Community grateful for couple's work

During their 17 years in McCook, Ken and Mary Wellman made the community a better place with their active involvement in civic, school and economic development activities.

Because of their contributions of time and effort, the popular couple's many friends had mixed emotions last week when they heard the Wellmans were moving to Lincoln. On one hand, we are sad to see the Wellmans go. On the other, we are grateful for all they did for the community in the years between 1987 and 2004.

The list is a long one. Ken has served as president of the Hillcrest Foundation Board and the Bison Boosters. During his years with the Boosters, he joined with Tom Buresh to form the McCook High School Foundation. In addition, he served as a member of the McCook Industrial Development Corp. and is currently president of the Heritage Hills Golf Course board.

Mary has also been active in community life, serving as a member of the board of the YMCA and as a member of the Parish Council of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She also served as the state representative for the Nebraska Women's Amateur Golf Association, and was instrumental in attracting the 2005 Nebraska Four-Lady Scramble to McCook.

The Wellmans' three children -- Bob, Lisa and Joe -- all graduated from McCook High School, and Ken has kept active in school activities, giving color commentary for high school sports on KICX radio.

The move to Lincoln was not only unexpected for the McCook community; it was unexpected for the Wellmans as well. An Edward Jones' office in Lincoln became available when one of Ken's colleagues, Steve Wolf, was killed in a motorcycle accident.

"We will always have strong ties to McCook," the Wellmans said, but they were motivated to move to Lincoln because that is where their family is. "The hardest part will be leaving my clients," Ken said. "Over the years, I have grown to know them so well. It was more than a business relationship. It was a friendship."

Bon voyage, Ken and Mary. We are sad to see you go, but are grateful for your active involvement in community life during your years with us.