So far in 2021, at least two or three of these columns have been tributes to those who have passed, including Cloyd Clark and Tor Olson. Hopefully, their families and friends found those words comforting, uplifting or at least brought back a few fond memories.
While I will continue to occasionally reflect on those who have had a tremendous impact but are no longer with us, I want to offer up an alternative: highlighting those who have had a tremendous impact but continue to influence our community in positive ways because they are still here.
Last night to kick of McCook’s Heritage Days Celebration, several well-deserving people were recognized for their roles in McCook including Bill Elliot as parade marshal; Jody and Richie Crocker as honor family; and king and queen Matthew Pochop and Karragan Shaw, as well as all of the Heritage Days royalty.
And finally, there was Mark Graff, who received the Grand Marshall award for his years of service nationally, statewide and locally.
While many people know Mark because of his role leading MNB Bank, his influence can be found in countless other areas. Had Trevor Taylor listed everything Mark has been or is currently involved in during Wednesday’s celebration at the MNB Mixer, we would have been there for a long time…way past Mark’s bedtime.
While Mark is involved in many organizations including serving as a founder and current treasurer for the McCook Community Foundation Fund, the public may not notice it. As a certified public accountant, he steadfastly does what is needed, what is expected, what is right. He isn’t out there show-boating or grand-standing unless he is showing off his two new grandchildren.
And Mark is quick to shift the attention from himself to those around him or give credit to those who came before him. There is one person who he cites for helping him become the man he is today: his dad, Pete Graff.
Pete and Mark have many similarities - from their height to their hairline - but there is yet another attribute they have in common. When they speak, people listen. Pete was not one for many words. He didn’t have to orate long to get his point across. There are countless stories of people sitting in Pete’s office in McCook National Bank, now MNB Bank, as the customer or friend told a story or asked for advice with Pete sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed across his chest, just listening most of the time.
The same holds true for Mark as people reach out for advice, assistance, or just a friendly ear to talk to. Because Mark acknowledges that the other thing he learned from his dad is that we can never give back to our community too much and that we will never be able repay all the people who also work so hard day after day but we’ll try.
And for full transparency, I must clarify my relationship with Mark. I am married to Mark’s brother, Jon, the youngest of Pete and Dolores Graff’s 11 children. When meeting someone new who knows the Graff name, I am often asked if I am Mark’s wife, but that title belongs to Mark’s wonderful wife, Linda.
Occasionally, I am asked if I am one of Mark’s five sisters, but McCook is home to four Graff-Thomas boys: Mark, Mike, Chad and Jon. But my favorite question is when people ask if I’m Mark’s daughter. Not sure how Mark feels about that, but it makes my day.
Congratulations to all the Heritage Days Royalty, who continue to make McCook an even better place to call home.
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As if he wasn’t involved enough, Mark is spearheading the Timberline Concert next Thursday, Sept 30 at the Alice Building on the Red Willow County Fairgrounds, which is being held in memory of Tor Olson. Thanks to many generous sponsors, all ticket proceeds will go toward a project in Tor’s name, something that showcases one of Tor’s many interests.
While you can get tickets at the door, it’s going to be $5 more. So stop by MNB Bank or Sehnert’s Bakery before next Thursday to get a ticket. Tickets are also available at the Imperial City Offices. Or visit www.jimsalestrom.com to order online.
The concert is going to be a fun evening with great music by Timberline, honoring a great man in Tor Olson and organized by a tremendous local leader in Mark Graff.
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.
