 U.S. Bank® and the Nebraska School Activities Association are proud to announce the 2018-19 local school winners of the Believers and Achievers award. Every member school is able to submit two senior students for recognition in this awards program.
Cole Belitz and Jayden Arehart have been chosen to represent Neligh-Oakdale. The announcement of the 48 statewide winners of the U.S. Bank® Believers & Achievers award will be announced by the NSAA at a later date.  A jury trial date has been set for the man accused of the murder of Neligh native Sydney Loofe.
In Saline County District Court on Thursday afternoon, it was determined that Aubrey Trail's jury trial will begin on Monday, June 17, 2019. He has pleaded not guilty in the case. Bailey Boswell, who is also charged in Loofe's murder, still has no jury trial date. She has not entered a plea in the case since her attorney is challenging the death penalty. They both face the charges of murder in the first degree, a class 1 or class 1A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison (Class 1) or the death penalty (Class 1A); and improper disposal of human skeletal remains, a class IV felony, which carries up to 2 years in prison and a fine.  The Neligh Dial-A-Ride program recently received an award of excellence for having a large number of riders.
Dial-A-Ride received the Federal Transit Administration Region VII Award of Excellence for the highest ridership among rural public transit systems operating in Nebraska with two vehicles. Neligh's Dial-A-Ride has a small bus and van to provide transportation for its citizens. The program recently celebrated 40 years of service. The Dial-A-Ride service is available 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. The cost is $1 for a one-way trip. Call 887-4225 to schedule a ride, 24-hour notice is appreciated. The service is often used for children going to and from school and the library, rides to the grocery store, hospital, hair appointments, bank, doctor's appointments, or even Sunday church services (call by Friday at 4 p.m. to schedule). Dial-A-Ride also has the capability to help residents with mobility devices such as wheel chairs or walking devices.  Antelope Memorial Hospital was presented an award last week for their newborn and child abuse prevention efforts.
Jackie Moline, RN of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, presented the “Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) Prevention Champion Status” Award for newborns and children to members of Antelope Memorial Hospital’s medical staff and nursing department. “We’re excited to announce that Antelope Memorial Hospital has earned the ‘Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) Prevention Champion Status’ for newborns and children and is the first in the state of Nebraska,” said Anne Labenz, RN, BSN and Obstetrical Director at Antelope Memorial Hospital. “Antelope Memorial Hospital’s nurses are compassionate about supporting this campaign to strengthen the communities’ awareness of the life altering effects of Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrome. Our AMH mission is to prevent future children and families from living with the devastating effects of AHT/SBS. The education we obtained from this campaign will give us the skills and knowledge to inform the parents and communities that this is 100 percent preventable.” Abusive Head Trauma can be caused by shaking or an injury that results in a whiplash motion that causes bleeding inside the brain or eyes, added Labenz. A few seconds of violent shaking may be all it takes to inflict serious injuries. Babies are more susceptible to injury because their heads are bigger and heavier as compared to the rest of their body. They have weak neck muscles and their brains are delicate and still developing. Plus, the baby is much smaller and weaker than the person shaking them. According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, AHT/SBS is the leading cause of child abuse death within the U.S. Out of the approximate 1,300 reported cases per year, 80 percent of survivors have lifelong disabilities and 25 percent of the cases will die. When a baby is shaken, the brain moves within the skull damaging or destroying brain tissue. Shaking may also tear blood vessels around the brain or eye causing more injury or even death. Babies cry ‒ sometimes a lot, said Labenz. A baby’s crying is normal and a way for his/her to communicate. Crying in babies peaks around six to eight weeks and gradually decreases by four to five months of age. A baby won’t die from crying, however ‒ he/she MAY die from being shaken. Non-stop crying is a primary trigger for shaking a baby. The problem is not the baby’s crying, but how adults deal with the crying. AHT/SBS prevention education empowers new parents to have a plan ahead of time for how to respond and what to do when they become frustrated with a crying baby. This plan can make a life-changing difference for both the baby and parents. A 2015 survey of all birthing hospitals in Nebraska revealed that the AHT/SBS prevention education for their staff and parents was inconsistent and varied between hospitals. The goal of the Nebraska Safe Babies – AHT/SBS Prevention Hospital Campaign is to provide evidence-based education to parents of newborns as well as birthing hospital staff. Educating new parents and caregivers within the hospital setting will provide a consistent, evidence-based AHT/SBS prevention message to parents of more than 26,500 newborns across the state. An increase in AHT/SBS prevention awareness will decrease the number of child abuse cases or deaths and reduce Nebraska’s infant mortality rate. Plus, more babies will celebrate their first birthday. For more information about AHT/SBS prevention education, call Labenz at Antelope Memorial Hospital at 402-887-6223.  The Neligh Police Department is working hard to keep its citizens safe and received some help through a recent grant.
