I recently returned from a two-week vacation in Nebraska. When I tell that to friends on the East Coast, they ask, “Why there?” This is their shorthand for a longer question, which is “What’s in Nebraska, if anything?”

  To many Americans living outside that cubist collection of Great Plains states, Nebraska is a total blank. It is the heart of flyover country. Drivers who race across it on Interstate 80 think it’s flat and boring. As one friend who traveled that 450-mile stretch put it, “Nebraska never ends.”

  Actually, this was my third trip to Nebraska in five years. I go there to do some reporting and see friends — but mostly for pleasure. Nebraska for me is the land of decompression. It’s zero traffic, polite young people, adults in no big hurry and lunch bills in the single digits. It’s days spent driving scenic back roads through farm and ranch country, much of it rolling hills. (No, Nebraska isn’t all flat.) It’s coming across tiny towns that time and the new economy seem to have forgotten.

This is one of the least Americanized places in America. These are probably fighting words in a state that sees itself as the most American of all. But I’m not talking about patriotism or work ethic or other traits that Nebraska has plenty of. I refer, rather, to Nebraska’s escape from most of the depersonalization, mindless sprawl, congestion and ugly strip development that plague America’s population corridors.

  Yes, there is modern ugliness at the edges of the bigger cities, notably Omaha and Lincoln. But one can drive through entire counties in Nebraska and not see a single big-box store. They’re too thinly populated to support a Wal-Mart (otherwise, there would be one). Cherry County, for example, is bigger than Connecticut but has only 6,098 people; Connecticut has 3.4 million.

  You roll into pretty little towns, unspoiled by prosperity. They post populations of 42 or 98 or, big time, 450. You wonder what goes on in hamlets with only a gasoline pump and tiny grocery for commerce. What’s it like going to a regional high school with fewer than 100 kids?

  I’m well aware that these pastoral settings suffer their share of addictions, violence and other social dysfunction. Many are hurting economically and losing population. Those thoughts add sadness to a trip through a beautiful, depopulating region like the Republican River Valley: It’s hard to fathom that people are actually leaving these pretty towns.

  Because Nebraska isn’t all built up, you can stand where history happened and feel the emotions — especially out West (buttes here, not cornfields). Up on Scotts Bluff, you look down at the endless Platte Valley and imagine the Mormon pioneers pulling their handcarts over 1,000 miles to Salt Lake City. At historic Fort Robinson, you can reconstruct some of the Indian tragedies — the Cheyenne Outbreak, the death of Crazy Horse, the Ghost Dance — on a landscape little changed from the late 1800s.

  Even at obvious tourist attractions I didn’t spot many “foreign” plates from states like California, New York or Texas. Nebraska scenery lacks the glamour quotient of the Rocky Mountains or Grand Canyon, which draw visitors by their own power.

  Nebraska’s premier natural wonder is awesome in a more subtle way. The Sand Hills are the largest dune formation in North America and a sight unlike any other. Let’s just say that a drive through this eerie dunescape on an empty two-lane — Nebraska Public Radio in your ear — will put you at unity with the jazz universe.

  These are the things that I tell friends who’ve been to Europe 12 times and fly to the other coast for long weekends — but have never touched down in Nebraska. That’s why I like to go there, and why I’ll go again.

  The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the office staff are pleased to announce that the web site to market McCook to entice businesses and individuals to relocate here is on line.  You can access the site at www.McCookOpportunities.com or the Chamber home page at www.about mccook.com.

  The Ed Thomas YMCA launched a $400,000 Save the Wave fund raiser to fix the dilapidated air handling unit and dehumidifying system.  The goal has been met and the pool is now up and running.
  The City Council has set aside funds to repair the Norris Park Band shell. The band shell, built during World War I, is showing major signs of deterioration.  This includes termite damage that has caused rot on the inside, stucco falling off on the outside, a leaking roof that has been fixed, rotting wood trim on the outside and unusable restrooms inside the structure. The band shell has been determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  The designation was made by the Nebraska State Historical Society.  This means the band shell can qualify for tax credits for renovation work.
  Great Lakes Aviation offers three flights daily and two on the weekends to Denver International Airport.  Information and tickets to fly into McCook can be found at www.flygreatlakes.com.

