Dramatic changes and transformations for the city of McCook came about in 1980. Prior to 1980, housing development had primarily been concentrated at the northern edges of the city. Business development was scattered along Q Street and North Highway 83. However, there was not one business located to the west of Hwy. 83 between Hwy. 6-34 and J Street. The east side of N. Hwy. 83 (which was inside the city limits) had such businesses as Burns Podiatric Lab, Recreation Unlimited, Real’s Bar, Bison Drive-In Theater, Boyd’s Body Shop, and Stevens 7-Up Bottling. It wasn’t until 1980, when Heritage Hills Golf Course was developed, that the west side of Hwy. 83 was annexed and this area became prime developmental property. Today the area along both sides of Hwy. 83 supports hotels, diversified businesses, a movie theater, restaurants, banking institutions. a pharmacy, and fast food franchises. The west edge of McCook, that prior to 1980 was home to motocross race paths, prairie dog towns, a graveyard of rusting car bodies, an asphalt mixing plant and a rendering plant, would now provide an aesthetic, breathtaking view for visitors entering our community.

Shortly after Heritage Hills opened for play in 1981, a newspaper article described the course as a “Diamond in the Rough”. The article emphasized the “Scottish Design” of the layout which utilized many of the existing wild prairie grasses. It was this dense vegetation being framed within its extreme topography that offered a new golfing challenge for McCookites. Heritage Hills was truly a futuristic golf course that provided the community much publicity from the state and national golfing media. Heritage Hills still carries a distinctiveness all of its own that humbles and leaves many of its guests awestruck.

1986 Maintenance Staff -
Greg Wiemers ‘85, Dale Malleck, Tom Friehe ‘83,
Dave Taylor ‘82, Mike Wilson ‘80 and Fred Backer ‘78

The development of the course created a new fascination in the game of golf within the community. McCook High School and Heritage Hills collaborated to instill a renewed interest into the high school golf program. The Bison golf teams have flourished since 1980. Much of their success should be credited to the coaches. Coach Ron Coleman was the first to acknowledge Heritage Hills in the development of his players. The late “RC” said, “An errant tee shot is a lot more severe than it is at other golf courses—so my players must learn to stay out of trouble.…the undulating greens are of great help to golfers in developing their game….you must learn to adjust to downhill, uphill, and side hill lies.”

The success of the Bison Golf Teams can be measured by its achievements in the Nebraska High School Activities Association. MHS has earned 9 state titles and 4 runner-up finishes in golf competition. All but one of these titles has been earned since 1981. The NSAA has crowned 8 McCook students as individual medalist champions and 4 runner-up medalists. The following is a few of the many awards and achievements of the Bison Golf Teams:

McCook High School Golf:

Boys State “A” Champions 1969 – John Nothnagel, John Pisar, Kevin Herrmann, Dennis Burns; Boys State “B” Champions 1990 – David Skinner, Corey Meisenbach, Jason Loop, Jason Smith, Chris Weimers; 1994 – Bob Wellman, Justin Coleman, Ryan Vlasin, Kevin Michaelis, Marcus Clapp, Brian Michaelis; 1995 – Bob Wellman, Justin Coleman, Todd Shield, Kevin Michaelis, Ryan Vlasin, Marcus Clapp; 1996 – Ryan Vlasin, Kevin Michaelis, Anthony Davis, Justin Coleman, Todd Shield; 2001 – Jim Loecker, Tyler Loop, Matt Serbousek, Nick Nothnagel, Tyler Lawson, Jesse Chmiel; 2003 – Bobby Gaulke, Tyler Lawson, Brandon Crick, Nick Nothnagel, Matt Serbousek; 2004 – Bobby Gaulke, Tyler Lawson, Brandon Crick, Kelly Maiden, Brett Chmiel; Boys State “B” Runners-Up 1997, 2000, 2006; Boys Individual Medalist 1990 – Jason Loop; 1996 – Ryan Vlasin; 2003 – Tyler Lawson; Boys Runner-Up Medalist 1996 – Kevin Michaelis; 1996 – Justin Coleman; 2003 – Brandon Crick; Girls State “B” Champion 1999 – Elizabeth Morell, Maggie Bass, Michelle Olson King, Julie Gumb, Karmon Nelson Coleman; Girls State”B” Runners-Up 2004; Girls Individual Medalist 1996 – Erin Gumb Schwenka; 1998 – Elizabeth Morell; 1999 – Elizabeth Morell; 2003 – Katherine Morell; 2004 – Katherine Morell; Girls Runner-Up Medalist 1997 – Elizabeth Morell.

