Exeter Days 2026 Flyer

 

Exeter-Milligan Class of 2006

 

(L-R): Jared Tomsen, Brian Nadherny, Taylor (Emshoff) Kahlandt, Ashley (Kassik) Havel, Rachel (Rischling) Johnson, Talisa (Krejci) Brown, Kelly (Sladek) Rischling, and Kellen Jorgensen were in attendance at the Exeter/Exeter-Milligan Alumni Banquet to celebrate their 20th reunion.

What's New on the Library Shelves?

 Check out these new books at the Exeter Public Library.

Whistler by Ann Patchett

When Daphne Fuller and her husband Jonathan visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they notice an older, white-haired gentleman following them. The man turns out to be Eddie Triplett, her former stepfather, who had been married to her mother for a little more than year when Daphne was nine. Now fifty-three, Daphne hasn’t seen Eddie for many years, not since the fateful event that changed the direction of both their lives. Meeting again, time falls away; while their relationship was brief, it had a profound impact on them both, and now that they are reunited, they have no intention of ever being separated again.

Whistler is a story about two adults looking back over the choices they made, and the choices that were made for them. It’s a story about bravery, memory, the often small yet consequential moments that define our lives, and the endless stream of loss that in time comes for us all. Beautiful in its simplicity, it is ultimately about how love endures, and how the feeling of being known by one other person, even for a short period of time, can change everything.

Rainy Day Meet Cute by Debbie Macomber

A 2-in-1 novel; Love 'N' Marriage: A young woman discovers that sometimes love’s right there in front of you in this workplace romance.

As Stephanie Coulter discovers, sometimes you find it in the most ordinary places―and what could be more ordinary than the office? Stephanie, who works as an assistant at Lockwood Industries in Minneapolis, is temporarily assigned to the boss―Jonas Lockwood himself. Jonas lives up (or down!) to his reputation as a tyrant, dictator and grouch. But Stephanie’s colleagues, romance readers all, decide that he’s really the classic lonely hero. What he needs, they say, is Love ’n’ Marriage. And the woman they have in mind for him is…Stephanie.

Jury of His Peers: Two childhood rivals reconnect during jury duty—and are forced to navigate their complex feelings for one another.

Caroline Lomax is eager to exercise her civic duty and report for jury duty. However, when she sees a familiar face on her first day, she is near certain that she has come face to face with Ted Thomasson, the thorn in her side throughout high school—and the last person she’d want as a fellow juror.

Ted still seems to relish in making Caroline squirm, but he shocks Caroline when he declares that he’s always harbored feelings for her. Just as she attempts to make sense of it all, they’re both selected for the same case . . . and as things intensify in and out of the courtroom, it becomes clear that Caroline has an enormous decision to make.

Critical Flow by Michael Frederick

Critical Flow’ follows Rachel Martinez, a seasoned night-shift nurse at Mercy Heights Medical Center, whose instincts are tested when a patient dies unexpectedly just days after surgery. As a series of unexplained deaths emerges, Rachel suspects that something more than mere chance or human error is at play. Her concerns deepen when irregularities in medical devices suggest deliberate sabotage. Miles is a Cybersecurity forensic investigator. Together, Rachel and Miles uncover a complex web of tampering, conflicting interests, and hidden threats that extend beyond the hospital walls. The stakes rise as they discover that AI diagnostic technology, designed to prevent misdiagnoses, has become a target for those with motives far from transparent. As the investigation progresses, the duo faces high-pressure situations, personal risks, and a shadowy network of actors determined to manipulate life-saving systems. From tracing malicious code to confronting insiders and navigating legal and ethical challenges, Rachel and Miles race against time to protect patients and restore trust in the hospital. ‘Critical Flow’ is a tense and convincing story of courage, intelligence, and resilience, examining the vulnerabilities of modern healthcare while highlighting the dedication and determination of those who safeguard it.

The Turing Protocol by Nick Croydon

During the darkest days of World War II, legendary codebreaker Alan Turing creates Nautilus—a secret machine capable of sending messages backwards through time. One message helps secure victory on D-Day. But Turing quickly discovers a terrifying truth: history is fragile. Every change creates consequences. Every warning rewrites the future. Knowing Nautilus could become the most dangerous weapon ever invented, Turing hides it from the world and entrusts its secret to the mother of his hidden child. For generations, the burden passes from one heir to the next. Across decades of war, espionage, betrayal, and impossible moral choices, the Turing family must decide when—and whether—to use the machine's extraordinary power. A single message could save millions of lives. A single mistake could unleash catastrophe. As powerful forces close in and the battle for Nautilus intensifies, one question becomes impossible to ignore: If you had the power to change history, would you dare use it? 

The Rainy Day Book by Air Fairy Press

The Rainy Day Book is a cozy, comforting guide to romanticizing quiet moments, embracing slow living, and finding beauty in ordinary days. Perfect for readers who love rainy day aesthetics, cozy evenings, bookstores, tea rituals, candlelight, journaling, and gentle self-care, this atmospheric book invites you to turn gloomy weather into something magical.