A new electronic speed indicator sign was purchased through a $500 safety grant from the League Association of Risk Management (LARM). Officer Kraig Nelson said the solar powered sign was placed on 2nd Street, just north of the Old Mill, due to complaints of high speeds there.  The presiding judge questioned claims that Nebraska's death penalty should be considered "unconstitutional" on Monday as the woman accused of the murder of Neligh native Sydney Loofe appeared for a hearing.
"Isn't that a public policy question?" Judge Vicky Johnson asked attorney Todd Lancaster, the attorney representing Bailey Boswell. The district judge questioned the motion brought forth by Lancaster who claimed the judicial branch is responsible for deciding if laws are constitutional. He argued that, in 2008, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that execution by the electric chair was unconstitutional. Prosecutors from the Nebraska Attorney General's office are expected to argue against the motion in a court brief. State prosecutor Sandra Allen filed court documents indicating that the state intends to seek the death penalty in the cases against Boswell and Aubrey Trail, who is also charged in Loofe's murder. Boswell has still not entered a plea in the case as she awaits her attorney's challenge. Trail has pleaded not guilty. They both face the charges of murder in the first degree, a class 1 or class 1A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison (Class 1) or the death penalty (Class 1A); and improper disposal of human skeletal remains, a class IV felony, which carries up to 2 years in prison and a fine.  The mobile food pantry will be making a stop in Neligh this week.
Interested persons should come to the American Legion Club in Neligh from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Participants are asked to bring their own boxes with them that day. Churches, businesses, and some local individuals in Antelope County will be distributing food to those people whose needs are great and resources are few.  The Neligh Volunteer Fire Department is trying a new fundraising event this year—Dueling Pianos.
Dueling Pianos by Fun Pianos will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Neligh Fire Hall. The doors will open at 7 p.m. for the BYOB event. Tickets may be purchased for $10 or a reserved table of 8 for $125, by calling 402-649-1040. 
 The Neligh Volunteer Fire Department responded to a pickup fire north of town Tuesday morning. According to Fire Chief Mike Mortensen, the vehicle was a 2008 Chevy Silverado. No injuries were reported with the fire, which happened just before 7 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 14 and 857th Road. No other information is available at this time.  The Neligh-Oakdale choir was offered the experience of a lifetime—the chance to sing in concert with internationally acclaimed band, Foreigner. And they have their school secretary to thank for it. “We have to give Jenny Kinnan all the credit,” teacher Nate Metschke said. “John, Foreigner’s manager from Las Vegas, called. We had to call him back right away. He started calling in Norfolk and started working his way out to surrounding schools. So I called him, and he said, ‘The first school to commit to this is going to get to do it.’ I knew Mrs. (Jamie) Sehi was going to be our new teacher, so I started trying to get ahold of her at Norfolk Catholic because I didn’t want to say yes without her permission. I got ahold of her and she said, ‘Let’s do it.’ But if it weren’t for Jenny, this wouldn’t have happened. I was in the gym practicing for the spring concert in April, and she ran down there and gave me the phone number, so I called them from the gym.” Metschke said his only concern was that the concert would fall on Labor Day weekend. “But everybody’s here, so it didn’t matter at all,” he said with a smile. On Sunday night, 12 Neligh-Oakdale choir members, nine current and three recent graduates, made up the small ensemble who sang as special guests of Foreigner at the Divots DeVent Center concert in Norfolk. The choir is under the direction of Jamie Sehi, who is in her fifth year teaching, but first year at Neligh-Oakdale. Current choir members include seniors Dani Beyer, Jordan Knievel, Isiac Kurpgeweit, Cade Wilkinson and Hannah Brady; junior Jorden Fulsaas, sophomores Trinity Kurpgeweit and April Williams, and freshman Ethan Gregory. Joining the choir for one final performance were 2018 graduates Megan McWhorter, Wynter Fulsaas and Jason Ramirez. The choir took the stage to perform with Foreigner during the band’s biggest hit single, “I Want to Know What Love is.” Foreigner’s set list also featured hits like “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” “Cold as Ice,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “Hot Blooded.” The stage manager met with the school choir between the Tesla and Foreigner shows to line them up by height and practice entering and exiting the