Bobcats Advance to State Tournament

 On Saturday, February 28, 2026 the EMF Bobcats defeated Alma in the C2 District Finals. The Bobcats will be competing in the state tournament the week of March 8. Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

FFA Officer Feature | Cohen Harre, Vice President

Cohen Harre, a junior, serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter, focusing on leadership and member involvement. His responsibilities include helping plan activities and serving as a positive role model for fellow members.

Harre decided to become an FFA officer because of his love for the organization and desire to be more involved. “I wanted to become an FFA officer because I love FFA and I wanted to be more involved in this chapter. I also wanted to help make this chapter even better than it is now,” he said.

What Harre enjoys most about FFA are the friendships formed through the organization. The relationships built through shared experiences and teamwork continue to be a meaningful part of his FFA journey.

Obituary: Tim Thomsen

Timothy Dean Thomsen, age 61, Texarkana, Texas passed away on January 9, 2026. He was born in Seward, Nebraska on January 31, 1964 to Gale & Cynthia (Wilken) Thomsen.

Tim grew up near Cordova, Nebraska. He graduated from Exeter High School with the class of 1982. He was involved in sports, band, and Boy Scouts during school. He took pride in earning his Eagle Scout. He earned a Regents Scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he graduated in 1986 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Tim moved down to Texarkana, Texas where he worked for the Department of Defense as a mechanical engineer at the Red River Army Depot before retiring. In retirement he devoted his time to ministry and positively touched the lives of those around him. His interests included gardening, investing, theology, and Husker sports.

Tim is preceded in death by his father, Gale Thomsen, uncles and aunts, Richard and Shirley Thomsen, Roland and Marie Thomsen, Warren Thomsen and Vernon Thomsen.

Those left to celebrate his life include his mother, Cynthia Thomsen (Fairmont, Nebraska), brother, Neal (Tara) Thomsen, nephew, Paxton Thomsen, nieces, Bristol Thomsen (Palmyra, Nebraska), MacKenzie Graham, grand nephew, Anthony James Graham (Lincoln, Nebraska), uncle, Dan (Lana) Wilken (Beatrice, Nebraska), aunts, Lois Thomsen (Cordova, Nebraska), Grace Thomsen (Omaha, Nebraska) along with numerous cousins and friends.

Classroom Feature: Miranda Segner

Written by Miranda Segner | January is one of the busiest months in the agriculture classroom. FFA degree applications are due, contest practices for the first round of Career Development events are going on, and all of the new semester of classes are in full swing. While this can be an exhausting period of time, the fruit of hard work by so many students surely proves to be worthwhile!

On Feb. 4th, four FFA seniors who have met the requirements will interview for their State FFA Degrees. (Anticipated) congratulations to Selah Petersen, Babe Weber, Hunter Svehla, and Caleb Black for this accomplishment!

On Jan. 21st, the first round of Career Development Events was held at Thayer Central. EMF FFA walked away with 3 district champion state qualifying teams in: Agronomy, Agriscience, and Floriculture. Our next round of contests includes district welding on Feb. 16th and the rest of the CDE contests on Feb. 24th. Congrats and good luck to all!

In Mrs. Segner’s classroom, students have been learning a variety of topics. Agribusiness students are in the middle of a financial unit to understand the basic documents, terms, and equations needed to operate and manage an agricultural enterprise. In welding, the introductory students are trying their hand at the process of TIG welding while the advanced students are completing the MIG curriculum from Southeast Community College. The floriculture classes have practiced, planned, and executed a Valentine’s Day themed floral arrangement offered to teachers and are creating their own floral shops through an online design project. In 8th grade, exploratory students are spending a few days on each career pathway within agriculture as well as learning the basics of FFA, SAE, and Ag Classes for their future in high school. 

FFA Officer Feature | Aniston Meints, Vice President

Aniston Meints, a junior,  serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter, where she helps lead and support members throughout the year. As an officer, Meints takes on the responsibility of being a leader, role model, and helper for all chapter members. She also works with the officer team to plan chapter meetings, organize events, and design activities for members to participate in.

Meints chose to become an FFA officer because of her passion for involvement and leadership. “I wanted to become an officer to be a leader in our FFA chapter. I enjoy participating in our events and competitions, and being an officer for our chapter would further involve me in these events,” she said. She also credits past chapter leaders for inspiring her to step into the role and hopes to be a source of support and encouragement for other members.

What Meints loves most about FFA is the strong sense of community it provides. “Within our chapter and through connecting with other chapters at events and competitions, I have met many new people,” she shared. Meints also values the communication and leadership skills she has gained through FFA, skills she plans to carry with her throughout her life.

Kaydence Haase to Continue Volleyball Career at Midland University

Kaydence Haase, a senior at EMF, will be continuing her academic and athletic career at Midland University playing volleyball.

EMF Girls v. Pawnee City

 Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

EMF Boys v. Pawnee City

 Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

FFA Officer Feature | Selah Petersen, Vice President

Selah Petersen, a senior, serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter and plays an active role in planning and encouraging participation within the organization. Her responsibilities include planning chapter meetings alongside fellow officers, writing reports for meetings, and motivating members to take part in various FFA activities.

Petersen became an FFA officer to serve as a role model and leader for younger members. “I wanted to be a leader to the kids who participate in FFA. There are many opportunities to reach out to younger members and help them learn how to become leaders through this organization,” she said.

What Petersen loves most about FFA is seeing members discover and grow in their individual interests. “I love seeing what everyone has become the most interested in through different FFA activities. Everyone has their own views and interests and watching them excel in these areas has been fun to see,” Petersen shared. Her leadership helps foster growth, confidence, and enthusiasm throughout the EMF FFA Chapter.

Death Notice: Tim Thomsen

A Memorial Service will be Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2:00pm at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, Nebraska. Pasting Michele Kanzaki will preside over the Memorial Service.

A book signing and visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4:00-8:00pm at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to be made to: Church on the Rock, Texarkana, Texas; Fairview Manor Lighted Cross Fund, Fairmont, Nebraska; or University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Fund/Men's Basketball. 

Tim's service will be live-streamed to Farmer & Son Funeral Home's YouTube page.

https://www.youtube.com/@FarmerSonFuneralHome