Exeter-Milligan School Board Votes Against Consolidation with Fillmore Central

 

Exeter-Milligan School board met Wednesday, June 9^th at 8 p.m. in Milligan with over fifty patrons in attendance.

After quickly working through the consensus agenda, the board opened the microphone to public comment.

Several in the audience spoke with the consensus that Fillmore Central is not the best fit for the district. The majority of speakers encouraged the board to stay Exeter-Milligan for as long as possible.

JJ Becker, a parent from Exeter, expressed, “I don’t think at this time that Fillmore Central is the best fit.  We may be a one school county at some point but now if we go to Fillmore Central our kids will be going from a one on one situation in the classroom to being a number at Fillmore Central.  I know we’re trying to forward think here but I think we should take a little more time and see where that leads us.”

Superintendent Paul Sheffield took the opportunity to step up to the mic and give his opinion as a patron and taxpayer.  “I have been very upfront with the Fillmore Central people to let them know that I did not think that this direction was the best for Exeter-Milligan. . .I am not worried about my job as I can retire in a year so my job security is a non-issue. . .In my opinion, going with Fillmore Central is not the best option.”

Exeter-Milligan special education teacher Anita Mueller spoke on behalf of her students.  “For the special ed students, I don’t think Fillmore Central is the best option.  With the small numbers we have the students get excellent service in our small district.  They would not get that at FC.”

Jared Johnson expressed his concern for the board do what is best for the community and referenced both retaining jobs and building the economy of the community.  “The kids will adjust, they will be ok, but we need to see what’s best for the communities.”

Tom Pribyl also expressed wanting to stay as the Exeter-Milligan district as long as possible.  If it came down to a consolidation he encouraged the district to dissolve instead and let the patrons take their tax money where they want to.

After closing the public comment period the board looked to Sheffield for a summer project update.  He explained that “the great migration has begun” and in addition to moving the classrooms to Exeter they are moving some rooms around in Exeter.

The board briefly touched on the budget process for the next school year before Sheffield introduced a the idea of updating the playground at the elementary school.  He noted that the district has several students with vision issues and the current playground does not meet their needs.  He suggested using funds that are leftover from the JPA project.

He will work on some estimates and ideas for the next meeting.

Moving on the items the board planned to take action on, School Board President Adam Erdkamp thanked the audience for their comments on the feasibility study with Fillmore Central. “I appreciate Fillmore Central’s efforts with us and meeting with us. . .I don’t think it’s the right fit for Exeter-Milligan right now.  The biggest problem is the staff question.  They have said they would figure it out and that’s not good enough for me.”

Board member Dan Kallhoff agreed, “There are too many unknowns with Fillmore Central.  I’m not saying you need to jump in with Friend.  Give us a couple of years, we just closed this school (Milligan) we need to see what happens.  We’ve been through too many of these meetings we just need to take a breath.”

Board member Eric Milton also agreed but noted, “We do have a problem and we need to solve it.”

Board member Allen Vavra wanted the patrons to understand, “We’re not slamming the door with Fillmore Central, we’re just not proceeding right now.  We just don’t think that this right for our kids, our staff, our communities right now.”

The board voted unanimously not to continue consolidation discussions with Fillmore Central.

Adam called for a motion and the board voted unanimously to no go with FC.

The next board meeting was set for Wednesday, July 14 at 8 p.m.

 

Exeter-Milligan Update: Graduate 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 the Exeter Area Community Foundation and the Exeter-Milligan School Foundation expressed to the 2021 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: Cammie Harrison, Georgia Meyer, Jaiden Papik, Daisy Kanode, and Natalie Staskal

 

Back row: Sean Gibson, Casey Jindra, Brock Steuben, Clint Oldehoeft, Jackson Beethe, and Blake Meyer

Exeter Village Board Approves Zoning Change

 

The Exeter Village board met on Tuesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. with board member Justin Harre absent.

After reviewing the minutes and invoices the board moved on the first agenda item and opened a public hearing on a zoning change with Fillmore County Zoning Administrator Jennifer Slezak.

Slezak explained that the planning commission met in May in regards to a change in zoning on property at 221 West North Boundary. The planning commission recommended that the zoning change from residential to Commercial -2 on 1.96 acres in the far northwest corner of the village.

The property is currently a dilapidated farmstead and Derek Axline plans to clean it up and build some storage units.

