EMF Students Make History at Class C All-State Band

For the first time since consolidating, Exeter-Milligan-Friend represented their school at the Class C All-State Band, bringing five student musicians to this well-known statewide event. On Saturday, March 28, Logan Krupicka, Kiley Oldehoeft, Tucker Svec, Deacon Erdkamp, and Beau Becker joined some of the top young musicians from across Nebraska in Kearney, marking it a significant milestone for the EMF music program.

Mark Perez, who has previously brought students to Class D All-State, noted that while structural differences exist between the two classifications, the level of competition remains equally high, “The main difference was that Class D All-State has a jazz band and Class C All-State does a junior high band, Perez said. “I believe that both are highly competitive.”

Preparation for All-State begins months in advance, with students committing to practice schedules outside of regular class time. Auditions take place in January, requiring dedication and discipline from those hoping to earn a spot. “Students usually find out if they are placed in an honor band a couple of weeks after auditions are due,” Perez explained.

This year’s event held special significance, as it marked the 40th anniversary of the Class C All-State Band. To commemorate the milestone, organizers commissioned composer Larry MacTaggart to create an original work for the Wind Ensemble.

The piece, titled, “Never Forget,” carried deep historical and personal meaning. Inspired by World War II and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, as well as the composer’s connection to his wife’s uncle - a prisoner of war in Germany - the composition offered students a powerful musical experience.

Adding to the uniqueness of the event, MacTaggart attended rehearsals and worked directly with the ensemble. “The composer came to work with the conductor and the musicians on how to perform the piece with his vision in mind,” Perez said. “To be able to do a world premiere of a piece is an experience that many musicians do not get to have, so it was really unique for my students to be a part of it.”


Performing a piece written specifically for the honor band gave students a rare glimpse into the creative process behind music composition. According to Perez, the experience allowed students to better understand the dedication and thought that goes into crafting a musical work.


Beyond the performance itself, the impact of the All-State experience extends into students’ personal and musical growth. “I think that students get to experience performing music at a high level with other great musicians throughout the state,” Perez said. “It pushes them to be better musicians and leaders for themselves, but also our own band at EMF.”


With competing at Class C All-State, EMF’s band program has taken an important step forward, setting the stage for continued growth and excellence for years to come.

Quiz Bowl Sweeps Competition at American Bowl

On Wednesday, April 1, two of EMF's high school quiz bowl teams swept their division earning both 1st and 2nd place trophies.  Additionally, they outscored the other 16 teams by well over 200 pool play points each, and were placed in the “middle” division composed of mainly class C to lower B schools.  If you happen to see them, please congratulate them on their amazing performance.

Happy Easter

 

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.