Communities have chance to move ahead

It's time for those who love their communities to take matters into their own hands. It's time for them to look at their pluses and minuses; to develop action plans; and to move forward, together, with unity and determination.

The overwhelming majority of people in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas agree with this uplifting philosophy. That has been the case since settlement days, and, if anything, the desire for positive community change is growing in intensity.

The Gazette has found that to be so while visiting towns in the Golden Plains for the Community Spotlight series. In every community to date -- starting with Cambridge and continuing in Palisade, Maywood, Benkelman, Arapahoe, Curtis and, this coming month, Wauneta -- the passion for positive community change burns brightly.

But how can communities turn their desires into action? What steps are needed to invigorate our towns today, and prepare them for future vitality? It's not enough to wish and want. There must be study ... and there must be a plan.

To get area communities started in that direction, there's an upcoming community training series which comes highly recommended. Called "The Future Is Yours," the training is being presented by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development with funding from USDA Rural Development. Fortunately for people of this area, one of the first sessions will be offered in McCook. The training will be presented Tuesday, April 26, at McCook Community College.

Three representatives of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development -- Vicki Luther, Milan Wall and Reshell Ray -- will be the presenters. They will focus upon developing leadership, exploring economic development strategies, developing community programs and implementing action plans and projects.

To cover lunch and refreshment costs, there will be a charge of $20 for those from towns participating in the Nebraska Community Improvement Program or the Rural Community Development Initiative. For others, the charge is $30 for the leadership training, which will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CDT).

To find out more, interested community workers may call Kathy McKillip at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Her toll-free number is 1-800-426-6505. You may also e-mail her at kmckillip@needed.org.

Your involvement will help give your community a boost, because progress just doesn't happen. It is the result of thought, planning and action.