"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." I identify with that saying, probably because throughout my life I've been forced to do things over and over again in an attempt to get them right.

For that reason, I'm fully in support of the McCook community's effort to revive the Main Street program.

We need the Lied Main Street program, folks. We really need it.

I say that because the McCook area -- like rural regions all across the nation -- is facing greater challenges today than at any other time in its history. The main problem is that the McCook area and other rural communities are losing population because many of our young people are moving to cities in search of good-paying jobs.

We don't have to sit idly by. We can do something to help our communities.

One of the ways is the Main Street program. The downtown-centered program brought about dramatic changes in McCook when it was first tried from 1997 through 2001, but -- unfortunately -- lack of cooperation, coordination and money led to the collapse of the local Main Street effort.

Now we have a chance to bring the Main Street program back. The opportunity exists because the Nebraska Lied Main Street office has invested $10,000 to bring consultants to Grand Island and McCook to talk about the key principles of downtown renewal.

The working sessions in McCook will be Wednesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Community Building at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. Four separate sessions will be presented, with the focus on Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring.

The cost? You're not going to believe this. Because the state Lied Main Street office is footing most of the bill, the cost for participants will be only $10 per person. And -- for that 10 spot -- participants will not only get to take part in any or all of the four sessions, they will also be presented with take-home materials covering all the pertinent points.

Signing up is easy. All you have to do is call the McCook Chamber of Commerce office at 345-3200 to let them know you want to come. the Chamber's cordial staff will help you fill out the registration form and arrange for collecting the 10-buck fee.

All segments of the community need to get involved. I'm not only talking about downtown merchants and clerks, I'm also talking about anyone who cares about the McCook area-- be they young or old, male or female, or buyers or sellers of goods and services.

Because, you see, Main Street and the surrounding downtown district is the heart of the community, and the town and area will thrive only if the heart is healthy.

Yes, I know you have lots to do. That seems to be the norm in this fast-paced world we live in. But, darn it, rural citizens need to set some priorities, and I can think of very few things more urgent than a passionate, ongoing commitment to community building.

Let's do it right this time. Let's learn how the Main Street program can help the McCook area rise and shine, and, in the process, become a beacon of hope for the rural communities of America.

Cliff Lord: An Inspiration

After spending four decades on this earth, people turning 40 are often saluted in the Gazette with ads which proclaim: "Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's 40!"

Well, now, Cliff Lord of Indianola has brought new stature to 40-year milestones. Setting a standard which few others have achieved -- in this area or anywhere else -- Cliff has completed 41 1/2 years of service on the Indianola City Council.

It has been an amazing run for Cliff, who served 30 of those years as a City Councilman and 11 1/2 years as Mayor.

Looking back, it's awesome to behold all that has been accomplished during Cliff's years of service.

Here are a few of the highlights, compiled by Indianola's city clerk, Ona Malleck:

During the time Cliff was on the council (from 1965 to 2006), Indianola built the Indianola Housing Authority (Valley View); adopted a Comprehensive Plan; passed a Zoning Plan; regulated removal and disposal of solid waste; installed curb and gutter and paved almost 100 percent of Indianola's streets; installed a lift station for the east part of town; started a new lagoon project; built the swimming pool; added three subdivisions; installed sprinklers at the City Park and ball diamond; built the Community Building; spearheaded construction of the Fire/Rescue Facility; and joined with Bartley and Cambridge to form a new water system.

To quote the birthday ad writers, "Lordy! Lordy!"

Not only has Cliff given so much to his hometown, but, as a wonderful, added bonus, he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. He greets everyone with a smile and always has a kind word to share.

Thanks, Cliff, from all of us. You have uplifted Indianola and the surrounding communities of Southwest Nebraska with your kindness, generosity and dedicated service.