Time change woes, Night on the Hill fundraiser, and Bison Days prep in McCook

As the mid-winter doldrums set in, I figured this was a perfect opportunity for a SOS column - or Short Of attention Span - to cover a couple of topics this week to try and keep things lively. (Give me some grace on the acronym - the lack of sunshine recently is taking its toll.)

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This is not political, but is anyone else as disappointed as I am that the Nebraska Legislature couldn’t pass the bill to end the time switch? Earlier this week, a bill failed which would have ended the twice-a-year time change. I could do an entire column about the history of daylight saving time, its detrimental role in health issues, or that the concept was originally opposed by farmers, etc. but that is for another time. And I don’t have a preference which way the time shifts as I’ll enjoy the daylight wherever it lands but I’m already dreading March 10 when we spring forward.

Instead, I’m trying to understand why something relatively so minor couldn’t be agreed upon by our state senators. If they can’t figure out a consensus on something that the majority of Nebraskans want - to stop changing their clocks twice a year - then how can they come to an agreement on more highly contentious issues?

And passing the bill wouldn’t have put an immediate end to Nebraska time change; there are several more steps that need to happen but it would have put the wheels into motion. Now, the issue has come to a grinding halt for the foreseeable future.

If you have the opportunity to contact your state senator including McCook’s own Sen. Murman, please take a moment to question why even simple things in the Unicameral are not getting done. Actually, it makes me appreciate working with our local elected officials who are working together to make things happen.

I’ll get off my soapbox now.

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On a lighter note, the Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation hosts its annual fund-raiser, Night on the Hill, this Saturday evening with dueling pianos taking center stage. This event is a great opportunity to showcase the importance of the nursing home in McCook. As nursing home after nursing home closes down around our area, Hillcrest becomes an even more vital asset to the community.

While all the tables have been sold to the event, there is still a chance to support Hillcrest and enjoy an evening of fun entertainment by purchasing $20 show-only tickets available at the door for the 7:30 p.m. show at the McCook City Auditorium.

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Next week features two of the busiest - yet perhaps the funnest - days of the year in McCook with the 2024 Bison Days. For those who don’t know, Bison Days immerses McCook High School students in the community, where students get to learn new skills, hobbies and interests thanks to hundreds of community volunteers.

Students will help Bill make pasta at Cita Deli and watch Adam cut steaks at the Coppermill. The high schoolers have the option of getting certified in skills like boater safety with the help of Kelly. Or these young people may pick up a new sport thanks to Mike and the pickleball crew at the YMCA.

I’ll share more about this annual event next week, but a shout out in advance to the school for organizing this enormous endeavor and thank you to all the volunteers sharing their skills, passion and enthusiasm with our young people. The McCook Community Foundation Fund is proud to have supported this event since its inception as it truly brings generations together.