  Here are the workshops that Holt/Boyd County 4-H is planning to offer this summer! Workshop registration is only available online (no phone calls please). Please sign up as soon as possible as some workshops have limits. If one site is full, the form will state that so please choose another site.
Google Docs Registration Form is at https://goo.gl/forms/ekszZVbtp48UavWB2 Clover Kid-STEM Engineering Workshop - Cost - $7. Limit - 10 per site.
Back to Nature 4-H Camp - Cost - $20.00/per person. Limit - 40 per site.
3D Printing-Computer 3 - Cost - $15. Limit - 10 per site.
Printing Workshop - Cost - $10. Limit -15 per site.
Recycled Project Workshop - Cost - $5. Limit - 15 per site.
Modeling Workshop - Cost - $5.
Interview Judging Workshop - Holt and Boyd County Dates and Locations - TBA
Table Setting Contest Workshop- Holt and Boyd County Dates and Locations - TBA
Rockets- Workshop - Holt and Boyd County Dates and Locations - TBA
Beef Showmanship Workshop-TBA Holt and Boyd County Dates and Locations - TBA
Goat Showmanship Workshop-TBA Holt and Boyd County Dates and Locations - TBA
We are needing help from Junior Leaders and Adult Leaders, so if you have a special interest in a specific project area, or want to volunteer to help with any of the workshops, please contact Gena Bills at holt-county@unl.edu or call 402-336-2760. (courtesy of Sue Moore - Nebraska Extension Office)   The North Central District Health Department and the Area Substance Abuse Prevention coalition are providing a free alcohol retailer education course.
This course educates employees on the Nebraska alcohol laws, with an emphasis on checking IDs and denying service to underage and intoxicated patrons. The following businesses sent their employees to a Responsible Beverage Server Training in the month of April: American Legion Post 86 in Atkinson, Atkinson Knights of Columbus, Tatanka Golf Course, Ohiya Casino, Argo Hotel Bed & Breakfast, Legion Post #128 in Crofton, Elgin One Stop, Scott’s Ranchland, and Turbine Mart.   Competitors couldn't have asked for a much better day than Thursday to compete at the Northeast Nebraska Track and Field Classic at Norfolk High School. The sun popped out and the wind died down, allowing the athletes to show their best in the all-class meet. One of the top performers from the Holt County schools was Mikayla Marvin of O'Neill. She took gold in the pole vault with a mark of 11-00.00. Another Eagle, Caleigh Miles, also performed well in the pole vault, posting a mark of 9-06.00 to take third. Another O'Neill competitor took gold on the day, this time on the boys side. Nathaniel Jennings took the top spot in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:00.77, just shy of the meet record of 1:59.18. Jason Hahlbeck also took gold, finishing first in the discus with a throw of 153-07. Another top finisher from the county came from West Holt's 4x800 meter relay team of Breydon Mlady, Brandon Heller, Payton Williams and Jordan Tasler. The quartet edged out Crofton with a time of 8:33.12 to take gold. Harlee Fischer of Stuart rounded out the Holt County champions. She took first in the 400 meter dash with a time of 59.05. Results for Northeast Nebraska Track and Field Classic - Girls Girls 400 M Dash 1. Harlee Fischer, Stuart 59.05 Girls 800 M Run 9. Payton Birkel, O'Neill 2:30.29 Girls 1600 M Run 8. Kira Dickau, Stuart 5:51.10 10.Carlie Wetzel, West Holt 6:04.14 Girls 100 M Hurdles 6. Aurora Gutshall, O'Neill 16.46 8. Taya Rainforth, O'Neill 17.51 Girls 4x400 M Relay 4. Stuart 4:14.83 Girls