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Based on ongoing coverage of City Council meetings following the temporary closure of Karrer Park in July 2025, discussion and development of public-space and camping regulations has been underway for several months. The ordinance approved this week follows that extended period of review and is not the result of any single individual situation.

McCOOK Neb. -  At the beginning of January, Natalie Gilbert Marks launched her new venture, "Bookmarks Boutique," now located within the Rustic Market on First Street. What started as a simple Facebook announc yu ement, "Welcome to the Bookmarks Boutique Facebook page where we can build a bookish community," has quickly transformed into a cherished local book haven.  For Marks, the boutique represents more than just a business; it's a passion project. "My daughter Erin gradua

McCook Neb. - Courtney Hampton is leading a compassionate grassroots initiative called The Elizabeth Project, created to address the growing problem of stray cat overpopulation. Named in honor of the late Elizabeth Schaffert—a young woman remembered for her deep love of animals and her tireless efforts to rescue kittens—the project seeks to carry forward her legacy through humane, community-driven solutions. A Passion Rooted in Empathy Hampton’s dedication to animal welfare r

MCCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow County Visitor’s Committee met on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2024, but no official decisions were reached due to the absence of two committee members and Director of Tourism, Carol Shlegel. Despite the lack of formal outcomes, representatives from the Indianola Historical Society were present to present their Improvement Fund Grant Request of $75,000. This request aims to support the relocation of a historic one-room schoolhouse and blacksmith shop to a m

McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Visitors Committee worked through a packed agenda Aug. 5, spending more than two hours deciding how to stretch limited tourism dollars across both major projects and smaller community improvements. The meeting centered on presentations from applicants seeking Improvement Grants. The largest request came from the City of McCook for the PFC Gerald L. Walters Sports Complex — $250,000 over five years. After discussion about hotel capacity, f

Trenton, Neb. - Step into Ginny Anderson’s studio in Trenton, Nebraska, and you’re not just entering a tattoo parlor; you’re stepping into a vibrant extension of her soul, a testament to her diverse artistic spirit. The air thrums with creativity, surrounded by a vibrant mural on one wall, a curated collection of works by artists she admires on another, and, of course, her own captivating creations in various mediums—acrylic, watercolor, and even printmaking—adorning a third

McCOOK, Neb. — A McCook Junior High School teacher has entered a not guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a child. Court records identify the defendant as Deon J. Allen, listed on the McCook Public Schools website as an eighth-grade social studies teacher. According to filings, the McCook Police Department issued a criminal citation on July 30, following a protective order granted the day before. The petition for that order included scree

McCook School Bond Debate Continues – Public Meetings Today at Noon and 6 PM McCook Neb. - Eight months after voters rejected a $43.5 million school bond proposal, McCook Public Schools is asking residents to consider a revised $42 million plan to replace the aging junior high building and improve safety and learning spaces at the junior and senior high campus. The special mail-in election will be held August 12, 2025, and public meetings and building tours are being held to

McCOOK, Neb. - The 28th annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival officially began Thursday evening, offering attendees a blend of historical context, heartfelt welcomes, and engaging performances. The kickoff event at McCook's ArtBank set a warm and inviting tone for the weekend's festivities. Mary Dueland, the festival director, welcomed guests and introduced Clark Bates as the evening's Master of Ceremonies. Bates, a retired pastor and dedicated volunteer, of

McCook Neb. — Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, Philip Daniel has built a career on emotion — weaving stories not with words, but with sound. A classically trained pianist and acclaimed film composer, Daniel’s music has been streamed more than 30 million times around the world, connecting deeply with audiences who crave music that feels as much as it sounds. Daniel’s journey began at the piano bench, earning a graduate degree in Piano Performance from the UMKC Conservatory and

Final Ginny Anderson: An Artist's Unfolding Story in the Heart of Trenton Step into Ginny Anderson’s studio in Trenton, Nebraska, and you’re not just entering a tattoo parlor; you’re stepping into a vibrant extension of her soul, a testament to her diverse artistic spirit. The air thrums with creativity, surrounded by a vibrant mural on one wall, a curated collection of works by artists she admires on another, and, of course, her own captivating creations in various mediums—a

Governor Jim Pillen (Opening Remarks) Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you very much for being here today. We have an announcement that I think everybody is now aware of. I’ve met with the mayor, Sheriff Dowling, and the county attorney in the last 48–72 hours. We’ve been working on this process for an extended period of time. The highest calling of government is to keep us safe. We’re proud today to announce that Nebraska will be part of President Trump’s team and Secretary N

September 3, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council opened a public hearing Tuesday on the proposed FY 2025–26 city budget, a spending plan that holds the property-tax levy at 44 cents per $100 of valuation, anticipates record local sales-tax receipts, and prepares for significant utility work at the water and wastewater plants. City Manager Nathan Schneider read his five-page transmittal letter into the record and thanked staff who worked on the plan, calling the annual

March 18, 2025 McCOOK Neb. - The McCook City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025, and approved all items brought before them. The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from the previous meeting, the filing of February claims, and several resolutions. These resolutions included authorizing potential debt for the sewer system project, certifying the city's capability to provide public transportation, and approving street

MCCOOK, Neb. — After sitting vacant for more than a decade, the former St. Catherine’s Apartments and convent property may finally be moving toward a new future — one that could help address McCook’s growing need for affordable and workforce housing. During Monday night’s meeting, the McCook Community Development Agency (CDA) discussed a proposed structure that would allow the property to move out of long-term limbo and into a redevelopment process led by McCook Economic Dev

The journey of Chris Wagner didn’t begin with a ribbon-cutting, but with a promise. As a teenager, he was already an entrepreneur, a side hustle artist inspired by his father who “would rebuild [cars] and then sell them.” When a local dealer offered him a job, Chris was eager to start immediately, wanting to graduate midterm. But his mother, following the untimely loss of his father, had a different plan. “I told my mom I’m gonna see it through (and finish his senior year wit

This article was originally published in the McCook Gazette on Jan. 12, 2024 McCOOK Neb.  - The McCook Art Guild is currently honoring the late artist JoAnn Buettner in their vault for January. Buettner, who was a lifelong artist, passed away on August 28, 2023, leaving behind a small collection of artwork. As a tribute to their mother, her children chose to share a selection of her work at the McCook Art Guild. Visitors can explore her artistic journey through various medium