EMF 7-12 Spring Concert

 Photos courtesy of the EMF Journalism class.

EMF Girl's Track Team

 

Photo courtesy of Leesa Bartu. The EMF girls track is pictured from the left (front row): Selah Petersen, Kaydence Haase, Babe Weber, Kiley Oldehoeft; (second row) Sophie Weber, Gracie Vyhnalek, Cheyenne Krupicka, Aniston Meints, Lindsey Landis; (top row) Brogan Staskal, Meredith Paulsen, Miley Ricenbaw, Makenna Pedersen, Ensley Stahl, Emily Bartels, Aubrey Schluter and Lyra Fennell.

Obituary: Leonard J. Chlup

A celebration of life will be held in Leonard’s honor in Fillmore County, Nebraska, in early summer 2026. Details to be announced at a later date.

Leonard J. Chlup was born to James and Rose (Kvasnicka) Chlup on June 25, 1939, on the family farm in Exeter, Nebraska, and passed away on March 7, 2026, surrounded by his family at home in Crowley, Texas at the age of 86.

Leonard grew up on the farm in Exeter. Proud of his Czech heritage, he embraced polka music throughout his life. He began playing the trumpet at age 12 and in 1955, joined the U‑Neta Orchestra, performing several nights a week while completing high school. His musical journey led him to bands that included The Royal Five and the Math Sladky Band—one of Nebraska’s most renowned traditional polka bands. His trumpet playing was featured on many recordings and radio broadcasts, and he performed to audiences across the Midwest, Texas, and Canada. In 2011, he was honored with induction into the Musicians’ Hall of Fame in Milligan, Nebraska, for his lifelong dedication to promoting Czech music.

Leonard proudly served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting in October 1961. He performed radar duties aboard the destroyer USS Morton (DD 948) and also served as the ship’s bugler. His naval service took him around the world and included duty during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in February 1966, and his veteran status remained a lifelong source of pride. He and his wife, Carolyn, enjoyed attending reunions with his shipmates over the years. Leonard’s service later inspired his granddaughter, Emma Zimmerman, to follow in his footsteps and enlist in the Navy in 2025; he proudly attended her graduation and gave her a heartfelt salute.

Leonard met his wife, Carolyn J. Hupka, at a polka dance while home on extended leave in 1965. They were married in June 1966 at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they made their home and raised their three children—Jim, David, and Julie. The family created many memories on camping trips throughout Nebraska, often caravaning with relatives and friends, including camping on the family farm in Exeter. His kids and grandkids were the pride of his life.

Leonard’s working years included early jobs as a cabinet maker, and he was later employed by the Soil Conservation Service as a cartography printer for many years. In 1982, his job relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, and the family settled in Crowley. Leonard subsequently joined the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, where his attention to precision, printing knowledge, and memorable personality earned him recognition as one of the facility’s senior pressmen.

Leonard retired in 2002 and though he had left the farm, the farm never left him. After inheriting a portion of the family farm in Exeter, he pursued his lifelong dream of building a cabin overlooking the prairie on the south 80 acres—a place that had lived in his heart since childhood. During retirement, he and Carolyn spent many summers at the farm as part of the local community, welcoming their kids and grandkids for visits. Leonard’s vision was that the farm would become part of their heritage and birthright. Additionally, Leonard and Carolyn spent their retirement years camping throughout the US and spending many weekends attending athletic events, concerts and other activities of their grandchildren.

Although he retired from performing polka music after moving to Texas, Leonard continued sharing his musical gifts at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Burleson, Texas. For more than 30 years, his trumpet echoed through the chapel, enhancing worship at both English and Spanish masses. He was beloved at the church and recognized as Musician of the Year in 2015.

Leonard loved his family, dogs, Shiner Bock, fried chicken gizzards, Czech food, polka music, old movies (particularly westerns), popcorn, vintage pickup trucks and hot rods, dancing in the kitchen with daughter Julie, woodworking, playing dominos, and many evenings sitting on the porch of his cabin with Carolyn and his family enjoying sunsets across the Nebraska prairie. He and Carolyn enjoyed going out to breakfast and raising their coffee cups each morning with a praise of “Thank you, Jesus!” to begin each day.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn (Hupka) Chlup of Crowley, Texas; his children, Jim Chlup and wife Cyndi of Mansfield, Texas; David Chlup and wife Kristin of Fort Worth, Texas; and Julie Zimmerman and husband Steve of Arlington, Texas; as well as his sister, LaVerne Kempkes of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Leonard was a proud grandpa to Cameron Chlup and Carson Chlup (children of Jim and Cyndi); Lauren Chlup and Lily Chlup (children of David and Kristin); and Ethan Zimmerman and Emma Zimmerman (children of Julie and Steve).

His best friends were Tom Murphy of Lincoln, Nebraska, Johnny Halama (deceased) of Milligan, Nebraska, and Melvin Motis (deceased) of Exeter, Nebraska. He was also a second dad to his kids’ many friends, who affectionately referred to him as “The Main Dude.”