High Jump 12. Abby Everitt, St. Mary's 4-08.00 Girls Pole Vault 1. Mikayla Marvin, O'Neill 11-00.00 3. Caleigh Miles, O'Neill 9-06.00 7. Kendra Kozisek, St. Mary's 9-00.00 Girls Triple Jump 6. Jenae Osborne, West Holt 32-04.50 Girls Shot Put 2. Jodi Fry, Ewing 39-11.75 Results for Northeast Nebraska Track and Field Classic - Boys Boys 400 M Dash 4. Wyatt Paxton, Stuart 52.21 Boys 800 M Run 1. Nathaniel Jennings, O'Neill 2:00.77 Boys 3200 M Run 11. McCoy Strong, O'Neill 10:57.72 Boys 110 M Hurdles 3. Alex Thramer, O'Neill 15.78 6. Wyatt Liewer, O'Neill 16.38 Boys 300 M Hurdles 3. Alex Thramer, O'Neill 41.10 5. Wyatt Liewer, O'Neill 41.61 Boys 4x400 M Relay 5. West Holt 3:37.65 Boys 4x800 M Relay 1. West Holt 8:33.12 8. O'Neill 8:50.05 Boys High Jump 7. Wyatt Liewer, O'Neill 6-00.00 Boys Pole Vault 8. Connor Croxen, CWC 11-06.00 Boys Long Jump 4. Alex Thramer, O'Neill 20-01.50 Boys Shot Put 5. Trevor Klabenes, CWC 45-07.50 6. Jason Hahlbeck, O'Neill 45-07.00 Boys Discus 1. Jason Hahlbeck, O'Neill 153-07   Members of the farmer-owned Central Valley Ag could be seeing some major changes in the future if a potential merger is approved.
In a press release sent out on Friday, it was announced that a merger of the York-based cooperative with a Beloit, Kans. based cooperative is nearing the final steps. After a review of a recently completed merger study, the Board of Directors of Farmway Co-op, Inc. (Farmway) and Central Valley Ag (CVA) both unanimously approved the next step in a merger of the two cooperatives. The merger proposal will now be presented to Farmway members for a vote. "By combining two strong financially-stable cooperatives in a merger, a unified cooperative would provide the opportunity for expanded services and facilities, increased savings and accelerated equity redemptions for the benefit of our member-owners," said Tim Porter, Farmway Board Chairman. "The Board of Directors asks for member-owner support by voting yes to the unification." "The results of the merger study were conclusive and both Boards felt strongly in proceeding with a merger of CVA and Farmway," said Dave Beckman, Chairman of the Board for Central Valley Ag. "The study outlined benefits in terms of improved efficiencies and cost savings, which we will feel bring additional value to members of both cooperatives." Initial merger discussions between the cooperatives began in January 2017, with the respective boards meeting in April to unanimously approve an Agreement and Plan of Merger. Farmway will host area informational meetings throughout May starting with the Farmway Annual Meeting on May 4 so members can better understand the results of the recently completed merger study and ask questions regarding the proposed merger. Shortly thereafter, Farmway will hold a series of voting meetings for the Farmway membership to vote regarding the merger. Farmway voting members are highly encouraged to attend these meetings and vote. For the merger to be finalized, Farmway members must approve by a super majority, which is defined as 66%. Many local farmers are familiar with CVA. The cooperative is considered an innovative leader in providing products and services in grain, agronomy, feed and energy to it's members. Farmway is a Beloit, Kans. based cooperative. It has 37 facilities across nine counties in North Central Kansas, offering energy, agronomy, feed and grain solutions.   A number of Holt County students have been honored on the winter 2017 Academic All-State team by the Nebraska School Activities Association.
