Exeter-Milligan Update: 8th Grade Science

Science Happenings by Grant Gabel

In my 8th grade Earth Science class, we are currently on the
Unit covering Plate Tectonics. This is the theory that
continents have moved slowly to their current locations.
Earthquakes and volcanoes are the direct cause from this
theory. We sit above a layer of molten rock called the
mantle; the crust is the part of Earth that consists of all
landmasses and floats on the mantle. Plates shift and
collide leading to destruction, much like what happened in
New Zealand a couple weeks ago. A major earthquake struck
this region along a transform boundary. Along this type of
boundary plates grind and slide past one another causing
seismic waves to race towards the crust, or the part of the
Earth that we live on. I had my kids either do a movie or a
pod cast talking about this natural disaster. Students had
to do their project similar to a newscast. I thought this
was a very beneficial project because I had students talk
about current events along with the curriculum.

Pictured are AJ Underwood and Zachary Kroll during their
presentation.

Lady Timberwolves Season Ended Prematurely

Exeter-Milligan Lady Timberwolves lost a hard fought battle to the Howells Bobcats Thursday afternoon at Lincoln Southwest High School.  The score stayed close the entire game but the Bobcats just edged out the Timberwolves 42 -39 handing the Timberwolves only their second loss on the season. 

Exeter-Milligan Update: Third Grade Math

Third Grade News by Casey Pohl

The third grade students at Exeter-Milligan Public School
have been working hard on learning their multiplication
facts!  Each day we do ice cream math to help us learn.  The
students start with multiplying by two's.  After they pass
the two's, they have earned a bowl for their ice cream!
With each number they pass, they earn a bowl, a spoon,
scoops of ice cream, and of course delicious toppings!  Each
day they are getting closer to their party and mastering
their multiplication facts!

Pictured is the 3rd grade. front L-R: Hunter Ostrand, Cayden
Hartmann, Anna Sluka, Kayla Geiger, Caitlin Murphy, Doc
Jindra, and Wyatt Motis.
Back L-R: Max Zeleny, Brooke Poppert, Jacy Schlueter, Caleb
Horne, Ryan Sharp, Eli Johnson and Ty Underwood

FCCLA News

Exeter-Milligan FCCLA STAR participants had great success at the recent District #10 STAR events.  The following participants are listed with their awards:

Amanda Dinneen - No, Means NO! - Silver Medal

Meredith Emshoff - Autstic, Not the "R" Word - Bronze Medal

Liz Murphy -Stem Cell Research - Gold Medal

Kelsey Moore and Becca Vossler - Practice Safe Text - Gold Medal and advancing to State

Megan Waldron - Should I do it? - Depression and Suicide - Gold Medal and advancing to State

Toni Bossaller - Cyberbullying - The New Generation of Hate - Silver Medal and advancing to State

Deidre Stevens and Janey Due - Stranger Danger - Silver Medal and advancing to State

Erica Yound and Brooke Manning - The Risk Is a Click Away - Gold Medal and advancing to State

CRC Honor Band and Choir

The Cross Roads Conference Honor Band and Choir will be held on Tuesday, March 15th.  Congratulations to Exeter-Milligan students Amanda Dinneen, Linsey Klemm, Deidre Stevens, Kelsey Moore, Jennifer Pribyl, Cody Soukup, Tyler Manning, Jalen Maxson and Rebecca Vossler for their selection to the group.

Exeter Pack 218 Holds Blue and Gold Banquet and Pinewood Derby

Exeter Scout Pack 218 show their cars and their medals after their Pinewood Derby.  They are pictured in the front row from the left Ben Bartu, Braden Capek, Alec Schlueter, Jackson Beethe and Clint Oldehoeft.  Second row from the left are Peytan Brandt, Johnny Babula, Eric Olsen, Joey Bartu, Cayden Hartmann and Travis Gilliam.

Exeter Pack 218 celebrated the birthday of Scouting Sunday, February 27th at the Exeter American Legion Home.

To open the evening Webelos Scout Joey Bartu welcomed the crowd and led the group in the flag ceremony and pledge of allegiance.  Webelos Scout Johnny Babula led the group in a prayer before supper was served.

