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Mixer kicks off Heritage Days honoring royalty, leaders and families
McCOOK, Neb. - The MNB Bank mixer kicked off Heritage Days with a celebration of German heritage. Brian Esch, CEO of MNB Bank, praised the McCook Chamber of Commerce for organizing over 100 vendors for Saturday’s celebration in Norris Park.
Four Heritage Days Royalty candidates were recognized, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship from McCook Community College. Kelly Rippen, VP of MCC, highlighted the college’s scholarship opportunities and community involvement.
Heritage Days Royalty include:
Amelia Minary, daughter of Patrick and Pamela Minary, is a senior at Southwest Public Schools. Amelia is an active member of the National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, One Act productions, FBLA, FFA and participates in both band and choir. Outside of school activities, she volunteers at her church and participates in 4-H.
Molly Grace Larington, daughter of Bill and Melissa Larington, is a peer mentor and serves as a soccer coach. She attends McCook High School, while also taking classes at MCC. Molly is actively involved in multiple school clubs and works at MCC’s daycare center. She is also a talented photographer.
Beckett Heskett, son of Adam and Larissa Heskett, is actively involved in FBLA and FFA at McCook High School. He is a member of the MHS football team, and he also helps coach his younger brother’s football team.
Joshua Wilkinson, son of Shane and Shelly Wilkinson, attends McCook Senior High School as well as taking college courses. He is heavily involved in his church, where he teaches and is involved in the youth group. He is also involved with the local theater and participates in track and speech at MHS.
The Heritage Days Parade Marshal has not lived in McCook for long, but his contributions to the community will be felt for many generations to come.
Mitch Gross, CEO of McCook YMCA, moved to McCook during the Covid pandemic in 2020. Gross’ focus at the YMCA has been to facilitate progress on a capital improvement project to revitalize the organization’s current facility. After a lengthy visioning process and feasibility study to determine a path forward, the YMCA initiated the quiet phase of a $16 million capital campaign in April of 2023. To date, over $15 million has been pledged in support of the project. An impressive $8 million is being brought to McCook for this project from outside grants and foundations. With 95% of the funds already raised, the YMCA is now seeking public support to meet its project goal.
“Getting to over $15 million of our goal for the YMCA project has taken an army,” Gross said in accepting the award. “We’re so close, but we’re not there quite yet, but we’re getting closer. It’s not a celebration just yet, but it will be, I promise you that.” Gross emphasized the collaboration required to achieve the goal.
Mitch is married to his wife Shanna, together they have two children, Patrick (18), and Brynn (14).
The 2024 Heritage Days Grand Marshal was unable to attend the mixer but will be in McCook Saturday to lead the parade. Chris Leitner, a 1991 graduate of McCook High School, serves as the CEO of Tenaska, one of the top independent energy companies in the United States. Tenaska provides services and expertise in natural gas and electric power marketing, energy management, project development, and management of power generation facilities. Forbes Magazine consistently lists Tenaska as one of the largest private U.S. companies, ranking as the 12th largest private company in 2023.
Chris became Tenaska’s CEO on Jan. 1, 2023. Before assuming the role of CEO, Chris served as President of Tenaska Development, where he was responsible for strategic planning, business development, and project origination throughout North America. Under his leadership, Tenaska developed 16,400 megawatts of renewable energy projects and optimized power generation facilities across the U.S.
Chris serves on the United Way of the Midlands board and executive committee. He is active within UNL’s College of Business where he has spearheaded the development of an annual case study competition and participates as a member of UNL’s Finance Advisory Board. He also serves on the Strategic Command Consultation Committee and participates in Governor Pillen’s Business Roundtables. Chris also served as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve unit in McCook from 1992 to 2000.
Mr. Leitner has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UNL and a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Strategy from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Chris has been married to his wife, Michelle Clapp-Leitner, for 27 years. Michelle is a 1992 graduate of McCook Senior High. Chris and Michelle are the proud parents of two daughters, Ainsley and Graci. Chris’s parents are Laney and Judy Leitner, formerly of McCook and now residing in Lincoln. Michelle’s parents are Jim and Kristi Clapp of McCook.
In a written acceptance, Chris shared that he is deeply honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshal and is extremely proud of his McCook roots. McCook holds a special place in his heart, and he is thankful to all those who have instilled the values he holds dear today.
The Honor Family recipients, Bruce and Deb Hoffman, were visibly moved by the recognition of their community service. “You could have blown me away with a feather,” Deb said with a voice full of emotion. “This is unbelievable.”
The Hoffmans have been integral pillars of the community for decades. In 1992, they embarked on a bold venture, establishing Common Scents Greenhouse and Nursery with their own hands. On a modest piece of land just south of McCook, they built their first greenhouse from scratch. What started as a small project to grow vegetables for the local farmers’ market has blossomed into a thriving operation, featuring eight buildings and a sprawling field of trees.
Bruce, known for his hands-on approach, actively participates in numerous local projects. He serves on the Norris, Hillcrest Foundation, and Tree Boards in McCook and has been instrumental in the development of the Prairie Arboretum and Study Center. His dedication to community service is evident through his involvement in events like the Nebraska Field Day at Fort Robinson and Saluting Branches, which honors veterans by maintaining their cemeteries. In 2018, Bruce received the Blazing Star award and was honored as the “modern day Johnny Appleseed” for his commitment to tree planting. Since planting his first tree in 1991, Bruce has continued to contribute, with a recent donation of a maple tree to Calvary Cemetery and plans for additional donations in the coming years.
Deb, on the other hand, prefers to work behind the scenes. She is often found tending to the greenhouses or assisting customers with care. Her generosity extends to various organizations, including the Red Willow County Fair, St. Patrick’s Church, local schools, and numerous fundraisers.
Deb’s commitment to helping others is a defining trait, and her compassion has been passed down through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—a legacy she proudly cherishes.