Deaths in Norfolk are felt in McCook

Although Nebraska is a large state -- spread out over more than 77,000 square mile -- it is amazing how closely connected the people are.

That is never more apparent than during times of tragedy. Such was the case Thursday morning as a result of the U.S. Bank murders which took place in Norfolk.

At this morning's Norris Foundation Prayer Breakfast in McCook, the killings were a frequent topic of conversation. During the talks, it was striking to hear the number of people from this area who have lived in Norfolk; have friends there; or have been there for visits and meetings.

Nebraskans -- no matter where they live -- are closely united. Because of this closeness, the horrible event in Norfolk hits hard and hits home. Our hearts go out to the families and friends in Norfolk, Humphrey and Stanton who lost loved ones in the terrible, senseless slayings.

A Song for Nebraska

To kick off the Cowboy Poetry and Song Jamboree, a new song about Nebraska was set to music and performed for the first time in public by Cactus Chris Buethe of Las Cruces, N.M.; Jean Sehnert of McCook; and Susan Stuart of Lincoln. The anthem, which launched a party at the Bieroc Cafe Thursday night, was a super send-off for the show which will take center stage tonight at the Fox Theater.

Cactus Chris wrote the song; and Jean wrote the music with the help and vocal accompaniment of her daughter, Susan. Listen for the song at tonight's show and request a replay at upcoming events.

The words are stirring. They make you proud to be a Nebraskan.

Tribute to the Harrs

What a nice honor it is for Don and Mitzy Harr to be chosen as Marshals for the 2002 Heritage Days Parade. It is especially fitting since this is the 50th anniversary of the start of Don's career at Harr Insurance Company, which had the distinction for years of being one of McCook's oldest businesses. Established in 1882 -- during the first year of McCook's existence -- Harr Insurance continued as a family-owned business until merging with McCook National Bank. The Harrs have served the community honorably and well -- Mitzy as an obstetrics nurse and Don as an insurance professional. Both also held key civic positions for their city, church, chamber of commerce and organizations such as Hospice and the Diabetes Association.

Congratulations! The honor of being named Parade Marshals is richly deserved.

A New Book on the Way

At this morning's Prayer Breakfast, it was publicly announced for the first time that Brent Cobb of McCook has edited and arranged a new book for the Norris Foundation. Called "Circle of Brightness: The Day the Lights Went on in Rural America," the book is a collection of stories submitted by residents of 17 states.

It tells of their remembrances of the day rural areas in America first received the benefits of electrification. The book will go to the printer next week. Be sure to reserve a copy. It is a wonderful account of the good that came about as the result of George Norris' efforts to create the Rural Electrification Administration.