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Norris tribute backers seek NREA support
LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Enthused by the editorial endorsement of the Omaha World-Herald, four backers of the REA Eternal Light Display appealed to the Rural Electric Association board of directors Tuesday to join in support of the creation of a proposed, always-illuminated light display in McCook.
The World-Herald's editorial, which appeared in the Tuesday edition of the state's largest newspaper, congratulated McCook and the George Norris Institute for pushing for the lasting tribute to rural electrification and to U.S. Sen. George W. Norris (1861-1944). Norris was a McCook resident who is regarded as among the greatest legislators in American history.
Appearing before the state's rural electric board were Dennis Berry, mayor of McCook; Tom Vickers of Farnam, former Nebraska state senator; J.T. Harris of Lincoln, Eternal Light national committee member; and Gene O. Morris, the project coordinator and originator of the REA Eternal Light idea.
The NREA board, representing public power-REA districts throughout the state, encouraged the REA Eternal Light advocates to go forward with their idea and asked that the display team keep the district and state boards and associations posted on the idea's progress.
The Nebraska Rural Electric Association members also encouraged the promoters of the REA display in McCook to take the idea to the national REA association.
The appearance before the NREA board was suggested by former U.S. Sen Ben Nelson, who is the national co-chair of the REA Eternal Light committee along with Dr. Gene Budig, former president of the American League of baseball.
Those wishing additional information about the REA display idea are urged to get in touch with Gene O. Morris at 308-340-5972 or