Honor Business Presentation

The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce presented the second quarter Honor Business Award to Farrell’s Pharmacy & Hallmark on Friday, April 4, in appreciation for their contributions, not only as Chamber members but also to the general community.

Pat and Leigh Farrell shared that the business is celebrating 40 years of service to McCook and to the area. Pat’s parents, Marion and Warren Farrell were also on hand for the presentation.

The McCook Cordials presented the Farrell’s with a special certificate and noted that Marion Farrell was a founder of the Cordials arm of the Chamber.

Farrell’s Pharmacy has served as a cornerstone for the downtown retail community and attributes their success to loyal customers, dedicated staff and a commitment to outstanding service.

 

Photo courtesy of McCook Daily Gazette

Following the presentation of the Honor Business at Farrell’s Pharmacy and Hallmark the Cordials were honored to have a group picture taken with one of their founding members, Marion Farrell. The Cordials were conceived from an idea brought forth by Sarah Jane Cunningham, a local attorney, who enlisted the help of Marion Farrell, of Farrell’s Pharmacy and Nadine Meints of Modern Cleaners.

In 1973, the ideals of the organization were much like they are today, to promote McCook and the surrounding area. Marion still believes in community involvement and has many fond memories of the large decorated floats that they pulled to various communities in the area. In 2008, as we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we are privileged to carry on traditions set by our Founders.

Annette Wagner, President

Ribbon Cutting for Willow Creek Meats

Photo courtesy of McCook Daily Gazette

Willow Creek Meats was welcomed to our community and to the Chamber Membership with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday, April 18. A large entourage, representing the Chamber, the McCook Cordials and others, was on hand for the event. As joint owners, Cal Siegfried, Leigh Hoyt and Scott Carlin expressed appreciation for the support they have received from those in attendance and others in the community. They also shared their current plans for expansion of the services they have offered as they add new coolers which will allow them to nearly double their production. Scott will be the “main man” at the facility while Siegfried and Hoyt will provide “ideas”. The business, formerly known as Butler Beef Acres, was operated by Scott’s parents, Harold and Theresa Carlin, for 17 years. Scott worked for his parents in the business for 15 years which has enabled a very smooth transition. Hours at Willow Creek will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Arbor Day Celebrated in Norris Park

Kyle Potthoff, McCook’s Public Works Director, and City Manager Kurt Fritsch met with other interested persons from McCook at Norris Park on Friday, April 25, in celebration of Arbor Day.
Mr. Potthoff gave the following presentation:

“Thank you all for attending today’s Arbor Day Celebration. The idea for Arbor Day originally came from Nebraska. A visit to Nebraska today wouldn’t disclose that the state was once a treeless plain. Yet it was the lack of trees there that led to the founding of Arbor Day in the 1800s. Among pioneers moving into the Nebraska Territory in 1854 was J. Sterling Morton from Detroit. He and his wife were lovers of nature, and the home they established in Nebraska was quickly planted with trees, shrubs and flowers. Morton was a journalist and soon became editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper. Given that forum, he spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees to an equally enthusiastic audience. His fellow pioneers missed their trees. But, more importantly, trees were needed as windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel and building materials, and for shade from the hot sun. Morton not only advocated tree planting by individuals in his articles and editorials, but he also encouraged civic organizations and groups to join in. His prominence in the area increased, and he became secretary of the Nebraska Territory, which provided another opportunity to stress the value of trees.

On January 4, 1972, Morton first proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called “Arbor Day” at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. The date was set for April 10, 1872. Prizes were offered to counties and individuals for planting properly the largest number of trees on that day. It was estimated that more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. Arbor Day was officially proclaimed by the young state’s Gov. Robert W. Furnas on March 12, 1874, and the day itself was observed April 10, 1874. In 1885, Arbor Day was named a legal holiday in Nebraska and April 22, Morton’s birthday, was selected as the date for its permanent observance.

Today we celebrate the importance of trees for the environment and the community. The City of McCook was just presented our Tree City USA award for the twenty-third year. The City of McCook offers a tree rebate program to assist citizens with the cost of planting trees. This period runs from April 1st - June 15th and then again in the fall from September 1st - December 10th. If you have any questions or would like additional information on the tree rebate program or are interest in sponsoring a tree in Norris Park or any other park in the City of McCook, please give us a call at the City offices.

As we all know, a very tough decision was made concerning the trees in Norris Park. Today is a new beginning for Norris Park. Our plan is to plant a more diverse species of trees in the park so that future generations can enjoy the heritage and beauty of the park just as past generations have. We have had an overwhelming response from the community sponsoring the new trees in the park. Thus far, twelve trees have already been sponsored, with others showing serious interest. We will be having additional dedication ceremonies in the near future, as other trees are planted in the park.

I would like to recognize the City of McCook Tree Advisory Board and members of the Parks Advisory Board. Tree Advisory Board: Jerry Vap, Dan Dueland, Leigh Farrell, Janella Hager and Mary Pate Parks Advisory Board: Michelle Gonzales, Mark Friehe, Sarah Williams, Sue Beebe and Harry Sughroue. All of these individuals have volunteered their time and knowledge and are dedicated in assisting in making McCook an even better place to live.

Today, we would like to recognize the sponsors of three of the trees that were planted as part of this year’s Arbor Day Celebration. The American Linden located at the South end of the terrace on Norris Avenue was donated by the PACT committee of McCook Community Hospital. The Hackberry located on the North side of the George Norris sign in the park was donated by the Leon Kuhlen family. The Kentucky Coffee tree located just Southwest of the playground was sponsored by the Phil and Mary Pate family.”

At the close of his presentation, Mr. Potthoff, invited the Pate family to speak regarding the tree that was dedicated by and on behalf of their family.

It was a cold and blustery April morning but visions of a bright future with children frolicking under the shade of the trees warmed the hearts of those witnessing the dedication of several trees in celebration of Arbor Day 2008 and a new beginning for Norris Park. Please contact the City of McCook and join the effort to plant trees for future generations to enjoy. Someone did that for us.....it is now our turn.