Representing Ewing were Max Fossati, Emily Eacker, Sarah Hawk, Danielle Anderson and Emily Eacker. For O'Neill, Justin Appleby, Jake Young, Payton Birkel, Caleigh Miles, Nikki Gotschall, Makenzie Petersen and Parker Belgum made the cut. Earning a spot for St. Mary's were Josh Cuddy, Zac Wiese, Logan Connot, Breanna Hedstrom, Brooke Benson and Paige Tomjack. Stuart's Connor Jarman, Harlee Fischer, Alison Stracke, Peyton Alder and Brook Doke were all honored. Representing West Holt were Edison Fredrick, Seth Hytrek, Megan Bilstein, Jenae Osborne, Emma Laible, Anna Meyer, Jake Judge and Breydon Mlady. For Chambers/Wheeler Central, Jacie Laetsch, BrookLynn Burrell, Jamie Koenig, Connor Croxen, Zane Patrick and Regan Dierks made the cut. Since 2006, this NSAA Award Program has recognized students who meet the criteria for nomination by their school in the season of their activity. Each year the NSAA and the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association recognize students during fall, winter and spring Seasons who are nominated by their schools for their individual academic excellence, leadership and significant contributions in their NSAA activity. To be eligible for the honor, students must meet three requirements: 1. A nominated student must be a varsity player or organizational leader who has played a significant role on the team or in the organizational activity during the seasons for which nominations are accepted. 2. A nominated student must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average, in all curricular subjects, of 93% or 3.7 on a 4.0-point scale or the equivalent. 3. NSAA high schools or their cooperative sponsorship may nominate a maximum of two students per NSAA activity program. Any student, freshman through senior, is eligible for the honor.  Holt County speech competitors brought home more than a dozen medals from the Nebraska Speech Championships in Kearney on Friday. In Class C2, Chase Harrison from West Holt earned sixth place in serious prose, and also teamed up with Bailey Boh to finish fifth in duet acting. In Class D2, several Holt County schools were well represented and picked up medals in seven categories: Poetry - 4. Dani Anderson, Ewing Entertainment - 7. Landon Crabtree, Chambers Informative - 5. Elle Schmaderer, Stuart Persuasive - 3. Peyton Alder, Stuart Serious - 2. Vera Butterfield, St. Mary's Duet - 4. Katie Hawk and Sarah Hawk, Ewing OID - 5. Stuart - Peyton Alder, Brook Doke, Kennison Kunz, Christopher VanMeter, Zachary Michka  A case of the measles has been reported and people in multiple locations may have been exposed, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The affected person spent time in both Douglas and Sarpy counties. “If people visited one of these locations and come down with a fever and a rash, they should see a health care provider,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “Those most at risk of being infected with the measles are people who have had no doses or only one dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine or who have not had the measles.” Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing and it’s possible that other people who were in the same locations may have been exposed. Locations include: Eppley Airfield, Omaha March 12, 2017 Delta flight 798 from Minneapolis to Omaha 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. South Terminal 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. South Baggage Claim 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Hampton Inn, 12331 Southport Pkwy, La Vista March 12, 2017 - March 17, 2017 Urgent Care of Papillion, S 73rd Plaza March 15, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CHI Urgent Care, S 96th St, La Vista March 15, 2017 - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Bergan Mercy Hospital Emergency Room, Omaha March 15, 2017 - 8:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. DHHS continues to work with the Douglas County Health Department, the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and health care providers to reach Nebraskans at risk for exposure and make sure they receive testing and/or vaccination if appropriate. "Public health agencies in Nebraska have worked together quickly to address this situation and minimize the risk of further transmission," said Dr. Adi Pour, Director of the Douglas County Health Department. Symptoms of measles generally begin within 7-14 days after exposure. It starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body. It can also cause severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. “Measles is a disease that can be prevented by routine childhood vaccines. This is a reminder for all of us of the importance of vaccinations,” said Shavonna Lausterer, Director of the Sarpy/Cass Health Department. Measles vaccination is highly effective. Studies show more than 97 percent of people who receive two doses of vaccine are protected. Public health officials stress that it’s good for all Nebraskans to know if they have measles immunity. A person is considered immune if they have two doses of vaccine or were born before 1957. Measles is not a new disease but it’s something we haven’t seen very often in Nebraska over the last several decades. There were no measles cases in 2016, three in 2015 and one measles case in 2014. Prior to that, the last measles case in a Nebraska resident was in the early 90s. For additional measles information, go to:
  The 2016-17 winter sports season was an incredible season across the area. Athletes all across Antelope, Boone, Knox and Holt counties put on a show week in and week out on their way to various records, state finishes and incredible performances.
