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Alumni Spotlight

Administrator — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:25:41 +0000

Bob Anderson ‘70 Red Willow Films, San Jose, California

When you and your kids are watching “Eco Company” On Fox this year, you can say, “There is a McCook connection with that show! Eco Company is a 13-episode, half-hour weekly program hosted by teens, about teens doing environmentally friendly activities. Bob grew up in McCook and took art classes in high school that piqued his creative juices, leading to a career in journalism. He studied broadcast journalism at UNL with graduate studies at San Francisco State University. Over his career, he has held numerous television management positions including president and general manager of a San Francisco TV station. He has also managed programming, promotion, and creative services. Two years ago he started Red Willow Films, the production company which created “Eco Company.” With the FCC requiring each TV station to air three hours of educational and informational programming for kids a week, he felt this would be a good niche to fill. He also created a show called “In Wine Country” which has been airing on the NBC network for the last couple of years (Saturdays 4 a.m.), and another nationally syndicated show called “Your Green Life.” Interest in the environment isn’t anything new for him as his mother Virginia Anderson, tells us she taught him and sisters, Barb ‘66 Gaskins, Becky ‘69 Kinney and Mary ‘73 Dueland, the importance of turning off the lights and water. Catch “Eco Company” on Sunday mornings at 7 a.m. on Fox or check out the interactive website, eco-company.tv.

What Are the Odds?:

Chris Allerheiligen Kleckner ‘85, wrote from Eden Prairie, MN to say “What Are the Odds?Recently I married John Kleckner ‘86 in McCook. I posted announcements with the wedding details at my work, Methodist Hospital, a Minneapolis suburban hospital. I was approached by Adrienne Nielsen Zhang ‘00 and was told she, too, was from McCook. We talked for a while, trying to figure out if we knew the same people. Unfortunately, we didn’t as there is just a little age gap between us. We did find it fun that of the 300-plus nurses at Methodist Hospital, two just happen to be from the same town in western Nebraska.

This event reminded me that when I was in nursing school, I was paired up with Kathy Wirth Giddings ‘72 for a communication exercise. We were talking about where we were from and soon discovered we were both from McCook. And, like with Adrienne, we talked for a while, trying to figure out if we knew the same people, and well, there is that little age gap between us.”

Wheel Of Fortune Winner

How many times have you watched Wheel of Fortune, thinking to yourself, “I can solve that puzzle!” Kasey Clapp ‘05, not only was given the opportunity to be on the game show October 27, 2009, but knew enough answers to be the overall winner for the night! Kasey is a University of Arizona student studying microbiology and chemistry. By solving puzzles with the answers “komodo dragon” and “Scoring a last minute touchdown”, Kasey won $17,955, which included a trip to Mexico. Kasey commented he was very comfortable on the stage and the producers liked “energetic, smiling contestants.” It certainly looked like Kasey was at ease and his effervescent personality was enjoyable to watch. No doubt many of his McCook teachers weren’t surprised by his success!

Barney Magrath’74 & The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope

Administrator — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:22:12 +0000

Barney was born in Philadelphia, PA where his father Dr. Joseph Magrath’46 was stationed as a meat inspector for the US Army during the Korean War. Joe and his wife Kathleen had six children Michael ’72, Barney, Matt ’75, Sheila’77, Larry’79, and Monica. They attended St Patrick’s Catholic School and McCook Junior and Senior High School.

Barney’s love of sports began in McCook where numerous coaches and mentors, such as Hank Dicke, Dennis Stubblefield, Daryl Bonow and Milt Tenopir encouraged him in baseball, basketball, track and football. Milt handed him a football scholarship to a JUCO in Kansas in 1974, but skiing in Colorado held more allure. One week after graduation, Mike Miller’74 and Barney drove a 1972 Mustang 2+2 coupe to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to become ski bums.

After 10 years of skiing the slopes in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Idaho with no major injuries to his body or mind, he decided to pursue higher education. He moved to Laramie, Wyoming with his wife and young family to pursue a career in Astronomy and earning a B.S. in Physics.

It was at the Wyoming Infrared Observatory (WIRO) that he began learning how to operate all kinds of equipment in the harsh weather common to most mountaintop observatories. It was also in Laramie that an encounter with Hailey’s comet in the winter and spring of 1986 began a lifelong fascination with observing the solar system. He began a nine month photography project that eventually led to seeing the comet traverse the unearthly night skies of New Zealand’s South Island.

In 1988 he wrote an article for Astronomy Magazine that outlined the future directions of ground-based astronomy. His research on this article led him to conclude that he wanted to be on the Island of Hawaii where the largest and most advanced telescopes in the world were being built. In 1990 he was hired by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) on Mauna Kea as a mirror coating expert. This arcane s wp-image-311" height="225" src="http://bisonalumni.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/vol36__CanadaFranceHawaiTelescope-300x225.jpg" title="vol36__CanadaFranceHawaiTelescope" width="300" />kill was, and still is, a mixture of art and science. It was here that he helped introduce the idea that large mirrors could be cleaned efficiently and scientifically. As the manager of the mirror coating lab, he was involved with coating most of the large mirrors on Mauna Kea.

He was also a team member on numerous innovative observing instrument projects. Observing instruments are large, expensive, and delicate cameras that are placed at the focus of telescopes. These cameras are the basis for keeping a modern observatory competitive with such heavy-weights as the Hubble Space Telescope.

CFHT instrumentation teams were the first to combine high quantum efficiency CCD array detectors, in both the optical and the infrared, with adaptive optics technology.

In 1999 Barney chose to pursue his interest by moving to an even larger telescope on Mauna Kea-The Japanese National Large Telescope project (JNLT). This 8.2 meter primary mirror telescope is the first scientific facility for Japan outside of its borders. It is a huge facility in size and personnel. As he tried to fit in, it became clear to him that he was finding himself distanced from the love of astronomy that had brought him into the field. Instead of being involved in nightly discoveries at the summit he was involved in daily maintenance of air compressor systems. It was time for a change!

In 2008 Barney decided to shift gears and begin a new chapter. He began teaching astronomy at the University of Hawaii in Hilo (UHH). He also began to develop a digital camera system, of his own invention, to take images and videos of the moon.

Last summer Barney and his wife Sarah relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico. “This is a perfect place to re-invent yourself” Barney says. “I have a position in the ski school at Ski Santa Fe, a decent sized ski hill 30 minutes from town, and I am scheduled to teach astronomy at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) in the summer of 2010”.