Next on the agenda was Exeter Rescue Captain Hope Androyna who asked the board for a letter of recommendation for a liquor license for Exeter days  on July 31.  She explained that they plan to have the beer garden set up all day behind the fire hall and will not be closing off the street.  The board approved writing the letter of recommendation.

Androyna also asked if the board was willing to help compensate for four residents who are taking an EMT classes.  She explained that the last time a group of seven from Exeter took the class only three passed the National Registry test.  They were the only three out of 27 that passed.

Androyna is working on some requirements for those taking the class.  With the cost of the class and required immunizations and background checks at around $1200 Androyna asked if the village would be willing to sponsor two of the students with the fire department sponsoring the other two students.

She is also proposing that if the students don’t finish the course or attempt to take the national registry they would be required to reimburse the village or fire department.

Board member Bob Mueller suggested that students are required to give the village or the fire department a deposit check.

Andryona doesn’t want to discourage anyone from attempting to become an EMT and explained, “I want to keep as many EMT’s active as possible but I want them to do it for the right reasons.”

Board Chairman Alan Michl added, “Whoever want to take the class we will do whatever is in our power to make that happen so they don’t have to spend the money.”

The board held a brief discussion on their expectations of hours with Village Marshal Tyler Salmon.

After several minute Mueller responded, “Go with 10 hours a week and in three months you can tell if that is going to work.”

The board noted that if residents have an issue Salmon can be dispatched out of the county sheriff’s office and in an emergency residents should call 911.  For non-emergencies residents can call 402-759-4441.

Clerk Becky Erdkamp noted that there is black mold in the basement again. The board discussed this ongoing issue and made a plan to call a company to get an estimate on fixing the water issues in the basement.

Michl added, “I’m going to be blunt, we’ve got to fix it or build a new building.”

Maintenance supervisor John Mueller gave a brief report on the pool.  There was a discussion on applying for a grant for rubber mulch and the way the park and ball association relay their needs to the board.

Clerk Erdkamp reported sales tax for March was $12,009.90 and April Keno was $284.67.  The board set the next meeting for July 6.

 

Exeter-Milligan Update: Art News

Art News Update

By Lisa Kanode, Exeter-Milligan Art Instructor

 

In the art world we try to make everyone feel like an artist, but in the long run not everyone plans to be an artist when they grow up. As a matter of fact I have more adults tell me, “I can’t even draw a stick figure”. Art in a sense scares people and they are not even comfortable lending a hand if it involves a paintbrush. I tell my students that no matter what field of study they enter after high school, every employer will want you to have good decision-making skills and be able to solve problems, as well as, creative thinking skills. All of which we work on while working out and planning our art projects and as we work on refining detail in our compositions.

 

This year I have two 4th year art students. When I asked them why they have taken art all 4 years of high school they said, “for the enjoyment of it”. Natalie Staskal says she has learned new drawing skills and artist mediums that have helped her create art on a new level. She always enjoyed drawing and it has been nice studying artist’s and styles and seeing her improvements throughout her high school years. Natalie believe’s she will continue to draw in her free time for relaxation and distraction. Another 4th year art student, Sean Gibson, has taken art every year in high school because he believes it is a good opportunity to learn more about art history and creating art himself. Sean’s favorite activity is when we go on photography walks around town and in the country.

Starting the day in the art room every morning is relaxing and a good way to kick start the day. Pictured below is artwork from Natalie and Sean, I will miss having them in the art room next year!

Death Notice Daryl D. Taylor

 A Memorial Service for Daryl will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Exeter. There will be a private Committal Of Ashes.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Obituary Joan T. Kuska

 

Joan Theresa Kuska was born to John and Theresa (Leif) Harre on September 19th, 1936, in Exeter, Nebraska and passed away June 9th, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 21 days. She was the eleventh child of fifteen children.

Joan was raised in Exeter. She attended St. Stephen’s Catholic School and then Exeter Public High School.

Joan was married to Verlyn Kuska of Exeter, on August 10th, 1957. They moved to Lawton, Oklahoma in 1958. They spent the next few years moving around Nebraska and finally settled in Exeter in 1963. To this union were born three children: Ron, Wayne, and Connie.

While raising her three children, Joan worked a variety of jobs. Her favorite jobs were being a cook at Exeter Public School and a housekeeper/cook at St. Stephen’s Rectory.

Joan loved to cook and spend time with her immediate family, siblings and granddaughters. She enjoyed doing yardwork, kept a big garden, and loved to feed and watch birds. Joan and Verlyn loved to dance and listen to polka music. She was very involved in St. Stephen’s Catholic Church.

