ODEGO Leadership Graduates

Front Left to Right: Mary Johnson, Shawnie Manthei, Kelly Nun, Kendra Jansky

Middle Left to Right:  Kim Slezak, Norman Marks, Christin Lovegrove, Susan Johnson, Shari Michl

Back row:  Todd Boller, Tyler Daly, Andrew Ley, John Wilkins, Marty Peppard

Odegeo. . . Leadership for Fillmore County Holds Graduation

The 2010-2011 Odegeo. . .Leadership for Fillmore County participants graduated from the nine-month leadership course on June 10^th. The event was held in the community room of Heritage Crossings in Geneva.

The speaker for the graduation was Dr. Richard Dudley, the former head of the Education Department at Doane College in Crete. He talked about the “skunk in the middle of the road” who doesn’t think past one answer to a problem. Leaders, however, work with others, get the facts, and determine a workable solution.

Rhonda Stokebrand introduced the graduates of the 2010-2011 Odegeo leadership class and their sponsors.

Todd Boller Fillmore County-Weed Dept

Katie Chaney Chaney Chemical

Brandie Conway Fillmore County-Sheriff Dept

Kendra Jansky Farmers and Merchants Bank

Tyler Daly Geneva State Bank

Mary Johnson Fillmore County Development Corp

Susan Johnson Edward Jones Investments

Andrew Ley Walter Insurance

Christin Lovegrove Heinisch Law Office

Shawnie Manthei M-C Industries/SunflowerMarketing

Norman Marks Self Sponsorship

Shari Michl Fillmore County Hospital

Kelly Nun York State Bank

Marty Peppard Fillmore County Hospital

Kim Slezak PC Nuts

Valerie Turner City of Geneva

John Wilkins Geneva State Bank

As each member received their plaque from on or the members of the Fillmore County Development Corporation (FCDC) Leadership Committee they gave a statement of what the Leadership sessions had given them. They then stated how they will use the knowledge and skills they learned to get involved in their community, work on an issues, run for office or serve on a board.

Amy Nelson, FCDC Leadership Development Committee member, recognized the 36 Fillmore County businesses who had helped sponsor lunches and snacks during the leadership sessions as well as the graduation lunch. Even more businesses and organizations shared information about their entities throughout the year as the Leadership class traveled from place to place learning about the various aspects of Fillmore County.

Patt Lentfer, Director of the Fillmore County Development Corporation, thanked the Leadership Development Committee members for setting up each of the leadership sessions throughout the year. Committee members are: Jean Engle, Jodi Kleinschmidt, Lynn Mussman, Amy Nelson, Jana Schelkopf, Gerald Slezak, Ronda Stokebrand, Kyle Svec, Karrie Waldron and Tyler Williams.

The Fillmore County Odegeo Leadership project is a countywide leadership program designed to identify, educate and develop leaders within Fillmore County. The class meets nine times a year to develop an awareness of the Fillmore County community by examining the major systems that contribute to patterns of life in the area. Persons interested in learning more about the Fillmore County Odegeo Leadership project should contact the Fillmore County Development Corporation at 759-4910, e-mail fillcodevco@windstream.net or go to www.fillmorecountydevelopment.org

Keno Returns to Exeter

 

 Rhonda Walford, left, takes numbers for Keno from R.W. Bruce while Shanna Thayer (middle) stands by to answer Walford's questions.

Keno returned to Exeter Wednesday evening June 8^th, at John E’s Bar and Grill downtown.

Administered by the Village of Exeter through Zeilinger’s Keno John E’s has already paid an $1800.00 winner according to bar co-owner John Graham.

During the Exeter Village Board meeting held in May, the board approved Resolution 11-4, which granted permission for John E’s to host Keno. The board reviewed the resolution and passed it unanimously noting that in the past Keno has raised over $100,000 in funds for the community.

The Exeter Village board reviewed Ordinance #377 which was passed December 3, 1991 and amended December 10, 1991 in a special meeting. Once amended the ordinance allowed for spouses of Village Board members and the Village Clerk to play Keno but restricted the Board Members and the clerk as well as on-duty employees at the bar from playing.