If you want to experience another aspect of Barney’s work you can visit his website; magrathphotography.com

Alumni Spotlight

Administrator — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:52:34 +0000

Lt. Col. Nate Allerheiligen, ’88 recently took command of the 50th Airlift Squadron at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. In June Lieutenant Colonel Nate assumed the responsibility of leading some 235 men and women trained in the roles of pilot, navigator, flight engineer and loadmaster. His flight crews are deployed around the world flying the C-130H3 Hercules. They bring the Global Positioning System, glass-cockpit instrumentation, color radar and counter-threat systems to the tactical airlift arena. It is also the sole active-duty C-130 unit capable of performing airdrops in instrument conditions (clouds) by use of the All Weather Aerial Delivery System. The 50th has been on the leading edge of bringing new capabilities to Combatant Commands overseas through such technology as short-field take-offs, landings using Night Vision Goggles and the new Joint Precision Air-Drop System, which places critical re-supply bundles within yards of a target from over two miles in the air. After MHS Nate attended the Air Force Academy, earning a Masters of Air Mobility through the Air Force Institute of Technology. He has flown the T-37, the T-38, C-21A (Learjet) and other versions of the C-130, earning three air medals while accumulating some 3800 hours of flying time and is a Command Pilot. Nate, his wife Susan and six children, including identical triplets, live in Colorado Springs.

John Herron ’76 jpherron@ msn.com is a Master Sergeant with the Nebraska Army National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan in September, 2008. He was a part of an agricultural development team that assisted farmers in improving farming methods, water and land conservation and animal health. The team introduced the first grain bins, donated by Nebraska farmers to the country. Training personnel to construct the bins provided a big step forward in grain storage. Another first was the introduction of walk-behind tractors and implements. When the team arrived, the Afghan farmers were still using oxen to plow and most of this work was done by young boys 6-12 years old. Some farmers were just throwing seed on non-tilled or barely tilled land in hopes for the crops to grow. The team spent countless hours teaching farmers different techniques in farming. Those receiving the training went back to their communities to teach others. A couple of the most successful methods taught were grape trellising and drip irrigation. The team had an excellent working relationship with Albironi University in Kapisa Province, Bamyan University in Bamyan, and Kabul University in Kabul. Classes presented to students and faculty will have a huge impact on the future of farming in Afghanistan. John returned to McCook in September and is back to work at his civilian job at Parker.

Few employees have the opportunity to work an entire career in their home town for just one employer like Jim Phinney ’59. He started working for McCook Public Power District (MPPD) after graduating from high school, and 50 years later he is at the top of the organization. Interrupted only by college, his career started on the ground floor unloading trucks and digging power pole holes by hand. He eventually started doing service calls, learning to climb poles and doing line work. In time, he got an inside job as a material man. He went on to purchasing, engineering and managing crews. In 1989, when the manager’s job came open, he assumed the position at the urging of his fellow employees. He was tested during the 1994 ice storm when over $6 million dollars worth of damage was done to the facilities. Over 160 men came to southwest Nebraska to rebuild the lines. MPPD system now has over 4700 customers with 2500 miles of line. Jim recently turned 68 and has no plans to retire anytime soon. He credits his employees and customers who pay their bills on time for much of his success.

Randall Lipson ’75 has been director of the Timber Lakes Camp & Retreat Center, a 265 acre retreat center, owned and operated by the Midwest District of the Missionary Church, since 2000. The Midwest district is comprised of 18 churches, including the Culbertson, NE Bethel Missionary Church. Timber Lakes Camp & Retreat Center at Williamsburg, Kansas, serves as a meeting place for church groups, clubs, organizations and a retreat for families. Randall and his wife Julie live on the grounds, that includes a full service dining hall, food concessions, lodge, sanctuary, sports arena and open-air pavilion. Activities include hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing and field sports. It is open year round with a capacity of 291 beds to accommodate all sizes of groups to enjoy wonderful times of fellowship and spiritual enrichment. Timber Lakes is located just an hour from Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka, Kansas. Randall was a member of Boy Scout Troop 140 while growing up in McCook and attended Camp Opal Springs in Wellfleet , NE. He says that scouting taught him many leadership skills and started his spiritual search, as he learned to live by the scout motto and scout law. His sisters are Christine’73 and Diana’81. Randall can be contacted at www.timber lakescamp.org

A Very Special Reunion

Administrator — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:42:43 +0000

Several MHS classes held their reunions during Heritage Days weekend last month, but one of them was a little more special than the others. First of all, it wasn’t a class that graduated in a year ending with “9”, this class had never had a reunion before, and 100% of the surviving classmates were in attendance.

The reunion took place in the sitting room at Hillcrest Nursing Home, where resident Esther Nielsen Wissbaum ‘28 hosted Eleanor Suess Harris ‘28, who now resides in Auburn, Alabama. These two ladies are the sole surviving members of the MHS Class of 1928 and the oldest surviving alumni members that we have. Esther is 99 and looking forward to celebrating her 100 birthday next May, while Eleanor is still a spring chicken at the age of 97, having skipped kindergarten when entering school causing her to be younger than most of her classmates. She will turn 98 on April 4, 2010.

Two of Eleanor’s sons, J.T. ‘55 and Jim ‘73 Harris, along with her granddaughter, Susan Harris ‘83 Broomfield, and I were lucky enough to sit in on this 81-year class reunion and ask questions of these two ladies about their classmates, life in high school back in 1928, and what has happened to them since graduation. Jim filmed much of the reunion and Susan was the official photographer. These women were absolutely amazing as they could recall with great detail their classmates, teachers, and life in McCook before the Great Depression.

The Class of 1928 graduated 65 students, losing one classmate to death before graduation. John Murray died in November of their senior year, after a short illness. Esther remembers going to his family’s house, where his body was laid out, to pay her last respects to him. The class annual is dedicated to his memory.

Eleanor and Esther could recall each of their classmates and remember something about their personality. Tom Colfer, his brother William, and Eloise Real came over from St. Pat’s school and were “sharp as tacks”. Elmer Metheny, Harold Lawritson, and Dean O’Connor were considered very handsome by Esther, while Eleanor considered Don Thompson (future State Senator) and Harold Hadley as nice looking. Ruth Levine and Gladys Wright were remembered as being popular and outgoing, while Eloise Real was very smart and studied a lot. Both ladies laughed when they recalled Harold “Shorty” Coleman, the class clown who was always amusing his classmates with his antics.