The McCook Community College Board of Governors reaffirmed its $2.5 million total commitment toward a new event center on MCC campus.  The McCook College Foundation pledged another $2 million for the center and announced honorary co-chairs Van and Jan Korell and team leaders for the fund-raising program.

  According to McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham ‘82, the McCook City Fire Department has been awarded a $102,458 grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  The grant will be used to purchase 20 self-contained breathing apparatus air packs.

  Eleven pieces of exercise equipment have been installed and are now usable to the community on the Kelley Park Walking Trail. It is located along the first installment of the walking trail, between E. Fifth Street and H Street.  The trail provides users with the scenery of the woods and privacy from street traffic. The exercise pieces include a sit-up bench, leg press, uneven bars, rowing machine and back extension, among others.  They have been installed for the public to use and are excellent complements to any exercise routine.

  With a major assist from the Peter Kiewit Foundation, organizations in McCook are teaming with the McCook Community Foundation to help individuals and families with food and heat needs. The Peter Kiewit Foundation awarded $20,000 to the McCook Community Foundation to distribute to four helpful programs. Sharing the Kiewit funds are: McCook Pantry, Inc., $8,000; Share the Heat Program, $6,000; the United Methodist Church Hot Meal Program, $5,000; and Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska, $1,000.

Also featured at this year’s festival is Dovie Thomason, an award-winning storyteller, recording artist, and author.  Dovie is recognized internationally for her ability to take her listeners back to the “timeless place” that she first heard old Indian stories from her Kiowa Apache and Lakota relatives. She has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and numerous art organizations across the United States for her commitment to traditional cultural arts.

Both tellers have made numerous appearances at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Musical performers are the Finders and Youngberg band from Colorado. The band consists of four distinct musicians, young veterans of the folk and bluegrass circles merging styles, songs, and voices.  Banjo, harmonicas, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, and guitar blend to create harmonies, articulate pickin’, and lively storytelling.

The 13th annual festival is June 12th and 13th, and starts with a storytelling and a music workshop at the McCook Community College.  Friday and Saturday evening performances will be at the Fox Theater.  Other events will include free sessions on Saturday at the High Plains Museum, the Bieroc Café, and Norris Park. 

For more information contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308-345-3200, Mary Dueland at 308-345-6163, or go to the website at www.buffalocommons.org .

Kelley Park Walking Trail

The new fitness equipment on the Kelley Park Walking Trail sure looks snazzy. Fitness buffs Randy ‘73 and Peg Augustine ’74 Andrews of McCook recently agreed to demonstrate how each of the apparatus works. They are shown here working out on the Leg Press. Walkers can choose from 11 pieces of equipment along the trail, stretching muscles and building up the cardiovascular system.

High School Marching Band at Minden last fall.

They sure look sharp and want to thank each of you who sent donations to help pay for new uniforms.

“The alumni have really stepped up,” said Gene O. Morris, the executive director of the Fox campaign. “To date, the alumni have contributed more than $40,000 and many more gifts are on the way. The support shows the tremendous loyalty of MHS graduates for their hometown.”

Gifts have come from all across the United States, including contributions from Eleanor Suess Harris ‘28, and John Somerville ‘38. Mr. Somerville, who now lives in Florida, said he is thrilled to see the Fox work being done. “I was one of Ray Search’s team during my high school years,” he said.

Major gifts have also been received from Anabeth Hormel Cox ‘57; MarySue Hormel Harris ‘59; and Diane Volentine Hayes ‘60. Anabeth and MarySue’s gift will honor their mother, Thelma Hormel, who was a supporter of cultural arts in McCook, and Diane’s contribution will assist with the movie screen improvement.

The Fox drive also received a big boost from the MHS Class of 1978. At a reception at the Fox during their 30-year reunion, class members kicked in $1639 for the theatre renovation and challenged other classes to join them in the fix-up effort. “The Fox is a wonderful place that brings back many memories,” said Mara Lee Weskamp Ebert ‘78 graduate. “It needs tender, loving care, but remains a great place to gather.”

The Fox renovation campaign is already in progress. The fix-up effort started with new dressing rooms, constructed in the area beneath the stage. The next major project will be renovation of the stage area, with the main curtain to be moved forward to accommodate larger productions.

All together, it is estimated the Fox renovation will cost $1.25 million. To date, more than $267,000 of the total has been raised. “We hope to be well on the way to having the needed funds raised by McCook’s All-School Reunion in July of 2010,” Morris said.

