I always knew that when I was ready to start a family I wanted to raise my children in McCook. 

I wanted them to have the childhood I always dreamed of. A childhood where they could grow up with a tight-knit group of friends, ride bikes to the park, play sports and spend time with family. A childhood that would be enriched with the best values of small town Nebraska. 

I think all parents want that for their children - for them to live a better life than we have, for them to learn from our mistakes and for them to benefit from our hard work. 

So how do we do that? 

That question is one I’ve been struggling with from the moment my husband, Chandler, and I found out that I was pregnant with our first child. Now, a year after Oliver was born, I’m still trying to figure out exactly what I can do so that Oliver and his children can live the life that I dream of for them.

There’s an old Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

I think that quote speaks volumes to what we are currently doing in McCook. There are parents fighting for a new pool, community members working hard to build a new pickleball court, and high school students raising money for a drive-in movie theater to benefit not only themselves but others. 

Those are just a few of the things we can support so that our children and grandchildren have fulfilling childhoods…a childhood so memorable that when they’re ready to raise a family, they too want to return to McCook.

So where to begin?

I will admit that I am also guilty of raising concerns about our community online, but those posts only go so far. Getting involved in community organizations is hands-down the best way I have found to aid in creating a better community. 

If we want to see change, we have to work together to make a difference. 

One way I have found to be beneficial is going to community events, forums, and other learning sessions. While we may lament yet another meeting, this is how to stay in the know, to learn what is happening in our community and to figure out where you can help.

I am also grateful and fortunate to belong to some awesome, community-minded groups such as the McCook Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee, the McCook Chamber of Commerce Cordials, and the Crusin’ the Bricks McCook committee. These organizations work throughout the year to enrich the lives of community members through community events and projects. 

There are many additional organizations in our community, which are doing good work and are always looking for additional volunteers or new members. And no, you don’t have to sit through a meeting or vow to be a life-long member…just helping with one project or event will make an impact.

I will continue to dream about how to make Oliver’s childhood memorable and I will continue to work to make that dream a reality. And I encourage anyone else wanting to make a difference to get involved in our community so that we can all work together to make McCook an even better place to call home. 

***

Tricia Wagner is a busy mom to a one-year-old son, but still finds time to be an active member of the community including as a member of the McCook Community Foundation Fund.

By Ronda Graff February 11, 2026
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
By Ronda Graff February 5, 2026
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
By Ronda Graff February 4, 2026
MCFF Continues to Add Scholarships for Local Students
By Ronda Graff January 29, 2026
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
By Ronda Graff January 22, 2026
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.
By Ronda Graff January 22, 2026
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
By Amanda Engell January 9, 2026
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
By Ronda Graff January 9, 2026
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
By Ronda Graff December 22, 2025
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
By Ronda Graff December 22, 2025
Whether it is the hustle and bustle of the holidays or just every-day activities, it is good to remember that "this too shall pass."