All-class reunion set for 2020 - McCook · a test kitchen in Lincoln or Omaha to work with chefs from their food supplier to create new menu items. “Whenever we decide on new items,

b a nwww.bisonalumni.com bison alumni newsletter fall 2019 vol. 54

All-class reunion set for 2020 A steering committee is making plans for an MHS all-class reunion, Heritage Days weekend, September 25-27, 2020. Since this is McCook’s Heritage Days weekend, there will be several activities for everyone. A glimpse at the tentative schedule of events:• Friday, Sept. 25 – Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Norris Institute. Friday evening: Free time for meet-ing with individual classes, classmates, and/or family.• Saturday, September 26 – Morning parade followed by a day of activities, booths and entertainment in Nor-ris Park. MHS alumni golf tournament – Advanced registration at Heritage Hills Golf Course. School tours. Saturday evening – MHS Gathering of the Decades (located at various venues around town) followed by a

Please see Reunion on Page 9

Top left: Dick (‘55) and Ann Tondreau Trail (‘56) promote Adopt-A-Chap-lain during the Heritage Days parade. Top right: Dawson Brunswick (‘16), newly appointed McCook Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, poses with Ben Nelson (‘59), former U.S. senator, Nebraska governor, and George W. Norris prayer breakfast keynote speaker, after the prayer breakfast. Above: The class of ‘69 celebrated its 50th reunion.

2 b a nBison Alumni Newsletter www.bisonalumni.com Fall 2018

b a nBison Alumni Newsletter www.bisonalumni.com Fall 2018

The Bison Alumni Newsletter exists to keep McCook High School alumni connected to one another and to McCook. It is published biannually in the spring and fall and mailed or e-mailed at class request and cost to entire class only. It also is posted to www.bisonalumni.com

Did you know you can donate to the Bison Alumni News-letter online? It’s easy. Go to: https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/mccook-community-foundation-fund/ and click on the red button “Donate to this fund,” then click on Bison Alumni Newsletter. Scroll to the bottom to select an amount provided, or type in a custom amount. Under notes, please give one of two options:1. Donation for class mailing/e-mailing costs (please speci-fy which class and if it is in memory or honor of someone).2. Donation for general Bison Alumni Newsletter expenses.Type in your contact information, then you can enter your credit or debit card numbers. Voila! Donation made! (And you saved yourself a stamp!)

Have you moved, changed phone numbers, or have a different e-mail address? Please let your class rep or the BAN know. Class reps, please send your database changes by Aug. 1 for the fall newsletter and Feb. 1 for the spring newsletter. E-mail [email protected] or write to Bison Alumni Newsletter, P.O. Box 665, McCook, NE 69001

Have you registered on www.bisonalumni.com yet? If not, please do so today! It’s like an online reunion. We currently have more than 1,800 alumni registered at this site.

Connect with us on Facebook! Search Bison Alumni Newsletter-McCook NE High School Alumni.

BAN director: Kerri LongBAN Executive Committee: Camy Eggers Bradley (‘80), Diane Wilson Lyons (‘76), Peggy Ruppert Messinger (‘80) and Jessica Grafel Vrbas (‘97)

We’ll always have MHS

Peggy Ruppert Messinger (‘80)BAN Executive

Committee member

NEWSLETTER NOTES

It’s officially fall in Ne-braska, and that means a feast for the senses. The air feels crisp and cool, we see brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow leaves on the trees and ground, and hear the leaves crunch under our feet as we step on them. We taste our favorite soups, baked goods, and warm drinks that provide us comfort during the cold months. Fall comes around every year, and with it, thoughts, feelings, and memories of falls past. Nostalgia fills our hearts as we think of Home-comings, harvests, Heritage Days, Halloweens, and Thanksgivings. Webster’s Dictionary defines nostalgia as “a long-ing for something far away or long ago.” An article on “Medical Daily” online says that nostalgia is good for us. When we reminisce, the article states, life feels more meaningful. It boosts our mood, makes us more hope-ful, and even makes us feel physically warmer. In the article, published in 2013, Dr. Constantine Sedikides, professor of social and personality psychology at the University of South-ampton, England, said that looking back on the past and recalling what made life worthwhile affect our present-day attitudes. It’s not helpful to compare the past with the present and say, implicitly, that the past was better — ‘Those were the days’ — especially if one doesn’t see the future as that bright. But, by focusing on the past in an existential way, reflecting on what one’s life has meant, people can benefit from reminiscing two or

three times a week. “Experience it as a prized possession,” he says in the article. “When Humphrey Bogart says, ‘We’ll always have Paris,’ that’s nostalgia for you. We have it, and nobody can take it away from us. It’s our diamond.” We hope you enjoy this fall issue. We can’t make the weather warmer, but we can provide you with some nos-talgia of your time at MHS as you see your classmates and schoolmates in these pages. We hope it warms you up, at least a little. Since the BAN is only published twice a year, we hope you’ll stay connected the rest of the year electroni-cally on bisonalumni.com or on the Bison Alumni Newsletter Facebook page, and in person through reunions and other class get-togethers, for your recommended weekly dose of nostalgia. You can find the BAN Facebook page by searching on Facebook for bison alumni newsletter-mccook ne high school alumni. On this page, be sure to check out the thread our director, Kerri Long, started: “What are your favorite memories of high school at MHS?” We didn’t end up having enough space in this BAN to print the responses, so we hope you can scroll through them on Facebook. Remember, we’ll always have MHS! We’ll “chat” with you again in the spring!

3b a nBison Alumni Newsletter www.bisonalumni.com Fall 2018

Only in McCook

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variety of rewarding careers right here in McCook —

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Pizza + beer a winning combo at Loop Brewing Company Nebraskans know there aren’t many better combina-tions than chili and cinna-mon rolls, especially once the weather turns cool in the fall. But chili and cinnamon rolls on a pizza? One may only be able to find this at Loop Brewing Company in McCook. “It may seem weird, but it’s very good,” said Tyler Loop (‘01), who opened the brewery in McCook in ‘11. “It’s been re-ally popular.” He and co-owner Adam Siegfried (‘03) have lost count the number of Stupid Pizza of the Week creations they’ve come up with over the years. Most of them aren’t repeated, unless they are back by popu-lar demand, as was its chili and cinnamon roll pizza. The pizzas have a thin and airy Neapolitan style crust that may appear charred, but that is by design, Tyler said. It gives it its crispiness once

it is baked at 600 degrees in a brick oven. The oven is bricks from top to bottom, which retains the heat well and cooks the pizza even from all sides. Extreme pizza eaters can participate in a contest in which two people have one hour to eat an entire 28-inch pizza with two toppings of

their choice. Win-ners get the pizza on the house plus a $100 gift card and T-shirts. It’s called “The Dalton,”

named after a character from the movie “Roadhouse,” which has the line “I thought you’d be bigger.” “We’ve had more than 100 teams try, but only two have actually finished it,” Tyler said. A close second to pizzas are its hamburgers, which are ground and pattied in-house. Fresh-baked pretzels, Philly cheesesteak and cheese frenchee sandwiches, and

chicken toes — which are hand cut and breaded in the restaurant — are other popu-lar menu items. About two years ago, Loop Brewing Company began serving breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as breakfast buffets on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The breakfast burrito has been the biggest hit. Cus-tomers say its bacon is the best in town. A couple of times a year, Tyler and Adam will go to a test kitchen in Lincoln or

Omaha to work with chefs from their food supplier to create new menu items. “Whenever we decide on new items, we always like be-ing able to put our touch on it by making the foods from scratch as much as possible,” Tyler said. “We’ve had to take off several very good items in order to make room for new things.” The brewery usually has six craft beers on tap, the most popular of which is

Please see Loop on Page 14

Tyler Loop (‘10), right, and Gage, Loop Brewing Company’s brewer, stir mash in the mash tun tank at the brewery established by Tyler in ‘11.


