Obituary J.J. Dinneen

John Jerome (J.J.) Dinneen was born at home on the family farm south of Exeter on January 13, 1938, to John W. & Ferne L. (Brown) Dinneen. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 27, 2018, at Heritage Crossings Nursing Home in Geneva, Nebraska at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 14 days.

As a young boy, J.J. attended Rural School District 25 through the 5th grade. He attended St. Stephen’s Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from Exeter Public School with the class of 1955. After graduation, he worked for Fillmore County, driving a motor grader in the Exeter area. On November 14, 1959, J.J. and Judy McCabe, daughter of Elmer & Carolyn (Link) McCabe, were married. They were blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

J.J. and Judy started farming in 1962, and in 1978, they received the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Award for continued family farm ownership for over 100 years. J.J. also sold Farmer’s Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa, from an agency that his grandfather, John James Dinneen, started in 1934. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church where he proudly served for seventeen years as a Trustee. J.J. also enjoyed being a 4-H leader for the Handy Hands 4-H Club for numerous years and was a member of the Turtle Club.

J.J. and Judy took great pride in traveling to every town, incorporated and un- incorporated, in the state of Nebraska. They created a scrapbook of their travels and even presented information about their travels to various clubs. J.J. was an avid collector of many different things. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.
J.J. was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by wife, Judy; children John T. (Pam) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lisa (Jody) Rhodes of Paxton, Nebraska, Joe (Sharla) Dinneen of Exeter, Nebraska, Darrell (Beth) Dinneen of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Michael (Chris) Dinneen of Lincoln, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren, John R. (Victoria) Dinneen, Kristen (Andrew) Sievert, Matthew Dinneen, Ryan (Blair) Rhodes, Erica (Tyler) Turner, Brandon, Amanda, Jack, Lizzie, Tony, Luke, Colton, and Addy Dinneen; three great-grandchildren, Annelise Dinneen, and Rhett and Callie Turner; sister Mary Cashin of Lincoln, Nebraska; and many cherished friends.

A Funeral Mass for J.J. was held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. Father Steve Thomlison was the Celebrant. Agnes Anderson was the organist accompanying Cantor Greg Rehm in “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art” “One Bread, One Body,” and “Alleluia! Alleluia! Let The Holy Anthem Rise.” Lizzie Dinneen also sang “Ave Maria” a cappella.

Pallbearers for the service included John R. Dinneen, Ryan Rhodes, Brandon Dinneen, Tony Dinneen, Matthew Dinneen, Jack Dinneen, Colton Dinneen, and Luke Dinneen. Honorary Pall Bearers included Vern Kittinger, Mark Haley, and Dick Drommond. Interment was held in the Exeter Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Farmer Funeral Home of Exeter conducted the services and online condolences may be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Exeter Fire & Rescue, or York Adopt-A-Pet.

Exeter-Milligan Students Recognized by Lincoln Journal Star

2017-2018 Lincoln Journal Star Academic All State Honorees:

Joey Bartu - Football, Boys Track and Field
Kelsey Bigelow - Softball, Girls Basketball
Macy Due - Girls Golf
Hannah Horne - Softball, Girls Track and Field
Kate Jansky - Volleyball, Girls Basketball and Girls Track and Field
Joel Klemm - Boys Golf
Josie Kresak - Softball, Girls Track and Field
Mitchell Manning - Football, Boys Basketball and Boys Track and Field
Tara Mueller - Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Girls Track and Field
Patrick Murphy -Boys Basketball, Boys Track and Field
Spencer Pribyl - Football, Boys Basketball, Boys Track and Field
Katherine White - Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Girls Track and Field
Trever Zelenka - Football, Boys Basketball, Boys Golf

Exeter honors Memorial Day

The Exeter American Legion and Sons of the American Legion members form the color guard at the Memorial Day program in Exeter.

Exeter honored those who have fallen in service to their country with a Memorial Day Program at the Exeter Cemetery on Monday morning.

After the flag ceremony Legion Commander Alan Songster welcomed the audience and reminded them of their purpose there, “to honor those we remember.”

The Exeter-Milligan band played “The Star Spangled Banner” before Pastor Kim Dunker led the invocation.

Patrick Murphy read “The Gettysburg Address” before the band performed a “Salute to Freedom” which included “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “America.”

Kelsey Bigelow read “In Flander’s Field” before the band played “God Bless America.”

Songster introduced Tim Wilbeck the speaker for the service.  Wilbeck noted that this year America is honoring the 150^th Memorial Day formerly known as Decoration Day.

“Any American would feel honored to speak about America’s sons and daughters. . .to pay special tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who returned home and since passed on,” explained Wilbeck, “Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance.”

