McCook man named MPPD manager

Clint Bethell

McCOOK, Neb. -- After looking nationwide for a new manager, the McCook Public Power Board of Directors chose a long-time, local employee, Clint Bethell, to be the REA district's new leader.

Bethell, who began his career with MPPD as an apprentice lineman in 2000, rose through the ranks in the ensuing years, becoming warehouse supervisor, purchasing and stores supervisor and Director of Engineering before being selected for the McCook REA's top management position.

John Scharf, president of MPPD's Board of Directors, announced Bethell's selection. John said, "The board is very confident in its selection of Clint as the district's manager. Clint is infinitely familiar with the district. The board looks forward to working with Clint as our new manager."

The McCook Public Power District serves just under 5,000 consumers in parts of six counties: Hitchcock, Red Willow, Frontier, Lincoln, Hayes and Gosper. The MPPD has 26 employees and serves the widespread district through 13 electrical sub-stations.

Bethell, who was born in Atwood and raised in McCook, graduated from McCook High School in 1994. Clint attended McCook Community College, where he majored in science and continued his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he studied biology.

Clint started on his electrical industry career path at Northeast Community College, where he enrolled in the utility maintenance course prior to joining McCook Public Power District in May of 2000.

Bethell, who is single, has a daughter, Ella, 5. It's an exciting time for Ella, too, as she entered kindergarten this week.

A motorcycle enthusiast, Bethell also enjoys hunting and fishing. He is a member of the Evangelical Free Church in McCook.

There were six applicants for the MPPD manager job. The board interviewed two finalists before selecting Bethell as the manager.

Bethell will begin his duties on Oct. 3, 2016. He will train with the current manager, Jim Florke, until Dec. 31, 2016, and will assume full management responsibility on Jan. 1, 2017.