2003 promises to be busy year

Get ready for an action-packed year in the Golden Plains of America. Because of planned projects and unresolved issues in need of solutions, it's a certainty that 2003 will be filled with newsworthy happenings.

Here are some of the assured and expected highlights: 1. B STREET REBUILDING -- Contracts have been let for the rebuilding of 11 blocks of B Street in McCook, running all the way from West Fourth to East Seventh streets. Paulsen, Inc. of Cozad, the general contractor, is expected to start work in March on the project, which will cost more than $3.1 million.

2. SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION -- Although definite plans have not yet been drafted, it is likely that school merger efforts will move forward in Hitchcock, Red Willow and Rawlins counties. Due to declining student numbers and changes in state aid distribution, rural school districts are being forced to consider consolidation with neighboring districts.

3. ETHANOL PLANT DEVELOPMENT -- Despite a late start, two major ethanol plant projects are going forward in Southwest Nebraska. Separate efforts are pursuing plants near Trenton and Perry. Time is of the essence, however, as the projects must meet state deadlines to qualify for essential incentive payments.

4. HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS -- Months of effort are paying off, as McCook has received a grant for a housing director, and is currently participating in a housing study conducted by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. Through a combination of the two programs, the community is expected to embark on the "rehab-resale" of older homes before year's end.

5. SENIOR CENTER EXPANSION -- With the city's help and last-minute giving by private donors, the Heritage Senior Center in McCook has secured the funding necessary for an $830,000 expansion project. Construction is expected to begin in late summer.

6. EQUESTRIAN CENTER OPENING -- Thanks to the generosity of Tom Kiplinger, the citizens of Red Willow County will soon have one of the largest indoor arenas in western Nebraska. Now nearing completion, the 300-foot by 140-foot facility will be ready in 2003 for large-scale roping and riding events.

7. WATER TREATMENT PREPARATIONS -- Although roadblocks remain, the city now has a clear focus on how it intends to deal with McCook's water problems. Unanimously, the council has selected treatment as the long-term solution. A new site will probably be necessary, as contamination concerns have arisen under the four million gallon reservoir on South Street, just north of the McCook Humane Society building.

8. SALES TAX EXTENSION -- McCook's city sales tax will expire in 2003, but it is likely that the council will ask voters to extend the tax. Although the sales tax cannot be used directly to pay for water indebtedness, it could be used for other city expenses, freeing up property tax dollars for water expenses.

For these reasons, and others -- including the impressive McCook Clinic and McMillen Hall expansion projects -- 2003 is shaping up as an action-packed year in McCook and the surrounding region. Get ready. Get set. It's time to roll over the calendar and begin another exciting chapter in the life of the Golden Plains.