HOMEagain

Chris (‘10) and Katie Latta Farrell (‘10) have come back home to McCook. Chris has joined his fam-ily at Farrell’s Pharmacy as the third generation in the family business, following his grandfather, Warren, and father, Pat. Warren and his wife, Marian, purchased Prest Drug from Bob Prest and Dr. Frederic Shank in 1968. Pat joined his father in 1981. At the time the pharmacy was on Norris Avenue. In 1984, they moved the pharmacy to buildings adjacent to the Hallmark card shop, which Marian opened in 1977, on West B Street. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wesleyan University in 2015 and a doctorate in pharma-cology from South Dakota State University in May. Katie has a degree in nutrition and health science from UNL and is a certified pilates and yoga instructor.

He and Katie chose their hometown to raise their baby daughter, Margo Jayne, who was born in July, and con-tinue the family tradition. Chris, who initially thought he wanted to be a firefighter, has rejoined the City of McCook volunteer fire department, which he served on in high school. Katie is teaching yoga and

pilates. Katie and Chris, who chose South Da-kota State’s pharmacy program for its ru-ral focus,

are happy to be home again. “We love the community, the people, and the opportu-nity for growth and develop-ment,” Chris said. “It’s nice to be close to our family again.” Chris’s parents are Pat (‘76) and Leigh Fletcher Far-rell (‘80), and Katie’s parents

Third generation Farrell joins pharmacy

American Ag Labs: Full-time chemist; seasonal positions. E-mail [email protected]

Community Hospital: Visit https://chmccook.org/employment/ to view available positions

McCook Mechanical Services is growing. Contact [email protected] for more info

MNB Realty is looking to expand its team of agents. Call Lisa Felker, 308-345-8737

Sehnert’s: Visit http://sehnerts.com/job-positions to view available positions

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact Andy Long to discuss other career and entrepreneurship opportunities. 308.345.1200 I [email protected] I www.mccookne.org

McCook is hiring!

COLFER, WOOD, LYONS & WOODLAWYERS

Tom Colfer (‘28) Dal Wood (‘48) Phil Lyons (‘74)(1910-1999) (1930-2005)

Paul M. Wood (‘80) Emily M. Wood ‘(11)

P.O. Box 100 I 124 West C, McCook I 308.345.5063 FAX 308.345.2426 I [email protected]

are Mark and Kathy Latta,all of McCook. Chris is enjoying the expe-rience of being a pharmacist in a small family pharmacy. “My grandparents had been an integral part of Mc-Cook’s history and I’m look-ing forward to learning how to take care of the commu-nity’s needs from my dad,” he said. “Pharmacists really are the most accessible and the most frequently encountered healthcare provider. I like to make myself available for consult any time we’re open. My education has made me confident in my position to triage over-the-counter needs as well as researching/keeping up to date with new medications coming out.”

When they’re not work-ing, they love to be outdoors. Chris proposed to Katie in 2014 while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. They got into rock climbing while they lived in South Dakota for school. During a few months’ time that Chris spent in the Black Hills in rotation, he met a guide who offered to lead him up Devil’s Tower, something he calls a “once-in-a-lifetime experi-ence.” In between moves, the Farrells loved to take month-long road trips, camping and living out of the back of their car. Some of their favorite places were Glacier National Park and Redwoods National and State Parks.

Chris and Katie Latta Farrell (‘10) and their baby, Margo Jayne, have returned home, where Chris is the third generation pharmacist at Far-rell’s Pharmacy.

Ready to come back home?


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

J. Bryant Brooks (‘71) Nate Schneider (‘93)

101 West C St., McCook www.mbgslaw.com308.345.1600 FAX 308.345.1602

Dr. Warren L. Jones, D.D.S. (‘65)Dr. Melanie Jones-Wier, D.D.S.

Bison DentalGeneral Family Dentistry

912 W. 12th Street, McCook [email protected] www.bisondental.com

This fall, Ann Tondreau Trail (‘56) spent her 81st birthday packing 350 boxes with goodies for others. She’s spent the past 14 birthdays doing the same. Once Ann sends this year’s packages in November, she will have shipped nearly 3,000 boxes to soldiers serv-ing our country overseas during the holidays. Her husband, Dick (‘55), who she started dating in high school in 1953 and married four days after his graduation from the Air Force Academy in 1959 — its first graduating class — dis-covered Adopt-A-Chaplain through its website, www.adopt-a-chaplain.org. The project touched their hearts since Dick was a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and a commander. During his 21 years of service, the Trails moved 13 times. They were stationed two hours from Adopt-A-Chaplain’s head-quarters in San Jose, Calif. Ann would send troops ribbon cross bookmarks she made, 500 or 1,000 at a time. Then, after visiting Adopt-A-Chaplain, she was called to adopt a chaplain of her own. “I was so intrigued with the whole setup,” she said. “They sent 100 boxes to 100 chaplains once a week. So,

Dick and I came home and we did it on our own, send-ing a chaplain a box once a week.” After this adopted chaplain came home, Ann had another chaplain who asked if Ann could send her 2,000 resealable plastic bags filled with items her troops needed. “I thought, ‘Maybe I can send 20. But 2,000? How will I do that and pay for it?’” she said. Dick was optimistic they could do it. During her first interview about the project with the “McCook Gazette,” Ann told Bruce Crosby she thought she could send 40. She ended up sending 90 boxes. After the article, she had plenty of donations to continue sending chaplains necessities and comforts from Nebraska to troops serving away from their homes. “I just kept multiplying,” she said. “I was getting more donations and people were asking if I was going to do it again. So, I’ve kept going.” Ann went on to adopt three chaplains. This year, she has seven from Af-ghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, South Korea, and Kuwait. She loves the notes she receives from the chaplains.

One chaplain who was sta-tioned in Afghanistan even came to McCook to meet her and Dick. Ann appreciates everyone in the community who do-

nates items, money for ship-ping the packages, and helps her package the boxes. She has a certain way to pack and

To the troops with love from McCook

This is the 15th year that Ann Tondreau Trail (‘56) has shipped goodies to troops serving overseas during the holidays. This picture, taken a few years ago, shows her receiving items children gathered while trick-or-treating for the troops.

