PUBLICATION FACTSPublished by

MHS Bison Alumni, 700 West 7th, PO Box 665McCook, NE

Published biannually in the Spring & Fall.

Mailed at class request and

cost to entire class only. Individual subscriptions

not available. This Spring 2017 issue

is being mailed and emailed to 6000

alumni.

Biso

n Al

umni

PO Box 665 · McCook, NE · mccook2010.com

McCook Senior High SchoolSpring 2017 Vol. 50

When the US entered WWII, many believed they’d lose because Japanese victories kept piling up at America’s expense. Historians claim that the Battle of Midway in June 1942 was the turning point that shifted the war in America’s favor, but records show that it started well before that – in China. It all began with the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japan had been chipping away at China for a while, but in 1937, it launched a full-scale assault that included the genocide at Nanking. China’s warring factions united but realized that the League of Nations was useless. Britain and the rest of Europe were distracted by Germany, while Russia was also busy chipping away at China, so they turned to America. Officially neutral, America condemned Japan but refused to get involved, nor did it want to risk trade relations, because Japan bought most of its goods from the US. There was only one thing to do – hire Claire Lee Chennault, a retired US Army Air Corps colonel. China was poor, technologically backward, and what modern weaponry it had wasn’t enough. Still, Chennault was determined to help and that made a difference.

Glen Beneda ‘41McCook’s Flying Tiger

Dec 6, 2016 by Shahan Russell of warhistoryonline.com

continued on page 2 - Glen Beneda ‘41 McCook’s Flying Tiger

North American

P-51 Mustangs

Flying Tigers blood chit from ROC National

Government, provided courtesy of Robert

Baldwin.jpg The blood chit reads: “This

foreign person has come to China to help in the

war effort. Soldiers and civilians, one and all, should rescue and protect him.

This is an amazing video of Glen's

service in the Flying Tigers over

China. Go to YOUTUBE and type in:

Touching The Tigers: Glen Beneda

Because on December 23, 1940 President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed that China needed help… unofficially, that is. Officially, America was a neutral country that never got involved in foreign wars. On April 15, 1941, reservists of the US Army, Air Force, and Navy were “encouraged” to resign their posts to work as accountants, technical specialists, and engineers – even though many had never gone to college. Then they made their way to the 1st American Volunteer Group… in Burma.(present day Mynamar). To ensure that nothing led back to them, the US government worked with the Central Aircraft Manufacturing Company (CAMCO) – an American firm based in Loiwing, China. Remarkably, Loiwing happens to be right next to the Burmese border. Thus was born the Flying Tigers – an air squadron created to fight Japan even before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. These protected the Burma Road (China’s main supply route) and Free China. In the event they were downed, each pilot was given a Chinese-English phrasebook called a “pointy-talkie” and a “blood chit” – a document urging everyone to help them. The Flying Tigers were able to stop the Japanese from bombing the city of Kunming and several others. While the American fight in the Pacific Theater didn’t start out well, things were different in China.

2 Bison Alumni

Among these Flying Tigers was Glen Beneda ‘41 who was born in McCook, Nebraska on January 6, 1924. Turning 18 a mere 30 days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was a freshman in college when he dropped out to join the Army Air Corps in March 1942. After flight training, he was sent to China in May of the following year. Assigned to the 76th Squadron under the 23rd Fighter Group of the 14th Air Force, he made several kills and downed a few Japanese planes. Despite this, he had very little to do with the Chinese. He was fighting for his country, after all, and if it had to be done in China, then so be it. That all changed on May 6, 1944 when the 14th sent a large squadron to take out the Japanese base in Hankou, Hubei Province. Glen was in a P-51 Mustang providing escort to several bombers and P-40E Warhawks when the Japanese threw 25 to 30 planes at them. Thanks to the Flying Tigers, the bombers and P-40Es were able to deliver their payloads before flying back to base in Chongqing. Glen’s group had just shot down three P-38 fighters when he positioned himself to shoot down an A6M Zero, but as he did; another attacked him from behind. His plane on fire, he veered away and managed to bail out before it crashed. The government didn’t know that; however, so they told his family that he was dead, but good

news – Glen got the Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Flight! Those in Luojia Village in Jiangxi County knew better because his plane crashed in their rice fields. That was bad enough, but to see someone with yellow hair, blue eyes, and such a big nose was terrifying. Fortunately, a few of them had heard of such creatures before. Glen was hurt and equally terrified. To show he meant no harm, he made a great show of throwing his knife away. Then he said “Meiguo” over and over – meaning “America.” Unfortunately, his tones were off, so they didn’t understand. (It’s Měiguó). He took out a US flag but got only blank stares. Finally, he handed them his blood chit. Ah… now they understood. Using his pointy-talkie, he was able to communicate with Luo Fushi – the village headman who vowed to help. They carried Glen to their village where they fed him and tended to his wounds, but he still couldn’t walk. They built him a stretcher and began a dangerous marathon to take him back to Allied territory. They traveled at night to avoid the Japanese, and despite the severe food shortages, they did what they could. He was picky with his food; however, so if he actually finished something, they’d give him more of it the next day – which meant that others had to go hungry. Catching on,

Glen Beneda ‘41 McCook’s Flying Tiger

Glen began eating everything they gave, but only half of it so that more could eat. News spread, and others lay in wait to take up the relay, while others looked for the foods he ate. On May 29, they finally got him to the 5th Division Headquarters of the Chinese 4th Army in Dawu County. He thanked them by beating them at every ping-pong game, so they sent him on to Chongqing. Glen never forgot what the Chinese did for him. They never forgot about him either, because they welcomed him back in Luojia as an honored guest on September 9, 2005. Nor has China forgotten the Flying Tigers, which is why some of Glen’s ashes rest in the Li Xiannian Memorial Garden – reserved only for Chinese VIPs.

continued from page 1

Omaha Birth ConnectionMissy Dixson Bailey ‘07

McCook alumni (2007) Missy Bailey (Dixson) and her husband Cody started Omaha Birth Connection a little over one year ago. When they are not busy with chasing their three kids (Lucy, Max, and Eli) they are working endlessly on their 3 companies. Missy has been a Birth Doula for almost 8 years and loves every second of it! Her passion for birth grew more intensely after the birth of her first child, Lucy. Each of Missy’s own pregnancies has further deepened her understanding and awe of birth. She's a continual learner and loves hearing about and understand-

ing all aspects and viewpoints on pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. She's the most excited person in the room when some-one announces they are expecting, hands down! Missy's primary focus at OBC is making the services as supportive, encourag-ing, and valuable as possible. She's always thinking about the other person and wants everyone to have an amazing experience, no matter what route they choose for having their baby/babies. She's known for her com-passion, hospitality, tenacity, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Omaha Birth Connection (OBC) strives

to create a place where families are con-nected with legitimate and professional pregnancy, birth, and postpartum services and products. “We attempt to do so in an unconditionally supportive, collaborative, and non-judgemental way. We are always brainstorming and thinking-outside-of-the-box to provide a better experience for our clients and community. We offer many services that include childbirth education classes, grandparent classes, postpartum and birth doulas, birth photography, belly binding, support groups, and more.” OBC is located at 2814 S 110th Ct in Omaha, NE, but covers the entire state of Nebraska.

For more information, visit http://omahabirthconnection.com , give us a call at 402-201-2121 or email us at hello@omahabirthconnection.com. We would love to get to know you and help in any way that we can!

(Editor’s note: If you would like to tell

the Bison Family about your business, we

will try to have a least one story in future

editions of the newsletter. Please email

bison1973@yahoo.com).

404 West A StMcCook, NE 69001

Tyler Loop ‘01Tyler Randolph Loop ‘03

Local/Long DistanceLets us Help.

FREE ESTIMATESHousehold, Furniture,Appliances, Boxes, etc

Fully InsuredSmall Jobs or Large

Brad Hershberger ‘74

308-345-3610

Bison Alumni 3

HERSHBERGER MUSIC CO.

“Celebrating our 60th Year in Business”Thank you to all our customers over that time.

We wouldn’t be here without you.

Brad Hershberger ‘74

202 West 1st, McCook, Ne 308-345-8977 800-345-8977

webbbodyshop@hotmail.com

Owner; Rich Webb ‘721406 West 17th • McCook, Nebraska 69001Telephone 308-345-3205 • Fax 308 345-4214

Over 40 years work on all makes & modelsPaint Work • Glass Installation • Body Work • Frame Work

AlumniSpotlights

MysteriousGod-moment!

