Government & Public Meetings

Oct. 16, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — A lawsuit filed Wednesday in Red Willow County District Court seeks to halt Governor Jim Pillen’s plan to repurpose McCook’s Work Ethic Camp (WEC) into a federal immigration detention facility. The case — filed Oct. 15 by Nebraska Appleseed and announced publicly Thursday morning — names former State Senator DiAnna Schimek and 13 Red Willow County residents as plaintiffs. It names Governor Jim Pillen and Rob Jeffreys, Director of the Nebraska Dep

October 6, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council met Monday evening for its regular session, hearing a presentation on the city’s ongoing Water and Wastewater Rate Study, approving a Fire Prevention Week proclamation, and receiving an update on progress at the youth sports complex. Water and Wastewater Rate Study Overview Representatives from PFM Financial Advisors LLC presented preliminary findings from a detailed review of McCook’s current water and sewer rates. The r

McCOOK Neb. — The City of McCook is continuing its investment in water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable service for residents well into the future. City officials outlined several projects currently underway or in planning stages. Water System Improvements Upgrades are in progress at the city’s water treatment plant, including new filter media, tank rehabilitations, and salt tank improvements. A major manganese removal project is also moving forward, whi

September 22, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners held budget and tax-request hearings Monday morning, adopted the county’s 2025–26 budget, and advanced a series of routine items, including a 12-month moratorium on data centers while zoning updates are drafted. A proposed professional services agreement with the West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD) to update the county comprehensive plan was tabled to Oct. 6 for review by the county

McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners meets Monday, Sept. 22, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Room at the courthouse. The agenda includes a budget hearing and a special hearing to set the county’s final tax request for the 2025–26 fiscal year, followed by several related resolutions. A Board of Equalization meeting is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. Citizens’ comments are listed from 9 to 9:30 a.m. (No action may be taken during this period.) Agend

September 19, 2025 McCOOK Neb. — Despite a wave of complaints on social media, only a handful of residents turned out for Thursday night’s “Pink Postcard” budget Q&A, where city leaders fielded questions about water quality, nuisance properties, and rising taxes. Water & Treatment Plant Challenges Manganese buildup in several wells was a major concern. “When I saw the manganese buildup, I didn’t realize how much… if the plant had been built north of town, we wouldn’t be wor

September 19, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Residents pressed city leaders on water quality, taxes and the pace of growth at a “Pink Postcard” budget Q&A Wednesday night, a sometimes tense but wide-ranging discussion that touched on manganese in city wells, nuisance properties and the costs of fire and public works equipment. City Manager Nate Schneider said manganese buildup has been detected in three wells, including two high-production sources, and argued that the decades-old decis

September 15, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council moved through a full agenda Monday night, approving its 2026 street improvement plan, granting several special exceptions for vacation rentals, and finalizing budget and utility rate increases for the coming year. The meeting opened with announcements about ongoing community projects, including progress on the all-inclusive playground at Kelley Park. City staff reported that four semi-loads of new playground equipment

September 15, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council will gather for its regular meeting tonight, Monday, September 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Municipal Center. The evening will begin with announcements, recognitions, and a proclamation marking September 17–23 as “Constitution Week.” Much of the meeting will focus on public hearings. Council members will consider three separate requests to allow short-term rental or bed and breakfast operations in re

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council held a special noon meeting on September 10 to finalize agreements that set the course for the future of Ben Nelson Regional Airport. The actions clear the way for the McCook Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to assume ownership of four hangar buildings while the City retains ownership of the land. Council members approved two memorandums of understanding (MOUs). The first outlines MEDC’s role in acquiring the hangar assets, creati

September 9, 2025 McCOOK Neb. — County commissioners voted Monday to join the West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD) after a heated discussion that stretched well beyond routine business. The one-year membership, costing $2,730, is intended to allow the county to hire WCNDD to rewrite its comprehensive plan at an estimated cost of $25,000. Previous quotes for the same work were closer to $50,000. Commissioners argued the update is overdue — the current plan dates

September 7, 2025 McCOOK Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners met three times in August, addressing budgets, agreements, and community questions. Here are the highlights: August 11 Meeting Commissioners approved accounts payable claims totaling $244,834.73. Approved contracts with MIPS for JPH postcards and Applied Connective for cyber security services. The Board of Equalization approved a motor vehicle exemption for Community Hospital (2025 Toyota Rav4) and a

September 3, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council held its annual budget hearing Tuesday and moved forward on a series of ordinances tied to the 2025–26 fiscal year, including planned increases to water, sewer and solid-waste rates to fund major utility projects. Council later entered executive session for collective-bargaining strategy with firefighters. Budget snapshot City Manager Nate Schneider presented his five-page transmittal letter and summary, noting the FY

September 1, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers following a public hearing on the proposed 2025/2026 budget. The hearing allows residents to provide input before the council formally adopts the annual spending plan. Immediately after the hearing, the council will convene its regular meeting, beginning with announcements and recognitions. A second hearing will follow to set the city’s final property tax

McCOOK, Neb. — A request from several state senators, including Megan Hunt, for a public hearing on the Governor’s plan to convert McCook’s Work Ethic Camp into a federal ICE detention facility has been denied. Senator Carolyn Bosn, chair of the Judiciary Committee, responded that questions about the transition should be directed to the executive branch and attorney general’s office rather than through a legislative hearing. Sen. Hunt and others say the decision raises const

August 27, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — Community member Jason Hilker recently submitted a detailed list of questions to city and county officials regarding the transition of the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) and its possible impacts on McCook. Both McCook News Now and The McCook Gazette were copied on the request. City Manager Nate Schneider invited local media to meet so he could provide clarification to the extent possible. Many of Hilker’s questions reach into state and federal jurisdic

August 27, 2025 McCOOK Neb. — Community member Dr. Jason Hilker recently submitted detailed questions about the transition of the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) facility to federal use. In response, City Manager Nate Schneider met with local media to provide answers to the extent possible. Schneider emphasized that the City of McCook has not been part of the planning or decision-making process and is still awaiting information from state and federal officials. The following summarize

August 26, 2025 McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners met Monday, August 25, 2025, tackling a wide-ranging agenda that included budget workshops, department inventories, and consent agenda approvals. During the citizens’ comments portion, community member Dr. Jason Hilker raised questions about a recent news report on a $600,000 interfund transfer from the inheritance tax fund to balance the county’s budget. Commissioners clarified that while the inheri

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