McCook Daily Gazette: Op/Ed Column: A look back at tragedy, triumph of 2007 (12/31/07)

Before we surge forward into the future, let's take a look back at the events of 2007 in McCook and the Golden Plains of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas.

In many ways, it was a very good year. In other ways, it was a time of terrible happenings.

First, let's talk about the good stuff ... the occurrences that uplifted our lives and opened the doors to future opportunities.

As far as the impact on this region, there's no question what had the greatest overall effect. That development -- which extended throughout 2007 -- was the best year for agriculture in this area's history.

Prices were at peak levels and yields for wheat, corn and milo were outstanding. Added to that, livestock remained profitable, producing a flow of cash that uplifted the area economy.

Meanwhile, in McCook, voters united to extend the sales tax for ten more years, thereby ensuring that city improvements like the $550,000 J Street paving project will continue in the future. In addition, the local voters gave approval to a half-cent sales tax for economic development, giving a kick start to projects like the Keystone Hotel renovation.

The Keystone project is off to an impressive beginning as the U.S. Department of Commerce has given approval to a $1.5 million grant to fund half the cost of the improvement.

More projects are on the horizon according to announcements in 2007. The City of McCook is taking the lead in plans for an $8.8 million U.S. Army Reserve Center, which is proposed on a 37.6 acre site on the south side of the airport property. And, across town, McCook Community College has launched efforts to build an event center at a cost of more than $9 million.

When combined, building improvements in 2007 have already added several million dollars to the area's valuation. Topping the list is the ethanol plant in Cambridge, which is in its final stages. McCook also saw a surge of activity in 2007, with projects like Lifetime Eye Care, U-Save Pharmacy & Medical Supply, Klein's Motor & Electric, the East Ward condo remodeling, the $340,000 McCook Public Power tower and TJ's Family Fun Center updating the community's business horizon.

While building for the future, McCook celebrated its heritage in 2007, hosting a series of events in observance of the town's 125th anniversary. Starting with the Party on the Bricks and concluding with the McCook Governor's Ball, the 125th celebration, officially known as the Quasquicentennial, featured the dedication of the life-size sculpture of George W. Norris, sitting on a bench in front of the Norris Home.The realistic bronze likeness of the senator was created by two McCook High School alums, Gary Ginther and Jon Leitner.

Let us also take time today -- on the final day of 2007 -- to remember those we lost during times of tragedy in 2007.

The entire region was shaken by the loss of Sgt. Randy Matheny, the 2004 McCook High School graduate who lost his life in Iraq as the result of a roadside bomb explosion. For those in this area, Randy symbolizes the sacrifices this nation has made in the fight to restore freedom in the far-away land.

Let us also take time to remember the accident victims in this area -- many of a young age. In a tragic six-month period, between May and October, we were saddened by the deaths of Christopher R. Botsford; Clayton L. Pierson; Jonathan N. Peterson; Nick O'Dea; Jesse Randolph; Ryan Ridlen; and Kasey Warner. And it was not only the young who perished in accidents: adult residents also lost their lives in accidents which remind us of the peril of travel, especially in times that roads are covered with snow and ice.

Weather was a continuing nemesis for area residents in 2007, starting with the tree-wrecking ice at the first of year and extending to the snowstorms this month. As we prepare to celebrate the New Year, snow and ice continue to cover the ground. Hardest hit during the year were residents of Hayes and Chase counties, who were inundated with soaking rains and lowland flooding. Some families were marooned for days while roads were being repaired.

Definitely, it can be said that 2007 was not an ordinary year in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas. It was a year filled with both sadness and success. May we live in lasting tribute to those that are no longer with us as we do our best to make this area and this world a better place.