By Rev. Diana Zicafoose Circelli ’74

Something very strange happened to me last year – a very mysterious God-moment! The Northwest pastors group of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley of Ohio typically get together for lunch at a dif-ferent restaurant every month. I had been attending these lunches since my arrival to Sidney, Ohio in 2013, and I had been get-ting to know the area pastors. The retired lady pastor from Greenville, Jocelyn Shel-don, always initiated good conversation with me and I looked forward to talking with her. Every month, as we became closer friends, we found out more about each other. One particular chilly fall day, the group was sitting in a Red Lobster Res-taurant, talking about professional football. I mentioned that where I grew up, there was only high school and college football, but townspeople cheered heartily for them. Jocelyn remarked, “Yes, that’s how it was where I’m from, too.” I leaned over the person sitting between us at the table and asked, “Where are you from?” She smiled and said, “Oh, a little town in Nebraska.” That caught my attention. “Me, too. I’m also from a little town in Nebraska.. You’ve probably never heard of it. It’s in the southwest part of the state.” Jocelyn’s face lit up. “Me, too! It’s called McCook!.” I nearly dropped my shrimp. “I am, too!” I exclaimed. We looked at each other in disbelief as we narrowed down our com-mon roots even more. “I graduated in the class of ’74. How about you?” I asked. “I was in the class of ’59. Go Bison!” We both looked around the table and saw that everyone else was listening intently, enthralled with this extreme coin-cidence, but it got even better. “I can’t believe that! This is amazing!” I said. “What was your maiden name?” “I was Jocelyn Welch ’59,” she re-plied.

“My last name was Zicafoose. You probably knew my mom; she was the town librarian.” “Yes! I knew her briefly when I went off to college, but my mom talked about her inquiries at the library. My mom’s name was Jean.” In the silence of the table, I thought a mo-ment. “Hmmm. Jean Welch. I knew some-body by that name. Where did you live?” Jocelyn replied, “On West Circle Drive.” “West Circle Drive???” I gasped. “We lived on West 5th Street – 1513.” “And we lived at 1516!” It was then that we realized the full scope of this crazy coincidence. Not only were we both female Presbyterian pastors serving in the same Ohio presbytery, both from Ne-braska, both from the same small town, and both graduates of McCook High School; our families not only knew each other – we had been back-door neighbors! When we finally realized our connected past, I reminded her that I was the bratty kid that took a shortcut to North Ward Elementary School every day by tramping under our hedges and through the Welch’s back yard. Jocelyn vaguely re-membered her mother complaining about the incorrigible little neighbor that she couldn’t keep off her grass. Wow! Unbelievable! God does work in mysterious ways, but now that I’ve revealed my sneaky childhood, I regret that there are some things I’d like to forget! It is indeed a small world!

“Bison Spirit”

Steve Batty ‘65

The class of ‘65 is having artist Gary Ginther ‘65 make a bronze Bison to be placed on a stand and given to the high school when it is finished. All those class of ‘65 classmates who would like to become part of this project gift to the high school can mail their contributions to Linda Leibrandt Taylor ‘65 at PO B 704, McCook, NE 69001. Please make your check payable to McCook Class of 1965. Pamela Gull Schilz ‘65 will be depositing them into our account for the foundry work to transform Gary’s clay sculpture to bronze. Gary’s gift to the project is the clay sculpture. The final bull will be titled “Bison Spirit” and will measure 51” long and 30” high and will sit on a structure to be determined. It will depend on where the school decides to place the structure, indoors or out. Please consider helping out with this class project.

Weddings Kathy Lorentz ’82 & Kevin Custer ‘79

Sarah Kennedy and Thatcher Schiffelbein ‘00

Cristina Richendifer ’04 & Shane Hilker

Brandi Williams and Lance Korte ‘07

Amy Been ‘09 and Brian Bennett

Kaylee Henrickson ‘10 and Ben Sheehey

Nichole Eisenach ‘11 and Seth Province ‘11

Sara Larington ’13 & Jack Loomis

MOUSEL, BROOKS, SCHNEIDER& MUSTION, P.C., L.L.L.

101 West C St - McCook, NE 69001phone: 308-345-1600 fax: 308-345-1602

J. Bryant Brooks ‘71Nate Schneider ‘93

L-R Rev. Diane Circelli ‘74 & Rev. Jocalyn Welch ‘59

4 Bison Alumni

By Paul Hammel June 10, 2016World-Herald staff writer McCook, Ne-braska You could call it an act of defiance, but when a couple of New Jersey academics came here in 1990 to suggest that communi-ties like McCook and a vast swath of the Great Plains needed to close up shop and become a “Buffalo Commons,” people took offense, and then decided to do something about it. One of the outgrowths celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend. The Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festi-val today and Saturday highlights the stories and music of the Plains. The festival, along with the development of a monthly music series at a local coffee shop, the revitalization of the historic Fox Theater and other improvements in this town of 7,700, is a symbol of an area that is thumbing its collective nose at the idea that settling the vast prairies of North America was one big mistake. “We’re still alive and well, and telling stories because of it,” said Mary Anderson Dueland ‘73, the festival director. “The ’80s here were pretty tough, but the people who were left were the strong and determined. They just weren’t interested in giving up,” said her husband, Dale Dueland ‘72, who is also active in the festival and co-founded the music series Live at the Bieroc. That ran contrary to the message from New Jersey university professors Frank and Deborah Popper, who wrote in 1987 that the settlement of the Great Plains, from the 100th meridian west to the Rocky Moun-tains, was a doomed attempt to turn arid, treeless lands into a garden of cropland that would suck groundwater dry and lead to economic collapse. The Poppers were invited out to McCook in 1990 to discuss their article, “The Great Plains: From Dust to Dust.” The talk drew a full house at a McCook school gym. The almost universal reaction to their suggestion that farms and ranches be abandoned so the buffalo could roam again? Hogwash. To be sure, the Nebraska portion of the proposed buffalo commons has steadily lost

population, but a rural sociologist, as well as folks with the McCook festival, say there have been exceptions and that quality of life doesn’t have to be measured by population alone. The seven counties in southwest Nebras-ka, including Red Willow County, the home of McCook, have lost nearly 48 percent of their residents since 1930, though losses have slowed in the past 15 years (a 14 per-cent decline, to 25,967 total population). Overall, the 25 Nebraska counties of buf-falo commons west of the 100th meridian now have 122,050 residents, down 7.4 per-cent since 1990 and a drop of nearly 30 per-cent since 1930, according to David Drozd of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The buffalo commons idea was sort of a “kick in the butt” to people in rural commu-nities, according to Randy Cantrell, a rural sociologist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Leaders, he said, have become more knowledgeable about community develop-ment tools and strategies, including putting on unique festivals that highlight and pro-mote an area and illustrate that “you enjoy where you live.” While schools and businesses are closing in the smallest towns, regional centers like McCook are doing relatively well, along

with communities within commuting dis-tance, said Cantrell, who knows the Poppers. “There’s some legitimacy in what they had to say, but it hasn’t happened as quickly and as universally as their article envi-sioned,” he said. “The Poppers said it was ‘over,’ but it’s far from over. And it’s not automatic.” Cloyd Clark, a retired McCook judge and a member of the board of directors of the Nebraska State Historical Society, said the Poppers’ visit served as a challenge. “We just wanted to prove them wrong,” Clark said. An organizing committee settled on a storytelling festival after visiting a similar, successful event in St. Louis. Every year, the festival brings in a nation-ally known storyteller and lines up a slate of “local stories” from area storytellers, as well as poets. There are kids events, as well. This year’s festival includes McCook native Ben Nelson ‘59, the former governor and U.S. senator, telling “political stories” at 10 a.m. Saturday with Gene Morris, the retired publisher of the McCook Gazette. The grand finale on Saturday night fea-tures Georgia storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin, the featured “teller” at the National Story-telling Festival six times, and the Virginia mountain-music band the Steel Wheels. The Steel Wheels are the kind of act that has been appearing at the Bieroc Cafe since Dale Dueland and cafe owner Matt Sehnert ‘82 launched the almost-monthly Live at the Bieroc concerts in 2001. The concerts, which were patterned after the long-running concert series in Hastings called the Listening Room, almost always sell out, and have helped spawn similar ven-ues for small concerts in Wray, Colorado, and Loomis, Nebraska.

COLFER, WOOD, LYONS & WOOD

LAWYERS TOM COLFER ‘28 DAL WOOD ‘48 (1910-1999) (1930-2005) PHIL LYONS ‘74 PAUL WOOD ‘80

P.O. BOX 100 • 124 WEST C • McCOOK, NE 69001OFFICE 308-345-5063 • FAX 308-345-2426

'We're still alive and well': McCook is proving 'em wrong, one tale at a time

Among the organizers of the Buffalo Commons Story Telling Festival are: from left, Walt Sehnert, Linda Haller Clark ’67, Sharon Bohling(retired MHS librarian), John Hubert ’45, Mary Anderson Dueland ’73, Dale Dueland ’72 & Cloyd Clark.

1 Holiday Bison DriveMcCook, NE 69001Phone 308-345-4505

Fax 308-345-2990

Reservations Only888-463-3691

Bison Alumni 5

Calling YOU to Take Action

Lindsay and Rhett are reunited in Kearney on Friday June 24th (two days after his birth).