Several teachers were also discussed at the reunion. Eleanor was a music student, who was lucky enough to be one of the 15 members of Leo Kelly’s band. She loved Miss Tipton, who taught music and chorus, and learned a lot from Alice Thuman, the journalism teacher. Esther recalled with great admiration, Helen Hoyt, her commercial teacher and Miriam McClelland, history professor. Both ladies mentioned Mr. Frank Weiland, their science professor. He would give out very long assignments, and the students were convinced that he didn’t really read through their papers. One time Eleanor handed in a paper for his chemistry class and included the poem “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” in the middle of it. Mr. Weiland never mentioned it to her at all, proving the students’ theory in her mind!

The gals also talked about themselves and some of the shenanigans they got into. Esther told us that she and a female cousin would go to the Carnegie Library to study, but they would actually meet up with their boyfriends there and take off to hang out with them. Esther’s young paramour, Floyd Gillen, was the best-behaved boy she knew, but this didn’t help much when her uncle decided to follow the girls to the library one day and peeked in to see them with the boys. Thus ended the rendezvous at the library! Eleanor remembers a dance hall that was on B Street, and one night she slipped out to attend a dance there. Her parents found out and came to the hall to retrieve her, declaring that she was much too young to be at a place like that. Parents always have a way of ruining a young girl’s fun!

Both Esther and Eleanor still have their high school annuals, which they brought with them to the reunion and graciously allowed us to look through. Written by the journalism class and published by the McCook Tribune newspaper, these books give us a delightful glimpse into what it was like to be a high school student back in the 1920’s. Pictures of the girls with their marcelled hair and knee-length dresses, and the boys in their wool suits and letter jackets, reveal a dress code and style much different from that of today’s high school students. The annual tells about the Senior-Junior Watermelon Feed that ended in a battle with watermelons being hurled at each other (the seniors won!) and the Senior Hard-Time Party where they came dressed as bums and hobos and dined on candied apples, doughnuts, cocoa, and lollypops.

A feature of the annual that I loved was where a short summation of each senior was written by the annual staff and placed under their picture. Eleanor’s was “Still they gazed and still the wonder grew, that one small head could harbor all she knew.” and Esther’s was “Modest but nice – what could be better?” Frieda Yost had the declaration “I chatter, chatter, chatter on forever”, leading us to believe she was very talkative compared to Jacob Uhrich, who was tagged with “If silence is golden, I’m a millionaire”. The Last Will and Testament of the Senior Class is in the annual, where Roy Greer “leaves my blond hair and good looks to Ermil Sines ‘29, hoping he will make the same good use of them that I have” and Hermie Hegenberger “bequeaths one dozen of my girls to Harold “Shorty” Poush ‘29, still retaining one dozen of them for myself”.

Baccalaureate services were held for the Class of 1928 in the Methodist Church. Following an address to the class, the school’s mixed chorus presented a musical number, “I Hear America Singing”. Graduation was on May 25, 1928 at 8 p.m. in the Temple Theatre. Both ladies remember the place being full, with most of the town coming out to attend. Eleanor played her violin before the diplomas were handed out by the superintendent, G.L. Burney.

Although they weren’t close friends in high school, Eleanor and Esther have kind words for each other. Esther recalls that Eleanor was very talented in many areas, and was an amazing musician. Eleanor is very appreciative of all the work that Esther has done as their class representative and staying in touch with classmates through the years.

Esther showed us her senior class ring, which she paid $10 for back in 1928. All the class rings for McCook students in that era had the same emblem, allowing MHS grads to identify each other out in the world. Esther plans on donating her ring to the High Plains Museum, which brought a huge smile to Eleanor’s face, since she was one of the founders of that museum.

As the reunion drew to a close, Jim was able to tape Esther singing the 1928 class song. Her voice was clear as she sang the verses written by classmate Margaret Finn - “Swiftly our school days are fleeting, soon we’ll say goodbye. Leaving our classmates forever and memories of teacher so dear. And o’er us all there comes stealing, a sadness we cannot bear. For now we are leaving Old McCook High School, leaving the school we cherish to you. We hope, dear Juniors, you will respect her and to her colors you’ll ever be true.”

Eleanor and Esther had such a great time at the reunion that they hope to have another one very soon. Esther invited Eleanor back to McCook on May 18th, when she celebrates her 100th birthday. Eleanor didn’t know if she could make it for that event, but did promise to come back next Heritage Days and come out to see Esther then. I’m hoping that I get invited to their 82nd class reunion. Maybe I’ll even bring cocoa and doughnuts, so we can relive the “Hard Time Party” they attended over eight decades ago. You’re all invited to come too!!

Alumni Spotlights

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:14:18 +0000

McCook Alumni changing the world…

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Artist
Chris Brown 94,TigerDemonCub@aol.com of Mission, TX, teaches Art I, Art II, and portraiture/figure drawing and is a baseball and strength coach in a high school in South Texas. Chris has been chosen as the official artist for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He will be doing a portrait of every person who is inducted into their hall of fame. This years class will have eight people going in which includes NFL running back Marshall Faulk. He is looking forward to working on the portraits and also getting to meet the people at the ceremony in June. Chris played baseball in college at Cowley County and Northwestern State University, where he was honored as the first ever First Team All-American in school history at Cowley. He then played on two Southland Conference Championship teams and set the school record for strikeouts in a single season (which still stands after ten years) at Northwestern State. Chris was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played for two years before signing with an Independent Pro team for five more seasons. In 2001 an Edinburg, TX team moved him to Texas. He played six years professionally all together. He retired after the 2003 season, and was a pitching coach for two more seasons with the Edinburgteam. His website is www.artleby.biz/christopherbrown.

Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame
Kugler 75, a McCook businessman and balloon pilot, was inducted into the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame during the banquet of the Nebraska Aviation Symposium, January 29th in Kearney. John has competed in the International Coupe Gordon Bennett Gas balloon race and many national and local ballooning meets. Hes taught numerous people from around the USto fly hot air and gas balloons. Most notable of his students was the late Steve Fossett, who went on to set numerous aviation world records, including the first solo round-the-world balloon flight. Kugler Co. is a McCook-based regional farm fertilizer manufacturer, which led to Kuglers assistance in pioneering the use of anhydrous ammonia as a lifting gas for gas balloons. Kugler, his brother Mike 78, and their late father Russ started flying hot air balloons locally in the late 1970s. Gary Sines 68, of Jefferson City, MO, the son of Kugler Oil Company employee John Sines, suggested to Russ that hot air ballooning could be an exciting pursuit for his adventurous sons and the rest is history. The pioneering Kuglers led in making it a colorful spectacular sport that we know today, and John, rated as a Commercial Balloon Pilot and Instructor, has made his mark in the sport the world around.

