Government & Public Meetings

The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners and Board of Equalization met on August 19, 2025 at the courthouse. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda, though no citizens offered comments during the public participation period. Commissioners approved minutes from previous meetings, authorized a special designated liquor license for HoJo’s Hideaway, and signed an oversized load permit for Ward Craft Homes. The board also worked on budget discussions. The meeting adjou

News Release For Immediate Release For more information contact: Molly Smith, Public Information Officer 308-345-1200 (option 3) or pio@mccookne.org August 21, 2025 Neb. - Officials from Red Willow County, the City of McCook, and the McCook Economic Development Corporation, speaking as part of a unified collective, are committed to transparency and community-focused development as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announces plans to establish a new facility in McCo

August 20, 2025 McCOOK Neb. - Dr. Jason Hilker, who has stated plans to run for McCook city council, has been vocal in recent days about the state’s plan to convert the McCook Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention facility. Dr. Hilker says he is not opposed to a facility in principle, but believes the current proposal would result in a net loss for McCook. He has criticized what he sees as a lack of transparency and respect for the community: “Governor Pillen called McCook a

August 19, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. – Governor Jim Pillen on Tuesday announced a new partnership with the federal government to convert the McCook Work Ethic Camp into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. The plan will also involve members of the Nebraska National Guard and State Patrol assisting with federal immigration enforcement. Pillen said the move is part of a larger effort to enhance public safety by targeting “criminals and terrorists” who ha

McCOOK, Neb. — August 18, 2025 The McCook City Council covered a full agenda Monday evening, ranging from nuisance property abatements to budget planning and upcoming utility rate increases. The meeting opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief announcement noting that questions about a rumored detainment facility in Red Willow County should be directed to the State of Nebraska. Nuisance Property Actions Emma Castor of the West Central Nebraska Development Dis

McCOOK, Neb. — Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen spoke to a packed room in McCook this week, emphasizing themes of appreciation, community values, and what he described as the need for “hairy, audacious dreams” for the future of the state. Pillen began his remarks by asking the audience what they loved most about Nebraska, calling it a reminder not to take for granted the state’s people and opportunities. “It’s the people,” Pillen said, noting that even service members stationed a

McCOOK, Neb. — Aug. 11, 2025 – The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners covered a wide range of business Monday morning, from hiring outside help for floodplain issues to starting work on next year’s county budget. Hospital gets tax exemption for replacement vehicle Acting as the Board of Equalization, commissioners approved Community Hospital’s request for a motor vehicle tax exemption on a new 2025 Ford that replaces an older vehicle. Tax roll correction approved A busi

McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, Aug. 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the commissioners’ room at the courthouse. The meeting will begin with accounts payable claims, followed by public comment at 9 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., the board will convene as the Board of Equalization to hear from County Treasurer Crystal Dack on a motor vehicle tax exemption application and a tax roll correction, then reconvene at 9:30 a.m. for her report on collected and unc

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council met on Monday, August 4, 2025, to discuss ongoing projects, upcoming community events, and accept a unique recognition highlighting the city’s place in aviation history. A Plaque Honoring Four Decades of Flights The meeting opened with a presentation of a commemorative plaque from longtime aviator Larry Grant, recognizing the City of McCook’s decades of support during his aviation record-setting career. The plaque, delivered by McCook Ga

McCook, Neb. — The McCook Fire Department’s newest ambulance is officially in service, offering upgraded safety features and a smoother ride for patients and crew. Firefighter and Paramedic, James Slaten showed the vehicle to City Council members before Monday’s meeting, pointing out its major improvements. He explained that the new ambulance follows the blueprint of the department’s previous unit with only minor changes, which made setup simple. “The day it showed up, we w

McCook, Neb. – Karrer Park, McCook’s long-used free camping area, has been closed until further notice as city officials work to address rising safety concerns and increased misuse of the facility. Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said while the park was originally intended for travelers making short stops, it has increasingly been used as a permanent residence by individuals with nowhere else to go. “We’ve had abuse of the facility for several years, but this year it’s g

McCook, Neb. – The McCook City Council covered a full agenda Monday night, ranging from community clean-up efforts to updates on the much-anticipated sports complex. All members were present except Councilman Darcy Rambally, who was excused. New Ambulance Now in Service Residents will soon have the chance to see McCook’s newest ambulance up close. The upgraded Horton 4WD model was partially funded by a $75,000 grant, making it a cost-effective addition to the city’s emergency

McCook, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners tackled a packed agenda Monday morning, covering everything from school nursing contracts and gravel bids to budget requests from community partners. Consent Agenda Approved The meeting began with standard business, including the approval of past meeting minutes, payroll claims, surplus items, and a resolution (No. 1561) related to a Tyler Technologies agreement. The board also approved a roadway occupancy agreement

McCook, Neb. - Karrer Park, McCook’s free camping area located at 1628 East B Street, has been closed until further notice due to growing safety concerns. The closure, announced by the City of McCook, is not permanent but comes after repeated issues with misuse of the facility. Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said that while Karrer Park was designed for short stays, some individuals have been using the area as a permanent residence. “We have had a lot of abuse of the faci

McCOOK, Neb. – For more than 50 years, McCook’s public transit system has quietly helped residents stay connected to the places and services they rely on. This dial-a-ride program, open to all ages, offers affordable, accessible transportation across the city for just $2 per ride. On Monday night, the McCook City Council got a first look at the newest addition to the fleet—a Ford Transit bus that’s been six years in the making. Senior Services Director and Transit Manager Bet

McCook Neb. - The Red Willow County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Key Actions: Personnel Matter: The board entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter related to the Road Department. Following the closed session, they approved a Separation Agreement for Road Department employee Earl McNutt, finalizing the terms with the county’s attorney. Budget Workshop: Commissioners began preliminary discussions on the upcoming county budget. More

McCook Neb. - The McCook City Council met Monday evening, July 7, to finalize projects and discuss policies affecting local residents. Playground Contracts Approved, Projects Moving Forward The Council ratified contracts for two playground projects that had been previously approved as part of the Rural Community Recovery Program (RCRP) grant. This vote allowed the city to lock in equipment and installation for: A new inclusive playground at Kelley Park, designed to be access

McCOOK Neb. - I typically focus on local news here at McCook News Now, but I believe this national story deserves our attention. The One Big Beautiful Bill is a sweeping piece of legislation that could have a significant impact on Nebraskans-from healthcare access and food assistance to taxes and energy policy. Because of the size and scope of the bill, and the speed at which it's moving through Congress, I wanted to provide a straightforward, unbiased summary so that readers

McCOOK Neb. - The Red Willow County Visitors Committee met Tuesday morning, July 1, at the Keystone Business Center to review fund balances, approve expenses, and discuss ongoing promotional efforts for the county. Committee members present included Chairman Daniel Stramel, Chris Wagner, Kerri Unger, and Andrea Harms. Member Natalie Allard was absent. As of June 30, the Promotion Fund held $63,158.78, and the Improvement Fund held $202,075.96. Petty cash on hand was reported

McCook, Neb. - The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Equalization met on Monday, June 23, 2025, covering a full agenda that included road improvements, community funding, tax assessments, and legislative updates. Chairman Ted Gans and Commissioner Randy Dean led the respective meetings, with Commissioner Charles Fritsche also present. Emergency Preparedness Plan Updated To ensure the county remains ready for disasters, the board approved an updated Loc