An insert telling about the Fox project is included with this newsletter. All alumni donations will be recognized on the Wall of Honor in the Fox lobby.

“The Curious Savage” was the fall 2007 production of SWNCTA. This comedy takes place in a sanatorium where Ethel Savage, played by Kay Cashen Flaska ’52 has been placed by her stepchildren, who think she is crazy for wanting to give away her inheritance. Janet Rutt Hepp’65 appeared as the chic, but phony Lilly Belle. The spring production was “Paint Your Wagon.” The musical, known for the songs, “Wandering Star” and “They Call the Wind Maria”, featured a cast of 21 men including Phil Goodenberger ’54, Cal Siegfried ’73, Jim Coady ’73, Doug Ohlson ’76, and Ethan Poore ’08 and a number of women including Flaska, Hepp, and Karrie O’Brien ’92.

MCC presented “A Christmas Carol” which has been performed every other year for 16 years. As usual, the production got everyone into the holiday spirit. Actors included Phil Lyons’74 as The Ghost of Christmas Past and irascible Don Harpst as Ebenezer Scrooge. Other McCook alumni in the cast were Roger Stupka ’77, and Kay Cashen Flaska ’52.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre residency in McCook is presented locally by SWNCTA and sponsored by the McCook Art Council and McCook Optimist Club. The productions this year for area children K-12 included “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.” MCT productions arrive in McCook complete with all costumes, scenery, props and makeup. In only five days they hold tryouts, rehearse, and put on a quality musical production! What amazing local talent these young actors are! They all deserve gold medals!

Heritage Days 2008 was celebrated the last week of September. This years’ honorees were: Grand Marshall, Col. Delbert L. Townsend; Parade Marshall, Anne Morse; Honor Family, Gary and Barb Wiemers, and Royalty, King Hank Lichtenwaldt and Princess, Sarah Wilcox. On Thursday night, The popular game show   “Deal or No Deal” was played in front of the band shell in Norris Park with Cal Siegfried ’73 as Howie Mandell and the “Pretty Women Case Carriers” being men from around McCook. One of them was alum Phil Lyons’74! The Norris Foundation Prayer Breakfast featured speaker was, Dr. Warren L. Jones ’65. The 8th annual “United Way 5K run and walk was Saturday morning. The fastest runner was Dr. Wade Fornander and coming in 2nd was Troy Swartz ‘88. The Rotary Club served famous “ Dr. Batty Breakfast burritos. The parade included 80 plus entries including our band in their new uniforms. There was food, arts, crafts and entertainment, a car show, a quilt show at the Norris home, displays at the Museum, a tennis tournament, a Husker tailgate BBQ and big screen UNL football in Norris Park or the Big Apple Review at the Fox Theatre.

Any cultural listing for McCook has to include the Buffalo Commons Story Telling Festival. This is the twelfth year of the festival and it is going as strong as ever! This year’s headliners included humorist storyteller, Barb McBride-Smith, and stand-up comic, Andy Offutt. All around McCook at The Fox Theatre, McCook Community College, Sehnerts Bakery & Bieroc Café and Norris Park, performers shared stories through traditional oral telling, music, and poetry. Not bad for a community of less than 8000 people! Mark your calendars to attend the next festival, June 12-13, 2009.

Of course there was the Tenth Hot Summer Nights Concert series, sponsored by McCook National Bank. The line-up included Boulder Acoustic Society from Boulder, Colorado at Pitney Park in Stratton and concerts at Norris Park with the Lonny Lynn Orchestra, The Bel Airs out of Columbia, Missouri and Jalan Crossland. The Bel Airs concert had to be moved to the city auditorium due to the threat of inclement weather- this was actually a very rainy summer for southwest Nebraska!

And last but not least, there was the Governor’s Ball at the Republican River Event Center (old Elks Club). Due to snow and ice, Governor Dave Heineman and U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson were unable to make it, but the dance went on with 200 guests donning gowns and tuxedos. They danced the night away to the sounds of the Lonny Lynn orchestra.

Overall, you could say it was a “Michael Phelps” type of year for culture in McCook!

By Peg Augustyn Andrews ‘74 and Randy Andrews ‘73

The former Willow Lanes Bowling Alley is being transformed into a family fun center by Terry Sides, who recently purchased the business at 1511 North Highway 83. The fun center will expand to include pool, air hockey and foosball. Sides is making the changes with the help of Rod Lytle ‘71 who has been employed by the bowling center for 30 years and will continue as manager.

