Government & Public Meetings

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

During a town hall meeting at The Coppermill Restaurant, Governor Jim Pillen articulated his vision for Nebraska's future, focusing on four crucial priorities for the coming year: supporting children, cutting taxes, bolstering agriculture, and maintaining traditional values. Shortly after recovering from a horse-riding accident, Pillen had the opportunity to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where they enjoyed a three-and-a-half-hour dinner that covered a

McCook Neb. - The McCook City Council is set to meet on Monday, February 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. During the meeting, city staff will update the council on the sports complex project and discuss a collaboration with Mid Plains Community College (MPCC) regarding potential investments in championship fields. The council will also discuss user fees for the McCook Aquatic Park for Summer 2025 and consider proposed LB 354, which seeks to eliminate state equalization funding for citie

McCOOK Neb. - During the Jan. 20 McCook City Council meeting, City Manager Nate Schneider provided a detailed update on the proposal for workforce housing at East 11th Street and East C Street. This discussion stemmed from a previous meeting where Amanda Engell of the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) inquired about the possibility of conveying land to the MEDC for constructing much-needed residential units. Schneider explained that the city acquired the land th

McCOOK Neb. - The Red Willow County Fairgrounds, a community hub, has ignited a public debate, starkly illustrated by Dick Trail's nostalgic opinion piece in the McCook Gazette and Commissioner Gans's fact-driven rebuttal via email. This contrast exposes a fundamental rift between preserving tradition and enforcing regulatory compliance. Trail's Sentimental Stand: History vs. Statute Dick Trail's March 4, 2025 column paints a romanticized portrait of the fairgrounds' past, l

McCook Neb. - The Red Willow County Fairgrounds, a community hub, has ignited a public debate, starkly illustrated by Dick Trail's nostalgic opinion piece in the McCook Gazette and Commissioner Gans's fact-driven rebuttal via email. This contrast exposes a fundamental rift between preserving tradition and enforcing regulatory compliance. Trail's Sentimental Stand: History vs. Statute Dick Trail's March 4, 2025 column paints a romanticized portrait of the fairgrounds' past, li

McCOOK Neb. - The Red Willow County Commissioners convened on Monday at 9 a.m. for their meeting. The Board of Equalization approved five applications for motor vehicle tax exemptions submitted by Hillcrest Nursing Home. During the meeting, Noxious Weed Control Superintendent Sonya Prentice presented her annual reports. Following that, Visitors Bureau Director Carol Schlegel delivered her annual report, leading to the renewal of her contract for 2025. The vote resulted in a

McCOOK Neb.- The Red Willow County Commissioners addressed the resignation of a Fair Board member and the appointment of a replacement, focusing on compliance with Nebraska statute 2-224, which limits city residency on the board to two members. Commissioner Ted Gans explained that the board had three members residing within McCook's city limits, necessitating a change. Initially, Don Klein, one of the city residents, was considered for resignation, but he was hesitant. Newly

McCook, NE – The McCook City Council has approved the first reading of ordinance 2025-3096, a measure designed to streamline the process of conveying city-owned real estate and personal property to qualifying economic development organizations. This action signals a significant step forward in addressing the city's need for diverse housing options, particularly workforce housing. During the council meeting, City Manager Nate Schneider provided background information, explain

McCOOK Neb. -  City Manager Nate Schneider provided a comprehensive update on the developments surrounding the much-anticipated sports complex in McCook at last night’s City Council meeting.   Schneider began by sharing exciting news from a recent conversation with Mammoth and the Sports Facility Company, who are set to conduct a feasibility study for the city. This study will analyze data to assess the potential economic impact of the new sports complex on the community, inc

McCook Neb. - The McCook City manager provided an encouraging update on the highly anticipated Sports Complex project during a recent council meeting. The manager reported a productive series of discussions over the past few weeks, signaling that the project is progressing more rapidly than initially expected. On January 8, city officials met with college representatives and sports construction firms for the first time, fostering a collaborative dialogue aimed at integrating

McCOOK Neb. - Marcy Luth with AMGL CPAs and Advisors out of Grand Island presented the Audit report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. The comprehensive audit, conducted by independent auditors, was a critical examination of the city's financial statements, offering valuable insights into its overall financial health. The auditors provided an unmodified opinion, signifying that the financial statements accurately reflect the city’s financial position. This positive o

During a town hall meeting at The Coppermill Restaurant, Governor Jim Pillen articulated his vision for Nebraska's future, focusing on four crucial priorities for the coming year: supporting children, cutting taxes, bolstering agriculture, and maintaining traditional values. Shortly after recovering from a horse-riding accident, Pillen had the opportunity to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where they enjoyed a three-and-a-half-hour dinner that covered a