The relationship between Heritage Hills and MHS goes beyond just a venue to learn, practice, and participate on the Bison Golf Teams. It is a little known fact that over 25 former employees have entered into the golf industry either as a course superintendent or golf professional. One past graduate is a golf course construction superintendent working with Landscapes Unlimited LLC which is the firm who built Heritage Hills and is now the premier Golf Course Builder in the country. Those graduates who have held and are in management positions as a head or assistant superintendent are: Josh Arterburn, Jeff Beideck, John Beideck, Brian Beyer, Rob Christie, Clint Coleman, Dick Rima, Chris Vontz, Pat Weigel, and Tim J. Wiemers. Golf professionals who have held head or assistant positions are: Justin Coleman, Anthony Davis, Chris Hall, Larry Meister, John Mullen, Tom Perkins, Ryan Vlasin, Chris Wiemers, and Greg Wiemers.

During the 27 years of Heritage Hills existence, nearly one student in every class has entered into the golf industry. Heritage Hills has provided part-time summer employment for literally hundreds of students through the years. Many of these employees have continued on to college and secured other golf course employment opportunities with the experience they’ve gained at the “Hills”. Others have earned positions on college golf teams to acquire athletic scholarships to help pay for college tuition.

Heritage Hills Golf Course values its relationship with the McCook Schools as well as the City of McCook. When we all support each other, pool our resources, and work in partnership towards a common goal, we will produce a synergistic energy for the betterment of our schools and entire community.

by William K. Bieck, CGCS Heritage Hills Superintendent (Father of Ryan’00, Tyler ’03, Anthony ’08)

By now some of you may know who this is: it’s Mr. G or Mr. Ken Gansebom, my Dad. I was so lucky to be brought up in McCook as were my brothers, Anthony ‘76 and Mark ‘78, and my sister Suzanne ’82 (although Mark and Suzanne finished school at Wayne, NE). Mom and Dad gave us a wonderful life in McCook.

Some of the musicals he did while in McCook were South Pacific, Oklahoma, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls, Camelot, Sound of Music, and Pajama Game. The kids that participated in the musicals are near and dear to his heart. I used to know many of them by their character names because I and my siblings were lucky enough to go to many of the rehearsals, so that by the time the musical was ready we knew many of the songs if not all of them and had learned a lot of the dialogue. My Dad felt that McCook was filled with wonderful people and so many made him feel that he was contributing to the community and treated him with much respect and admiration. He has always treasured his years of service in McCook. He and Mom are celebrating 55 years of marriage this year and they both turn 80, which is very special to us. They both continue to work; Dad is still substitute teaching in the Wayne area and Mom is working in the grade school kitchen. They are both very active and enjoy their 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. We would like to invite any and all who would like to come to their 55th Anniversary celebration on May 17th in Carroll, NE at the city auditorium from 1-5. They would love to see both past students and old friends. If you would like to send a card, address it to Kenneth & Susan Gansebom, 103 Erikson, Carroll, NE 68723. Thank you McCook for all the wonderful memories. Our carefree days of growing up are treasured by all of us.

by Sarah Gansebom Brown ‘72 dbrown_winky@cox.net

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, 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

http://www.dirkandsteve.com/

The most exciting new addition to the high school is actually the return of an old favorite. For the first time in several years, FFA (Future Farmers of America) once again has an advisor and 23 student members at McCook Senior High. Agriculture classes are being offered at the high school through a cooperative effort with McCook Community College, which provides the instructor.

The volleyball squad had a successful season, finishing with a 17-15 record. Senior Justine Hager captured the sixth-place medal at the Nebraska Class B Girl’s State Golf Tournament. She qualified all four years of high school to compete in the tournament. The McCook Bison softball team won the Class B-6 District title for the ninth straight year to advance to the state tournament, where they were eliminated in the second round.

