Inmate training program wins approval

McCOOK, Neb. -- Prairie Gold Homes received approval Monday for the final item necessary to begin coordinating their inmate training program at the former Public Safety Center. Representatives from the Lincoln based non-profit thanked McCook for supporting their program and said they would begin interviewing applicants at the McCook Work Ethic Camp this week.

"I want to thank the City of McCook for allowing us to come in and explain our opportunity," said Nebraska Department of Corrections Adult Education Principal Mark Wentz. Wentz said the Department of Corrections' appreciated the faith the people of McCook put in his staff and Prairie Gold Homes to make a local branch of the program work.

Wentz said The first class coordinated at the city building will likely consist entirely of Work Ethic Camp applicants.

City Council unanimously approved a special exception Monday evening allowing educational services related to construction in a Business Commercial District at the former Public Safety Center on West B Street.

The City of McCook approved a one-year lease with Prairie Gold earlier this month, setting the stage for the non-profit to expand Department of Corrections inmate training options available locally. The lease agreement provides a rent-free facility for the non-profit at the now-vacant Public Safety Center and is anticipated to strengthen the Work Ethic Camp, as well as assist McCook in addressing a local housing shortage.

Prairie Gold Homes constructs on-site and modular homes utilizing a select group of inmates and partners in the construction and housing industry.

Representatives from the nonprofit previously touted their ability to provide quality job training options to inmates and affordable housing to rural Nebraska, in addition to four full-time jobs in McCook.