Iraqi Cops Benefit From Former Patrolman’s Experience

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:13:42 +0000

A 1975 graduate of McCook Senior High is teaching basic police skills to Iraqi law enforcement officers and utilizing his art talents as well. Tim Monzon was deployed to Kuwait with the U.S. Army Reserve in 2005. While there, he witnessed the need for better law enforcement training in Iraq and returned to that country fol-lowing the end of his tour with the Army Reserves.

Monzon took a job with a civilian contract company, DynCorp, to teach Iraqi police basic skills such as approaching a car, searching a building, and subduing a prisoner; using skills he learned while serving as a Montana Highway Patrolman for nine years. In his free time, Monzon drew a 6-foot symbol on a 12–foot concrete blast wall in the Army compound. The American Eagle, scales of justice and dagger of defense define the work of the INF, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. Monzon’s paint often dried in his brush before he could get it on the wall in the country’s 140-degree summer, and sand storms provided another challenge. During his first tour of duty, Monzon salvaged wood pallets from the Army scrap yard and built tables-using tools sent from home-for Iraqi market vendors, so they could get their goods and food offerings off the ground. Monzon plans to return to McCook when his time in Iraq ends.

MHS Alumni At The Inauguration

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Our nations attention was focused on Washington D.C.January 20 as Barack Obama was sworn in as our countrys 44thpresident. The historic inauguration of our countrys first African-American President attracted as many as 1.5 million people who came to watch the festivities in person. With a crowd that huge, its not surprising that there might be a few MHS grads in attendance. But what is surprising is the number of our alumni who attended or were actually part of the ceremony.

More than a week before the big day, Bill Steinhour ‘79 was busy getting ready for Inauguration Day as part of his job working for the Senate Recording Studio in the U.S. Capitol. Bill was in charge of placing cameras in strategic areas to record the event. Steinhour has lived in DC since 1982, while he was in the Navy, and has worked for several government agencies before taking his current position last May. Bill did remark to a friend that he was sure sore after laying out all those cables!

Senator Ben Nelson ’59 had an amazing view that morning as he was invited to sit on the platform where the swearing-in ceremony was held. Ben can be clearly seen at the top of page 20 in Newsweek magazine’s commemorative inaugural edition as he watched Chief Justice Roberts administer the oath of office. Navy Petty Officer Ted Chancellor ’05 was very close to the President in the parade that followed as he marched with the Navy Band.

The population of Washington DC swelled that week as citizens from all across the nation descended on our Capitol to be part of history. McCook city council member, Aaron Kircher ’00, went with a friend to Washington so he could be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although they didn’t make it in time to see the swearing-in ceremony, they did have a good view of the parade. Aaron was very enthusiastic about the trip and said it was an interesting time to be in D.C. However, the heavy traffic and crowds made him appreciate living in McCook!

Mary Jo Stephens Weigand ’65 and her husband Dru made a cross-country journey from California to attend the Inauguration. She reports that security was tight so they chose to walk from their hotel, an 8 ½ mile round trip that was very cold! Mary Jo said the hike was well worth it and everyone they saw was electrified with excitement. In spite of the crowds, they found the people to be polite and courteous. Mary Jo pointed out that her mother, Alma Willis ’30 and Obama’s grandmother both died the day before the election and yet both had voted absentee for him.

Living in Washington D.C. didn’t necessarily make it any easier to get a good seat at the ceremony. Just ask Brian Symington ’98! Brian decided to take time out from studying for the bar exam to watch the Inauguration in person. He and his wife Casey had tickets to the ceremony and hoped to get close enough to see the President. Unfortunately, after waiting in the cold for about 3 ½ hours, with an endless sea of people still in front of them trying to get through the security lines, and the inauguration ceremonies beginning, they decided to leave and were able to catch the President’s speech on TV in a nearby restaurant. Brian told us “While the morning was very cold and many other ticket holders also did not get to attend the ceremonies, it seemed that everyone we encountered was just thrilled to be experiencing, firsthand, such a momentous event in our nation’s history. Certainly we were disappointed that we were not able to see the actual swearing-in ceremony, but there were many people all around us that had traveled thousands of miles and had gone without much sleep for many days just to get the chance to see President Obama take the oath of office. So, we weren’t able to feel sorry for ourselves for long.”

Probably one of the most exciting experiences at the Inauguration belonged to Mike Ford ’68 and his son Harrison Ford ’05. Harrison worked as a field organizer for the campaign in Omaha and was given two tickets to attend the ceremony and an official ball. Mike reported that they walked the mile from the place they were staying to the Capitol grounds where they were able to listen to Obama’s speech. Ford said that the crowd was well behaved; there was no pushing, shoving, or swearing going on. The significance of being there didn’t really soak in until the next day, Mike said, and then both of them realized what an incredible spectacle they’d witnessed and the historic significance of the day.

The highpoint for Harrison had to be the “Obama for America Ball” which was held on Wednesday night and was just for campaign staff and their guests. Before the President and his wife showed up, one of the senior staff members was relating the wonderful accomplishments of the campaign and one of the significant items mentioned was how one of the electoral votes in Nebraska went to Obama. This was due in large part to the hard work of Harrison and the other field workers in the second district of Nebraska. A tired, but enthusiastic President came to the ball and announced that it was the last official ball of the Inauguration, but that it was the one he had been looking forward to the most.

I’m sure that there are other MHS grads that were present on January 20, 2009 in Washington D.C. We know of one other recent graduate who was there, but his story can’t be shared until our next newsletter. If you were in the Capitol and witnessed the inauguration, please let me know so we can mention it in our next newsletter.

Bison Fever

Administrator — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Plans are progressing for the McCook High School All-Class Reunion July 2-5, 2010 and there will be something for everyone, including a new website. Those who log on to www.mccook2010.com can request the password on-site and webmaster Mathew Winder ‘07 will email the recipient the required password and enter the person on the database. The Website includes several pages, including a message forum, classmate profiles and an “In memory” page. The reunion schedule and on-line pre-registration for the reunion will also be available as the information becomes available. On your first visit to this website, please click on the “Please Read First” on the left side menu bar. It will help you navigate the website. To keep things lively at the all-class reunion, several events are being planned, such as sporting events, a pancake feed, and fireworks display. Individual class reunions will also take place. But we need your help in order to schedule other events to see if there’s enough participation. These include:

You Oughta Be in Pictures

Many Bison alumni worked at the Fox Theater, Temple Theater or Bison Drive-In Theater. Do you have any stories you’d like to share, or maybe reminisce with co-workers you haven’t seen in years? If so, contact John Hubert ‘45 308-345-4534 or jehubert@swnebr.net. If enough replies are generated, a special get-together at the reunion will be planned at the Fox Theater, currently undergoing renovation to restore it to its former glory and become McCook’s Community Theatre. “Remember, there’s no business like show business and you were a big part of it,” said John. “See you in 2010.”

