They were: Marc Bohling, son of Ashley Gibbs and Derek Bohling; Naniahna Boyd, daughter of Jocelyn Arnette; Zack Haynes, son of Derek and Jennifer Haynes and Charlotte Dickerson, daughter of Matt and Autumn Dickerson. Bohling and Haynes also played in the band in 2025.

Bohling, Boyd and Dickerson received scholarships from Nemaha Valley Lodge No. 4. Haynes received a scholarship from Brownville Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 263. The scholarships covered the cost of the camp.

Starting Tuesday, June 2, the band members devoted four days of intense practice. They learned the music, marching steps and field formations. The ensemble gave its first public performance at Harmon Park Friday evening, June 5. It led the Shrine Bowl Parade down Kearney’s Central and 1st Avenue Saturday morning, June 6. The group performed the pre-game national anthem and during halftime of the Shrine Bowl football game at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

Hosts were the Masons of Nebraska. Directors were Brad Weber, retired Wayne High School band director and current instructor of percussion at Wayne State College (WSC); Dr. Dave Bohnert, dean of the WSC School of Arts and Humanities and Dan Sodomka, band director at Aurora High School.

“We demanded a lot of the students during the past week. They responded professionally and worked very hard, practicing between seven and eight hours per day. That was evident by the high-quality shows they performed Friday and Saturday. There’s no doubt these young musicians are among the best in the state. It was an honor to see their hard work come together in their performances,” Weber said.

The members also enjoyed evening activities consisting of a game night under the stadium lights, a dance and bowling at the Big Apple Fun Center. Many are looking forward to the opportunity to apply the instruction provided by the band directors when they return to their respective high school bands.

“The Masonic All-Star Marching Band continues to be an important and valued part of the Shrine Bowl tradition. The memories of new friends and performing together on various occasions is a lasting memory. They also understand the main reason for the long hours and hard work. Patients at the Shriners Hospitals for Children will benefit the most from the band’s efforts this past week. We sincerely appreciate their contribution to raise awareness and funds to enable the Shriners to help even more children,” said Mike Jones, Grand Master of Nebraska Masons.

“Masonic lodges across Nebraska support local youth and community projects, humanitarian efforts including a child identification program, academic scholarships and efforts to support our military. The combined philanthropic efforts of Masonic- related organizations amount to more than $2 million a day,” Jones added.

They started the week with a 17-4 win over Palmyra where Tate Hawley recorded four RBI on two hits. The game was tied 3-3 through the fourth inning, until the team exploded for 14 runs in the fifth inning to seal the game.

The next day the team played nine innings against Adams, which ended in a 3-3 tie.

The seniors would pick up three more wins over the weekend starting with a 15-3 decision over Wymore/Diller-Odell. Offense was rolling again for the team as they opened the top of the first inning with seven runs.

Defense would do a lot of the work in their final two wins on Sunday as they gave up only one run between the games, winning both by wide margins.

Camden Dalinghaus had two hits and an RBI to lead the team to a 7-0 win over Columbus. The team would get their third straight win later that day when over Fairbury by a score of 8-1. AJ Rautenbach recorded four RBI on three hits in the win.

Among the services offered are birth control options and counseling, pregnancy testing and counseling, emergency contraception, breast and cervical cancer screenings, wellness exams, STI/HIV testing and treatment, confidential adolescent services, and free period products. For an appointment call: 402-466-1012, or in Tecumseh, 402-335-2988.

WIC (Women, Infants, Children) services are also provided through these offices. WIC is the nation’s most successful public health nutrition program, providing healthy food, nutrition education, and community support to income-eligible pregnant women, mothers of infants, and children up to five years old. All caregivers are also welcome. Anyone who currently participates in Medicaid, SNAP or ADC is eligible for WIC. Others may also be eligible as well. Find contact information for your local office at: signupwic. com or, for more information, visit the website: dhhs.ne.gov/WIC .