MHS freshman, Connor Larson placed second in No. 2 singles in the Class B Boy’s State Tennis Championship. The Bison football team posted a 12-0 record and advanced to the Class B state title game for the fifth time in six years. McCook was defeated by Crete by the score of 14-7 in overtime.

McCook Homecoming King and Queen were Mitchell Green and Sarah Craw, first attendants were Carson Kain and Cassie Olson, and second attendants were Chance Unger and Erica Clapp.

Juniors Atheana Parde and Stephen Smock represented MHS in the 2007 All-State Chorus, which performed in Lincoln.

by Diane Wilson Lyons ‘67

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

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.

Efforts are already under way. In January, work began on spacious new dressing rooms for performers. The dressing rooms, located on the lower level of the theatre, should be completed by early spring. Also, a retractable screen has been installed at the Fox, opening the stage area for larger shows.

“Our goal is to host many events at the Fox,” said Gene O. Morris, who joined the theatre in January as executive director. Gene, who is the retired publisher of the McCook Gazette, may be reached by telephone at 308-340-5972 or e-mail at geneomorris@yahoo.com.

“The Fox renovation will be an ongoing project,” said Lloyd Benjamin ‘56, the president of the Fox Theatre board of directors. “The Fox is a beautiful theatre and has great acoustics, but it needs to be upgraded,” Lloyd said. “Among the needs are new restrooms and plumbing, heating, electrical and roof upgrades. We also need to reupholster the seats and refurbish the marquee,” he said. An orchestra pit and a new sound system are also planned.

“We’re fortunate to live in such a great community and to have a fine facility like the Fox,” Lloyd added. “We have already received a number of generous donations and will be seeking additional support in the months to come.”

Those who would like updates on the Fox Project may write to The Fox, Box 211, McCook, NE 69001 or e-mail geneomorris@yahoo.com.

A number of MHS alumni are taking leading roles in the project. John Hubert ‘45 has been the operator of the Fox for many years and continues to serve as a member of the board of directors. Other Fox directors are June Benjamin Davis ’60, Charles Coleman ’66, Christina Hubert Coleman ‘67, Kent Craw, Terry Ellinger and Elizabeth Benjamin.  “We will have much more to report about the Fox campaign in the Bison Newsletter this fall,” Lloyd said. “Be watching. Many exciting happenings are coming.”

“The success of last year’s competition, our very first ever, set the stage for what we believe will become a wave of interesting and innovative business development in the greater McCook region,” said project initiator and Hormel Family Foundation board member Ben Hormel Harris.

The Hormel Business Plan Competition is intended to encourage existing business in McCook, as well as to attract new businesses to the area. Start-ups and existing local business owners are equally welcome to submit their business ideas.

On June 6, a panel of judge’s comprised of business and community leaders will once again identify the most promising business plan tailored to the McCook region. The winning entrepreneur or team will receive a $25,000 cash investment, as well as consulting and advertising services valued at $10,000. In exchange for the $25,000 investment, the Hormel Family Foundation will take a minority stake in the business and will work closely with the winner to maximize the chances of success.

“Winning the $25,000 investment enabled us to quickly realize a dream that otherwise could have taken years to achieve,” said last year’s business plan competition winner Cody Dame ‘01, co-owner of McCook gaming store Game On ( www.gameongames.com ). “The Hormel Family Foundation has been a great partner,” commented Tanner Lytle ‘04, the second half of the Game On duo. “They’ve been supportive all the way, but at the end of the day, they trust that Cody and I will make the right decisions for our business.”

Spearheaded by the Hormel Family Foundation, the Hormel Business Plan Competition enjoys generous support from Community Hospital and McCook Community Development Co. (comprised of AmFirst Bank, McCook National Bank and Wells Fargo).

The Hormel Family Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to education and business development in McCook, Nebraska. Founded in 1999 by the late Ben F. Hormel, it provided the funding for the Ben F. Hormel Technology Center for Business and Industry on the McCook Community College campus.