A donation from Gerry and Andy Anderson, longtime business owners, to the YMCA, made possible the construction of the new reception desk, remodeling and purchase of a new foosball, pool, table tennis, and air hockey games.

The Dashabout-Roadrunner Shuttle Service LLC offers two daily round trips to Denver, Greeley, and Colorado Springs, and depending on demand, will also offer two daily round trips to Lincoln, Omaha, and points in between. They have just added four new Dodge Grand Caravans to their fleet. For reservations call 1-800-720-DASH 24 hours in advance. Information also is available by emailing http://www.dashaboutshuttle.com

Francine and Tim Martin from Arizona have found their dream home- – the former St. Catherine’s convent at 1201 West Fourth Street. The couple plans to renovate the building and would like to purchase any pieces original to the convent.

On a somewhat sad note, the McCook City Council voted to have all of the 44 trees in Norris Park removed upon the recommendation of city staff and the Parks and Trees Advisory Board. Most of the trees are 100 years old and are showing their age and signs of decay. The advisory board members are creating a revitalization plan that will recommend what kind of trees to replant and other improvements to make to the park. Individuals can donate memorial trees in Norris Park as a tribute to loved ones. Replacement trees generally run about $400-$600 for a tree with at least a 3-inch trunk that can thrive in park conditions. Anyone wishing to learn more about the park can contact McCook Public Works Director, Kyle Potthoff ‘86 at 308 345-2022.

The 2008 Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival will be held May 30 & 31. Returning to the festival this year is the nationally-renowned storyteller from Oklahoma City, Barbara McBride-Smith. At her third appearance in McCook, Barbara will demonstrate why she has performed at the National Storytelling Festival seven times. For over thirty years she has been a teacher, a school librarian, a theological seminary instructor, a traveling storyteller and a writer. Her tales deliver these experiences in a powerful, yet heart-warming way.

Joining Barbara will be Andy Offutt-Irwin, telling hilarious, heart-filled stories. Andy started out in comedy but added music and storytelling because he had a lot more to say! A native of Covington, Georgia, his southern humor and touch of mischief will leave you begging for more. Andy has also been featured center stage at the National Storytelling Festival.

On the musical side, the highlight for this year is the Boulder Acoustic Society. Shredding guitar licks, soaring gypsy violin, a little ukulele, and the thump of an old time bass bounce around with jazz accordion and creative percussion to create a new sound. It is American roots music with an edge of punk rock and the grace of chamber music. They come with their own electricity, performing with a powerhouse of energy.

Mark your calendars! This is the year you won’t want to miss!

For more information visit www.buffalocommons.org

or contact Mary Dueland at dmandue@ocsmccook.org or 308-345-6163

A collaborative effort between Russell of Castle Rock, Colorado, the McCook Community Foundation and the City of McCook turned a half city block, formerly a practice ball field, into a park that includes playground equipment, a horse shoe pit, picnic tables and ornamental shade trees. "This isn’t about me. It’s about the lessons I learned from this town and from my parents," Russell said at the dedication ceremony.

Russell said the thought of creating a park as a tribute to his father came to him after church one Sunday, as he walked through a small park to his car. Instead of pushing the thought away as too time consuming or unrealistic, he contacted Mark Graff of the McCook Community Foundation, who was enthusiastic about the idea.

Through the Foundation, Russell provided the funds, about $45,000, in addition to the designs and specifications for the park from his company, the Russell Group in Castle Rock, Colo. Now that the vision and funds were provided, it was up to McCook Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff ‘86 and city employees to accomplish it. Russell kept in contact with Potthoff about the project, who reassured him the park would be completed on time.

“I relied on the City of McCook to do the work, “Russell recounted "Kyle kept telling me, ‘We’re going to get this done, we’re going to get this done.” Russell said that design ideas usually look better on paper than the actual project. Not in this case, he said. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think it was going to look this good," he said. "It’s been a blessing to give back to this community."

His wife Charcie added a few kind works about McCook as well. "I’ve received blessings because of his childhood in this town," she said. "Thank you for the kind of community that raised this man."