Lindsay Koetter Rosner ‘01, daughter of Linda Hixson Koetter ’80, is calling you to action. Her experiences over the last year are eye opening and provide a reminder that life is precious. Her life leading up to these moments has been one that is ordinary and “plain Jane.” She graduated from McCook Senior High in 2001. With consideration, she continued her education at Mid-Plains Community College for two years. After McCook, Lindsay trans-ferred to University of Nebraska at Kearney to gain her degree in education. Currently she is employed with Lexington Public Schools as she finishes her ninth year in education. In 2014, she married Chet Rosner, and they reside in Cozad. They get to McCook often as much of Lindsay’s family still resides there. In Oc-tober 2015, they were excited to find out they were expecting, but they kept the suspense of the gender until the birth date.

Throughout the nine months, Lindsay was surprised how smoothly everything went. It was a normal pregnancy for the most part with very few complaints. In January through a doctor’s appointment, Lindsay discovered she had a uterine fibroid, and over the follow-ing six months the fibroid was monitored with a specialist from Omaha. They did monthly checks to determine the growth. The specialist reassured Lindsay on many occasions the fi-broid was not in the way of the delivery, which should be natural and as normal as possible. June quickly approached and an induction date was set for June 20th. That Monday morn-ing Lindsay and Chet made their way to the hospital for what was sure to be an exciting moment. Still Lindsay felt very comfortable but huge in the summer heat. Two long days and nights passed with little to no progress of inducing labor. Many people made predictions on the gender due to the baby not making his or her appearance in a timely manner. Some said, “Oh it must be a girl just being stubborn,” while others said, “it must be boy, lost and won’t ask for directions.” Either way they grew more excited as each hour passed. On Tuesday eve-ning, a decision was made; a C-section would take place late morning on Wednesday. With a decision and an end in sight, Lindsay slept well one last night before their bundle of joy arrived.

Wednesday morning was finally here. On June 22 at 10:45am Lindsay made her way back to the surgical room. Rhett Emerson Rosner was born at 11:22am weighing in at 8 lbs 1 oz. and 20 ½ inches long. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she held her son for a moment before he was swept off to the nursery for his wellness check. Quickly after that moment of bliss everything went downhill. During the procedure her uterine artery was cut

as well as other organs being nicked and lots of blood was lost. Lindsay was given all the blood supply they had available in addition to what they brought in from North Platte to maintain a pulse during the flight for life to Kearney. Lindsay’s mother, Linda and sister Lauren Koetter were given very few details about what was happening. They all watched her body covered black plastic as it was loaded onto a helicopter. The flight took just twelve minutes and was intense according to the flight nurses. She arrived just after 4:00pm with staff waiting to assist. Lindsay lost so much of her blood supply and she arrived without a pulse. Chet had been prepared and told numerous times to “Say your goodbyes; it doesn’t look good.” Chet even told the doctor in Kearney, “You don’t know my wife very well. She is a fighter.” Family and friends were asked via Facebook, texts, and phone calls to say prayers. Lindsay’s prayer warriors and guardian angels worked overtime to ensure she survived.

Surgery in Kearney proceeded with five doctors and twelve nurses assisting the pro-cess. Chet finally received word that Lindsay was stable around 8:00pm. Words could not express his feeling of relief. Although she made it through surgery, the next few days were going to be rough. The final counts of blood given to Lindsay were more than thirty units of blood, plasma, and platelets. Chet sat in the ICU overnight, frantically watching over and waiting for Lindsay to wake. At one point in the night there was 32 tubes and wires running from her body to a wall of machines. During a phone call from a concerned friend, Chet looked up to see her give him a thumbs up. At that moment he knew she would be just fine - such a feeling of relief. Lindsay awoke confused and hurt about 3:00am. Dur-ing procedures Lindsay had been intubated and couldn’t communicate with anyone. She had no idea where she was or what had happened. Lindsay spent another six days in the hospital enduring respiratory therapy, physical therapy,

and blood work every four hours. The nurses told her they have never seen anyone overcome such trauma with such a positive attitude. Her greatest motivation was getting home to hold her sweet baby boy.

Since getting home she has received many calls, texts, cards and visitors sharing their love and support. More than twenty friends and family members have stepped up and donated blood for the first time or in honor of Lindsay. This gesture struck her with awe. Though donating to the American Red Cross had been something Lindsay had done for years, she never thought she would be on the receiving end. Though Lindsay survived and has enjoyed the first nine months of Rhett’s life, the situation could have turned out completely different. There have been many everyday oc-casions that have brought Lindsay to tears. The thought that she could have missed his laugh, baptism, smile, first tooth, and life brings her to her knees.

Without the help of volunteers and the American Red Cross, Lindsay would not be able to participate in all of Rhett’s milestones. During high school, college, and adult life Lindsay has donated blood frequently, never giving it a second thought. She is on a wait list due to the transfusions she received and will be able to donate again in June 2017. The Mc-Cook chapter put together a drive in Lindsay’s honor in December, and throughout the two days, over 260 units were collected. Though that is a remarkable amount, more is needed everyday. Lindsay is calling you to step up and donate if you are able.

1406 West 17th • McCook, Nebraska 69001Telephone 308 345-3205 • Fax 308 345-4214

Over 40 years work on all makes & modelsPaint Work • Glass Installation • Body Work • Frame Work

webbbodyshopinc@hotmail.com

WEBB BODY SHOP INC.Owner: Rich Webb ‘70

6 Bison Alumni

Alumni News

continued on page 7

Lloyd Benjamin ’56 a founding member of the McCook College Foundation, was recently honored by Foundation members for his 42-years of service, leadership, and dedication to the college where he first played football and took engineering classes.

Anabeth Hormel Frazier-Cox '57 & Mary Sue Hormel Harris '59 were recently honored for their charitable gifts to the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. The recent gift from Mary Sue will enable them to purchase timpani and percussion instruments and increase the size of its string sections by 10 players for classical concerts. The gift from Anabeth is being used to bring premiere artists to solo with the orchestra, as well as to help with infrastructure and provide seed money for special projects. For more info: journalstar.com/niche/l-magazine/profiles/sisters-anabeth-cox-and-marysue-harris-support-lincoln-s-symphony/article

Carol Drake’ 73 was recently honored by One World Community Health organization for her efforts to arrange for and perform free cataract surgery for underinsured and uninsured patients.

Diane Wilson Lyons ’76, McCook School Board member, retired after serving 12 years and witnessing many changes in education.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts appointed David Arterburn ’75 to the Fourth Judicial District vacancy for the Nebraska Court of Appeals. He has served as a District Court Judge for the Second Judicial District of Nebraska since 2005.

Lt. Dennis Leonard ‘75 retired in December 2016 after 30 years of service with the Nebraska State Patrol. Dennis worked as a trooper in Alliance and Holdrege. He then relocated to Grand Island where he worked seven years in the Division of Drug Control. For the last 15 months of his career, he was in charge of the entire Division of Internal Affairs.

Mark Benjamin ’77, who passed away April 14, 2015, was honored by the Associated General Contractors Nebraska Building Chapter with its Innovator Award. Mark helped create the Nebraska’s Political Subdivisions Construction Alternatives Act.

The Lexington NE Chamber of Commerce bestowed its “Ambassador of the Year award” on Natalie Phinney Rickel’80.

Mark Harris ‘80 photography book, “Rodeo Nebraska” recently won the 2016 Cover/Design/Illustration Nebraska Book Award from the Nebraska Center for the Book. Harris photographed 82 Nebraska rodeo events in 62 separate locations for the book. Mark is associate director of the University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall in Lincoln. His photography has been featured in NEBRASKAland and Nebraska Life magazines.

Ron ’84 & Shanon Warnke Matson ’86 own Heavens Best Carpet Cleaning and are Amway distributors in Kearney, NE. Shanon has been a weight loss coach with Weight Watchers International since 2011. They both serve in their church with Shanon as a pianist and Ron as an Elder.

From an estimated crowd of 3500, Angie Janssen Langan ’86 was chosen to “Come on Down!” and compete onstage at the “Price is Right” traveling show in Grand Island. Angie won a 55-inch HD television.

Jon Shafer ’86 is a career military officer currently in his 29th year of service to both the Nebraska and Kansas National Guard. His real passion is Corvettes; buying, selling and parts. About five years ago, he purchased a 1969 Corvette and

has since opened a Corvette parts business. Jon buys, fixes up, and sells early Corvettes, primarily in the first three generations 1953-1982. To all who knew him in high school, he still has his first car-a 63 Nova SS. Someday he hopes to have it rebuilt and back on the streets! If you have a Corvette related question-please let him know!