stage. “Once Juke Box Hero starts, start making your way over to the stage area on the right,” she said. “Juke Box Hero is really late in the set, so you guys can just hang and watch the show until then.” As “Juke Box Hero” began to play, the group made their way to the staging area donning their jeans, maroon bandanas and matching T shirts, which were custom-made for the occasion. “The kids were all having a great time at the concert, and when Juke Box Hero came on, the kids started jumping around and walked over with such pride,” Jamie Sehi said. “I think that is when it finally sunk in that it was really going to happen. We got over to the right side of the stage and it seemed like the longest three minutes waiting for the manager to come and get us.” Then the choir finally got the signal to head backstage. “Once we were backstage, the stage crew was helping them get pumped up and made them feel like part of the gang,” Sehi said. “Then it was here. The moment they had been waiting months for.” After “Juke Box Hero” ended, the music slowed way down and Foreigner’s lead singer Kelly Hansen told the crowd to put their arm around the person next to them and “let the love flow to that person.” “We should spread love everywhere,” he said, setting up their next song. The emotional ballad filled the air as Hansen belted out the lyrics to “I Want to Know What Love is” and encouraged the crowd to sing along. As the song got underway, the Neligh-Oakdale choir slipped onto the upper stage behind two microphones. “Being the first one on the stage, I was hoping that I wasn’t going to trip and fall,” Trinity Kurpgeweit said. “They walked up excited, but a little nervous and took their places,” the new choir director said. “I stood at the edge of the stage behind the curtain, just staring at them with so much joy! It was so cool to watch them experience this moment of a lifetime. I had a lot of music opportunities growing up that were awesome, but this was an entirely new level.” The choir swayed as they sang to Foreigner’s chart-topping song. “I was just watching in amazement and then a camera flash from the audience caught my eye,” Sehi said. “Then I looked to my left. There were people out as far as you could see with phone flashlights.” Near the end of the song, a guitarist invited Jordan Knievel to step down and jam on his guitar. She enthusiastically added her own riff. At the conclusion of the song, the lead singer praised the entire choir. “Let’s make some noise for this beautiful choir on stage tonight,” Hansen said. “They are the Neligh-Oakdale High School Choir from Neligh, Nebraska. Come on, make some noise for them.” Loud applause erupted through the spellbound crowd. “I just want to say thank you guys,” he said. “You guys sounded great. You look great. Hope you had a good time tonight. We appreciate you being here.” Hansen followed up by asking those in attendance to talk to their school officials to plead with them to maintain funding for all of their school music programs and pay our teachers more. As he pointed to the Neligh-Oakdale choir, he said, “I want you to take a peek at how beautiful your future looks. Thank you guys. Let’s make some noise for them on the way out.” The students walked, single-file off the stage with huge grins on their faces. “People lined up, giving them high fives the entire way back to the event center,” Sehi said. “I know it wasn’t a Husker football tunnel walk, but the amount of support the kids had was overwhelming.” She said it was “definitely an experience they will never forget.” “Just the experience looking out into the crowd was cool and when we got off the stage everyone was acting like we were the stars of the show, lining up and giving us high fives,” Isiac Kurpgeweit said. The students said it was unlike anything they had experienced before. “It was actually a breathtaking experience,” Cade Wilkinson said. “Being in front of that many people was definitely like a dream come true.” Dani Beyer echoed his sentiments. “Being on stage was an absolute dream,” she said. “Being under those stage lights was I dream that I would love to live over and over again.” Metschke, who drove the bus for the event, said the kids were “so pumped up” after the concert. “It was fun listening to them on the bus ride home,” he said. “Lots of forever memories were made.” Sehi said she was thrilled when Metschke presented this opportunity, which came less than two months after she had accepted the job at Neligh-Oakdale. As part of Foreigner's ongoing charity partnership with the Grammy Foundation, the choir will also receive a $500 donation for their performance. Sehi said she plans to use the donation to improve and grow the choir. “We’re going to go to a choral leadership workshop on Wednesday in Norfolk,” she said. “It’s an all-day workshop that teaches the kids to sing out, have confidence, be leaders, not just in choir, but throughout the school. And recruit for our program to help it grow.” Sehi