The Hormel foundation is now accepting submissions, and encourages all those interested in entering the competition to visit www.hormelfamilyfoundation.com, or contact Susan Harris-Broomfield at (308) 340-0856.

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

Send your suggestions and donations for the “Insuring The Future” to: Bison Alumni Newsletter, 700 West 7th, McCook. Make checks payable to McCook Community Foundation, designate “Insuring the Future”, “In Memory of:” or “In Honor of:”. (All gifts given “In Memory of : or In Honor of are directed to the ITF fund.) Donations are tax deductible and those over $35 receive a receipt from the Nebraska Community Foundation.

Gifts given to the Bison Newsletter

Matching Gifts Robin Wilson Szwanek ’81 & Matching AARP Gift

Individual Gifts

Phyllis Rutt Grine ‘45
Class of 1946
Norma Weigel Menu ‘47
Marilyn WeigelProchaska ‘49
Nona Lee Weigel Leitner ’54
William O’Brien ‘54
Al Cuellar ‘56
Otto Weigel, Jr. ‘57
Nancy Jewell Tarnutzer ‘58
Diane Jewell ‘63
Mert Chancellor ‘64
David Glenn ‘64
James Liggett ‘66
W. Lamoine Eiler ‘71

A list of the donors, plus pictures of the new band uniforms, will be included in our fall edition of Bison Alumni Newsletter. There is still time for you to donate to this fund if you have not done so already. The money will be used to maintain and upkeep the band uniforms and to order more uniforms if the size of the band grows. Funds can be made out to the McCook Educational Foundation and mailed to Jason Loop, 111 West D Street, McCook, NE 69001. Please mark your donations “Bison Pride” so we can credit them to the proper account.

Gifts given to the McCook Educational Foundation
Wayne Rothmeyer ’58
Verna Billingsley Barnett ‘47
Safeco (Matching funds from Wayne Rothmeyer)

Gifts Given for Wrestling Room Project
Earth Sound
S.O.C. Oil

Gifts given for Scholarship Endowment Funds
Gene Weedin
Charles Peek ‘60

In memory of                                                             Given by
Harry & Irma Douglass ………………………………. Betty Knierim Shoulders ‘44

Macedonio & Tranquilina Luevano Cuellar ………………………. Frank Cuellar ‘51

If you have a fond memory, funny anecdote, or story about Donnie that you would like to share, please mail your memories to Deanna Johnson, 603 West F Street, McCook, NE 69001 or email them to her at scott@mccooknet.com. She would like to have this book finished by the fall, so please mail them to her as soon as possible.

Kaylea Schauer ‘80 & Kenneth Day
Keri Steinke ’96 & Clayton Waddle
Jodie Lilienthal ’96 & Jason Fisher
JoAnn Sueper & Brian Hageman ‘97
Marissa Smith ’00 & Brett Lindau
Kristi Kenny ’02 & Matt Huff ‘03
Lyndsay Wall ’02 & Cody Lashley
Robin Gattis & Jordan Bass ‘04
Sarah McPhillips ’04 & Justin Cobb
Lisa Stull ’04 & Kyle Wayman

Thank you to the following people for donations of TIME OR MONEY to this volume of the Newsletter. If names have been inadvertently missed, please send a note to us and we will get it in the next letter.