After everyone enjoyed the meal Duane Daake, a Commissioner of the Prairie Winds District of the Cornhusker Council gave a presentation on the Friends of Scouting program which helps provide funds for the local council. The local council, Cornhusker Council, employs a district executive for each district who are an integral part of a support system for local packs, troops and crews.

The Cub Scouts then gave a lip synced performance with puppets they had made which to their song “Scouts are the Champions” they adapted from the Queen song.

After the puppets, Cubmaster Leesa Bartu gave out the scouts awards starting with Tiger Cubs Alec Schlueter, Braden Capek and Ben Bartu.  Each of these boys received their Bobcat award, in which they learn the scout law, motto, handshake, and salute.  They also achieved the rank of Tiger Cubs.

Next were the wolf scouts. Jackson Beethe received his Wolf badge and Clint Oldehoeft, who only recently joined scouts was awarded his Bobcat badge and is over halfway done with his Wolf badge.

The Bear Scout, Cayden Hartmann, brought several samples of his projects to show on the display table including his wood tool caddy and his soap carving. He received his Bear badge along with 6 arrow points which he received for doing electives.

Webelos I scouts Peytan Brandt and Johnny Babula both received their Webelos Badge and completed many of their activitiy pins both receive a compass badge and one compass point.  They are well on their way to completing all of the activity pins in the Webelos book.  The Brandt family also completed the family award as they have for the last six years.  Babula, guided by his minister Pastor Karla Sheffy of the Milligan United Methodist Church, completed the God and Family award. He received his religious medal and his religious knot. 

The religious knot and the arrow of light are the only two things that a cub scout can wear on a boy scout uniform.  Three Exeter Cub Scouts received their arrow of light awards Sunday evening.  Travis Gilliam, Eric Olsen and Joey Bartu all received this highest award in Cub Scouting.  They will be participating in a cross over ceremony at the end of March.

After the awards the focused was turned to the Pinewood Derby.  Prior to the meal each boy was interviewed by Lance Larsen, Assistant Scoutmaster at Troop 359 in Cordova and Robert Rhodes who serves as the Committee Chair to Troop 359. They boys were asked several questions about the creation of the cars, the tools they used and their design inspiration. For 32 years Stanley Rhodes of Cordova has generously provided his track and his talents to run the Pinewood Derby. Some of the scouts and their fathers have run derby cars on the same track.


The boys were divided into two different categories by age, the Tiger Cubs and Wolf Cubs and the Bear and Webelos scouts. After racing each boy in their category twice the judges, Mrs. Mari Lyn Poppert, Exeter-Milligan Elementary Principal and Mrs. Julia Polak, Exeter-Milligan Fifth and Sixth grade teacher, recorded the winners.

The top two winners in each division raced each other with Peytan Brandt taking first place overall, Clint Oldehoeft in second place and Joey Bartu in third place. In the stock show category Eric Olsen took first, with Joey Bartu in second and Cayden Hartmann in third.  The modified show had Peytan Brandt in first, Brayden Capek in second and Ben Bartu in third. 

Cubmaster Choice awards were Alec Sclueter in first, Jackson Beethe in second and Johnny Babula in third.  Travis Gilliam was first in the Fan Favorite Category and Clint Oldehoeft took second.

The evening was completed with a closing flag ceremony by Joey Bartu and photos of the scouts with their cars and medals.

Exeter G.F.W.C. Woman's Club Art Show on Display at Exeter Library

 Various artwork by Exeter-Milligan students.

 Fort by Peytan Brandt

 Various Student Artwork on Display at the library.

 Various Student Artwork

 Artwork, Crafts and Photography by Woman's Club members

 Photo by Judy Dinneen

 Art by Mariah Ruhl, Senior

Artwork by Cayden Hartmann - Third Grade

Exeter-Milligan Participates in County Government Day

The Exeter-Milligan American Government class attended
Fillmore County Government Day on February 24, 2011 in
Geneva.  Students had the opportunity to learn about the
various functions of the County offices.  The students
participated in the Annual County Government Jeopardy
contest.  Fifty questions about state and county government
were asked to random participants from all schools using the
Jeopardy format.  The final jeopardy question was "The year
the Courthouse was built."  All three schools answered the
final question correctly and Exeter-Milligan won the contest
by scoring 1050 points, Fillmore Central finished second
with 1040 points, and Shickley finished with 400 points.