Northeast Community College has named Marcus Clapp ‘96 to lead its new baseball program. Clapp previously served as UNK’s assistant baseball coach and as an event manager for the Loper Athletic Department.

picture-by John F. Keller

Bison Alumni 7

McCook Educational Foundation~ Gifts given for Scholarship Endowment Fund ~

~ Donations Given in Memory ~ In Memory Donor Mary Ortiz Harris ‘ 44 Al Cuellar ‘56

The Foundation sponsors 11 scholarships and gave out 35 perfect attendance recipients a coupon of $10 to be redeemed at Sehnert’s Bakery/Bieroc Cafe. The Educational Foundation also donated $500 to the McCook Bison Band for their trip to Los Angeles.

Donations may be made to scholarships sponsored by MEF:McCook Educational Foundation Scholarship, Phillip M. Johnston Scholarship, Myrtle Ashton Scholarship, Strunk Scholarship, Douglass Scholarship in memory of Harry and Irma Douglass, Leo and William Kelly Scholarship, Craig Allerheilligen Scholarship and Dan Wallen Agriculture Scholarship. Other donations are appreciated. McCook Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization created as a source of support to enhance educational opportunities for students at McCook Public Schools. Anyone wishing to contribute to this organization or needing more information should contact Al Cuellar at acuellar@swnebr.net or at 308-345-2393Send donations to: McCook Educational Foundation Inc. P.O. Box 782 McCook, NE 69001

Back Pack Program Hannah Esch

308-345-1555 888-783-4778602 West B Street McCook, NE 69001

AlumniNews

Member FDIC

Ryan Hallowell ’93 has been promoted by Scheels All Sports to Lead Sales Leader. He will be responsible for supervising every Scheels’ store sales leader. This includes teaching sales and product knowledge. He will continue to work in the Overland Park, KS. location until January 2018, then he will move to Fargo, ND and work at the corporate home office.

Dr. Clayton Miller ’02 recently presented his PhD research at a "Future Cities Laboratory" conference in Singapore. His research into the energy efficiency of buildings will aid in the development of new and re-shaped cities of the future to accommodate an additional 2.5 billion people who will be living in cities by 2050.

Ben Howard ’06 recently bowled a perfect 300 game during a class at McCook Community College. Eight years ago, Ben watched and studied people using the two-handed approach and uses it today. He is also a student assistant this year with the College Men's basketball team.

Makayla Payton ’14 was presented the McCook Community C o l l e g e Wi n t e r R o y a l t y q u e e n ’s c r o w n . M a k a y l a bleeds MCC blue, always has a smile and never complains

about hard work as a student manager. See her heart warming story at mccookgazette.

com/story/2380631.html

In The Hallsby Diane Wilson Lyons ‘76

MHS students starting back to school last fall noticed lots of changes to the building when they walked back in the doors last August. The maintenance crew had been busy during the summer, revamping the bathrooms by the gymnasium and completely updating two of the English classrooms. An outside company had been working all summer to create a new guidance counselors’ office and redoing the main offices and making the entrance to the high school more secure. A change in personnel was also made in the principal’s office, with assistant principal Jeff Gross taking over the position and Jerry Smith spending his last year at McCook working with ACT testing and score improvement. The girls golf team brought home a trophy from the Class B State Championship when they shot a 350 on the second day, to claim second place overall. Hannah Kohl led the Bison wth a 170 score that tied her for 8th place. Kacee Samway finished with a 173 for 12th place. The volleyball team at MHS had a great year, seeing their record improve from six wins in 2015 to a 20-14 record in 2016. Junior Erika Fisher set a new school record with 418 digs, breaking the previous record of 329 for one season. The Bison were only one win from reaching the Class B state tournament. The football team had a phenomenal season with a record of 10-2. Their final game was played at home, where they lost to Elkhorn South 42-41 in double overtime. Only one other team had come within 10 points of Elkhorn South all season. Boys tennis team finished with six points and tied for 18th place at the Class B state tennis championship. The Bison had two entries advance to the second round before losing to seeded opponents. Boys cross country team had three qualifiers; Steven Hinze who came in 39th place, Riley Mai at 47th, and Taye Collicott at 52nd. Hinze finished at 76th place in 2015 and took over a minute off his time to jump up to 39th place. Homecoming royalty was announced during a football game at Weiland Field. Crowned as king and queen were Taye Collicott and Allison Tolliver. First attendants were Sam Smith and Lexie Gross with Cade Cappel and Katie Kjendal being second attendants.

Blue Colonial Bed & BreakfastEstablished in 1994

West of Trenton off Highway 34Dave Paschal ‘72

Stay the night in one of our cozy rooms!Serving by reservation:• Five-course Dinners

• Luncheons•Tea and Desserts

Reservations call: Valerie Paschall, 308-340-3411

Like us on facebook

8 Bison Alumni

CARPENTER - BRELAND FUNERAL HOMEAND MONUMENTS

“Celebrating Life One Family at a Time”

LOCAL OWNERS - FUNERAL DIRECTORS - STAFF

TIM & KRISTI DAUMSARA SEARCEY

305 West C St. www.carpenterbreland.comMcCook, NE 69001 PH 308-345-3838

1934 Elsie Brown Guida(7-31-16)

1936 Dorothy Rouch Smith (10-17-16)

1936 Iris Wilhelm Gooch(12-23-16)

1939 Evelyn Axelson Taylor-Tackles (2-7-17)

1939 Madaline DavWane Groves (10-30-16)

1940 Raymond Berndt(1-6-17)

1943 David Myers(1-8-17)

1943 Lila Niccolson Bumann (10-7-16)

1943 Phil Powers(11-16-16)

1944 Arvie Hesterweth Jafee Archer (3-25-17)

1944 Mary Ortiz Harris (1-9-17)

1944 Neva Wright Schneider (10-25-15)

1946 Bill French(2-26-17)

1946 Floyd Bales(2-9-17)

1946 Harold Clapp(10-30-16)

1948 Carollee Franklin Wallen (12-29-16)

1948 Donna Vandervort Mockry (3-26-17)

1950 Carol Schiable Loker (2-12-17)

1950 Bernadene Colling Ritter (12-13-16)

1951 Gerald Harr(3-11-17)

1951 Marvin Peterson (3-27-17)

1952 Stanley Foster(2-3-17)

1954 Betty Murphy Coba(12-13-16)

1954 Wilma Berndt Kaeding (12-28-16)

Farewell to

Our Bison Alumni…

Bison Alumni 9

Jim Jones, Funeral DirectorDonna Hall, Funeral Director

607 Norris Ave. 308-345-3000McCook, NE 69001 Fax 308-345-3003

1958 Doris Stevens Kier (3-27-17)

1958 Kay Strayer Banick (6-24-16)

1958 Ken Ely(12-31-16)

1957 Gene Langeld (4-2-17)

1959 Gary Sigwing (6-1-16)

1959 Iva Echelberger Kallhoff (3-11-17)

1959 Roger Lawver (4-16-17)

1960 Barbara Graff Marts(3-29-17)

1961 Mike James (1-21-17)

1962 Lyle Stroup(1-27-17)

1963 Allan Bishop(1-30-17)

1965 Steve Newton(12-5-16)

1967 Pam Baum Andrews(1-7-17)

1967 Yvonne McBride Austin (12-7-16)

1971 Gerald Hlavinka (2-11-17)

1972 Janice Stevens Teague (11-17-16)

1974 Karen Spilinek (11-23-16)

1975 Matt Magrath(4-3-17)

1976 Tim Cambell 1979 Cheryl Olmsted Neverve (3-27-17)

1980 Claudia Farrell Schaub (3-27-17)

1983 Mary Palic Premer (11-14-16)

1992 Aaron Schmidt(1-18-17)

1959 Ernest Elwood (11-23-16)

1957 Dennis Cotton(2016)

1957 David John(12-2-16)

1955 Polly Warburton Childs (11-14-16)

1955 Janice Keen Breinig (3-30-17)

10 Bison Alumni

Bison Dental308-345-1470

912 West 12th McCook, NEWarren Jones, D.D.S. ‘65

Melanie Jones-Wier, D.D.S.

Qu

Cedar InnRon Tompkins ‘73

308-345-7091300 East C. McCook, NE

Quietest property in town by far. Rates starting around $50 per night.

Product # 312License Plate - 12" x 6"

Cut Margin; Represents area in which all copy should be placed.

Cut Line/Die Line; Represents the edge of the product.

Bleed Line; Represents how far the image or color should go beyond the cut/die line.

109 West 8th, McCook, NE 69001308-345-7576308-345-7576 cappelmotors@outlook.comBill Cappel ‘83

Norma Hansen Lashley ‘64

Websites Of Interest:Facebook-Bison Alumni Newsletter

mccook2010.com mccookgazette.com

visitmccook.commccookchamber.org

gotomccook.combuffalocommons.org

Bison Alumni Wall of FameSpecial to the McCook Gazette

Wallis Marsh graduated from McCook High School in 1985. Wallis attended the University of Oklahoma from 1985 - 1990 and majored in Petroleum Engineering. At OU, Wallis and his twin brother Edward were awarded “Distinguished Scholar” scholarships.