The Board decided to keep the ordinance as it was, maintaining a strict policy of playing. Graham was a little concerned with the restraints of the original ordinance but found the amendment workable.“We are excited to bring Las Vegas Style Keno Gambling to Exeter. We hope the Keno to bring additional revenue to the Village of Exeter. We are not a satellite of the Denton Daily Double but instead we have our own computer draw,” said Graham.

John E’s plans to hire an additional employee on weekends to help with the additional duties that the new gaming station requires but sees that as a boost to the community as well.

Exeter Village Board Chairman Alan Michl sees the return of Keno as a “win-win for Exeter, really a no-brainer. In the past Keno funds paid for the chasis of our attack truck for the fire department along with the new ballfield lights and part of the baseball fence.”

Currently the scheduled hours for Keno at John E’s will be Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday’s from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Other venues in the area also offer Keno including Milligan, Geneva and Waco.

Exeter Public Library Summer Reading Program

 Sue DeJonge shows the participants at the Exeter Public Library Summer Reading Program the shell necklace she purchased in Israel on her trip. 

 

The Exeter Public Library Summer Reading Program participants enjoy listening to stories from around the world.

 

Exeter Public Library has begun their summer reading program this year with the theme of  "One World, Many Stories."

 

The library solicited coins and dolls from all over the world for the participants which are now on display.  Books were also chosen to reflect the theme.  Kindergarten and first graders enjoyed their first session reading stories and making their own travel suitcase. 

 

During the month-long program the participants will be able to fill out travel vouchers for each book they read and turn them into the library for a prize drawing.

 

During the Monday session, second and third graders were able to hear a presentation from Exeter resident Sue DeJonge who traveled to Israel this year.  DeJonge shared her many experiences in the Holy Land, describing her ride on a camel and how the camel is suited to the desert.

 

DeJonge also shared with the participants about swimming in the Dead Sea and eating fish from the Sea of Galilee. She showed them pictures and some of the items that she purchased and collected on her trip.  The program continues throughout the month of June with more books to read and crafts to do.  Contact the Exeter Public Library to enroll or for more information.

 

SLIDESHOW ON SIDEBAR

Exeter Cub Scouts Participate in Day Camp

Exeter Scouts gather for a photo in one of the rooms at the Wessels Living History Farm. They are picture from the left, Jackson Beethe, Joey Bartu (volunteer from Boy Scout Troop 270), Ben Bartu, Alec Schlueter, and Mikey Bartu. Peytan Brandt is not pictured

 

Cub Scouts from all over enjoyed a day at Wessels Living History Farm near York on Saturday at the Prairie Winds District "Down at the Farm" day camp.

 

Scouts from York, Lincoln, Fairbury, Exeter, and Milligan enjoyed earning four different beltloops, which are not rank specific, throughout the day .

 

In the morning the scouts worked on the archery beltloop, learning about safety when using a bow and arrow at a range set up on the Wessels campus.  The boys also earned their map and compass belt loop.

 

During the map and compass session taught by Jason Amick, Cubmaster of Pack 173 in York, the scouts learned about directions and how to read a map.  They drew a map of their own neighborhood complete with a key.

 

After enjoying their sack lunches in the barn, the scouts explored the farm some more and headed to afternoon sessions which included shooting at a BB gun range, playing soccer, learning about dogs and playing the games of the 1920's.

 

One part of the day was learning about dog safety from Wessels Living History Farm Director Dale Clark. Clark brought his dog, Sailor, to teach the scouts the correct way to approach and pet a dog.  He also encouraged them to ask the owner of a dog before petting a dog and explained the importance of not distracting working dogs.

 

Clark shared some games of the past with the scouts teaching them to play a game of "steal the bacon" and showing them the toys of the past and letting them have some playtime with the toys of the grandparents and great-grandparents such as old scooters, tin can stilts, and metal hoops and sticks.

 

The Prairie Winds District encompasses nine counties in Nebraska as part of the Cornhusker Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

 Exeter Cub Scouts in Pack 218 learned about how a compass works at the Down at the Farm Daycamp at Wessels Living History Farm near York.  From the left Mikey Bartu, Alec Schlueter and Jackson Beethe examine a compass.

From the left Boy Scout Joey Bartu helps Jackson Beethe on the archery range while Dean Bartu helps Peytan Brandt.

