Government & Public Meetings

McCook Neb .- At a recent McCook City Council meeting, the board discussed a range of topics, from ongoing infrastructure projects to community development and recreational initiatives. Parks and Recreation Updates The Parks Board is set to convene on Wednesday at noon at the Senior Center to discuss several park improvement projects. A major focus will be the Kelly Park inclusive playground and Barnett Park improvements, both funded in part by an RCRP grant. The city is work

McCook, Neb. - Pat Fawver, the city's Utilities Director, wants everyone to know that McCook's drinking water is safe. He explained that the water is regularly tested and meets all health standards, especially for harmful things like arsenic, nitrates, and uranium. Fawver noted that some people worry about "Total Dissolved Solids" (TDS) based on meters they buy online. He clarified that these small meters aren't for testing drinking water and can give wrong information. The

McCook Neb.– The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners and Board of Equalization recently convened to address a range of critical county matters, including budget increases, public safety services, and infrastructure maintenance. The meeting began with the standard Board of Commissioners Meeting proceedings, including the call to order, agenda approval, and review of accounts payable claims. A period for Citizens' Comments was held, though no action could be taken on publi

McCOOK Neb. - City Council Addresses Key Community Issues at Latest Meeting McCook, NE – The McCook City Council convened on Monday, June 2, 2025, for a meeting that saw discussions and actions on a range of topics crucial to the city's development and daily operations. The session, which concluded at 6:31 PM, covered everything from infrastructure projects and event planning to animal control and potential new revenue streams. Community Events & Enhancements City Manager Nat

McCook Neb. During their Monday meeting, Red Willow County Commissioners addressed several items with unanimous 3-0 votes. They approved routine payables (except a food service bill for further review) and a tax roll correction. Roadwork plans for 2025 were finalized, earmarking Roads 403, 383, and 716 for armor coating, while the Cambridge Lake Road's maintenance was discussed. Val Jansante from Congressman Smith's office provided a legislative update, focusing on efforts to

McCook Neb. - The McCook City Council meeting celebrated Jennifer Doucet, McCook's 911 Coordinator, who received the prestigious 2025 Laura Becker Memorial Award from the Nebraska Emergency Communication Services Association (NESCA). This award recognized her exceptional dedication to dispatch centers in the south-central panhandle, particularly her work in policy creation, multi-site system coordination, and inter-agency communication. Chief Kevin Hodgson lauded Doucet's con

McCOOK, Neb. - Red Willow County Commissioners unanimously accepted the "voluntary resignation" of 47-year employee and former commissioner Earl McNutt at Monday's meeting, following a closed-door session regarding his potential termination. After convening in executive session for over an hour to discuss the matter, the board reconvened and approved the resignation, effective June 30, 2025, without providing further details. The "voluntary" designation reportedly allows McNu

McCook, Neb. – The McCook City Council approved the final plat for the Walters First Edition, a new addition to the city. This plat includes the sports complex area and commercial lots. Infrastructure development, including street, water, sewer, and storm sewer, is planned for the area. Craig Bennett from Miller Associates presented details of the plat, highlighting the future land use designations for recreational, commercial, and multi-family development. A significant step

McCOOK Neb.- The Red Willow County Visitors Committee, is seeking two new members following the resignations of Tyler Loop and Bill Lesko, leaving the committee with only three active members. The committee's main role is to fund events that promote tourism through a 2% lodging tax, split into two separate funds for improvement and promotion. During their recent meeting, chaired by Dan Stramel, the committee discussed the importance of distinguishing between commerce and tour

McCook Neb. - The energy around Sports Complex is palpable in McCook. Following the City Council's enthusiastic discussions and the recent securing of a significant $500,000 grant, the vision of this multi-faceted project is steadily becoming a tangible reality. City Manager Nate Schneider, clearly excited in recent radio updates, highlighted the unique advantage the complex will offer Western Nebraska with its planned turf fields. This feature isn't just about aesthetics; it

