McCOOK, Neb. — A $5,000 grant from the McCook Community Foundation Fund will help buy supplies for “Bison Days” at McCook High School.
Representatives of the foundation, Ronda Graff, Cindy Huff and Pam Wolford, presented a $5,000 check at the regular McCook School Board meeting Monday night.
“We want to partner with McCook Schools to make it an outstanding school district….you’re already doing a great job and we want to help continue that,” Cindy Huff said.
McCook High School principal Jeff Gross thanked the foundation and said the high school “could not have pulled off ‘Bison Days’” without the funding. It’s the second time the school applied for the grant and the second time they received it, but “We hope to be more self sufficient” in the future, he said.
Gross said 10 reasonably-priced sewing machines were purchased to build up the inventory for “Bison Days.” The two-day event will be Feb. 17-18 and is when MHS students can sign up for mini courses. Classes taught by community members and business owners have been whittled down to 70 from about 120, he said. Classes range from the practical, like how to shop for a car and resume/interview skills, to the fun, such as “Explore Your Inner Baker” and genealogy. They also introduce students to possible career options, like courses on heating/air conditioning and aviation.
Gross said class offerings have expanded and last year, the most popular classes were those on cooking and “anything mechanical.” The biggest challenge is the scheduling, he added.
Based on applications, the MCFF distributes grants to various non-profit organizations in McCook, including those for scholarships, cultural events and community projects. Members of the MCFF Fund Advisory committee are Dale Dueland, Don Harpst, Cindy Huff (chairperson), Bill Graves, Pam Wolford, Doug Skiles, Dennis Berry, Linda Frank, Peggy Bean, Andy Long, Mark Graff and Gavin Harsh. Ronda Graff is the MCFF coordinator.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