Instead of the typical ribbon cutting to officially open the park, Russell requested that he’d rather see a basketball go through a hoop. Gene Malleck of McCook, free-thrower extraordinaire, was recruited and shot a basketball through the hoop from the free-throw line to cheers from the crowd. The basketball, signed by Foundation members and city staff members, was placed in a plastic case and given to the Russell family.

Additional trees were added to the park at the ceremony, when the McCook Tree Board planted an oak in honor of the Russell family and Shirley Blank and family donated a bench and tree in memory of Dr. Lavern Blank. The Blanks were next-door neighbors of the Russells and the tree is similar to one they had in the neighborhood.

Graff thanked Russell for his desire to give back to McCook and city workers who installed the park. The city crew include Dob Neuhaus, Ron Maris ’78, Tyler Kalinski ‘86, Randy Zwickle, Paul Younger, Bob Samuelson, Tony Rouse, Ken Vontz ‘77, Lirin Yost, Elza Doak, Kirk Wilson, Ken Keslin ‘96, Michael Jonasen ‘98, Jerry Peterson, Mark Stensvad ‘83, Darcey Loop Eckhardt ’92 and Josh Schilz ‘98.

The cooperation between Russell, the McCook Community Foundation and the city is a good example of what can be accomplished when everyone works together, Mayor Dennis Berry noted. He said he hoped it would open the door for others to invest their talents in the community, for their families and for the future.

"We cannot simply dedicate a park, give a few speeches and pat ourselves on the back," he said. "We owe it to those individuals who came before us, to families like the Russells, to build upon what they started." Carson Russell was an attorney in McCook for more than 50 years, practicing law at one time with Sen. George Norris. At the age of 27, he served two terms in the Nebraska House of Representatives, a few years before it converted to the Unicameral,. Russell also served on the McCook School Board and as city attorney.

By Lorri Schaaf Sughroue ‘79 – McCook Daily Gazette

New building at Weiland Field includes concession stand, locker rooms and bathrooms.



Six new tennis courts are being used for the first time this year. They are northwest of the high school gym and are a wonderful addition to the school’s facilities.

What an improvement! Senior Parents are selling and installing sidewalk sectoins around Weiland Field. The $100 donation includes a personalized plaque with a message of your choice to pay tribute to you, your family, business or your graduating class. Contact Sara Rippen at 308-345-4812.

On April 14th, the Prairie Statesmen barbershop choir performed at the city auditorium with an expanded chorus of singers from the McCook area. This group was known as the “Big Q” choir in recognition of McCook’s 125^th celebration and was directed by Carl Philo. The local barbershop quartet, “Key of Gee”, also sang featuring Prairie Statesmen members Charles Coleman ‘66, Merlin Brown, Russ Ankersen, and Philo.

The first weekend of May brought us a “Party on the Bricks” on West C between Norris and West 5^th streets. This included a ping pong drop of thousands of specially marked balls descending from the sky (from the top of McCook’s downtown skyscrapers!). The balls could be redeemed at local merchants. There was a beard growing contest with participants shaved in public at the beginning. The men grew their beards until Heritage Days in September. If you saw a lot of hairy men in McCook, they were in a contest and not auditioning for the new “Caveman” sitcom! The evening festivities included a concert by “Blackwater Haze” who played a mix of 50’s and 60s classic rock and country songs. Band members include McCook’s own Russ Ankerson and Mike Schoup ‘75. Closing out the evening festivities was the group “Slingshot”, whose repertoire consisted of top 40 country hits.

On July 4^th, a vintage baseball game was played at the McCook Jaycee complex. The local roster of “All Stars” played the game exactly as it was played in the late 1800s. The players wore reproduction uniforms from the High Plains museum. Pam Clapp Harsh ‘73, Chamber of Commerce Director, was quoted as saying, “This game is not about competition – it’s about entertaining the crowd!” And indeed they did with plenty of “cranks,” (or fans) who egged on the players. Before the game, there was a BBQ and watermelon feed followed by the “Patriotic and Proud” musical program at the fairgrounds. Capping off the evening was the McCook Optimist Club’s excellent firework show.

During Heritage Days Sept 27-30 there was an old fashioned evening at Norris Park with a box lunch auction and a style show of vintage fashions presented by the Order of Eastern Star. The Red Willow Homemakers served old time lemonade. Artists from around the area displayed and demonstrated their crafts. The theme of the parade this year was “125 years of Heritage.”

