Exeter-Milligan and Friend to Coop Football Next Fall

The hot topic at Wednesday evening’s Exeter-Milligan school board meeting in Exeter was high school football.

This season the Timberwolves started the season with just 13 players.  Due to injury, they have struggled to field a team of eight players, playing several weeks with just nine healthy players.

Mid-season, Superintendent Paul Sheffield held a meeting with all  7 -11th grade boys.  The students were given information on the three options for the football program including continuing as an 8-man program, dropping to six man football or joining with Friend for a cooperative.

According to Sheffield the original survey showed the boys preferred to stay on their own by a 15 percent margin.  Sheffield reissued the survey the week before the school board meeting and the results were 50/50 to stay on their own or go with Friend.

With those results in hand Sheffield, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Dean Filipi along with the activities committee of the Exeter-Milligan school board (President Sharon Kuska, Board members Adam Erdkamp and Kendra Oldehoeft) met with their counterparts at Friend.  

Erdkamp reported on the meeting with Friend during Wednesday evenings school board meeting.  He noted that they had a fairly generic conversation with Friend.  “We communicated we were open to the idea of cooping.  We did not get down to any specifics.  During the Friend School Board meeting they did vote to enter a two year coop with us in a 5-0 vote with one board member absent.”

Friend Superintendent, Dave Kraus, also reported the positive nature of their boards vote.  “Our board voted unanimously to accept a coop agreement with Exeter-Milligan.  I think it will be great.”

Kraus noted both class sizes and lower numbers in participation at Friend, “I think you see it state and nationwide with participation numbers lower.  At the Pioneer Conference superintendent’s meeting most of schools were debating  what to do.  This isn’t just an isolated conversation, it’s becoming statewide.”

Sheffield gave more detail including the fact that the combined school would be D-1 and would still be eligible for playoffs even when looking at a four year attendance projection.

Exeter-Milligan and Friend have had a coop for Junior High football for the last three years.  There is one more year on the coop contract for Junior High.

Kraus commented on the success of the junior high coop, ” The coop with junior high has been very successful.  I think the kids have really enjoyed it.”

Sheffield explained that Exeter-Milligan would be the designated host school in the coop and would supply the head coach along with two assistants.  Friend would supply two assistants and Exeter-Milligan would be the NSAA contact.

“The intent of coop was to be able to provide a JV and Varsity team. Dean (Filipi) sees the merits in both.  We would have enough kids we would be able to field both.”

Friend has had several JV games this year but Kraus explained that it wasn’t a true JV team as they had many from the varsity filling in the roster.

For Friend, Kraus mentioned this is more about opportunity.  They were in a position identical to Exeter-Milligan with three options, stay on their own, go six man or coop.  The advantages they saw in coop with Exeter-Milligan were numerous, “In just being competitive.  If we were to go to six man I don’t know how many years we would stay and have to learn a new game style and then maybe go back to eight man.  By cooping we will stay more competitive with resources from just down the road.”

Sheffield went on to explain that the home football games would be split 50/50 with two home games in Friend and two in Milligan.  Any playoff games would be played in Milligan on even years and in Friend on odd years which is included in the agreement.

Fairness was a big factor for the Friend district, Kraus commented, “Our biggest thing when we met with the activities group from Exeter-Milligan was that we wanted to be fair and equitable for both sides.  No one school getting more than the other.”

“It’s about opportunities. Our schools mission is to offer opportunities for kids.  That’s what we keep going back to, offer the opportunities for them to be competitive and to experience success as well.”

fter Sheffield shared the specifics on the agreement the board opened the discussion to the audience.

Erdkamp initiated the dialogue, “My mindset is why push forward if we don’t have any interest.  Find out if everyone is open to considering it.  It’s a hard choice.  I think obviously we want the kids to be in the best position.  If you look at the numbers going forward it becomes an issue with participation rates. . .  We have a working relationship with kids in the junior high level.  The kids have played together.”

Kuska added her thoughts, “The opportunity for a JV team is an important aspect.  I don’t want to see the kids thrown into the situation where they aren’t physically and mentally ready to handle that yet.  I see JV as an opportunity to develop athletes.  Development is so good for them.”

Kuska was also concerned about the longevity of the deal.  She noted that this was part of the discussion with the Friend committee.  “If your numbers come back up are you going to drop out of this and then we are left holding the bag so to say?  They said, no at this point in time they are not looking at a great influx in population – looking at it as a long term opportunity.”