Joan was preceded in death by Verlyn Kuska, her loving husband; Ronald Kuska, her dear son; her parents John and Theresa Harre; brothers and sisters; Reta Mae Coffey, Paul Harre, Lawrence Harre, Kenneth Harre, Gladys Coffey, Jerome Harre, Eugene Harre, Aloysius Harre and Patricia Hansen.

She is survived by her son, Wayne (Terri) Kuska of Overland Park, Kansas; her daughter, Connie (James) Bayless of Lincoln; daughter-in-law, Colleen Kuska of Exeter; her four granddaughters, Andres (Scott) Davis of Lincoln; Katie Bayless and fiancé, Jake Kuhn of Lincoln; McKenzie (Erik) Bruening of Omaha; and Kylie Kuska of Council Bluffs, Iowa; her siblings, Evelyn Coffey of Fairmont, Doris (Richard) Nicholas of Exeter; Jeanette Paulus of Loveland, Colorado; Francis Harre of York; and Leona Smith of New Braunfels, Texas.

Obituary Ronald J. "Butchie" Kuska

 

Ronald John Kuska was born in Friend, Nebraska on July 28, 1958, to Verlyn and Joan (Harre) Kuska. After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Ron passed away on June 6, 2021, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 62 years, 10 months and 9 days. Ron was the oldest of 3 children and loved his siblings dearly. He attended St. Stephen’s Catholic School and Exeter Public School, graduating with the class of 1976.

At the age of 13, Ron began working construction, first for Dick Erdkamp, next for Wayne Petersen and eventually, starting his own business, RK Construction. He then took a job at Exeter Public Schools as a custodian for 15 years. Ron still had the desire to be involved with construction, so he started working at Lincoln Lumber and finally, for the last year and a half, at Seward Lumber. He had a way with his customers. His experience and knowledge of lumber materials made him an outstanding salesman. He had customers call him from near and far.

While working at the school, Ron met the love of his life, Colleen Ohnoutka. Ron and Colleen were married on August 4, 2001, in Weston, NE. They enjoyed their time together, whether it be with family, friends or just going out for a quiet evening. Ron and Colleen went on several vacations, with Branson being one of their favorites. Ron’s most loved trip was his 50th birthday party in Las Vegas! What a time he had!

Ron’s nieces and nephews were his pride and joy! He looked forward to any time that they could come to Exeter. He left them with many fond memories of attending their sports and school activities, taking them for golf cart rides, teaching them how to drive, taking them swimming and playing many card games and games of hide-and-seek. He knew this actually gave him the opportunity to act like a kid again!

Butchie, as he was affectionately called, loved Exeter. When he started employment out of town, he would come home and ask what had happened in town during the day, fearing he had missed something big!! He was involved in various organizations and activities. For 35 years, he was a member of the Exeter Fire & Rescue Department. He had a very caring way with the people he tended to on rescue calls. Ron was also a member of the Sons of the Legion and the Knights of Columbus. For a few years, he coached Little League Baseball and truly enjoyed it. He was a dedicated community member!

Ron’s big heart was his trademark. He would help anybody who needed something. The word “No” was not in his vocabulary when it came to others. If there was a card game of some sort being played, he was involved. A trip to the casino was mentioned, and he was ready to go in seconds! Ron had the pleasure of having more than 60 first cousins. He loved every one of them and made his best effort to see them whenever schedules allowed.

Ron was preceded in death by his dad, Verlyn; and grandparents, John and Julia Kuska and John and Theresa Harre.

He is survived by wife, Colleen, Exeter; mother, Joan, Lincoln; brother, Wayne (Terri) Kuska, Overland Park, Kansas; sister, Connie (James) Bayless, Lincoln; in-laws, LeRoy & Lil Ohnoutka, Weston; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Kevin & Deb Ohnoutka, Kansas City, Missouri; Brian & Linda Ohnoutka, Lincoln; Craig & Barb Ohnoutka, Valparaiso; nephews, Kenny Ohnoutka, Scottsdale, Arizona; Travis Ohnoutka, Lincoln; nieces, Andres (Scott) Davis, Lincoln; McKenzie (Erik) Bruening, Omaha; Katie Bayless & fiancé, Jake Kuhn, Lincoln; Kylie Kuska, Council Bluffs, Iowa; Laura (Paul) Ganow, Gretna; Ashley (Tyson) Carlson & Braxton, Valparaiso; Brittany Ohnoutka, Lincoln; Katie Ohnoutka, Lincoln; Rachael (Reese) Graue & family, Kearney, Missouri; and Melissa (Chris) Bolek & family, Kansas City, Missouri. Ron is also survived by a multitude of friends and extended family, who had special places in his heart.