Please see Troops on Page 13


BISONAROUND THE WORLD

In Spanish, the word pro-vee means to provide — and that is what the nonprofit for which Derek Beebe (‘10) works aims to do. Derek admits he didn’t even know where Guatemala was on the globe in 2014 when he joined his fresh-man roommate at Nebraska Christian College and other students on a mission trip there to a girls’ orphanage. After that going-without-knowing trip, he would keep going back every five or six months, during which he developed a strong network and relationship with church leaders and pastors. He saw firsthand and read statistics that a majority of children go hungry and they drop out of school after the sixth grade to work and provide for their families. Many children and adults simply aren’t given the opportunity to better their lives. Back in Papillion, Derek graduated with degrees in Christian ministry and business administration and worked as director of operations for Hope Interna-tional University, with which Nebraska Christian College had merged. He planned to continue in this role and pursue his master’s degree in business nonprofit manage-ment, but God had other

plans. “The founder of Provee (my now-partner in minis-try) said something to me one trip that kept ringing in my ears,” he said: ‘We could really use someone like you here in Guatemala full time.’ I realized God was calling me to move to Guatemala to serve full time in ministry.” Derek followed that call in 2018, which began an incredible journey for him, ministering to Guatemalans, advancing and develop-ing Provee, and taking the Gospel with him everywhere he goes. Provee was created more than six years ago through a ministry from a local Church in Guatemala, Igle-sia Fresca Presencia (Fresh Presence Church). A Guate-malan couple had a calling to provide provision, truth, and hope in their local com-munity. Today, more than 60 locals serve as what Derek calls “the heartbeat” of Provee, working to improve the spiritual and physical lives of the impoverished in Central and South America with Christian discipleship, improved nutrition, higher education, and community involvement projects. Its vision is to fulfill the Great

commission by making disciples, teaching the Word of God, and providing for the impoverished to see life transformation. Among its projects are a daily breakfast program in four local schools, Chris-tian education twice a week in which local volunteers gather to prepare a lunch for children in seven of its partnered schools, chil-dren in two of its partnered orphanages, and two of its partnered senior citizen centers. The children receive

a healthy and nutri-tious lunch along with a Bible lesson to help them grow spiritually and give

them hope for the future. The biggest challenge for Derek has been to not Americanize the work they’re doing. It’s helped him to be living where he’s serving and really getting to know the people, their cul-ture, and their needs. While learning Spanish hasn’t come easy, he felt it was impor-tant to be able to speak the language of the people with whom he’s working and serving. He’s been told his Spanish is improving every day. “You start to see things from a different lens when you are living there rather

than staying for a week or two at a time,” he said. “Over the last year I have come to understand the culture and how to effectively lead other people and advance the min-istry of Provee.” Provee’s vision is to tell the story of Provee to churches and individuals in the U.S. and develop part-nerships to continue the growth of the ministry. “We want to be the bridge that connects those who want to be a blessing to those in our local commu-nity in Guatemala who are in need,” he said. Derek, who was influ-enced by McCook Christian Church pastors to attend

312 Norris Ave. 308.345.6500

Send a delicious homemade piece of McCook to everyone on your Christmas gift list — Stollen Bread made with Wauneta Roller Mills Flour. Visit Sehnerts.com for details.

Matt Sehnert (‘82)Attend MCC with a little help from McCook College Foundation!

Scholarship deadline is March 1.

For more information, contact Janet Werkmeister, director, at 308.345.5233.www.mccookcollegefoundation.org

Is it his cologne or the Holy Spirit? You decide

Derek Beebe (‘10)

Please see Beebe on Page 9


Support the Bison with your Debit Card!

www.MNB.Bank/Bison 220 Norris Avenue • McCook, NE

ALUMNIIN THE NEWS

Funeral directors Jim Jones & Donna Hall

607 NORRIS AVE. 308.345.3000 www.herrmannfh.com FAX 308.345.3003

A legacy of compassionate care and service

Fr Carson Kain (‘08)Peter (Mark) Graff (‘75)Dawson Brunswick (‘16)

Dawson Brunswick (‘16) is Mc-Cook Area Chamber of Com-merce’s new executive director. Dawson earned a Business Administration degree from Chadron State College in only three years. At Chadron, he was involved with the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda organization where he won two national championships in back-to-back years for network design. He also placed third nationally in a sales presentation event. In addition, he placed in the top 10 in several other events. He also became involved in student government at Chadron and was selected by Governor Ricketts to serve as Chadron State’s student trustee for Chadron State College in the Nebraska State College Sys-tem. Through that experience, he met with many state sena-tors and the Chadron Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees.

Dale (‘72) and Mary An-derson Dueland (‘73) were chosen as the 2019 Heritage Days Honor Family. Mary, a retired McCook Public School teacher, serves on the McCook Public Library board, Library Foundation Board and the Education Committee of the McCook Chamber of Com-merce. She facilitates the tutor-ing program through the li-

brary and has been heading the efforts to bring a Discovery Center for children of all ages to Mc-Cook. Dale serves on the Frenchman Valley Board of Directors, the McCook Community Foundation Fund committee, the McCook Arts Council, and the McCook City Planning Commission. He will soon take over as chairman of the Nebraska Community Foundation Board of Directors. They are mem-bers of Memorial United Method-ist Church. Mary volunteers at the Helping Hand Thrift Store and serves on a number of com-mittees. The Duelands organize the annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival, the Prairie Roots Festival, and they consistently help with Live at the Bieroc events. Dale also serves on the McCook Concert Association Board.

Peter (Mark) Graff (‘75) of McCook is among the new University of Nebraska at Kearney Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. He and other distinguished alumni were recognized during the UNK homecoming festivities Oct. 4-5. Mark is the chairman and president/CEO of MNB Fi-nancial Services, serving as the

chairman of the board of directors for MNB Bank (formerly McCook National Bank), MNB Fi-nancial Services, MNB Insur-ance Services and Graff Family, Inc. He has been with MNB Financial Services since 1983. Mark has been active on multiple boards and asso-ciations, including the Banker Advisory Board of the Gradu-ate School of Banking at the

University of Wis-consin, American Bankers Associa-tion’s ag and rural bankers commit-tee, Western

States Directors of Education Foundation, Nebraska Bankers Association, Nebraska Diplo-mats, Nebraska Community Foundation, Nebraska Begin-ning Farmers Board, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Board, Senator Mike Johann’s Ag Advisory committee, Mc-Cook Community Foundation Fund, McCook Economic Development Corporation, McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and McCook Opti-mist Club. He was a charter member of Leadership McCook and was the 2004 McCook Area Chamber of Commerce’s Com-munity Service Award. Mark received his degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting

from Ke-arney State College in 1979. He also gradu-ated from the Gradu-ate School of Banking program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1989.

