Government & Public Meetings

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

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