With that, we are proud to announce the 2016-17 Local County News All-Area Teams for winter sports. 25 of the top girls and boys basketball players, as well as 22 of the top wrestlers proved themselves as elite among their peers each week. It’s never easy narrowing down so many athletes to such a small list but thanks to some help from area coaches, everyone on these lists are deserving of the accolades they have received. Girls Basketball Holt County was not lacking in talented athletes on the court for the girls as eight athletes made the cut for the team. Payton Birkel, Jr., O'Neill: Birkel was the most consistent player for the Eagles all year. She finished the year with a team-high 11 points per game to go along with her two steals per game. Hattie Blumenstock, Sr., St. Mary's: Blumenstock wrapped up a fantastic career this year by leading St. Mary's to yet another state tournament bid. She finished the year with a team-high 13.7 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. Taylor Colman, Sr., St. Mary's: The Cardinals had a three-headed monster leading their potent offense and Colman was the one at the trigger. She dished out 3.3 assists per game to go along with her 10.2 points per game. Logan Connot, Sr., St. Mary's: Connot was as consistent as anyone in the area all year. She gave the Cardinals a strong 1-2 punch in the post, putting up 10.9 points per game and 7.1 assists per game. Harlee Fischer, Sr., Stuart: Fischer used her strong athleticism to do anything the Broncos needed. She led the way with 19.7 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and three steals per game. Jacie Laetsch, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: Laetsch was one of the most potent scorers in the area, putting up an impressive 20 points per game. She also pulled down 5.6 rebounds per game, 3.2 steals per game and four assists per game. Taylor Peter, Fr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: The freshman had little trouble working the post for the Renegades. She nearly averaged a double-double, scoring 9.8 points per game and bringing in 9.5 rebounds per game. Alison Stracke, Sr., Stuart: Stracke was one of the better playmakers in the area. She dished out an incredible four assists per game to set up the Bronco offense. Boys Basketball On the boys side of things, eight talented athletes graced the courts for Holt County teams in 2016-17. Justin Appleby, Jr., O'Neill: Appleby was one of the more electric playmakers in the state this season. He finished the year with 12 points per game and 4.5 assists per game. Mason Hale, Jr., West Holt: West Holt was one of the better teams in the Niobrara Valley Conference and Hale was a major reason why. He was deadly from deep, setting the school record for 3s in a season with 78 and tying the single-game record for 3s with seven. Bryce Kerkman, Jr., West Holt: The second half of the talented guard duo for the Huskies, Kerkman tied Hale's single-game 3-point record with seven made. He also set the school record for 3-point percentage at 43 percent. Daniel Libolt, Jr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: Libolt was the prototypical guard for the Renegades in 2016-17. Not only did he score 13 points a night, he added 4.3 assists per game and came away with 2.5 steals per game. Tyler Regan, Sr., O'Neill: The 6-6 Regan was a terror in the post for opponents of the Eagles. He put up 13 points per game while pulling down seven rebounds per game as well. Ethan Sattler, So., Stuart: Stuart was young this year on the court, but you couldn't tell by watching Sattler. The unselfish player was one of the top assist mans in the area with 4.2 assists per game while adding 5.9 points per game. Isaac Steinhauser, So., Stuart: Steinhauser did the damage for the Broncos in the middle. The young post player put up 12.6 points per game and pulled in 8.6 rebounds per game. Alex Thramer, So., O'Neill: Thramer was one of the leaders for an immensely talented O'Neill squad. He not only scored 10 points per game, he added seven rebounds per game and dished out four assists per game. Wrestling On the mat, nine wrestlers represented three incredible teams from Holt County. Jared Atkeson, Jr., St. Mary's: Atkeson was impressive for a small Cardinals