Stepping Out in Style: Marching Band Debuts New Uniforms at Yorkfest

The newly consolidated EMF Marching Band made its first major public appearance at the Yorkfest Parade, turning heads not only with its sharp new uniforms but also with a standout performance that earned the group a second-place finish in Class C.

The new uniforms, designed in partnership with Fruhauf, represent a collaborative effort between students and director. "We had been working with Fruhauf since last fall to design the new EMF Bobcat uniform," explained band director Mark Perez. "The high school and junior high students gave their input on the uniform designs that they favored. Students really like having the bobcat logo on the chest." The design reflects both tradition and pride, giving the newly merged program a strong visual identity.

Preparation for Yorkfest was a process of discipline and dedication. "We start in the classroom, working hard on music and basic marching fundamentals," Perez said. "After that, I like to take them to the gym for a few days to work on more marching fundamentals, including posture and discipline. After a while we make our way outside and march laps around the school and work to put everything together." 

That preparation paid off when the band took to the streets. Perez said students marched with confidence, excited to not only showcase their music but also to wear the new uniforms for the first time. 

For Perez, the most memorable part of the parade wasn't just the music, but the way students carried themselves. "The level of discipline and character the students showed and how they held themselves to a high standard," he said. 

The EMF Marching Band's second-place finish in Class C was a remarkable achievement for its first season together. "I think it's more than a great start. To me, it means that we can only get better from here," Perez noted. "It's a major confidence builder knowing that they have what it takes to perform at a high level and compete with bigger schools."

Perez said his vision for the EMF Marching Band is to continue to grow the program while strengthening its role in school and community life. "Our goals are to grow the band program and to be a source of pride for our school and communities," he said. "School spirit and marching band go hand-in-hand, as the band serves to motive students and spectators alike."

With new uniforms, a successful debut, and a promising future ahead, the EMF Marching Band is already marching in step with its mission to inspire pride and spirit across the district.

Lady Bobcats Earn Runner-Up at Galloway Creek

The Bobcats had a great day at the H & H Invite with a team runner up finish and 4 medalists, including an individual champion!  

Abby Klooz 1st (85)

Dylen Collier 6th (104)

Hadley Sladek 11th (111)

Bristol Sladek 14th (114)

Kate Pribyl (119)

Team 2nd (414)

JV (9 holes)

Sydney Engert (66)

Sadie Brandt (69)

Hannah Petersen (77)

EMF Football Loses Second Game to Johnson-Brock

The EMF Bobcat football team lost their second game of the season to Johnson-Brock 34-58. The EMF Cheer and Dance Team, the Starlets, performed a halftime routine to "Light It Up". 

EMF Girl's Golf Team 2025

 

Back Row L-R: Sadie Brandt, Sydney Engert, Hadley Sladek, Dylen Collier, and Abby Klooz. Front Row L-R:: Hannah Petersen, Bristol Saldek, and Kate Pribyl. Not pictured: Head Coach Lori Klooz.

EMF Cheer/Dance Team 2025

 

Front row L-R: Maddi Allen, Taylin Schluter, Sophie Weber, Kendall Filipi, and Selah Petersen. Back Row L-R: Lori Vyhnalek, Alexis Paulsen, Meredith Paulsen, Maddy Kinney, Gracie Vyhnalek, Miley Ricenbaw, and Brandi Perez

EMF FB Team Wins Home Opener

 The EMF Bobcat football team won their home opener against Clarkson-Leigh 32-6. The newly combined cheer and dance team dazzled the crowd with their halftime routine to "Houdini". 

EMF Girls Golf at Central City Scramble

 

The girls golf team had a great day on Thursday, August 21 at the Central City 3 person scramble. The Division 1 team of Hadley, Dylen and Abby shot a 69 and finished T3. The Division 2 team of Sydney, Kate and Bristol shot an 88 to finish 4th in their division. Sadie and Hannah competed in the 9 hole division and shot a 44.

