The Central-Nebraska Packing Company of North Platte politely but firmly rejected this reporter's request to visit it.

ECONOMIST: From plain to plate

Up next, we'll take you to North Platte, Nebraska, where a battle was fought over taking federal stimulus money.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'

Last summer, the North Platte River was running high near Douglas, Wyoming.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at the National Peace Officers�� Memorial Service | The White House

The next day I follow a US Airways Philly-bound commuter into the sky and get ready for 11 more hours of flying, determined to make North Platte, Nebr.

FORBES: Digital Rules

That's what happened to a little more than half a million dollars for the public housing authority in North Platte, Nebraska, a city about halfway between Denver and Omaha.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'

Both sides now from North Platte.

CNN: Transcript of May 'CNN Money Summit: Money & Main St.'