Exeter Public Library Hosts Story Hour

The Exeter Public Library hosted two story hour’s for local children Tuesday, June 17th.  The 1^st – 3^rd graders had a morning session where they read an Eric Carle book with librarian Jessica Votipka and then created artwork similar to Carle’s method for creating the illustrations in his book. Above, Troy Kallhoff works on his creation and below Jolene Vossler gets her art project going.

Exeter Public Librarian Jessica Votipka works with some of the participants in Tuesday's story hour,

Clean Up Day Saturday

The Village of Exeter is sponsoring a large dumpster this 

SATURDAY, June 21 at the City Shop 

271 S. Burlington

 starting at 8 AM until 2 PM or whenever it gets full.

Accepted items are junk, bricks, small furniture, etc.

Items NOT ACCEPTED are: tires, appliances, batteries, oil, paint or shingles.

Construction at Exeter-Milligan Track Begins

Work on new pole vault runways, a long jump runway, and a large high jump/multi-purpose practice area at Exeter-Milligan began this week.  Much of the sod was removed and placed at different spots at the Exeter campus and at a few of the local parks.

June Jubilee

There was something for everyone at the 2014 June Jubilee.  From the Friday night concerts to Sunday afternoon’s parade and polka bands, it was, like the theme,  a giant “parking lot party.”  

The weekend started with a tractor drive on Friday morning and Saturday’s activities included a Rooster Run, Softball tournament, Sand Volleyball tournament, a road rally, tractor pull and the annual pork rib and loin cook off.  There was bingo in the afternoon along with polka music.  The evening’s activities included a performance from local favorites “The Rusty Nichol,” and an 80’s cover band, “On the Fritz.”  

Sunday was a family day for all, especially since it was Father’s Day.  The softball tournament was cancelled due to heavy rains from the night before but the Polka Mass was a hit.  The Grand Parade featured the 2013 Exeter-Milligan State Champion Football team as the Grand Marshalls.  The Wilber Alumni Band shared the Centennial beer garden with the Milligan Brass Band for the afternoon entertainment.  The kids were invited to make rope, get their faces painted and participate in the kids’ pedal pull contest.  

Chris Mussman won the Kolache eating contest before Sue and the Blue River Czech’s took the stage.  The evening ended with an auction of the chainsaw carver’s pieces and other memorabilia from the event.

Exeter-Milligan School Board Meets Discusses School Policies and Storm Damage

The Exeter-Milligan School Board met on Wednesday, June 11 in Milligan with a light agenda.

Under old business the only progress made on a possible building project was the determination that the board needed to look at times for a workshop which included the architects the board has chosen.

Superintendent Paul Sheffield gave a report on the extensive damage to the school from the June 3 hail storm in Exeter.  At the time of the meeting the insurance adjuster had not been to the school and all of the essential items had been repaired with windows boarded up and vehicle taillights and mirrors replaced.

Sheffield also reported that the Preschool room had been cleared out and TYKE representatives had sorted through the supplies in anticipation of the fall term.

Next on the agenda were the activity coop requests from Friend and Meridian.  Sheffield discussed the request from Meridian noting that he had spoken to the new superintendent at Meridian who had expressed “a wait and see attitude.”

As for the junior high football request from Friend, Sheffield explained, “I can see it being a thing where they can participate with our team.  They would wear our uniform and practice with us in Exeter and all the games would be in Milligan.”

Board Secretary Annette Gloystein emphasized, “There would be no team name change and they would wear our uniforms.”

The board gave Sheffield permission to informally present this option to the Friend district.

The board reviewed policy updates to the student handbook.  Sheffield explained the reasoning behind some of the tobacco and narcotic changes.  Some of these changes were in response to the rising availability of hash oil and its legalization for medical purposes in Nebraska.  He outlined the new forms of the oil that are becoming common and how students can use them without administration knowledge.  

Sheffield also clarified the schools jurisdiction in searching vehicles in the parking areas at the school with both a drug dog and the policy for firearms.  “The nice thing about our policy is that it is written so that the superintendent can review violations on a case by case basis.  We have kids who might go hunting before and after school or have trap practice or a trap shoot after school. They could possibly have a gun in their vehicle.  Some schools have taken on a zero tolerance policy.”

The board approved the teaching contract of Derek Harlow who will be teaching PE and Title at the Milligan campus.  He will receive a temporary Special Ed endorsement from the state as he is currently working on those classes.

The school board also approved a .05 hike in milk prices which will affect extra milk purchased along with milk tickets in the elementary classrooms.