EMF Football Team 2025

 

EMF football team pictured from the left (front row): Adrien Mueller, Truman Milton, Cohen Harre, Josiah Oceguera, Brett Kallhoff, Caleb Black and Zayde Arp; (second row) Andrew Fennell, Evan Brahmstedt, Gabe Covarrubias, Jaxson Brandt, Keltyn Kirchhoff, Jacob Spohn; (third row) Deacon Erdkamp, Bob Milton, Clayton Pribyl, Ty Svehla, Will Kallhoff, Elijah Oceguera and Assistant Coach Josh Bartley; (fourth row) Assistant Coach Brian Arp, Gavin Mueller, Dane Anderson, Maddux Milton, Zonder Arp, Brenson Brandt, John Cruz, Head Coach Kory Kahlandt; (fifth row) Student managers Paul Kallhoff, Tommy Kallhoff, Trig Svehla, Blake Bruntz, Brock Bruntz, Landon Bartley, Grady Arp and Kolsen Kahlandt.

EMF Teachers Honored with Awards

Four EMF teachers were honored over the summer with awards for their work in education.

Madalynn Fousek - 30 under 30 Trailblazer Award

Julie Ricenbaw - 2025 Nebraska American Legion Teacher of the Year

Amy Kohtz - Golden Owl Award Finalist

Miranda Segner - Teachers Turn the Key Award

Village of Exeter Board Meeting 8/12/2025

 EXETER, NEBRASKA VILLAGE BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025 AT 7:00PM. Open Meetings Act was recognized as posted. Minutes from the last meeting were approved as it stood. Approval of Invoices - Motion by T. Salyer and 2nd by B. Mueller; Motion passed 5-0.

Conditional Use Permite - Jerry & Hannah Kelch

No issue from the board to construct a building over a property line. The issue the Kelch's are having is seeing if they can get the land surveryed to combine both of their lots into one big lot. Bob Mueller is going to help the Kelch's with this issue. Motioned by B. Mueller to approve Conditional Use Permit and 2nd by A. Michl. Motion carried 5-0.

Brenda Motis - Senior Center Update

Brenda met with Aging Partners with the county board and discussion was had regarding the annual report. Exeter is very fortunate in having a board member. Rural communities matter deeply. The Exeter Senior Center will be having some board member changes. In June, Amanda Votipka started an exercise class at the Exeter American Legion, offered on Thursday's and is free to attend. People are enjoying it. Peg Becker has been coming on the third Tuesday of the month to do blood pressure checks, which is also the same day as foot clinic. Heritage Crossings in Geneva, NE reached out offering to do a meal once a month. Heritage Crossings brings the meal to Exeter and does not cost anything. Heritage sets up, serves, and cleans up. At the first meal, 16 people attended. The senior center is excited to continue this. They are still in a partnership with Sweetwater Bar & Grill and has very positive experiences with them. Furthermore, the senior center hosted "Bingo" during Exeter Days and participated in the parade. Aging Partners created "Emergency Brochures" for firefighters, EMT's, and the Sherriff's Department to hand out to the elderly on calls. The brochure includes information for the medical center, hospital, and rural transit. The senior center board would love to continue to hold "Senior-to-Senior Breakfast" with graduating seniors and their grandparents. The only concern is having space for everyone who attends. September is Senior Center Month, they will do a "Senior Center Passport" which is like the "Nebraska Passport," and seniors can travel to different senior centers. The Financial Report was also given.

Eric Johnson - FCDC Update

Per Eric Johnson, anyone who has done work with the House Rehab Grant to let him know. The FCDC is waiting to hear back about a grant for streets, which must pass the senate. The FCDC is more than happy to help the village if they need anything. They are in the process of making sure everyone in the county is helped with their services. They are also working on a revitalization proposal, which should be up by January. The FCDC Golf Tournament went well and the profits were donate to the golf course.

Gerald Slezak - Recycling Program

Gerald Slezak was not present at the board meeting. Nothing was discussed.

Reviewed One and Six Year Road Plan

Road plan was reviewed.

Purdue Pharma Lawsuit - Consent for Carley Campbell to Pursue

Class action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company and towns across the country. No action is needed by the board. 

Motor Grader Purchase

It's ready whenever the village wants. The total is $89,000. Motioned by J. Harre and 2nd by T. Salyer. Motioned carried 5-0.

Water Tower Lid

A decision needs to be made on if the village is going to keep or get rid of the old water tower lid. It would be cool to have, potentially as the top of a gazebo, but at a point it gets to be too much money. Motion to get rid of it by B. Mueller and 2nd by J. Anderson. Motion carried 5-0.

