EMF Trapshooting Grows in Size, Skill, and Support

Juniors Team
Courtesy Photo: Leesa Bartu

The EMF Trapshooting team wrapped up an outstanding season this year, marking their biggest team yet and celebrating some incredible accomplishments on the range. Head coach, Justin Harre reflected on the season’s highlights and what makes this team, and the community behind it, so special.

One of the biggest changes this year was the team’s size, “We went from 52 kids last season to 70 kids this year,” Harre said. “The interest in the sport and our team has grown over the years, and that is very exciting. It’s a lot of work, but we have great coaches working with the kids, and the families have been great to work with.” Harre also credited the communities involved for supporting the team through fundraisers to help cover the costs of the season.

Above all trophies and titles, Harre said the team’s proudest accomplishments always starts with safety. “We taught a lot of new shooters how to properly handle a gun and enjoy the sport of trapshooting.” Returning shooters also saw great improvement, earning multiple weekly and team awards during conference shoots. By the end of the conference season, EMF had 12 team members named to the all-conference teams.

Senior Team

At the Cornhusker State High School Shoot in Doniphan, EMF shooters made their mark on the state stage. Braxton Harre took home the High Overall Junior Award, while Rylee Rohren earned High Overall Female Junior Award. The Friend Junior Team, made up of Rylee Rohren, Blake Bruntz, Brock Bruntz, Grady Arp, and Brenson Brandt, placed 2nd overall. Senior shooter Carver Kanode placed 13th out of over 1,500 competitors in the singles event, an incredible individual achievement.

For Harre, one of the most rewarding parts of the season is watching the kids grow from their first year and their second. “Second-year shooters always look so much more confident than their first year. You’d be surprised how some of these kids, who aren’t very big, can handle a shotgun so well,” he said. Beyond scores, the friendships made along the way are what really make the team special. “We have kids from eight different schools shooting on our team, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people. They support each other on and off the range, and even cheer on their friends from other teams.”

Of course, no Nebraska spring sport is complete without weather challenges. “The wind will always blow if there’s a shoot - guaranteed,” laughed Harre. The team always works through the unpredictable spring conditions and will still perform at their best.

One of the most exciting developments for the EMF Trapshooting Club this year was the addition of a new building. “We’ve been wanting a larger facility for years because of the growth of our club and the kids,” Harre explained. Thanks to generous donations from community members and surrounding towns, and the many hours of volunteer time and resources, the dream became a reality. Harre says the new facility opens the door for even more opportunities. “Having a larger facility will allow us to possibly do more events at the gun club and hopefully continue to grow.”

It’s clear that the EMF Trapshooting Team is more than just a team, it’s a community built on safety, hard work, and the support of families and friends who believe in the sport and in each other.

What's New on the Library Shelves? | Mystery/Thriller Edition

Each week new books will be featured by genre from the Exeter Public Library. Be sure to check out your next book.

The First Gentleman: A Thriller by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

A political–crime thriller set in an alternative present where the U.S. has elected its first female president. Her husband, a former NFL star, finds himself accused of a murder that took place 17 years ago—just as she embarks on a re‑election campaign. A pair of investigative journalists dig into his past, uncovering alarming evidence tied to a missing cheerleader and buried secrets, all while the White House braces for the scandal. Full of political sabotage, courtroom intrigue, and insider perspective drawn from Clinton, it’s a “[twisty] thriller…with plenty of inside jobs, political sabotage and many, many deaths,” according to USA Today pecheyponderings.wordpress.com+3

Badlands: A Nora Kelly Thriller by Preston & Child

Archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI agent Corrie Swanson are plunged into a supernatural mystery in New Mexico’s remote badlands. The skeletal remains of a woman are discovered clutching rare “lightning stones” once used by the Chaco people to summon gods. When an eerily similar second death is uncovered, they suspect that ancient rituals might have unleashed a terrifying power. What begins as a puzzling case soon crosses into the realm of ancient curses, ritual sacrifice, and dark forces awakened from slumber.

Nightshade by Michael Connelly

Detective Stilwell, a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department veteran, has been relegated to policing Catalina Island—a place meant to be low-key, but which quickly turns sinister. A body is found in the harbor, wrapped in plastic and weighed down, the only clue a purple dye streak in the victim’s hair. As Stilwell doggedly pursues the case—navigating local politics, departmental friction, and the isolation of island life—he begins to uncover a dark secret behind this seemingly idyllic tourist spot. A gripping launch to Connelly’s 40th novel and a promising new series.

