With school cancelled and the snow piling up last week, my kids threw a half-dozen sleds into the back of our pickup truck. The sleds clattered as they landed on top of the ice skates, cross-country skis and snow-shoes already resting in the truck bed.
Yes, I travel with that many toys during the winter because you just never know when an opportunity may present itself such as a frozen pond, XC tracks already carved into the snow or fresh powder which must be traversed.
After grabbing their friends, we headed to McCook’s traditional sledding hill at Kelly Park. There were already a dozen kids on the hill - slipping, sliding and literally just falling down the hill. There were debates about who would sit in front on the sled or which type of sled was best suited for the conditions. But more than anything, there was laughter and squeals of glee filling the air.
Aside from a dad snapping a picture on his phone, there wasn’t an electronic or a digital screen to be found. Instead, the kids were enjoying what was naturally provided to them. They were enjoying where they were planted. They were enjoying the opportunity. In their eyes, this was perfection: no school, outside playing with friends, perfect snowy conditions which seem to be hit-and-miss in our area.
Yet, many of us find it easy to lament our cold, snowy weather, staying inside while we await ideal spring conditions. It is popular to count down the days until summer arrives and the summer sun warms the air.
There are those who wistfully wish to sit on a beach for days on end. But let’s not forget about those little annoyances like the sand which gets in each and every crevice and the scorching temperatures during the summer. Meanwhile, we have access to beaches and lakes, just on a smaller scale but yet just minutes away which can be enjoyed year-round.
There are those who dream of weeks in the mountains - myself included. But let’s not forget about those little annoyances like traffic jams, higher costs of living and let’s not forget about avalanches. Instead, we create our own fun but taking up cross-country skiing, going for a walk in the snow and appreciating - rather than cursing - the seasons we are blessed with.
Just because we may not think it’s perfect outside, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Actually, it seems that less than ideal locations spend more time outside. You will see people huddling around heat-lamps and enjoying each other’s company or bundled up from head to toe and savoring a mug of coffee.
We need to learn to embrace what some may consider less-than-perfect conditions, but what makes others of us so giddy that we jokingly worry about our safety.
And let’s remember, there is nothing we can really do about the weather. And if we did, what would all the farmers and coffee clubs talk about, much less alleviating those awkward silences with a stranger in the elevator? So like everything in life, we can’t wait for perfect; we must embrace what we already have.
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On a personal note, I would like to thank all of those living along the Kelly Creek walking trail who ignore my cross country friends, Candy and Travi, and myself as we slowly slog along on our skis, as well as those come out on their back porch and cheer us on, especially Don Harpst.
And speaking of the walking trail, this is a perfect example of people taking advantage of our assets and which has the potential to be even greater. The city of McCook did a great job of getting the trail plowed within a day of our recent snowstorm, making it accessible for all. If and when we expand the trail system in McCook, we will be on our way to making McCook an even better place to call home.
Most likely, we aren't going to be good at something at the start. But that shouldn't stop us from trying.
August 2025 Volunteer of the Month Bruce McDowell can be found walking around McCook for his health, to be helpful or maybe even attend a meeting.
It takes work and effort to be social but its vital to our community.
McCook's young people are shaping their hometown through a various projects.
MCFF Summer Hometown Intern Natalie Roberts shares how her perspective on McCook changed over the past few months.
With the McCook Aquatic Center closing soon for the season, another tradition - Mr. Bill and his 25-cent snow-cones - will likely be coming to an end soon too.
McCook among five Nebraska communities in Revitalize and Thrive Program
Getting Outside of National Night Out Nearly everyone can tell you their last interaction with the police or the fire department. And unfortunately because of the nature of the organizations, it is usually not at a positive moment. My last contact with the McCook Police Department was just a few weeks ago, when I was pulled over on B Street in McCook…on my scooter. I pulled into the wrong lane when making a turn, which is illegal. But in my defense, it was an act of self-defense to just get through the intersection of East B and Sixth streets alive. Since the drivers haven’t seen a stop-light since Holdrege, cars and semis regularly run the traffic light, which makes me a wee bit vulnerable as I pass through the lanes. I got off with a warning but the true punishment were the texts throughout the day from everyone who saw me with my scooter and the police officer. Since most exchanges with police and fire are not on good terms, National Night Out was created to have an evening of positive interactions, to remind the public that the police and fire departments are just normal people, doing their jobs, looking out for their friends and neighbors, trying to create a safe community for everyone. National Night Out is designed to simply join your friends and neighbors for an evening of fellowship and fun. It is an opportunity to meet local law enforcement, creating safer and more caring neighborhoods. McCook is joining thousands of other communities across the country in hosting National Night Out, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. Planned for Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. in and around Norris Park in McCook, the night includes a bike parade, a walk, awards for bike decorating, desserts and more. In other words, it is simply a block party to hang out. Numerous organizations have come together to make the evening possible. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the McCook Rotary Club are hosting a bike parade that starts at 6 p.m. Linda Maiden with State Farm, a bicycle helmet advocate, will also be in Norris Park. The streets around Norris Park will be shut down to provide a safe area to ride, as well as more space to cruise around the block. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, roller skates or anything on wheels. This could mean streamers, pompom balls, markers or even the old classic - playing cards in the spokes of your wheels. Some supplies will be available at the park for use if you show up and realize you are the most underdressed person at the party. If your bike has an inch of dust on it, this is a great time to get it out, wipe it off and get it rolling. And if your bike needs minimal fixes like a flat tire or a brake adjustment, bike tools will be on hand along with myself and my hubbie, who know just enough about bike repair to be dangerous but did manage a 300-plus mile bike ride last week so we must be doing something right. But let’s say you don’t have a bike or biking isn’t your cup of tea? Then you are still encouraged to join the “Walk in the Park,” hosted by Community Hospital. Designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle, walkers will stroll around the park and the neighborhood at whatever pace you feel like with strollers and dogs on leashes welcomed. And perhaps most importantly, there will be a chance to meet members of the McCook Police and Fire Department, getting to see police cars and fire engines close-up in a non-emergency manner, always the best way to see them. And if the weather cooperates, there may be a fire hose, water and spraying involved. If you have been at the Culbertson Fourth of July parade, you know it is up to you to stay out of the line of fire if you want to remain dry. We all have excuses for why we don’t want to go out at night, especially after a long day at work. But National Night Out in McCook on Aug. 5 is a great reason to get out your bicycle and lace up your walking shoes. Hang out with your friends, get to know your neighbors and meet your first responders. That is what makes our communities just a little bit better.
Judy McCune named July 2025 McCook volunteer of the month
Joyce Anderson named June 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
