Exeter-Milligan School Board Takes First Step Toward Addition

Exeter-Milligan School Board met Wednesday, February 11 in Milligan taking the first step in approving an addition to the Exeter school building.

The board met without Treasurer Jim Zeleny who was excused.  The board began the meeting with a presentation on marketing bonds in the local arena from Geneva based Edward Jones representative Vern Kendell.

Kendell noted his recent success in selling school bonds, “When a local bond opportunity comes up my clients are chomping at the bit to have the opportunity to support something local.  We aren’t asking for the major part of the bond that is coming up, just 15 or 20 percent to be able to sell locally.”

School Board President Sharon Kuska thanked Kendell for the information and started with the rest of the agenda.  She read the treasurer’s report and the board also reviewed the minutes from the regular January meeting and the special meeting that was held to discuss the proposed addition.

President Kuska asked Superintedent Paul Sheffield to elaborate on the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Associaiton  (NRCSA) line item that was paid. Sheffield explained that membership in this association is tied into some of the funding that the school receives.  In the past this item was approved by a board vote, but Sheffield explained, “Since the funding is tied to this membership I went ahead and included it on the bills.”

The board approved the bills, treasurer’s report and the two sets of minutes.

Under the old business, the building project update item was discussed.  Sheffield explained, “After we had the special meeting the next step we are at is the point of passage of a resolution.  The school board approves the Joint Public Agency to issue bonds.”

Moving on Kuska noted that a report on Superintendent contract negotiations will be given next month and then she announced the committee assignments.

New business was addressed next and the first item discussed was a change in the daily schedule.  Superintendent Sheffield presented information to the board on what they call a “second chance breakfast.   We have about five kids who eat breakfast every day but on Mondays we have a break between first and second period when our  7 -12 graders can get a grab and go breakfast.  We have found that about 65% of our students are taking advantage of this.  We want to make this a daily occurrence.”

The board discussed how offering a daily late breakfast could change the school day.  Sheffield explained, “We would go to one lunch for the 7 – 12 graders which is about the same amout of kids in one lunch period we had when the schools first combined.  We could build 13 minutes into the day and allow the kids to eat breakfast by just adding two minutes to the end of the school day.  Anyone that qualifies for free or reduced lunch would also get the free or reduced breakfast.”

Sheffield went on to elaborate on some additional scheduling changes, “It has been recommended that we do recess first and then lunch for our elementary grades.  The Milligan campus has tried that this year with some success and so next year in Exeter recess would be at 11:00 and then lunch would follow.”

The board passed this change in the school day unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was the resolution authorizing the JPA to issue bonds to finance the school addition which would include “a recreational, wellness and multi-purpose facility for the benefit of the District and the Village of Exeter,” according to the resolution.

It was noted that the full cost was not to exceed $1.6 million and Sheffield explained, “This resolution just starts the process in what I would call a five step process.  Second, the JPA passes a resolution, then advertises a hearing, holds a hearing and issues the bonds. By agreeing to this doesn’t mean that it is going to happen, this is just the first step and it can’t get started until we take this step.”

The board discussed the project briefly.  Board member Adam Erdkamp stated, “I think it’s a good project and it makes sense.”

The board voted unanimously to pass the resolution and it was recorded that the JPA will meet on Wednesday, February 18^th.

The board noted there were no applicants for the separation incentive program.  They discussed the upcoming NRCSA Legislative Forum and Spring Conference before setting the next board meeting for March 11^th in Exeter at 7 p.m.

E-M's Kyle Jensen signs with Doane

Pictured with Exeter-Milligan student Kyle Jensen are his parents, Melanie Schluter and Aarik Jensen.  Behind are Doane head football coach Matt Franzen (left) and Exeter-Milligan head football coach Dean Filipi.

Exeter-Milligan football and basketball standout has made his decision, he’s not going to be far from home at Doane.

Kyle Jensen looked mainly at schools in the state of Nebraska, especially looking at Concordia, Wayne State and Nebraska Wesleyan but found his choice was even closer to home in Crete.