Wallis accepted a job with Texaco in Mid-land, Texas where he worked for several years before being transferred to Universal City, California. In 1993, Wallis accepted a new position from ARCO in the Los Angeles Basin and worked at THUMS Long Beach facility. THUMS was the operator of the famous “oil islands” in the Long Beach Harbor. After this two year period at THUMS, Wallis accepted a transfer to Houston, Texas and subsequently worked in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1997, Wallis founded his own oil and gas company, Extex Production and Extex Operating Company.

Extex began modestly in 1997 with the acquisition of four wells in the Permian Basin of Texas. By 2014, Extex had grown to a com-pany with over 700 oil wells with operations in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Michigan. Wallis is currently on the acquisi-tion trail, recently buying a legacy Chevron field in the Permian Basin in Texas.

While in Houston, Wallis has been in-volved in many community events with his wife of 23 years, DeeDee.

In 2007, DeeDee and Wallis chaired The Houston Can Academy Gala that raised over $150,000 for The Can Academy. The Can Academy is firmly committed to the mission that every young person can learn while cater-ing to the young people most would consider the least likely to succeed.

Wallis served on the Board of Directors of Elves & More for 3 years from 2006-2009. Elves and More was created to enhance com-munities during Christmastime. The Charity donates 20,000 bicycles a year to needy chil-dren in Houston.

In 2008, DeeDee and Wallis chaired The

Bicycle Ball for the charity Elves & More. The event raised over $800,000 with KC and The Sunshine Band entertaining guests two weeks after Hurricane Ike struck Houston.

In 2009, DeeDee and Wallis chaired the Bicycle Ball for the charity Elves & More for a second time. This year the event raised $500,000 and featured Taylor Dayne. The event was a great success considering the eco-nomic downturn that had occurred in Houston.

From 2007-2009, Wallis Chaired or co-chaired The Bear Bryant College Football Coach of the Year Award benefitting The American Heart Association. Under the lead-ership of Wallis, Spencer Tillman and Doug Dawson, the event increased its revenue from $150,000 to over $500,000 and obtained as a corporate sponsor, Marathon Oil Company. During Wallis’ tenure, Tom Osborne, Barry Switzer and Vince Dooley were awarded the Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award.

From 2013 to the present, DeeDee and Wallis and Carol and Michael Linn have Chaired Touchdown for TEACH. Touchdown for TEACH features an interview format with Spencer Tillman doing the interviews of ath-letes. The questions focus on leadership, par-enting and keys to success. Previous guests include: Archie Manning, Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, and Troy Aikman. To date, these events have raised over $2,000,000. TEACH helps educators create safe, calm learning environments for students in the inner city of Houston.

In 2009, Wallis received buy in from Brian Bosworth to produce a documentary loosely titled Barry and the Boz. Spencer Tillman agreed to act as a liaison with Barry Switzer and former teammates of Bosworth. In November 2011, Wallis had buy in from the University of Oklahoma and chose a director along with 2 additional producers. In Febru-ary, 2012 Wallis helped cast the story and oversaw the original 8 interviews featuring Bosworth, Barry Switzer, Spencer Tillman,

and Tony Casillas among others. From this footage, a 10 minute sizzle reel was produced. This reel was shown to ESPN and based off the content; ESPN ordered a two hour 30 for 30 episode. The title was renamed “Brian and The Boz” and additional producers were hired by Wallis. “Brian and The Boz” pre-miered October, 2014 on ESPN with Wallis being credited as an Executive Producer. In May, 2015 ESPN won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Documentary Series with Wallis being awarded an Emmy as a producer of the series.

(Any new Wall of Fame nominations, please send to the McCook High School student council C/O Kristin Blume.)

Bison Alumni 11

CLASSINFORMATION

Class Announcements All Phone numbers below are in area code 308 unless otherwise specified.All Addresses are in McCook, NE 69001 unless otherwise specified.

Class of 1944 Shirley Axelson Johnson, 903 Sunset Dr, 345-2458, sajohnson1945@

yahoo.com

Class of 1945 Greetings to all, locals and out of towners. Thanks for the updates on health and location and messages of your adventures. Remember the class motto of 1945? “Nothing is impossible to a willing heart”-it might take a little longer these days. Email or snail mail is welcome. John

Hubert, 901 Sunset, 345-4534, jehubert@

swnebr.net

Class of 1948 Carolee Franklin Wallen died on December 29 at Hillcrest Nursing home. We will miss her engaging personality. We shall also miss our compassionate classmate Donna Vandervort Mockry who died March 26 after a long debilitating illness. If you have any news you would like passed on, send it to me at my email address: Mary

Lou Hubert Drake drakes@swnebr.net, Ivan

Schmid, 1214 West 5th, 345-3081

Class of 1949 Any news you would like to share please call, write or email me. Thanks! Clara Lebsack Adams, 345-1953, 302 West P St, dcriverview@yahoo.com

Class of 1950 Dale and Phyllis Wilcox, 610 West F St., 345-4121 phyllwilc@aol.com

Class of 1951 A total of thirteen 1951 graduates attended the 65th class reunion on Friday and Saturday, September 24 and 25 in McCook. Friday afternoon and evening was spent visiting and reacquainting in the Cobblestone hospitality room. Saturday was spent visiting and touring various sites dur-ing Heritage Days. Dinner was at 6:00 p.m. at the Coppermill Steak House followed by watching the Husker-Northwestern football game on T.V. at the Cobblestone hospitality room and more visiting. Sunday, we all said our good-byes and returned home. Those classmates in attendance were: Frances McCarthy Kasl, Rose Metz Garey, Marsha Miller Pryor, Nanette French Baumfalk, Jan-ice Eisenbarth Waddell, Charlotte Rowberry Meintz, Marian Meininger Walters, Eva Jane Paxton Messinger, Kathryn Proudy Metcalf, Elaine Luhn Soncksen, Jerry Huntwork, Denny Moskal and Frank Cuellar. To those classmates who were unable to attend this reunion, our thoughts and prayers are with you and we pray that all is well with you, your families and loved ones. (byFrank Cuellar). Sympathies to Janet Kotschwar Cook on death of her husband, Eldon and Janice Eisenbarth Waddell on death of her husband, Kenneth. Also, Nanette French Baumfalk on the death of her brother Bill French and her son Virgil Jr. Janice Eisen-

barth Waddell, P.O. Box 277, 345-6663 janicewaddell@outlook.com

Class of 1952 Our sympathy to the fam-ily of Stan Foster who passed away on Feb 3, 2017. Have a great summer. Send your donations for the class, and changes in ad-dress to me. Peggy Appleyard, 1006 E 4th St, 345-6486

Class of 1953 Hope you have a wonderful and fun summer. Pat Rogers Schmid, 1214 West 5th, 345-3081; pschmid1953@gmail.

com

Class of 1954 Classmates: a short note to let you know our mini reunion in Phoe-nix was great! George & Peggy Fahnholz Pearson hosted the event. Hoagy & Donna Wallen Carmichael helped with the prepara-tions. We had such an enjoyable time! Saw things you do not see in Nebraska. We had delicious food. Enjoyed catching up with our classmates. Several states were represented. Ethyl Logan Siegfried, 345-7789; 506 E 6th, McCook

Class of 1955 The really big news is that we ’55 classmates are celebrating our 80th birthday. It would have been inconceivable when we graduated 62 years ago “ ready to set the world on fire” that any of us would have lived to see 80 years gone by! I’d like

to uplift fellow classmate Bob Douglass, Dr Des (Doctor of Design from Harvard) who indeed has scorched a trail of achieve-ment. Even Mrs. Gwendolyn McKenzie would be impressed after her years of trying to get Bob motivated in trigonometry and other higher math classes. Let’s say Bob was a bit reluctant to do his homework and stay awake in class. However, she can be credited with lighting the fire in him to meet the potential that perhaps only she could see. Great teacher—the best! Bob’s name is em-blazoned on the McCook High School Wall of fame. At present he sits on the Alumni Board of the Harvard Business School. Bob’s “real” career was in hospital planning, design and management consulting where he enjoyed financial success, honors, awards and publications. His work was international as well as US wide working in or visiting 65 countries. Mrs. Mac would also be im-pressed that he taught and lectured at several universities: Rice, UT School of Public Health, and Texas A&M. Bob retired in 2004 and now lives in Sun City, Texas with his wife Darlene. He keeps that fertile mind occupied in the world of art, oil and pastel, selling his work in a fine Austin gallery. Dar-lene is an expert in the world of hand sewn quilts. Send your news to Dick Trail, 201

West M St, 345-5181, dickt@swnebr.net

Class of 1956 Al Cuellar, 703 W 3rd St., 345-2393, acuellar@swnebr.net

Class of 1957 Our 60th class reunion will be Sept. 22-23 during Heritage Days. Informa-tion and registration forms were sent out in February. Jerda Thomson Garey Vickers has recently published a new book, Creating Visions, Meeting Challenges, a historical view of the Republican Valley Conservation Association. Thank you all who help fold the newsletters! Ruth Ann Kunkee Hacken-

kamp, 902 E F St., 345-6625, Dale Hofman 903 Missouri Ave. 345-6682.