The class also participated in the Mock Trial against
Fillmore Central.  The court case was State of
Nebraska(Exeter-Milligan) v.s. George Stevens(Fillmore
Central).  Exeter-Milligan had to prove George Stevens was
guilty of Stalking on six different elements.  Fillmore
Central came out on top as the jury found George Stevens,
not guilty.  Students who participated in Mock Trial were:
Claire White(lawyer and witness), Becca Vossler(lawyer),
Quinten Loontjer(lawyer), Jalen Maxson(lawyer), Blake
Mark(lawyer), Michael Schoop(witness), and Brady
Bristol(witness).

County government day was a excellent learning opportunity
for the students.  Fillmore County does a great job hosting
this event.  We would like to thank all of the County
Government officials and the American Legion for all the
work they put in to this event.





Exeter-Milligan County Government Day Participants.  Back
row:  Brady Bristol, Nate Bigelow, Coleen Colson, Britni
Kotas, Lana Kennedy, Quinten Loontjer.  Front Row:  Nolan
Beatham, Michael Schoop, Claire White, Blake Mark, Jalen
Maxson, Becca Vossler, Trevor Rainey.


Chris Lewandowski
7-12 Social Science/Technology Coordinator
Exeter-Milligan Public Schools

Obituary Lori Lea Becker

  Lori Lea (Neemann) Becker was born January 20th, 1962 to Roger (Gator) and Dorothy Faye Neemann in Lincoln, Nebraska. She lost her battle with cancer February 20th, 2011. She was the oldest of four girls. Lori was baptized March 25th, 1962 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Cordova, Nebraska.

         Lori attended Clinton, Riley and General Arnold schools in Lincoln and later graduated from Lincoln High in 1981. After graduation she moved to Exeter to work with her parents at Gator's Pub.

         On June 19th, 1986 she married Stephen Daniel Becker in Geneva, Nebraska and to this union four children were born, Roger Gerald, Connor Leo, Crystal Ann and James Daniel.

         While her children were at home Lori ran a daycare and balloon business. Lori then worked for the Exeter-Milligan schools until the time of her illness.

         Lori loved collecting tins and found a lot of them at auctions and garage sales. Lori made several videos for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. She loved hanging out with her girlfriends.

         She is survived by her husband Steve of 24 years. Her children: Roger, Lincoln, Connor, Crystal and James, Exeter; mother Faye Neemann, Exeter; Sisters and Brothers-in-law Angie (Jeff) Hansen, Cordova, Shellie (Kent) Olsen, Beaver Crossing and Sherri (Travis) Due of Cordova Brothers-in-law and wives Tim (Sharon) Becker, Turpin, OK and Dave (Denese) Becker, York. Sister-in-law and husband Geri Lynn (Ken) Kerby, Bellevue. Grandmother Esther Deterding; Aunts and Uncles, Annabelle Neemann, Ruth Ekeler, Dale and Kay Miller, Miles Snell, Bob and Marty Mitchell, Jay and Jo Woodward, Ron Hughes and Ernestine and Gene Felton. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins.

         Proceeded in death by her father, Grandparents Edwin and Emma Neemann-Kasl, Step Grandfathers Joe Deterding and Leo Kasl. Uncles Arwin and Don Neemann, Raymond Snell and Willy Ekeler. Aunt Arlene Snell. Cousin LuAnne Neemann Bosley. Father and Mother-in-Law Gerald and Margaret Becker. Sister-in-law Teddy Becker. 

Funeral services were conducted from the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 with Father Tom Kuffel, Father Robert Barnhill and Father Kenneth Borowiak officiating.  Shirley Milton accompanied the congregation who sang “Amazing Grace”, “You Are Mine”, “One Bread One Body”, “Song of Farewell” and “How Great Thou Art”, and Jessica Ruhl who sang “Only A Shadow.”  Casket bearers were Kent Olsen, Ty Becker, Travis Becker, AJ Hansen, Chevy Hansen and Steve Briske.  Honorary bearers were Brayden Olsen, Eric Olsen, Emma Olsen, Macy Due and Tyler Due.  Interment was in the Exeter Cemetery with Farmer Funeral Home incharge of the arrangements.  Memorials are directed to the family for later designation.