“Doane has a real team unity and the coaches were what I was looking for.  Plus, my brother goes there and it’s close enough to home but I still have some space,” explained Jensen.

Jensen anticipates joining the team as a running back and Doane head football coach Matt Franzen is looking forward to having Jensen, “His leadership and work ethic attracted us.  He is not going to shy away from hard work.”

Franzen also added that Jensen has the size, strength, ability and speed that they are looking for in a good football player.  “Kyle understands what it is to be a competitor.  He is a championship caliber player and competitor.  We were impressed after meeting him after the football season.  His demeanor and confidence is what we look for in recruiting, not just talent.”

Exeter-Milligan coach Dean Filipi looks for Jensen to have continued successes, “He started his freshman year on defense and shared duties on offense with Jimmy (Sluka).  Kyle’s just gonna keep getting better with work.  His work ethic and willingness to play will make him a good asset.  He has been a good leader for his.  He leads by example and has shown our team what you can do with hard work.”

Franzen noted that Jensen’s hard work has already paid off, “He is physically ready to play college football.  A lot of guys we get need a year to get in shape physically to play for us but we will be able to play Kyle right away.”

Jensen is looking forward to Doane College off the field as well.  He plans to major in business and is exploring the option of a minor in computers.

Jensen will be a member of the 57th Annual Shrine Bowl team.  He was chosen as one of the 70 best senior players of high school football in Nebraska. The game will be played on Saturday, June 2nd at the University of Nebraska-Kearney at 2 p.m.

E-M Takes a Big Lead Versus Cross County

 Derek Luzum gets the ball in the tip off start.  The Timberwolves won 49-40

 Kyle Jensen passes the ball away from Andrew Peterson.

Broc Mueller is denied a basket by #34 Brady Langemeier.

Last Home Game for E-M Girls a Big Win

The

The Timberwolves met up with Cross County on Friday night in their last home game of the season.  It was a big win for the ladies as the came out on top 53-25.  The Timberwolves will meet Meridian in Sub-districts Tuesday night at 7:45.

Obituary: Marilyn Manning

Marilyn Marie Manning was born in Exeter, Nebraska to Frank and Helen (Komarek) Murphy on August 1,1930, and passed away on February 7, 2015 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 84 years, 6 months, and 6 days. She had two sisters and two brothers who preceded her in death.

Marilyn was raised south of Exeter on a farm. She attended country school, parochial school, and then high school at Exeter Public School in Exeter, Nebraska. She graduated from high school in 1947. She then moved to Lincoln to live with her sister, Madeline while she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received her Teaching Certificate. She returned to Exeter where she taught school for two years. In 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas B. Manning. They resided in Exeter for one year, and then moved to Burress, Nebraska where they raised their eight children. Marilyn’s passion in life was to raise her children by example. She lived her life to love, laugh, and learn. Each day was filled with just that. She passed these gifts on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was compassionate, and always giving in all that she touched. She taught her children and grandchildren to be truthful, fair, and hardworking. She always encouraged them to find time for work, play, and enjoy life to the fullest extent. She shaped their outlook on life to “be the best that you can be.” Her greatest joy was having family gather for holidays with all the laughter, fun, and excitement of the family interacting.

Marilyn was married to Thomas B. Manning on June 11th, 1949. They spent their Honeymoon at Grand Lake, Colorado. To them eight children were born. She and her husband Tom had an everlasting love. They loved and respected each other in all walks of life. Getting away for a couple days to celebrate their anniversary was important to them. Most years they would take the family to Grand Lake, Colorado in the summer to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. They continued this tradition as a couple through the years. Their most recent trip to Grand Lake was this past September to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary.

Marilyn was active in the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. She was a member of the Altar Society.

She enjoyed membership in GFWC Women’s Club, during which she organized the Arbor Day tree planting for which a tree was planted, and a book given to each baby born in the Exeter area during that year. She loved giving back to the community. Marilyn was also the leader for the “ Pins and Pans” 4-H club, mentoring these young girls in cooking skills, sewing, crafts, and much more. During this time, she wrote a grant to Readers’ Digest for start-up funding to develop a park by the library. The grant was approved, and hence “Story Book Park” was born located behind the City Library in Exeter.

