Friday, May 25, 2018

Exeter-Milligan School Board Discusses Crisis Plan and Volleyball



FCCLA member Daisy Kanode shares her nationally qualified presentation with the Exeter-Milligan school board.  Listening are Superintendent Paul Sheffield (middle) and board member Adam Erdkamp (right).


After opening the Exeter-Milligan school board meeting, President Sharon Kuska moved quickly into the consensus agenda starting with the treasurer’s report. The  board approved the agenda.

The curriculum report was presented by Jordan Marr on his classes in social science and business. He discussed his business math class in which he has created online curriculum which allows the students to work at their own pace even if he is not in the classroom for a day.

He shared that presented the information at the Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) conference noting how it could wean the district from dependence on substitutes.  By allowing the students to work at their own pace he found they eventually “covered an additional four chapters which was about 40 days of lessons.  This worked better than previous methods and the kids seemed to like it.”

He noted that the America Government class again won the traveling plaque during the jeopardy game at county government day.  He has also instituted a process for students to present petitions to change some things to Mrs. Kroll.

After briefly sharing about the other courses he teaches and the changes that are coming for quiz bowl competition, Marr informed the board that he is currently restoring some of the old trophies that were stashed all over the school.  His plan is to make a digital library of all the trophies in Exeter and Milligan.

Marr, a member of the districts safety committee briefly shared some of their progress and goals.
Next on the agenda was presentations from two of the Exeter-Milligan Family Career Community Leaders of America students who qualified for the National conference this summer.  Their advisor, Mary Lou Vossler introduced Caitlin Murphy presenting on her recycling project and Daisy Kanode who presented on the subject of depression.

The board approved an interlocal agreement with Friend to share an Agriculture teacher. Friend will hold the contract.  Sheffield noted that they also agreed to share a science teacher for .25 time.  Lorie Sliefert will teach the first two periods in Friend before coming to Exeter. Board approved the agreements.

Under new business Kuska noted that the negotiations committee met and recommended that the board approve the non-certified contracts.  The board approved those contracts.

The board reviewed the updates made to the crisis committee policy. Denice Kovanda, the chair of the crisis committee, explained, “The policy was just a listing of what members would do and it was quite muddled.  It wasn’t really policy material. We made a handbook that will be with each crisis team member.  We made it more concise.”

Committee member Mary Lou Vossler added, “ We all feel more comfortable knowing what each member is responsible for and what we are supposed to do.”

Also reviewed was the policy on memorials.  This was established by the committee and separated from the crisis policy.  It outlined that memorials may not be displayed anywhere on the school premises or in the school yearbook.  Also, no memorial services are allowed on school grounds on a school day.

The board held an extended discussion on the reasoning behind these policies.
Next on the agenda was volleyball Coach Darcy White who requested that the board move all of the home volleyball games to Exeter.

White, who has coached volleyball for 25 years, 16 of those at Exeter-Milligan, noted that the updated and new facilities in Exeter were appreciated last year when the team played their home games in Exeter (due to maintenance issues in Milligan).

She mentioned that the soundproofing in Exeter, the access to restrooms and handicap accessibility along with the longer and wider court in Exeter make it a better option for the team and their fans.

White, who also teaches PE at Exeter-Milligan had concerns about the safety in Milligan not only for volleyball but for the PE classes as well.  “There is no padding on the wall that extends the width of the gym.  Only behind the backboard.  The restrooms are not easily accessible and it has just two small locker rooms.  We also have congestion when entering and leaving the court.”

White polled the other volleyball coaches in the conference and read their responses to the board.  Many of them mentioned the close quarters and concerns for the safety of their players.

To emphasize the need for a longer and wider court White shared a clip of one of last year state volleyball matches.  In the clip she indicated to the board the length a player needs to jump serve and also the side court space needed to successful play a ball to return it to the court. 

“One of the coaches has asked at conference meetings if there was any way we could not play in Milligan. The game of volleyball has changed so much. In the 80’s volleyball was a completely different game,” added White.

Several from the audience spoke in support of moving the volleyball matches to Exeter.

President Kuska commented, ”When we combined it was understood that the fall sports would be played in Milligan and the winter sports in Exeter.  The intent with the merger was that we would support both towns.”