Annual League Conference

A. Michl, B. Mueller, and J. Harre will attend the conference the last full week of September. Becky Erdkamp will also attend.

Pool Bonus - $100.00 for end of season

Motion by J. Harre and 2nd by J. Anderson. Motion passed 4-1.

Designate Fire Hall as Community Diaster Center

There is no funding for it right now, but they are allowed to use the fire hall as a disaster area in case the power goes out again during a storm. The generator at the fire station went out. In talks, nothing official, about putting a new generator in there to run the whole fire hall. This issue will be talked about at their next meeting.

Marshal Report

No comment. Needs to get Geneva done before Exeter.

Maintenance Supervisor Report

Shoch Concrete Construction In.c quoted $2,621 for parking and painting. 79 parking stalls, four handicap, 728 linear feet of curb, 72 letters (Example: "No Parking" at the fire hall), and handicap layout. Discussion was had on color of paint, yellow or white. Yellow was decided. J. Harre motioned and 2nd by B. Mueller. Motion carried 5-0. 

Other Discussion Items

B. Mueller asked what the Village of Exeter will do about trees still in residents yards that are not being taking care of. A. Michl stated it would be a nuance and the village will send a letter and a fine. Discussion was had if anyone [residents] would get money from helping clean up trees. However, the village can't do anything until they receive money from FEMA. There is talks of doing an appreciation dinner for the community. Someone is also looking into buying the nursing home.

Clerk's Report

Sales tax - $14,594.65; Keno Receipts - $116.18

Next Village of Exeter Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, September 10 and 7:00PM.

Death Notice: Lanny E. Ackerman

 Full obituary will be released soon.

EMF Staff Members Recognized for Years of Service

Exeter-Milligan-Friend staff members were recognized for 20+ years of service.

Pictured left to right: Steve Briske, Jackie Yound, Lorie Sliefert, Doris Jirska, Darcy White, Shelli Mueller, Melanie Papik, and Laura Kroll

NOTICE: Tree Limb Pick Up

 The last day the Village of Exeter will pick up tree limbs is Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Exeter-Milligan-Friend Starts First Year of Consolidation

The Exeter-Milligan-Friend staff members attended their first of two in-service training days on Monday, August 11 to prepare for the upcoming school year.  

Exeter Sustains Wind Storm

On Saturday, August 9 Exeter was hit by a thunderstorm and sustained wind speeds of 86+ mph. These winds brought extensive damage around the village. 

What's New on the Library Shelves? | Thriller

 An Inside Job: A Novel by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon has been awarded a commission to restore one of the most important paintings in Venice. But when he discovers the body of a mysterious woman floating in the waters of the Venetian Lagoon, he finds himself in a desperate race to recover a lost masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.

The painting, a portrait of a beautiful young girl, has been gathering dust in a storeroom at the Vatican Museums for more than a century, misattributed and hidden beneath a worthless picture by an unknown artist. Because no one knows that the Leonardo is there, no one notices when it disappears one night during a suspicious power outage. No one but the ruthless mobsters and moneymen behind the theft -- and the mysterious woman whom Gabriel found in a watery grave in Venice. A woman without a name. A woman without a face.

The Hamptons Lawyer: A Jane Smith Thriller by James Patterson and Mike Lupica

The Hamptons on Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches, its luxury lifestyle—and its exclusive legal advice. When Jane Smith takes on a famous celebrity client, she’s armed and ready: with brilliant arguments, hard evidence—and two Glocks. Yet she’s chased down, shot at, and risks contempt of court. That’s when mounting a legal defense turns into self-defense. Knowing every day in court could be her last, she’s a survivor. For now.

The Summer Guests: A Thriller by Tess Gerritsen

When former spy Maggie Bird retired to the seaside hamlet of Purity, Maine, she settled in for a quiet life with breathtaking views. But enemies from her past soon threatened to destroy everything.

Maggie survived, thanks to her wits and the collective intelligence of the Martini Club, the circle of ex-CIA friends in her cocktail-sipping book club. Their handiwork, however, caught the attention of young police chief Jo Thibodeau. Now Jo and her neighborhood ex-spies have an uneasy alliance.

After a teenager vanishes—and Maggie’s neighbor becomes the prime suspect—she joins the investigation, determined to prove her friend’s innocence. But the girl’s wealthy family pushes for an arrest. And when authorities discover a long-dead corpse in a nearby pond, the case becomes doubly complicated, with unthinkable ties to long-buried secrets.

