Omaha paper boosts state communities

As Nebraska looks to the future, we in McCook are honored to be put forth as an example of what not only can -- but is -- happening to uplift the state's communities.

Showing that are these words, which appeared this morning in the lead editorial in the Omaha World-Herald:

"Downtown McCook business owners from several generations stand as a notable example of Nebraska excellence. Through their energy and dedication, they have created a civic magic that has opened up new opportunities for their community."

The glowing words of praise were written by Geitner Simmons, the new editorial page editor of the World-Herald. He's been preparing to step into the job for several months, getting ready by touring the state to sit down face-to-face with community leaders. His visits included McCook, where he met with a room full of citizens at the Hormel Center for Business and Technology at McCook Community College.

You could tell that day he was impressed with McCookites' energy and enthusiasm. Simmons was dazzled as one proud citizen after another told of McCook's accomplishments in education, health care, business, industry and culture.

McCookites didn't know what to expect. The editor-to-be listened intently, taking notes and asking occasional questions about points of interest. Now, we know. Since taking over as editor of the editorial page, Simmons has launched a positive series about community accomplishments throughout Nebraska.

On consecutive days, he has written about the telecommunications network in South Sioux City, the turnaround of the state college in Peru, the locally-funded dialysis program in Alliance and, today, the downtown vitality in McCook.

The positive focus is exactly what Nebraska needs. While the media must report negative happenings -- to let the public know what problems need to be faced -- news providers cannot let this crowd out the many positive things that are happening in the state.

In we are to grow and prosper -- in our communities and statewide -- we need the inspiration of positive examples. Through essays such as the one about McCook's business district, Geitner Simmons is spreading the excitement about Nebraska's accomplishments and inspiring citizens to work for positive change.