Exeter Days Information

Exeter Days FLYERS

Happy 4th of July!

 

Local Students Attend Trip to Europe

Kiley Oldehoeft and Liberty Johnson in front
of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.

Breathtaking. Historical. Unique. These are words that describe the bi-annual Nebraska Ambassador of Music Trip. Two Exeter-Milligan students, Liberty Johnson and Kiley Oldehoeft, embarked on a journey to Europe in June. This trip allows musicians from across the state of Nebraska to visit five countries: Austria, England, France, Germany, and Switzerland. Before taking the flight overseas, students participated in a camp to rehearse music with over 245 other individuals. Some of the more notable instrumental pieces included “New York, New York” which was made famous by Frank Sinatra, “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller, and “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa. 

“I wanted to attend the Nebraska Ambassador of Music trip because it involved my passion in music and it has given me the opportunity to see a lot of places I’ve dreamed of seeing,” stated Liberty Johnson, a recent 2025 graduate. Liberty Johnson was a second chair clarinet and remarked her favorite performing experience was in Rothenburg, Germany where they were in the town center and approximately 1,000 people came to watch their performance in every direction. Kiley Oldehoeft, an upcoming senior at EMF, stated her reasoning for attending the trip was largely influenced by her older brother, Clint. “Ever since he attended this trip I thought it would be cool to play my instrument in other countries and share our stories over there.” Kiley, a 2nd chair trumpet, enjoyed performing in Switzerland, “Their atmosphere was amazing. People cheered so loud after each song and were very excited for us to be there.”

An average day on this trip included waking up around 7:00am, eating breakfast, then heading out on their first excursion. These experiences include seeing Mozart’s birthplace in Austria; Big Ben and the Tower Bridge in London, England; the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame in France; Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site in Germany; and the Alps and Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Just after lunch, musicians would perform for an audience, then they ate dinner and started the day over again. 

One of the most recent newsworthy experiences in England was seeing Trooping the Colour in London. Musicians were able to see King Charles III, Prince William and Princess Kate, and their children. “We weren’t sure if we were going to see the King and Queen,” mentioned Kiley, “it was really cool seeing the guards play their instruments while on their horses.” 

Experiencing the culture, food, and architecture of each country was what made this trip unique. Liberty and Kiley both agreed that being part of a music program influenced this trip greatly. “Band is another form of art that I was able to continue doing and learning more of. It’s fun seeing people enjoy what you get to create and perform for others,” expressed Liberty. Kiley added, “I really enjoy participating in band because it’s something that is different. You get to share a story through something aside from using your words.” Both students would wholeheartedly recommend this trip to future students and are grateful for the support they received from surrounding communities.

EM Update: One Last View from the Front Office

 

VIEW FROM THE FRONT OFFICE

            The view from the front office is quickly coming to an end. The reality of my pending retirement is starting to feel real. I’ve thought about this last article for a few months, but I find it hard to believe it’s time. Time sure does fly by when you are having fun.

            It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure! This adage from the US Navy says it all. Over the last 33 years (17 at E-M), I have worked alongside some wonderful people and watched students grow into mature, quality young adults. I could say that some of my students are now “older” adults. No matter what, I have never looked at it as just a job. It truly has been an adventure - an adventure that I never anticipated.

            Career day/career exploration in the “old” days was not like it is now. My early career thoughts included truck driver, chemical engineer, nuclear engineer, electrical engineer, mathematician, and computer network analyst.  I was three years into college before I switched to education, which added another three years to my undergraduate career. Once I was finally in my own classroom, I realized working with kids was my calling. It took some time (and challenges) for me to find my passion. I was all in, which sometimes put my family on the back burner, but they supported me and joined me in this passion. We have always stressed to our own - follow your passion! If you enjoy what you do, then everything else falls into place.

            As I reminisce over the last 17 years, I hope to have positively influenced the students who have graced the halls of Exeter-Milligan Public School. As we go through life, in the end, we will not be judged on what we have, but on what we have done with what we have.  I know that some of the decisions I have made have not pleased everyone.  But, in every instance, the prevailing thought influencing every decision has been, “Is this what’s best for the students?”  My ultimate goal has always been to provide a positive, safe learning environment for students and staff.  This is one goal that I can mark as accomplished!

