Disc golf enthusiasts fill council chambers

A standing-room only crowd greeted City Council members Tuesday night, thanks to disc golf enthusiasts from the area.

Council members unanimously voted to construct a disc golf course in Kelley Park, and heard from several supporters in favor of the game.

The area which would be used disc golf would be north of the playground area, Doyle Wineland said, McCook Building Inspector.

Area residents and students from McCook Community College spoke in favor of the plan, saying it would be a good way to get people of all ages in the park.

"We're already playing it every day, weather permitting," McCook resident Dusty Kircher said.

Dr. Richard Tubbs, president of MCC, explained that the game is very popular across the U.S., and that the college could host tournaments and intramurals if a course was constructed in Kelley Park.

North Platte is preparing to construct a disc golf course in the near future, he said, and that college students at MCC, as well as area residents, would benefit from a disc golf course in McCook.

Council members also discussed Phase II of the Jail Task Force study, which Reuben Hoff assured them would be in their hands by Jan. 23. The evaluation of two additional sites for the proposed jail put them about a month behind schedule, he said.

Hoff asked for some kind of decision from the City Council by Feb. 20, so a special election will not have to take place.

"There's no reason to spend the taxpayer's money on a special election," Hoff said, if it could be avoided.

The 90-page document will detail the construction and projection costs for a combined facility for the county jail and the McCook Fire and Police Departments, he said, along with space and site requirements.

Councilman Aaron Kircher said the council would need time to discuss and research the proposal before making any decision.

A special city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Phase II, as well as additional city business.

Council members also heard from Greg Wolford, McCook Street Superintendent, about the one-and six-year street improvement plans, which the council approved unanimously.

Street improvements for last year included resurfacing East 11th street from B to J streets, creating handicap accessible crosswalks on Norris Avenue, and completing the final phase of B street improvements.

Projects scheduled for 2006 include improvements on O street, East K and West Third streets, he said, in addition to repairing drainage problems on J, R and South streets.