Doctorate Earned

Derek Ryan Miller received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Des Moines
University in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the one-hundred and
 eleventh Annual Commencement Ceremony.  It was held on Saturday, May 28, 2011.
Derek is the son of Bill and Shari Miller of Clay Center.  His grandparents are Roger
and Suzanne Johnson of Exeter and Wilma and the late Donald J. Miller of Geneva, NE.
Derek will be doing his residency in St. Louis, MO for the next three years.

Exeter American Legion Post 218 Members Honored for 65 years of Membership

Ted Larsen

Del Jensen

Alva Smith

Richard Manning

 

 

Exeter Post 218 American Legion recently honored five of its members for 65 years of membership with the American Legion. All of these men served in World War II in a variety of locations. The men honored are Richard Manning, Ted Larsen, Alva Smith, Del Jensen and Frank Tauriella (not pictured).

Exeter Area Students Honored

NEWS RELEASE

LOCAL STUDENTS SELECTED FOR WHO’S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

LINCOLN, Neb. — Several Nebraska Wesleyan University students have been selected for “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” Selection is based upon students’ scholarship, participation and leadership in academic and extracurricular activities, citizenship and service to the university.

Honorees from the area are:

Exeter

Allee Kuska

Jenna Rhodes

NEWS RELEASE

NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

INDUCTED INTO HISTORY HONORARY

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nineteen Nebraska Wesleyan University students have been inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, a history honorary. Selection is based on students who complete 12 credit hours of history, maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.40 in history courses, and an overall grade point average minimum of 3.20.

New inductees include:

Exeter

Jenna Rhodes

Exeter Memorial Day Program

 The Exeter-Milligan Choir performed "Oh Brother, My Brother" accompanied on guitar by instructor Shane Whitford and Wyatt Clift. Performing from left to right are Ashley Miller, Mariah Ruhl, Meghan Miller and Kimberlin Ruhl.

 Part of the Exeter American Legion Post 218 Avenue of Flags.

 The Exeter-Milligan Band performed several numbers under the direction of instructor Shane Whitford.

 William Sullivan Post 218 members give the "salute to the dead."

Exeter-Milligan band members Blake Papik, right, and Jennifer Pribyl, left play Taps and Taps echo under the direction of music instructor Shane Whitford.

Despite high winds the Exeter community came out as usual to show their respect and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country.

 

The Exeter Cemetery was dressed with the avenue of flags standing at attention.  After the color guard placed the colors, Tim Wilbeck announced the program.  Father Tom Kuffel lead the prayer and the Exeter-Milligan band played the national anthem.

 

Exeter-Milligan seniors Kelsey Moore and Heather Pribyl both read pieces. The Exeter-Milligan choir performed "Oh Brother, My Brother" a piece about the fighting between brothers during the Civil War.

 

Wilbeck spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day, "honoring those who answered our nations call."

 

He also reminded those gathered that "the peace and freedom paid for with the lives of others sacrifice is meaningless without remembering."

 

He called upon those in the crowd to not forget.  "It is the thought that counts, it is personal acts of remembrance as well as public acts."

 

After Blake Papik performed Taps and Jennifer Pribyl played Taps Echo the crowd was invited to a reception at the Exeter American Legion.

 

At the Legion part of the choir performed "Oh Brother, My Brother" again and those attending were able to purchase poppies, see the poppy poster created by Exeter-Milligan students and also see the progress of the Legion Service Member scrapbook.

Exeter Alumni Banquet

 

Over half of the Exeter-Milligan Class of 2011 came to the Exeter Alumni Banquet.  They are picture in the back row from the left, Jameson Trauger, Landon Rhodes, Cody Soukup, Jake Wilkins, Amanda Dinneen, Zach Jensen and Andrew Colson.  Front row from the left are Mariah Ruhl, Tyler Manning, MiKayla Ruhl, Caroline Harre, Cassie Harre, Mikayla Bigeolw and Kelsey Moore.

The Exeter Alumni Association hosted their Annual Alumni Banquet Saturday with over ten classes represented.  The class of 2001 planned and hosted the event and were seated at the head table.

Each class was recognized during the evening event, sharing stories and introducing class members.  After a welcome from 2001 class member Allison (Michl) Bitz and a blessing by Jena (Tauriella) Johnson, Seth Jensen, a member of the class of 1991, took on his duties as emcee. He recognized Kendall Gloystein who had driven the furthest, from San Antonio, TX.

