Supporting and empowering our youth is a topic that should never far from the surface for our community.
From grants for youth programs to scholarships to youth organizations, young people are a priority for the McCook Community Foundation Fund. But for many years, there was something missing...making young people feel like they should return to our community and make an impact.
Beginning in 2014, McCook High School graduates received a full-sized mailbox to remind them of home. After three years, the gift switched to reusable mugs and glasses since they were a little easier to take to college than a legal-sized postal box. In an attempt to stay hip and relevant, MCFF gave out portable chargers to the Class of 2020, encouraging them to “Take the Power of McCook with You.”
While the gift may have changed, what remained the same over the years was the message given to the high school graduates: We want you to return to McCook.
When they receive their gift during graduation practice, the high school seniors are encouraged to stay in McCook or eventually return to their hometown. Former MHS grads who have made the conscious decision to return to their hometown share why they chose McCook as their home. Over and over, the speakers literally say: “We want you to return to McCook.”
And that is an important first step. People, especially young people, need to feel like they are wanted. It may seem obvious, but I’d like every parent, employer, community member to ask themselves, “Have I ever asked a young person to move back to McCook? Have I ever told a young person that I want you to move back home?”
That is an important start, but it’s the next step where we need to make improvements. While we may “say” we want young people to move back to McCook, what are we “doing” to encourage young people to move home and make them feel like they are making an impact?
Are we giving them the tools to start a business or become an entrepreneur? Are we encouraging them to get involved in local organizations? Are we giving them responsibilities in the community by letting them serve on boards and committees? Are we giving them authority to make decisions regarding funding sources?
I actually began this column the day after the election, when we had selected new local officials. But I needed a couple weeks to let the “idea breathe.”
I want to give a personal shout-out to Dawson Brunswick, who is the same age as my oldest son. It takes a lot of courage to run for political office in the first place. It takes even more courage to run when one of the “knocks” against you is something you can’t even control - your age.
While no candidate is perfect, one thing that was said over and over was that he lacked experience or that he was too young. But ask yourself, how are our young people supposed to get experience if we don’t give them the opportunity to be involved? If we don’t give them the chance to make decisions? If we don’t invite them to serve on boards and committees?
An oft-repeated mantra of the Nebraska Community Foundation when it comes to welcoming new leaders (young or old) is “Don’t move out, move over.” This means that older people should continue to contribute to the organization with their wisdom and guidance, but they should be willing to give up their seat at the table for a younger - or different - voice.
Don Harpst is a great example of someone who is actively involved in the community. He quietly offers insight and guidance, but then sits back and lets the younger people make the decisions. Of course, there aren’t many people older than Don who are still as active, so everyone is “young” to him.
If we want people to choose to move back to McCook, we must be willing to pay more than lip-service to the idea. We must be willing to entrust them with responsibilities. We must be willing to trust them to make the right decisions. We must be willing to move over and let them make an impact on our future.
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
