Congratulations on settlement of bleacher flap

It's good to see that the county fair board and the bleacher company have agreed upon a plan to resolve the bleacher dispute at the Kiplinger Arena. After several weeks of haggling -- involving the city, the county and the bleacher contractor -- a plan has finally been agreed upon that does what has been needed all along: (1) To make certain the bleachers comply with the city's building code; and (2) To make sure the bleachers are available for use at the spacious arena.

Full use of the arena is the important thing. As we have seen from the events which have already taken place, the Kiplinger Arena has great potential for bringing large numbers of people to McCook.

One event has already been canceled due to the lack of seating facilities. To allow this situation to continue would be damaging not only to the fair board and arena, but to the community as a whole.

Let's use the bleacher controversy as a reminder of the importance of the arena. The Kiplinger facility has tremendous drawing power, but it needs to be developed and promoted.

Even with the additional $6,000 to get the bleachers up to code, the county and fair board still will get the total bleacher project at a reasonable price, with the total outlay expected to be under $22,000. Making it an even better deal for the county, much of that money has been donated.

Let's get this project done, put the dispute behind us and move forward with promotion of the arena. It's a great asset for the county and the community.

Rescue Bags Needed -- Another near-tragedy at Barnett Park reminds us of the danger of venturing out on icy ponds and lakes in the Golden Plains. Three people that we know of have already fallen through the ice at Barnett Park in McCook, with one, Scott Hoffman, losing his life nearly a year ago while trying to save his dog.

Because of the danger, the City of McCook may want to consider rescue bags near the ponds at the park. The idea is now being used at Enders Lake, where 10 bags have been placed by the Wauneta Emergency Medical Squad at various points around the lake.

The bags, made of nylon, are weighted on one end and hold 75 feet of rope. According to a story by Emily Hoffman in the Wauneta Breeze, the bags are stored in plastic boxes which are attached to poles near the shore.

In danger areas, the rescue bags could be a life-saver. The idea is worth consideration by emergency personnel and city officials.