McCook News Now

08/29/2025

Update on Work Ethic Camp Transition

A request from several state senators, including Senator 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 constitutional, fiscal, and public safety concerns and argue that Nebraskans deserve public accountability and transparency. They plan to continue pressing for answers through other forums and avenues.

08/29/2025

Update on Work Ethic Camp Transition

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 constitutional, fiscal, and public safety concerns and argue that Nebraskans deserve public accountability and transparency. They plan to continue pressing for answers through other forums and avenues.

08/28/2025

🚨News Update: Thirteen Nebraska senators are demanding a public hearing after Gov. Jim Pillen announced plans to convert McCook’s Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention facility.

Lawmakers say the decision was made without legislative approval or public input — raising questions about inmate relocation, staffing shortages, and the Governor’s authority.

🔗 Full story on the McCook News Now website linked in the comments.

08/27/2025

⭐️Introducing “Local Voices”

McCook News Now is excited to open up space for Local Voices — a community section where residents can share reflections, stories, and perspectives about life in McCook and the surrounding area.

If you love to write, have a story to tell, or want to share your take on a local issue, this is your chance to contribute.

👉 To submit: Email your piece to [email protected]
Please note:
• Submissions may be edited for clarity, accuracy, and length.
• Not all submissions will be published.
• Published contributions are unpaid, voluntary, and reflect the author’s voice, not necessarily the views of McCook News Now.

Our goal is to shine a light on more voices in our community. We can’t wait to hear yours.

08/27/2025

Community Q&A: Work Ethic Camp Transition

City Manager Nate Schneider has responded to questions submitted by a community member about the transition of the Work Ethic Camp into a federal detention facility. Here are some key takeaways:

🔹 Not involved in planning — The City of McCook, MEDC, and local officials were not part of the proposal or decision-making process.
🔹 Future use unknown — There are no assurances about what happens after the initial 365-day contract.
🔹 Airport access — Federal grant rules require McCook’s airport to remain open to public and government aircraft; the city cannot deny use.
🔹 Local funding/benefits — No direct financial benefit has been identified for McCook at this time.
🔹 Rumors addressed — The voter-approved ballpark project is still moving forward as planned.
🔹 PIO role — A temporary Public Information Officer contract was established jointly by the city, county and the MEDC for communication support.

🔗 Link to artivle and Full Q&A with all questions and answers are available on the McCook News Now website and will be linked in the comments.

08/26/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Community Hospital’s 2025 Caring Kind Award recipient, Katie Stagemeyer!

Katie, a McCook native and pharmacist, was nominated by her coworkers for her compassion, teamwork, and dedication to patient care. Whether stepping in during high-pressure situations, supporting colleagues, or going the extra mile for patients, Katie’s commitment shines through every day.

She’ll be honored this fall at the statewide Nebraska Hospital Association Caring Kind Awards Luncheon. 💙👏

🔗Full news release from Community Hospital - McCook is on the McCook News Now website and is linked in the comments.

08/26/2025

Red Willow County Commissioners Meeting – Aug. 25

Monday’s meeting included budget workshops, departmental reports, and a full consent agenda.

👉 During public comments, Dr. Jason Hilker questioned the county’s use of inheritance tax funds. Commissioners clarified the $4.6 million inheritance fund serves as a reserve and has never actually been spent — but acknowledged cuts or property tax hikes could be needed if the state eliminates that revenue.

👉 Budget talks focused heavily on the Health Department, with rising vaccine costs under discussion.

👉 The Fair Board also weighed in. Manager Jiles Bowman said the proposed budget “would work,” drawing a candid — and memorable — response from Commissioner Randy Dean that had the room laughing.

The board also approved claims, levy-setting resolutions, reappointments to the Veterans’ Service Board, and agreements for floodplain administration, law enforcement with Bartley, and a tractor lease for Kiplinger Arena. They adopted the 2025 Local Emergency Operating Plan as well.

📌 Commissioners will continue budget work in upcoming meetings, with public hearings scheduled before the September deadline.

🔗Link to full article on the McCook News Now website in comments.

08/24/2025

Red Willow County Commissioners Update:
At the August 19 meeting, commissioners approved minutes, liquor and load permits, and worked on budgets.

The next meeting is Monday, August 25 at 8:30 a.m. on the courthouse 3rd floor. Highlights include a Health & Fair budget workshop, jail inspection, levy resolutions, Veterans’ Service Board reappointments, and agreements for law enforcement, floodplain administration, and Kiplinger Arena equipment.

🔗 To full article in the comments.

08/22/2025

St. Patrick School’s 40-Year Milestone

🏫 First Class: Students moved into the new building on August 28, 1985.
🙌 Community Effort: About 120 volunteers carried desks, books, and supplies from the old school to the new one in less than two hours.
💰 Funded by Faith: Parishioners raised $287,000, with the rest of the $1.3 million project funded by the Mary Brady Estate.
🐾 A New Tradition: Today’s students are greeted each morning by Patrick Norman, the school’s therapy dog.
🌟 Catholic Roots: St. Patrick School has been serving McCook families since 1918.
🔗 Link to full article in the comments.

08/22/2025

08/22/2025

📢 Red Willow County & City of McCook Statement on Work Ethic Camp Transition

Local leaders from Red Willow County, the City of McCook, and the McCook Economic Development Corporation have released a joint statement following news that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to establish a facility at the McCook Work Ethic Camp site.

Because the property is state-owned land, state officials are not bound by local zoning or permitting. While this limits local control, city and county leaders emphasized their commitment to transparency, safety, and community-focused growth.

✅ Current & ongoing community projects highlighted in the release:
• P.F.C. Gerald L. Walters Youth Sports Complex – expanded sports and recreation plus new housing opportunities.
• McCook Aquatic Park – opened in 2024.
• Expansion of McCook Industrial Park Phase II – new railroad-accessible industrial lots.
• North Pointe Subdivision – 27 new residential lots to meet housing demand.

Officials say they remain focused on strategic planning, community engagement, and the continued prosperity of McCook and Red Willow County.

🔹 “We understand that change can bring questions,” the statement reads. “But we are confident in the direction we’re heading and proud of the incredible momentum we’re seeing.”

Leaders also pledged to share updates with residents as more information becomes available.

Full press release pictures and on the McCook News Now Website, linked in the comments.