Staff & Faculty Anita Drain, Al Cuellar; 31 Dorothy Fitch Nicholson; 32 Mary Austin Horendeck; 34 Donald T. Rowland; 35 Russell Dowling, Phyllis Olson Marsh, 38 Olive Sadler, Bernadine Traphagan Malcolm; 39 Helen Dutton Allen; 40 Beau Gilbert, Evelyn Frank Morgan; 41 Dorothy Reed Confer, Bertha Appleyard Magee, Patricia Powers Evans, Ardis Randel Vukas; 42 Darlene Frank Grimm, Darlene Kennedy Morris, Patty Ferguson Eisenhart; 43 Evelyn Roberts Truck, Keith Viersen, Rex O. Lewis, Ina Wolfe Westbrook, Ruth Bamesberger Shields: 44 Betty Klopp Wood, Patty Ruppert Cooper, JoAnne Amen Santi, Donna Holloway Bull, Rev. Richard Harr, Shirley Axelson Johnson; 45 Bruce Swanson, Phyllis Rutt Grine, Wayne Messinger, John Hubert, Darlene Blake Wagner; 46 Alfred & Beth Randel Jussel, Shirley Muffley Wallen; 47 Phyllis Unger Clapp, Rosalie Teel Weskamp, Eileen Ackerman Hubert; 48 Phyllis Wagner Wilcox, Janet Hodgkin Bowker, Ivan Schmid, Joan Hoyt Gilliam; 49 Charles Wolfe, Shirley Whitten Mauer, Donna Holmes Butler, Clara Lebsack Adams, Eloise Breitling Farber; 50 Dean Roedel, Nancy Bridenstine Wilhelm, Richard Farber, Patty McBrien McIlmoyle, Dean Roedel; 51 Janice Eisenbarth Waddell, Jean Blake Evans; 52 Freda Shreffler Clapp, Kay Cashen Flaska, Yvonne Brunswick Hager, Jerry Corey, Murel McNutt, Peggy Appleyard; 53 Gary Gierhart, Joanne Ruppert Roedel, Marlene Reiners Foster, Pat Rogers Schmid,; 54 Darrell Benjamin, Ethyl Logan Siegfried; 55 Lila Schafer Johnson, Rich Johnson, Mike and Bette Breland Lucas, Dick Trail; 56 Arley Steinhour, Marcia Weichel Patrick and Mary Kay Styskal Vaughn, Al Cuellar, Ann Tondreau Trail; 57 Ann Janisch Eller, Gene Langfeldt, Virginia Uhrich Brown, Andrea Nicholson Bower, Doug Vap, Otto Weigel, Jerda Thompson Garey, Dale Hofman, Larry Rich, John Hanson, Ruth Ann Kunkee Hackenkamp, John Herrmann; 58 Judy Chinn Wortley, Sharon Dowling Felker, Darrell Bonar; 59 Wally Derr, Janet Eckhardt Rich, Honey Lou McDonald Bonar, Mary Lee Mohr Corey, Nancy Jewell Tarnutzer, Sherry Brandt Vap; 60 Karen Meister Peterson, Pat Wakefield Fredde, Sharon Schow Derr; 61 Eleanor Riggs Myrberg, Charles Real, Jean Reynolds Parry, Bev Search Woolwine; 62 Patty Hein Pasquan, Mary Jo Wagner Baumfalk, Tom Buresh; 63 Diane Jewell, Barbara Minary Masur, Carol Cheney Lashley, Peg Decker Bell, Dick Cappel; 64 David Glenn, Mert Chancellor, Karen Tirrell Kasper, David Glenn, Gloria Shepherd Mefford, Cheri Myers Beckenhauer; 65 Warren Jones, Susan Johnson Fischer, Gary Gunther, Dick Rima, Dennis Chancellor, Colleen Grant, Pam Gull Schilz, Linda Leibrandt Taylor, Steve Batty; 66 Carol Verraneault Ommert, Sharon Glenn Trout, Jim Liggett, Karen Bales Rima, Sandy Gallatin, Catherine Bunstock Cox; 67- Jay Johnson, Nancy Eifert Buresh, Jean Harmon Hallowell; 68 Nancy Wilcox Stritt, Karen Hutt, Ron Massic, Gerald Traphagan, Lavonne Leibrandt Salisbury, Cathy Buckley Jones, Don Riggs, Robert Delano, Sue Coady Doak, Susie Andrews Thomsen; 69 Rex Backer, Nancy