If there is one thing which has changed for my family over the past few months, it is the reduced number of miles on our vehicles.
For the past decade, if we weren’t hosting a road race for the Republican River Fitness Series, we would be driving to a nearby state for an athletic event. With the exception of the lone McCook swim meet, every weekend in June and July would have been spent traveling to a regional pool for a summer swim meet. And there would have been one or two family vacations within driving distance…a distance which was determined by how far we could drive before nine people crammed in a vehicle lost their sanity.
During the summer, our house served as a home base, which we visited for a few hours, maybe a few days to do laundry and restock on supplies before heading out again.
But as all of those activities came to a screeching halt as they did for everyone and we suddenly had to find something else to do with our time.
While the radius of our travels is starting to expand with a trip to the Omaha Zoo or a canoe ride in Valentine, the majority of our time is still spent within 15 miles of home. Like a lot of people, we have taken this time to reconnect with what is available in our community and accomplished things we most likely would not have if not for this pandemic.
If there is a silver lining to these past few months (and who knows how long into the future), it has been the opportunity to rediscover your hometown.
Perhaps, it was a new-found appreciation for the restaurants who adapted to the closures and mastered carry-out in order to stay in business. Maybe it was intentionally shopping at local retailers, which are asked for donations throughout the year. Or maybe it was as simple as walking around your neighborhood, waving at your neighbors, and enjoying the peace and quiet we sometimes take for granted.
Possibly, you took things even further and got things accomplished that you wouldn’t have if not for this pandemic: How many decks were constructed or rebuilt over the past few months? How many gardens were planted for the first time in years? How many people painted nearly every room in their house, if not just to keep their kids busy? O.K. I just recounted everything my family did since March. But we aren’t alone. Judging by the pickup trucks which are loaded with 2x4s in the back as they pass me on my bicycle rides, the local hardware stores and lumber yards have been busier than usual.
And that is great to see. People are investing in their homes for the long-term and they are investing in their community to see it prosper into the future. And there is actually a term for this, which is used by the Nebraska Community Foundation: ABCD.
Developed by Dr. John McKnight, the letters stand for Asset-Based Community Development. The intent is to identify the assets of your community, rather than the weaknesses or needs, and to improve your community by enhancing your assets.
In other words, rather than looking for what is wrong, look for what is right and make it better.
Is McCook perfect? No. Is Southwest Nebraska or Northwest Kansas perfect? No. But there is a lot which is right. And there is a lot which can be made better if we just take a few minutes to rediscover and appreciate our hometowns.
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If you purchased COVID Cash this spring, don't forget to spend those funds at one of the 100 local businesses which accept the COVID Cash certificated. The program is coordinated by volunteers at McCook Christian Church and was funded by a grant from the McCook Community Foundation Fund.
You have until September 1 to use the certificates but this weekend during Crazy Days would be a great time to visit local retailers and show your support.
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.