Class of 1958 Our 60th reunion will be dur-ing Heritage Days 2018 with a dinner party on Saturday night. Thank you for support-ing the newsletter, and we encourage you to please send in donations. If you wish to re-ceive your newsletter through email, please send your email address to bison1973@yahoo.com Judy Chinn Wortley, 607 East 4th

St., 344-9122, judy_wortley@yahoo.com N Hi-way 83McCook, NE

Live Music Every Saturday

Summer Season

Reunions Welcomed

Jim Coady ‘73

Sue Coady Doak ‘68

Sid Doak ‘75

Mark Kool ‘89, Dave Janssen ‘89, Dan Janssen ‘89

Rusty Park ‘71

12 Bison Alumni

Class of 1959 Mary Lee Mohr Corey, 308-

345-1416, mcorey@ocsmccook.com

Class of 1960 We would like to start email-ing our Bison Newsletter. Send your email address to bison1973@yahoo.com. Connie

Carlson Bennett at connieb1942@netscape.

net Pat Wakefield Fredde, 1109 West 4th St., 345-1222, p.free1960@gmail.com

Class of 1961 Jean Parry, 2 Georgia Ct.,

340-2977, parryj@gpcom.net Joann Brand,

jabrand@swnebr.net

Class of 1962 Tom Buresh, 1212 Norris

Ave, 345-5441, tnburesh@msn.com

Class of 1963 Condolences to the fam-ily of Allan Bishop who passed away on 1-30-17. Dick Cappel received the McCook Chamber of Commerce Ag Builder Award. Please send updated email addresses to Lor-raine Rose at lorrainegolds@me.com. Dick Cappel #5 Brassie Dr., 345-6808, dick@

cappelsales.com; Peg Decker Bell, 1402

Fillmore, Sterling, CO 80751, 970-522-3008, pegbell@aralegal.com

Class of 1964 We have a FaceBook page; Look for “1964-McCook High School Class-of 1964 BAN.” Let me know if you need to be connected to it. I’m feeling pretty “outatouch” these days. Please let me know of your news or needs. Anyone thinking about a 55th reunion in 2019? Please send your contributions for the class mailing costs to Gloria Mefford, 202 Seminole Dr. Mc-Cook. Thank you (see Thank You’s). Cheri

Myers Beckenhauer, 204 Longwood Dr,

Papillion, NE 68133, 308-340-0421, cheri.

beckenhauer@gmail.com

Class of 1965 Steve Batty 308-345-4021, lakeveran@gmail.com. Steve Batty, Box 464, 345-4021, sbatty@mccooknet.com

Class of 1966 Judy Vap Sealock, 8593 Redstone, Highland Ranch, Co. 80216, 303-570-5312, jkvs66@gmail.com

Class of 1967 For the 50th reunion info go to www.mccookbison1967.com. Looking for tech savvy classmates willing to help with reunion music and projection. Please contact me for more information. We will have a Heritage Days parade float -- help needed. We are recognizing classmates who are no longer with us. If you are aware of anyone who is not included on the website, please let me know. Be watching your mail/email for your registration for the reunion. Jean Harmon Hallowell, 903 W 7th St, 345-7663, terhall5@hotmail.com

Class of 1968 We need money donated to continue the newsletter. Send To: Bison Alumni Newsletter, PO Box 665, McCook. I have personally paid for the last two mail-ings. Our class reunion is slated for next year, and I am thinking September Heritage Days is a good date. Any suggestions? If you would like to help plan this 50th Reunion, please contact me by email or on Facebook Sue Coady Doak, PO Box 761, 340-8221, sdoak@swnebr.net

Class of 1969 Debbie Krieger Jenkins, 1208 West 10th St, 340-7526, debbie_

ann_s@hotmail.com

Class of 1970 Please contact Diana New-ton Butler with any class news or concerns at dianabutler52@yahoo.com

Class of 1971 Steve Clapp 911 15TH Ave.

Kearney, NE 68845 sclapp@gpcom.net

Class of 1972 Send all address changes to anne_confer@yahoo.com Ann Unger

Confer, 1111 Norris Ave, 340-5924

Class of 1973 Mary Anderson Dueland,

112 E N St, 345-6163, dmandue@outllook.

com

Class of 1974 Peg Augustyn Andrews 203

Apache Dr, pegandrews@hotmail.com

Class of 1975 Dari Tucker Olson, 705 W

5th St, 345-5147, dlolson_1@gpcom.net

Class of 1976 Diane Wilson Lyons, 1007 E

1st St, 345-2189, pdlyons@gpcom.net

Class of 1977 We are having our 40th reunion June 9-10. Cost will be $45 per person including dinner at the Coppermill, Brunch at the Heritage Hills Golf Course. Golfing will be available to anyone interest-ed for an extra $20 per person and a buffet at the Lighthouse Marina. Please contact Nancy Neumann Wolfe before May 15th at howlinwolfe1@cox.net or 623-385-6082 to let us know how many will be attend-ing. Send your full payment to Charlotte Hayes Dunworth, PO Box 83, Culbertson, NE 69024 before May 15th. Send email addresses to Nancy Neumann Wolfe 7755

W Kirby St., Peoria AZ 85345. Howlin-

wolfe1@cox.net. Please send any donation to Charlotte Hayes Dunworth at POB 83, Culbertson, NE 69024.

Class of 1978 Send news and updates to: Jerry Calvin, 807 West 13th St, 345-7063, pepsidude@swnebr.net

CLASSINFORMATION

Class of 1979 Send news and address info to Robin Frick Calvin, 807 West 13th St, 345-7063, craftwhiz@swnebr.net

Class of 1980 Congratulations to Natalie Phinney Rickel on being named the “Am-bassador of the Year” for the The Lexington NE Chamber of Commerce. Please update me on any changes. Email, address or phone number. Peggy Ruppert Messinger at 70307

Road 389, 737-7767, peggymessinger@

swnebr.net or Facebook

Class of 1981 Al Cuellar, 703 W 3rd St., 345-2393, acuellar@swnebr.net

Class of 1982 The newsletter account is running out of money. If you would like to continue receiving it, please send a donation or let me know if you would like to receive the newsletter by email. Sara Wiemers Rip-

pen, 103 Courtney Ln, 308-340-5561, jsrippen@mccooknet.com

Class of 1983 Thanks to Pam Wurm Hungerford & Pam Garey Gaston for their monetary donations to the Class of ’83. Janice Moreau Howell, 712 Mousel Ave. Cambridge, NE 69022, patandjanicehow-

ell@yahoo.com 308-697-4630.

Thanks to the McCook Daily Gazette and staff for the news and pictures they

graciously share with us. See their website: http://mccookgazette.com

411 West 5th • McCook, NE308.345.1510 • 877.593.2173

Dr. Scott G. Tobias D.D.S.

Gentle, Complete Family Dentistry

Matt Sehnert‘82

345-6500

Bison Alumni 13

CLASSINFORMATION

- Peterson Jewelers -- Est 1984 -

Terry Peterson“The Diamond Store on the Corner of Quality”

308-345-4570 124 Norris Ave, McCook800-658-9953 www.peterson-jewelers.com

Class of 1984 This will be our last newslet-ter due to low funds. Please send donations to Bison Alumni Newsletter PO Box 665, McCook, NE 69001.Lori McNutt Kham-

ouna, 1000 N Webster Ave, Hastings NE 68901-3752, 308-650-1539, Lorikham@

gmail.com

Class of 1985 Annette Kool Wagner, 1411 East 5TH ST, 345-3852, acwagner2@msn.

com

Class of 1986 Michelle Hubert Doorn 28328 463RD AVE, Davis, SD, 57021-6127

Class of 1987 Just a reminder that our 30th class reunion is scheduled for July 14 & 15, 2017. There will be a BBQ and fun at Jon Swanson’s private pit. Thank you to everyone for the monetary donations. Keep them coming! Make checks payable to Bison Alumni Newsletter, P.O. Box 665, McCook, NE 69001. Put “Class of 1987” in the memo. Ann Guthrie Teel, PO Box 128, McCook, NE 69001, 364-9281; annlteel4@

hotmail.com

Class of 1988 Kerri Davis Unger, 37923 Road 721, Culbertson, NE 69024, 345-2379, kerriunger@netscape.net

Class of 1989 Please send changes to: Chanin (Huegel) Monestero, 5725 N 79th St, Omaha NE 68134, 402-991-8271 cd_mones-

tero@hotmail.com. Send class donations to PO Box 665, McCook.

