College ready for major expansion

Pam Gaston, chairman of the McCook College Foundation, breaks a brick while Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy looks on.

Shawn Winder/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Community College broke bricks on the East Campus renovation project in the old Elks Building Wednesday afternoon.

McCook Community College president Ryan Purdy said that the school was able to secure just over $9 million from the state's COVID allocations fund and allow the school to complete the renovations in just one phase.

The East Campus 30,000-square-foot final floor plan will enable the school to have larger conference and convention space, as well as provide adequate space for the LPN and nursing assistant students as well as the EMT and paramedic students.

It will be the new home to the business and community education department.

The space will also give the college flexible space to provide short-term light technical training for both credit and non-credit offerings.

Purdy also gave a special thanks to Perry and Vicky Case in the donation of the facility.

Perry and Vicky wanted to recognize Steve and Sharon Clark for their commitment to the Elks Club in ensuring that the facility was an important part of this community.