said she prepared the students for the Foreigner performance by having them sing along to “I Want to Know What Love is” in class. “I originally thought we would do three-part music to learn our parts, but then they said not to bother with parts, just learn the melody so that you could be heard more,” she said. “So we just learned the melody. We practiced, sang it over and over again and talked about some of the other songs they’ve done.” Sehi said she believes Foreigner chooses that particular ballad for student choirs is because it is one of their most popular songs. “It is one of the most commonly known, people hear it a lot on the radio,” she said. The Foreigner concert was the choir’s first concert of the school year, which Sehi said started causing a little anxiety for some of the students. “I think they were really excited, but the closer it got, they were getting really nervous,” she said. “They thought about all the people that were going to be there. And this is actually our first outing as a choir besides singing the national anthem at some games.” Her advice to the kids? “Sing out and don’t be scared up there,” Sehi said. “Just go out there and be yourself, don’t stand there scared. It’s hard, especially when you’re looking out in front of all those people. You tell them not to be scared, but if I was doing it, I would probably be scared too. Just go out there and put on a show. They want to see you sing.” The students admitted to having mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness prior to the concert as they ate at Raising Canes in Norfolk. “I’m nervous excited,” Jason Ramirez said. “I’m nervous because I do not like being in front of people,” April Williams said. “I’m excited because I get to be there with my friends on stage.” “I’m excited to sing with Foreigner,” Ethan Gregory said. “It’s going to be nice to rock and roll. I was singing the entire weekend.” “I’m excited because it’s a new experience for everyone,” Jorden Fulsaas said. “It’s a chance for the choir. It’s a really good feeling, like, ‘We’re on stage. We’re here.’ It’s going to be a good experience.” I’m looking forward to being in front of the crowd,” Isiac Kurpgeweit said. “I’m ready to sing with Cade and put on a show.” Wilkinson, who has been on a lot of stages for musicals and one act performances, said he’s never been in front of a crowd this size. “I’m just pumped,” he said. “I want to meet them.” Jordan Knievel said she was “excited” for the opportunity, but her dad, Tim, was especially looking forward to the concert. “He’s coming to the show,” she said. “He’s really excited.” “I was at Jordan’s house, and Tim (Knievel) was trying to get me to warm up and show him a little sneak peek,” Dani Beyer said. Beyer said her mom, Tricia, “was probably more excited than I was.” Afterall, Foreigner was originally established in 1976, making the band more well-known to their parent’s generation. In fact, teachers Metschke and Sehi weren’t even born yet. A couple kids admitted that they hadn’t heard of the band before the choir had the opportunity to sing with them. Hannah Brady said although she didn’t know who the band was, others she talked with did. “My boyfriend’s mom was super excited. Susan’s freaking out,” she said. “I was excited,” Megan McWhorter said. “All of us seniors pitched to Metschke that we could come back and do it as a big choir again just so we could sing one more time. So it left things exciting and fun at the end of the year because we were like, ‘Oh yea, we get to be a choir again.’ So it brings back excitement.” Now a Wayne State music education major, Wynter Fulsaas said she was “super excited.” “Coming back from my first two weeks of school, you know, and being able to say, ‘Hey, I got to sing with Foreigner this weekend.’ That’s super cool,” Fulsaas said. “It’s a once in a lifetime moment for anybody my age. I think a lot of my family members were pretty jealous that I got to do something like that or even be that close to a band that famous. Some of my friends at college were asking if I was going home this weekend. And I said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to the Foreigner concert. I get to sing with them.’ And they were like, ‘No way.’” As they drove by the concert site, Dani Beyer saw the crowd forming as people flooded the outdoor concert area with lawn chairs, but she wasn’t nervous. “I think it’s a wonderful experience for us kids,” Beyer said. “I’m just hoping to have a lit time. How many people can say they sang with Foreigner?”  Neligh-Oakdale has announced its 2018-19 class officers for grades 7-12. SENIORS: Austin Rice, secretary/treasurer; Dani Beyer, student council; Cade Wilkinson, president; Haley Kerkman, vice president; Christian Carothers, student council and Cole Belitz, student council. JUNIORS: Hunter Charf, vice president; Gage Dawson, president; and Hailey Bixler, secretary/treasurer. SOPHOMORES: Dawson Kaup, secretary/treasurer; Andrew Jacobsen, president; and Colton Klabenes, vice president. FRESHMEN: Ashton Higgins, president; Talon Krebs, vice president; and Riley Martensen, secretary/treasurer. 