Death Notice: Max A. Real Cisneros

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crete, Nebraska with Father Santiago Izquierdo presiding.

Visitation with the family present will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska.

Praying of the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska with Father Santiago Izquierdo leading the Rosary.

There will be no Graveside Services held as cremation will take place following the Mass of Christian Burial.

Memorials are to be directed to the family to be designated at a later date in Max's name.

EMF Girls Golf team at State Meet

 The EMF girls golf team qualified as a team for state in just their second year.  Bringing home medals were Abby Klooz (11th) and Abbie Milton (15th).  Congratulations ladies!

EM Update: Ozbot Adventures

 

Ozobot Adventures

by Lisa Soukup, Exeter-Milligan K-12 Media Specialist

 

In their Computer Science class, the 8th graders have embarked on a thrilling “Trick or Treat” project that blends creativity with coding. Here’s how their Halloween-themed adventure unfolds:

Each group of students begins by designing their very own spooky neighborhoods. They don’t just draw maps; they craft intricate layouts. Their neighborhoods come to life with vibrant Halloween-themed details, setting the stage for the Ozobot’s adventure.

Next, the students dive into the world of coding. They program their Ozobots—the tiny, programmable robots that will navigate through the neighborhoods they’ve created. The challenge? To code their Ozobot so it can efficiently maneuver through the winding streets and make it to every house to collect as much candy as possible.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. To truly get into the Halloween spirit, each group designs a unique costume for their Ozobot. Whether it’s a robot dressed as a ghost or a miniature monster, these costumes add a playful twist to their coding creations. They also craft clever contraptions for their Ozobot to collect the candy, ensuring their robot is ready for a sweet haul.

Finally, the big moment arrives: running the code. The students set their Ozobots loose in the neighborhoods, watching as their meticulously programmed paths unfold. The excitement builds as their robots navigate the Halloween maze, gather candy, and prove the effectiveness of their coding skills.

This project isn’t just about coding; it’s about combining technical skills with imagination, teamwork, and a touch of Halloween magic. The 8th graders are not just learning about programming—they’re experiencing a fun and festive way to apply their knowledge.

 

Maddux Milton and Chezney Kanode work on the project

 

Gavin Mueller and Kate Pribyl work on their project while Joel Vossler and Hannah Petersen (background) work on theirs.

Obituary: Bonnie Moses

 Bonnie Jean Moses was born in Philip, SD on April 5, 1960 to Annabel and Gay Moses. She passed away on October 3, 2024 at the age of 64 years. She was one of six children in the family: Dennis, Joseph, Michael, Bonnie, Julie, and Donald.

She grew up in Philip, SD from birth until 19 years old. She attended Philip Public School and graduated in 1978. She played basketball, softball and track while in high school. She played the french horn in band and sang in the choir.

After high school she started traveling the United States. Some of the places that she traveled to include Denver, Colorado; Casper, Wyoming; Carson City, Nevada; Garland, Texas and Hugo, Oklahoma. She then moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where she received her cosmetology license.

On May 11, 1984 her daughter Sara was born in Philip, SD. On October 11, 1993 her daughter Taylor was born in Rapid City, SD.

While living in South Dakota after cosmetology school Bonnie had her own shop called Corner Cuts from 1990-1995. Then she moved to Fairmont, Nebraska in 1995. There she began working at Champion Homes until 2001. In 2004 she opened a beauty shop called Sheer Image in Exeter. Then in 2005 she cut hair at the Lincoln Regional Center until 2009.

In 2000 she met David. Together they raised five children; Sara, Taylor, Sarah, Patrick and Jonathon. They helped raise their grandson, Brekken for the first six years of his life. They lived in Exeter and Fairmont. They still reside in Exeter in the house they remodeled together.

May 11, 2010 she was diagnosed with AML Leukemia and began treatments. She had a stem cell transplant in 2011 and was in remission for 9 years. The cancer came back in 2020.

During remission Bonnie and David enjoyed camping, fishing, going to garage sales, and she even went golfing a few times. They did some traveling to Texas, Kansas and South Dakota. Occasionally Bonnie would travel to see family by herself. Bonnie loved doing crafts, especially the wreaths that she would make and give away.

She battled bravely for the last 14 years with David by her side until the end.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; Annabel and Gay. Father-in-law Dan. Brother-in-law Dan Jr and his wife Stevie. Step Son Jonathon. One niece Shanda.