Extra duty assignments for all of the teachers were reviewed and the board excused member Tom Sluka’s absence from the meeting.  Sheffield showed the new countertop for the kitchen and updated the information on the weight room which has been moved to the south half of the small gym.  The next Exeter-Milligan School Board was set for July 16^th.

Exeter-Milligan Football Coaches to Coach All Stars

Dean Filipi, Exeter-Milligan head football coach and Athletic Director, will coach the 2014 Nebraska Coaches Association All Star Eight Man Football game on June 21 at the Hastings College Football Complex.  Joining Filipi as his assistant coach on the East All-Stars will be Exeter-Milligan Assistant Football Coach, Jackson Krejci..

Exeter-Milligan graduating seniors chosen to join the squad are James Sluka and Nolan White.  Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Beware Construction and Roofing Scams

After a storm:
* Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
* Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
* Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
* Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.
A legitimate roofing company should be able to provide the following:
* Local references and roofing testimonials
* Business License
* Roofing credentials
* Workers compensation insurance
* General liability insurance
* Written manufacturer warranties
* Written labor warranties
- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/central-georgia/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/industry-tips/roofing-scams#sthash.DyBRhrlo.dpuf

After a storm:
* Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
* Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
* Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
* Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.
A legitimate roofing company should be able to provide the following:
* Local references and roofing testimonials
* Business License
* Roofing credentials
* Workers compensation insurance
* General liability insurance
* Written manufacturer warranties
* Written labor warranties
- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/central-georgia/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/industry-tips/roofing-scams#sthash.DyBRhrlo.dpuf

After a storm:
* Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
* Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
* Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
* Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.
A legitimate roofing company should be able to provide the following:
* Local references and roofing testimonials
* Business License
* Roofing credentials
* Workers compensation insurance
* General liability insurance
* Written manufacturer warranties
* Written labor warranties
- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/central-georgia/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/industry-tips/roofing-scams#sthash.DyBRhrlo.dpuf

Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
* Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
* Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
* Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.
A legitimate roofing company should be able to provide the following:
* Local references and roofing testimonials
* Business License
* Roofing credentials
* Workers compensation insurance
* General liability insurance
* Written manufacturer warranties
* Written labor warranties
- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/central-georgia/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/industry-tips/roofing-scams#sthash.DyBRhrlo.dpuf

An Exeter resident shared this photo of their siding that was damaged in the June 3rd hail storm.  That was some big hail!

What is a storm chaser?

Storm chasers are companies that follow severe weather from area to area, completing home repairs (generally roofs and siding) that are damaged by hail and wind. They collect homeowners’ insurance claim checks in payment for their services, complete the work (often shoddily) before moving on to the next storm ravaged area. They generally go door-to-door in storm damaged areas, and may advertise themselves as insurance recovery experts or specialists in insurance restoration.

Why are storm chasers bad?

The first step of a storm chaser is to ask the homeowner to sign a contract allowing their company to negotiate with homeowner’s insurance company.  By signing these documents, homeowners may be waiving their right to any decision making regarding their repairs or replacement. They also lose control over the insurance settlement, and the entire check of the payment may legally need to be signed over to the storm chaser- regardless of the quality or quantity of work completed. The homeowner may lose some control over materials used, leaving the storm chaser free to cut corners in order to increase their profit. Most importantly, warranty repairs can be very difficult to obtain as most storm chasers leave the area as soon as the storm “plays out.” These companies are generally gone long before warranty issues arise.  The company is certainly not going to return from Florida or Ohio to repair a problem with their work. To make matters even more difficult, some storm chasers lease local company names so the appear to be local. Once they complete their work in the area, they leave. The local company is then responsible for the warranty work. Of course, the volume of warranty work is often so great the local company ends up out of business, leaving the homeowner with problems.
Storm chasers are also very damaging to the local economy. They deprive local contractors of business and decrease the number of resources you have when your roof suddenly springs a leak.

How to spot a storm chaser:
Storm chasers usually:

• Come door to door and try to get you to sign something immediately
• Use high pressure sales tactics
• Offer you a “Free Roof” or “Free Siding” or offer a way around paying a deductible (this is insurance fraud!)
• Have out-of-state license plates or drivers license (and YES! you can & should ask to see a drivers license to verify identity.)
• Are unable to produce recent, local references (or references from before the storm date)
• Are unable to produce local supplier references (always check references from a potential contractors’ suppliers. If suppliers aren’t paid in a timely fashion by a contractor, they can legally place a lien on your home)
• Have no proof of manufacturer certifications (large manufacturers offer their own certifications to established legitimate contractors. Look for GAF-Elk Master Elite Contractors, GAF-Elk Certified Contractors, IKO Shield-Pro Plus, CertainTeed 5-Star Contractors)
• Are unable to produce a roofing license and certificate of insurance with the same identification information. A legitimate local company should show you a Certificate of Liability/Workers Compensation both issued in the same name. If the names don’t match, you may not be protected.
• Information from  bewarestormchasers.com

