City Council Highlights Economic Growth, Pool Schedule, and Special Aviation Recognition

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 Gazette editor Mike O’Dell and previously accepted on behalf of the city by former Gazette editor Bruce Crosby, honors the role McCook played in supporting Malibu N4319M—an aircraft that helped Grant achieve numerous aviation speed records, including three still in the record books. Mayor Linda Taylor noted the city will find a fitting place to proudly display the award, either in the council chambers or at the airport.

Public Safety & Infrastructure Updates

City Manager Nate Schneider shared that a mock disaster drill will take place Tuesday afternoon (August 5) near the fairgrounds. A portion of West 1st Street will remain closed for another week due to recent rain delays.

Additional updates included:

• New tile installed at the McCook Senior Center

• City transit vehicle now labeled with official signage

• The city pool will close August 13, with limited hours (1–4 p.m.) next Monday through Wednesday due to staffing shortages as high school students and lifeguards return to school.

National Night Out Set for Tuesday

Police Chief Kevin Hodgson invited the community to National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, at 6 p.m. in Norris Park. The event features a kids’ bike parade, sidewalk walk hosted by Community Hospital, and interactive stations with McCook Fire and Police personnel. A highlight for kids will be riding under the water fountain created by a fire hose, a popular hit from last year’s event.

Economic Development Plan Update

The council held a public hearing to review McCook’s LB840 economic development fund. Sean Wolfe, filling in for Economic Development Director Charlie McPherson, reported a healthy fund balance of $1.03 million, with roughly $764,000 remaining after allocations.

This year’s investments include:

• Housing at North Pointe (five homes completed, five more underway)

• Business Park Phase 2

• Daycare incentives

• YMCA early childhood remodel

Schneider also noted the city is nearing a deal to purchase four airport buildings from bankruptcy proceedings—a move expected to benefit long-term planning and development.

Sports Complex Progress

The council received an update on McCook’s new sports complex. A fundraising brochure for naming rights is nearly complete. Discussions are ongoing with Mammoth Creative and grant writer Jessica Borcher to secure external funding. The city has already applied for several grants and will present its case to the Red Willow County Visitors Bureau on Tuesday, requesting $250,000 in support.

The city recently received $15.6 million in bond proceeds, which are now safely deposited in a new account. Dirt work at the site is actively underway, with turf installation anticipated this fall.

Other Business

The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included:

• Minutes from recent city and advisory board meetings

• A supplemental agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation

• Permission for the McCook Chamber of Commerce to continue hosting the downtown farmers market on East 1st Street through fall

Executive Session

The meeting concluded with the Council entering closed session for the annual performance evaluation of City Manager Nate Schneider.