Another great program is Growing Great Kids in Southeast Nebraska, which supports families as they build healthy, safe environments for their children to grow and learn. Services through this program, in partnership with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and CHI Health St. Mary’s, include a free, one-time Welcome Baby Nurse Visit, opportunities for free ongoing home visits, support during pregnancy and early years of parenting, ideas about caring for and playing with your baby, information on how baby grows and develops, and connection to other community programs and services as well as other families. Growing Great Kids offices are located in Auburn, Tecumseh, Nebraska City and Falls City. For more information contact: 402-274-3993 or 877-777-0424, www. sedhd.org/ggk or on Facebook: Growing Great Kids.

Additional services through Southeast District Health Department include Brighter Smiles, oral health services and education; dealing with chronic disease, immunizations, substance abuse prevention, emergency preparedness, environmental health ( radon testing, safe water, disease/ pests), suicide prevention (including the LOSS Team – Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors for those recently bereaved due to suicide), and Credible Mind (resources to empower mental wellbeing).

The Seniors opened the season on June 2 with a 10-2 win over Plattsmouth at home. Christian Gage recorded a hit in all four af his at-bats, driving in two runs, while Jackson Warner had one RBI on three hits.

Gage also struck out seven as pitcher in the first four innings to lead the FNBJ Seniors to a season-opening win in six innings.

Auburn’s only loss so far came at the hands of Platteview by a score of 4-0. Four Auburn batters recorded a hit in the game, but the Post 143 Seniors shut out Auburn to drop them to 1-1 on June 3, but the Auburn boys would bounce back to win three straight to finish their first week with a 4-1 record.

The FNBJ Seniors defeated Ralston on Friday and Doniphan on Saturday by a combined three runs. Gavin Bauer recorded three hits to lead Auburn to a 4-3 win on Friday and Westyn Amthor recorded two doubles to lead Auburn past Doniphan by a score of 5-3.

Both Amthor and Bauer would record home runs on Sunday night as the FNBJ Seniors outdid Nebraska City by a score of 9-2 to finish the week with three straight wins. The two players finished with three RBI apiece.

Gage pitched a full seven innings against Nebraska City, striking out 12 batters and allowing seven hits in the 9-2 victory.

Needing momentum, the Juniors responded the next day with 16 runs scored against Doniphan County as they picked up their second win by a score of 16-10 on Saturday, June 6. Griffin Sikora and Zane Carman finished with three RBI apiece in the win, while Sikora recorded a team-high three hits.

Auburn’s offense stayed up in their final game of the week as they scored 14 runs in a 14-3 win over Nebraska City on Sunday.

Dammast opened the tournament with his best day, finishing with a score of 81 on Wednesday, May 27 at Scotts Bluff Country Club. The senior shot an 89 on Thursday to finish 26 shots above par and tie with three other golfers with a total gross of 170.

The Class B team title would go to Bennington, who also had the individual champion at the Class B championships.

Selections are based on coaches’ nominations and observances by the sports staff of Nebraska’s two largest daily newspapers.

The Class C field featured a highly competitive group of teams and golfers. After the first round, Johnson-Brock sat in fifth place with a 307--just two strokes behind fourth-place St. Paul, 305; four strokes behind third-place Adams Central, 303; five strokes behind second- place Kearney Catholic 302 and 13 strokes behind tournament leader Fremont Bergan, 294.

Day 2 provided nearly perfect golfing conditions with cloudy skies, calm winds and temperatures around 80 degrees. The Eagles knew another strong performance would be needed to move up the leaderboard. Once again, Johnson-Brock rose to the challenge. Although several putts narrowly missed dropping, the team competed with confidence and determination throughout the final round.

Tate Hawley and Brody Koehler paced the Eagles on Day 2 with rounds of 80, followed by Grady Behrends and Gage Rasmussen with 82 each while Hayden Gravatt carded a 90. The Eagles posted a second-day team score of 324, finishing the tournament in eighth place with a two-day total of 631 among 15 teams competing.

