Sports Complex Taking Shape as City Moves Into Next Phase

October 20, 2025

McCOOK Neb. — The McCook City Council met Monday evening for a short and straightforward meeting. All items on the agenda were approved as presented.

City Manager Updates

City Manager Nate Schneider shared several announcements at the start of the meeting:

• The Nebraska Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting Friday, Oct. 24 at McCook Community College’s East Campus.

• The city’s annual audit is scheduled for Oct. 28–29.

• Council members can expect several items related to upcoming projects at the Nov. 4 meeting.

Youth Sports Complex Progress

Schneider also provided an update on the McCook Youth Sports Complex, where crews have been making steady progress despite recent weather. The northeast field and concession area foundations are already taking shape, and infrastructure work for the surrounding subdivision is set to begin in late October or early November.

Water and sewer extensions will soon connect to the nearby residential and commercial lots, allowing the city to begin selling those properties once infrastructure is complete. Schneider said the city is finalizing financing for the next phase using a combination of local option sales tax funds, street buyback dollars, and proceeds from lot sales, while also applying for additional grants to support the project.

“It’s exciting to see how fast everything is coming together,” Schneider said, adding that a community event may be planned in the future once the fields are ready for public viewing.

Community Betterment Highlight

The council approved using Community Betterment Funds to help cover rental fees for the “Share the Heat” fundraiser, held Sunday, October 19. The event brought in $1,800 to assist local residents with heating bills this winter.

Other Business

Routine items on the consent agenda included approvals for street work and maintenance projects, updates to city contracts, and permission for the McCook Chamber of Commerce to host its annual Christmas Celebration on December 6, featuring festivities in Norris Park and the “Light Up the Bricks” parade downtown.