Carson Kain (‘08) was ordained as a new priest for the Diocese of Lincoln during an Ordination Mass at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln on May 25. The following day, Carson celebrated his first Mass at St. Patrick Church in McCook. Before attending seminary, Carson received his associ-ate degree in science from McCook Community College and attended Nebraska Wes-leyan University for a semester, where he met an ordination classmate. After a semester at Wesleyan, Carson transferred to UNL where he studied biol-ogy and biochemistry for three semesters. Along with his classmate, several others helped him discern his vocation as a priest, including priests he’s met throughout his life as well as his parents, who inspired him to grow in holiness. “Looking back, what really did it for me was a pilgrimage that I took to Rome,” Carson said. “That was the icing on the cake.”

Dale (‘72) and Mary Anderson Dueland (‘73)


The class of ‘84 held its 35th reunion July 26-27. Classmates gath-ered Friday night at the Rocket Inn. Saturday evening, they had a meal at the Heritage Hills clubhouse. From left: front row: Richard Valdez, Christina Carr, Lori Wells Stevens, Karen Vontz Ackerman, Patty Knep-per, and Pam Ely Omann. Back row: Kelly Hitt Regier,Dale Musgrave, Dawn Hess Foster, Kynan Trail, and Brian Thomas. We missed those who were unable to attend and hope maybe they can make it to the all-class reunion in 2020.

The class of ‘59 celebrated its 60-year reunion during German Heritage Days Sept. 27-29. From left: front row: Joan Shepherd Calvin, Culbertson ; Wally Derr, McCook; Mary Lee Mohr Corey, McCook; Marilyn Blum Wurst, Scottsbluff; Anne Colfer Krog, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Nancy Ball Kepler, Scottsbluff; Marcia Mad-ron Overton, McCook; Anna Lehman Owen, Broken Bow; Susan Elliott Witkowski, Lincoln; Charlene Miller Westkamp, Norton, Kan.; Carolyn Mitchen McNabb, Denver, Colo.; Hilda Hofman Hampton, Culbertson; Janet Eckhardt Rich, McCook; and Janet Lusk Mahon, McCook. Second row: Honey Lou McDonald Bonar, Hastings; Mary Sue Hormel Harris, Lincoln; Ardis Holst VonSeggern, Papil-lion; Pat Burgher Gillespie, Longmont, Colo.; Charlotte Groves Oberg, Culb-ertson; Ane Nielsen Banwell, Lincoln; and Sally Stephens LeClerc, Whittier, Calif. Third row: Gerald Fortkamp, Wray, Colo.; George Krauss, Lincoln; Keith Calvin, Culbertson; Jim Dorram, Aurora, Colo.; Gene Meints, McCook; Robert Thompson, Oracle, Ariz.; Charles Trail, McCook; Ben Nelson, Omaha; Eldon Parde, McCook; Gilbert Unger, Emery, S.D,; Roger Buffington, Farmington, N,M,; Jeremy Daniels, Hastings; Donald Morgan, St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Dan Nielsen, Elwood. Those who attended, but are not pictured, are Sherry Brant Vap, Lincoln; and Mary Roedel VanderMo-len, Aurora, Colo.

p

‘59

p‘69

‘69 celebrated 50 years during Heritage Days weekend. From left: first row: Tom Manker, Rich Cappel, Dave Fischer, Mark Kauffman and Bob Ihrig. Second row: Steve Peres, Gale Harder, Craig Nylander, Sam Sangsom, Nancy Wilcox Conover, Lexi Power Gillen, Pam Burton Corder, Linda Aldrich Rodriguez, Linda Ols-son Raridon, Randee McNew Barger, Jackie Roedel Kuhr, B’Anne Bernard Zapp, Dennis Bloomstedt, JoanAnn Bloomstedt (in honor of Frances Bones Bloomst-edt) and Jim Trail. Third row: Lynn Peterson, Debbie Lundberg Cole, Scott Wacker, Mick Stubblefield, Judy White Hodson, Debbie Best Brandt, Jackie Ruby Dudder, Vicki Fidler King, Gail Schreiber Griffin, Patty Wagner Zimmerman, Margie Mustion Hauxwell, Debbie Krieger Jenkins, Patty Messinger Uehlin, Janice Gillen Gilbert and Tami Spencer Thomas. Fourth row: Randy Hill, Randy Bass, Greg Hock,Terry Doyle, Heidi Cross Pinkal, Dan Hassler, Mark Friehe, Dan Ault, Teresa Hassler, Betty Tuttle Fries, Anne Hinshaw Bowman, Shirley Frandsen Harder, Becky Anderson Kinney, Dale Fahnholz and Bert Harris.

p‘84


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dance and cash bar/refresh-ments at Citta Deli.• Sunday morning, Sept. 27 – Pancake feed (junior high cafeteria). Look for times and a more detailed schedule of events in the spring BAN. Because of the limited amount of venues and cater-ers in McCook, the steering committee has reserved a facility for each decade of classes for Saturday eve-ning. For example, alumni from the ‘60s and earlier are gathering at one venue, the ‘70s at another, etc. The com-mittee has reserved several

venues for this purpose. We need the help of class reps to share information with their classmates about the Satur-day evening Gathering of the Decades. In the past, classes have worked well together to plan and contribute to these gatherings. A member of the reunion organizational committee has been assigned for your decade. Class reps from each decade are asked to provide their decade steering committee member with contact information, (e-mails, mailing addresses and phone numbers) so informa-tion may be shared.

Reunion organizational committee members for the decades are: • ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s: Dick Trail, [email protected] and Dick Cappel, [email protected]• ‘70s: Ron Friehe, [email protected]• ‘80s: Clifva Budke, [email protected]• ‘90s: Janet Fritche, [email protected]• 2000s: Mary Dueland, [email protected] Please keep the BAN office (e-mail address is on Page 2) up to date on your current

e-mail, if they don’t already have it. Be sure to make hotel reservations right away if you plan to attend. Visit www.visitmccook.com/lodging/ for a list of hotels. There is no reunion reg-istration fee, although a fee may be collected by indi-vidual classes for Saturday evening expenses. Sunday’s pancake feed will be a hosted by a local organization as a fundraiser. Donations to off-set reunion expenses are ap-preciated. Send checks pay-able to Bison 2020 and mail to Mary Dueland, 112 East N St., McCook, NE 69001.

Reunion continued from Page 1

Christian college, didn’t imagine he would work in ministry growing up. When God put the right people at the right time in his life, he realized it was what he’s meant to do. He appreciates the love and support from his family, friends and classmates from McCook. His mom, Sue, and dad, Jim, are ‘78 alumni. His siblings are Mellisa (‘94), Jeromy (‘02), and Amanda (‘07). “The relationships I have developed over my lifetime have been a blessing, and ones that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” he said. “I love that I have the ability to use the gifts and talents that God has given me to invest into other people and give them hope for their future.” While the work he does behind his desk are impor-tant and necessary, what Derek loves most is getting out of the office and being eyeball to eyeball with Gua-

temalan children. “The joy and love that I receive is rewarding and it gives me a sense of purpose to keep doing what I’m do-ing,” he said. Derek has been investing more of his time with the elderly that Provee serves. Many elderly are widowed, lonely, and they have a hard time finding hope. Through helping them find hope, Derek finds it himself. He’s also spotted right away by one lady, who is blind and lives alone without family nearby. She says “Where’s my Derek?” whenever he arrives at one of the senior citizen centers he visits regularly. “I don’t know if it’s through the presence of the Holy Spirit or smell of my cologne, but she knows when I am there,” he said. Visit provee.org or e-mail Derek at [email protected] to partner with or learn more about Provee.

