Study shows big benefits of our college

We've always known that this area has been helped by the community colleges in McCook and North Platte, but it has been difficult to put a value on their contributions to the economy.

Now -- through economic research -- the community college area is attempting to show just how valuable the two-year educational program is. Their findings, newly released, reveal that the Mid Plains Community College area provides a 10-to-1 cost/benefit ratio. In other words, for every dollar of state and local tax money invested in the college area, there is a return of $10 over the next 30 years.

The research, done by CCbenefits Inc. of Moscow, Idaho, is based upon (1) $11 million in spending annually by the college in this area for salaries and supplies; (2) Money earned by working students during their attendance at the community colleges; (3) Increased earning by the students after completion of their studies; and (4) The fact that 92 percent of community college graduates remain in the state of Nebraska, and 78 percent remain in their local communities.

The last one -- staying home -- is the biggest factor. Not only do we get the benefit of having young people and adults stay around, but we gain further value from their education. According to the economic research firm, "The average earnings of an associate degree graduate is $37,982, (which is) 112.4 percent more than someone without a high school diploma of GED, and 34.9 percent more than a student with a high school diploma or GED."

Calling All Candidates -- As of Monday's night McCook City Council meeting, there had been no filings for the open council seat created by the resignation of Jerry Reitz. For those willing to take on the challenge, there's still time to step forward. The council -- now made up of Jerda Garey, Jim Kenny, Phil Lyons and Dick Trail -- has set a deadline of Sept. 10 for applications for council service.

Yes, the council is facing major issues regarding water and sewer problem. That's all the more reason for concerned leaders to step forward ... offering their services at a time of great need.

Treatment Plant Progress -- It's time to move forward. That's why we appreciate council action Monday night to approve a contract with W Design Associates of McCook and Jacobson Helgoth to design the city's water treatment plant. Even with the action, there is going to be a lot of pressure to get the job done on time, as only 18 months remain until the March 2006 completion deadline.