Suddenly, it's not summer

Seasons change, but rarely is the transition from summer to fall as pronounced as it was this year. After soaring to a record 100 degrees on the final day of summer, temperatures in McCook immediately moderated, dropping into the 70s for the first official day of autumn.

The change came just in time. All around the town and the surrounding countryside, autumn activities are taking center stage.

One of the biggest occasions is Heritage Days, which opened with the mixer Wednesday evening, then continued this morning with the George Norris Prayer Breakfast at the Heritage Senior Center.

Signs of fall were in evidence. Not only was there more suit attire, for both men and women, but political hopefuls were beginning to make their rounds. Jeff Tidyman, who announced his candidacy for the 44th District legislative seat Thursday night, was there, as was Larry Harvey, who is expected to announce his candidacy for the Legislature within the next two weeks.

Tidyman is an engineer who recently returned to McCook from active military duty. Harvey is an instructor at McCook Community College. They are the first announced McCook candidates for the position, joining Mark Christensen of Imperial and Bill Weaver of Beaver City in the race.

They are running to replace Tom Baker, who can't run for re-election because of the term limit law.

Political campaigning will also be evident in Saturday's Heritage Days parade. Five different candidates will be participating, including the Grand Marshal, Gov. Dave Heineman, who was a one-time McCook resident. Dave Kramer, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, also will be making a parade appearance, as will Jay Vavricek, who is running as a Republican candidate to replace Tom Osborne, who is giving up the seat to run for governor.

Mark Christensen, the legislative candidate from Imperial, will take part in the parade, as will representatives appearing on behalf of Tom Osborne.

Signs of the changing seasons are in abundance, including tonight's football game with Gering, the Heritage Days weekend, the Saturday afternoon alumni pep rally, the balloon blast, corn harvest and the first hints of leaves turning color. There's no question about it. Suddenly, it's fall, the most glorious of seasons.