Most people have likely seen Bruce McDowell around McCook. When time and his health allows, he puts in countless miles around the community. It may be walking his rescue dog. It may be heading to the McCook Dog Park to check-in on cleanup. It may be just to get his miles in for the day. 

And those miles come when he isn’t at a meeting for one of the many organizations he volunteers his time for. 

Bruce currently serves as the chairman of the Community Hospital Health Foundation vice president of the Norris Institute and treasurer for the K9 Korner, McCook’s dog park in Barnett Park. And he’s a member of the McCook Humane Society, although he doesn’t recall if he has an official title anymore. 

After serving as a McCook City Councilman, he is now a member of the McCook Planning Commission. In his “spare time,” Bruce helps with the Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival every June and has watered the plants along Norris Avenue as part of Beautify McCook. 

He is also a strong advocate for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), volunteering as a photographer for state-wide Nebraska CASA events. Locally, he assists with anything the Prairie Plains CASA office in McCook needs for their events such as smoking meat and food prep plus just general maintenance for the CASA office. 

The McCook Philanthropy Council recognizes a volunteer every month who is doing good work in McCook and Red Willow County. 

If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308-345-3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s 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 but please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community. The volunteer honoree is selected monthly by the McCook Philanthropy Council.

By Ronda Graff January 29, 2026
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
By Ronda Graff January 22, 2026
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.
By Ronda Graff January 22, 2026
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
By Amanda Engell January 9, 2026
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
By Ronda Graff January 9, 2026
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
By Ronda Graff December 22, 2025
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
By Ronda Graff December 22, 2025
Whether it is the hustle and bustle of the holidays or just every-day activities, it is good to remember that "this too shall pass."
By Ronda Graff December 17, 2025
Linda Graff named McCook Volunteer of the Month for December 2025
By Ronda Graff December 15, 2025
By focusing on what is important, we can make an even better impact in our communities.
By Ronda Graff December 11, 2025
After a 10-year hiatus, the McCook Holiday Home Tours return focusing on downtown upstairs apartments.