squad, posting a 45-4 record while finishing third at the state meet. Will Atkeson, Sr., St. Mary's: Finishing at 42-8 on the year, the senior wrapped up a strong career for St. Mary's with a sixth-place finish at state. Jade Buss, So., West Holt: Finishing just 18-18 on the season, Buss was at his best when it mattered the most, making his way to state and finishing sixth. Jason Hahlbeck, Sr., O'Neill: While Hahlbeck was no stranger to winning on the mat, this year was particularly impressive. He didn't take a single loss all year, finishing 42-0 and taking home a state championship. Jake Judge, Sr., West Holt: Judge was the talk of the state tournament and that overshadowed his impressive senior campaign. The bronze medalist this year, Judge finished the season at 37-9. Breydon Mlady, Sr., West Holt: West Holt was impressive on the mat all year, and Mlady was a big reason for it. The senior earned his 100th-career win en route to a 38-4 season and fifth-place finish at state. Caden Moore, Jr., O'Neill: Moore was a very impressive wrestler for a very impressive O'Neill team. He finished with just two losses compared to 41 wins while taking third at the state meet. Cauy Shaw, Jr., O'Neill: Shaw was yet another impressive grappler for O'Neill, finishing 33-7 and taking fourth at state. Bailey Thompson, Sr., O'Neill: Thompson gave O'Neill a second state champion in February's state meet after finishing 36-4 on the year. Complete All-Area Lists The full all-area list, including athletes from Holt, Boone and Knox counties, is below, listed alphabetically: Girls Basketball Monica Arens, Sr., Crofton: 19.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG Payton Birkel, Jr., O’Neill: 11 PPG, 2 SPG Kalie Bloom, Sr., Riverside: 9.8 PPG, 3.1 APG, 2.8 SPG Hattie Blumenstock, Sr., St. Mary’s: 13.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG Amber Bruegman, Sr., Bloomfield: 8 PPG, 3 SPG Sarah Castaneda, Sr., Bloomfield: 19.4 PPG, 10 RPG, 1.4 BPG Taylor Colman, Sr., St. Mary’s: 10.2 PPG, 3.3 APG Logan Connot, Sr., St. Mary’s: 10.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG Harlee Fischer, Sr., Stuart: 19.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3 SPG Lauren Hedlund, Fr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 9.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.1 APG Tessa Hedlund, Sr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 10.4 PPG, 2.3 APG Kinsley Klabenes, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 9.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG Emily Knust, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 9.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG Jacie Laetsch, Sr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 20 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 SPG, 4 APG Kinzly Macke, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 13 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.7 SPG Amber Miller, So., Elkhorn Valley: 10.3 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.8 SPG Hannah Ollendick, So., Elkhorn Valley: 13.6 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.8 SPG Taylor Peter, Fr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 9.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG Stevie Peters, Jr., Santee: 19.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG Kelsey Sanger, Sr., Crofton: 19.1 PPG, 5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 3.9 SPG Liz Selting, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 8.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG Alison Stracke, Sr., Stuart: 4 PPG, 4 APG Kylie Thiele, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 6.8 PPG, 2.4 SPG Allyson Wemhoff, So., Elgin Public/Pope John: 11.9 PPG, 2.2 APG, 2.9 SPG Baylee Wemhoff, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 9.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.5 SPG Boys Basketball Justin Appleby, Jr., O’Neill: 12 PPG, 4.5 APG Tyson Belitz, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 19.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.2 SPG Ricky Bickerstaff, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 14.3 PPG, 4 APG, 2.5 SPG Joseph Bloom, So., Riverside: 7.