EMF Boy's Track Team

 

Photo courtesy of Leesa Bartu. The EMF boys track team is pictured from the left (front row): Zayde Arp, Keltyn Kirchhoff, Hunter Svehla, Caleb Black, Christian Conley; (second row) Adrien Mueller, Andrew Fennell, Evan Brahmstedt, Gabe Covarrubias, Tucker Borgman, Mason Stephens; (third row) Grady Bresson, Elijah Oceguera, Titus Petersen, Kameron Schluter, Derek Conley, Truman Milton; (top row) Gavin Mueller, Gehrig Weber, Zonder Arp, Dane Anderson and Beau Becker.

EMF Boy's Golf Team

 

Photo courtesy of Leesa Bartu. The EMF Boys Golf team pictured from the left, (front row); Keisyn Kirchhoff, Brenson Brandt, Maddux Milton, Deacon Erdkamp; (second row) Head Coach Matt Nicholas, Bob Milton, Jaxson Brandt, Neal Scott, Logan Krupicka, Will Kallhoff; (back row) Rylan Bartels, Jacob Spohn, Cohen Harre, Brett Kallhoff, Ty Svehla, Tucker Svec and Assistant Coach Jordan Marr.

What's New on the Library Shelves? | Mystery/Thriller Edition

 Check out these new books at the Exeter Public Library.

The Fair Weather Friend by Jessie Gracia

The next gripping domestic suspense novel from Jessie Garcia, author of The Business Trip, an AudioFile Best Audiobook of 2025.

It's always sunny in Detroit for Faith Richards. The popular TV meteorologist, endearingly referred to as "The Fair Weather Friend" by her viewers, has the world by the tail. But one night, Faith leaves work on a dinner break and never returns. Her body is found the next morning.

The town is reeling, suspects emerge, and long-buried secrets are uncovered. While her allies rally, her list of adversaries also grows. Little does anyone know that only the deepest secrets will expose the truth.

In this riveting thriller, Jessie Garcia's signature multi-POV, rapid-fire style will propel you into the heart of a mystery no one could have forecasted.

The Murders in Beacon Hill by Elle Gray & K.S. Gray

FBI agent Olivia Knight has seen her fair share of shocking and gruesome cases.
So much so that she trained herself to expect the unexpected.
But when she is called onto a case in a sleepy small-town of Beacon Hill.
A case involving a brutal stabbing with the words…
“Death is inescapable. I am your penance.”, written in blood.
Olivia finds herself sleepless and unable to shake off the chilling words of a bloodthirsty killer.
After a second victim is found. The case takes another bizarre turn.

What are the connections between both victims?
What is the killer’s true motive?
And most importantly who will be next?

When Olivia gets a personal threat from a cloaked man that calls himself "The Messenger", she realizes that she is being watched.
Lives are on the line. A deranged killer is on the loose.
Will Olivia be able to save herself and keep the body count from rising?

Killing Hope by Stephen H. Arnold

A gripping crime thriller packed with aviation secrets, murder, and Southern suspense.

When a deadly storm hits rural Tennessee, a private plane is pulled from the depths of Tick Springs Lake. At first glance, it appears to be a tragic aviation accident, but quickly turns into a chilling homicide investigation.

TBI Special Agent Dani York, a decorated Marine turned homicide investigator, is assigned the case. The local sheriff is overwhelmed. The FAA wants answers. Politicians want it buried, and the media smells blood.

As Dani digs deeper, she uncovers more than a crash—she uncovers a conspiracy. The evidence leads to a secretive megachurch, a powerful Southern family, and a grieving husband with too much to lose. With time running out and pressure mounting from all sides, Dani’s only ally is an FAA inspector who pushes boundaries like she does. Together, they must follow the trail through forensic twists, government interference, and high-stakes deceptions.

Killing Hope delivers a high-stakes blend of mystery, murder, and suspense with a strong female lead, ripped-from-the-headlines realism, and a chilling web of secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Behind Enemy Lines by R.J. Patterson

When a routine black ops rescue goes awry, Black returns with more than just a left-for-dead pilot in tow — he's stumbled upon a secret operation with seismic implications that could shake the very foundations of the U.S. military to its core. As Black and his off-the-books team start to unravel this mystery, they find themselves caught in the crosshairs of a deadly conspiracy aimed at permanently silencing them.

If Black has any hope of exposing the corruption and getting justice, he'll need to evade capture and take down the one man who wants him dead above all else...the President of the United States. With the clock ticking and traps at every turn, the disavowed agent will need every trick up his sleeve to complete his mission and make it out alive. The hunters are about to become the hunted in this explosive thriller!

Game of Shadows by R.J. Patterson

Titus Black wasn’t the trusting kind of guy, even for a black ops agent. And when he ventures into Russia to bring home a missing scientist, Black learns some information that makes him question everything he’s known to be true about his director, J.D. Blunt.

Meanwhile, Black and the Firestorm team uncover a treasonous plot from one of the most powerful men in congress. As Black’s worlds converge, he must thwart an assassination attempt or face dire consequences, including the end of the very organization that keeps his country safe from terrorists of every kind.

