Volunteer leadership helps keep the rest of us in better shape

McCook's new walking trail is shaping up to be a win-win situation.

Through state, local and federal grants, McCook residents will soon be able to use the first phase of the trail, from East H street to Kelley Park, along with special exercise stations.

That's a win for us, but it's also a win for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, which chipped in $5,000 for the extra gym equipment.

It's good public relations for the health insurance company, true, but like many other wise companies, BC/BS realizes Ben Franklin's advice was true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Insurance providers who pay out after we've become sick know it's cheaper, and better, to prevent the illness in the first place.

So, we won't just be able to hike, bike or rollerskate along the 13.2 miles of trail that eventually will encircle McCook, but for the first phase, at least, we'll be able to stop at 12 workout stations along the way to make the exercise more complete.

As with any worthwhile project, it took the special efforts of a few people, in this case Tor Olson, Becky Kilpatrick, city staff, members of the McCook Rotary Club and other clubs, organizations and individuals, along with the local support of the city, Middle Republican Natural Resources District, Community Hospital and Health Foundation, McCook Clinic, Hormel Family Foundation and others.

Congratulations to these forward-looking community leaders.

We'll all benefit from their efforts.