West Central drops grant support after social‑media posts; Lincoln County votes to end pass‑through for Las Menonitas grant

West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD) announced it will stop providing grant-writing assistance to Las Menonitas Community Advocates (LMCA) after LMCA representatives posted social‑media messages celebrating the murder of an individual, and the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to stop serving as the pass‑through entity for an application tied to the group.

The decision by WCNDD was described at the Sept. 15 Lincoln County meeting by Edward Dunn, executive director of West Central Nebraska Development District. "The decision by the West Central Nebraska Development District to discontinue grant writing assistance for Las Menonites community advocates ... was not reached lightly nor was it reactionary," Dunn said. He told commissioners WCNDD had invested more than a year preparing a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) tourism development application and coordinating with Lincoln County as the proposed pass‑through entity.

Dunn told the board that, after the social posts, WCNDD concluded it could not continue a public partnership that would vouch for LMCA. "By celebrating violence and promoting hate, LMCAs representatives undermine the very values on which such partnerships must be built," he said, adding that the organization must protect credibility with state and federal funders.

LMCA Executive Director Addie Fernandez addressed the board and said she had posted on her personal social media after the incident and later posted on the nonprofit’s page. "If we cannot partner with West Central for this project, I completely understand their decision. I respect their decision," Fernandez said at the meeting. Fernandez said LMCA would pursue internal reforms and is "open to suggestions" and "wants what's best for North Platte."

Commissioners discussed the effect of WCNDD's withdrawal. The board’s chair (identified in the record as Becky) said the county had participated in the grant process, but that without West Central’s involvement Lincoln County could not continue as the pass‑through. Commissioner comments urged LMCA to reorganize its board, adopt clearer communications policies and accountability measures, and return to the county when those steps are completed.

Commissioner [motion recorded in transcript] moved that "Lincoln County cease being the grant funding pass‑through entity for the agreement with Las Menonitas." The motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The board’s roll call returned unanimous aye votes among commissioners present.

WCNDD said it delivered a formal letter to LMCA explaining the decision and that the organization had received later statements and an apology from an individual involved, but WCNDD said those actions came after it had concluded the partnership could not continue. Dunn said future collaboration is "not off the table" but would be contingent on demonstrated organizational reform, including written communication policies and clear accountability for leadership conduct.

Sheriff Jerome Kramer and other community members urged separation between LMCA and other local nonprofits that serve similar populations. Kramer clarified that Hope Esperanza — another nonprofit referenced by speakers — is not affiliated with LMCA and should not be conflated with LMCA’s controversy.

Several LMCA supporters spoke at the meeting, including Brian Dobbins, LMCA youth director, and community members who emphasized LMCA’s work with children and families. Dobbins said the group will keep working on programs for local youth and community needs.

Why it matters: The decision halted county support for a CDBG tourism development application that had been advanced by WCNDD and Lincoln County and that sought state funding administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED). WCNDD said no CDBG funds had been awarded, and it had not received notice of award; it had been responding to technical questions from NDED when the withdrawal occurred.

Discussion vs. decision: The board’s action was a formal decision to cease acting as a pass‑through for the LMCA application. Commissioners and WCNDD framed the step as protecting public funds and institutional credibility rather than as a judgment on LMCA’s programs; LMCA leaders said they will pursue reforms and seek to continue the project if they meet conditions described by WCNDD.

The board asked WCNDD and LMCA to continue dialogue, and several commissioners said they will help facilitate a path forward if LMCA implements the requested organizational reforms.

Ending note: WCNDD said it will consider future collaboration if LMCA demonstrates "meaningful organizational reform" (Dunn’s words). LMCA leaders said they intend to reorganize and seek alternate partners if needed; the county’s decision removes Lincoln County from its role as the grant pass‑through until those conditions are met.