The final team standings ahead of Johnson-Brock included Norfolk Catholic, 622; Wahoo Neumann, 616; Lincoln Christian, 612; St. Paul, 606; Kearney Catholic, 600; Adams Central, 591 and Fremont Bergan, 591.

Individually, Grady Behrends finished in 29th place, Brody Koehler placed 35th, Tate Hawley and Gage Rasmussen tied for 48th and Hayden Gravatt finished in 94th place.

Coach Jeff Koehler concluded the Eagles capped off a successful season by competing among the top Class C teams in the state and representing Johnson-Brock with pride and determination throughout the championship tournament.

“I enjoy everything about track...the atmosphere, the people and that it is an individual sport,” said Lubben. As a member of Northwest Missouri State's track team, Lubben will compete in the shot and discus. “I don't think I want to try anything else, but my mind changes all the time.”

Lubben said she chose Northwest Missouri State University because she felt at home the second she walked on campus. “I didn't feel like I was trapped or had a bunch of classes spread out. It's a small and walkable campus,” she explained.

Brandon Masters is the head track coach at Northwest Missouri State University. Tanner Berg is the throwing coach. Harley felt she and Berg bonded well for the few hours they were there on tour .

Lubben has competed in track at Johnson County Central Schools for six years. During her career, she has broken both the shot and discus records multiple times. She has advanced to the state track meets throughout her junior high and high school career. She medaled at the 2026 State Track Meet held at Omaha Burke May 22-23, receiving fourth place in discus and third place in the shot put.

While attending Northwest Missouri State University, Lubben plans to major in Animal Science.

During the summer months, Harley plans to lift weights and just focus on getting stronger in preparation for her next venture at Northwest Missouri State University.

“I couldn't have done any of these things without the support of my family, friends and teammates. Thank you everyone, especially Theresa, Mama, Dad, Granny and Grandsnappy!!!!”

“I love the opportunity to cheer on my team and be the light people can look to. I also love to perform. I love being able to portray a character and bring them to life,” Matkins said.

Matkins said the main reason she chose to attend York University is because her faith is very important to her. “When you visit York, faith is their main thing. Also, the student body there is so kind and generous. I'm always greeted with so many smiles every time I step on campus.”

Matkins will be working with coaches Bailey Davis in Cheerleading and John Baker in Theatre.

“I'm really excited! Bailey is all about everyone looking the same and their best with matching outfits - I love that! I'm also excited because Professor Baker started at York the same year my mom did. He directed both of my parents and now he gets to direct me.”

Matkins has been doing sideline cheer for four years. This will be her first year doing competitive cheer. She has been acting since she was little.

“I did plays and talent shows, and even sang at the Tulelake Fair when I was five - anything to get me on stage! I started out early in life and I think people can tell.”

Matkins lettered in cheer all four years in high school. She was co-captain her junior year and captain her senior year.

Her biggest acting accomplishment in high school was making state for the first time in school history in one act. “Just being a part of that was the best feeling ever!”

While attending York University, Jubilee plans to double major in math and secondary math education.

Now that she's signed a letter of intent to be a cheerleader at the college level, Matkins wants to get more prepared. “I want to make sure I stay in shape over the summer, otherwise conditioning and weights will destroy me in the fall.”

Matkins received an $8,500 scholarship for cheerleading and a $5,000 scholarship for theater at York University.

“I'm really excited to attend York University and I feel really blessed to have such great teachers and coaches who helped get me ready for the next level. I hope to make Sterling proud!” Jubilee concluded.

A moving Gold Star Memorial Ceremony paid tribute to Sergeant Larry R. Rieken and Specialist Four Gary Russell

Schmidt, both sons of the Sterling community whose names and sacrifices continue to be remembered with gratitude

and respect. Both were killed in action during the Vietnam War.

Hosted by the American Legion Family, the ceremony reflected on the lives, military service, and sacrifices of both men. Family members were recognized and presented with commemorative Gold Star Banners in appreciation of their loved ones' service and sacrifice.

