Positive, ominous signs are apparent in new rural poll

One doesn't have to look far to find evidence to agree with the latest Rural Poll conducted by the University of Nebraska.

The 2007 poll by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources found that rural Nebraskans are generally satisfied with their small-town life.

Results of some 2,680 responses from the state's 84 rural counties said a majority say they're better than they were five years ago, that they expect to be better off 10 years from now, and most believe their communities have made positive changes in recent years.

Most rural Nebraskans rate their communities as friendly, trusting and supportive, according to the poll.

About two-thirds agreed with the statement "My community is very special to me," and 62 percent agreed with the statement, "I feel I can really be myself in my community.

We think so to.

It was apparent at Indianola's Old Settlers Day, last weekend, for example, and will at Danbury Doins' this weekend. County fairs generate that feeling as well, as will McCook's Heritage Days next month and dozens of other community celebrations around the region throughout the year.

That doesn't even count hometown sporting events, when community and school spirit combine to create something really special.

We can't rest on our laurels, of course.

The same poll found that at least a third of respondents were dissatisfied with entertainment, shopping, restaurants, streets and roads, arts and cultural activities and local government.

And, even in services and amenities with generally high marks, the level of satisfaction has dropped over the last 10 years.

For example, only 23 percent of respondents are satisfied with mental health services, and only 31 percent feel daycare services are satisfied, both down from previous years.

Even more ominously, younger respondents were more likely to be dissatisfied with their community's services -- 60 percent of those 19-39 were unhappy with entertainment options, compared to 28 percent over 65.

That's something we need to work on as rural communities. It's hard enough to keep young people in small rural communities, let alone attract outsiders.

The future, of course, belongs to our younger residents, and it's up to them, as well as the rest of us, to make our town an enjoyable, fulfilling place to live.