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG Chad Bode, Sr., Elgin Public/Pope John: 11.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG Cole Bruns, Sr., Bloomfield: 13.1 PPG, 6 RPG Kalen Dittrich, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 10.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG Brayden Effle, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 8.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3 APG Mason Hale, Jr., West Holt: School record for 3s in a season, 78, and game, 7. Alex Kerkman, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 11.7 PPG, 1.4 SPG Bryce Kerkman, Jr., West Holt: School record for 3-point percentage, 43, and 3s in a game, 7. Travis Kerkman, Sr., Clearwater-Orchard: 10.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1 BPG Daniel Libolt, Jr., Chambers/Wheeler Central: 13 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.5 SPG Jonah Micek, Sr., St. Edward: 19.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2 BPG, 3 APG Dylan Potts, Sr., Crofton: 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG Tredyn Prososki, Fr., Riverside: 19.6 PPG, state leader in 3s made Tyler Regan, Sr., O’Neill: 13 PPG, 7 RPG Ethan Sattler, So., Stuart: 5.9 PPG, 4.2 APG Isaac Steinhauser, So., Stuart: 12.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG Jessie Sullivan, Jr., Boone Central/Newman Grove: 13.8 PPG, 7 RPG Christian Swally, Jr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 10.6 PPG, 3.6 APG Alex Thramer, Jr., O’Neill: 10 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG Noah Valasek, Sr., Riverside: 21.6 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 3.2 SPG Grant White, Sr., Neligh-Oakdale: 18.1 PPG, 2.4 SPG, 2nd in state in 3s made Grant Wragge, Sr., Crofton: 12.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2 SPG Wrestling Jared Atkeson, Jr., St. Mary’s: 45-4, 3rd at state Will Atkeson, Sr., St. Mary’s: 42-8, 6th at state Jade Buss, So., West Holt: 18-18, 6th at state Jason Hahlbeck, Sr., O’Neill: 42-0, 1st at state Connor Hazen, Sr., Creighton: 24-4, 6th at state Zac Hazen, Sr., Creighton: 30-7, 4th at state Andrew Herley, So., Neligh-Oakdale: 40-8, 2nd at state Jaden Janssen, Jr., Crofton/Bloomfield: 40-11, 4th at state Jake Judge, Sr., West Holt: 37-9, 3rd at state Clay Konopasek, Sr., Niobrara/Verdigre: 31-15, 6th at state Alejandro Martinez, Sr., Elkhorn Valley: 36-3, 3rd at state Josh McFarland, So., Elkhorn Valley: 44-15, 4th at state Breydon Mlady, Sr., West Holt: 38-4, 5th at state Caden Moore, Jr., O’Neill: 41-2, 3rd at state Cauy Shaw, Jr., O’Neill: 33-7, 4th at state Darren Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 29-8, 4th at state Dillon Stewart, Jr., Elkhorn Valley: 40-1, 1st at state Clay Thiele, So., Clearwater-Orchard: 34-17, state qualifier Bailey Thompson, Sr., O’Neill: 36-4, 1st at state Cameron Wilkinson, So., Neligh-Oakdale: 44-5, 4th at state Derek Wortman, So., Creighton: 34-16, 6th at state Bryce Zimmerer, So., Creighton: 38-11, 5th at state Honorable Mention, girls basketball Clearwater-Orchard - Allison Kerkman Wausa - Mary Johnson, Krissy Kumm Boone Central/Newman Grove - Jenna Kramer O’Neill - Samantha Eichelberger, Caleigh Miles, Makayla Pardun West Holt - Baily Kraus Elgin Public/Pope John - Jordan Mescher, Lydia Behnk Elkhorn Valley - Alyssa Rood Santee - Hannah Sheridan, Kiana Torrez Crofton - Haley Arens, Josie Sanger, Alexis Arens Neligh-Oakdale - Jayda Chance, Alexis Jensen Riverside - Morgan Haschke Stuart - Trisha Fox Niobrara/Verdigre - Shania RedOwl, Jace Forker Honorable Mention, boys basketball Stuart - Connor Jarman O’Neill - Jake Young Chambers/Wheeler Central - Connor Croxen, Zane Patrick, Logan Pelster Clearwater-Orchard - Jacob Long, Blake Hoke, Ryan Wilhelm Ewing - Bryce Summers Elgin Public/Pope John - Ashton Evans, Kenny Bush, Hunter Reestman Riverside - Ty Martinsen St. Mary’s Josh Cuddy Bloomfield - Braden Eisenhauer, Wilson Wagner Elkhorn Valley - Austin Miller West Holt - Devon Dohrman, Shayden Neptune Crofton - Noah McFarland Boone Central/Newman Grove - Dylan Gentrup, Derek Stuhr   The Avera Sacred Heart Foundation is offering the Lori Ann Schrempp Memorial Nursing Student Scholarship to nursing students who are continuing their education to become a Registered Nurse.
