Editorial

College, community both winners in facility donation

Thursday, November 19, 2015

"I love it when a plan comes together."

That catch-phrase by Col. John "Hannibal" Smith on the old "A Team" television series applies in the real-life donation of McCook's old Elks Club on East Seventh.

Wednesday night, owners Perry and Vicky Case officially donated the property to grateful Mid Plains Community College officials, who will put the property to good use.

"MCC has basically been landlocked," MPCC President Ryan Purdy said in today's release. "So for us to be able to expand our facilities within walking distance of campus is huge."

It will take time to finalize plans, and the facilities need to undergo renovation, but they'll enhance many aspects of the college's educational efforts -- athletics, partnerships with business and industry as well as the public school system and technical programs.

The donation also reinforces the Cases' position on the list of private citizens who have done much to make McCook a great place to live.

They took over an important community facility when changing demographics and declining membership made it impossible for the Elks Club to keep it open. As a private business, it continued to host many community events in the intervening years, but the time finally arrived to find the long-term future McCook Community College offers.

The 25,000-square foot, two level building is surrounded by what was the Broken Tee Par 3 9-hole golf course, and long before that, the Elks golf course.

Perry Case said it was always their goal to return the facility to community use, and it's being done without any strings.

"Whatever you decide to do with it, we'll support it," he told the Board of Governors Wednesday night.

Thanks to the donors and the college for making this transition possible. We can't wait to see how the beautiful building and grounds are used to help make a better life for the children and grandchildren of our community.

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