McCook exemplifies the essence of a tight-knit, thriving community. In a world that sometimes seems to prioritize individualism, our town has a heartbeat that beats in unison with the spirit of our residents. The real heartbeat of this unity lies in the selfless acts of community involvement and volunteerism, which provide the muscle for McCook's growth and well-being...

Last month, I had the pleasure of taking a four-day bus trip across rural Nebraska with 19 Canadians, mostly from the Newfoundland/Labrador area. As part of the trip, the group visited Lincoln, Shickley, Red Cloud, McCook, Ogallala, the Calamus area and Albion to learn about tourism and economics and the link between the two...

As I enter my senior year at McCook High School, being a member of Youth Change Reaction has truly been a privilege and a one-of-a-kind experience during my high school career. As a freshman, I applied for YCR because I knew upperclassmen who were a part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s youth organization and they shared their great experiences. ...

We have often heard the phrase, “Life is what you make of it.” This is also symbolized in the story of the “dash,” commonly heard at funeral services, representing the years between birth and death. The “dash” truly represents, “Do all you can, while you can, as we are not guaranteed a tomorrow.”...

I come from a family of volunteers. My father, Leroy Leibrandt, served on the Red Willow County Fair Board for 42 years. My mother, Lois, worked the open class building at the fair, spent years as a volunteer at the McCook YMCA teaching water aerobics and volunteered many hours at the Helping Hand thrift store...

Since this summer marked my family’s 10-year anniversary in McCook, I figured it was a good time to reflect on my time here. When I moved here in the summer of 2013, I knew this was the place that we were supposed to be, but it wasn’t the place I wanted to be. My heart was set on someplace bigger, more metropolitan, with a Trader Joe’s, Indian Food, and a place to drink a cup of coffee and get some Wi-Fi at 9 p.m...

As part of my summer hometown internship with the McCook Community Foundation Fund Advisory Fund Committee and Nebraska Community Foundation, I was asked to write a “love letter” to the committee and the community. The letter is to not only sum up what I have learned and experienced the past few months, but also to share what I love about my hometown...

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...

A few weeks ago, residents and some members of the McCook Community Foundation Fund met to discuss how to attract people to McCook. To break the ice, those in attendance each had to name two positive attributes about McCook. Interestingly, none of the 15-20 people in attendance repeated ideas. And we all realized there really are a lot of positive things to list about our hometown...

As my final high school days come to an end, I look back on the past four years and realize how much I have changed, especially in the area of leadership. As a freshman, I tended to lead only by actions, which I still feel is important. But now that I am a senior, I have also found my vocal side of leadership...