Fillmore County Development Corp Update: Brown Bag Workshop

“Water Cooler ‘Talk’- Keys to Effective Teamwork and Customer Service” was the topic at the Brown Bag Workshop held on January 24^th with Carmen Schwab of Lincoln as the presenter.

Over 90 people attended the one-hour Brown Bag Workshop during the three sessions that was held at the community room at Heritage Crossings. The Fillmore County Development Corporation Leadership Development Committee sponsored the workshop. Partial funding was provided by the Fillmore County Foundation.

Schwab offered the participants an opportunity for personal and professional growth using an entertaining and interactive style. She reminded participants that the true writer of their paycheck is the customer and that everyone in a business has a role to play to give the customer a great experience. She also encouraged participants to make it personal, make it an experience, and pay attention to their body language when they work with customers and colleagues. In the end, how do we create that “distilled” water cooler talk both internally and externally that shows we’ve given great customer service and been effective team members.

Fillmore County Foundation Grant applications available

Applications now available

for Fillmore County Foundation Grants

FILLMORE COUNTY – Groups, organizations, or communities seeking funding for projects may find a source of assistance through the Fillmore County Foundation.

Grant applications will be accepted through Wednesday, February 22, 2012 by 4:00 p.m. Applications must be submitted by this date to be considered at the Fillmore County Foundation semi-annual meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 2012.

Grant awards are made each March and September. After the last application period approximately $3,000 was awarded. Application forms are available at the Fillmore County Development Corporation office, 1032 G Street, Geneva, during regular office hours or you may request an application by email lentfer.fcdc@genevamail.com by telephone at 402-759-4910 or go the website www.fillmorecountydevelopment.org/News.html

Current application forms with the February 22, 2012 deadline date must be used. Persons with questions about the grant program may contact the Fillmore County Development Office at 759-4910 or Evelyn Volkmer at 759-3114 or Scott Oliva at 629-4446.

First National Insurance Acquires Dinneen Agency

First National Insurance Agency CEO Alan Emshoff with longtime Dinneen Agency owners J.J. and Judy Dinneen.

First National Insurance Agency Purchases Dinneen Agency

Ed Mark, President of First National Insurance Agency, Inc. (FNIA) announced that the agency has purchased the Dinneen Insurance Agency of Exeter effective December 13, 2011.

The Dinneen Insurance Agency began operation in 1936 when J.J. Dinneen’s grandfather became licensed to sell insurance for Farmers Mutual Hail of Iowa. Dinneen’s father J.W. took over the business in 1951 until a car accident limited his involvement in the business. J.J. became an agent of the Dinneen Insurance Agency in 1985.

J.J. stated “I am happy to sell our agency to First National Insurance Agency. We have found Ed Mark and his staff to be very knowledgeable and helpful.” Dinneen remarked, “I have enjoyed my years representing Farmers Mutual Hail.”

FNIA President Ed Mark praised the Dinneen family for their longevity in the insurance business. Mark also commented “With this acquisition, we will strive to provide the same quality service that J.J. provided to his customers.”

Established in 1964, FNIA is a locally owned and operated "Trusted Choice" Independent Insurance Agency. In addition to now offering crop coverage with Farmers Mutual Hail of Iowa, they also offer RCIS, John Deere and Rain Hail companies.

Exeter-Milligan Update: American Government class

Mr. Jordan Marr’s junior American Government class at Exeter-Milligan is currently studying the presidency. To gain insight on the role of president, the students are in the process of researching past presidents to see the impact these men had on the world. Part of the process requires each student to pick a president of their choosing and present to the class information pertaining to various aspects of that person’s life. Along with presenting the information, they are to create a poster for their president. Ashley Miller is seen here working diligently on her poster of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Exeter-Milligan Update: First Graders at the Exeter Senior Center

 

Cade Kresak and Cece Murphy counting money with Darlene Becker at the Exeter Senior Center.

 

Mrs. Sharon Lott's Exeter-Milligan first graders had an enjoyable time at the Exeter Senior Center on Wednesday, January 11. We counted money for them, did flashcards with them and showed them some addition and subtraction games we use to practice our facts on the I Pads.

The seniors baked cookies, popped popcorn, and made juice for us for a snack at the end of time with them. We will come back to visit again in February for a Valentine's Day Party and the first graders will make the snacks this time.