Booths In The Park

Booths could be available in the park for alumni who might want to sell or show their arts, crafts or other business ventures. Contact Colleen Grant ‘65 if interested, at 308-350-2374 or at colleensue47@mccooknet.com

Living History

Steve Batty ‘65, would like to record MHS alumni experiences or memories, with the end result a CD full of old stories for personal listening. “These can be the fun things that happened or something special with another student or teacher,” Steve said. “It does not necessarily need to have happened on the school grounds, but just “stuff” that happened to us or around us while we grew up in McCook, and you want to save and share it with other MHS graduates.” The McCook Public Library has all the equipment needed and if you want to do it before the reunion all the better.Those who are interested can e-mail Steve at: sbatty@mccooknet.com or call 308-345-4021; snail mails him at Box 464 McCook, NE 69001.

2010 Bison Logo

Our reunion logo, “Bison Fever” was created by Sara Berry Herren ’97. The logo will be used as a U.S.P.S. Cancellation Stamp and multiple types of promotional items for the Bison 2010 reunion. Thanks Sara, nice job!

Alumni Spotlights

Administrator — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:02:24 +0000

Bison Alumni are shaking up the news around the world yet again.

Richard L. Holman ‘64 (Richard@HolmanGotham.com) On April 11, 2008, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln dedicated Holman Plaza, the renovated area at the entrance of the college’s Anderson Hall, along Centennial Mall. The plaza was funded by a donation from Richard and Margaret Holman of New York City. They are both graduates of the UNL Journalism College. They also established the Richard and Margaret Holman Scholarships, the first of which was awarded to a UNL journalism student. Their scholarship fund will provide annual assistance to a student studying news-editorial or broadcasting. Dick is a supervisory analyst in global research at HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., a unit of London-based HSBC Holdings, one of the world’s largest banks, and Margaret owns Holman Consulting Inc., a fund-raising consulting practice. They had a real desire to help students at their alma mater. Dick remembers how much the scholarship he was given by the McCook Gazette helped him to attend UNL.More information on the Holmans’ scholarship fund is available at www.nufoundation.org

Brian Mohnsen ‘87 begins his third season at Buffalo University, Buffalo, NY. He made the move from linebacker coach to defensive ends coach in 2007. As a defensive and linebacker coach, he has coached players who have gone on to the NFL. As linebacker coach in 2006, his impact was seen immediately in his first season as the Bulls top three leaders in tackles per game category were all linebackers. Mohnsen came to UB after serving as a defensive line coach at Minnesota State-Mankato. In 2004 he was a defensive coordinator at Northwestern Oklahoma State, leading the defense to a second place ranking nationally in total defense and pass defense, third in rushing defense and fifth in scoring defense. Mohnsen spent 12 years at Nebraska (1991-2003), serving as director of the Cornhusker video scouting department, while assisting with game day management for both home and away games. During the 1991 season, Mohnsen started in his career as an undergraduate coach working with the defensive linemen and linebackers at Nebraska. From 1987-90, Mohnsen was a member of the Cornhusker football program as a defensive end and a linebacker.

Mark Haller ’75, a 25-year veteran glass blower, has been giving demonstrations on the art for 20 years. Now he is “Studio Manager” in Disneyworld at the Crystal Arts Store on their Main Street working for the Arribas Brothers. Mark was instrumental in the design of the shop, and his show is unique in that as he makes a custom piece he explains every move, along with a bit of history on glass and glassblowing. The upbeat show is guest interactive. He takes questions which makes each demonstration totally different, and every piece is different and one of a kind. Guests can order a special work before hand and watch it come to life, and be a part of the demonstration. Mark has a gift of explaining the process as he works, and without skipping a beat he adds a little humor and the audience is hooked. Even kids are enthralled. The best feature of the demonstration is that it is not scripted. This is an exciting new “Attraction” on Main St. at Disneyworld.

Matt Magrath ’75 has worked with youth as a counselor, mentor, coach, & director of programming for 21 years. Matt has a passion and heart for youth and strives to inspire and support kids. Since 1997 he has worked for the Lummi Community (Bellingham, WA) as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and since 2004 as Director of the Adolescent Residential Behavioral Health program. They service up to 1000 children and families. He is now director of Lummi Youth Academy (http://lummiyouthacademy.org/about academy.html), a new 40-bed residence hall built on the Lummi Reservation which opened in September. The $2.1 million building and its $1.4 million annual budget have been covered by tribal and federal revenue, private grants from the Gates Foundation and others. The facility is home for 20 girls and 20 boys. The staff has been frustrated to see students make academic progress while in the tribe’s live-in chemical dependency treatment programs, only to relapse when the program ends. The academy provides structure, homework help, regular meals and is walking distance from the tribal high school. Magrath hopes the school will “help students fulfill their dreams, by giving them the chance to have a dream.”

1940 & 1979 Class Rings Found

Administrator — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:00:40 +0000

Durward Foster ’40 of Boulder, CO had a pleasant surprise in May when he was notified by the newsletter staff that Tom Poore ‘74 had found a MHS 1940 class ring with the initials D F inscribed on the inside of the ring. Durward and his daughter drove to McCook in June to claim the ring and were ecstatic to have it returned. We are hoping for a similar happy ending to this story: A 1979 MHS class ring was found in a wall of a house on West M Street in McCook by Jim Gonzales ’79. The initials on the ring are L C B. The newsletter staff has not been able to come up with a name to fit these initials. If you think this might be yours or someone you know, please contact Robin Frick Calvin ’79, 308-345-7063 or 308-340-2401 or craftwhiz@swnebr.net.

Centenarian Gives the Best of Herself Every Day

Administrator — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:11:29 +0000

Advances in science, medicine and technology have made the century one of the most exciting in the history of man. And Flora Dutcher of McCook, has lived every moment of the past 100 years to the fullest.

Born in a sod house in Red Willow County on Jan. 26, 1908, Flora has seen changes most of us can only imagine or relive in history books detailing the past. “We’ve seen major advances in education, government, and opportunity,” Flora said recently from the warm and tidy front room of her McCook home. “It has been a very exciting 100 years.”