The discussion moved to what it meant for the game.  Board member Tim Pribyl was glad for the team to stay in the 8-man game, “Some of the lineman don’t have the opportunity (in 6 man) like they do in 8 man.”

Audience member Kyle Svec asked about the numbers for next year’s combined team.

Sheffield responded that Exeter-Milligan would have between 12 and 14 and Friend would have 12. “The problem we have now is we have 29 boys in the high school with only 13 going out.  That is less than 50 percent.”

Sheffield also noted that a decision has to be made by November 1.

Another audience member Travis Due expressed his concern, “If we don’t do this and Dorchester goes to six man or Friend ends up with Dorchester we are left out here with nothing.”

Exeter-Milligan Assistant Coach Kory Kahlhadt was asked his opinion, “I grew up with a Freshman, JV and Varsity team.  I think it’s important to have JV.”

After asking if everyone had the opportunity to voice their opinion, President Kuska called for a decision.  Erdkamp made a motion to coop with Friend for 8 man football for a two year contract (the amount allowed by the NSAA) and Pribyl seconded. 

Before the vote took place, Sheffield informed the board that once the vote passed that was all the participation the board would be involved with.  The board passed the measure unanimously.

Sheffield and Kraus will meet this week to “iron out details such as transportation and coaching, the minor details to make a program work,” according to Kraus.

Kraus concluded, “Friend was really hoping this would work out.  We were all crossing  our fingers, and not just the school but the community as well.  We have the Purple Ribbon meat program together and junior high football, our relationship is growing.  We want that to continue.  We are neighbors, all in the same business working with kids to give them the best opportunities we can.”

Exeter-Milligan Falls to Meridian at CRC Finals

 Above: Tara Mueller serves to Meridian in the first set.

The Timberwolves posed with their runner-up plaque and medals from the

Crossroads Conference Volleyball Tournament this week.  Pictured in the front row from the left:  Katherine White, Tara Mueller, Hannah Beethe, Katie Mounce, and Kate Jansky.  Middle row from the left:  Student Manager Emma Olsen, Daisy Kanode, Jaiden Papik, Alexis Turrubiates, Anna Sluka, Cammie Harrison, Student Managers Cameran Jansky and Jozie Kanode.  Back row from the left: Student Manager Madison Luzum, Assistant Coach Laura Kroll, Head Coach Darcy White, Assistant Coach Katherine Smith and Student Manager Kiah Songster.

They lost in three straight sets to the D-1 Meridian Mustangs.  In the first set the Lady Timberwolves tied it up 20-20 but fell just short with a final of 25-20, second 25-21 and the third 25-13.

 The coaches and players were excited about a stuff the Timberwolves executed.

 The Exeter-Milligan crowd got fired-up at the CRC finals after a point for the Timberwolves.

 The Exeter-Milligan team celebrated a big stuff on Meridian in the CRC finals.

 Anna Sluka digs the ball for Katherine White to set.

 Kate Jansky sends the volleyball back over at Meridian.

 Katherine White gets an ace!

 Hannah Beethe goes up to block Meridian.

 Kate Jansky gets the block on Meridian.

Tara Mueller sends the ball back over the net to Meridian who handed the Timberwolves a loss at the CRC finals.

 Katherine White tips the ball over through the hands of Meridian.

 Hannah Beethe slides the ball through the Meridian block with Katherine White and Tara Mueller watching.

 Exeter-Milligan super fans were ready for the "white out" at the CRC finals.

 The Exeter-Milligan band played as the Timberwolves warmed up at the CRC finals.

Notice of Abandonment

Exeter-Milligan Playing for CRC Championship tonight

Exeter-Milligan will meet the Meridian Mustangs tonight in the CRC Championship at the York Auditorium tonight at 7 p.m.  If you can't make it to the game you can watch it live on STRIV
STRIV

or listen on KTMX 104.9

Death Notice: Alva Smith

A Memorial Service for Alva will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Exeter. Pastor Dave Coleman will officiate the service.

Burial of Ashes with Military Honors will be held at a later date at the Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska. Exeter American Legion will conduct the Military Rites.

Memorials are suggested to the United Church of Christ or the Exeter American Legion.