The board held a lengthy discussion on the matter weighing the pros and cons. Board member Adam Erdkamp added, “You aren’t going to please everyone.  What the board has to look at is what is best for the students. . . I don’t care where we play, Exeter or Milligan.  We need to provide the best opportunity for our students.”

The board turned the discussion to making some changes in Milligan to make it more appealing.  Kuska indicated that the building committee could look at the facility in Milligan and make recommendations. “We can make some changes that can improve the quality.”

Board member Kendra Oldehoeft noted, “We talk about spending our money wisely.  We can’t ask the teachers to budget and then spend money for three home volleyball games.”

Board member Eric Milton added, “When we spent that $400,000 (on the addition in Exeter) we said we weren’t doing it to move everything here.  The padding is a no brainer even for PE.  I’d be against moving it at this time."

Kuska asked the building committee to look into the facility and come back to the board with some recommendations at the next meeting.  “We need to make it safe for the students that are using it on a daily basis.”  

The next meeting was set for Tuesday, June 12 at 8 p.m. in Milligan


Thursday, May 24, 2018

Exeter Aquatic Center to Open Monday!


The Exeter Aquatic Center will open on Monday, May 28th at 1:30 for the Memorial Day Holiday.  Pool rules and information are listed below.

EXETER AQUATIC CENTER
110 EAST MAPLEWOOD
EXETER NE, 68351
(402) 266-3001
Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Friday
1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Saturday
1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Closed Saturday Evening
The pool is now available for private parties - contact Pool Manager at the pool to make a reservation. The cost is $60.00 per hour (no additional entrance fees). Check with the manager for the number allowable at this fee.
Admission Fees:
Ages 5 & Under – Free with Paying Adult
Ages 6 – Adult - $4.00 per day
2016 Season Pass:
Single - $55.00
Family - $120.00 (immediate family only)
Passes are not transferable or refundable.
*Note: There will be at least one 10-minute rest break taken every hour.
GENERAL
Children must be 8 years old to gain admission to the aquatic center without an accompanying chaperon (13 & older).
Patrons must take a shower using soap before entering the pool.
No person having an obvious communicable disease, skin eruption, open sore, lesion, eye, ear, nose, or throat infection shall be permitted to use the pool.
Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and glass are prohibited in the pool area. All food and drink must be consumed outside the aquatic center or inside the designated area directly north of the bathhouse.
Coolers, food, and beverages may not be brought into the facility.
Profanity and abusive or vulgar language is prohibited.
Fighting, rough play, pushing/shoving, and running are prohibited.
No spitting or spouting of water or blowing nose in water.
Proper swim wear is required. Street clothes are not permitted in the water.
Infants or toddlers wearing diapers will not be allowed entrance into the facility without plastic diaper covers or swim diapers.
No hanging on safety ropes or buoys.
No sitting, playing on, or diving off ladders.
No pets or animals allowed (other than service animals).
No diving in less than 5 feet of water.
Flotation devices (inner tubes, air mattresses, etc.) are prohibited.
U.S. Coast Guard or Red Cross approved life jackets are permitted.
Soft toys and play items are permitted if they are used appropriately.
Any conduct, behavior, or activity that endangers the welfare, safety, and/or comfort of other patrons is prohibited.
Management reserves the right to close the aquatic center due to inclement weather or lack of attendance.
The Village of Exeter is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal items.
ZERO DEPTH AREA
Children 4 & under must be within arm’s reach of the supervising chaperon. If the child is in the water the chaperone must also be in the water.
DIVING BOARDS
Only one person on the ladder or board at a time. Swimmers must wait on the deck at the ladder entrance.
Only one bounce permitted on the board. Running jumps and starts are not permitted.
Divers must wait for the person ahead of them to reach the pool ladder prior to diving off the board.
Dive straight off the end of the board. No jumps or dives are allowed off to side of the board.
No swimming under or between the boards.
Individuals are not allowed in the diving well to “catch” other divers.
SLIDE
All riders must be at least 48” tall or have prior approval from management in order to ride the waterslide.
Maximum operational load 1 person – 300 pounds.
No combs or foreign objects are allowed in pockets and no jewelry can be worn while riding the slide.
Riders must enter the slide in a sitting position.
All riders must ride feet first while lying on their back. Absolutely no riding on stomach or headfirst is permitted.
Riders should lie on their back with arms crossed across their chest or hands clasped behind their head with their legs crossed at the ankles.
Only one rider at a time. Absolutely no trains or chains of riders are permitted.
No life jackets are permitted on the waterslide.
The line should form on the deck with one rider on each landing and one rider in the starter tube.
Riders must be in good health. Pregnant women or individuals with heart or back conditions or other serious health issues should not use the slide.
Do not use this slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Follow instructions of the lifeguard.
No running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling or stopping in flume. Arms and hands must remain inside the flume.
No diving from the flume.
Leave the flume pool promptly after exiting the waterslide.
Water level is 4’ or greater and rider must be able to swim.
LOCKERS
A limited number of lockers are available on a first come, first served basis on the east bathhouse wall. Patrons should bring their own locks, as the Village does not provide them. Lockers are day use only and locks must be removed when you leave the facility. Locker use is encouraged to prevent theft.
The Village of Exeter maintains these rules and policies that govern patron conduct at this facility. In general, any conduct, behavior, or activity that endangers the welfare, safety, and/or comfort of other patrons will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action may range from a one-day to one-year suspension.
Note: Expelled and/or suspended pool patrons will not receive a refund for daily admission or season pool passes.


