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.