Editorial note: We are sad to report that Flora died, April 22, 2008 in McCook. Condolences may be sent on-line to www.carpenterbreland.com.

She lived with her parents, A.W. and Minne (Tucker) Dutcher, in the sod house her father built until 1914, when the family, which would eventually include 12 children, moved into a concrete home, also built by her father. “He was very meticulous,” Flora said. “The sod house was well constructed, warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”

Flora insists that her longevity is the result of coming from “good stock.” Her parents were strong and healthy and “lived good, clean lives.” She also has inherited her dad’s meticulous nature, admitting that she doesn’t do anything “without a plan.” And plan she has.

The plan takes shape

She began teaching at the District 68 country school in Hitchcock County following her graduation from McCook High School in 1926, and, through summer course work and correspondence classes, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 1943. In the same fashion, she earned her master’s degree in 1951. “I did attend one year of traditional college,” she explained.

She also taught at West Ward, North Ward and McCook Junior High School. “I was the first principal at North Ward School when it was brand new,” she shared, expressing regret that she hasn’t yet had an opportunity to tour the newly renovated building now known as McCook Elementary School.

Flora retired from formal education after 18 years at McCook Community College, where she served as Dean of Women.

Smiles punctuate all of Flora’s memories of teaching, whether recalling how her fourth grade students seemed to be absolutely mystified by snow boots or the time her junior high students got her called on the carpet before the school board.

Trouble brewing

Jack Rogers ’50 of McCook, who served as editor of the McCook Daily Gazette for 30 years, was in “Miss Dutcher’s” eighth grade civics class.

“It just doesn’t seem right to call her ‘Flora’,” Jack shared, recalling memories of his best-loved teacher. “She inspired in me such a love of government that all through high school I was set on becoming an attorney,” he said. His professional aspirations later changed and he earned his degree in journalism, where instead of participating in government he reported on it.

“All of the students loved Miss Dutcher,” Jack said.” In fact, students would jockey for position at the front of the class.”

Shortly after a lesson on economic boycotts, Jack’s class was outraged to discover that the Fox Theater was raising its prices. Paying Miss Dutcher the highest possible compliment, the students immediately began putting the classroom lesson into practice and, printing flyers and distributing them in front of the Fox. They produced an economic boycott against the theater. The late Ray Search ’32 manager at the Fox, was not amused and immediately went to the school board and superintendent of schools. “Miss Dutcher did not advocate the boycott,” Jack hastened to explain. “We were just putting into practice what she had taught us.” The boycott came to a quick end, without producing the desired results of a price rollback, but Jack said the students didn’t mind. They just didn’t want Miss Dutcher to get into trouble.

“We did learn a lot from the experience,” Jack said ruefully. “Mostly what not to do when exercising an economic boycott.”

Faith’s role

In 1924, at the tender of age of 16, Flora joined First Baptist Church in McCook and remains a faithful member today.

She taught high school Sunday School from 1946-1973 and recalls that the students really challenged her. “I worked hard just to stay one step ahead of them,” she said, her tender side showing. As with all of her students, Flora admits that she pretty much “cracked the whip.” “But I was fair,” she said, “and loving. I didn’t have any trouble with discipline.”

Flora didn’t limit her service at First Baptist to the Sunday School room, however. “At one time or another, I held every elected position available, except treasurer,” she chuckled. “I guess they didn’t trust me with the money.”

Faith has played an important role in Flora’s 100-year journey, and she maintains as active a role today as she can. “It is a true faith,” she said, “one that sustains me every day.”

Her faith has kept her in good stead. According to Flora, she still makes her own bed, sweeps her kitchen floor and does a little cooking. Neighbors report seeing her outside in the summertime, tending to her roses.

Too busy

Flora never married. She laughs to tell it, “I was just to busy to find a guy.” That may qualify as an understatement. After retiring from teaching in 1973, she became an Avon Lady. “I got to meet the families of my students in their own homes,” she said, “we always had something to talk about.” She sold Avon for 13 years.

She also was a member of several local organizations including the American Association of University Women, Business and Professional Women, Daughters of the American Revolution, District 5 of Nebraska State Teachers Association and McCook Retired Teachers Association, holding offices in each.

She continues to compile scrapbooks of current events and personal memories, with dozens of scrapbooks filling shelves of book cases in her home.

Still teaching even today, Miss Dutcher does offer a word of advice to anyone, regardless of age, on how to survive. “Give the very best of yourself, every day.”

If anybody would like to send a card to Flora, she would love to hear from you, especially her former students. They can be sent to Flora Dutcher, 605 West Third St., McCook, NE 69001.

by Dawn Cribbs, McCook Gazette

Elden Fuller: Forever faithful fan

Administrator — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:10:15 +0000

Fans may come and fans may go, but Elden Fuller is forever faithful to his beloved McCook Bison.

Elden, who is 72, has missed very few games in the past quarter century … and most of those were this year because he was hospitalized with life-threatening heart and kidney problems.

“I’ve just always loved the Bison,” says Elden, “It started when I was 11 years old. I was in and out of hospitals when I was young, so I didn’t get to participate in sports as a child. But when I watched Leo McKillip and McCook’s state champion football team in 1946, I was hooked. The Bison became my team and I have followed them ever since.” Following his first wife’s death in 1980, Elden began going to every Bison game in football and basketball, as well as Legion baseball games in the summer. When girls softball was added in McCook, Elden started going to all those games, too.

Through the years he also has become a fan of McCook Community College sports, attending all the Indians’ home games.

Both coaches and players have been appreciative of Elden’s support. Says Jeff Gross, McCook’s head football coach: “Elden is ever so supportive of the Bison and he always has been. It’s meant a lot to the players to hear him yelling and screaming. His heart’s in the right place. He’s positive and supportive of the program and the team.”

As a symbol of Elden’s support, Coach Gross ordered championship rings for him after the Bison captured state championships in 2002 and 2003. Elden paid for the rings because he didn’t want any hint of favoritism. But that’s not the important thing. What matters is that the rings show how solidly Elden is linked to the team … and how proud he is of their success.

At his lowest point, when afflicted with serious heart problems, Elden received an assist from a young man who he had followed all through high school. “I watched his first game as a freshman and his final game as a senior, as well as most of his games in between.” Elden is talking about Sean Denney, a former McCook High School basketball star who is now a heart surgeon in Kearney.

It was Sean who operated on Elden this fall, removing three blockages and inserting stents. While hospitalized, Elden had a kidney scare, with one doctor telling him he faced lifetime dialysis. But, Elden says, “The good Lord touched me. I have one kidney remaining, and it’s now functioning normally.”

