Nelson sculpture gets go-ahead; July unveiling planned

The creation of a $70,000 bronze sculpture honoring Sen. Ben Nelson will get under way, with the approval Monday night by the McCook City Council of an agreement with the artist.

The council approved at its Aug. 3 meeting an agreement with the Nebraska Community Foundation, where a gift of $70,000 was made to the city by the Foundation for the sculpture.

Martha Pettigrew of Kearney will create the life-sized sculpture, called "On My Honor," depicting Sen. Nelson as a boy receiving his Eagle Scout award, with his mother pinning the award on his clothes and his father looking on.

When completed, the sculpture will be placed at Sen. Nelson's former home at 608 Norris Ave.

Under terms of the agreement, the sculpture will be done by June 30, 2010.

It is expected to be dedicated during the McCook High School All-Class Reunion in July.

Mayor Dennis Berry made an amendment to the agreement Monday night, that the council approved, changing the base of the sculpture from bronze to concrete.

Mark Graff explain that concrete was requested by the artist, due to costs and the way the figures are situated on the base.

According to its Web site, the Nebraska Community Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides Nebraskans and former Nebraskans a way to give back to the state and the communities they love.