Scottsbluff local news summary

Council opts for new building for downtown plaza restrooms

New shade umbrellas approved for 18th Street Plaza

Auto Plaza gaming area gets liquor license approval

Convenience store liquor license approved with conditions

Sales tax revenue shows strong rebound

City manager receives positive annual performance review

County spending moratorium remains in effect

County approves three-year, $150,000 grant for fairgrounds improvements

Cook Oil Bridge closed following inspection

Panhandle Public Health District plans for expansion

Council opts for new building for downtown plaza restrooms

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city council on Monday approved the construction of a new, free-standing restroom facility next to the 18th Street Plaza, selecting the option as the most cost-effective and durable solution for the downtown area. Architect Megan Hayward presented four options, with the new building estimated to cost $630,950, less than renovating the adjacent city-owned building at 1722 First Ave. The council favored the new construction for its ease of cleaning, reduced risk of structural complications and ability to be purpose-built for high public use. The project will be funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

New shade umbrellas approved for 18th Street Plaza

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Visitors to the 18th Street Plaza will soon have more protection from the sun after the council approved the purchase of four large shade umbrellas for $45,718. The 20-by-20-foot structures from Crouch Recreation will be permanently installed in lawn and concrete areas around the plaza to provide shade without obstructing views of the stage. Parks Director Matt Carpenter said the fabric tops can be removed in the winter and are warrantied against hail. The project is funded by the Oregon Trail Community Foundation from an account designated for plaza improvements, not general tax funds.

Auto Plaza gaming area gets liquor license approval

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city council recommended approval of a Class A liquor license for Auto Plaza, allowing the business to serve beer in its skill-game room. Owner Joe Hessler told the council the request came from customers who wanted to have a beer while playing the games. Hessler detailed extensive security measures already in place for the gaming permit, including 48 surveillance cameras, an ID scanner and a zero-tolerance policy for underage patrons. City Manager Kevin Spencer, who previously served as police chief, noted the business has a clean record and that the security for the gaming license already exceeds typical requirements for a liquor license.

Convenience store liquor license approved with conditions

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The new owners of the convenience store at 323 East Overland received a recommendation for a Class D liquor license, contingent upon creating a formal, written policy for checking identification. The council approved the application for the new ownership group of the convenience store after hearing concerns from the Police Department regarding sales to minors that occurred under the previous ownership. While the staff remains largely the same, the store’s manager assured the council that the employee involved in the prior incident is no longer employed and that all current staff have completed server training.

Sales tax revenue shows strong rebound

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city’s sales tax revenue is up by $123,000 over the same period last year, marking a strong start to the fiscal year, the city’s finance director reported to the council Monday. October’s collections were $75,000 higher than in 2024, an 11 percent increase, while November’s figures showed a $48,000 increase. The finance director noted that last year’s collections were down at this time, and the current rebound brings the city more in line with revenues from two years ago. The positive report was part of the October 2025 financial update, which also noted the city’s annual audit is scheduled to begin next week, significantly earlier than last year.

City manager receives positive annual performance review

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — City Manager Kevin Spencer received a broadly positive annual performance review from the city council Monday, with council members praising his financial oversight, collaborative work with other local entities and support for city staff. In a public discussion, council members highlighted successes such as managing the landfill partnership and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Council member Jerry Stricker offered constructive suggestions, including enhancing engagement with city boards and commissions and exploring a citizen’s budget advisory committee to increase public buy-in. Spencer thanked the council and credited his staff for the city’s successes. A review of Spencer’s contract is planned for a December meeting.

County spending moratorium remains in effect

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — A temporary moratorium on non-essential spending remains in place as the county continues to manage cash flow, the management accountant confirmed. The measure was implemented to ensure financial stability until property tax revenues for the new fiscal year are fully collected. The board will continue to monitor the county’s financial position before lifting the spending freeze.

County approves three-year, $150,000 grant for fairgrounds improvements

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds will receive $50,000 per year for the next three years for capital improvements after commissioners approved a grant from the county’s lodging tax fund. The Agricultural Society, which manages the fairgrounds, will use the funds for projects including adding restrooms to the Morton building and renovating the historic Sanford Hall. The grant requires a 50 percent match, meaning the fairgrounds must spend $50,000 of its own funds to receive the county's $50,000 each year. The Tourism Committee had recommended the three-year term after the fairgrounds initially requested a five-year commitment.

Cook Oil Bridge closed following inspection

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Cook Oil Bridge, located between Highway 26 and Spring Creek Road, has been closed to all traffic until further notice. Roads Superintendent Steve Wurdeman reported that recent bridge inspections revealed safety concerns that necessitated the closure. The bridge, which was posted with a three-ton limit, is slated for replacement during the winter of 2025-2026, when water levels in the canal it crosses are low.

Panhandle Public Health District plans for expansion

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — While some local government-funded agencies are facing cuts, the Panhandle Public Health District is preparing for significant growth, commissioners learned in a report. Fueled by increased state and federal funding, the health district anticipates expanding its staff by as much as 15 percent to 20 percent in the coming years. Much of the expansion is reportedly tied to new and expanded roles in providing mental health services across the region.

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