I am not a conventional administrator who looks to bark (or bite) before anything else.  If students are treated with respect, one will receive that respect in return. We like to have fun, but we all know when it’s time to get down to business.  Not once in my 33 years in education did I wake up in the morning and not want to go to school. Being with the teachers and kids was not a job to me. It was a chance to spend time with my extended family and learn as the day went. I hope that everyone who has passed through these hallowed halls has learned from me as much as I learned from them!

            This is a bittersweet article. As I put on our graduation cards, “What in life appears to be an end is a new beginning.”  This is my last article for the Timbertracks and I have not always finished them on time (this is where I tell students to do as I say and not as I do). Twenty-seven years ago when I started my administrative career, I was this bright-eyed new principal (with more hair, too) who had big ideas of how I would save the world.  As time passed, I realized that some of my ideas and thoughts were a bit unorthodox, but overall, I wanted to make sure that students had a great time as we went along on our knowledge journey. That’s how I looked at it - this was a journey that all of us were going on, and we might as well make the most of it. As teachers and administrators, we are only the guides along the way.

            As we look to the future, let this little phrase help guide our decisions: “Is this what’s best for the students?” If the answer is yes, then do it—get ‘r done. If not, then find a way to make it beneficial for the students. I will wrap this last article up with a few morsels that I have shared over time and a quote I take true to heart. Thanks for the memories!

…

Let's be careful out there!

 

Build it and he will come

 

Fair is what you take your animals to in the summer

 

Ease his pain

 

If I was any better, I'd be twins

 

Finer than a frog hair

 

Just another day in paradise

 

Close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and lawn darts

 

 I have truly lived a dream!

 

“One hundred years from now, it won't matter what car I drove, what kind of house I lived in,
how much I had in my bank account, nor what my clothes looked like,
but, the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.”

 

 

EM Updates: Math Marvels

 

E-M Math Marvels

By Sandi Snyder, Exeter-Milligan Math Instructor

 

What’s the official animal of Pi Day?  The Pi-thon!!!!  March is always a great month in the world of Mathematics, with Pi Day celebrations on the 14th.  This year was no different, except that E-M students had to celebrate early with some pie treats.  

 

The Algebra I students have moved away from lines and linear functions to quadratics.  The students have been practicing the different ways to factor and using this knowledge to solve quadratic equations.  They will soon be graphing quadratics.

 

Pre-Calculus will finish their trigonometry study soon.  To finish out the year, they will look at polynomial functions, their behaviors and graphs. It has been and interesting and exciting year with this class!

 

The Calculus I students spent much time applying derivatives.  In fact, they found the best shape of a 12 ounce soda can if surface area was to be minimized.  They made models of the can, found why that can isn’t the most popular shape and discussed the importance of optimization.  The class is finishing the year with integration.

(pictured L-R: Aidan Vavra, Jayden Capek, and Kmlia Benitez)

 

This year’s group of E-M students has been a joy with whom to work!  It has been a pleasure to teach them.

EMF Players chosen for Sertoma 8-Man All Star Game

 EMF's Jacob Klooz (left) and Mikey Bartu were both chosen to play in the Sertoma 8-Man All Star Game on Saturday in Hastings.  The recent graduates spent a week at Central Community College practicing for the game.  They were members of the East Team and won the game 14-8 (for the first time in three years the East team won).

Obituary Sara Lincoln Pella

 Sara Jane Pella, 33, of Exeter, Nebraska, passed peacefully from this life on June 10, 2025 at her home in Exeter. A devoted wife, loving mother, and deeply cherished daughter, Sara’s light touched the lives of all who knew her.

She was born on June 23, 1991 in Winslow, Arizona to her father and mother, Ernest (Lynn) and Malynda (Mindy) (Robinson) Lincoln. She grew up in Leon, Iowa and graduated from Central Decatur High School in 2009. Sara began her college journey playing basketball at Southwest Community College but later transferred to York (College) University to be closer to family — a decision that reflected her devotion to the people she loved. For Sara — family was never just a part of life — it was the heart of it.

