Is it just me or does it seem like no topic is safe to discuss anymore?
Autumn officially began a few weeks ago and it’s my favorite time of year. I love the cool mornings, the changing leaves, and digging out sweaters and sweatshirts to hide the early arrival of my “winter layers.”
While it used to be a non-confrontational topic, even weather is now up for debate. Are those few days of unseasonal warm weather part of a bigger trend or a one-off event? Are wildfires man-made or mother nature resetting itself? Will the fashion police really tackle you to the sidewalk if you wear white after Labor Day?
Everything can be turned into a hot topic from whether to hold a high school dance to taking a vacation. It seems like everyone has differing views and there are more avenues than ever to share those views.
But at the end of the day, we need to remember that we have more in common than we have differences. And if you are wondering whether you should say something, whether you post something, whether you should share your viewpoint, answer this simple question: Are you acting out of love or out of righteousness?
We all love to be right. Personally, I don’t know anyone who enjoys being wrong. But changing your viewpoint or at least to be willing to listen and consider a different point of view is a step in the right direction of acting out of love.
This is nothing new. We should be acting out of love regularly but this is a great time to reach out to others even if you don’t share the same view on many issues.
Reach out to others in your community to see how they are doing or if they need anything.
Maybe it is a neighbor who can’t get to the grocery store for whatever reason. Your offer to pick up a gallon of milk and some bread may be what means that they have lunch the next day.
Perhaps it is an organization which has seen an uptick is usage and a decrease in volunteers. A couple hours a month of your timor could mean the difference between staying open and being forced to close.
Or maybe it is a friend who you’ve lost contact with or doesn’t have family to check with them on a regular basis. Don’t underestimate that a simple card, phone call or even an email can lift up their spirits.
There are plenty of opportunities to act out of love rather than righteousness. We just need to take that extra moment to be grateful for everything we have, to think before sharing a post or making a remark and to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes….even if they are white.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