Larry R. Rieken, an Army Sergeant, was killed in action in South Vietnam on April 5, 1969, during an attack on a patrol base in Tay Ninh Province, South Vietnam. Born and raised in Sterling, Rieken answered his nation’s call and served honorably until giving his life in defense of freedom. He was 25 years old.

Brian Schmidt of Sterling received Rieken's Gold Star Banner in place of his aunt, Margaret Powell of Orlan - do, Florida, who was Larry's youngest sister.. Schmidt's mother, Frieda Rieken Schmidt, was Larry's older sister. "I'm very, very proud to receive this banner in his honor," said Brian. Although Brian was born shortly before Larry Rieken's death in the Vietnam War, he heard stories about Larry's life from his grandparents and knew Larry had a

love for racing cars at the Beatrice Speedway before he entered the military.

Gary Russell Schmidt also served his country with dis - tinction as a U.S. Army (Selective Service) infantryman during the Vietnam War. His dedication, courage, and commitment to duty were remembered as members of the community reflected on the price paid by military families and the enduring legacy left by those who never returned home.

Gary was born and raised in Sterling. He graduated from Sterling High School. He died on September 25, 1967 while on a combat operation in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. He was 22 years old.

Glen Schmidt was the recipient of the Gold Star Banner in honor of his brother, Gary Russell Schmidt.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the sig - nificance of Memorial Day as a time not only to remember the fallen but also to honor the families who continue to carry their memories. The Gold Star designation serves as a lasting symbol of a family's sacrifice and a nation's gratitude.

As Memorial Day observances came to a close, those gathered reflected on the words often associated with the holiday: that freedom is never free, and that the nation remains indebted to those who gave their lives in its de fense. Through ceremonies such as this, the community ensures that the memories of its fallen heroes will never be forgotten.

DeBauche said the pavers weigh approximately 7.2 pounds each. The total weight of all the pavers on this project is approximately 6,756,415 pounds or 3,378.2 tons and it will take approximately 135 truckloads to deliver them all.

Three colors of pavers will be used for Tecumseh's Historic Downtown Revitalization Project. The colors are Medium Ironspot #46, Dark Ironspot and Manganese Ironspot. A total of 312,797 of each color will be blended at the jobsite by Linhart Construction.

“The use of three colors was de- termined by the team of Olsson and Nebraska Department of Transportation,” said DeBauche. “My understanding is they wanted to stay as close as possible to the color range of the existing pavers that were being replaced.”

DeBauche explained the process that is taken for manufacturing the brick for this revitalization project. The first step in manufacturing is to mine the clay. Then the clay is ground, extruded from the pug mill, travel through the setting machine, and are placed upon kiln cars. Once they exit the kiln, the pavers proceed to the new dehacking machine that places pavers on belts, taking them through the grading/packaging process. According to DeBauche, pavers that do not meet Endicott Clay Products' high-quality standards are discarded and ground into grog which is ultimately used in manufacturing other pavers or bricks.

The process from extrusion to pack- aging the pavers for shipment takes approximately 11 days. It will take approximately three weeks to man- ufacture the pavers for Tecumseh's downtown revitalization project.

“The primary ingredient to manu- facturing the pavers is our clay," said DeBauche. “We are blessed that our clay has a high iron content which gives us the sheen, vibrance and rich color that we are known for.”

DeBauche explained that Endicott Clay Products has undergone a major renovation over the past 8-10 years including the building of a fourth kiln, installation of a new extrusion line, setting machine, dehacking machine and packaging equipment. “The pur- pose was to modernize, increase our automation and efficiency so we can re-allocate personnel to other areas of need. Prior to the new equipment, we required a lot of hand labor and were limited on what brick sizes we could produce as well as our total capacity.”

