Chefs putting best pot forward for 16th annual Dick Driml Chili Cookoff

McCOOK, Neb. -- Fifteen chefs will compete Saturday for bragging rights and the title of McCook Community College's Chili Winner 2016.The MCC Indians Boosters' 16th annual "Dick Driml Chili Cook-off" starts at 1 p.m., in the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center on the McCook Community College campus.

The chefs' list this year includes: Terry and Lynn (Driml) Pinkal (for T Pinkal Construction), Jeff Ross, Justin and Kaylynn Harris (for MCC Class of '97), Janet Werkmeister, Dan and Gigi Sattler, Nate Henning, Roxie Roth (for AmFirst Insurance Services), Michael Kuhlen (for AmFirst Bank), Bill and Jade Lesko (for Citta' Deli), Shirley Driml-Perez (for the Driml Family), Sharon Kircher (for MCC Center for Enterprise), Chelsey Benes (for MNB Insurance Services), Donna Hall (for Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel), Adam Siegfried (for Coppermill Steakhouse / Loop Brewing Co.), and Chris Smith (for the McCook Lions Club).

The celebrity line-up of judges includes Greg Larson, Rich Barnett, Cindy Stratton, Jesse Stevens and Josh Keenportz.

Trophies will be given to the top three chilis, as well as for the "People's Choice" award. Last year's winners were: Jeff Ross of Hayes Center, first; Jade Muehlenkamp for Acme Printing Co., second; and Paul Wood, third; and Bill and Jade Lesko for Citta' Deli -- People's Choice.

Come enjoy chili -- and vote for a favorite -- while watching MCC Indians basketball. Serving will begin at 1 p.m. in the Auxiliary Gym so diners/spectators can enjoy chili before and during the games. For those who don't prefer chili, there will be other soups available.

The cost for adults is $5 for all-you-can-eat (students and children are less). The MCC Phi Beta Lambda Club will be selling desserts.

Cook-off coordinators appreciate the support of Joltin' Jo's, Nick's Distribution, Walmart and Monica Conroy for providing supplies for the cook-off.

The MCC Indians will play Eastern Wyoming College with the women's game at 2 p.m. and the men's game at 4 p.m.

The chili cook-off was first held by Dick Driml, former MCC instrumental music instructor. Continued in his memory by the MCC Indians Boosters, the proceeds are used to assist the MCC Vocal and Instrumental Music Department with trips, equipment, and other activities.