City approves Big Mamou liquor permit, seeks more training for Shopko

The Kimball City Council approved one liquor license and delayed one while seeking more training at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Dedra R. Murray requested a liquor license for the Big Mamou Steakhouse, which was approved. After that, an application for a liquor license renewal came in from Shopko Hometown #700, from manager James E. Larson Jr. The city council had some concerns about whether or not Shopko had made sure its employees had obtained the proper training concerning checking for identification when selling liquor.

The council asked that Shopko return to the council after employees completed training and had more information about whether or not a manager on the premises would have the liquor license or if it would be a manager at the corporate office. Since Shopko’s liquor license remains current, the store agreed to the city council’s request.

The council reappointed Roger Wynne to the Housing Agency Board and appointed City Councilman John Morrison as the city’s representative to the Panhandle Area Development District Board of Directors. The council also moved to appoint Wilson Bowling, the city’s economic developer, as the alternate to this representative position. This motion was approved.

Daniel Ortiz then gave the city administrator’s report, which consisted of another update on the meetings he attends concerning the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. The update confirmed that no final decisions have been made and there has been no decision on how to offset the agency’s deficit. However, Ortiz said it looks like customers will take a hit. Ortiz said there are more meetings to attend and he will give updates as they become available.