Phases in Life Bring New Appreciation

By Tricia Wagner

Growing up in McCook, I always believed that attractions and events were what would bring me back to my hometown after college. While I still enjoy those things, my perspective has drastically changed over the last two years and especially this past year.

My son Oliver turns two at the end of June and with that milestone quickly approaching, I’m taking a step back to be grateful for the great life we have in Southwest Nebraska.

One thing the 21-year-old me never considered was the importance of childcare. But the moment I found out we were expecting our first child, I felt immense pressure to find good, trustworthy childcare.

Oliver spent the first year of his life at an in-home daycare that gave me confidence he was safe and well cared for while I spent my weekdays working outside the home. Then, as life tends to do, my schedule became more unpredictable and I felt it was time to move to a childcare center with longer hours.

To be honest, the thought of moving Oliver from one place to another terrified me. He had a great provider, he was comfortable where he was and he had made friends. But we needed to move to a larger provider with a wider range of hours. Fortunately, McCook has addressed the childcare situation recently and I was able to find another outstanding child care provider.

But finding new childcare turned out to be one of the lesser stressful parts of the change.

To put it mildly, the transition was rocky and I was questioning my decision to send him somewhere new. Anyone who has experienced the first day of a new daycare knows the feeling. But once Oliver - and to be honest, myself - gave it a fair chance, I knew it was the best decision for him and for our family. He grew in more ways than I thought possible and quickly. His speech improved, he started to feel more comfortable in new surroundings, and overall it was a great move for our family.

Childcare is so important to us and other working families in our community. That is something McCook is doing well. I’m very thankful for the providers we have and especially the ones we have been fortunate enough to utilize for Oliver.

Another thing I didn’t appreciate or utilize often as a student are the fairgrounds. But I do now.

Oliver is all about tractors, horses, cows, trucks, and trailers, so we spend a lot of time going for walks through the Red Willow County Fairgrounds because there is always something happening. Our favorite time of the week is when trailers start to arrive on Wednesday or Thursday for the weekend events. Our path to and from daycare or the park includes strolling through the fairgrounds to see the animals.

Which brings me to the parks. McCook has an abundance of parks and walking trails that we frequent often. We are so fortunate to have a relatively walkable and bikeable community with destinations such as Norris Park and Kelley Park. My family’s current favorite activity is biking to the park on the weekends and spending time outdoors as much as possible.

Honestly, there’s so much we have to be grateful for in our community. McCook has provided my family with childcare we can trust, activities my family can enjoy together and the ability to enjoy the outdoors safely. Nothing could’ve prepared me for this season of life, but I’m so glad that I get to do it here, in McCook, Nebraska, where I know Oliver is going to continue to have a great childhood.
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Along with serving as the secretary for the McCook Community Foundation Fund, Tricia Wagner is involved throughout the community, raising a beautiful family and doing her part to make McCook an even better place to call home.

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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.