Wilbeck shared the story of the heroics of aviator Frank Luke during World War I.  Pursued by eight enemy planes, Luke shot down three enemy ammunition balloons before he was shot down in France.  After crashing, he pulled his automatic pistol and defended to the death.  He was the first pilot to receive the medal of honor.

He also shared the story of very quiet heroism, that of Vietnam nurse Sharon Lane, a 26 year old volunteer from Ohio.  “She received no medals or fame… she wrote in a letter home that hardly anyone is sacred.  It’s just part of the job.”

An enemy rocket took her life and that of a 12 year old Vietnamese girl.  Lane was the only female nurse killed by enemy fire in Vietnam.

Wilbeck noted that these and so many others were “wedded to the principle that America is worth dying for.”

He closed with the story of four young Marines who recently lost their lives in California.  Some had already done foreign tours and never expected to lose their life in a training exercise.

Wilbeck reminded the crowd that “we need to give our gratitude and support to a group no one wants to join – the Gold Star family.  Let us not stop with this ceremony. . .visit those family members, look them in the eye and thank them.”

The Legion and Sons of the Legion honored those lost with a 21 gun salute.  “Taps” was played by Trever Zelenka while Mitchell Manning played “Taps Echo.”

The audience was invited to the Legion for rolls and coffee.

Mark Crawford posts the colors at the Memorial Day Program in Exeter.

 John Tauriella posts the Legion flag at the Memorial Day Program in Exeter.

 Mrs. Angie Murphy directs the Exeter-Milligan Band at the Memorial Day Program in Exeter.

 The trombone section at the Memorial Day Program.

 Trever Zelenka is on the end of the row of trumpets in the Exeter-Milligan band.

 Brian Moor (far left) gives the orders to the American Legion members as they salute the dead.

Trever Zelenka plays Taps to close the Exeter American Legion Memorial Day Program at the Exeter Cemetery.

Exeter-Milligan Update: Give Back Day

 Katie Mounce, Valerie Barnhart and Katie Moody paint the E-M sign by the Milligan site school

L-R: Wesley Ronne, Casey Underwood, Peyton Brandt, Braden Capek, Kole Svec, Ben Bartu, Hannah Beethe, Max Zeleny, Spencer Pribyl, Blake Steuben, Johnny Babula, Eric Olsen, Joey Bartu, Kaitlyn Vavra, Kiah Songster, Janey Erdkamp, Briana Capek, Kelsey Bigelow

E-M Wolves Give Back

by Paul Sheffield, Exeter-Milligan Superintendent

Thursday, April 26^th was the 1^st annual EMWolvesGiveBack day! Students in grades 7-12 as well as the teachers spent the afternoon, giving back to their communities.   Each teacher was assigned a group of students who were then responsible for some daunting community based service projects! 

Some of the areas/projects in Exeter included:

            Prepping the softball field for the upcoming summer season

            Displaying/attaching the outfield signs at the softball field

            Mulching around the Moor Field sign

            Roadside cleanup on Highway 6 (2 miles east and west of Exeter)

            Roadside cleanup on Road 21 (2 miles north and south of Exeter)

            Swimming pool park cleanup

Some of the areas/projects in Milligan included:

            Shingling the ball field concessions shack

            Prepping the baseball field for the upcoming summer season

            Repair Milligan Park fall-safe border

            Paint Welcome to Milligan sign by the school

            General park cleanup

Close to 100 students and teachers participated in the project, amassing over 200 community service hours.  By working together, the group accomplished more in one afternoon than it would take an individual to do in over a month! Plans are already being made for next years’ EMWolvesGiveBack day.

Other information/point to ponder about the day include:

            39 bags (55 gallon sized bags) of trash were collected

            Almost 20 acres of park/play ground was cleaned

            Almost 10 miles of roadside was cleaned

A big thank you goes to the students and teachers at Exeter-Milligan for their hard work, giving back to the communities of Exeter and Milligan.  Action shots and other pictures are available on the school website at www.emwolves.org or via twitter – just follow #EMWolvesGiveBack.

Death Notice: J.J. Dinneen

Obituary for J.J. Dinneen

A Funeral Mass for J.J. will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. Father Steve Thomlison will be the Celebrant.

Graveside Services will be held at the Exeter Cemetery following the Funeral Mass.

Public visitation will be held at the Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. and will continue at the St. Stephen's Catholic Church from 6:00 p.m. to Rosary.

A Rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Father Steve Thomlison will lead the Rosary.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Exeter Fire & Rescue, and York Adopt-A-Pet.

Memorial Day

Exeter-Milligan School Board Discusses Crisis Plan and Volleyball

FCCLA member Daisy Kanode shares her nationally qualified presentation with the Exeter-Milligan school board.  Listening are Superintendent Paul Sheffield (middle) and board member Adam Erdkamp (right).

