Stop and enjoy the area vistas

The eastern sky was painted with beautiful shades of orange this morning, as the morning sun glistened through the clouds to create a spectacular sunrise in the High Plains of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas.

As the New Year begins, it was a reminder to all of us to take time to appreciate the scenic splendor which surrounds us. The beauty is there to behold. It's up to us to take time to view -- and feel -- the majesty of nature.

In this season of resolutions, it's not too late to add a declaration of appreciation for our surroundings, most especially this area's sunrises and sunsets. The sun's rise and fall in the McCook region are so stunning, that the late President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, once called them the most beautiful he had ever seen.

Plea for Street Funds

Nebraska's two largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln, are pleading with legislators for more money to help the cities improve their streets.

There's nothing wrong with that. Cities and towns of all sizes need to stand up for the needs of their citizens. However, Nebraska lawmakers should be extra careful when considering requests of this kind.

Towns throughout the state, including McCook and the other communities in Southwest Nebraska, have a great need for street improvements. Plans are already in place by the Nebraska Department of Roads to help towns and cities develop street improvement programs through one-year and six-year plans.

The highway department's policies and programs should be preserved and protected. By granting special requests, the legislature could throw the existing plans out of kilter, and tilt the balance in favor of larger cities.

Chamber Banquet

Over the years, the McCook Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet has become one of the community's most special events. This year's gathering will again rise to that status, as Nebraska's governor, Dave Heineman, will be the featured speaker.

Heineman is a former resident of McCook, having lived here in his childhood years when his father was the assistant manager of the JCPenney store.

The banquet will be at the McCook Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 14, beginning with a social gathering at 6 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $22 each, or at the door for $25. Awards will be presented and the Chamber's 2005 and 2006 presidents, Bob Bonge and Richard Stull, will report on community activities and priorities.