Through the years, many people have had the dream of creating a lifesize sculpture which shows McCook's most famous citizen, George W. Norris, sitting on a park bench. The idea has enchanted several generations because it captures the essence of the man regarded as one of the greatest legislators in American history.

Sen. Norris was a great thinker. He contemplated things before he acted. And he often spoke of his love for Norris Park, which stood across the street from his McCook home.

In an eloquent and poignant way, placing Sen. Norris' likeness on a park bench would bring his philosophies and accomplishments alive.

That's why I'm honored today to inform you that the years of waiting are over: the sculpture of Norris on a bench is going to be created. The project is happening because of the shared vision of two sculptors, Gary Ginther and Jon Leitner. The talented pair, both graduates of McCook High School, will work together to create a lifesize bronze sculpture. It will be placed in the front yard of the Norris Home, located at 706 Norris Ave. in McCook.

After all the years of waiting, it's surprising how quickly the idea came together. Leitner and Ginther, who have studios a quarter of a mile apart on Trail 3 at Harry Strunk Lake, were chatting a couple of weeks ago about future projects. It was then that Jon came up with the idea of the Norris/bench sculpture. "What better time could there be," Jon mused. "This is McCook's 125th anniversary and Norris is the town's most famous citizen." Gary immediately agreed.

The next step was a visit with Duane Tappe, the site supervisor of the George W. Norris Home. Duane couldn't have been happier. He's been pushing for the same idea, and was elated that two sculptors with McCook roots were willing to take on the project.

So Duane went to work. In rapid fire order, he contacted the other members of the George W. Norris Foundation, who met in special session Tuesday to approve the Norris/bench project. The foundation members did so by unanimous vote, agreeing to sign contracts if details can be worked out with the sculptors and the Nebraska State Historical Society.

Tappe anticipates no problems in gaining approval. "I agree with Jon and Gary. It's the right time. It's the right project."

The George W. Norris Foundation will take on the major funding responsibility for the project, putting up the first $8,000 of the $24,000 project. The remainder of the money will be raised by soliciting 200 contributions of $125 each. Each donor will receive a miniature replica of the Norris bench sculpture. The sculpture contributors also will receive recognition at the dedication ceremony, scheduled Sept. 29-30 during McCook's year's Heritage Days Celebration.

For a project of this magnitude, it's going to take a major push to get the sculpture formed, detailed and cast in bronze by Heritage Days, which is only seven months away. But Ginther, Leitner and Tappe are confident they will meet the deadline.

"We've waited long enough," Tappe said. "It's time for this to happen."