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Family legacies honored for Heritage Days 2015
McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook's 2015 Heritage Days Honor Family is the Kugler family, which includes Diane Kugler and sons, John and Mike.
Through the generations beginning in the mid-1920s, the Kugler family has operated several different business ventures in the area, including a service station, a zoo, a dance hall and a motel.
Today, Kugler Co. is well-established as a regional manufacturer and supplier of quality liquid fertilizer products, shipping coast to coast and internationally by truck and rail.
The primary goal has always been to provide the highest level of service to customers, which include friends and neighbors. That tradition has been handed down through three generations and continues to represent the foundation that keeps the Kugler Co. a leader in its industry.
The Kuglers are huge animal lovers and are key benefactors to the McCook Humane Society.
They are involved in the YMCA, Memorial United Methodist Church, Community Hospital, Culbertson Library, and Culbertson's first ambulance.
Diane told those gathered at the mixer Wednesday that the real honor goes to her late husband, Russ. "Without him, we would not be a presence in the business community." Mike also expressed his gratitude to the area. "McCook is a great community. We have great employees and great neighbors." John echoed his sentiment. "This is a wonderful place to grow up, raise kids and stick around and do business in."
Retired Judge Cloyd Clark, and his wife, Linda, who recently retired from a long-time teaching career at Southwest High School, are the 2015 Parade Marshalls. Cloyd was raised in Elwood and graduated from the University of Nebraska Law School. After college, he served in the Peace Corps in Thailand and then in the U.S. Army.
During his service as Red Willow County Judge, he initiated the Court Appointed Special Advocates. He is a leader with the Norris Institute and also serves on the board of directors for the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Linda was raised in McCook and graduated from Arizona State. Both Cloyd and Linda are active in the arts in McCook -- Linda volunteers at the Fox Theatre and both volunteer with the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival. Linda is also involved in the Southwest Schools Foundation.
Judge Clark told those gathered that he was thankful that he had earlier turned down an opportunity to be in the dunk tank during Heritage Days. "It would be embarrassing to be dunked and also have this great award."
Linda expressed her gratitude by saying, "We have no desire to live anywhere else but McCook, Nebraska."
John T. Harris Jr. is the 2015 Heritage Days Grand Marshall. He is a 1955 McCook High School graduate and a 1957 McCook Community College graduate. He continued his education at University of Nebraska Lincoln. He became manger of DeGroff's Department Store in 1959, a position he held for over 30 years. In 1976, he founded Lots to Love Inc., a plus-size women's clothing chain of 40 stores in 19 states.
Harris served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and as Company Commander of the McCook unit of the National Guard. He also took leadership roles with the MCC Board of Governors and Foundation Board and Heritage Square planning committee. He served as president for many local organizations, including McCook Chamber, YMCA, Fairview Estates, Kiwanis Club, High Plains Historical Society, United Way and Community Hospital Health Foundation.
During his time in McCook, Harris was the first pilot to start the tradition of flying Santa into McCook for the holidays. His store was a proud sponsor of Santa Claus Lane on Norris Avenue, as well as being Santa's headquarters.
In addition to his service in McCook, Harris served on the Kearney Archway Educational Advisory Commission, the Nebraska Small Business Advisory Board, Nebraska's Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and as Chairman of the Board for Corwin Co.
In 2004, he was the recipient of the Master Merchant Award from the Nebraska Retailers Federation.
John and his wife, Karen, now live in Lincoln, but make frequent visits to McCook to see family and friends. John expressed his gratitude to the community by saying, "We love McCook. It has been very good to the Suess family and the Harris family."
The 2015 Heritage Days King is Caleb Suda, son of Colyn and Lisa Suda. He is a senior at McCook High School and active in Math Club, National Honor Society, Computer Club, and is Student Council President. He participates in football and track and volunteers in many community activities.
The Heritage Days Princess is Kylie Messersmith, daughter of Shane and Marla Messersmith. She is also a senior at McCook High School and is active in dance and FFA. She is on the Honor and Merit rolls, and is active with the Red Willow County Fair and the Farm and Ranch Expo.