Anna LaBay

McCOOK, Neb. — When someone in Red Willow County calls 911, the calm voice on the other end is often the first link in a chain of help. As Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026, recognizes dispatchers across the country, McCook’s communications team is also being highlighted for the work they do behind the scenes every hour of every day. While the public often sees police officers, deputies, firefighters, and EMS crews responding on scene, those responses begin in...

Editorial: What I’ve Seen and What the Record Shows About McCook’s Water System There’s been a lot of frustration about the appearance of McCook’s water. That frustration is understandable. No one wants to turn on their faucet and see discolored water. But I want to add context, not as the City, not as a candidate, but as someone who has been consistently showing up and reviewing the public record. Over the past two years, I have attended nearly every McCook City Council meeting. I have...

McCOOK, Neb. — New hires and staffing updates highlighted Monday night’s McCook School Board meeting, as the district reported strong progress filling teaching positions ahead of the upcoming school year. The board approved five teaching contracts: Kaylee Eckert was hired as a kindergarten teacher after working as a paraeducator while earning her degree. Shaelin Stiver will serve as the special education teacher for McCook St. Pats, a role provided through McCook Public Schools. Baylee...