Exeter Cub Scouts Prepare for Blue and Gold

Exeter Cub Scouts just have a few meetings before their biggest event of the year, their Blue and Gold Banquet and Pinewood Derby.  They have been busy finishing up their badges, preparing invitations for the event and getting ready to make some decorations to fit their theme of snowflakes

 Exeter Cub Scout Blake Meyer and his mother, Heather Meyer, working on pocket knife safety skills carving some soap.

Dean Bartu, left, helps Braden Capek, right, build a stand for his Pinewood Derby car as the pack prepares for the Blue and Gold Banquet.

 Tiger Cub Marcus Krupicka decorates an invitation to the Exeter Pack 218 Blue and Gold Banquet with the scout symbol and some snowflakes to match this year's wintery theme.

Boy Scout Joey Bartu, left, helps Webelos Scout Johnny Babula mark and assemble a display stand for his pinewood derby car.

Bear Scout Jackson Beethe models the binoculars he carved out of soap.

Obituary: Ann Pospisil

Ann (Morgan) Pospisil was born to William (Colonel) and Eva (Tous) Morgan on June 30, 1916 in West Blue Township, York County, Nebraska, the seventh of eight children. She died peacefully in the presence of family on January 13, 2012 in Exeter after 95 very full years of life. 

Ann was married to Lewis Dale (Tobe) Pospisil on August 3, 1937 in Geneva, Nebraska. From this union, eight children were born.

She was raised in the Catholic faith, attending parochial school in Exeter , and graduating from Exeter High School. She received Normal Training to prepare her for teaching in a rural school until marriage.

She lived most of her life in the Friend and Exeter area but spent 4 years near Burwell which she said was one of the happiest periods of her life.

Ann loved flowers and always had beautiful gardens wherever she lived. People walking by her home in Friend always stopped to admire her flowers and enjoy her company. She never met a stranger and always made friends wherever she went. Ann was a member of the Turkey Creek Homemakers and Altar Societies of Friend and Exeter.

Children were a source of constant joy to Ann - not only her children, grand-children, great-grand-children, great-great-grand-children, but all children she came in contact with. She was active in school activities, serving on many committees throughout her children’s school years and even after the last child graduated from Friend High.

She loved celebrating her birthday, so much so she took great pleasure in celebrating her “birthday month”. She and her family were able to enjoy one last celebration for her 95th birthday in 2011, with an open house attended by her wide circle of friends. Memories of her happiness on that day will help her friends and family remember her with great affection and carry on her joyous spirit in the years to come.

Ann rejoined the Catholic Church later in life, becoming a member of St. Joseph’s parish in Friend and later at St. Stephen’s parish in Exeter, where she was a member at the time of her passing. Her strong faith was an extreme comfort to her throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her seven siblings, one grandchild and one son-in law. She is survived by Dale and Karen Pospisil of Hastings, Larry and Karolyn Pospisil of Surprise, Patti and Dean Krueger of Council Bluffs, IA, Joel and Janet Pospisil of Friend, Bob and Sandra Pospisil of Santa Rosa, CA, Marcia and Gene Mika of Lincoln, Rosemary St. Louis of Lugoff, SC, and Tobin and Lea Ann Pospisil of Prospect, KY, and numerous grand-children, great-grand-children, great-great-grand-children and nieces and nephews.

Her devotion to her family, courageous acceptance of life’s challenges, and genuine friendliness won for Ann the high regard of all whose privilege it was to know her.

A Funeral Mass for Ann was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Exeter with Fathers Tom Kuffel and David Bourek officiating. James Pospisil accompanied Jessica Ruhl in the singing of “Amazing Grace,” “Let All Mortal Flesh Be Silent,” “Ave Maria,” “I Am The Bread Of Life,” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Pallbearers for the service included Todd Pospisil, Joe Pospisil, John Pospisil, Craig Pospisil, Taylor Pospisil, and Brian Mika. Honorary bearers were Lori Brandt, Dean Crawford, Mark Crawford, Alan Pospisil, Angie McFarland, Jim Pospisil, Cole Pospisil, Jacki Bliss, Mike Pospisil, Todd Pospisil, Dean Pospisil, Sheri Durand, Karla Morton, and Shelley Mika. Interment was held in the Exeter Cemetery. Memorials are directed to the Exeter Fire & Rescue, Masses for St. Stephen’s, or to the Pospisil Family. Farmer Funeral Home of Exeter conducted the arrangements.