To coincide with McCook’s 125^th birthday celebration, award winning sculptures Gary Ginther ‘65 and Jon Leitner ‘68 were commissioned by the George W. Norris Foundation to create a bronze sculpture of “ The Fighting Statesman” to be placed in the front yard of the Norris Home. To celebrate Norris’ birthday on July 11, Norris Home volunteer, Brent Wegher portrayed the Senator by waving to passersby. Dedication of the sculpture was at noon on Sept 29^th during Heritage Days. To help fund the life size sculpture, 200 small replicas cast in pewter were being sold for $125 each of which $100 goes to the Norris Foundation. To order, more information is available at norris@mccooknet.com. Occasional afternoon “Tea with Thee” parties hosted by Dawna Bates have brought in visitors on a regular basis who normally would not tour the site.

McCook National Banks 9th annual sponsorship of Hot Summer Nights continued this year bringing four free concerts to the McCook area. The Wells Family Band played June 7th at Pitner Park in Stratton with their bluegrass, gospel, country & folk music. This was followed by three concerts at Norris Park in August. On August 2^nd, The Oberlin Area Concert Band & and Musical Group “Tre Sostres”(Three Sisters) delighted the audience. The Oberlin area concert band started in 2005 and consists of members from Oberlin, McCook and Hoxie. Members include Paul Wood ‘80 and Dan Farrell  ‘81. Their musical style includes marches, overtures and patriotic numbers. Tre Sostres members include Angie & Jon Reiners ‘90, Sue and Russ Ankersen, and JeriLynn & Darrin Karr ‘83. The trio performs songs from the 30’s and 40’s all the way through the hits of today. The McLemore Family entertained everyone on August 9th with their own unique sound of bluegrass music. The Acoustic/pop duo, “ Storyhill“ concluded the concert series on August 16^th.

Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association (SWNCTA) celebrated its 21st year of successful productions. In October 2006 they produced the play “On Golden Pond”. The talented cast included Don Harpst as Norman; Kay Cashen Flaska ‘52 as Ethyl; Phil Myer as Charlie, the mailman; Jeri Lynn Karr as Chelsea; Nathan McCarty as Billy Ray and Maury Green as Bill. It was co-directed by Bill Marshall and Gene Weedin.  

In March 2007, the musical comedy, “Anything Goes”. The play based on the 1934 Broadway show follows the escapades of Billy Crocker (Doug Ohlson ‘76) who has stowed away on the USS American bound for England. On Board is his beloved Hope( Nikea Grove), whom he hopes to win over with the help of tough-talking nightclub singer Reno Sweeney (Kathy Latta). Complicating matters is that Hope is engaged to a stuffy nobleman (Greg Hepp), whom her mother (Christy Stevens) adores. The cast and crew of 70 were directed by Don Harpst and Howard Kool.

In April 2007, Theater-goers enjoyed McCook Community Colleges’ production of James Thurber’s “Many Moons”. The two shows were presented at the Flex Theatre on the college campus.

In July 2007, McCook was overrun with ravenous rats in the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “The Pied Piper”. More than 50 local children presented the musical adaptation of the classical tale with performances at the McCook Christian Church.

The 11^th annual Buffalo Commons Festival took place June 9^th & 10^th. Mary Anderson Dueland ‘73, one of the festival organizers claimed, “It is the only one of its kind in Nebraska and there is something for everyone!” Grammy award winning story teller, Bill Harley, headlined the festival along with the Wells Family Band, a bluegrass band featuring the parents and three daughters. Festival activities included railroad stories at the Museum of the High Plains moderated by John Hubert ‘45. At the Bieroc Café an open mike session, “Living Close to the Bone” was hosted by Cloyd Clark and Merrill Ream. This year, long-time McCook resident Veldron Hall started things off with memories of the 1935 flood. Harley and the Wells Family performed at the historic Fox Theater on Friday and Saturday nights along with Saturday appearances at the museum and Norris Park. You really must plan to attend a Buffalo Commons weekend in June!

If you get the opportunity, please consider a drive or walk (remember, we are in McCook!)by East Ward. You will be amazed! The 100-year old school building has been transformed into condominiums by Dan Childers and his wife, Judy. Dan went to grade school at East Ward. See picture on the picture page.

By Peg Augustyn Andrews ‘74 and Randy Andrews ‘73