Beebe continued from Page 6


class notes Please send your news and contact info changes to your class rep. Class news items are due to the BAN Oct. 15 for the fall newsletter and April 15 for the spring newsletter. Phone numbers are in area code 308 and addresses in McCook unless otherwise specified. Deaths are on Page 13.

1945: Greetings to all the mem-bers of the great class of 1945. We have had a reunion every five years since graduation. Not all have attended. This will be a spe-cial time in the fall of 2020 for the all-class reunion. More info will come later. So, get out your cane, your wheelchair, find a helper, do whatever is necessary. If you don’t live in McCook, we will make accommodations for you. If you need money, let me know. There are friends here who will pray for you. Just kidding. Drop me a line. Regards, John Hubert, 901 Sunset, 345-4534 or [email protected]

1948: Mary Lou Drake, 1515 West 2nd, [email protected].

1949: This year marks our 70th year since our graduation! Clara Lebsack Adams, 345-1953, 302 West P, [email protected]

1950: Needs a class rep. E-mail [email protected]

1951: Our sympathies to Pat Schmid on the death of her brother, Charles Rodney Rogers, and to Dwight Gallatin on the loss of his wife, Susanna. Janice Eisenbarth Waddell, [email protected] and [email protected]

1952: Peggy Appleyard, 1006 E. 4th St., 345-6486

1953: Condolences to Nancy Hu-bert Miller on the death of hus-band, Lane Miller. Condolences to Norma Lebsack Crocker on the death of husband, Dale. As most

of us know the 2020 all-class re-union is coming up next year (see this issue of BAN). The ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s classes will be one group and Dick Trail and Dick Cappel will be heading our group. They would like an estimate of whose coming by Jan. 1. I realize at our age this is nearly impossible, but if you plan to come, please let me know. Have a nice holiday season! Pat Rogers Schmid, 1214 West 5th, 345-3081, [email protected]

1954: Ethyl Logan Siegfried, 506 E. 6th St., 345-7789

1955: We will have our 65th reunion during Heritage Days Sept. 25-26, 2020. I have reserved motel rooms and the large meet-ing room at the Cobblestone Motel from the evening of the 24th to checkout on the 26th. For reservations at the Cobblestone, call 777-2000 or e-mail [email protected]. As a bonus, the class of ‘56 will meet together with us. Please come to enjoy old friends once again. Dick Trail, 201 W M St., 345-5181, [email protected]

1956: Al Cuellar, 703 W 3rd St., 345-2393, [email protected]

1957: Bison ladies lunch on the fourth Thursday each month at 11:30 a.m. at Pizza Hut in McCook for all 1957 Bison class ladies who can attend. Beverly Dinnel Rhea, 418 West 10th, 345-5543, [email protected]

1958: If you care to make a dona-tion for newsletter, instructions are on Page 2, or you may send a check to Judy made out to the Class of ‘58 to be used for me-morials for those in our class that become deceased. Please keep in touch with news that we may stay connected to one another. Judy Chinn Wortley, 607 E 4th St, 344-9122, [email protected]

1959: What a superb time we had

celebrating our 60th class reunion over German Heritage Days September 27-29! There were 38 classmates, and with spouses/guests, we had a grand total of 57. Our minds were back in the‘50s ... our bodies, not so much. Mark your calendars for the 2020 all-class reunion Sept. 25-27. If you plan on coming, make your reservations soon as the Cobble-stone Hotel is already booked. Please send any change of your home or e-mail address to Janet Eckhardt Rich, 1301 West First St., McCook, NE 69001; e-mail,[email protected]; phone, 308-345-2703. If you feel so inclined to send a donation, please send to me and make the check out to Class of 1959. Thanks, and hope to see you at the 2020 all-class reunion!

1960: Pat Wakefield Fredde, 1109 West 4th St., 345-1222, [email protected]; Connie Carlson Bennett, [email protected]

1961: Joann McMullen Brand, 777-2094, [email protected]; Jean Parry, 2 Georgia Ct., 340-2977, [email protected]

1962: Tom Buresh, 1212 Norris Ave., 345-5441, [email protected]

1963: Please put the Bison 2020 reunion on their calendars! It will be during German Heritage Days weekend Sept 25-26, 2020. News of hotel rooms will be coming and shared. Lorraine Rose Goldstein3140 Flying Horse RdColorado Springs, CO [email protected] Dick Cappel5 Brassie CtMcCook NE 69001 [email protected] Decker Bell1402 Fillmore StSterling CO 80751-2137 [email protected]

1964: Make plans to come to the all-class reunion September 25-27, 2020. You should have received an e-mail or letter with this information! If not, please contact me immediately. Cheri Myers Beckenhauer, cheri.

[email protected], 308-340-0421.

1965: Linda Taylor, [email protected], 345-3682; Steve Batty, [email protected], 345-4021

1966: You either have or will be receiving a letter or e-mail describing the events, a reserva-tion form for you to complete and return, plus hotel information for the 2020 all-class reunion. Mark you calendar now to save the dates of Sept. 24-26, 2020! This reunion will replace our 55-year reunion, which would have been in 2021. Donations to: MHS Class ‘66, 5 Brassie, McCook, NE 69001. Tom Murphy, 303-421-5539, [email protected]

1967: The all-class reunion is less than one year away! Any-one interested in coordinating a class of ‘67 gathering, please do so! E-mail addresses can be provided and I have access to our class funds. Regarding the class account, we really need another person on the account. Jean Har-mon Hallowell, 903 W 7th St., 345-7663, [email protected]

1968: Class donations are to be sent to: Mike Roth, 1617 West 2nd. Sue Coady Doak, [email protected]; Susan Andrews Thomsen, [email protected]

1969: Thank you to everyone who attended our 50th reunion. We had a wonderful time with so many memories to hold dear. Debbie Krieger Jenkins, 1411 West 5th St., 340-7526, [email protected]

1970: Plans are underway for our 50th reunion Sept. 25-27, 2020. Details will be mailed out soon, so be let Diana Newton Butler know of any e-mail or postal mail address changes you have made in the past couple of years. [email protected]

1971: Steve Clapp, 911 15th Ave., Kearney, NE 68845, 345-6835, [email protected]