8TH GRADE: Landyn Schrader, secretary/treasurer; Austin Rudolf, president; and Andrea Maldonado, vice president. 7TH GRADE: Mallory Belitz, secretary/treasurer; Emerson Knust, vice president; and Macguire Detlefsen, president.  It’s official. Father Patrick Nields was formally installed as a new pastor by Archbishop George Lucas on Sunday morning in Neligh. After the opening song, the archbishop thanked parishioners for their patience. “It took me two weeks to get here,” he said with a grin. The original installation service on August 11 was postponed due to the archbishop’s car troubles. On Sunday, a short ceremony was held during Mass in Neligh to install Fr. Nields as the new pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Neligh and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Tilden. Coffee and rolls were served in the parish hall following Mass. Parishioners from both churches were on hand to witness the installation, as well as his parents, Jerry and Kathy Fox. Neligh and Tilden will be the first parishes in which Fr. Nields will serve as a head pastor. Fr. Nields began his pastoral duties at these churches the weekend of July 1 and has been assigned a six-year term. He grew up in Omaha, attended Creighton Prep and then the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he earned a business degree before attending law school at Creighton University. He practiced law in Omaha for more than nine years. Fr. Nields entered the seminary in 2010, and graduated from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis in 2016. He was then ordained into the priesthood and assigned as an associate pastor in Papillion.  Neligh-Oakdale seniors Haley Kerkman and Christian Carothers were crowned homecoming royalty on Friday night following the football game. Haley is the daughter of Jeff and Becky Kerkman, and Christian is the son of Thomas and Michelle Carothers. Other candidates included Cade Wilkinson, Cole Belitz, Kristen Snodgrass and Jordan Knievel. Members of the court are second-graders Owen Kinnan and Edie Sauser. Freshmen attendants are Riley Martensen and Talon Krebs. Sophomores are Claire Whitesel and Brock Kester. Juniors are Hannah Schrader and Hunter Charf.  Neligh-Oakdale painted the town maroon as students and Booster Club members made their way down Main Street for the Homecoming parade on Friday. The parade began with Boy Scouts Troop 167 carrying the American flag, followed by the Booster Club's float, "Fortune Teller-Victory is in the Cards." Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade marched with the theme, "Come and Get Your Victory;" third grade was "Warriors Don't Clown Around-They Win!"; fourth grade "Tying Together Another Warrior Win!"; fifth grade "Soaring to a Victory!"; sixth grade "Step Right Up for the Main Attraction-A Warrior Victory!" The Neligh-Oakdale marching band led the way before the 7-12 grade floats headed down the street. Float themes were 7th grade "Great Victory Pit," 8th grade "Bumper Cars-Bump 'em off the grid," freshmen "Pie Eating Contest," sophomores "Bobbing for Apples," juniors "Dunk Tank-Dunk the Bulldogs" and seniors "Extreme Bull Riding." Class attendants and candidates also made appearances at the parade prior to the start of the pep rally portion. Volleyball coach Hannah Hoefer, cross country coach Rick Eickholt and football coach Ron Beacom all spoke and thanked the crowd for supporting their athletes. The float winners were 7th grade-first and 8th grade-second; and seniors-first; juniors-second, sophomores-third and freshman-fourth. Spirit cup winners were seniors-first; sophomores-second; freshman-third; and juniors-fourth. Other spirit week winners were announced at the parade as well: Wedding Day: 7th grade: Abby Kerkman and Cameran McKirdy 8th grade: none 9th grade: Ethan Gregory and Krystal Fulsaas 10th grade: Brooke Frey, Paige Furstenau, Claire Whitesel, Aleesha Bergman, Trinity Kurpgeweit, Caleb Payne and Brock Kester 11th grade: Skylar Long 12th grade: Cameron Wilkinson, Logan McConnell and Austin Rice 50s Day: 7th grade: Emerson Knust and Mariah Henley 8th grade: Shilo Shabram 9th grade: Josey Booth and Ashton Higgins 10th grade: Trey Svatos 11th grade: Kenzie Rudlof and Neven Kline 12th grade: Jayden Arehart, Cole Belitz and Haley Kerkman Dress As Your Baby Picture: 7th grade: Taisha Hurtig and Nathan Juarez 8th grade: Izzy Smidt and Dawn Breaker 9th grade: none 10th grade: none 11th grade: Skylar Long and Neven Kline 12th grade: Tucker Knust, Isaac Kurpgeweit and Cade Wilkinson Crazy Sock/Shoe Day: 7th grade: Tori Heckert 8th grade: none 9th grade: none 10th grade: Jasmine Maughan 11th grade: Gage Dawson and Skylar Long 12th grade: Hannah Brady   The Neligh-Oakdale Post Prom Committee is hosting a tailgate fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 31.