The scholarship was established in 2002 in memory of Lori Schrempp, a nurse at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital for more than 22 years. Schrempp had a way of teaching nurses not only the duties of the job, but also the compassion and spirit of the job. Lori’s life was tragically cut short when a LifeNet helicopter crashed en route while transport a patient. She was the LifeNet nurse on board. The pilot and paramedic also perished in the crash. This nursing scholarship will give preference to non-traditional students; however, nursing students who meet the other criteria will also be considered. The value of the scholarship is $500. Applicants who qualify are those who are in their third or fourth year of a B.S.N. program, or first or second year of an Associate’s program. Applicants should be a resident of one of the following Avera Sacred Heart Hospital service area counties: Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Clay, Douglas, Gregory, Hutchinson, Todd, Tripp, Turner, Union and Yankton, and the Nebraska counties of Antelope, Boyd, Cedar, Holt, Knox or Pierce. Applications will consist of an application form, resume, letter of reference from a faculty member, and a written narrative that focuses on: passion for nursing, community involvement, and demonstrations of Avera Sacred Heart values of hospitality, compassion and stewardship. The deadline for all applications is April 15. The award is given in May of each year. This scholarship may only be given to an applicant once. Applications are to be mailed to The Avera Sacred Heart Foundation, 501 Summit St., Yankton, SD, 57078. For further information, email the Foundation at taylor.tramp@avera.org, or call (605) 668-8310.   Eight students from Ewing and O'Neill were among the more than 80 Nebraska teens that gathered at the State Capitol on March 15 for a Kick Butts Day rally against Big Tobacco.
The event was organized by No Limits, Nebraska’s youth-led anti-tobacco movement, as part of the nationwide Kick Butts Day tobacco awareness campaign. The group marched through downtown Lincoln before gathering on the west steps of the Capitol. The No Limits Youth Board is concerned about Big Tobacco’s marketing tactics that aim to make young people their next generation of customers. Flavored products, including e-cigarettes, come in packaging similar to candy in an effort to attract younger users. Youth Board Member Cecelia Ponce of Hartington told the group they can have an impact in their hometowns and beyond. “We may come from all over the state. We may all have different home lives. We may compete against each other in school activities. We may have never met the people next to us,” said Ponce. “But we are gathered as one to show the world we are not stereotypical teenagers. We are teens who want to change our world for the betterment of all. What better way than by kicking Big Tobacco's butt.” Students from 20 Nebraska cities and towns participated in the rally, which is the largest single Kick Butts Day event in the nation. Before the rally, participants split into small groups to meet individually with state senators to discuss tobacco issues affecting youth in Nebraska. Wilber-Clatonia senior Kamrin Edmonds says he’s grown from his involvement as a youth board member for No Limits. “No Limits and events like Kick Butts Day have taught me that being a leader and speaking up for what I believe in doesn’t have to be scary,” said Edmonds. “From talking to classmates, teachers and local senators, I know it is important to stand up to Big Tobacco and do my part to change the social norm.” Participants displayed 1,300 shoes on the steps of the Capitol to represent the number of people who die every day from tobacco-related illness in the United States. Brooklyn Larimore of Bellevue spoke about the meaning of the display, and the importance of fighting Big Tobacco. "Too many people have died too soon because of these products, and I don't want to watch anyone else suffer," Larimore said. "These deaths can be prevented. If we all find our voice and our passion we can reverse this tide." No Limits is open to all Nebraska youth in grades 7–12. To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit NoLimitsNebraska.com or contact Molly Kincaid at 866-394-8336 or info@nolimitsnebraska.com. Kick Butts Day is a nationwide event promoted by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to encourage youth to stand out, speak up and seize control in the fight against Big Tobacco. Additional information about tobacco use, including state-by-state statistics, can be found at TobaccoFreeKids.org. |
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