1972: Anne Unger Confer, 1111 Norris Ave., 340-5924


1973: I only have e-mail ad-dresses from half of our class. If you know of someone who is not receiving the newsletter, please send me his/her e-mail or have them contact me. Mary Ander-son Dueland, 112 E N St., 345-6163, [email protected]

1974: I moved to Lincoln this summer and would like someone else to take over the responsibili-ties of the ‘74 class representative. Peg Augustyn Andrews, [email protected]

1975: The BAN received a note from Mike Rauch on bison-alumni.com. Mike wrote, “I had a heart attack the end of July, which ended up killing me. The medical staff worked on me a long time. When I woke up they told me that the efficiency rating on my heart was at 15 percent and most people is at 65 percent. Then the doctor gave me my choices 1. Go home and die in hospice; 2. Wait for a heart transplant; or 3. They could put in a metal electric pump and attach it to my heart to help it pump the blood through me. I chose option No. 3. I was in the hospital 45 days. I now cannot go anywhere without my batteries. A set of batteries last 17 hours. At night my system uses the electricity in my house. I thank God and the great doctors at the Nebraska Medical Univer-sity of Omaha. It is a lot of work to have this system, but it does beat the other way. Dari Tucker Olson, 705 W 5th St., 345-5147, [email protected]

1976: Diane Wilson Lyons, 1007 E. 1st St., 345-2189, [email protected]

1977: Scott Schneider, [email protected]

1978: Mara Lee Weskamp-Ebert, 707-363-2432; Jerry Calvin, 807 West 13th St., 345-7063, [email protected]

1979: Robin Frick Calvin, 807 West 13th St., 345-7063, [email protected]

1980: Our 40th class reunion will be held June 12 and 13, 2020. We are planning a cartered meal

for June 13 at Marlene’s Kitchen north of McCook. Please update your e-mails, address changes, or name changes. Peggy Ruppert Messinger, 308-737-7767, [email protected]

1981: New class rep, Clivfa Lu-ther Budke, P.O. Box 59, [email protected]

1982: They are planning a 2020 all-class reunion next summer. If anyone would like to be in charge of getting our class to-gether, please let me know. Sara Wiemers Rippen, 103 Courtney Ln, 340-5561, [email protected]

1983: Janice Howell, [email protected]

1984: The BAN received a thank-you card to the class of ‘84 from the family of Brian Stensvad: “Thank you so very much for the generous gift/memorial of $385 toward the final care expenses of Brian Lee Stensvad. Your thoughtful gift and kind gesture at what was a very unexpected and difficult time will not be forgotten and was much appreci-ated.” Dawn Hess Foster at 340-0135, [email protected]. Lori McNutt Adkins, [email protected], 650-1539

1985: Annette Kool Wagner, 1411 East 5th St., 345-3852, [email protected]

1986: Michelle Hubert Doorn, 28328 463rd Ave., Davis, SD 57021-6127

1987: Donations to Class of 1987 c/o Andy Hofman, 1212 West L St, 340-960, [email protected]. Rich Barnett, 340-0815, [email protected]

1988: We are planning on being a part of the anticipated all-class re-union during Heritage Days 2020. Reach out to me if you want to be part of it. Most of us have turned, or will be turning, 50, so let’s celebrate together. Pat Weskamp, [email protected]

1989: Save the date! Our 30-year class reunion will be held in

conjunction with Heritage Days in McCook Sept. 27-29. More details to follow. Be watching on Facebook class page for more information. Chanin Monestero, [email protected]

1990: Jeanette Cappel Wonderly, 519 Buffalo Street, Benkelman, NE 69021, 883-1960

1991: Michelle Henrickson, [email protected]

1992: Jason Loop, 18 Wedge-wood Dr., 345-1977, [email protected], Trevor Taylor, 904 W 4th St., 345-6518, [email protected]

1993: Joann Pick Barenberg, 901 W R St., 345-8703, [email protected]

1994: Stephanie Hays Stevens, 1606 W 2nd St., 345-5688, [email protected]

1995: Carmen Irwin Lervold, 15788 W. Acapulco Lane, Sur-prise, AZ 85379, 623-322-9281, [email protected]

1996: Anne McCarville, 40110 Prairie View Dr., Cambridge, NE 69022, [email protected]

1997: Lisa Beckenhauer Pomajzl, 1650 Karol Kay Blvdm Seward, NE 68434, 402-826-7050, [email protected]

1998: Brian Symington, [email protected]

1999: Vanessa Lytle, 909 East G St., McCook, NE 69001, 340-3863, [email protected]

2000: Anna Dueland Hunnicutt, [email protected]

2001: Shaelin Monzon Stiver, 37425 Road 723, Culbertson, NE 69024, [email protected]

2002: Laura Lyons Plas, [email protected]

2003: Jill Hansen Purvis, [email protected]

2004: Nicole Hedke Sutton, [email protected]

2005: Please send me your e-mail address if you are not receiving the newsletter by e-mail. Kate Wolford Wawrzynkiewicz, 12129 S. Hansen Rd., North Platte, NE 69101, 340-9156, [email protected]

2006: Julia Lyons Krebs, [email protected]

2007: John Swanhorst, 9 Mashie Dr., 340-1648, [email protected]

2008: We plan to meet at a bar or another location during the anticipated all-class reunion in 2020. No plans to be in the pa-rade or any official reunion. Cory Gaston, [email protected]

2009: Parent rep, Doug Skiles, [email protected], P.O. Box 36, McCook, NE 69001

2010: Shane Wallen, [email protected]

2011: Parent rep, Greg Larson, 350-1049, [email protected]

2012: Parent rep, Sherri Stang, 345-4240, [email protected]

2013: Tricia Mitnik, 719-313-3602, [email protected], Gavin Harsh, 340-7178, [email protected]

2014: Needs a class rep and e-mail addresses. Please send to [email protected]. Terri Skolout, parent rep, 345-4240, [email protected]

2015: Marlys Brenning, 340-8496, 1703 9th Ave, Kearney, NE 68845, [email protected]

2016: Needs a class rep. Parent rep, Tom Bredvick, 345-4240, [email protected]

2017: Need e-mails and class rep. [email protected]




Winters is half the man he used to be Stacy Winters (‘93) was always a big kid. As an eighth grader, he weighed more than 300 pounds. The only time he lost weight in his younger years was the summer between his sophomore and junior years of foot-ball, when Coach Greg Welch said he needed to lose weight or he wouldn’t start. He didn’t know how to properly lose weight, so he essentially starved himself to 275-280 pounds so he could start as a defensive tackle his junior and senior years. After high school, Stacy attended McCook Commu-nity College and the Univer-sity of Nebraska at Kearney, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration with empha-sis in finance. He went on to work in banking and finance in Omaha. During this time, he continued to pack on the pounds. At his heaviest, in his mid-20s, he weighed 380 pounds. His yearly physical would show his blood pressure gradually increasing. Upon encouragement from his doctor to lose weight, he set out to change his lifestyle, one step at a time. “I never set out to have this incredible transforma-tion,” he said. “I just started gradually making little changes here and there. Once something was under control, I would implement something new.” Stacy quit drinking pop, something he would do daily — at least two liters, sometimes more. He lost 60 pounds in the first half

a year or so. Then, he lost about 20 pounds a year over the next several years by exercising, eating six small meals a day, starting with breakfast (which he previously skipped), and drinking water. He ran his first 10K at 265 pounds. He admits he was scared, but he has found it’s important to do something every day that pushes him — and scares him a little. “Change doesn’t come from doing the same thing over and over,” he said. “Change is only going to happen if you continue to go outside of your comfort zone. Your mind will give up before your body will.” Eight years into his deci-sion to lose weight and live healthier, Stacy literally be-came half the man he used to be by achieving his ideal weight, 190-200. And he’s kept it off for more than 10 years through discipline and being in community with like-minded people.