At York University is where she met her husband, Jordan Pella. Their love quickly became the foundation of a beautiful life together. They were married on November 2, 2019 and have been blessed with two children, Winslow (4) and Lincoln (2).

Sara and Jordan made their life in Exeter and Sara quickly poured her heart into the close-knit community. As a devoted teacher and girls’ high school basketball coach at Exeter-Milligan, she was known for her steady encouragement, fierce belief in her students, and the way she celebrated every victory—on and off the court. Her players looked up to her not only as a coach, but as a role model who led with compassion, strength, and integrity.

Sara’s love for her community ran deep. Beyond her roles as teacher and coach, she gave generously of her time and talents to make Exeter a better place for everyone. She managed the town pool during the summers, creating a safe and welcoming space where countless children learned to swim and laugh under her watch. At one point, she also took on the role of librarian, sharing her love of books and learning with readers of all ages. A dedicated member of the Exeter Community Club, Sara was always at the heart of local events—organizing, volunteering, and showing up with that dependable, can-do spirit that made her so beloved. Her presence was a thread woven tightly through the fabric of the town she called home.

Sara found joy in life’s simplest and sweetest moments. She loved spending time at the family ranch—working hard, riding horses, and sharing laughter with those she loved most. A devoted ‘Friends’ fan, she had watched every episode multiple times over, never missing an opportunity to quote her favorite lines. Sara had a creative spirit and a big heart, especially when it came to her children—planning matching Halloween costumes, making every day an adventure, and creating memories they’ll carry forever. Her love for family was woven into everything she did.

Sara’s cancer diagnosis was a heartbreaking shock to all who knew her. True to who she was, she faced it with courage, grace, and strength. Her greatest source of that strength was her family. Her husband, Jordan, stood faithfully by her side, steady and selfless through every challenge. Their children remained her greatest joy, and she was constantly lifted by the love and support of her parents, siblings, and in-laws, who never left her side. The community she had poured herself into also rallied without hesitation—offering meals, fundraisers, prayers, and a steady presence. The love Sara had so freely given throughout her life came back to her in full, a beautiful reflection of the life she lived and the hearts she touched.

Sara is survived by her husband, her children, her parents; her sisters, Jenna (Jesus) Perez and Ella Lincoln; a brother, Mike Lincoln; aunt, but more like a sister, Desiré (Philip) Grismore-Jones; grandmothers Margaret (Peggy) Rogers, MaryAnn Lincoln and Barbara Perkins; father and mother-in-law, Rodger and Lynette Pella; sister-in-laws Amber (Alex) Lefferdink and Morgan (Terry) West; countless aunts and uncles, four nephews and nieces and many other family and friends.

Exeter-Milligan update: Mailboxes

 As Bon Jovi says:

“There’s only one place left that I want to go,

WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T GO HOME!”

 

This was the message conveyed by the Exeter Area Community Foundation and the Exeter-Milligan School Foundation to the 2025 graduates at Exeter-Milligan.  Each graduate received a personalized mailbox, reminding them that they will always have a home at Exeter-Milligan and are always part of the pack.  It may not be on the graduates radar now, but in five or ten years, when they have a family of their own and are looking for a place to raise that family, the hope is that little voice will be telling them, “Who says you can’t go home!”

 

Pictured front L-R: Aidan Vavra, Carter Milton, Mikey Bartu, and Jayden Capek

 

Back row: Emma Meyer, Kierra Papik, Lily Jeffries, Liberty Johnson, and Kmila Benitez

Exeter-Milligan Class of 2025

 The Exeter-Milligan Class of 2025 attended their first alumni banquet.  They are pictured from the left: Lily Jeffries, Jayden Capek, Mikey Bartu, Aidan Vavra and Kierra Papik.

Exeter-Milligan Class of 2015

 The Exeter-Milligan Class of 2015 pictured from the left: (front row) Amber (Pribyl) Axline, Madison (Horne) Luzum, Kyle Jensen; (back row) Broc Mueller, Jarett Maxson, Derek Luzum, Dillan Jindra, Dusty Axline, Zach Kroll and A J Underwood.

Exeter-Milligan Class of 2005

 The Exeter-Milligan Class of 2005 pictured from the left: Mallory (Ruhl) Christo, Chris Bristol and Bailee (Becker) Schleisman.

