Fr. Burkhalter Is Walking Through Antelope County Today

An Elgin priest is currently walking his way through Antelope County on his 195-mile trek to raise funds for a gym project.

Fr. Ross Burkhalter, pastor at St. Boniface Church, left Ewing this morning and entered Antelope County before noon. He began his journey in Valentine early Tuesday morning and will continue on the Cowboy Trail until he reaches Norfolk. He intends to make it to Norfolk on Saturday.

When asked which day has been the toughest, he responded, "All of them."

"This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime walk," Fr. Burkhalter said.

"Toward the end of the day, I am just exhausted," he said. "It is amazing how much it drains out of you."

Fr. Burkhalter said the best part has been the beautiful scenery and reaching his daily destinations.

He walked from Valentine to Ainsworth on Tuesday, which was 45 miles. Father stayed with Fr. Jim Heithoff in Ainsworth that night. On Wednesday, Fr. Burkhalter walked from Ainsworth to Stuart, 41 miles. Fr. Luke Steffes hosted him there. From Stuart he traveled to Ewing, with a small detour. Fr. Burkhalter said he couldn't get to the trail from Stuart to Atkinson, so someone brought him to Atkinson, about 7 miles. He stayed with Fr. Jim Kramper in Ewing last night. 

Fr. Burkhalter said he has had a lot of "Simon of Cyrenes" helping him out along the way.

"I appreciate all of the support I have had," he said. "It's the reason I do what I do here. I have received so much personal support, prayer support and financial support for this project."

Fr. Burkhalter said he has had people helping him out by letting him stay at parish rectories along the way, picking up his bag and bringing him water.

"People have called me to offer help and I have had some people honking as I walked by," he said.

Fr. Burkhalter said today has been a good day with one exception.

"East of Clearwater a bridge was out so I had to walk on the highway for a little bit, but then I got back where I needed to be," he said.

Fr. Burkhalter said he feels confident he will make it to Tilden early today and will have someone drive him back to Elgin for the night. He will continue his journey from his stopping point in Tilden tomorrow.

"Hopefully I will arrive a little before 7 p.m., every other night has been just a little before nightfall," he said.

According to the St. Boniface website, the total donations are up to $127,144, as of May 9. Supporters have been working since December to raise the $250,000 needed for asbestos removal in the gymnasium's ceiling.

Different levels of donations have been set up, from "ground squirrel" to "bald eagle," pledging 25 cents per mile to $1.00 per mile. Set donation amounts are also welcome.

Click here for a donation form.

Donations may be sent to: "Cowboy Up" For Fr. Ross, St. Boniface Church, P.O. Box B, Elgin, NE 68636. 

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