Fillmore County Extension Update: Grassland Days

Views from VanDeWalle

Brandy VanDeWalle, UNL Extension Educator in Fillmore County

February 23, 2011

62^nd Annual Milligan Grassland Day – Entrepreneurship Topics

Tuesday, March 1^st will be the 62nd annual Milligan Grassland Day with registration at 9:30 A.M. and the morning program beginning at 10 A.M. at the Milligan Auditorium. This year’s program features a look at rural entrepreneurship in southeastern Nebraska. Vaughn Hammond, UNL Extension Educator will provide a look at how various small business owners in southeastern Nebraska are turning their talents into success. A panel of local entrepreneurs will follow including but not limited to the following: Kim Slezak, Everlasting Light Images; Dave Welsch, direct marketing of poultry and beef; Carey Potter, Pour House Tasting Room; Chloe Diegel & Alex McKiernan, Robinette Farms; Sharon Auld, Awesome Pretzels; and Reid Ely, Ely Farms. Lyndsey Pohlmeier, UNL Extension Assistant in Fillmore County, will give a brief overview of the 4-H project ESI which is a project focusing on developing entrepreneurship skills for youth.

In the afternoon prepare to laugh along with our speaker, Susan Brown, retired UNL Extension Educator, as we learn the importance of laughter in our lives. We finish up the afternoon with highlights of the LEAD International Study Travel Seminar to Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica provided by Deanna Karmazin, UNL Extension Associate in Lancaster County. Contact our office for more details at 402-759-3712.

Soybean Population On Farm Research Study Results

With rising input costs, producers were interested in looking for ways to reduce input costs. The objective of the soybean population study was to look as the effect of lowering soybean seeding rates and its effect on yields and economic return. Two replicated plots were conducted in 2006 and 5 in 2007 and 2008 for a total of 12 field length replicated plots in York, Seward, Hamilton, Fillmore and Clay Counties. These trials were on 30 or 36” row in no-till, ridge-till or conventional tilled fields with planting time seeding rates of 90,000, 120,000, 150,000 and 180,000.

Observations we saw were that typically most plantings resulted in about 90% of the stand that was seeded. The lower populations had more branching and as the populations went up we had less pods per plant, but in most cases we had somewhere between 5 and 6 million pods per plant. The thicker the populations, the less pods per plant and the thinner the population, the larger plants with more pods.

Over the 3 three year 2006-2008, the 90,000 population yielded 64 bu./acre; 120,000 population yielded 64.8 bu./acre; 150,000 population yielded 65.0 bu./acre; and the 180,000 population yielded 65.4 bu./acre. That’s less than a bushel and a half difference in yield as a result of doubling the seeding rates and costs!

This past year a producer in Hamilton County seeded soybeans at 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 with yield results of 69.5 bu./acre, 71.8 bu./acre, 73.6 bu./acre and 72.7 bu./acre. We’re not recommending going to 60,000, but that 120,000 seeding rate gave us both optimum yield and economic yield. I hope you’ll consider giving it a try on some fields or at least conduct your own on farm trial! For more detail information about the results go to http://cropwatch.unl.edu, then under related resources click on the farm research tab on the left hand side of the page. It will be the top article on that page.

Upcoming Events:

Feb. 23^rd - Pesticide Safety Ed. Program, 1:30 p.m., Ag Hall – Fillmore Co. Fairgrounds,

Geneva AND 6:00 P.M.

Feb. 24^th – Farmers & Ranchers College (Economics Mgmt & Outlook Conf.), 9-2:30 – Fillmore

Co. Fairgrounds, Geneva

Mar. 1^st – Milligan Grassland Day, Milligan Auditorium, 9:30 registration, 10-3:30 p.m.

Mar. 10^th - Pesticide Safety Ed. Program, 9:00 a.m., Shickley High School Gym (Free water

testing from Shickley FFA; bring your samples)