Something's up with the sewer problem

Something's up. Something serious. It has to do with McCook's wastewater treatment plant, and the threat of federal and state agencies levying massive fines.

The Gazette started getting wind of the story earlier this week when people in town told us of their difficulty in getting permits for sewer connections. What's up with that? Always before, sewer connections were a fairly routine matter, but now -- all of a sudden -- those planning plumbing projects are being put on hold.

Since hearing about the sewer permit difficulties, the newspaper's city editor, Gloria Masoner, and editor, Bruce Crosby, have been trying to find out exactly what's going on. They have contacted city officials, who say they are not permitted to comment because this is a pending legal matter. Gloria and Bruce have also attempted to get a statement from state and federal officials, but so far none of the agency officers has given an explanation. In fact --up to now -- the state and federal representatives have not returned phone calls from local media.

The Gazette will keep on the story until there is full disclosure of what's going on. Meanwhile, keep your eyes and ears open. It sounds as if this could have major repercussions for the city of McCook and the citizens of this community.

Field of Feelings

The college master planners may have had good intentions, but they set off a hornet's nest of emotions when they suggested that McCook Community College acquire Weiland Field and turn it into a site for future college expansion.

Unless you live here, it's hard to understand the depth of the community's devotion to the field, which has been heralded through the years as one of Nebraska's most picturesque high school football stadiums.

We can see why planners see the great potential of Weiland Field for college expansion. It's choice real estate, right in the middle of the otherwise connected campus. But, before the college board and administration goes forward with any attempt to buy Weiland Field, we hope they give long, hard consideration to other alternatives, including selective purchasing of available, nearby houses, and a shared parking arrangement with Kelley Park and the McCook Municipal Swimming Pool.

Are citizens being sentimental in their desire to save Weiland Field? You bet, but we believe tradition is important to any community worth its salt. Let's hope the college can find a way to expand the McCook campus without closing Weiland Field.