After a storm:
* Do not be rushed into signing a contract with a particular company. Get business cards and ask for written estimates for the work.
* Beware of a company that puts emphasis on how the homeowner can get a new roof paid for by the insurance company.
* Talk to your insurance agent and ask for advice on how to proceed in getting repairs made. Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
* Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Look for companies with a good reputation in your community. Call your Better Business Bureau for help, get references and do not give anyone a deposit until you are sure they are reputable.
A legitimate roofing company should be able to provide the following:
* Local references and roofing testimonials
* Business License
* Roofing credentials
* Workers compensation insurance
* General liability insurance
* Written manufacturer warranties
* Written labor warranties
- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/central-georgia/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/industry-tips/roofing-scams#sthash.DyBRhrlo.dpuf

Exeter-Milligan School Board Meets Tonight

ExeterMilligan
Public School
Regular Monthly Meeting – Music Room in MILLIGAN
Wednesday, June 11, 2014 8:00 PM
Agenda

Bills: T. Pribyl

1. Recognition of Visitors
2. Motion to verify that this meeting of the school board of the ExeterMilligan
Public School was duly advertised and that all board members were notified as to the time and
place of the meeting pursuant to board policy and practice.
3. Consensus Agenda: Items can be requested for singular consideration
Treasurer’s Report
Minutes of the May 14, 2014 Regular Meeting
June Expenditures
4. Old Business
A. Building and grounds improvement projects update
B. Preschool
C. Activity coop
requests
D.
E.
F.
5. New Business
A. Policy Updates
B. Approve teaching contract for Derek Harlow (Elem SPED/Title)
C. Milk price for 201415
recommend
increase from $0.35 to $0.40 (cost is $0.37)
D.
E.
6. Information / Discussion
A. Extra duty assignments
B.
C. Next Regular Meeting – July ______ at Exeter at 8:00 PM. Student Fees Policy and
Parental Involvement Policy Hearings Prior to Regular Meeting
7. Adjournment

HAIL!

 The village lost a lot of birds in the storm.  This dove was stunned but later recovered.

 This trailer didn't fare so well in the storm.

June 3 is a date the most Exeter residents won’t forget.   Around 11:10 a hail storm hit the area with sizes ranging from nickel to baseball sized hail stones.

Storm prediction centers had been warning for over a week of the high probability of bad weather on Tuesday.  Tornados, high wind, large hail and heavy rains were the main threats thought to be associated with the storms.

Rumors about the center of the predicted storm were flying faster than the storm chasers could drive. 

Storm chasers had arrived in Nebraska en masse filling hotel rooms and driving around the area in their souped up, armored cars decorated with atennas and weather gizmos.  

After a tense day on Tuesday, some Nebraskans were relaxing thinking that once again the storm prediction was more hype than reality.   Part of the concern associated with the predicted storm was the late night dangerous occurrences including a tornado watch that was until 1 a.m.

Exeter residents hadn’t seen a drop of rain all day but had muggy overcast conditions throughout the day.  Storms were primarily to the north and didn’t start to move to the southeast part of the state until late in the day.  

Winds picked up in Exeter around 11:00 p.m. with the storm entering the village around 11:10.  Hail out of the north was reported in all parts of town along with high winds and heavy rain.  Nearly every home with windows on the north side had broken panes and hail damage.  

Roofs, siding, gutters and fascia were also damaged on the north side.  Locals reported hail sized anywhere from golf ball and ping pong ball to baseball sized hail.  The hail came down for close to 10 minutes with an additional round of hail that followed close.  Wednesday morning found Exeter residents with piles of hail still frozen on their property.

The tornado siren did not go off in town but the hail certain was loud enough for everyone to be warned.  The greatest danger to residents was the glass breakage and the hail entering the homes.

With the first wave of repairs done, now home owners are waiting to hear from insurance adjusters before the real repairs begin.  Construction companies and roofing contractors had started to arrive in Exeter just a few hours after light.  

With many rain gauges damaged a true total of rain is uncertain but estimated rainfall is about 3 inches.

Crops in the area were destroyed and several pivots south of Exeter were overturned along with severe damage at a bin site.

So many leaves were stripped off branches and landed in the streets of Exeter that the village maintenance department got the grader out to pile the leaves into windrows before scooping the large piles with the loader.

In the last few years the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Exeter have worked to keep the Exeter neon sign in good working condition.  Unfortunately Tuesday evening’s hail storm completely destroyed the neon tubes on both sides of the sign.