Linhart Construction of Omaha will be installing the pavers. “Linhart Construction is known for their expertise in paver installation and high-quality work,” said DeBauche. He indicated that the most challenging aspect of manufacturing is meeting the timeline of the project. “The most rewarding is viewing the finished product and knowing that you and your company were part of something beautiful which will be seen by countless people and be in place for multiple generations to enjoy.

“Endicott Clay Products is very proud to be selected to provide pavers to a large, local, and very high-profile project. We are fortunate to provide brick, thin brick, and pavers to many ‘high’ profile projects across the United States and Canada,. The Tecumseh Downtown Renovation project will rank right up there in terms of size and profile of the projects we will be a part of this year, as well as in past years.”

Jared Alexander of Linhart Construction will have a crew of five to six men who will install the pavers for Tecumseh's downtown revitalization project over a period of 100 working days.

“Using the three tone colors of [pavers] creates a very nice blended variation,” said Alexander. He added that this the largest paver installation project happening in the state of Nebraska.

“This project is very labor intensive as the [pavers] are being installed by hand. We want to be able to install the [pavers] as quickly as we can in order to eliminate any disturbances to the public. We thank everyone for their patience.”

Once the pavers are laid and have had a chance to set, sand is spread over them and they are compacted. Once that is done, the street is ready for traffic.

A history of Endicott Clay Products Company Endicott Clay Products Company is a local family-owned company and has been in business since 1920. “We manufacture a full line of face brick, thin brick and pavers. We are known for our high-quality architectural products and for the sheen and vibrance of our “Ironspot” colors. We sell our products across the United States and Canada,” said DeBauche. “Our top markets include California, New York, Boston, Washington DC, Toronto, Montreal, as well as local markets like St. Paul, Kansas City, Omaha and Lincoln.”

Kaci Jones was speaking aspirationally when she and partner Natasha

"Tee" Barbier first ate at the 1910's style Victorian home turned restaurant, Arbor Manor, shortly after re- turning from New York five years ago.

Now, that vision is becoming reality.

Jones and Barbier are currently leasing Arbor Manor Steakhouse with plans to take ownership of the business in the near future.

When storms on May 18 damaged the vent hood and HVAC system at the building housing Home County Cafe, the couple quickly pivoted to remain operational and support their staff and took over the local favorite.

The Manor, as it is known locally, had recently shifted away from nightly dinner service to focus more on events and catering.

Jones said the couple is easing into reopening by focusing first on break fast and lunch.

“It will be a transition as we blend the two places and get folks used to this as an option for those meals,” Jones said. “We’re trying not to rock the boat too much since this place is such a staple. We’ll keep many of the diner classics from Home County Cafe

while elevating breakfast and lunch to match what people would expect from a steakhouse.”

Dinner service also is returning. "I've heard from so many people wanting to make sure we still have steaks, Manor house potatoes and cheese bread,” Jones said. “Those classics will stay, but we’ll introduce some new dishes as well.”

The couple said the move gives them an opportunity to expand their offerings.

“This is such a unique opportunity to bring all of the skills we have under one roof," Barbier said. "Events, music and dining can all happen here.”

Plans include nightly dinner specials and special patio events such as pan cakes on the patio and brats and beers. Jones said they are expanding outdoor seating and hope to feature live music most weekends.

"The patio is a local favorite," Jones said. “We want it to become a gather- ing place again for everyone." Current hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, with din- ner service from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The patio is expected to open soon.

Customers can also order online via the Toast app with in-town delivery available.

Renee Crtiser, Nemaha County's emergency manager, said the storms began on the county’s western edge outside Auburn before spreading damage — including downed power lines, washed-out roads and bridges — across the entire county.

"Everyone did everything right when it came to responding, taking shelter - we were lucky there," Crtiser said. "The National Weather Service called the event and it followed their prediction so we could react." The $700,000 damage estimate covers public infrastructure only and does not include losses to personal property.

The Southeast Nebraska regional governance board quickly mobilized mutual aid, with significant support coming from Otoe, Cass and Lancaster counties. Teams assisted with damage documentation, drone footage, Community Emer - gency Response Team coordination and volunteer check-in tagging.