EMF Softball Team 12s

 EMF 12s team pictured from the left: (front row) Charlee Stutzman, Lynn Jurgensen, Audrey Rockwell, Georgia Roth, Maliyah Pedersen; (middle row) Coach Jen Stutzman, Saydee Kassik, Harley Hardesty, Arwen Ryan, Kora Havel, Brooklyn Lawson, Ava Svehla, Landri Johnson and Coach Steve Havel.

Exeter Class of 2000

 The Exeter Class of 2000 pictured from the left: Mary (Anderson) Ekeler, Monika (Ekeler) Wemhoff, Dan Votipka, Justin Harre and Mitch Schlegelmilch.

Death Notice: Sara J. Pella

 A Celebration of Life for Sara will be Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Exeter Milligan High School Gymnasium. There will be a meal and time of fellowship at the Exeter American Legion following the Celebration of Life.

There is no visitation scheduled.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

EMF Softball 10's Team

 EMF 10's team pictured from the left: (front row) Kollins Johnson, Neely Stutzman, Lainey Stutzman, Blaire Hinton, LaneyMae Ellison, Jade Slezak; (middle row) Penelope Harrison, Grayson Arbuck, Laney Havel, Atley Bruntz. Audrey Rockwell, Arwen Ryan, Kelsey Milton, Brynn Rohren and Evelyn Rix; (back row) Coaches Ashley Havel, Jason Arbuck. Ashley Arbuck and Amanda Bruntz.

Exeter Class of 1990 and 1995

 The Exeter Class of 1995 pictured from the left: Erin Jansen, Chris Bristol and Kim (Becker) Panepinto and Class of 1990 member Aarik Jensen.

EMF Softball 8U

 EMF 8U team pictured from the left: (front row) Rylee Kassik, Baylor Johnson, Kyah Rischling, Bridget White, Quinn Mueller, Madison Kemp, Cora Foutch, Julia Anderson, Kolbie Kahlandt; (back row) Coach Tonya Brandt, Emery Kohot, Norah Brandt, Mia Brandt, Ava Capek, Caroline Graves, Finley Due, Addyson Zoubek, Coaches Rachel Johnson and Kelly Rischling.

Exeter Class of 1980

 The Exeter Class of 1980 pictured from the left: Lisa (Dinneen) Rhodes, Kay (Ruhl) Due, Kenny Harre and Dean Bartu.

Exeter-Milligan American Team

 Exeter-Milligan American Team pictured from the left: (front row) Archer Engert, Easton Schlegelmilch, Wesley Hopkins, Titus Petersen, Knox Becker, Kolt Songster; (back row) Coach Cory Engert, Braxton Harre, Tommy Kallhoff, Archer Kanode, Jack Harrison, Reed Wince.

Exeter Class of 1975

 The Exeter Class of 1975 pictured from the left: (front row) Sandy (Yound) Zoubek, Margaret (Mueller) Petro, Sherry Taylor, Peg (Erdkamp) Becker, Lori (Becker) Beckwar; (back row) Dave Rasmussen, Chris Manning, Brent Moore, Harry Miller and Jerome Ekeler.

Exeter-Milligan Pee Wee Baseball Team

 Exeter-Milligan Pee Wee Baseball team pictured from the left: (front row) Emmet Schlegelmilch, Paul Kallhoff, Leo Nicholas, Rexton Wince, Kash Rischling and Barrett White; (back row) Coach Derek Wince, Weston Yound, Kolsen Kahlandt, Parker Gloystein, Kyler Oldehoeft, Ryker Wince and Coach Dan Kallhoff.

Exeter Days Coming Soon

 Come join the fun and activities at Exeter Days, Friday, July 25 - Sunday, July 27.

More info to come soon!

Exeter Class of 1970

 The Exeter Class of 1970 pictured from the left: Brenda (Brackham) Kranz, Marcia (Krasser) Erdkamp, Kathy Rouch, Kristie (Schneider) Jirkovsky, John Tauriella, Larry Hunt and David Krupicka

Exeter-Milligan National Team

 Photo Courtesy of Images by Jessie

Exeter-Milligan National Team is pictured from the left: (front row) Crosby Oldehoeft, Beau Becker, Aiden Nichols, Maddux Milton; (back row) Coach Stefanie Nichols, Will Kallhoff, Cohen Harre, Deacon Erdkamp, Gavin Mueller and Coach Dan Kallhoff.

