Baseball and Softball Enthusiast Named Volunteer of the Month

Mark Friehe named March McCook Volunteer of the Month

The March McCook Volunteer of the Month award is proudly presented to Mark Friehe, whose dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact on both the local sports community and beyond.

Mark has been a pillar of support for over 26 years, serving on the committee which oversees McCook’s indoor baseball and softball facility, the Community Indoor Association.

Mark’s nomination noted that he played an instrumental role in the development of the new indoor practice facility for baseball and softball located in downtown McCook on C Street. His efforts in locating the space, securing resources, and overseeing the construction of this facility have provided athletes with a year-round training environment, significantly enhancing local sports programs. Each year more than 15 teams and 220 athletes of all ages, including college-aged players, are able to use the facility.

But Mark said he could not have done it on his own. He also credits Jerry Reitz, Bob Elder, Joe Townsley, Darrin Samway, Chris Vontz, and Jon Olsen for their key contributions and significant support for the project.

Mark also noted the generous contribution of the building owner. “Of course, this facility would not even exist if it wasn’t for the generosity of Mike Deveny. He has provided us with this building and supported us financially as we made improvements over the years,” Mark said.

But Mark’s contributions don’t end there. He also generously volunteers his time as a mentor for youth in the community, offering guidance and support to the next generation. His selflessness, work ethic, and passion for helping others make him a true asset to our community.

We are proud to honor Mark Friehe as Volunteer of the Month and are grateful for the positive impact he continues to make in so many lives. Thank you, Mark!

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 but please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community. The volunteer honoree is selected by the McCook Philanthropy Council.

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Jan. 2026 Volunteer of the Month Devoted to Church and Community

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.