After opening the Exeter-Milligan school board meeting, President Sharon Kuska moved quickly into the consensus agenda starting with the treasurer’s report. The  board approved the agenda.

The curriculum report was presented by Jordan Marr on his classes in social science and business. He discussed his business math class in which he has created online curriculum which allows the students to work at their own pace even if he is not in the classroom for a day.

He shared that presented the information at the Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) conference noting how it could wean the district from dependence on substitutes.  By allowing the students to work at their own pace he found they eventually “covered an additional four chapters which was about 40 days of lessons.  This worked better than previous methods and the kids seemed to like it.”

He noted that the America Government class again won the traveling plaque during the jeopardy game at county government day.  He has also instituted a process for students to present petitions to change some things to Mrs. Kroll.

After briefly sharing about the other courses he teaches and the changes that are coming for quiz bowl competition, Marr informed the board that he is currently restoring some of the old trophies that were stashed all over the school.  His plan is to make a digital library of all the trophies in Exeter and Milligan.

Marr, a member of the districts safety committee briefly shared some of their progress and goals.

Next on the agenda was presentations from two of the Exeter-Milligan Family Career Community Leaders of America students who qualified for the National conference this summer.  Their advisor, Mary Lou Vossler introduced Caitlin Murphy presenting on her recycling project and Daisy Kanode who presented on the subject of depression.

The board approved an interlocal agreement with Friend to share an Agriculture teacher. Friend will hold the contract.  Sheffield noted that they also agreed to share a science teacher for .25 time.  Lorie Sliefert will teach the first two periods in Friend before coming to Exeter. Board approved the agreements.

Under new business Kuska noted that the negotiations committee met and recommended that the board approve the non-certified contracts.  The board approved those contracts.

The board reviewed the updates made to the crisis committee policy. Denice Kovanda, the chair of the crisis committee, explained, “The policy was just a listing of what members would do and it was quite muddled.  It wasn’t really policy material. We made a handbook that will be with each crisis team member.  We made it more concise.”

Committee member Mary Lou Vossler added, “ We all feel more comfortable knowing what each member is responsible for and what we are supposed to do.”

Also reviewed was the policy on memorials.  This was established by the committee and separated from the crisis policy.  It outlined that memorials may not be displayed anywhere on the school premises or in the school yearbook.  Also, no memorial services are allowed on school grounds on a school day.

The board held an extended discussion on the reasoning behind these policies.

Next on the agenda was volleyball Coach Darcy White who requested that the board move all of the home volleyball games to Exeter.

White, who has coached volleyball for 25 years, 16 of those at Exeter-Milligan, noted that the updated and new facilities in Exeter were appreciated last year when the team played their home games in Exeter (due to maintenance issues in Milligan).

She mentioned that the soundproofing in Exeter, the access to restrooms and handicap accessibility along with the longer and wider court in Exeter make it a better option for the team and their fans.

White, who also teaches PE at Exeter-Milligan had concerns about the safety in Milligan not only for volleyball but for the PE classes as well.  “There is no padding on the wall that extends the width of the gym.  Only behind the backboard.  The restrooms are not easily accessible and it has just two small locker rooms.  We also have congestion when entering and leaving the court.”

White polled the other volleyball coaches in the conference and read their responses to the board.  Many of them mentioned the close quarters and concerns for the safety of their players.

To emphasize the need for a longer and wider court White shared a clip of one of last year state volleyball matches.  In the clip she indicated to the board the length a player needs to jump serve and also the side court space needed to successful play a ball to return it to the court. 

“One of the coaches has asked at conference meetings if there was any way we could not play in Milligan. The game of volleyball has changed so much. In the 80’s volleyball was a completely different game,” added White.

Several from the audience spoke in support of moving the volleyball matches to Exeter.

President Kuska commented, ”When we combined it was understood that the fall sports would be played in Milligan and the winter sports in Exeter.  The intent with the merger was that we would support both towns.”

The board held a lengthy discussion on the matter weighing the pros and cons. Board member Adam Erdkamp added, “You aren’t going to please everyone.  What the board has to look at is what is best for the students. . . I don’t care where we play, Exeter or Milligan.  We need to provide the best opportunity for our students.”

The board turned the discussion to making some changes in Milligan to make it more appealing.  Kuska indicated that the building committee could look at the facility in Milligan and make recommendations. “We can make some changes that can improve the quality.”

Board member Kendra Oldehoeft noted, “We talk about spending our money wisely.  We can’t ask the teachers to budget and then spend money for three home volleyball games.”

Board member Eric Milton added, “When we spent that $400,000 (on the addition in Exeter) we said we weren’t doing it to move everything here.  The padding is a no brainer even for PE.  I’d be against moving it at this time."