Survived by David (spouse) of 24 years. Siblings: Dennis (Donna), Joseph (Michalee), Julie (Todd), Michael (Shar), and Donald (Wanda). Sister-in-law’s: Crystal (Jeff) and Sue (Jon). Children: Sara, Taylor, Sarah and Pat (Stephanie). 9 Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday October 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion; 232 S Exeter Ave, Exeter, NE 68351.

Obituary Gail E. "Heff" Heffelfinger

 Gail Eugene Heffelfinger was born on September 2, 1936 to Robert Lee & Ruth Lucille (Bloodgood) Heffelfinger in Beatrice, Nebraska. He died on October 7, 2024 at York General Hospital in York, Nebraska at the age of 88 years, 1 month, and 5 days.

The family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska when Gail was 7 years old. He graduated from Whittier Junior High, Teachers College High School, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Following graduation, Heff, as he was affectionately known, taught and coached at Plattsmouth High School. It was at Plattsmouth that he met his future wife, Barbara Joan Barkmeier, who was also teaching in the same school. They were married on July 27, 1961 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. Three children were born to this union: Gregg, Brad, and Lynne. Heff & Barbara were married for over 63 years.

In May of 1963, the family moved to Exeter, Nebraska to manage and later purchase, Barkmeier’s, a grocery store and general merchandise store, from Barbara’s parents, Louis and Lucile Barkmeier. They operated the store until a storm in July of 1993 forced the closure of the business due to extensive damage to the building. After the closure of Barkmeier’s, Heff worked at Norm & Greg Yound’s grocery store in Exeter.

Heff enjoyed fishing at the family cabin at Smokey L. Lake near Linwood, Nebraska. He was an avid fan of all UNL sports, particularly Big Red Football. He took pride in his home and lawn. Heff especially enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities.

Heff was a charter member of the Friend Country Club and enjoyed golfing there. He was also a longtime member of the Exeter Volunteer Fire & Rescue. His love of sports kept him involved as he umpired little league baseball games for nearly 25 years and ran the chains at football games for many years.

Heff was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Ruth Heffelfinger; brothers & sisters-in-law, Douglas Heffelfinger, Richard Heffelfinger, Robert & Lyla Heffelfinger, and James & Sandra Heffelfinger; sisters, Patricia & John Weigang and Shirley & Edward Craren; brothers-in-law, Ed Smallman and Roger Johnson; nephew, Roger Johnson, Jr.; and infant twin brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara of York, Nebraska; sons, Gregg Heffelfinger & wife Theresa of Jacksonville, Florida, Brad Heffelfinger & wife Andrea of Papillion, Nebraska; daughter, Lynne Filipi & husband Brent of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandsons, Christopher, Nicholas, Andrew, Michael & Jacob Heffelfinger and Dylan Filipi; granddaughters, Megan Heffelfinger and Taylah Filipi; sister, Sandra Smallman; sisters-in-law Margaret Heffelfinger, Jeanie Heffelfinger and Suzanne Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

EM Update: Field Trip!

 

Miss Alexis helps kindergartener Daxton Baller and first grader Addyson Zoubek string their pumpkin life cycle together.

Field Trip!

By Amanda Pettygrove, Exeter-Milligan Kindergarten teacher

 

The K-2 students at Exeter-Milligan have been gearing up to take their field trip to the Roca Berry Farm. This year students got to learn about the pumpkin life cycle before going to the patch. Miss Alexis from the UNL Extension Office visited to share her knowledge and a fun activity to get students ready. On field trip day, students enjoyed all the fun the pumpkin patch had to offer-slides, obstacle courses, corn mazes, haunted houses, and a chance to pick their own pumpkin. A fun day was had by all. 

K-2 students from Exeter-Milligan enjoyed a day at the pumpkin patch

 

EMF sweeps Sandy Creek at final home match

The EMF Lady Bobcats were on fire for their Pink Out game Friday night in Friend.  They swept the Sandy Creek Lady Cougars in three straight sets.  It was Senior night as well as the last home match for the regular season.

 

EMF Falls to #1 Sandy Creek

It's always a tough time when you have to play the #1 team in the state and the nationally ranked #6 8-man team but the Bobcats held with the Cougars giving them a run for their money in Friend on Friday,

The pass heavy Cougars depended on their QB Ethan Shaw and he delivered with 8:22 left in the first quarter and scoring again with 4:33 left in the first quarter.

With 5.2 seconds left in the first quarter Mikey Bartu faked and took the direct snap and ran through the Sandy Creek defense for six but the two point attempt was denied 6-14.

