Government & Public Meetings

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

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 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