Black Freedom: A Visual History of Juneteenth and Emancipation Days by Blair LM Kelley

For more than 150 years, Black communities have gathered to honor freedom, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for true liberation. While Juneteenth has recently gained wider recognition, it was one of many Emancipation Day traditions celebrated across the United States. These observances were spaces of joy, remembrance, and resistance—even as the fight for full freedom was unfinished. This volume brings together stirring essays and striking images from Juneteenth and beyond, offering a sweeping portrait of how Black people have created and sustained rituals of remembrance, a testament to the generations who, through celebration and storytelling, demanded that their contributions to the making of America be fully recognized.

Exeter High School Class of 1986, 1996, 2001 and EMHS Class of 2011

 

(L-R): Becky (Harre) Erdkamp representing the Exeter High School Class of 1986; Adam Erdkamp representing the Exeter High School Class of 1996; Mitch Becker representing the Exeter High SchoolClass of 2001; Caroline Veskrna representing the Exeter-Milligan Class of 2001.

EMF Junior Runs 26.4 Miles in Relay for America

Sometimes making a difference starts with putting one foot in front of the other. For local student Titus Petersen, participating in Relay for America was more than a run, it was an opportunity to support a cause, challenge himself, and inspire others along the way.

Photo Credit:
Mike Wainwright Photography

“When I first saw promotions and videos for Relay for America I knew I wanted to be part of the movement. I was inspired by the crew members' initiative to run to unite America and honor our veterans,” explained Titus Petersen. “I wanted to show that there is still a love for our country and represent Nebraska in the segments that I ran in Kansas.” Petersen, an upcoming junior at EMF High School, traveled to Belleville, Kansas to join Relay for America, a 3,000 mile relay from coast to coast, carrying the American flag.

For Petersen, the experience exceeded every expectation. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had on a run,” he said. “I made so many memories that will never be forgotten.”

From the moment he arrived, Petersen said he was welcomed by crew members who made safety a priority while creating an encouraging atmosphere for every participant. Along the way, he met runners from across the country, each with their own story and reason for taking part in the relay. “I love talking to people while I run, and during the two segments I ran, I met a man from Waco, Texas, who drove all the way to Kansas just to run for America. I also met amazing people from all over Kansas and a woman from Mississippi who was celebrating her 40th birthday. She flew into Kansas City and drove three hours just to run one segment.”

Meeting runners from across the United States left a lasting impression on Petersen.

“Running these segments, I really saw how dedicated and loving the running community is and that we are proud to be Americans,” he said.

Although the experience was rewarding, it also pushed Petersen beyond what he thought was possible. Battling the rolling hills of Kansas and logging more miles than he had ever run before tested both his body and his determination.

“My legs were in pain after 16 mites, but the joy in the people around me kept me going,” Petersen said. “The other runners encouraged me to keep going, and eventually they inspired me to run a full marathon. I ended up running 26.4 miles, and I couldn’t have been more thankful for those runners, and most importantly, my mom, Allison Petersen, who cheered me on and fueled me through the run.”

Though the people around him offered great motivation, Petersen stated his greatest motivation was much closer to home.

“Before I started my run, I knew in my heart that I was running for my grandpa, Glen, who served in the National Guard and passed away when I was a little boy,” Petersen explained. “I loved having the opportunity to run for our country and help unite America. That’s what kept me going.” 

Beyond the miles he logged, Petersen hopes his participation inspired others to appreciate the importance of unity.

"I wanted to show that I love this country and that I want to see America come together," he stated. "I had many people reach out on social media and tell me they were in tears after seeing what we were doing and how grateful they were. I saw firsthand the joy and unity this relay created through the friendships I made, and I can only imagine the countless other stories happening along the entire 3,000-mile journey."

Looking back, Petersen says the relay taught him that even small actions can have a lasting impact. "In the end, I learned that one small action can impact countless lives and spark a movement across America," he mentioned. "That small action could be running one mile, honking to cheer on the runners, or, for me, proudly running 26.4 miles for this country."

Among his favorite memories was being featured on Relay for America's Instagram page, but Petersen says the friendships he formed mean even more.

"The people I met will never be forgotten," he said. "Thank you to all the crew members, runners, and followers of Relay for America. I hope to see this relay continue to grow as the crew works to make it an annual event."

EMF Tee-Ball Team 3

 Photo Courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

EMF T-ball team Coached by Meredith Erdkamp, Matt Nicholas and Karli Shalon pictured from the left (front row): Tate Kahlandt, Bennet Burk, Xander Farnsworth, Jensen Grey, Jay Erdkamp and Garrett Zimmer; (second row) Coach Matt Nicholas, Harper Hankins, Huntley Kotas, Winslow Pella, Layne Nicholas, Wyatt Becker, Natalie Pendleton, Oliver Colgrove, Coach Karli Shalon and Coach Meredith Erdkamp.

Exeter Days 2026

 

Happy 4th of July

 

EMF 12U Softball Team

 Photo courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

EMF Bobcat 12U team is pictured from the left (front row): Kelsie Milton, Brynn Rohren, Atley Bruntz, Laney Havel; (second row) Coach Brandon Vossler, Charlee Stutzman, Addison Vossler, Kora Havel, Brooklyn Lawson, Saydee Kassik, Coach Jenn Stutzman and Coach Steve Havel.

Exeter High School Class of 1981

 

Joe Dinneen was in attendance at the Exeter/Exeter-Milligan Alumni Banquet to celebrate his 45th class reunion.