Gazette ‘Coffee Talk’ series builds community through communication

McCOOK, Neb. - Open dialogue and community engagement were enabled throughout 2024, as the McCook Gazette hosted the “Coffee Talk” series, creating a platform for residents to connect with local leaders and discuss local issues.

The inaugural event occurred on March 27, marking a shift from the previous “Coffee with a Cop” format. The monthly gatherings are held every fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m., inviting an array of guest speakers from beyond law enforcement. The first session featured Sarah Schneider, the newly appointed director of the McCook Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Joe Townsley commended Schneider’s commitment to fostering relationships within the business community. “Personal interactions are key to membership growth,” Schneider stated, emphasizing her strategies for engaging local business owners directly.

As April approached, voters became interested in the upcoming primary elections.

For the Red Willow County District 2 Commissioner position, Randy Dean addressed the group, along with Shane Messersmith and John O’Dea, each sharing their to share their visions for better government. Discussions ranged from nuisance abatement and tourism to the implications of rising property costs. Messersmith was committed to supporting younger generations in agriculture, while O’Dea underlined agriculture’s vital role in economic development. Each candidate concluded with promises of transparency, advocacy for agricultural interests, and efficient spending.

In May, Nebraska State Sen. Dave Murman took the stage to advocate for term limits and discuss his experiences as a retired dairy farmer, highlighting the complexities of the legislative process for those outside government circles. He shared his priorities: upholding Christian values, reducing property taxes, and streamlining government operations.

June saw representatives from the Middle RepublicanNatural Resources District (MRNRD) engage with the community, discussing innovative conservation efforts including the installation of over 1,800 telemetry meters, enhancing groundwater management under the Republican River Compact. The initiative is intended to provide farmers real-time data, further integrating technology into local agricultural practices.

July’s gathering featured Carol Schlegel, the Red Willow County Tourism Director, who detailed funding strategies reliant on a special lodging tax. Her presentation outlined how funds support events that draw visitors to the area, ensuring sustainable tourism development overseen by a county-appointed committee.

As summer transitioned into fall, McCook City Manager Nate Schneider addressed the challenges and priorities of city governance during the August meeting. Focused on maintaining leadership continuity and infrastructure growth, he underscored the need for investment in safety training and resource allocation amid rising financial pressures.

In September, board members of the Hillcrest Foundation gathered at Ember’s Bakery & Café to promote the upcoming Southwest Nebraska Big Give, scheduled for November 7. Bill Graves, a board member, emphasized the foundation’s critical role in providing quality long-term care, expanding its services significantly since its inception in 1989.

October’s Coffee Talk brought urgency to education discussions, with McCook Public Schools Superintendent Grant Norgaard highlighting the dire need for a new junior high building. As conversations about infrastructure improvements intensified, concerns loomed that neglecting such investments could lead to simultaneous bond issues, increasing the tax burden on residents.

The November meeting concluded the year with representatives from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, who outlined critical highway repair projects to enhance safety. District Engineer Kurt Vosburg shared logistic details about winter preparations, stressing the importance of caution among drivers amid staffing challenges faced by snow removal crews.

Coffee Talk took a pause in December, but future events will focus on Southwest Area Training Service in January, and Jiles Bowman, the Red Willow County Fair Grounds Fair Board Manager, will be the guest for February.