“I surround myself with people I want to be like — people who want to do good things, be healthy, and chal-lenge themselves,” he said. Stacy also enjoys pass-ing along the knowledge he has learned through his struggles and success by helping others that he comes in contact with.

Due to his commit-ment to living healthy, he was asked to speak at the Nebraska’s Governor’s Walk, which promotes health and wellness in the state, earlier this year. Stacy encourages any-one struggling with weight loss who wants to connect with him to e-mail him at [email protected]. He also advocates for people to share their goals with the people in their lives. “Normally people don’t vocalize their goals because they don’t want people to know if they failed to achieve them, but if people know your goals, they will be much more supportive,” he said. Stacy preps his weekday lunches for himself and his wife, Heidi, each Sunday, ensuring he receives the

right amount of macros for the week. His weekday meals are not exciting, but they are healthy. Come the weekend or vacation, the foodie, who helped start the Facebook group “Omaha Food Lovers,” is ready to indulge in his favorite foods. He knows his weight will fluctuate a little after he travels or eats out over a weekend, but he is con-fident he will stay in his target range. He steps on the scale daily to keep himself accountable. He’s never used the word “diet” to describe how he eats. “A diet is a temporary endeavor,” Stacy said. “You’ll lose weight if you follow it, but the problem is, when the diet’s over, people tend to struggle.”

Please see Winters on Page 14

Stacy Winters (‘93) weighs half what he did at his heaviest in his mid-20s through healthy eating and daily exercising. “I never set out to have this incredible transformation,” he said. “I just started making little changes here and there.”

‘Change is only going to happen if you continue to go outside your comfort zone.’

-Stacy Winters (‘93)


In memory

308.345.3838 www.carpenterbreland.com

Each class expresses sincere condolences to the families. Many of their obituaries are posted on the Bison Alumni Facebook page and on bisonalumni.com‘41: Mildred Horn Mustion‘43: Faye Traphagan Korell‘44: Ruby May Thurston‘45: Walter Stanley Aman, Phyllis Ream Stevens‘47: Kenneth Frick‘50: Norma “Jodi” Jordan‘51: Charles Rodney Rogers‘52: Parker Wilson‘53: Lane Miller, Mary Lou Ulrich Ross‘56: Connie Padgett, Mary Annette Lepper Snyder‘57: Charles (Ed) Armstrong, Jr., Jesse Cain‘58: Kay Ulrich Michel‘59: Billye Brown Ross, Bonnie Harris Smith‘61: James Dutton‘64: Bernice Ellis Musil‘65: Kenneth L. Patton Jr. ‘67: Carlaine Budig Wacker‘70: Randy Atwood, David Matson‘71: Laurie Schilz Leibbrandt‘75: Randy Bales‘76: Brent Liesemeyer‘77: David Allen, Vickie Allen

Thanks! Thanks to everyone who contributed to the fall BAN! All of our advertisersMcCook GazetteRobert and Joanne Hanna in memory of Larry O’Donnell (‘53)Everett and Joanne Eshelman in honor of Joanne’s brother, JohnGettman (‘59) and MarilynModrell Corey (‘54)Marjorie McMurtry (‘50)C.E. Armstrong (‘57)Daniel Meister (‘79)Velma Bowman in memory of La-verne (Gregg)Lampe (‘42)Goldie Edwards Paolazzi (‘55)Kathie Cappel in memory of classmate Marilyn Heskett Iverson from the class of ‘66Bill Griffin (‘64) in memory of Mary Goodsell Kennedy (‘64)Lois Wakefield Hudson in honor of ‘55 classmatesDerek BeebeDawson BrunswickTricia Danburg/UNKMary DuelandChris FarrellDawn FosterMark GraffBob IhrigDebbie Krieger Jenkins Carson KainAndy LongTyler LoopPeggy Ruppert MessingerBrolin MorganTom MurphyJanet Eckhardt RichStacy Winters

Website hosting and Internet Service ProviderHigh speed broadband wireless and DSL access

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Walter (‘81) and Rachel (‘80) Thompson Hampton, owners

tape the boxes, and she has developed the packing pro-cess down to a science. Tues-day and Thursday mornings for three weeks she and eight to 10 ladies pack the boxes in her garage. If she has more than that, they end up being in one another’s way. Anoth-er eight women pack them in her kitchen. Six men tape the boxes. “It’s not me; it’s my com-munity,” she said. “I’m just the hands and feet who organizes it. I love doing this mission. I’m blessed beyond words by so many people. We live in a wonderful com-munity.” More than keeping their feet warm, bellies full and minds occupied, Ann wants the packages to deliver hope. She includes Bible verses and funny and inspirational notes in the packages (for example, candy bags have a note that says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good — Psalm 3:48”).

The troops especially enjoy notes and pictures from children, and hand-written Christmas cards. While it will be too late to donate items this year by the time you’re reading this article, Ann always accepts monetary donations as she sends packages throughout the year as well, only on a smaller scale. Each pack-age costs $18.45 to ship. For more information, you may contact her on her cell at 308-340-3578. She especially likes to adopt chaplains from Ne-braska. This year, she heard of a chaplain from Wauneta who is stationed in Kuwait just as she was gearing up for her 15th year. His late adop-tion made him her seventh chaplain. “What’s more?” laughed Ann, who considers herself 20 with 61 years of experi-ence. “It’s just more customs forms to fill out.”

Troops continued from Page 5

1301 East H Street, McCook

www.chmccook.org 308.344.2650

T H E W A Y B A N K I N G S H O U L D B E

McCOOK 602 West B Street, 308.345.1555pinnbank.com

17_PGN52_McCOOK_DECATAURCO_HS_BRAND_AD.indd 1 8/29/17 11:33 AM

MARRIAGESJoan Carson (‘80) married Ken Kracke Aug. 12. Mark Harris (‘80) married Kim Morrow Oct. 12.


He exercises daily, which is good not only for his body, but his mind as well. Since he’s worked from home the past seven years, going to the gym at lunch-time gives him time to be social and helps him clear his head to avoid afternoon brain fog.