Class of 1990 Jeanette Cappel Wonderly,

519 Buffalo Street, Benkelman, NE 69021 or email jwonderly@dcstigers.org 308-883-

1960

Class of 1991 Michelle Chancellor Hen-

rickson, 8208 Windmill Drive, Lincoln,

NE 68507, 402-325-6600, s-mhenrickson@

hotmail.com

Class of 1992 Jason Loop, 18 Wedgewood

Dr. 345-1977, jloop@ocsmccook.com or

Trevor Taylor, 904 W 4th St, 345-6518, tmtaylor98@gpcom.net

Class of 1993 Joann Pick Barenberg, 704

Missouri Ave, 345-2317, joann@mnb1.com

Class of 1994 Stephanie Hays Stevens, 1606 West 2nd, 345-5688 voiceonhold2@

gmail.com

Class of 1995 Carmen Irwin Lervold,

15788 W. Acapulco Lane Surprise, AZ 85379, 623-322-9281, bisonclass95@cox.net

Class of 1996 Heather Hamilton is the new Family Support and After Care Manager with Nebraska Organ Recovery in Omaha Nebraska. Please email addresses, donations, news or address changes to: Anne McCar-

ville, 40110 Prairie View Dr., Cambridge,

NE 69022 amac513@hotmail.com.

Class of 1997 20th Reunion: September 22-24! Check our class Facebook page for more details. We need your current mail-ing and email addresses...and FUND$ for the newsletter! Lisa Beckenhauer Pomajzl,

1650 Karol Kay Blvd, Seward, NE 68434, 402.646.9062, bepuzzled2@yahoo.com

Class of 1998 Please e-mail any announce-ments or address updates to Brian Syming-ton at Brian.Symington@gmail.com Class of 1999 Vanessa Lytle 909 East G St, 340-3863, vlytle9969@gmail.com

Class of 2000 Anna Dueland Hunnicutt , 604 J RD, Giltner, NE 68841 402-694-5787 mccook2000@gmail.com

Class of 2001 Please send your contact in-formation and mailing addresses to:: Shaelin Monzon Stiver, 37425 Road 723,Culbertson, NE 69024, 345-2191, shaelinstiver@gmail.

com

Class of 2002 Laura Lyons Plas, 7861 48th

Ave., Columbus, NE 68601, lplas@esu7.org.

Class of 2003 Jill Hansen Purvis aj_pur-

vis@hotmail.com

Class of 2004 Nicole Hedke Sutton, PO Box 273, Stratton, NE 69043 308-276-2589, nicole_sutton@live.com

Class of 2005 Kate Wolford Wawrzynkie-

wicz. 12149 Hansen Rd., North Platte, NE 69101, 308-340-9156 Email: katewaz05@

gmail.com

Class of 2006 Donations for mailing would be appreciated. Parent Rep: Sara Rippen, 103 Courtney Ln, McCook, 308-340-5561 garysinc@mccooknet.com or email Class

Rep. Julia Lyons Krebs at julia.krebs25@

gmail.com

Class of 2007 John Swanhorst, 9 Mashie Dr, 340-1648, jswanhorst@gmail.com

Class of 2008 Please let us know if you would like to receive the newsletter by email as it is much cheaper than mailing. We need your email address though. Contact Parent Rep. Sara Wiemers Rippen, 103 Courtney Ln, 340-5561, garysinc@mccooknet.com or

Class Rep. Cory Gaston at cmg_4@hotmail.

com

Class of 2009 Parent Rep: Doug Skiles, PO Box 36, 345-2342, dskiles@msl-cpa.com

Class of 2010 shane_wallen@outlook.com

Class of 2011 Parent Rep: Greg Larson,

402 Park Avenue, 345-5185

Class of 2012 contact: Randy Andrews:

bison1973@yahoo.com

Class of 2013 contact: Randy Andrews:

bison1973@yahoo.com

Class of 2014 contact: Randy Andrews:

bison1973@yahoo.com

Class of 2015 contact: Randy Andrews:

bison1973@yahoo.com

Class of 2016 contact: Randy Andrews: bison1973@yahoo.com

El Puerto

311 NorrisMcCook, NE308-345-2936

PLUMBING & HEATINGAIR CONDITIONINGVOLZ

Sales & Service1005 East “C”

McCook, Nebraska

Phone 345-5243FAX 345-5247

Jon Stewart ‘89

14 Bison Alumni

“Insuring The Future” of the Newsletter

~ Gifts Given ~

We appreciate more than you know, all of those who have contributed to the future of the Bison Alumni Newsletter with these memorial gifts and donations! With that being said,

we still need support from others as well, for our ongoing expenses. Make checks payable to McCook Community Foundation and please designate:

Insuring the Future or In Memory of or In Honor of someone. If you intend for the money to go to your class for mailing costs,

please indicate that in writing. Mail to: Bison Alumni Newsletter, PO Box 665 McCook, NE 69001

“Gifts given to “Insuring The Future”38 Ruth Carlson Besel; 41 Patricia Powers Evans; 43 Don Gregg, Evelyn Roberts Truck; 44 Martin Leibbrandt; 48 Suzanne Gochis Kimple 52 Class of 1952; 55 Robert Douglass; 56 Jerri Murphy Schwartz; 57 Bob Murphy; 58 Class of 1958; 59 Sally Stephens LeClerc; 60 Ann Braun Drew, Richard Deems; 63 Steve Hileman; 64 John Kalinski; 66 Jari Smith Frisbie, Tom Murphy; 68 Gerald Traphagan; 70 Steve Marr; 74 Brad Hershberger; 85 Laura Kelley Erskine Friends: Robert Bumann;

Dorthy Rouch Smith ‘36 Jari Smith Frisbie ‘66

Lila Niccolson Bumann ‘43 Robert Bumann

Bill Murphy ‘50Joyce Murphy Malone ‘53Betty Murphy Coba ‘54Patty Murphy Duesberg ‘55 Jerry Murphy Schwartz ‘56 Bob Murphy ‘57 Tom Murphy ‘66

Stanley Foster ‘52 Class of 1952

Ken Ely ‘58 Class of 1958Mary Beth Jorgensen Branca ‘58 Sally Stephens LeClerc ‘59

Mary Jo Wagner Baumfalk ‘62James Baumfalk ‘83Roxie Imel Santerno ‘57Doris Kircher Roberts ‘48 Richard Deems ‘60

In Memory Of:Judy Hunt Kaliniski ‘66 John Kalininski ‘64

Mary Palic Premer ‘83 Rod & Pam Garey’83 Gaston

Laura Hubert Karp’83 Michelle Hubert Doorn ‘86

The Spring 2017 Class Rep meeting was held at the Keystone Business Center on Monday evening March 27th. Those attending & pictured include Front Row: L-R Ruth Ann Kunkee Hackenkamp ‘57, Judy Chinn Wortley ’58, Sharon Dowling Felker ’58, Pat Wakefield Fredde ’60, 2nd Row: John Hubert ’45, Ethyl Logan Siegfried ’54, Peggy Ruppert Messinger ’80, Janice Moreau Howell ’83, Peggy Appleyard ’52, Larry Waddell ’79, Third Row: Randy Andrews ’73, JoAnn McMullen Brand ’61, Kent Kotschwar ’58, Pat Andrijeski Foley ’58, Janice Eisenbarth Waddell ’51 ( Picture taken by Peg Augustyn Andrews ’74)

Class Rep Meeting

Bison Alumni ‘72, ‘73, ‘74, ‘75 & ‘07

123 West B McCook · 308-345-5520

Randy Bauer ‘73Broker/Owner

gatewayrealeastate.com/mccook

Bison Alumni 15

THANK YOUThank you to the following people for donations of time or money to the newsletter.

If names have been inadvertently missed, accept our apologies and PLEASE let us know so we can get it in the next issue.