Most enjoyable for her, was being part of the neighborhood. The ladies started their own club, “Burress Belles”. They celebrated life events, birthdays, and good friendship. She hosted her final gathering two days prior to the onset of her debilitating illness. Her dedication to neighbors, friends, and family was present to the very end of the generous life of this remarkable lady. She will be remembered as a fabulous wife, mother, cook, talented writer, and exceptional caring and kind lady. She will be eternally loved, and forever missed.

She was preceded in death by daughter Clara Lynn Manning-Fletcher; sisters Madeline Landgren, Catherine Janet McAuley; and brothers Francis Murphy, and Patrick Murphy.

She is survived by husband Thomas B. Manning, Burress, Nebraska; sons Thomas David Manning and wife Bette, Fairmont, Nebraska, Chris Manning and wife Brenda, Exeter, Nebraska, Mark Manning and wife Leanne, Crete, Nebraska, Kent Manning and wife Cindy, Burress, Nebraska, Matthew Manning and wife Heather, Lincoln Nebraska; daughters, Melinda Hofferber, Westminster, Colorado, Jennifer Harris and husband Mark, Lincoln, Nebraska; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Exeter Area Community Foundation Fund Survey

The Exeter Area Community Foundation Fund is looking for your input.

People who are in the 68351 zip code should have received an Exeter community survey in the mail. For those living outside 68351 who would like to fill out a survey, forms will be available at the village office and Generations Bank. We want to here from all of you!

To stay up to date about the foundation, follow us on Facebook at Exeter Area Community Foundation Fund.

Exeter-Milligan Update: FCS Happenings

 Joan Strate created this "Rag Quilt"

Exeter-Milligan STAR:

Front L to R:  Caitlin Murphy, Katie Mounce, Haylee Sheffield, Cookie Koopman. 

Back L to R:  Samantha Horne, Hannah Horne, Kayla Bonds, Ashley Benorden.

FCS Happenings at Exeter-Milligan by Mary Lou Vossler, FACS Instructor

Exeter-Milligan FCCLA STAR (Students Taking Action for Recognition) participants attended District #4 STAR on Monday, January 19^th at the York Middle School. 
STAR Events are competitive events in which members are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. STAR Events offer individual skill development and application of learning through the following activities:

· cooperative – teams work to accomplish specific goals

· individualized – an individual member works alone to accomplish specific goals

· competitive – individual or team performance measured by an established set of criteria.

Results and medal placement for those individuals who competed in STAR are:

Caitlin Murphy:  Recycle & Redesign:  From Rags to Rugs.  Gold Medal winner and will advance to State Leadership Conference.

Hannah Horne, Kayla Bonds & Katie Mounce:  Illustrated Talk- Electronics Down.  Gold Medal winners and will advance to State Leadership Conference.

Haylee Sheffield & Cookie Koopman:  Illustrated Talk- Pressure for Perfection.  Silver Medal winners.

Samantha Horne & Ashley Benorden:  Illustrated Talk- The Truth About Tanning.  Silver Medal winners.

FCS II- 

Joan Strate created this "Rag Quilt" out of scrap polar fleece that was within the FACS Dept.  She cut various sized squares out of hunter's orange, moss green, tan, horse motif, camouflage and leaf motif.  This was the easy part, next was how to design the layout of the quilt, so that it would be attractive and coordinate. Joan drew out the design of her quilt prior to the construction.  Pinning and sewing the smaller squares together and than making them into rows with the larger squares was her next step.  Finally attaching all the rows of quilt squares and clipping the seam allowances finished off the project.  Joan is hoping to embroider a simple horse motif in the hunter orange squares to complete her quilt.

Adult Living:  Students are trying to make an awareness for the less fortunate.  Please remember that Broc Mueller and Brody Kresak are having a clothing drive. They are requesting slightly used clothing, coats, mittens etc...a donation box is located at both school sites and will be available at the home sporting events.