MCC offering golden chance for college hours

McCook Community College is one of those things we always seem to take for granted.

Unless something unusual happens -- such as the arbitrary, unilateral demotion of the facility to the "McCook Campus of Mid Plains Community College a few years ago -- most of us don't give the college a second thought.

But we should. A major resource for our entire region, the college is an important employer as well as a provider of education and training for traditional students as well as adult, "nontraditional" students.

Thanks to the generosity of donors over the years, and forward-thinking leadership, the college is poised to meet the challenges of the future. A planned activities center, using part of the city's Kelley Park, will be an exciting addition to an already beautiful campus, once funding and other details fall into place.

We've always felt that too many people ignore the possibilities a convenient local college offers. That includes anyone who has never completed a college degree, someone who wants to upgrade job skills, change careers or just find out more about a hobby. There's no better place to invest your time and money than into your own mind.

That's why we were excited to see a news release announcing that McCook Community College and North Platte Community College were offering "It's Free Night" from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

The event will include free refreshments, free give-a-ways and, best of all, a free three-credit hour class for new students or those who have not attended either campus within the last year.

Even if you can't make the class, you can take advantage of the free three-credit hour class offer if you are eligible. For more information, contact Kelly Rippen at (308) 340-0591, rippenk@mpcc.edu or Michael Driskell at (308) 530-7794. Or, log onto www.mpcc.edu to explore the possibilities.

Who knows? The college's free credit offer may open the doors to a whole new world for you.