Exeter Class of 1965

 The Exeter Class of 1965 pictured from the left: (front row) Jane (McCabe) Drake, Judy (Tauriella) Hansen, Patsy (Rouch) Wright, Sharon (Hall) Hassler, Barb (Ethington) Jansen; (back row) Leon Harre, George Erdkamp, Alan Songster and Jim Walker.

EMF Golf Team places fourth at State Golf

 EMF golfers at State with Coach Nicholas (Coach Marr had to go get his vehicle).  The team placed fourth overall (behind three parochial schools).

Final 2 day score:

Golfer                            Day 1 total                Day 2 total

Carter Milton                    79                                77

Aidan Vavra                       76                                81

Mikey Bartu                    81                                    81

Jacob Klooz                    82                                    81

Zachary Spohn                87                                    82

Milton was the highest placed golfer in a tie for 24th and Vavra tied for 28th, Bartu tied for 45th and Klooz was 48th.  All of the golfers that qualified for State Golf this year were seniors.  Congratulations, boys!

Exeter Class of 1960

 The Exeter Class of 1960 pictured from the left: Ron Styskal, Kate (Murphy) Harre, Pat (Becker) Koca, Sally (Harre) Michl, Tom Manning and Larry Petersen.

EMF State Track Wrap Up

 EMF brought home two medals from state track.  Tyrell Fennell brought home a gold medal, first place, in the 100M (11.06).  It was a photo finish but Tyrell came out on top.  He also brought home 8th place in the 200M race (22.91)

The boys 4 x 100 team placed 13th with a time of 44.42.  Members of the team were AJ Mueller, Mark Milton, Truman Milton, and Tyrell Fennell.

Anniston Meints was the lone female track qualifier.  She tied for 9th in high jump (5'0") and placed 17th in the 300H hurdles (48.5).

Congratulations!

Exeter Class of 1955

 The Exeter Class of 1955 pictured from the left: Wayne Olsen, Ray Franzen and Don Krejci.

Exeter/Exeter-Milligan Alumni host weekend activities

 

The Exeter/Exeter-Milligan Alumni banquet was held Saturday afternoon to highlight a weekend of activities and gatherings.

Friday night, a karaoke night was held in downtown Exeter with the fire department grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs which followed the beer mile run.

Saturday morning a golf tournament was scheduled and tours of the school were self-guided in the afternoon. After the banquet an open house with DJ was hosted by the honor class at the Exeter American Legion.

Sunday's activities included a road rally and a fat penny tournament.

Eleven of the 14 members of the class of 2015 were present for the evening.  Madison Horne Luzum welcomed the guests and conducted a brief business meeting. 

Also taking a turn at the microphone was Kyle Jensen, who after the meal, shared some memories from their time as students.  The microphone was handed around the gym and classes shared their special memories and introduced class members that were present. Several class representatives claimed they still had stories they couldn't share.

Five members of the class of 2025 were present as guests of the alumni association.

Members of the 75 year class (class of 1950) included Wilma Jean (Dumpert) Rich (left) and Charleen (Schnieder) Otte.

Exeter Honors the Fallen

 Even though a soggy Memorial Day had been in the forecast, the weather stayed dry, but cool for the Exeter Memorial Day program at the Exeter Cemetery.

The large crowd was welcomed to the program by American Legion Post 218 Commander Mark Beethe after the color guard marched in with the flags.

Beethe noted that in addition to honoring "all of those service members that made the ultimate sacrifice" he wanted to remember those specifically from Fillmore County and Exeter.

The Exeter-Milligan Band performed three numbers including the "Star Spangled Banner," "America," and "Salute to Freedom."

The invocation was led by Father Brendan Kelly, Aidan Vavra read the "Gettysburg Address" and Kierra Papik read "In Flanders Field."

Vietnam veteran and American Legion member Tim Wilbeck gave the address and focused on the special meaning of Memorial Day.  He encouraged the audience to think of it as "more than carrying on a tradition. . .we need to fulfill a commitment to some special people."

The members of the military who "answered the call of duty giving us today, tomorrow and the tomorrow of the future."

With more than one million Americans sacrificing their lives in defense of our country Wilbeck challenged the audience, asking, "What would our country be like today if they hadn't fought for our freedom?"

