McConville dedicated his life to his town and the children

Once again, a vibrant young man has been struck down in the middle of life.

Jim McConville, who served the McCook community for 22 1/2 years as a police officer, died in his sleep late Tuesday or early Wednesday morning.

Jim's commitment to young people will live on as his legacy. In a May article in the Gazette, he explained his philosophy: "It is essential to establish trust and rapport with children at an early age. With the turmoil in today's society that can be a difficult task, but I feel we must never give up trying."

Jim lived his philosophy, taking a leading role in bringing the McGruff Crime Dog program to McCook. He will be sadly missed by his friends, family and law enforcement officers throughout Southwest Nebraska.

Culbertson on the move

Hats off to Culbertson, which recently established a Community Foundation. As a result of their affiliation with the Nebraska Community Foundation, Culbertson will have 502 (c) 3 status and gifts will be tax deductible.

The foundation is just one of the ways Culbertson residents are taking positive action on behalf of their community. Earlier this month, Culbertson hosted its first-ever Bloodmobile, with 24 donors coming forward to give blood.

More activities are upcoming. The town's residents will be banding together Sept. 14 for a community-wide garage sale. Also, Culbertson is working on a walking trail, as well as flag pole and directory cover projects for the cemetery. Way to go, Culbertson! Your united actions are an inspiration to other Golden Plains communities.

Needed: Jaycee members

At one time, McCook had one of the strongest Jaycee chapters in the state. For a number of years membership topped 100, and local members fulfilled leading roles on the state and national levels.

More important, the Jaycees accomplished many projects in their community, including the impressive baseball-softball complex in northwest McCook.

However, in recent years interest in the Jaycees has dwindled. It has been a struggle to get enough members to keep the charter activated. That needs to change. Young people between the ages of 21 and 39 need to step forward to bring the Jaycees back to McCook.

To get the movement started, young McCookites are asked to call Dodie Nickelson at (308) 530-4609 or Mike Nixon at (308) 534-6778. Call now.The Jaycees can help you learn leadership techniques, and, in the process, you and other Jaycee members will be helping the community.