Elden has never attended a University of Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. But he has been to Memorial Stadium five times to watch the Bison play for state championships.

He went again this year, traveling in his van with the Rev. Jon Albright of the Harvest Church and Ted Blythman, who has also faced a number of health issues this year.

Bison spirit burns brightly, carrying McCook High School student athletes to achievements in school and life. One of the keys to success is the support of loyal fans like Elden Fuller, whose heart and soul is fully behind the MHS players and coaches.

by Gene O. Morris

Bison 2010 Reunion – A Bison Round-Up!

Administrator — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:08:45 +0000

July 2010 – Mark your calendar

The Bison Alumni Newsletter representatives, at their Feb. 24, 2008 meeting, gave the go-ahead to plan another all-class Bison reunion for the weekend of July 4, 2010. The ten classes that have graduated since our Bison 2000 celebration will add to the fun and excitement. We hope to start building the necessary committee leaders after you receive this newsletter. Join the fun and excitement and let the newsletter staff know if you will help and what your plans or desires are.

Thanks, John Hubert, Class of ‘45

“Bullish” on McCook

Administrator — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:21:53 +0000

The Marsh twins, Ed and Wallis, came to McCook as seventh graders in 1980 and headed for college following graduation from McCook High School in 1985. Looking back, Wallis says the years here were life-changing for both him and his identical twin, Edward.

"The years in McCook helped set our life course," Wallis said. "We owe special thanks to four teachers: Dave Dunham, John Gumb, George Briggs and Doug Martin. They helped steer us along the right path."

To show his gratitude to them and the community, Wallis has become the newest $1,000 Founder of the McCook Community Foundation. The twins are also looking at other opportunities in the McCook area. "Ed and I are bullish on McCook and the surrounding grain-producing region," Wallis said. "With the water issue solved and economic conditions improving, McCook is poised for growth in the next 10 years."

After graduating from MHS, the Marsh twins headed for the University of Oklahoma, where both majored in petroleum engineering.

From there, Ed and Wallis launched careers in the oil business. Now, Wallis has his own company, Extex, in Houston, and Ed is a key executive for an Australian company, Petsec, in Lafayette, La.

In addition, Wallis and Ed have other interests, including Friocountry.com. That is the Web site for a resort rental property 90 miles west of San Antonio which was developed by Wallis and his wife, DeeDee. They are also instrumental in the School of Last Hope, a program to help youngsters in need.

"Even during their high school years, you knew the Marsh twins were going to be successful," John Gumb said. "They had a great work ethic and they were very determined. When the Marsh twins set their mind to something, you knew it was going to get done."

As an example, Coach Gumb told about the Iron Man Challenge, a 1,000-meter test for track athletes. Even though he was not a regular meet competitor, Wallis went out for track his senior year just to complete the Iron Man. He kept trying, and finally, in the last days of the season, he made the full 1,000 meters. "It was very emotional," Coach Gumb said. "The track was lined with team members and coaches, cheering Wallis on. When he made it, for the first time in his high school career, the team and coaches erupted in applause."

That memory speaks volumes, as we strive to uplift McCook. by Gene Morris –McCook Daily Gazette

‘65 Gives Back

Administrator — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:15:48 +0000

Thirty-one 1965 classmates contributed almost $2000 to acquire digital cameras and recording equipment to donate to the McCook Library. Steve Batty put the class project together and delivered it to the library in early October. The equipment will be used to record (digital audio and video) oral histories at the library. Initially the digital video camcorder was loaned to MHS teacher, Linda Crandall for her journalism kids to start using. The high school will be able to record HS events and could even produce an online version of the Bison year book and maybe do some pod casts for their web site. Stop by this link to see what the library will have http://www.mccookdirect.com/classof65/class-project.htm Classmates helping financially with this project were: Warren Jones, Dan Crow, Linda Leibrandt Taylor, Nancy DeVaughn Schwery, Mary Tincher Kalb, Larry Cain, Steve Batty, Chris James, Phil Pate, Mary Jo Stephens Weigand, Roger Jones, Susie Hutt Trupp, Mike Gilbert, Pam Gull Schilz, Colleen Grant, Ashley Stevens, Roger Leitner, Judy White Anderson, Connie Rutt Jones, Jack Tuttle, Linda Ambrose Harr, Jay & Lynn Reed Nylander, Jane Flaherty Peterson, Gray Grim, Janet Rutt Hepp, Linda Krieger Shaw, Bob Best, Mary Ann Budig Myers, Ernie Weyeneth and Mike Walker in memory of Jennie Walker.

Primal Fire: Glass blower overcomes fear

Administrator — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:14:39 +0000

Years ago, deep inside Mark Haller ‘75, a battle raged. He remembers that a primal voice – bent on self-preservation – screamed at him. “It’s hot! It’s hot! Get back!” But other voices – curiosity, imagination, self-expression – won out, and Mark blows and sculpts molten glass into wonderful, flowing expressive forms. Mark’s creative side just doesn’t listen any longer to that primitive voice – that “little lizard in the back of my mind,” he calls it – that warned him of the dangers of that howling, fire-breathing furnace. Mark is a native of McCook, and the son of Luanne Beneda Haller ‘47 of McCook and the late Rod Haller of Culbertson. Mark bypassed a career in law to live the life of a gypsy, traveling the country, blowing glass, teaching about sand and silica and soda ash, and sharing his art with others. Haller demonstrated his talent and imagination during a week-long workshop and art show at the McCook Art Guild. Story by Connie Jo Discoe ’73 – McCook Gazette

Start An MHS Class Web Site

Administrator — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:09:33 +0000

Some 16 months ago the Class of ‘66 realized we wanted a better way to keep in touch as we were losing track of one another in between reunions. Originally, an e-mail list & directory was gathered. The e-mail list gave classmates an opportunity to communicate that heretofore did not exist. In some cases people reconnected with others they had not heard from in 40 years. Then we created a web site which went on line July 1, 2007.

The address for the web site is: mccookhigh1966.myevent.com. Anyone is welcome to visit our site. It is a work in progress. We have an e-mail list, our class reunion photos, trivia, class bios, a link to the web site for the Class of ‘65 and other topics. In the first month, 280 people visited our site. Many of us want to keep in touch and this is a great way to do so. Other classes are encouraged to create websites as well.