Johnson Dunn, Laurie Townsend Riggs, Mike Dinnel, David Buckley, Steven Myers, Terry Doyle, Teresa Hassler, Elaine Meyerle Shannon, Gene Abbottt, Dan Wallen; 70 Chuck Bunstock, David Wilson, Cathy Robinson Brown; 71 Myra Miller Lezanic, Marcia Rutt Spradlin, Lamoine Eiler, Dixie Kiel Martin, Steve Clapp; 72 Sharon Satriano Martin, Anne Unger Confer; 73 Pam Clapp Harsh, Randy Andrews, Dave Winder, Mary Anderson Dueland; 74 Peg Augustyn Andrews, Nancy Lewis Frecks; 75 Karen Stevenson Stewart, Dari Olson Tucker; 76 Suzette Hill Bryant, Kevin Zander, Lana Currie Richter, Diane Wilson Lyons; 77 Donna Roberts Stone; 78 Lisa Koetter Einspahr, Gerald Novak, Bob Becker, Peggy Jacobson Daniels, Linda Smith, Kimberly McKillip Aubrey, Jerry Calvin; 79 Keith Prohaska, Karen Thomas Carlson, Kristi Bath Novak, Dale Mackey, Marian Kotschwar Richards, Scott Frank, John Beideck, Cathy Schmid Willman, Robin Frick Calvin; 80 Bob Schneider, Melissa Sis Prohaska, Lesa Hein Clifford, Joan Krizek Broadwell, Brett Schroeder, Denise Garey Ringenberg, Camy Eggers Bradley, Lanae Hoyt Fritsch; 81 Dee McCorkle Premer, Ye Seng Wilson, Al Cuellar, Leila Hoyt Koetter; 82 Sara Wiemers Rippen; 83 Karen Pick Rounsborg, Kevin Buxton, Becki Keenportz, Kristy Ziemann Pollnow; 84 Barbara Thompson Norton, Tina McCoy, Tammra Bradley Decker; 85 Annette Kool Wagner; 86 Kevin Cox, Terri Dack Skolout, Tracy Lucas; 87 Jodi Premer Frank, Janella Duffield Hager, Ann Guthrie Teel; 88 Todd Cappel, Kerri Davis Unger; 89 Daniel Troester, Brad & Wendy Hampton Gillen; 90 Rich Brodersen, Lisa Hinz, Jacqueline Case Karam, , Larissa Leibrandt Fagundes, Jeanette Cappel Wonderly; 91 Chris Leitner, Lisa Schlegel Brown, Michelle Chancellor Henrickson; 92 Michelle Clapp Leitner, Jason Loop; 93 Billy Howard, Kelsie Cappel Sather, Steve Carr, Joanne Pick Barenberg; 94 Andrea Bunstock Stevens, Michelle Broderson, Shawna Jordan Michaelis, Stephanie Hays Stevens; 95 Jonathan Bargen, Tennille Beeby Grosz, Jessica Hoyt Mondero, Kirk Rasmussen, Amy Ahlers Downing, Carmen Irwin Lervold; 96 Todd Felber, Chad & Amy Vontz Kehler; 97 Lisa Beckenhauer Pomajzl; 98 Randon Peters, Tracy Donze, Brian Symington; 99 Cassie Miller Spencer; 00 Anna Dueland Hunnicutt, parent rep-Russ Ankerson; 01 parent rep-Shari Goodenberger; 02 Laura Lyons Plas; 03 parent rep-Cindy Pohl; 04 parent rep – Russ Ankerson & Kim Lyons; 05 parent rep-Diane Lyons; 06 parent rep-Sarah Wiemers Rippen & Julia Lyons, 07 John Swanhorst; Jr High Student Council & Sponsors- Kristin Blume; 10 Riley Haney, 13 Jake Schlager, Luke Post, Drew Bredvick, Brooklynn Trew, Emily Craw, Hollie Eiler, Gavin Harsh, Riley Allen, Madison Chitwood, Austin Cherry; Band Parents and students: Donita Priebe (Band Director), Stacy Priebe, Nolan Priebe, Alaini Priebe, Pamela Cox, Ted W Blythman, Sue Chipman, Mike Chipman, Chris Wilson, Gavin Harsh, Erin Premer, Chandler Wagner, Bev Green, Brent & Lori Cobb, Cathy Tapia, Others: Helen McNutt, Rex & Sonnie Nelson and Andrew.

