Neb. — McCook Bison will be blazing into CHI Healh Center with two district champs, two finalists and a fifth wrestler who dominated his final two B-1 matches Saturday. Their danger signs range from 106-pound school record-setter John White to heavyweight champ Spencer Steinbrink...

Obituary Nora Bell Manning April 4, 1931 - Feb. 13, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. - Nora Bell Manning, 93, passed away on Feb. 13, 2025 in Kearney, Neb. Nora was born on April 4, 1931 to Floyd and Ida (Perona) Holliday in Rural Decatur County, Kan. Nora was raised in Cedar Bluff and attended Cedar Bluff schools. ...

Obituary Charles “Chip” Smith Nov. 5, 1953 - Jan. 30, 2025 CENTENNIAL, Colo. - Charles “Chip” Smith was born on Nov. 5, 1953 to Charles Max Smith and Beverly Arlene Smith in McCook, Neb. He passed away on Jan. 30, 2025 with friends and family by his side...

McCOOK, Neb. – Practically everything that’s going on in McCook, or any service you need, is now at your fingertips. Whether it’s ordering online from local restaurants, finding a handyman or checking school activities, it’s all in one spot at the “Explore McCook” app recently launched by the McCook Chamber of Commerce...

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook City Council met in a regular session Monday evening, addressing a range of issues from self-service fuel at the airport, to the economic impact of nuisance abatement. The council opened the meeting with a public hearing regarding Amanda and Dustin Trew’s request for a special exception to operate a bed-and-breakfast/Vacation Rental at 806 1/2 East 7th Street. ...

I awakened this morning to the sound of screech, scrape and laboring pickup engines. Kyle Potthoff and his crew of young guys were pushing the newly arrived snow off our streets. Then it wasn’t long before my grandson-in-law, Brant and his oldest son Elijah appeared with their snow blower and a shovel to clean sidewalks and driveway. ...

In last week’s meeting of the McCook School Board, Superintendent Grant Norgaard provided an insightful analysis of student absenteeism in McCook. His presentation focused on the trend of chronic absenteeism since the COVID-19 shutdown, highlighting that pre-pandemic rates were just under 8% in the 2019-2020 school year, while they have now surged to 23%. ...

As the final regular-season week begins for boys basketball, each game means a lot. This means be on the lookout for information on subdistricts, as those will be coming out soon. RPAC squads were busy with matchups, so let’s see how they did. Arapahoe...

Tonight’s women’s and men’s basketball games at McCook Community College have been postponed due to the weather. No makeup dates for the games with Northeastern Junior College have been set. The MCC softball team’s schedule has also yielded to the weather. ...

GERING, Neb. — McCook Bison like junior Miles Pollmann were chilling and super clutch in Friday’s 62-55 win over the Gering Bulldogs. Pollmann milkshaked two super clutch three-pointers during the second half against those feisty Bulldogs (11-9)...