Heritage Days Mixer Kicks Off Week with Honors, Royalty, and Community Spirit

September 18, 2025

McCOOK, Neb. — Heritage Days officially opened Tuesday evening with the MNB Bank Mixer, a community tradition that blends celebration with recognition of local service and leadership.

Resilience After the Storm

Welcoming guests, MNB Bank CEO Brian Esch noted the resilience of McCook residents, many of whom were still recovering from Monday’s hailstorm.

“This says something about all of you to show up tonight after what happened,” Esch said. “You should be at home cleaning up, helping neighbors—yet you’re here to celebrate McCook.”

Volunteer of the Year

Chamber Director Sarah Schneider presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Joe Townsley, honoring his years of commitment to the Chamber and broader community.

“Joe consistently demonstrates what it means to put others first,” Schneider said, praising his leadership, reliability, and countless hours behind the scenes.

Honor Family: The Klugs

The 2025 Honor Family recognition went to Dr. Rick and Pam Klug, whose decades of service in healthcare and public health have touched lives across the region. Dr. Klug served for 20 years as Medical Director for McCook Community College’s EMT program, helping train and certify hundreds of paramedics.

“When you can run 60 miles to pull somebody out of a tractor and they survive, it’s pretty phenomenal,” Dr. Klug reflected, crediting EMT crews for their dedication.

Grand Marshal: Phyllis Coolidge

At 103 years young, Phyllis Coolidge was named Heritage Days Grand Marshal. Her life of service began during WWII at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant and later included decades with the Nebraska Department of Transportation, where she supported projects such as the construction of I-80 between Kearney and Lexington.

“I feel like I belong,” Coolidge told the crowd, thanking the Chamber for the honor.

Parade Marshal: Mr. Bill Donze

Beloved snow-cone vendor Mr. Bill Donze was named Parade Marshal. Known for his 25-cent snow cones that spanned 36 years, Donze built a reputation for kindness, often giving cones to children who had no money and launching “Free Snow Cone Wednesdays.”

His generosity extended far beyond summer treats—Donze also played Santa Claus for more than two decades, created over 1,100 YouTube videos with millions of views, and began stocking Barnett Park with fish in 2018.

“I have a thousand stories,” Donze joked, recalling a time children tried to trade a toad for two snow cones.

Heritage Days Royalty

This year’s Heritage Days Royal Court was also crowned, with four $1,000 scholarships provided by McCook Community College:

• Elina Decker, daughter of Sabrina Korell – musician, actor, and varsity wrestler, active in her church youth group.

• Fatima Rodriguez Hernandez, daughter of Maritza and Damian – Student Council leader, FBLA member, FFA participant, Art Bank intern, and library volunteer.

• Grady Riemenschneider, son of Brad and Sharleen – FFA officer, band member, tennis athlete, and community youth leader.

• Elizabeth McConville, daughter of Lee and Lindsay – standout tennis player, FBLA president, and active church and community volunteer.

MCC Vice President Kelly Rippen reminded the audience the college will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, and encouraged students to bring their talents back to McCook.

Sponsors and Support

Schneider closed the program by thanking the many sponsors and volunteers who made the evening possible. Sponsors included: MNB Bank, Community Hospital, Citta’ Deli, Highstreet Insurance and Financial Services, Valmont Industries, Wagner Ford/Toyota, Wagner Chevy, Quality Urgent Care, Levander’s Body Shop, MNB Insurance, Herrmann Jones Funeral Home, Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers, Pinnacle Bank, Nebraskaland Tire, Acme Printing, Hoppens Meier Orthodontics, Linda Maiden State Farm, the City of McCook, and the Red Willow County Visitors Bureau.

“Without our memberships and sponsorships, events like Heritage Days would not take place,” Schneider said.

The mixer marks the beginning of a week of parades, performances, and community celebration.