McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Board of Education was asked to “dream big” at the the regular meeting Monday night.
Cindy Huff of the McCook Community Foundation said the organization wants to partnership with the school to make a big impact on generations to come. The unrestricted endowment fund has over $4 million and with only interest being spent, that’s a $100,000 payout per year, she said. The organization is also willing to make a multi-year commitment. “Start dreaming, there’s no down side here, it’s all good,” she said.
Funds can be used for big projects or for smaller ones. She cited the example of supplies for an innovative idea coming from a teacher. “What can we do to encourage the community, to make MHS stand out in the state?” she said.
Grants from the local foundation often can be matched with the state community foundation. When schools across the state were shut down in March due to COVID-19, a $20,000 grant from the McCook Community Foundation was matched with another $20,000, for a total of $40,000 that purchased 30 Chromebooks for remote learning, for students at Central Elementary and the junior high.
MCF grants also provided $17,000 for hot and cold storage carts for the food service program, $1,500 to buy additional sensory equipment for the high needs special education students, “Bison Days” at the high school and funded a summer intern this year at MCF.
“Ball fields, tennis courts, academics, we’re excited about it,” Huff said. “Let’s make McCook a better place to call home.”
Gavin Harsh, a MHS alumni, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is now working as a fifth-generation farmer on the family farm. He, too, spoke to the board how the MCF wants to impact students in a significant way, so students can interact with the community by “not just one step but many steps and not only by text books.” This could include recruiting former MHS grads to return to the area by showcasing the many jobs in McCook; Harsh said he didn’t realize the many job opportunities available until he took a local leadership class. He cited entrepreneurship and technology as others areas that could use funds.
School board member Dennis Berry is also a member of the McCook Community Foundation and he emphasized the partnership component. MCF members would be happy to meet with teachers and the school board to discuss ideas how to use the funds. “They really want to be a partner, not just write checks,” he said
McCook High School principal Jeff Gross, whose daughter, Lexi, was an intern this year at the foundation, said when the school district’s bond is paid off (for the remodel of McCook Elementary) that will free up some money for a big project. He cited the high school auditorium that needed updated and other fine art areas that could benefit. There are many projects at each school that could probably put the funds to good use, he said. “Us principals, we can dream,” he said.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
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Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
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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.