Death Notice: Ann Pospisil

Services for Ann will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Exeter, NE with Fathers Tom Kuffel and David Bourek officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter. A Rosary service will be Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Exeter. Memorials are directed to the Exeter Fire & Rescue, Masses for St. Stephen's Catholic Church, or to the Pospisil Family.

Obituary Robert Spires Jr.

Robert Spires, Jr., 87, of York, formerly of Exeter, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 in Lincoln.
He was born Aug. 16, 1924 in Clarks to Robert and Nettie I. (Ernst) Spires.

He graduated from Clarks High School. He retired, as a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol, after 27 years of service. He then worked for the Nebraska Public Service Commission, from which he retired after 10 years of service.

He was previously a member of the Exeter United Methodist Church and was a current member of the First United Methodist Church in York. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.

He enjoyed gardening, bird watching and spending time with his family. On Nov. 18, 1947 he was married to Donna Mae Land in Central City.

He is survived by one son, Spencer Spires of York; four daughters, Vicki Kopsa of Lincoln, Kathy (Dennis) Volkmer of York, Sheila (Thomas) Ekeler of York and Michele (Jerry) Woollen of Lincoln; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Eileen Hansher of Columbus and Beverly Schuele of Columbus; and two brothers, Tom (Pat) Spires of Clarks and Dennis (Charlene) Spires of Atwood, Kan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, one infant grandson, one infant granddaughter, one infant great-grandson, two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in York with Pastor Art Phillips officiating.

Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in York. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday, at Metz Mortuary in York, with the family receiving friends from 7- 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.metzmortuary.com.  Metz Mortuary, York, is handling arrangements.

Obituary: Lenora Hass

Lenora Hass was born on August 23, 1923, in Crete, NE to Anton and Helen Kupka.  She went to dance with her husband, Renye, in Heaven on January 2, 2012, at the age of 88.  Her growing up years were spent in Crete doing a variety of jobs.  During high school and a year after graduation, she sold tickets at Lyrie and Isis theaters.  Lenora taught school in Saline County from 1941-1946.  In May of 1946, she was a bank teller for City National Bank.  Being a teller at that time also involved typing, using the posting machines and anything else that needed to be done.  In 1945, she worked at Stover Candy Co in Lincoln.  Lenora also volunteered to make bandages at the Red Cross during WWII.

The Kupka family always loved music.  Her Dad played many instruments and was in a band.  The Kupka sisters sang together every chance they got.  Lenora and Renye enjoyed their Saturday nights dancing at Pla-Mor with family and friends.

On October 14, 1948, Lenora married Renye Hass. She taught school again at District 5 in Fillmore County from 1950-1952.   Into this union, three children were born; Maribeth, Marsha and Bob.  She worked side by side with Renye on the farm.  This city girl learned to collect eggs, catch the chickens to butcher, make great sandwiches to take to the field, tend a mean garden and learn how to cook on a wood-burning stove.  She was a great cook taking care of not only her family, but her neighbors and church family too.
When the children were old enough to fend for themselves after school, she went to work for Bethesda Care Center for 1 ½ years in housekeeping in April 1971.  Maribeth was their bookkeeper, but went off to college in 1971, so Lenora took over the bookkeeping job from Sept 1971 to 1984.  Her teaching skills were called for again when she became Russell Clark’s companion from 1986 to 1999, keeping his mind active with games and puzzles and encouraging him to go for walks down the hall.

Lenora was a fifty-plus year member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and a 75-year member of WFLA Lodge #3 and a 63-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. 
She is survived by daughters Maribeth (Dave) Stone, St. Peters, MO; Marsha (David) Swanstrom, North Platte, NE; son Bob (Jackie)  Hass, York, NE; granddaughters Michelle Stone, Indianapolis, IN; Angela Hass, Aurora, NE; sisters Dorothy Rejcha, Beatrice, NE; Leona (Ed) Jirak, Boise, ID; nephews Jim (Susie) Boise, ID; Tom (Susan) Layfette, CO; niece Jana Jirak, Lansing, MI; and many cousins and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Funeral services will be conducted from the United Methodist Church in Exeter, Nebraska on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Ray Underwood officiating.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter. Leonard Krasser gave the Eulogy.  Delores Bailey accompanied Jim Jirak who sang "Just As I Am Without One Plea" and "Amazing Grace."  Casket bearers were Anthony Nun, Matthew Nun, Alan Michl, Al Hosek, Bob Jungst and Kelly Homolka.  Interment was in the Bohemian National Cemetery.  Memorials are directed to the family.