At the same time Wilbeck encouraged his listeners to honor the dead by serving the living.

Wilbeck told the story of a professional football player,Jack Lummus, a tight end for the NY Giants who gave up his football career to enlist.  Lummus, according to Wilbeck, went from "sports hero to genuine American hero" when he died during World War II at Iwo Jima after stepping on a land mine.

He also mentioned several other veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice noting they were "no less heroic.  We are gathered so we can remember their sacrifice."

The program ended with a 21 gun salute by the members of the Exeter American Legion and Sons of the Legion while "Taps" was played by Kierra Papik and Exeter-Milligan band director Mark Perez.

We Remember

 

Village Installs New Banners Downtown

Village employee Joey Miller installs one of the new banners downtown.  Below are the new banners.

 

EM Updates: Kids Heart Challenge

 

Kids Heart Challenge

By Darcy White, Exeter-Milligan K-12 PE Instructor

 

The K-5 students at Exeter-Milligan Elementary School participated in the Kids Heart Challenge during the month of February. They raised over $6,300 for the American Heart Association, and the top fundraiser was Kyson Lindberg (pictured) with $1,293.34. The students were very excited to receive their prizes for all their hard work. Thank you to everyone for your support.

EMF JH Track Season Wrap Up

 The Junior High Track team’s coaching staff is very proud of the accomplishments of the EMF Bobcats! Some of the highlights from the season include the following listed below. 

 

The girls finished 4th/10 and the boys finished 2nd at the Pioneer Conference Meet.  

 

Gavin Mueller- 2nd place- HJ, discus, 400 and 4th place 200

Sergio Alacron- 5th place- 100H, 5th place 100, 3rd place 4x100

Aiden Nichols- tie for 5th place- HJ, 6th place 100H, 6th place 300H and 3rd place 4x100

Grady Arp- tie for 5th place- HJ, 4th place TJ, 4th place 1600

Archer Kanode- 2nd place PV, 3rd place 4x100

Beau Becker- 3rd place 1600, 3rd place PV

Trigg Svehla- 6th place 800, 3rd place 4x100

Brayden Burt- 5th place PV

 

Chezney Kanode- 5th place- Shot put, 3rd place 200, 3rd place 4x100

Lyra Fennell- 2nd place- 100,  6th place TJ, 5th place 200, and 3rd place 4x100

Adilyn Meints- 4th place PV, 2nd place 1600 and 6th place 800

Maliyah Burchett- 5th place PV, 3rd place 4x100

Gracelyn Becker- 3rd place 4x100 

Hannah Shonerd, Sailor Lloyd, Mavalin Files, McKinley Bartels- 5th place 4x400

 

The boys team placed in the top two teams at all of their meets.  They lost by only one point at Mudecas and Sandy Creek.  Dane Anderson and Archer Kanode qualified for the State Championships at Gothenburg.  Dane competed in the long jump and Archer competed in the pole vault.  Point leaders for the boys are Dane with 156 points, Gavin Mueller with 126 points, and Gehrig Weber with 117 points.  The girls were led by Adilyn Meints with 110 points and Lyra Fennell with 73 points.

 

 

JH Boys:  Front row- Trigg Svehla, Ethan Bartels, Blake Bruntz, Landon Bartley, Zach Zirkel, Brayden Burt; Second row- Archer Kanode, Grady Arp, Sergio Alarcon, Axel Erdkamp, Liam Capek, Crosby Oldehoeft; 3rd row- Beau Becker, Gavin Mueller, Dane Andersen, Owen Hemmingsen, Maddux Milton, Gehrig Weber, Zonder Arp; Top row: Coach Kanode, Coach Belden, Coach Kroeker

 

 

 

JH Girls:  Bottom row- Valerie Spohn, Ava Svehla, Adilyn Meints, Carlee Bresson, Sailor Lloyd, Hannah Shonerd, Maliyah Burchett, McKinley Bartels, Gracelyn Becker; 2nd row- Lyra Fennell, Bristol Sladek, Hannah Petersen, Brynnlye Johnson, Baidyn Snyder, Chezney Kanode, Sadie Brandt, Maddison Allen and Mavalin Files; Top row- Coach Kanode, Coach Belden, Coach Kroeker