Cemetery Upkeep

The Exeter Cemetery board is trying to unify the look of the cemetery by drilling holes in the cement bases the stones are placed on to insert any metal flagholders from organizations.  This photo shows how they have drilled into the stone, placed the holder and caulked around the hole.  This will help maintain the flags at the same height and prevent them from being moved or lost.  If you would like this done to a stone you are responsible for the Cemetery board requires that you give permission before the work is done (free of charge).  Please call Sharon Cuddaback at 266-2431 if you would like to give permission for this to be done.

Free Webinar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Heidi Garvin, GROW Nebraska (402) 518-1282 or info@grownebraska.org.

FREE Training – Be Prepared! Big Changes are coming to the Food Industry

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·         Frequently Asked Questions

Stephanie Peterson is not a self-proclaimed 'foodie'; she would be better categorized as a chocoholic with a sweet tooth. With one Master's degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, 12 years of lab experience, and seven years of lab management, Stephanie fearlessly leads the foods technologists at Midwest Laboratories. As the Manager of the Food & Beverage Lab, her areas of expertise include analytical testing and nutritional labeling. Stephanie continues to broaden her culinary horizons as a member of the Institute for Food Technologists (IFT). She’s an expert, and she’ll ensure you’ll come away from this webinar with action items and insights. Sign up now!

The trainings are free, open to the public, and you can participate from any location where you have internet or phone service. 

Register now for this FREE training and save the date on your calendar: October 19 at noon (CT).  Registration is required at www.grownebraska.org to receive connection information.

This month's training is sponsored by the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center and GROW Nebraska.

Each month GROW Nebraska features a different presenter and topic related to marketing or small business on our call-in format Third Thursday Trainings (T3).  Visit www.grownebraska.org for information on future training dates and topics. 

GROW Nebraska is a nonprofit membership organization, serving over 400 Nebraska small businesses. The organization provides market access, education, and training to launch and connect Nebraska businesses to the global marketplace. GROW Nebraska’s educational programs and scholarship opportunities are funded in part by federal and state funding, along with generous support from foundations and individual donors. For more information, please visit www.grownebraska.org.

Exeter Village Board Approves Street Project

By Leesa K. Bartu

The Exeter Village board approved two sets of prior meeting minutes, the September monthly meeting along with the special budget meeting, before approving the bills to open their October meeting on Wednesday, October 4^th.

The board quickly dove right into the main topic of discussion, the proposed construction projects, including paving and a downtown renovation. They first held a downtown improvement district hearing which required any objections to be written.  As there were no objections presented to the board, the hearing was closed.

There were some questions during the last village board meeting as to costs on the changes the board wanted to make on the construction bids.  The downtown project showed no additional costs so the board reviewed the figures and then moved onto the street improvement project discussion.

The board took some time to review the change orders issued on the street improvement project.  The change orders removed Liberty from the new paving and the southernmost block of Union Avenue, adding a half block of Seneca and all of Missouri Avenue from the repaving.  The changes also included a bid for the costs of concrete crushing.

Exeter resident Gary Dumpert attended the meeting and had several questions about the street project.  As a resident on South Missouri Avenue, Dumpert questioned the board on removing the street from the project and wondered about the implications for the Black Hills Energy natural gas line project.

Michl confirmed that Missouri Avenue had been removed from the project and assured Dumpert that they hoped to repave Missouri Avenue in a few years.  

JEO representative Nathan Boone assured Dumpert and the board that he had been in contact with Black Hills Energy.  “The gas line is deteriorating but they know that our project on Missouri is up in the air.” 

The board discussed the possibility that Black Hills will be able to replace the natural gas line even if the Missouri project is not completed.

Dumpert asked why Missouri had been removed and Michl responded it was because of funding.

Board Member Mitch Schlegelmilch added, “What we are worried about is when they use Missouri Avenue while East Boundary is closed (for repaving).”

Michl responded, “In a couple of years I feel we should be able to do four or five blocks financially because we will have some things paid off.”

The board continued to discuss the street project while veering off to discuss assessments.  Michl noted that residents have “a lot of options.  They can pay (the assessment) all at once, they can go to the county and work out payments, go to the bank and get a loan or visit with their home finance company and add it to their mortgage.  The County will add it to the property tax bill but will charge you interest.”

The board moved back to discussing the Werner Contract, “The change order reflects all the things we talked about in the last meeting. Adjustment to the schedule is not included.  This has been a wet fall and so they (Werner) prefer to start in the spring and have everything completed before the start of school.  This is for the street project but I’m not sure on the downtown project,” explained Boone.

