Putting out the welcome mat

Anyone who doesn't think sports has an important impact on our community just isn't paying attention.

Last weekend's State Prep Tournament, hosted by the McCook Rebels, is just the latest example.

Twenty teams in four divisions played dozens of games over three days, with only a few games canceled because of rainy weather. Figure a minimum of one or two family members or fans for each of the players on those twenty teams, and it's easy to see why the local motels were full and restaurants were humming. More than a few of the out-of-town visitors were heard making plans to visit unique local dining establishments that aren't duplicated elsewhere.

Add in the Oilfield Classic over the weekend, the western Nebraska women's golf tournament under way in Cambridge, today's Midget League All-Star baseball games and countless other sporting activities, and you find a summertime recipe that includes everything but boredom.