Kuska asked the building committee to look into the facility and come back to the board with some recommendations at the next meeting.  “We need to make it safe for the students that are using it on a daily basis.”  

The next meeting was set for Tuesday, June 12 at 8 p.m. in Milligan

Exeter Aquatic Center to Open Monday!

The Exeter Aquatic Center will open on Monday, May 28th at 1:30 for the Memorial Day Holiday.  Pool rules and information are listed below.

EXETER AQUATIC CENTER

110 EAST MAPLEWOOD

EXETER NE, 68351

(402) 266-3001

Hours of Operation:

Sunday – Friday
1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Saturday
1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Closed Saturday Evening
The pool is now available for private parties - contact Pool Manager at the pool to make a reservation. The cost is $60.00 per hour (no additional entrance fees). Check with the manager for the number allowable at this fee.
Admission Fees:
Ages 5 & Under – Free with Paying Adult
Ages 6 – Adult - $4.00 per day
2016 Season Pass:
Single - $55.00
Family - $120.00 (immediate family only)
Passes are not transferable or refundable.
*Note: There will be at least one 10-minute rest break taken every hour.
GENERAL
Children must be 8 years old to gain admission to the aquatic center without an accompanying chaperon (13 & older).
Patrons must take a shower using soap before entering the pool.
No person having an obvious communicable disease, skin eruption, open sore, lesion, eye, ear, nose, or throat infection shall be permitted to use the pool.
Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and glass are prohibited in the pool area. All food and drink must be consumed outside the aquatic center or inside the designated area directly north of the bathhouse.
Coolers, food, and beverages may not be brought into the facility.
Profanity and abusive or vulgar language is prohibited.
Fighting, rough play, pushing/shoving, and running are prohibited.
No spitting or spouting of water or blowing nose in water.
Proper swim wear is required. Street clothes are not permitted in the water.
Infants or toddlers wearing diapers will not be allowed entrance into the facility without plastic diaper covers or swim diapers.
No hanging on safety ropes or buoys.
No sitting, playing on, or diving off ladders.
No pets or animals allowed (other than service animals).
No diving in less than 5 feet of water.
Flotation devices (inner tubes, air mattresses, etc.) are prohibited.
U.S. Coast Guard or Red Cross approved life jackets are permitted.
Soft toys and play items are permitted if they are used appropriately.
Any conduct, behavior, or activity that endangers the welfare, safety, and/or comfort of other patrons is prohibited.
Management reserves the right to close the aquatic center due to inclement weather or lack of attendance.
The Village of Exeter is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal items.
ZERO DEPTH AREA
Children 4 & under must be within arm’s reach of the supervising chaperon. If the child is in the water the chaperone must also be in the water.
DIVING BOARDS
Only one person on the ladder or board at a time. Swimmers must wait on the deck at the ladder entrance.
Only one bounce permitted on the board. Running jumps and starts are not permitted.
Divers must wait for the person ahead of them to reach the pool ladder prior to diving off the board.
Dive straight off the end of the board. No jumps or dives are allowed off to side of the board.
No swimming under or between the boards.
Individuals are not allowed in the diving well to “catch” other divers.
SLIDE
All riders must be at least 48” tall or have prior approval from management in order to ride the waterslide.
Maximum operational load 1 person – 300 pounds.
No combs or foreign objects are allowed in pockets and no jewelry can be worn while riding the slide.
Riders must enter the slide in a sitting position.
All riders must ride feet first while lying on their back. Absolutely no riding on stomach or headfirst is permitted.
Riders should lie on their back with arms crossed across their chest or hands clasped behind their head with their legs crossed at the ankles.
Only one rider at a time. Absolutely no trains or chains of riders are permitted.
No life jackets are permitted on the waterslide.
The line should form on the deck with one rider on each landing and one rider in the starter tube.
Riders must be in good health. Pregnant women or individuals with heart or back conditions or other serious health issues should not use the slide.
Do not use this slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Follow instructions of the lifeguard.
No running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling or stopping in flume. Arms and hands must remain inside the flume.
No diving from the flume.
Leave the flume pool promptly after exiting the waterslide.
Water level is 4’ or greater and rider must be able to swim.
LOCKERS
A limited number of lockers are available on a first come, first served basis on the east bathhouse wall. Patrons should bring their own locks, as the Village does not provide them. Lockers are day use only and locks must be removed when you leave the facility. Locker use is encouraged to prevent theft.
The Village of Exeter maintains these rules and policies that govern patron conduct at this facility. In general, any conduct, behavior, or activity that endangers the welfare, safety, and/or comfort of other patrons will not be tolerated. Disciplinary action may range from a one-day to one-year suspension.
Note: Expelled and/or suspended pool patrons will not receive a refund for daily admission or season pool passes.