The group will serve roast beef sandwiches, beans, chips and a bar for $6 per plate during Neligh-Oakdale’s Homecoming game against Ainsworth. Serving will begin at 6 p.m.   Neligh-Oakdale homecoming is in full swing this week. The candidates and court were announced last week. Candidates for king are Cole Belitz, Christian Carothers and Cade Wilkinson. Queen candidates are Haley Kerkman, Jordan Knievel and Kristen Snodgrass. Members of the court are second-graders Owen Kinnan and Edie Sauser. Freshmen attendants are Riley Martensen and Talon Krebs. Sophomores are Claire Whitesel and Brock Kester. Juniors are Hannah Schrader and Hunter Charf. Coronation will be Friday, Aug. 31, after the football game against Ainsworth. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. on Warrior Field. Watch the homecoming parade Friday, beginning at 1 p.m. Meet the crown bearers, candidates and class attendants: Crown Bearers Name: Edie Sauser Parent/Guardians: Chad and Karmen Sauser Hobbies/Interests: Swimming and to play with my toys Favorite class: Math Favorite movie: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Favorite color: Blue Siblings: Graysen, Alyzabeth, Jayden When I grow up: I want to travel the world with my Aunt Nicole. Name: Owen Kinnan Parent/Guardians: Aaron and Jenny Kinnan Hobbies/Interests: Riding my four-wheeler around our farm, and playing with my brother and cousins Favorite class: P.E. Favorite movie: Phineas and Ferb Favorite color: Red Siblings: Asher When I grow up: I want to be a firefighter. Queen Candidates Name: Kristen Snodgrass Parent/Guardians: Mike and Sharla Snodgrass Church: Brunswick Congregational Church Hobbies/Interests: Listening to music, going for walks, and being around animals School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: Volleyball, basketball, track and FFA Community activities/organizations: 4-H and community service through FFA Future plans: I plan on attending Northeast Community College and go into the vet technician program. Name: Jordan Knievel Parent/Guardians: Tim and Cynthia Knievel Church: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing with my cat, listening to music, drawing, watching tv, and spending time with my friends and family. School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: FBLA, FCCLA, band, choir, art, and I take pictures for cross country Name: Haley Kerkman Parent/Guardians: Jeffrey and Rebecca Kerkman Church: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Hobbies/Interests: I love going out to the lake with family, friends, and my dog Toby. Driving around with Tryn and jammin to throw back, our favorite is Our Song by T Swift! Trying to give my dad hugs because I know it annoys him and picking on him with my mom. Having my brother Alex barge into my room to talk late at night. Hanging out with the group and going to BC to visit Cora and Chloe, yes Alexis, I love them more than you. School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: Volleyball 4 years, basketball 3 years, track 3 years, One-Act 4 years, Band 4 years, National Honor Society 1 year, N-O Club 4 years, student council 4 years, student advisory 4 years, art 1 year Community activities/organizations: Catholic Youth Group, Big Green Volleyball Club Future plans: Attend Wayne State College and double major in elementary and special education King Candidates Name: Christian Carothers Parent/Guardians: Thomas and Michelle Carothers Church: St. Francis of Assisi Hobbies/Interests: Reading, running, lifting, consuming beverages with my brother, Cole Belitz School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: Track, FBLA, cross country, FFA, One Act, Band Community activities/organizations: CCD Future plans: Enlisting in the Marine Corps, going to school for my nursing degree. Name: Cole Belitz Parent/Guardians: Matt and Angie Belitz Church: Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Hobbies/Interests: Going on adventures, playing sports/running, hanging out with friends, dancing, watching movies and consuming beverages with my brother Christian Carothers. School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: Cross country 4 years, one act 4 years, basketball 3 years, speech 3 years, band 4 years, track and field 3 years, FBLA 4 years, FFA 2 years, National Honor Society 2 years, Quiz Bowl 3 years, student council 2 years Community activities/organizations: CCD, Catholic Youth Group, youth Halloween party, concession stand help Future plans: I plan on attending college in Wayne and pursuing a career in nursing. Then, hopefully being accepted into med school to further my education and open more unique job opportunities. Name: Cade Wilkinson Parent/Guardians: Justin and Carla Wilkinson Church: Catholic Hobbies/Interests: Long walks on the beach, watching sunsets, doing photography “Do It The Wilky Way,” creating videos, hanging with friends, daily shenanigans with my best friend Jordan Knievel, getting my groove on (especially in like an hour), playing video games, singing and performing. School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: One-Act, musical, wrestling, track, FBLA, N-O Club, Quiz Bowl and Choir. Community activities/organizations: President of National Honor Society, class president, choir student council representative Future plans: Plan on getting my generals and pre-requisite classes done at Northeast then transfer to either the University of Nebraska at Omaha or Lincoln and continue my education for a degree in computer science. Hope to find someone