Mitchell is looking for a new city administrator, but has found its new police chief and 3 new officers.
Administrator Perry Mader has resigned effective April 7 to go to the opposite side of the state to become city manager in Nebraska City. Mader was one of two finalists for the southeast Nebraska position.
Hired this week as police chief was former Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Holcomb. Mitchell had been without a police chief since Kevin Krzyzanowski was terminated in January for “failure to meet department standards.
Joining the Mitchell police as full-time officers are Zachary Staman and Timothy Evans – who must now go through the multi-month Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy in Grand Island.
Former Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Deputy Dominic Peterson has been hired as a part-time officer.
Mitchell has struggled to recruit and retain police officers for years. Mayor Paul Murrell is optimistic a recent change to sign new officers to a 4-year contract instead of only 2 years will help.