NEWSLETTER STAFF INCLUDES ALL Class Representatives & Russell Dowling,’35, John Hubert ‘45, Wayne Messinger ‘45, Dorothy Nelson Baker ‘47, Ivan Schmid ‘48, Jean Blake Evans ‘51, Pat Rogers Schmid ‘53, Al Cuellar ‘56, Sharon Dowling Felker ‘58, Sharon Schow Derr ‘60, Pat Wakefield Fredde ‘60, Cheri Myers Beckenhauer ‘64, Anne Unger Confer ‘72, Dave Winder ‘73, Mary Anderson Dueland ‘73, Randy Andrews ‘73, Peg Augustyn Andrews ‘74, Terri Farber Winder ‘74, Lana Currie Richter ‘76, Diane Wilson Lyons ‘76, Camy Eggers Bradley, ‘80, Janella Duffield Hager ‘87, Scott Bieker ‘88, Kerrilyn Symington, Jerry Beckenhauer, and all the advertisers in this issue.

Robert “Bob” Clark
Wayne K Gillen
Bernice Oberg Kircher
Joe Seger – Coach - 1954-59
Leopold “Bus” Bahl – 1931
Helen C Turner Brooks – 1931
Bernadine Powers Larson – 1933
Josephine “Jody” Downs Braun – 1935
Orla Hobson Leitner Harbor – 1935
Letha Trimpey Gehrig – 1935
Elaine M Reynolds Peters – 1936
Ruth Tourtellotte Callan – 1936
Lewis “Bud” Harmon – 1936
Wayne B. Allen – 1936
Melvin Kennedy – 1937
Lavanna Kennedy Whitford – 1937
Barbara Mae Sherbahn Lindquist – 1937
Frank Vaughn – 1939
William “Bill” Bullard – 1939
Wilford “Willie” J. Cole – 1939
Richard Kirkland Strayer – 1940
Adair Myers – 1940
Viola E. Howell Haag – 1942
Donald J “Doc” McKillip – 1943
Dorothy Cox Adams – 1944
Billie Berry Dike – 1945
Virginia Hanke Fisher – 1945
Donald Hodson – 1945
Harvey W. Hofman – 1948
Dean V. Utter – 1949
JoAnn Corcoran Dike – 1950
Rodney Nickerson – 1954
James L. Horn – 1961
Stanley K. Pearson – 1961
Calista “C.J.” Curtis Rea – 1963
Dennis Awtry – 1964
Gerald L. Koch – 1963
Kirby Harmon Kennedy – 1965
Ron Hamilton – 1966
Daniel Patrick O’Neil – 1966
Patrick L. Taylor – 1966
John B Williams – 1969
Gary “Hedge” W. Hedges – 1971
Roger R Ihrig – 1975
Julius L. Corder – 1976
Steve Lambert – 1977
Roy L Seybold – 1981

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

On September 8, 2007 Donnie lost a short but courageous fight with brain cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer in early June. Staying in Lyons, NE with her parents, she and her husband, Tom Poore ’74, made a daily trek to Omaha Methodist Hospital where she underwent very aggressive treatment to destroy the tumors. In early August it was determined that the cancer had won and they returned to McCook. 

Donnie’s children are students in McCook Public Schools; Ethan a senior, Josh a freshman and Mariah a seventh grader. 

I first met Donnie in college. We both attended UNL and lived in Love Hall on East Campus. She was a meticulous student who studied or read for pleasure all of the time and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was a member of Innocents Society, a prestigious honorary society. We both moved to McCook the same year. She began her teaching career at MJHS where I was doing my student teaching, and then I got my first job there as well. We taught there together for 21 years. 

Young and single, Donnie poured her heart and soul into her career and sponsorship of FHA (Future Homemakers of America). Donnie told me she chose the profession because of the influence of her high school teacher. Not many of us can boast scoring a 35/36 on the ACT, and I often marveled that a high paying career in some other field would have been a more likely choice. Like all young people who choose this profession, she wanted to make a difference in the lives of kids; she certainly did. 

During her tenure, she saw many changes in the course offerings and the transition from two Family and Consumer Science teachers to one. When Donnie only taught junior high students, the curriculum included predominantly cooking and sewing projects for seventh and eighth graders. Eventually, her curriculum changed to more of a consumer driven focus which is a sign of the times and a transition to one teacher for the whole school. Of the entire curriculum offered to students, her curriculum is probably the most practical for survival in the world after high school. All students benefit from good consumerism and family communication skills. She was an expert in those areas.