McCook Neb. - The recent McCook City Council meeting addressed key developmental projects alongside honoring important community contributors. The agenda saw the council move forward with plans for a significant new subdivision, receive updates on the highly anticipated sports complex, and recognize the vital roles of library staff and public safety dispatchers. The meeting began with a series of heartfelt proclamations. April was officially declared Child Abuse Prevention Mo

McCOOK Neb. - Congressman Adrian Smith recently engaged with community members at the Keystone Business Center, discussing a range of critical issues affecting Nebraska and the nation. The conversation spanned from agricultural policies to fiscal responsibility and federal spending. A significant portion of the discussion centered on agriculture, with Congressman Smith highlighting his long-standing support for E15 ethanol. He noted the growing bipartisan support for year-rou

McCOOK Neb. - City Manager Nate Schnieder updated the council on the Sports Complex project, outlining significant progress. Legal review of procurement policies for the $1.5 million RCRP grant is underway, with a decision expected soon. Miller & Associates are finalizing design contracts for infrastructure, including water, sewer, and streets, with cost estimates to follow. Renderings from Mammoth Construction are anticipated by March 31st. The subdivision of the Walters pro

March 18, 2025 McCOOK Neb. - This presentation by Matthew Stoffel of PFM Financial Advisors to the McCook City Council focuses on the city's water and sewer rates, providing an annual analysis and recommendations for future rate adjustments. Here's a summarized breakdown: Key Takeaways: Annual Rate Analysis: PFM conducts annual reviews of McCook's water and sewer rates, using historical data and future projections to ensure financial stability. The goal is to align rate incr

McCOOK, NEB. -A recent Red Willow County Visitors Committee meeting exposed a rift between the McCook Chamber of Commerce and the Red Willow County Tourism Office regarding the promotion of the "Explore McCook" app, a joint project funded by both organizations. Tensions flared as Chamber Director Sarah Schnieder voiced frustration over what she perceived as a lack of support from Tourism Director Carol Schlegel in promoting the app. Schnieder highlighted her significant perso

McCOOK Neb. - The planning phase of the Sports Complex project is making significant strides. Following a productive meeting earlier this month between the Sports Complex committee and a Mammoth Sports representative, the project has been reassessed and expanded to include an additional 10 acres, paving the way for future growth. At the heart of this ambitious endeavor is a proposed 40-acre championship-caliber sports facility, intended to house versatile baseball, softball,

McCOOK Neb. - The city of McCook is finalizing a 10-year growth plan and a final meeting held last week, it's nearing approval. City Manager Schneider says it builds on past progress, guiding zoning and annexation. Developed with Miller and Associates, it addresses modern needs like solar energy. Key points of the plan are the mixed use sports complex, Highway 83 commercial growth, and planned annexations. The plan also outlines future residential and commercial areas. It he

McCook Neb.-  The City of McCook is embarking on a transformative project: a proposed $15 million sports complex aimed at boosting recreational opportunities, attracting sports tourism, and stimulating local economic growth.  This initiative, discussed at recent community meetings led by Mammoth Sports Construction and The Sports Facilities Company of Clearwater, Fla, promises to reshape the city's landscape and enhance the quality of life for its residents. A Hub for Sports

McCOOK Neb. - City Manager Nate Schneider provided an update on the sports complex project. Stakeholder meetings for the sports complex feasibility study saw a strong turnout, with approximately 100 attendees across four sessions. Mammoth Sports Construction also presented project concepts and cost-saving measures. The city is actively pursuing grant opportunities. Schneider also noted a valuable conversation with Nebraska Wesleyan University's Athletic Director regarding th

The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, at the courthouse. The agenda includes discussions on road issues, noxious weed control, and county tourism efforts. The meeting will begin with a review of accounts payable and payroll, followed by a brief Board of Equalization session. Noxious Weed Superintendent Sonya Prentice is set to present her department’s annual report during the noxious weed control discussion. The commiss