Letter to the Editor

48 hours in Nebraska's 48th county

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Dear Editor,

Two weeks ago, on Oct 5, I literally rolled into McCook on the California Zephyr, arriving very early in the morning and departing at the same time almost exactly 48 hours later.

Over these two days, I took in much of your wonderful city and the surrounding Red Willow County. I offer the following reflections and congratulations on my experiences.

First, the art. During the community’s celebration of meeting the Sehnert Challenge and the ribbon-cutting for Norris Alley, I was able to learn about the initiatives on the art front taking place in McCook. I loved the imaginative way folks have designed and furnished this new community space. And, that night I appreciated the delicious burgers and other food provided by the McCook Rotary Club for all attendees. My best perspective on the night’s goings-on came from the stairwell outside The 6th Floor, the remarkable art gallery created by Chad Graff and Joann Falkenburg that’s housed in the 100-year-old Keystone Business Center.

I was so glad I took the time to tour this amazing facility and learn about the artistic creativity and stories behind the collection.

I wish I would have had a chance to see and learn more about the Creation Station and what people are doing for budding artists, youth, and the planned community-based mural project. One could feel the enthusiasm for art among the attendees in Norris Alley, and see it manifested in the 6th Floor Project.

Second, I ate well! My host and I managed to take in an astonishing array of great food. Besides the Rotary’s delicious burgers, we also dined at Mac’s Drive-In, Carniceria CB, the Coppermill Steakhouse and Lounge, and Sehnert’s Bakery, and we enjoyed local produce and products from Klooz Farm. A gastronome’s delight!

Third, in my brief time, I had the privilege of participating in a practice session of McCook High School’s Boys Tennis team as they prepared to complete another winning season.

I was not surprised to learn that last week these outstanding young men brought home the state championship and that their Number One player, Nathaniel Miller, finished second in state among all singles players in Class B, and their two doubles teams both won state titles.

I have spent a great deal of time around both tennis players and high school students, and it’s easy to see why these young men and their coach Matt Wiemers are winners. What a great bunch of young people!

I loved the vibe in McCook! Your clear passion for your community, your support of its young people, its growing art scene, and the various food options are an inspiration.

A term I heard more than once during my forty-eight hours was “we’re progressive.”

If that’s what progressivism looks like, we can all use more than 48 hours in Nebraska’s 48th County.