Michl consented, “I think maybe that would be better because nobody wants to deal with a mess in the winter.”

The board approved the change orders, which deducted $402,490.02 from the contract, in a motion.  Michl signed both the original contract with Werner and the change order to alter the project.

Dumpert asked for some details on the downtown project and the board explained the project will include new water hook ups and new services to the businesses if they are needed.  The project also will install new lightpoles with power underground.

Boone noted that for next month’s meeting he will have the change order on the schedule for street improvement, a change order for the schedule for downtown and some other paperwork to complete.

He added, “We will schedule pre-construction meetings in the spring but I will coordinate with Black Hills now and with Perennial to let them know they have some time to move the poles (that are currently too close to the street).”

Ameritas Representative Brad Slaughter moved to the board table to answer questions about the bonding for the projects.  He explained that the information on the paperwork he distributed “was the same including yearly payments on the new projects just shy of $150,000 per year.”  

“We can kick the can down the road until you need the money. . .We will fund the full construction costs once the construction is completed.  We can bond the amount then because you will know your cash situation better.  No hard core decisions have to be made right now.”

Waiting until Spring may give the village an advantage because this will delay creating the bonds until later which will allow the village to pay off the current street bonds before issuing the new bonds.

Slaughter noted that he would return to the board in January or February to lock in the interest rate, “There are not a lot of bond issues marketed in January so it will be a good time.  We will fund the two different projects, but the bond will be together with the first payment in the first quarter of 2019.  The project is the perfect size.  It’s affordable for you.”

After concluding the street and downtown project discussion the Board invited Brenda Motis, director of Fillmore County Senior Services, to report on the senior center.  Motis gave a rundown on the current Senior Center advisory board along with highlighting some of their activities for the year.

The Senior Center received a grant from the Exeter Community Foundation and they had a new reception desk built by Cornhusker State Industries.  The Senior Center used the grant to pay for the materials for the desk since there was no labor charge.  They also recently received an Emmanuel Vision Foundation Grant for $1500 which they may to use to place an awning on the front of the building.  The village board advised Motis to make sure to coordinate any exterior changes with the downtown renovation project.

The Senior Center board made some changes to their corporation, changing the name from the Exeter Golden Agers to the Exeter Senior Center.  They also had to change the agent and chose Exeter Village Clerk Becky Erdkamp to fill the position.

Motis distributed a copy of the budget to board members and noted that, “I am pleased to say the senior center is still a self-supporting entity.  Our budget was just under $10,000 and we were under on expenses and revenue looks good.”  

The Board voted to pay both the South East Nebraska Development District and Fillmore County Development Corporation dues requests.

Vice-Chairman Tim Wilbeck voted against the requested funds, noting, “I think it’s a great thing but what does Exeter see?  We see very little.”

Next on the agenda was the change in membership on the library board.  Board member Laura Pulliam is moving out of town and Kathleen Wilbeck offered to fill the position. The board approved the change with Wilbeck abstaining.

The board discussed a request from Dale Erdkamp who wanted to sell a portion of the property adjacent to the water tower for $1500.  Board discussed the property location and value and decided to offer $1000.

John Mueller, Village Maintenance Supervisor, opened his report by asking if the board wanted to tar any of the streets this year.  Michl and Schlegelmilch both voiced the opinion that the village should wait a year with all of the other street projects.

Mueller reported that a freeze kit to work on the water lines costs $600.00.   Wilbeck immediately voiced his interest.  “When we have a water break we can freeze the line.  Get it, it’s well worth the money.”

Mueller and Michl noted that the storm sewer work on Kiowa was done with the help of Tom Husa who also helped with a recent water line issue.

Clerk Beck Erdkamp reported that she is working with the new Keno operator to finalize the paperwork.  For August Keno funds were $1629.51 and sales tax for July was $9017.08.

The board set the next meeting for Election day, November 7^th at 7 p.m.

FCEM Headed to State Softball on Wednesday!

Congrats to the Fillmore Central/Exeter-Milligan District Champs Softball Team!  The ladies beat Friend, Twin River and Centennial (12-3) to take the Championship.
They will play at 9 a.m. on Wednesday in Hastings!  Get your T-shirt orders into the Exeter site by 11 a.m. TODAY!  Go FCEM!!! Take State!!!!


York's Max Country http://1049maxcountry.com/  will be broadcasting the softball games during State Tourney Listen at KOOL103.5FM 1370AM