special and settle somewhere to live a long life with the people who matter most to me and who accept me for who I am. Class Attendants Juniors Name: Hunter Charf Parent/Guardians: Stacy and Danelle Charf Church: St. Boniface Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with friends, getting clubs in Fortnite, and sleeping School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: Football, basketball, track, baseball, FBLA Community activities/organizations: FBLA and fair setup Future plans: Graduate high school and attend UNL Name: Hannah Schrader Parent/Guardians: Erin and Jeremy Hanlin Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing, babysitting, reading, and hanging out with friends School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: FFA, FCCLA, speech, volleyball, one act, track, student council, Greenhand FFA degree, State STAR qualifier, FFA Leadership Award Community activities/organizations: Volunteering Future plans: Attend UNL after graduating and become and agriculture teacher Sophomores Name: Brock Kester Parent/Guardians: Kyle and Tabitha Kester Church: St. Francis Catholic Church, Neligh Hobbies/Interests: Some of my hobbies are going to the river boating skiing and fishing, also enjoy hunting and hanging out with friends School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: Football, wrestling and golf letter winner freshman year, and FBLA for one year Future plans: Go to college and be a utility lineman. Name: Claire Whitesel Parent/Guardians: Brian and Erin Whitesel Church: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Hobbies/Interests: My hobbies are playing sports, hanging out with my friends, watching Netflix School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: volleyball, basketball, track, band, FBLA and dance team Community activities/organizations: I do community service activities for FBLA Future plans: I would like to attend UNL and become a pediatrician. Freshmen Name: Talon Krebs Parent/Guardians: Jason and Alissa Krebs Church: St. Francis of Assisi Hobbies/Interests: sports, wakeboarding, woodworking, chillin’ with my dog, hanging out with friends and family, camping, boating, shooting hoops, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, traveling, riding dirt bikes School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: football, basketball, track, band, FBLA, class vice president Community activities/organizations: Cub Scouts, 4-H, FBLA Future plans: Attend college and have a successful career Name: Riley Martensen Parent/Guardians: Jeremy and Staci Martensen Church: Thanksgiving Lutheran Church Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, cooking, archery and spending time with family and friends School activities/organizations/honors since freshman year: Volleyball, basketball, track, band and FBLA Future plans: Attend college and major in marine biology or fitness nutrition.
  A bench warrant was issued Wednesday morning for a man who failed to appear for sentencing, although Judge James Kube told the courtroom he wasn't surprised Cody Randall wasn't present.
"I had a funny feeling Mr. Randall might not be here today. Call it judicial intuition," Kube said. Randall's attorney Pat Carney requested a continuance, and Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler objected and asked for a bench warrant for his arrest. Kube ruled to issue the bench warrant. At the June 28 district court, a plea agreement was reached as Randall pleaded guilty to count one, possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine, a Class IV felony. Counts two and three were dismissed, which were possession of marijuana-less than an ounce, infraction; possession of drug paraphernalia, infraction.   Trevor Larsen was just four words into the national anthem when he suddenly stopped and told his dad to put his hand on his heart. The 3-year-old quickly began again, singing nearly every word as his parents recorded the milestone proudly. Although a few words were muffled, it was clear where the toddler learned his patriotism as he belted out,“Land of the free. Go baseball!” Ethan and Laura Larsen of Neligh captured the video of their son last week in their kitchen, and it has struck a patriotic chord with many since it was posted on Facebook. “That was actually the second time he sang the whole thing,” Ethan said. “He sang it, and I was like, ‘Do you think he’ll do it again?’ So I recorded it and got the whole thing, even the last part – go baseball.” Trevor, who turned three on August 4, spent the summer immersed in America’s favorite pastime thanks to his dad who helped coach the Neligh Legion baseball teams. Trevor became a big brother on August 1 when sister Teagan was born and regularly attended the games, watching every aspect. “He’s very aware of his surroundings,” Laura said. “He watched everything, like most 2-year-olds would have, from the game to the national anthem. He would stand up, put his hand on his heart and listen to it.”  