38 Ruth Carlson Besel; 41 Patricia Powers Evans; 43 Don Gregg, Vera Ackerman Eaton, Evelyn Roberts Truck, Ruth Bamesberger Shields; 44 Martin Leibbrandt, Shirley Axelson Johnson; 45 JohnHubert; 47 Rosalie Teel Weskamp; 48 Suzanne Gochis Kimple, Mary Lou Hubert Drake, Ivan Schmid; 49 Barbara Clark Spenkle, Clara Lebsack Adams; 50 Phyllis Dinnel Wilcox, Dale Wilcox; 51 Francis McCartney Kasl, Gene Jaeger, Jean Blake Evans, Janice Eisenbarth Waddell; 52 Class of 1952, Peggy Appleyard; 53 Jon Dawson, Marlene Reiners Foster, Pat Rogers Schmid; 54 Ethyl Logan Siegfried; 55 Robert Douglass, Dick Trail; 56 Jerry Murphy Schwartz , Al Cuellar; 57 John Hanson, Gene Langfeldt, Patricia Olberding Benjamin, Janet Panzer Reiners, Deanna Raichart Dow, Richard Kraft, Bob Murphy, Dale Hofman, Ruth Ann Kunkee Hackenkamp; 58 Class of 1958, Judy Chinn Wortley; 59 Sally Stephens LeClerc, Mary Lee Mohr Corey; 60 Rose Kalinski Sitzman, Karola Strayer Hutcheson, Ann Braun Drew, Richard Deems, Pat Wakefield Fredde; 61 Jo McMullen Brand, Jean Reynolds Parry; 62 Tom Buresh; 63 Steve Hileman, Dick Cappel; 64 John Kalinski, Cheri Myers Beckenhauer, Gloria Shepherd Mefford; 65 Pam Gull Schilz, Steve Batty; 66 Tom Murphy, Jari Smith Frisbie, Kathie Trupp Cappel, Judith Vap Sealock; 67 Jean Harmon Hallowell; 68

John Winnepenninkx, Gerald Traphagan, Sue Coady Doak; 69 Debbie Kreiger Jenkins; 70 Steve Marr, Diana Newton Butler, Cathy Robinson Brown; 71 Steve Clapp; 72 Anne Unger Confer; 73 Ron Tompkins, Randy Andrews, Mary Anderson Dueland; 74 Peg Augustyn Andrews, Brad Hershberger; 75 David Arterburn, Dari Olson Tucker; 76 Lana Currie Richter, Diane Wilson Lyons; 77 Linda Bacon Wallen, Charlotte Hayes Dunworth, Randy Clapp, Nancy Neumann Wolfe; 78 Jerry Calvin; 79 Bob Nickerson, Larry Waddell, Robin Frick Calvin; 80 Peggy Ruppert Messinger; 81 Wally Hampton, Al Cuellar; 82 Sara Wiemers Rippen; 83 Pam Wurm Hungerford, Pam Garey Gaston, Janice Moreau Howell; 84 Lori McNutt Khamouna; 85 Susan Derr Nickerson, Laura Kelley Erskine, Annette Kool Wagner; 86 Michelle Hubert Doorn; 87 Arlene Johnson, Ruth Bruner Miner, Carrie Hoehner Goltl, Rich Barnett, Roger Baker, Lori Dusatko Morrissey, Jon Swanson, Jodi Premer Frank, David Bose, Ronda Fox Watson, Ann Guthrie Teel; 88 Kerri Davis Unger; 89 Chanin Huegel Monestero; 90 Jeanette Cappel Wonderly; 91 Michelle Chancellor Henrickson; 92 Jason Loop; 93 Joanne Pick Barenberg; 94 Stephanie Hays Stevens; 95 Carmen Irwin Lervold; 96 Amy Vontz Kehler, Anne Colling McCarville; 97 Jessica Grafel Vrbas, Lisa Beckenhauer Pomajzl, Kristie Phinney Baker;

98 Brian Symington; 99 Vanessa Lytle; 00 Anna Dueland Hunnicutt; 01 Shaelin Monzon Stivers; 02 Laura Lyons Plas; 03 Jill Hansen Purvis; 04 Nicole Hedke Sutton; 05 Kate Wolford Wawrzynkiewicz; 06 Julia Lyons Krebs & parent rep-SarahWiemersRippen; 07 John Swanhorst; 08 Parent Rep: Sara Wiemers Rippen, CoryGaston; 09 Parent Rep: Doug Skiles; 10 Shane Wallen; 11 Parent Rep: Greg Larson; 12 Parent Rep: Jim Ulrich; 13 Parent Rep: Diane Ruppert ; 15 Parent Rep: Tom Bredvick; Others: Arlene Johnson, Robert Bumann, Rod Gasten;

NEWSLETTER STAFF INCLUDES ALL Class Representatives:John Hubert ‘45, Ivan Schmid ‘48, Jean Blake Evans ‘51, Pat Rogers Schmid ‘53, Al Cuellar ‘56, Sharon Dowling Felker ‘58, Pat Wakefield Fredde ‘60, Cheri Myers Beckenhauer ‘64, Mary Anderson Dueland ‘73, Randy Andrews ‘73, Peg Augustyn Andrews ‘74, Lana Currie Richter ‘76, Diane Wilson Lyons; 81 Wally Hampton, 88 Scott Bieker, 97 Jessica Grafel Verbas, Kerrilyn Symington, Pam Wolford, Ron Tompkins and all the advertisers in this issue.

Folding PartyThe Fall 2016 Folding Party was held at the Junior High Cafeteria on October 25th, 2016. Volunteers folded nearly 4500 newsletters that were mailed to classmates the next day. Ron Tompkins’73 surprised the group by showing up and serving pizza! Thanks, Ron! Thanks to the following who helped:

44 Shirley Axelson Johnson; 45 Bruce Swanson, Wayne Messenger, John Hubert; 47 Donna Young Messinger; 48 Mary Lou Hubert Drake; 49 Bev Meyers Swanson; 50 Jack Stevens; 52 Kay Cashen Flaska, Peggy Appleyard; 53 Marlene Reiners Foster; 54 Sherry Weber Cotton; 55 Doris Wilcox Ruppert, Dick Trail; 56 Ann Tondreau Trail; 57 Ruth Ann Kunkee Hackenkamp, Larry Rich, Dale Hofman; 59 Joan Shepherd Calvin, Charlotte Groves Oberg, Janet Eckhardt Rich; 60 Pat Wakefield Fredde; 61 Delbert Kunkee, Jean Reynolds Parry, Jo Ann McMullen Brand; 62 Tom Buresh; 63 Carol Cheney Lashley, Dick Cappel; 64 Pat Hoyt Forch, Charley Lofton; 65 Judy White Anderson, Warren Jones, Susan Traphagan Yates, Gary Grim, Phil Pate, Linda Leibrandt Taylor; 66 Kathie Trupp Cappel; 67 Marleen Parde, Robert Bales, Nancy Eifert Buresh, Mike Nielsen, Jean Harmon Hallowell, Sherry Harris Lytle, Mary Wolfe Ellingson; 68 Cathy Buckley Jones, Sue Coady Doak, Bill Lytle, Susie Andrews Thomsen; 73 Ron Tompkins, Mary Anderson Dueland, Randy Andrews; 77 Roger Stupka; 80 Linda Hixon Koetter, Peggy Ruppert Messinger; Friends: John Anderson, Gene Weedin, Janet Kool, Howard Kool, Eva Hofman, Jean Grant, Marshall Grant; Teammates: Kacy Anderson, Ethan Hicks, Swanlee Mines, George Young, Eileen Young, Dennis Berry

Kaitlin Powell Haag ‘04

Federal Credit Union1001 West B StMcCook, NE308.345.7040

Debbie Krieger Jenkins ‘69Lisa Peters Beideck ‘99Melissa Teel Sitzman ‘97Lynette Chmiel

Sarah RennerJim Jenkins

Greg Larson

Grateful for the past, preparing for the future”

800-647-5038swnebraskadental.com

411 West 5th St.McCook, NE

510 West 12th St.Imperial, NE

McCook Public SchoolsBison Alumni NewsletterPO Box 665McCook, Nebraska 69001

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 14

McCOOK, NE 69001

“Go Bison”Spring 2017

Name or Address Needs Corrections?Please Let Us Know!

April 26, 2017

mccook2010.com

16 Bison Alumni

t u

u

Newsletter DirectorBison Alumni Newsletter

P.O. Box 665McCook, NE 69001

308-737-8759

bison1973@yahoo.com

Join us on

Dear Bison Moving?? “Address changes” cost your class from .57 cents to $2.25 or more for your address correction! Please keep us informed… it is easy, quick and painless:

Go on-line at www.mccook2010.com

Write MHS Bison AlumniPO Box 665, McCook, NE 69001 Contact Randy Andrews bison1973@yahoo.com, 308-737-8759

E-mail Mary Dueland at dmdue@outlook.com

The deadline for the fall newsletter is October 1, 2017.

Randy Andrews ‘73 The Chief Motel612 West B StreetMcCook, NE 69001308-345-3700 866-842-3252

Walter ‘81 & Rachel‘80 Thompson Hampton - Owners

McCookNet Internet Service1812 West O · PO Box 1014

McCook, NE 69001 · 308-345-1782www.mccooknet.com support@mccooknet.com

Go to Parker.com to search McCook employment opportunities. AA/EOE M/F/D/V

GPRGOLDEN PLAINS REALTY

907 West B, McCook, NE308-345-4108 / 877-345-2121YOUR HOMETOWN AGENTS