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Schools & Education
Reporting on public schools, higher education, and educational issues in McCook and the surrounding area. This includes school board updates, district initiatives, bond issues, student programs, achievements, and coverage of Mid-Plains Community College and other local education efforts.


Graphic design exhibit at MCC through Friday
The works of two MCC Graphic Design and Visual Communication students will be on display at the Wrightstone Gallery on campus through Friday. This will be the first exhibit staged by the students of first-year MPCC instructor Kelsey Reiman. This exhibition will showcase the portfolio work of MCC sophomores Ayana Goodwin and Kaileigh Barger. Their works include print design such as illustrations, books, brochures, and poster designs. MCC’s Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery is


Australia native named MCC student commencement speaker
McCook Natalie Harmata experienced a comforting clarity while in a hospital bed in McCook – far from the Sydney, Australia skyscrapers that surrounded her most of her life. That clarity and her journey will lead her to the podium as this year’s student commencement speaker at McCook Community College. Commencement ceremonies will be May 9 at 10 a.m.at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. Also the college will recognize McCook College alum and long-time MCC supporter


McCook High's Inaugural JAG Program a Resounding Success
McCook, NE – The first year of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program at McCook High School is concluding, marking a year of significant growth and opportunity for its students. In a recent email to parents and guardians, JAG Career Specialist Meghan Giorgione celebrated the program's impactful inaugural year. Giorgione expressed immense pride in the students' achievements, noting that the JAG group had developed into a supportive "family" through hard work and teamwo


Opening reception Friday for two MCC artists
McCOOK Neb. - An opening reception for two McCook Community College fine art students is set for Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Wrightstone Fine Art Gallery on the McCook Community College campus. This reception kicks off the Thesis Capstone Exhibition for sophomores Jett Gillen and Robi Winder. The exhibit runs through May 2 in the Wrightstone Gallery, which is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. Gillen, a McCook native, said his works represent the importance tha


McCook School Board Hears Positive Evaluation, Addresses ELA Purchases and Federal Advocacy
McCook, NE – The McCook Public Schools Board of Education convened this evening, hearing reports on a recent external evaluation, upcoming ELA material purchases, and a planned trip to Washington D.C. External Evaluation Highlights District Strengths and Recommendations Superintendent Grant Norgaard presented findings from an external evaluation conducted last month. A team of administrators and educators from neighboring districts assessed the school's progress toward its fi


MCC’s Inter-High Day draws more than 200 students
News Release from MPCC
MPCC Deans List
Friday, January 24, 2025 A total of 154 students qualified for the Mid-Plains Community College Dean’s List during the 2024 fall semester. To make the list, students had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours of college-level courses and maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 – 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were: Nebraska Alliance – Caeson Clarke, Taytom Timbers Anselmo – Steven Burnett Arcadia – Kristi Casper Arnold – Samuel Peterson Brady – Edmon


School Board- Jan. 13, 2025
McCook Neb. – The McCook Board of Education began its meeting with the swearing-in of newly elected members. Incumbent and former Board President Brad Hays, along with newcomers Amanda Buhr and Jesse Juenemann, took the oath of office administered by Grant Norgaard. The Board then held officer elections, selecting Brad Hays as President, Scott Barger as Vice President, and Mike Langan as Secretary. Jeff Gross was reappointed as Treasurer and Recording Secretary. Norgaard clar
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