Calling it the “Star Spangled Song,” Trevor started asking to hear the song often, so Ethan made sure he had the music on his phone for Trevor to listen to upon request. It wasn’t long before Trevor started piecing lines together. “He knew the melody quickly. He would miss a line or a word here and there, but by around the Fourth of July, he could sing quite a bit of it,” Ethan said. “And then around his third birthday, he was able to sing the entire song.” Both Ethan and Laura are teachers at Neligh-Oakdale, and Ethan has coached at least one sport every season since his arrival in 2011. He’s now the head boys basketball coach and assistant football coach. Ethan teaches social studies at the high school, and Laura is a first-grade teacher. Ethan said it was during last year’s basketball games that Trevor first started noticing the importance of the “Star Spangled Banner.” He would mimic others and stand with his hand over his heart. Then Laura caught him humming the melody around the house. By the time baseball season was in full swing, Trevor started policing those near him when it played.  “If he sees someone not putting their hand on their heart, he’ll tell them, just like he did Ethan in the beginning of the video,” Laura said. “He’s learned what to do and isn’t afraid to tell people to put their hand on their heart, too.” The flag has become an important symbol for Trevor, even without the national anthem. While walking into the hospital after his little sister was born, Trevor stopped in the middle of the parking lot when he saw the flag. “He put his hand on his heart and stopped to look at it because that’s what he was supposed to do,” Laura said. “No one told him to do it; the national anthem wasn’t playing. He has just learned to respect our flag.” Laura went on to say, “He may not know what the word respect means, but he knows how to show it. He’s learned to respect the flag because he’s seen it so many times. It does make us proud to know he’s learned that from watching people around him be respectful at games.” Ethan said Trevor is a reminder of how children are a sponge to what is around them. They soak up every aspect of what they see, whether it’s positive or negative. Sitting in the stands, Trevor heard and saw lots of activity during the baseball games, and what stuck with him the most, so far, was patriotism. “As a teacher, I know the meaning behind it and the history, so it does mean a lot to me that he’s learning to respect the flag,” he said. “I don’t want to get political, but when you see NFL players taking a knee, it’s nice to see the other side — a child who knows without being told to respect our flag. We are proud that is the symbol and message he’s grasped.”   Multiple law enforcement, including the Antelope County Sheriff's Office, assisted in an arrest of a male Sunday night for criminal attempt of homicide.
According to the Holt County Sheriff's Office, a male in Ewing was arrested around noon on Sunday for several alleged felonies, including criminal attempt of homicide. The arrest stemmed from a domestic assault incident between a male and female party. Later in the afternoon, a search warrant was served at a residence seeking evidence pertaining to the alleged incident. The Nebraska State Patrol, Antelope County Sheriff and Holt County Attorney assisted with the service of the warrant. This incident remains under investigation. This story will be updated when more information becomes available.   Neligh-Oakdale Elementary students jumped in on the Homecoming fun this week. Students were given the opportunity to participate in spirit week dress up days this year. They dressed up in their "Sunday Best" on Monday and went wild for dress as your "Favorite Animal" on Tuesday. The theme days are: Monday-"Sunday Best," Tuesday-"Favorite Animal," Wednesday-"PJ Day," Thursday-"Crazy Sock/Shoes Day" and Friday-"Spirit Day."   From minute-to-win-it games to the traditional bonfire, Neligh-Oakdale kicked off its homecoming activities Sunday night. Hosted by the Booster Club, students in grades 7-12 participated in games in the Riverside Park pavilion. Coaches Hannah Hoefer, Rick Eickholt and Ron Beacom demonstrated the games before students spent the next hour vying for top prizes. Those completing all five challenges and tabbed as overall winners for the games were Ashton Higgins, first, 178 seconds; Kaleb Pofahl, second, 205 seconds; and Claire Whitesel, third, 225 seconds. Popcorn from Pinnacle Bank and snow cones courtesy of the Neligh Young Men's Club added to the carnival-themed night. Classes also performed skits as the teams prepare for Friday's homecoming game against Ainsworth. The freshmen's skit mimicked a carnival football toss, the sophomore's was a dog show with a Lion King theme, the juniors turned "Talladega Nights" into a scooter race and seniors skit had an ESPN theme with a top three best and worst plays. The seniors were named spirit cup winners for best skit. The evening ended with a bonfire in front of the grandstand with assistance from the Neligh Fire Department.   After lots of sampling Saturday morning, the winners of the Neligh Mills Fall Festival cookie contest were announced.
Jan Nixon of Norfolk won top prize with her oatmeal cookies while Mackenzie Sands of Neligh was runner-up with her monster cookies. Coming in third was Beth Sanders of O'Neill her peanut butter cookies. Judges were Mike Wright, Dave Jacobsen and Jared Jacob, all of Neligh. 1. Jan Nixon, Norfolk, oatmeal; 2. Mackenzie Sands, Neligh, monster; 3. Beth Sanders, O’Neill, peanut butter.   The boys are back! The Boy Scouts that is.
Boys in grades 6-12 are invited to register for the Neligh Boy Scout Troop 167, which is being brought back into existence. Registration will be held on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. in the Scout Cabin at Penn Lake in Neligh. For questions, contact Scott Gregory 402-410-0157, Mike and Amy Wright 402-750-4434 or Kraig Nelson 402-206-1855. |
|
RSS Feed
News That Matters To Antelope County - Your News. Your Way. Every Day!
|
|
|
© Pitzer Digital, LLC