MHS Graduate Dies Serving His Country

Administrator — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:00:50 +0000

Sgt. Randy Matheny, a 2004 graduate of McCook High School, was tragically killed by a roadside bomb on February 4 in Baghdad, Iraq. Matheny, the 20-year-old son of Jan and Duane Collins and Gary Matheny and his fiancée Kay Chambers, died when an improvised explosive device detonated next to the armored security vehicle in which he served as a gunner.

Randy Matheny graduated from McCook Senior High in 2004 and joined the Nebraska Army National Guard on March 28, 2005. He was deployed with the 1074th Transportation Co. of Sidney to Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, in October 2006.

Matheny was posthumously promoted to sergeant, and at the funeral, his family was presented the Bronze Star, for meritorious service; the Purple Heart, for wounds received in action; the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Good Conduct Medal; and the Nebraska National Guard Meritorious Service Medal.

Randy was also survived by his sister, Staff Sgt. Karen Matheny ’97 (who has returned to Iraq and is serving with her unit); brother, Pfc. Paul Matheny ’00 (who is now back at Ft. Riley, Kansas serving in the U.S. Army) and his wife Christine Anderson Matheny ’01; his fiancée, Courteney Gibson, of McCook; and stepsisters Laci Collins ‘02 and husband Jason Ingels, ‘00 of McCook, and Kori Collins ‘05 of Omaha.

Funeral services for Randy were held on February 16 in the Memorial Auditorium in McCook. Family members took “one more drag of main,” along B Street and up Norris Avenue, before proceeding to Memorial Cemetery, where the body of Sgt. Randy Matheny was laid to rest.

Pallbearers were Matheny’s sister, Karen; his brother, Paul; and family friend, Sgt. 1st Class Megan Bowers. Others, who arrived in McCook by jet Thursday morning, were Spc. Ace Werner, Randy Matheny’s roommate; Sgt. 1st Class Todd Peters, Matheny’s sergeant; and Spc. Timothy Wheelock, who was in the truck with Randy when he was killed.

Patriot Guard members lined the street in front of Memorial Auditorium in McCook each holding a large American flag. Honorary pall bearers included a host of Randy’s friends: Matt Gummere ‘04, Sean Cappel ‘04, Sam Smith ‘04, Tom Ortiz ’03, Seth Hilkemeier, Brooks Snyder ‘04, Justin Ele ‘04, Sn. Kris Vontz ‘04, Justin Randolph ‘03, Spc. Tyler Reinpold; Sean Whitaker ‘04, Derek Dame ‘04, Kenny Giron, Kevin Gerih, Jason Norman ‘01, Andrew Chambers and Spc. Tyler Hayes ‘04.

The McCook College Foundation has announced the establishment of the Randy J. Matheny Memorial Patriot Scholarship as an enduring pledge to preserve remembrance, and as recognition to honor, with distinction, respect, and gratitude, the love, devotion and service of Sgt. Randy J. Matheny to his country.

The Foundation is matching a $5,000 anonymous donation from a McCook family who wishes to honor Matheny’s patriotism to his country, thus launching this ongoing memorial scholarship with a combined initial donation of $10,000.

The scholarship will be a $1,000 annual award to a student attending McCook Community College, and be effective with academic year 2007-08. Individuals and organizations may also make a tax-deductible donation designated for this Randy J. Matheny Memorial Patriot Scholarship to the McCook College Foundation, PO Box 195, McCook, NE 69001.

The staff of Bison Alumni Newsletter wishes to express our deepest sympathy to Randy’s family. We are proud to call this hero an MHS alumni member and one of our own. He truly honored McCook with his exemplary service and bravery. Anyone wishing to view or leave condolence messages for his family may go to www.carpenterbreland.com and leave the message on the form at the bottom of his obituary listing.

Alumni Spotlight

Administrator — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:00:17 +0000

Bison Alumni are shaking up the news around the world yet again.

Dorothy Clark Hutto ’40 (PO BOX 164, Sweet Home, OR 97386) remembers “the special program put on in the College Bowl around 1938. A huge stage was built in the center of the field and different historic scenes were enacted by individuals or groups—each one holding perfectly still, as if etched in time. Some were sprayed with a white substance which made everyone and everything look like statues. I remember Jackie Krogh, on the stage, dressed as a Red Cross nurse singing “Roses of Picardy”. Other things we old-timers can never forget are the standpipe in the City Park (Norris Park), or the morning the whole town of McCook rose early to watch the first ZEPHYR whiz through—all before we could count to 10! One regret since leaving MHS is that I never wrote to any of the teachers who had so much influence on my life to let them know how much I appreciated them: Miss Marion McClelland, History teacher; Mr. Leo Kelly, Band; Miss Lorraine Carter, Latin; Miss Florence Taylor, English or Miss Ruth Lindsay (Mrs. Art Herrmann), Music.”

McCook High School and University of Nebraska track standout had his jersey retired as he was inducted into the McCook High School Sports Wall of Fame. Aaron Plas ‘02 left his mark on MHS for being one of the most decorated track and field athletes in the school’s history. In 2002 Plas had won the All-Class, State, Class B and was the MHS record holder with the leap of 7-2 at the 2002 GNAC meet. Prior to attending UNL, he earned fourth place in the Adidas High School National Championship with a leap of 6’11 and was named to the 2002 Accelerated High School All-American Team. As a Cornhusker Plas recorded high jump victories and was a four-year letter winner. In 2005, he was named the Most Improved Field Athlete for the Huskers and was selected Captain of the Track Team in 2006. Plas was a member of four Big 12 Championship teams and was an eight-time All Big 12 performer. During his freshman season, Aaron was named Big 12 Track and Field Athlete of the Week and later was named the 2005 Indoor Big 12 Runner-up. Plas’ best career leap was 7-3 3/4 at the 2005 Outdoor Championship. Aaron also placed three times on both the National Coaches Association All Academic team as well as the 1st team All-Big 12 Academic Team. Plas was an eight-time Big 12 Commissioners Honor Roll honoree. He was named the UNL Student Male Athlete of the Year as well as ESPN Magazine 2nd Team Academic All-American.

2010 Bison Reunion

Administrator — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:00:15 +0000

Hey- On the burner-just waiting for the idea to get hot. The idea is about an all alumni reunion possibly in July of 2010. Remember Reunion 2000. There will have been ten more classes graduate from MHS by 2010. Hope this doesn’t make anyone feel too old to have another Big Bison reunion. If you or your class would like to explore this idea, please let the Bison Alumni newsletter staff know at jehubert@swnebr.net, through the Address Change box on our website bisonalumni.com, phone John @ 308-345-4534, or mail to Bison Alumni, 700 West 7^th, McCook.