The path of progress: Celebrating growth and innovation

The longtime Librarian of Congress and Pulitzer Prize winner Daniel Boorstin once wrote, “You can’t find your way if you don’t know where you are.” It’s a widely-recognized truth that applies equally to applications as fundamental as map reading and accounting, to strategic planning in business and community activities. Before we know where we are going, we need to take stock of where we are.

At the McCook Gazette, we have a long-established tradition of doing just that. Each year, we assemble a collection of stories in our “Progress Edition” that chronicle the past year’s advances in our business, government, and civic lives. We do so to take stock of our achievements, but always with an eye toward the future.

This year, Southwest Nebraska in general, and McCook, in particular, have much to crow about. We have new construction taking place at a level not seen in years: a new outdoor swimming facility, a YMCA project underway and of course, a new Sports Complex in development that will encompass much more than sports. 

McCook Community College has a new east campus and the effort to update the Junior High and High Schools is far from over. 

We have a newly energized Chamber of Commerce and an active Economic Development Corporation that’s driving residential construction, an expanded industrial park and always laying the groundwork for future development.

Advances in our cultural lives range from a nationally recognized rodeo team to a growing art scene in our downtown corridor – and much is being driven by a new generation of active, engaged and forward-thinking philanthropists.

It’s clearly an exciting time to be in Southwest Nebraska.

 We invite you to share your story with us. Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or community organizer, we want to hear about your achievements, challenges, and plans for the future.

As we prepare for our upcoming Progress Edition, we invite organizations to share their accomplishments, milestones, and future goals with our readers. This is an opportunity to highlight the progress you’ve made over the past year and the impact you’ve had on the community.

We welcome a brief summary (approximately 200-500 words) detailing your organization’s key achievements, including any notable awards, recognitions, or significant milestones. Additionally, we encourage you to share your vision for the upcoming year – goals, plans, or initiatives that will shape your organization’s future. To help tell your story visually, feel free to include photos, graphics, or other visual elements that illustrate your journey.

Submissions can be sent via email to editor@mccookgazette.com with the subject line “Progress edition submission.” The deadline for submissions is Monday, Feb. 17.

We look forward to showcasing the hard work and dedication of organizations like yours as we celebrate another year of progress in our community.