Editorial

Local citizens respond to call for candidates

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

As has happened so often, citizens of this area are rushing to the support of McCook Community College and the Mid-Plains College Area.

Just hours after an editorial appeal for Mid-Plains board candidates, a series of calls were made to the Gazette publisher, expressing interest in filing for the board position being vacated by Harold Bennett.

Then, this morning, two of the citizens stopped by the newspaper office to express their interest in filing. Randall Datus, business manager for McCook School District 17, is preparing to put his name in the running for the District I spot, and Duane Tappe, administrator for Educational Service Unit No. 15, is considering a run for the at-large position on the Mid-Plains Board.

They may be the first of several candidates to seek election to the Mid-Plains College Area board. In the calls to the publisher, four other citizens were suggested as potential candidates. Those mentioned as possible candidates from District I were Bob Loshbaugh, Annette Eisenhart, Jerda Garey and Elizabeth Benjamin. Loshbaugh is a teacher at Republican Valley, and Eisenhart, Garey and Benjamin all have educational backgrounds

Whether one or more of the citizens file for the office is yet to be determined, but it is indeed encouraging that there is this much interest. McCook Community College has made significant contributions to this area in its 78-year history, and great opportunities exist for further growth in association with the Mid-Plains College Area.

Thanks to all for responding to the call for board service. It is imperative that Southwest Nebraska's interests be represented on the Mid-Plains' board.

Best Wishes to Women's Group

When three ladies stopped by the Gazette office Tuesday to announce the formation of a Women's Venture group, they were insistent that their names not be used in the news release.

Their reason? Because they want this to be a combined, cooperative effort to bring a new women's clothing store to the area. They do not want individual recognition ... they want to have women working together throughout the region.

The idea is a good one and the group -- officially known as Southwest Women's Venture LLC -- appears to be going about the project in the right way.

They have a budget, a business plan and a sales projection for the first year. And, even more important, the women are agreed they will not go forward until their investment goal is met. The ladies are headed in the right direction. We wish them well.

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