Ron loved being the life of the party and making people laugh. His hearty laugh, booming voice, sense of humor, jokes and fun-loving ways will truly be missed. As Ron’s cousin, Kevin Harre, appropriately said, “Heaven just got a whole lot louder and a heck of a lot more fun!” Rest in peace, Butchie!

Exeter-Milligan Update: View from the front office

 

VIEW FROM THE FRONT OFFICE

WOW – where did the 2020-21 school year run off to?  Before we know it, we will hear Pomp and Circumstance and send kids home for the summer. It has been an exciting year, filled with many firsts and also some second-guesses.  Overall, looking back, it has been a successful one. We are ecstatic we had the opportunity to have in-person delivery of instruction and participate in all of our school activities.  We are truly blessed to have everyone’s support during this trying year.

Unfortunately, we have not had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers as we have in the past.  As I reminisced about the “good ol’ days”, one speaker who left his mark is Olympic gold medal winner, and Shelby native, Curt Tomasevicz.  His visit had three main points and I would like to put my spin on those points.

            The first point is to remember where you have been.  There is something to be said about experience.  As a beginning teacher, I did not have that experience to draw on once I had my own classroom.  Everything was new to me and I had to experience the good with the bad.  I soon discovered what was taught in college was not exactly how it happened in real life.  Over time, I was able to recognize this and draw on my experiences to help ford the way.

            However, this point also has a flip side to it. As Bon Jovi sings,” Who says you can't go home. There's only one place that call me one of their own.”  We must always remember where we came from.  Those people, places and things have shaped us into who we are today.  Our experiences, where we came from, have helped guide us on our fantastic journey and we must never forget that.

            We must also remember who we are.  Each one of us has a central core of beliefs, beliefs that are developed from where we’ve been and our experiences.  These core beliefs help guide us on our path in life. However, we must not deviate from these core beliefs, these principles.  Compromising these core principles will lead to forgetting who we are and what we stand for.  It will also deviate us from where we are going – it will push us in the wrong direction.

            Throughout all of this, we have to keep focus of where want to go.  The experiences that we’ve had have helped shape our core, but we must have a focus in mind.  This translates into goals. We must always remind ourselves, “OK that’s fine, but where do I go from here. How does this help me in MY journey?”  Without a clear focus of where want to go, we will be like petals in the wind – blown about by forces we cannot control.  This can also shake us from our core beliefs and lead to a destructive path.

            We will say goodbye to three members of our Timberwolf family at the conclusion of the year.  Angie Murphy will step away after spending the last 27 years helping mold our students into musicians. As she departs from our family, she takes with her experience and knowledge that is irreplaceable.  We wish her well in her new endeavor and hope she will always remember where she came from. Angie, you will be missed!

            Beth Vavra steps away after helping for the past 27 years. She has helped keep the South Campus in ship shape and also takes with her institutional knowledge that we can never regain.  We wish the best for her as she enjoys her “retirement.”

            Treven Cerveny will step outside his comfort zone as he moves on to a new endeavor with Gretna Public Schools. We have seen him grow from that “fresh faced” rookie to a seasoned veteran who is able to tackle any issue that comes his way – even the dreaded puberty talk with the 6^th grade boys. 

We wish each the best but also hope they remember where they have been.  Each has left an indelible mark on all of us at Exeter-Milligan.

            In a few weeks, we will say goodbye to 12 seniors.  Our goal is to help set these 12 young adults on that righteous path – helping them set a translucent focus of where they want to go. We also want them to remember where they came from and who they are.  Seniors, always remember, who says you can’t come home? I have enjoyed having each one in school and getting to know them as individuals – we started our careers together at E-M 13 years ago! As one of my college professors used to say, “Study hard.”  I would like to add one point to that tidbit of information - enjoy what life has to offer.  Take the talents you have been given and expand on them.  Don’t do just enough to get by, do what it takes to get ahead.  Be the leader of the pack – the view is much better. As Mrs. Kroll would say, “Be the bird!”

            Thought for the month - In life, what appears to be an end is actually a new beginning.