The Woman Behind the Door by Elle Gray & K.S. Gray

This is a story about an ordinary woman, a mother of two.

To most women, to most mothers, her life is relatable in every way.

Except behind closed doors, her truth comes with unimaginable consequences.

Amid a night of fun and festivities, Isabella Walker found herself alone with a bold, masked man at her front door.

Unable to fight off her would-be abductor, the mother of two soon found herself a victim of extraordinary and grim circumstances.

FBI agent Olivia Knight has investigated her fair share of bizarre cases.

New Girl in Town by Elle Gray & K.S. Gray

WANTED - A picturesque new town, a fresh start, and a much-needed escape from the constant reminder that the world is still full of bad guys.

For FBI agent Olivia Knight that perfect place is Belle Grove, a charming small town in Northern Virginia, a place hidden by lush greenery and away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
This quaint town checked all of Olivia’s boxes and it seemed to be the perfect place to give her the simple, quiet home life that she desperately craved.
A home life away from the Bureau, away from the sounds of sirens.
And most importantly, away from the grim nature of her job.
So, what sort of place does Olivia call home?
Well, in a cozy cabin, nestled in the woods.

FBI agent Olivia Knight sat on her comfy chair, reading her favorite novel.
Escaping into a world that no longer exists.
But in the dead of night, the darkness that she escaped from, found its way right to her doorstep…

DONATIONS NEEDED: Exeter Public Library LOL Club Snacks

The Exeter Public Library is seeking donations for individually wrapped snacks for their LOL Club. If you are able to contribute, please drop donations off at the library during business hours. 

EMF Junior High Track Team

 

Photo courtesy of Leesa Bartu. Fifth Row L-R: Assistant Coach Katherine White, Ethan Bartels, Liam Capek, Braxton Harre, Tommy Kallhoff, Corbin Stutzman, and Assistant Coach Jarod Belden. Fourth Row L-R: Head Coach Lisa Kanode, Dante Salnicky, Archer Kanode, Corban Fennell, Archer Engert, Kaden Haney, Devin Anderson, Brock Bruntz, Camdyn Kenney, and Peyton Zirkel. Third Row L-R: Blake Bruntz, Natalie Files, Kambryn Kirchhoff, Josie Johnson, Charlee Stutzman, Brooklyn Gomez, Landri Johnson, Kora Havel, and Sergio Alarcon. Second Row L-R: Trigg Svehla, Mav Files, Harley Hardesty, Rylee Rohren, Val Spohn, Adalyn Meints, Paxin Meints, Saydee Kassik, and Landon Bartley. First Row L-R: Zach Zirkel, Gracelyn Becker, Hannah Shonerd, Carlee Bresson, Sailor Lloyd, Ava Svehla, Maliyah Burchett, and Grady Arp.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

What's New on the Library Shelves? | Non-Fiction Edition

 Check out these new books at the Exeter Public Library.

Red Platoon Chronicles: A Soldier's Memoir by Boyd Jones

Explore the terrifying and inspirational experiences of troops sent into the heart of battle in Red Platoon Chronicles: A Soldier's Memoir. This engrossing biography explores the struggles and victories of Red Platoon in great detail, providing an unvarnished story of their journey from the front lines of combat to their introspective times back home.

The author leads readers on a captivating journey through friendship, selflessness, and the enduring human spirit, all while describing the story in vivid detail and with genuine passion. Every page conveys the deep effects of war on the lives of those who serve, from the tumultuous, adrenaline-filled madness of battle to the serene moments of companionship around the campfire.

Red Platoon faces dread, loss, and the unbreakable connections of brotherhood that get them through the worst of times as they negotiate the difficulties of war. They create ties that go beyond the confusion of combat when they have moments of clarity and connection through the fog of war.

Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton Romesha

The only comprehensive, firsthand account of the fourteen-hour firefight at the Battle of Keating in Afghanistan by Medal of Honor recipient Clinton Romesha, for readers of Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.
 
“‘It doesn't get better.’ To us, that phrase nailed one of the essential truths, maybe even the essential truth, about being stuck at an outpost whose strategic and tactical vulnerabilities were so glaringly obvious to every soldier who had ever set foot in that place that the name itself—Keating—had become a kind of backhanded joke.”
 
In 2009, Clinton Romesha of Red Platoon and the rest of the Black Knight Troop were preparing to shut down Command Outpost (COP) Keating, the most remote and inaccessible in a string of bases built by the US military in Nuristan and Kunar in the hope of preventing Taliban insurgents from moving freely back and forth between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Three years after its construction, the army was finally ready to concede what the men on the ground had known immediately: it was simply too isolated and too dangerous to defend. 
 
On October 3, 2009, after years of constant smaller attacks, the Taliban finally decided to throw everything they had at Keating. The ensuing fourteen-hour battle—and eventual victory—cost eight men their lives. 
 
Red Platoon is the riveting firsthand account of the Battle of Keating, told by Romesha, who spearheaded both the defense of the outpost and the counterattack that drove the Taliban back beyond the wire and received the Medal of Honor for his actions.