With 10:44 left in the second quarter Sandy Creek marched downfield and was in for six on a pass play from Shaw. Another pass for two to make it 6-24.

Bartu again on a run with 4:47 left in the half and Aidan Vavra in for two 14-24

Shaw pass sends Sandy Creek in for six with ten second left in the half and they tack on the two point making it 14-38 into the half.

To open the third quarter Shaw keeps the ball and scrambles in from 20 yards out.  Cougars kick the PAT making it 14-45.

Sandy Creek gets in with 7:19 left in the third quarter 14-52.

Bartu gets down to the line but doesn't quite get across.  Vavra finishes the job for six and Bartu in for two 22-52.

Sandy Creek found the end zone more more time in the fourth quarter final was 22-58.

 

Obituary Louise E. Hall

 Louise Ellen Hall was born on December 14, 1926 to Harry & Helen (Suda) Buzek in Milligan, Nebraska. She passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Fairview Manor-Country Reflections in Fairmont, Nebraska at the age of 97 years, 9 months and 25 days. She was the only child born to Harry & Helen.

She attended country school at District #22. She then attended Exeter Public School, graduating at the age of 15 years old with the class of 1943. After high school, she enrolled in cosmetology school in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated at the age of 16 years old. Louise loved her job as a cosmetologist, especially her customers. She worked in York, Nebraska as a cosmetologist for 3 years, before returning to Exeter and working out of her home salon. When Louise started her career, some ladies thought she was too young to be in that vocation, but she persevered. She also served as beautician at Exeter Care Center before retiring at the age of 88 years, after her sister-in-law, Florence Hall, passed away.

Louise met Roy Hall at the age of 19, after Roy returned from his service in World War II. Roy & Louise were married on May 12, 1948, and to this union 4 children were born: Mike, Carol, Rick, and Doug. They were married for 55 years. Louise loved to dance, and Roy knew he’d have to enjoy it too, if he was going to go out with Louise.

Louise was an active member of the Exeter American Legion Auxiliary and was honored for 60 years of service in 2015. She also was a lifetime member of the Exeter Methodist Church, attending regularly.

Louise was an amazing giving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed cooking for her family, especially her famous chocolate chip cookies and fried chicken meals. Louise’s refrigerator was always stocked with soda and candy bars and always made going to ‘grandmas’ very special. Many Holidays were spent in her home by her fireplace with the sounds of Hallmark movies or ‘The Christmas Story’ in the background. Grandchildren also had great memories of getting their hair cut or fixed in her salon and sitting under the hair dryers.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Louise is survived by her children, Michael Hall and wife Susan of Abilene, Texas, Carol Bettger and husband Paul of Fairmont, Nebraska, Richard Hall of Friend, Nebraska, and Douglas Hall and wife Pam of Exeter, Nebraska; grandchildren Nicole Acheson and husband Dean of Overland Park, Kansas, Scott Bettger and wife Loren of Centerton, Arkansas, Dawn David and husband Michael of Abilene, Texas, Christina Mlnarik and husband T.J. of Omaha, Nebraska, Sheena McCright and husband Dan of Seward, Nebraska, Justina Becker and husband Zach of Exeter, Nebraska, Jessica Hall of Jamestown, North Dakota, Michael Shively and wife Beth of Sutton, Nebraska, Brennan and Carrie Shively of Omaha, Nebraska; great grandchildren Taylor, Ashlyn and Amanda Acheson of Overland Park, Kansas, Jett & Coleman David of Abilene, Texas, Cayden & Alivia Hartmann of Omaha, Nebraska, Kollins & Boone McCright of Seward, Nebraska, and Beau, Gracelyn, Knox & Creighton Becker of Exeter, Nebraska, Owen & Shali McCright of Wilber, Nebraska, Turner Shively of Sutton, Nebraska, Mila Shively of Omaha, Nebraska and Nicolai Smith of Omaha, Nebraska.

EM Update: Cravation Station

 

Cravation Station

by Jordan Marr, Exeter-Milligan Social Studies and Business teacher

 

The Exeter-Milligan entrepreneurship class has been busy working on developing their own business within the school.  The Cravation Station allows students who may need a quick snack or drink to stop on by and refuel.  The business also allows the class to learn the basics of inventory management, marketing, and accounting while working towards earning profits for their field trip later in the year.  Pictured from L to R are Emma Meyer and Kmila Benitez.