After the meal, Derek Betka, 2001, welcomed the class of 2011 who were well represented at the banquet. He gave out the awards from the alumni golf tournament.  Kelsey Moore, spoke on behalf of the class of 2011, thanking the alumni association for their invitation.

Jensen, with the assistance of Mitch Becker, introduced the honor classes.  The oldest class represented was the class of 1941, with one member, Leo Soukup, attending.  Soukup gave some poignant remarks talking about how much things have changed and remembering " my Dad gave $45 for a Model T so we could drive it to school, nowadays $45 won't fill up the tank of my car.  Hot lunches were served when I was a senior, before that we brought our dinner from home just like in country school."

Most classes shared a personal story from their years at Exeter and the class of 2011 chose their favorite story which was from the class of 1961, told by Jack Underwood.  They received the Eagle award.

Becky (Harre) Erdkamp spoke on behalf of the Exeter-Milligan School Foundation before Bitz conducted a business meeting of the association and Robyn Manning closed the program invitng all attending to the Legion Home for the alumni dance immediately following the banquet.

The Exeter Class of 1981 was represented at the banquet by these pictured from the left, Rena (Lee) Smith, Lori (Dumpert) Ruhl, Joe Dinneen, and Wade Hall.

The Exeter Class of 2001 hosted the Exeter Alumni Banquet and pause for a picture between their duties.  Back row from the left are Derek Betka, Mitch Becker, Erin Dinneen, Liz (Harre) Martin, Jackson Krecji, Jon Hall.  Front row from the left are Cantrell (Stokebrand) Harrison, Allison (Michl) Bitz, Jena (Tauriella) Johnson, and Robyn Manning.

 The Exeter Class of 1961 was well represented at the Alumni Banquet.  They are pictured from left to right, Sonny Hanson, Jackie (Erdkamp) Lindsay, Carolyn (Bender) Schuh, Rose (Luksik) Filipi, Arlene (Nolar) Anderson, Sheila (Elznic) Crays, Glady (Pribyl) Weber, Jack Underwood, Sandra (Hall) Horne, Larry Ekeler.

The Exeter Class of 1991 was represented by these pictured from the left Jeff Zeleny, Heather Due-Eberspacher, Seth Green and Lynne (Heffelfinger) Filipi.

 

The Exeter Class of 1951 was represented by these pictured from the left, Boyd Gentry, Sterling Dyer, Dale Due and Alice (Wilson) Plettner.  The flowers were in memory of classmate Bill Morgan.

 

The only member of the Exeter Class of 1941 who was able to attend the Exeter Alumni Banquet was Leo Soukup.

 The Exeter Class of 1956 are pictured at the Alumni Banquet back row from the left are Warren Thomsen, Don Nelson, Tom Dumpert, and Garve Chapman, The frontrow from the left are Delores (Couch) Hamilton, Carla (Gentry) Kaufman, Dalyce Due, Colleen (Jansen) Davis.

The Exeter Class of 1966 was represented at the banquet by three individuals pictured from the left, Cynthia (Stych) Harre, Jean Underwood and Joyce (Jurgensen) Votipka.

Electronic Recycling Event

Free Fillmore County Electronics Collection & Recycling Event

On Thursday, June 2nd from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. individuals, businesses, schools, government entities, and non-profits in Fillmore County may bring old and broken electronics to the East bullpen at 10^th & F Street, Geneva, Nebraska for recycling. Only bring recyclables on the day and time listed.

Computers and all other computer related equipment, copy machines, cash registers, printers, VCR’s, digital telephones and other electronic equipment will be accepted. Televisions cannot be brought, however. Sponsors reserve the right to refuse unrelated items. This event is limited to Fillmore County residents. A grant from Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is allowing this event to be free of charge.

Recycling provides a positive outlet and ensures that computer metals and other hazardous material contained in electronic equipment will not end up in a land fill or worse. This event is sponsored by and in cooperation with Trailblazer Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), Fillmore County Development Corporation and Fillmore County. The event is funded by a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. If you have any questions contact the Fillmore County Development Corporation at (402) 759-4910.