Her classroom was a haven for her and her students. As a young teacher, she grew very close to her students who were going through the maturation process, and it is those students who have repeatedly shared the profound impact she had on their adult lives. 

Some comments and condolences from past students attest to that fact:

“Miss A was my favorite teacher. I am 29 now and out of everything I learned in high school, what she taught me is what I’ve used most in my life. She taught all about reproduction (in great detail). I remembered everything and came in very handy when my husband and I decided it was time for children. Cooking, sewing, etc….I am a stay-at-home mom so I use it all. Every time I pack the brown sugar in my measuring cup, I think of her. And also when I crack an egg in a custard cup before dumping it into my recipe. I am ever thankful and grateful for knowing her. Abbey Bruner

“On behalf of the class of 1990, I send my sympathy. I, personally, learned a lot in her class and had fun. She always had a smile on her face. She was always friendly, courteous, and always had an ear to lend if one of her students needed someone to listen to their problems. I can just imagine what she was like as a mother if she was like that as a teacher.” Jeanette Cappel Wonderly ’90

“I was stunned to hear about Miss A. What an incredible woman she was. I was part of her Home Ec. class when Tom asked her to marry him. I learned to do calligraphy on their wedding invitations. I remember when Ethan was born. I credit a lot of my love of cooking to her. What a dear lady and friend.” Nan Dicke Varney ‘90

Because Donnie feared the eventual elimination of the program, she went back to college and got an endorsement in history which she never had the opportunity to use. One of the last things she asked of me was to fight to prevent the elimination of the Family& Consumer Service Program. 

As she married and had her own family, she got involved in church youth activities as well. She gave programs on things like how to set the table and good table manners prior to our MYF members attending prom with their dates. She was a wonderful presenter and she was so knowledgeable about so many things.

Dennis Berry, her principal, writes, “Donnie Anderson Poore’s legacy is one of being a positive role model for staff as well as for her students. The curriculum content for Family and Consumer Science, though valuable, won’t be what is most remembered. Donnie’s kind, giving character will.  She truly cared about her students and her co-workers. She was a quiet mentor to many of her students and she was the behind the scenes person that organized the charitable giving with staff to make donations to a needy student or to help celebrate events or console fellow staff members. She was very professional and had a ready smile and a "can do" volunteer spirit about her. Though she is gone her memory and positive spirit lives on at MJH.”

I never failed to marvel at her decorating talents and tastes; their home does look like a layout in House Beautiful. If you walked into her classroom, you often found her reading which was one way she relaxed. Her talents don’t stop there as she loved to sew, making all of her bridesmaid dresses for her own wedding and for other people. Her needle handiwork and wood working projects are works of art. Her family will cherish the pieces of wood furniture she built or refinished, including all of the woodwork in their home. 

When you consider that she has taught every student who has attended MJHS for 25 years, she achieved what she set out to do. Over 3,000 students have been influenced by her love of learning, her desire to exemplify living a Christian example, and her gentle spirit.

“Miss A was one of my favorite teachers and one of the best teachers I had the privilege of learning from. I enjoyed being a part of her classes. She had a fabulous teaching style and sense of humor. Further, as you know, she was a wonderful woman. She will truly be missed. She was a remarkable teacher, woman, wife, mother, friend and Christian.” Mandy Leamon ‘95

A memorial scholarship fund has been established to help her children go on to college. If you wish to contribute or send a word of comfort, please write to Thomas Poore, 403 East 2^nd, McCook, NE 69001 or you may leave condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com. Deanna Fox Johnson ‘90 would like to gather memories and stories of Donnie from her former students. These memories would be put into a book form and given to Donnie’s children, as a tribute to her from her students. Please mail your memories to Deanna Johnson, 603 West F Street, McCook, NE 69001 or email them to her at scott@mccooknet.com. Deanna would like to have the book finished by next fall, so please send in your thoughts as soon as possible. Thanks to Deanna for this wonderful offer.

by Pam Wolford, MHS English teacher