Progress '04 is a picture of area pride

Like pictures? Then you're going to love the McCook Daily Gazette's 2004 Progress Edition. Using a pictorial format, the Gazette shattered all previous records for photographic content with a grand total of424 pictures in the Progress presentation.

And, better yet, the pictures came from all parts of the Gazette's circulation area, with photographers Connie Jo Discoe, Bruce Crosby and Gene O. Morris traveling more than 1,000 miles to snap shots of area progress.

Meanwhile, in McCook, the news photography team of Gloria Masoner, Dawn Cribbs, Michelle Walkenshaw-Herrera, Ronda Graff and John Mesh were canvassing the town in quest of Progress pictures and stories.

When she was not taking photos, City Editor Masoner designed and created the pages and covers for the edition.

"We're elated with the staff's work," Publisher Gene O. Morris said. "This is the first year for the photographic approach to the Progress Edition, and the entire Gazette staff -- news, advertising, design, production, printing, business and circulation -- responded in outstanding fashion. I couldn't be prouder of how they worked together as a team to produce the Progress Edition."

All of the efforts would not have been possible, however, without the participation of advertisers from throughout the area. The edition contains 186 advertisements proclaiming business and professional pride in this area and commitment to continued progress.

As you view the edition -- and read of the many accomplishments in this area -- you will gain renewed respect for the forward strides being taken in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas. Despite daunting challenges, business and professional firms are leading the efforts to improve conditions.

Of particular note -- in early 2004 -- are the excellent results being posted by three of McCook's leading employers: Valmont, Parker and the Work Ethic Camp. All are on the upsurge, with Parker and Valmont products in great demand, and the Ethic Camp reaching capacity for the first time in its existence.

The area also has been uplifted by the success of Timber Creek Homes in Stratton and the great promise of the soon-to-open Trenton Agri-Products plant.

Progress is an on-going process. In the Golden Plains of Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas, we're proud to say that individuals, organizations and businesses are united in the pursuit of excellence.

It is the Gazette's privilege to portray your progressive efforts in today's 76-page Progress Edition. Take time to enjoy the accomplishments of your friends and neighbors. We think you will enjoy the photographic journey.