“Exercise is the most under-utilized drug there is,” Stacy said. “It really can be the answer for almost anything that ails you.” The best part about becoming half the man he used to be? He looks bet-ter, he feels better, and he doesn’t have to think twice

before engaging in some-thing physical, whether it’s warrior dashes, mud runs, or throwing a ball with his 15-year-old son, Matthew. When Stacy comes back home, he’s in the mood for a double cheeseburger with bacon, French fries, fried mushrooms, and

onion rings at Mac’s. He loves Mac’s and other gems in McCook and the sur-rounding area, with the James Beard award-winning Bieroc Cafe and Sehnert’s Bakery, to homemade pizza, juicy steaks and more. “McCook is a foodie’s paradise,” he said.

Winters continued from Page 12

Loop continued from Page 3

the Irish red beer, a deep red ale with hints of biscuit and toffee with a dry finish. Its porter and stouts are hits as well. A big misconception is that a light-colored beer is always light in flavor and a dark beer is heavy and hard to drink. The Irish Red, while darker in color, is a very light beer, while the IPA, which is light in color, is a very heavy and hoppy beer, Loop said. Loop Brewing Company has delicious craft cocktails. Many mixes are handmade. Customers also enjoy the homemade root beer and cream soda. It’s hard to say what’s more enjoyable at Loop Brewing Company — the food and drinks, the friendly staff, or the ambiance. “I knew right away, ‘This is it,’” Tyler said of the time he walked in the front door of the vacant building. Although he grew up in Mc-Cook, he previously didn’t know the old railroad ice house existed. He appreciated the cool history and architecture and enjoyed designing the layout and constructing the empty shell, putting to use construc-tion skills he gained working with his grandpa and dad in

their contracting, electrical and plumbing companies, and his interest in architec-ture (he started college at UNL as an architect major, but decided he would rather be an entrepreneur). Fixing up the building was a family endeavor, from painting to the electrical work that his dad, Gale (‘72), did. After two years at UNL, Tyler, who’s had an entrepre-neurial spirit for as long as he can remember, spent a year finishing general courses at McCook Community Col-lege. As a bonus, he started dating his future wife, Tyler Sue Randolph (‘03), who also was attending MCC. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from UNK in ‘06. As he contemplated what business to own, he became intrigued by micro-brew-eries. They were growing in popularity back then (and even more so recently), and he thought it would be a cool business for a young guy to own. He looked to buy The Coppermill to turn it into a brewery and restaurant, but Adam beat him to the chase. With the location decided, he spent a few years learning how to brew beer at home and found a mentor who

spent a week teaching him how to open and operate a small brewery from his brewery in Ridgeway, Colo. He helped him with recipes and piecing together equip-ment not necessarily created for brewing, which saved him money. For example, he bought an old dairy tank locally that he uses as a mash tun, which converts the starches in crushed grains into sugars for fermentation. Adam wanted to open another restaurant with pizza as its main fare, so he approached Tyler about partnering. He and Adam are partners with Loop Brewing Company, The Coppermill in McCook and The Cop-permill in Kearney, which opened in 2016. Tyler spends most of his time at Loop Brewing Company; Adam is

at The Coppermill; and they alternate working in Kearney once or twice a week. Being an entrepreneur has proven to be a good fit for him. He’s happy he can be his own boss in his hometown. He admits he never wanted to leave. “I’ve always liked liv-ing here and being part of this community,” said Tyler, whose Mom, Becky Hein Loop, is a ‘73 graduate; brother, Jason Loop, gradu-ated in ‘92; and sister, Tera Loop Koetter, in ‘94. “Mc-Cook has all the things I like to do. I like that there’s no traffic and I can go wherever I want within a matter of minutes.” He and Tyler Sue have three children, Kapri, 12; Keaton, 9; and Amity, 5.

Loop Brewing Company’s building is a former railroad ice house.


A summer vacation to Estes Park, Colo., with her family inspired Brolin Morgan (‘20) to create an abstract bison painting in her art class at McCook High School. “We were walking around downtown and I saw some abstract paintings of deer and elk,” she said. “I thought they were so beautiful be-cause I love animals and the way they were painted was

stunning.” Brolin mixed acrylic paint with matte finish and modeling paste, which thickens the paint and gives it texture. She spent about a month on the project, ap-plying the paint with a pallet knife in the shape of a bison, her school mascot. She val-ues the guidance of her art teacher, Tara Peterman. “She is an amazing teacher and always sup-

A bison for a new generation

Brolin Morgan (‘20) created this bison painting using acrylic paint mixed with matte finish and modeling paste, which she applied with a pallet knife.

ports whatever crazy project ideas I have,” she said. “She is a very good example and always helps me whenever I am struggling during a project.” Brolin likes various art styles, but she especially is drawn to the uniqueness of abstract art. She likes to use different styles and materials to create something that is completely her own. “I often see different styles of art that inspire me to blend techniques and do my own style,” she said. “Art lets me take my ideas and

design whatever I feel like that day.” Brolin’s parents are Darin and Jennifer Morgan, and her sisters are Brantleigh (‘18) and Briley, age 12. In school, she plays softball, basketball and track, and is in Math Club, Interact Club, National Honors Society, and Select Choir. Outside of school, she likes to spend time with her friends and family, be outdoors, hunt, and fish. She plans to attend col-lege to pursue a degree in animal sciences.

The McCook Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization created as a source of support to enhance educational opportunities for students at McCook Public Schools.

To contribute to this organization or for more information please contact

Joann Barenberg [email protected] or Jason Loop [email protected]

Or mail your donation to: McCook Educational Foundation Inc.

P.O. Box 782 McCook, NE 69001

Bison Alumni‘72, ‘73, ‘74 & ‘07308.345.5520123 West B Street, McCookwww.MNB.Realty

Randy Bauer (‘73) Broker

Loop Brewing CompanyCRAFT BEER I BRICK OVEN PIZZA

SANDWICHES I SOUPS I SALADS I PASTA

Come check out our exciting new cocktail menu! Featuring all our old favorites such as the Loopy Lemonade, Railroader, our famous margaritas and mojitos, and some new favorites like the Saucy Cranberry, Apple Cinnamon Mule, Pecan Pie Martini, and much more!

OPEN TUE - FRI 11 A.M.-11 P.M.SAT-SUN 7 A.M.-11 P.M.

404 W A St., McCook

308.345.5198

www.loopbrewingcompany.com Get in the Loop, Stay in the Loop.

Join us for breakfast Saturdays and Sundays

7-11 a.m.!


Bison Alumni NewsletterP.O. Box 665McCook, NE 69001 USA

b a nBison Alumni Newsletter www.bisonalumni.com Fall 2018

Just as the Bison

moved across the

plains with a roar, the

sweet rumble driving

the bricks of Norris

Avenue will tell you

that you are home.

Home in McCook, the

Capital of the Buffalo Commons.

VisitMcCook.com

Meister Bison Viewing - Red Willow SRA

Documents

All-class reunion set for 2020 - McCook · a test kitchen in Lincoln or Omaha to work with chefs from their food supplier to create new menu items. “Whenever we decide on new items,