School bond fails; voters follow state, national trends

McCOOK, Neb. — After approving a $6.7 million bond for a new pool and sports complex in an earlier election, McCook voters turned down a $43.5 million bond for a major school construction and remodeling project.

“We are grateful for the community’s engagement and support throughout the bond election process,” said Superintendent Grant Norgaard.

“We believed strongly in the project and its potential to benefit our students and the community. Although the bond did not pass, we deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone who supported and participated in this undertaking.

“The Board will now take time to reflect on the election results and thoughtfully plan a path forward to address our facility needs,” he said.

Unofficial county results showed 2,268 votes against the measure, 1,836 in favor.

Incumbents Darcy Ramble and Jerry Calvin retained their seats on the McCook City Council, with 1,732 and 1,719 votes respectively, with Josiah Hegwood landing 1,304 votes and Jackson Dellevoiet 1,008.

Incumbent Brad Hays with 2,673 votes, will retain his seat on the McCook District 17 school board, joined by newcomers Amanda Buhr with 2,673 and Jesse Juenemann with 2,586 votes.

Red Willow County voters followed state and national trends, casting 4,419 votes for Trump and Vance and 806 for Harris and Walz.

They also helped Sen. Deb Fischer hold off challenger Dan Osborn 4,500 to 720, and re-elect Sen. Pete Rickets over Preston Love Jr. 3,891 to 1,322 votes. Adrian Smith landed 2,487 votes to Daniel Ebers 693.

Other local contests saw Andy O’Dea hold off challenger Rose Weskamp 1,061 to 708 for a two-year term on the MRNRD,

The Southwest High School board vote for three members saw Brooke Brooks with 645, Duane A. Peter with 616 and Derek Meyers with 518, and Jason Kloepping with 478 votes.

On abortion issues, Red Willow County voters followed the state trend in approving Initiative 434 3,844 to 1,330, and voting down Initiative measure 439 3,778-1402.

Local voters chose to repeal the private education scholarship Initiative 435 2,849-2,097, and for paid sick leave Initiative 436 3,172-1,736.

Medical Marijuana Initiative 437 was favored 2,806-2,168, and the related medical cannabis commission Initiative 438 was favored 2,601-2,350.

The various issues drew voters to the polls in what is likely a record 75.83% of registered voters, 1,728 voting early and 3,640 on Election Day.

Nebraskans favored Republicans Trump and Vance by 60% to 38% for Harris and Walz; Mike Flood over Carol Blood 60% to 39% for Congressional District 1, Adrian Smith over Daniel Ebers 80% to 19%, and Don Bacon 51% to 48% for Tony Vargas.

Michael Lutz received 748 votes to Michael Nelson’s 546 for Southwest Public Power District

Statewide Initiative measures included 55% to 45% for 434, 43% to 57% against 435, 74% to 25% for 436, 71% to 29% for 437, 67% to 33% for 438 and 51% to 48% against 439,

Statewide, 934,188 votes were cast of 1,264,149 voters registered for a 73.9% turnout.