Curtis takes important step for future

During the past half-century, those of us living in the Great Plains of America have become acutely aware of the problems faced by small towns and villages. With the shift of population to large cities, it has become harder and harder for rural communities to survive.

Because of that, the people of Curtis deserve recognition for their approval Tuesday of a half-cent sales tax to support economic development. It's a bold step, with the majority of Curtis citizens realizing that funds must be available when economic development opportunities arise. The strategy has worked particularly well in Gothenburg, which was one of the first towns in this region to use sales tax funds for development. As a result, Gothenburg was able to outbid McCook for a Baldwin Filters' plant in the early 1990s.

Curtis voters turned down a separate 1-cent sales tax for the community center, but they took an important step forward by approving the economic development plan. The rest of the area will be watching closely to see how well the economic fund works to attract new business opportunities to Curtis.

Community Improvement Meeting

Community representatives from Southwest Nebraska can get help with ideas this coming Monday, July 19. That evening, the Nebraska Community Improvement Program will host a conference at the von Riesen Library at McCook Community College. The session will last from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

At the meeting, area communities can get help in identifying and brainstorming about community projects, setting goals and getting community members and youth involved. Community Improvement Program meetings are also scheduled in Hayes Center and Eustis on Tuesday, July 20. The Hayes Center meeting will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the Eustis session will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

'Cool Breezes' at the Museum

With hot, humid days bearing down upon us, it's time to escape to the High Plains Museum for "Cool Breezes," an exhibit devoted to hand-held fans. The interesting exhibit brings back memories of an earlier era in American life when fans were necessary to wave off stifling heat.

"Cool Breezes" contains more than 100 fans, some dating back to the 1800s. Stop by. While enjoying the museum's air conditioning, you can reflect back on a time when hand-held fans helped keep Americans cool.