"Otoe County mapped the path of wind damage and tornadoes and that was a huge help," Crtiser said.

Between 20 and 25 faith-based organizations, community groups, tree companies and businesses joined the cleanup effort, which remains ongoing.

Volunteers arrived from the Omaha metro area, Kansas City and across the Midwest. The Civil Air Patrol in Omaha, including its junior cadet program, also deployed personnel to assist with debris removal.

Auburn City Administrator Crystal Dunekacke said the storm's most visible impact within the city was concentrated on trees and some personal property, and praised those who stepped up in the aftermath.

"We are thankful for everyone who volunteered and proud of our staff who've worked tirelessly to get things back up and running,” Dunekacke said.

She said the city is working through a list of residents who requested help through the 211 line, which will stop accepting new service calls on June 1. Residents who need continued assistance with debris removal after that date can call Auburn City Hall at 402-274-3420.

"We are working down the list of names who've requested help via the 211 line and will continue to do so,” Dunekacke said. “Rest assured though that the city will continue to clear debris and rights of way.”

Residents who are able to haul their own debris can still drop it at two col- lection sites - Rotary Lake and the lot at 29th and O Street - before those locations close for final removal. The city has already accepted sealed bids for mulch grinding and cleanup of both lots. Mulch will likely be available for use. More details will be released from the city when available.

Waring finished the tournament in 64th place out of 100 golfers. His two day total was 165.

On the first day of the tournament, Jack shot 86 (+14) on the par 72 course. For the second day of the tournament Waring shot 79 (+7). A highlight of Waring’s second day round, was his first nine where Waring carded a one-under par score of 35 which included two birdies and one bogey.

Returning starters are AJ Rautenbach, Camden Dalinghaus, Casen Dalinghaus, Tate Hawley, Gabe Burki, and Kaiden Dorn. Coach Kleespies said the senior squad are a tight knit group of guys, with experience, who are confident and passionate, and will have key pitching skills. Kleespies said some younger guys are going to be forced to step up in the absence of a juniors level team.

“Winning an area tournament and competing in the Class C State Tournament are the ‘big picture’ goals,” said Coach Kleespies. “I really just want to keep seeing these young men develop into their best versions of themselves. If we do the little things the correct way, those all lead up to the tasks we need to complete to reach the ‘big picture’ goals.”

“Everyone on this roster has the ability to contribute in huge ways. I expect to see the Dalinghaus twins to continue pitching well on the mound for us,” Kleespies said. “Rautenbach will continue to be a guy who can play any position and dominate at the plate. Having Wyatt Fulton back from injury will be key for our infield as well. Tate Hawley will continue to develop as a pitcher, and be a solid player in the field and at the plate. Kaiden Dorn and Gabe Burki will hold down the outfield and be a threat on the basepath as well.”

According to Kleespies, Tecumseh’s 2026 Legion baseball schedule is a great test, as the Seniors want to play tough opponents to strengthen themselves as the year goes on. Once again, The Tecumseh Seniors will host the Class C Area Tournament at the end of the season.

“We need to stay healthy as our bench is not that deep. Staying focused at the seniors level can be tough, but all of these guys want to be here, so I’m not all too worried about staying focused on the end goals,” said Coach Kleespies. “We’ve also been having good practices to make sure we are where we want to be before the season gets heavy on us.”

During the 2025 baseball season, the Tecumseh Seniors placed 3rd or 4th at the Class C State Tournament. “We are hungry to be back in that position and hopefully bring home some hardware this time!” Coach Kleespies said.

Kole Kleespies is in his sixth year of coaching for the Tecumseh/ Johnson Legion baseball squad. Keaton Kleespies had eight years of coaching experience with the baseball teams of Tecumseh, Broken Bow, Ralston, and now back at Tecumseh/ Johnson. Sam Boldt will be gaining his first year of experience in coaching Legion baseball.