Exeter-Milligan Last Day of School



 Hannah Petersen was excited for the start of summer but she needed help getting all of her stuff on the bus.
 The high school students were ready to leave on Friday.  Some had unusual forms of transportation for the last day of school.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Free seminar offered


The Nebraska Department of labor will be hosting a FREE seminar regarding common Labor Law questions.  This is a chance to ask questions face-to-face with NDOL specialists.  Topics will include Child Labor Laws, Wage Payment & Collection and more.  This is a great opportunity to learn about Nebraska Labor Laws whether you have a new business or have been in business for years, but want a refresher, according to Patt Lentfer, director of the Fillmore County Development Corporation. 
The seminar will be held on Thursday May 24th at 2:00 p.m. at Kilgore Memorial Library in the large meeting room at 520 North Nebraska Ave, York, NE
If you have questions call 402-223-6060 or email melanie.kunc@nebraska.gov.  RSVP is appreciated, but not required.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Exeter/Exeter-Milligan Alumni Weekend



Downtown Construction

Watch where you drive and where you step in downtown Exeter as construction crews are busy replacing water mains and getting ready to put in new streetlights and sidewalks.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Senior Center Hosts Senior to Senior Breakfast


Above– Hannah Beethe spent a few special moments with her grandmother Kay Oestmann at the Exeter Senior Center Senior to Senior breakfast.

Below – Kaitlyn Vavra and her grandmother Carol Michl talk about Kaitlyn’s plans after graduation at the Exeter Senior Center Senior to Senior breakfast.






The Exeter Senior Center was nearly full for their senior to senior breakfast Friday morning.






For seventeen years the Exeter Senior Center has honored the graduating Exeter-Milligan seniors and their grandparents by serving them breakfast.

Friday morning 14 of the 17 graduates joined nearly 40 of their grandparents for a delicious breakfast of egg casseroles, donuts, fruit, juice and coffee.

This program, the senior to senior breakfast, was initiated by Elva McBride, a long-time member of the Exeter Senior Center.

Brenda Motis, Fillmore County Senior Services Director, spoke at the event noting, “It’s the parents who get all the recognition as they should.  But we also know how important the love and support of grandparents can be in the lives of their grandchildren.”

The students and their grandparents were served the breakfast by the many volunteers at the senior center.  Motis also introduced all the volunteers at the breakfast as well as pointing out the officers of the Senior Center board of directors who were present.

After breakfast was consumed, Motis asked the seniors to introduce themselves and elaborate on their plans after graduation.  She also asked them to introduce all of their grandparents and family members who were present.  This year, for the first time, the seniors sat with their grandparents.  This was very well received.

The grandparents were also given an opportunity to share stories about the graduates along with special memories.  The laughter in the audience was contagious.

Motis reminded the graduates, “No matter what, always remember you’ll always have a link to the Exeter and Milligan communities and family, friends and neighbors like us who are thinking of you and supporting you all the way.”

The graduates enjoyed some time visiting with their grandparents at the conclusion of the breakfast.
The senior center gave away two gift cards to the graduates by drawing the names of Hannah Beethe and Travis Gilliam.  Casey’s also donated all of the donuts for the breakfast.