As Jo grapples with two unexplained mysteries, the Martini Club races to uncover the truth behind shadowy secrets…before more lives are lost.

The Crash by Freida McFadden

Tegan is eight months pregnant, alone, and desperately wants to put her crumbling life in the rearview mirror. So she hits the road, planning to stay with her brother until she can figure out her next move. But she doesn't realize she's heading straight into a blizzard.

She never arrives at her destination.

Stranded in rural Maine with a dead car and broken ankle, Tegan worries she's made a terrible mistake. Then a miracle occurs: she is rescued by a couple who offers her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears.

But something isn't right. Tegan believed she was waiting out the storm, but as time ticks by, she comes to realize she is in grave danger. This safe haven isn't what she thought it was, and staying here may have been her most deadly mistake yet.

And now she must do whatever it takes to save herself—and her unborn child.

Updated Pool Hours

Today-August 12th: Regular pool hours

Once EMF goes back to school on the 13th we will adjust our hours to work with their schedule and those of the lifeguards still in town.

Wednesday, August 13: 2:30-7:30pm

Thursday, August 14: 3:45-7:30pm

Friday, August 15: 2:30-7:30pm

Saturday, August 16: 1:30-5:30pm

Sunday, August 17: 1:30-5:30pm, 6:30-8:30pm

Monday, August 18: 3:45-7:30pm

Tuesday, August 19 (LAST DAY): 3:45-7:30pm

Thank you for a great pool season!

Community Grocery Conversation Highlights the Importance of Local Stores

When thinking about food and meals in their homes or community, what comes to mind? This was the question posed to community members by the Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) at the Community Grocery Conversation held at the Exeter American Legion on Tuesday, August 5. About 40 patrons attended.

“Nutrition,” “variety,” “fresh,” and “support” were among the words used to describe local food and meals. CFRA’s goal in leading this conversation was to highlight the vital role grocery stores and small businesses play in Exeter and other small towns.

“I can send my 8-year-old to the store to grab an item, and I can trust that the staff will help him find exactly what we need,” said Matt Nicholas, referencing the reliable service at Greg’s Market. Community members also noted that Greg’s Market consistently supports local events, providing meals for lunch-and-learns, athletic events, and funerals.

Despite its central role in the community, Greg’s Market faces challenges competing with larger chain stores like Walmart, located 25 miles away. “Community members must be willing to pay more to keep a local store,” said one attendee, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance price and loyalty.

“Convenience” was another word frequently mentioned when discussing the value of a local grocery store. Mitch Schlegelmilch, speaking on behalf of Greg’s Market, emphasized that the store and its board are always seeking ways to improve the shopping experience for local patrons.

One major initiative is a new 24/7 membership model, allowing members to shop outside regular business hours. “We first proposed this idea a year ago, and after community members trialed it, people are excited to see it implemented,” Mitch said.

Memberships will cost $96 per year per household, with discounts for “Hometown Heroes” including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, veterans, military service members, and teachers. Members will receive an RFID chip or card, along with a three-digit login and four-digit password, allowing access to the store and enabling consumers to scan and pay for items.

To ensure security, Greg’s Market has installed cameras that record from entry until exit. After-hours shopping comes with a few stipulations: purchases must be made with debit or credit cards only, and alcohol and tobacco cannot be purchased.

“The new security system and membership program cost Greg’s Market nothing, thanks to a CFRA grant,” Mitch noted. “We are taking a leap of faith.” Many attendees expressed excitement for the new program. CFRA reports that only one other store in Nebraska currently operates a similar 24/7 model. If all goes as planned, memberships will be available starting September 1.

For questions about the membership program or other store offerings, contact the staff at Greg’s Market. Support the store this week at their Open House: Thursday, August 7, from 6–8 p.m. for a $5 to-go meal, or Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for a $5 to-go lunch. Additional events include a raffle entry with each purchase (ages 18+), “Spin the Wheel” (spend $5 to spin the “Alive for 5 Wheel of Destiny”), and $50 gift certificates at $5 off.

Supporting Greg’s Market means keeping a local business alive and thriving, ensuring fresh food and personalized service remain in Exeter.

Homegrown Parade | Exeter Days 2025