Crowning kicks off 2014 Heritage Days
McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce Heritage Days mixer took place Wednesday at McCook National Bank, where the 2014 Heritage Days royalty were announced.
The 2014 Heritage Days Grand Marshalls were brothers, Brett and Toby Warren. Brett Warren, graduate of McCook High School Class of 2000, lives in McCook and owns an IT consulting company that provides service to several businesses and organizations in Southwest Nebraska. Toby, graduate of McCook High School Class of 1988, lives in Denver and operates a technical services company that contracts with AT&T and NBC.
The brothers are best known for their work providing communications services for the Olympic games. This began with the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where Toby was the head engineer who designed and implemented the communications systems used, achieving the highest score for network reliability. The system Toby designed allowed only 4 minutes and 19 seconds of down-time during the entire 30 days of Olympic coverage, earning him several Emmy Awards for Outstanding Technical Team Studio. In 2004, his brother, Brett joined this team of engineers, configuring and maintaining a sophisticated software program that monitors and controls communications connections to the United States. His role on this team has also earned him an Emmy nomination.
This team of MHS graduates has provided coverage of the Olympics from Salt Lake City, Utah; Athens-Greece; Torino-Italy; Beijing-China; and Sochi-Russia.
The 2014 Heritage Days Honor Family is the Eugene and Marilyn Anderson family. The Andersons have been an important part of the McCook community for 39 years, making "God, family, and community" the center of their lives.
Gene has been active in Rotary and several committees at his church. He was instrumental in getting water to residents south of town, requiring much research, determination, time, and planning. He has managed several businesses in McCook including Safeway, Ideal Truck Lines and Quick Freight. For the last 18 years, he has shared his smile with hundreds of customers at Orscheln Farm and Home.
Marilyn has worked in the McCook Public Schools for 32 years. She was instrumental in the local Special Olympics organization, and for several years she has been the organizer for the Community Supper meals at Memorial United Methodist Church. She volunteers at Helping Hand, Women's Society, United Methodist Women Circle groups, and has also served on the Red Willow County election board.
The couple is also involved in local 4-H programs, the Tractor Club, and they also run a catering business, Catering Plus. Their family includes two daughters and their spouses, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Howard and Janet Kool were named the 2014 Heritage Days Parade Marshalls. The Kool's moved to McCook in 1980, where they managed and owned a car dealership on B Street. Their community-minded and entrepreneurial spirit has been passed down to their two grown children, Annette Wagner and Mark Kool, who both own businesses in McCook. Howard and Janet are both active in their church and with Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre productions. Janet is a past member of McCook Cordials, and was instrumental in a major remodel of the Memorial United Methodist Church sanctuary. Howard has served as an interim McCook City Councilman and has been involved in renovation projects at the Fox Theatre. He also organized a fundraising effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Throughout their time in McCook, the Kool's have stressed the importance of promoting McCook and keeping things local for the welfare of the entire community.
Heritage Days Queen is Erica Wood, senior at McCook High School and daughter of Paul and Linda Wood. Erica is active in volleyball, swimming, track and field, Interact Club, National Honor Society, and cheerleading. She has received numerous Outstanding Student awards, is on the Merit Roll, and is active in her church.
Heritage Days King is Isaac Langan, senior at McCook High School and son of Michael and Angela Langan. Isaac is active in Student Council, Speech Team, Future Business Leaders of America, Bison Against Drinking and Drugs, National Honor Society, Math Club, Thespians, cross country, swimming and diving, and track. Isaac is the 2015 Class President, as well as the MHS mascot. He has received many Outstanding Student and All-State awards. He is also active in his church and community.
Heritage Days activities continue tomorrow with the George W. Norris Foundation Prayer Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at Heritage Senior Center. Saturday's activities include a 5k road race, car and tractor show, arts and crafts fair, and parade beginning at 10:00 a.m. See Wednesday's Gazette for a full line up of activities.