This year’s Homecoming theme is “Wildcats Got the Beat,” with each day of the school week featuring a different theme inspired by music.

Monday will be “Take It Easy” pajama day, followed by “Party in the USA” patriotic day Tuesday. Wednesday will feature a “Vacation” beach day, while Thursday will be “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” twin day. Friday will wrap up the week with “We Are the Champions” Wildcat spirit day.

Students will also decorate floats according to class-specific music genres. Seniors will use a country theme, juniors will represent rock, sophomores will feature hip hop, freshmen will use rap, eigth grade will showcase jazz and seventh grade will represent pop.

Homecoming activities Friday, Sept. 25, will begin with a pep rally at 9:45 a.m. The Homecoming parade will follow at 11:30 a.m., with coronation scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

The Wilcats will then host Elkhorn Valley at 7 p.m. for the Homecoming football game.

The celebration will conclude Saturday, Sept. 26, with the Homecoming dance at 8:30 p.m.

The board approved $14,054,099 in budgeted expenditures and transfers and set the district’s property tax levy at 37.6222 cents per $100 of taxable valuation.

That levy is down from 38.0588 cents last year, a decrease of about 1.1 percent.

For a homeowner whose property is valued at $200,000, the new school levy would amount to about $752 in property taxes for the year, assuming the property’s taxable valuation remains at $200,000.

At last year’s levy, that same $200,000 property would have generated about $761 in school taxes. That is a decrease of about $9.

The actual tax bill for an individual property owner could still rise or fall depending on changes in the property’s assessed valuation.

The district’s new budget calls for $14.05 million in budgeted expenditures and transfers. It also calls for maintaining a $2.5 million cash reserve. The district will require $6,681,144 in property taxes.

HNS Supt. A.J. Johnson said the board worked to keep a tight rein on the budget despite continuing increases in operating costs.

“We face the same challenges everyone is facing — inflation, rising fuel prices, insurance costs — yet we were able to keep the tax asking increase under the limit for the pink postcard meeting and at a reasonable level that keeps us prepared for the uncertain budget situation in Lincoln,” Johnson said.

The district’s general fund, which pays most of the day-to-day costs of operating the school system, is budgeted at $10,104,051 for 2026-27.

That compares with estimated general fund expenditures of $8,214,599 during 2025-26 and actual expenditures of $7,637,187 in 2024-25.

The new general fund budget is about $1.89 million higher than the estimated amount for the past year.

A school budget, however, represents the maximum amount the district is authorized to spend and does not necessarily mean all of that money will be spent.

The district also plans to maintain a $2.5 million general fund cash reserve. The budget calls for approximately $5.05 million in property taxes for the general fund.

Johnson said putting together the budget each year is a balancing act between maintaining educational programs and limiting the burden on taxpayers.

“Our biggest challenge is always making sure we meet our students’ needs while still being responsible to the taxpayers,” he said.

He said uncertainty surrounding the state budget also played a role in the district’s planning.

“Also, there is a lot of uncertainty with what will happen now that the state is facing a $1 billion budget shortage over the next biennium, and we need to make sure we are prepared for any negative fallout from that,” Johnson said.

The district’s special building fund is the second-largest portion of the new budget.

The district budgeted $2,288,393 in that fund for 2026-27, compared with an estimated $1,574,367 during the past year. That is an increase of about $714,000, or 45 percent. Property taxes will provide about $1.63 million of the special building fund.

Other budgeted funds include $500,000 for activities, $451,000 for school nutrition, $412,818 for depreciation, $151,387 for employee benefits, $79,795 for cooperative programs and $66,655 for contingencies.

Altogether, the district has $14.05 million in spending authority for 2026-27, compared with estimated expenditures and transfers of $10.49 million during 2025-26.

For taxpayers, however, the more important numbers are the tax asking, the levy and their own property valuation.

At the new levy, the HNS school tax on a $100,000 property would be about $376. A $150,000 property would generate about $564 in school taxes, while a $250,000 property would generate about $941.

Those figures represent the Hartington-Newcastle school levy only. County, city, fire district and other property taxes would be added separately.

Each class will represent a different landscape as part of the week’s theme. Seniors will represent the rainforest, juniors the swamp, sophomores the grasslands, freshmen the Arctic, eight grade the plains and seventh grade the desert.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in themed dress-up days throughout the week. Monday will be Pajama Day, followed by Costume Day Tuesday, Casual Day Wednesday, Denim Day Thursday and Red and White Casual Day Friday.

Homecoming activities will begin Monday, when C Club students visit Holy Trinity Preschool and Elementary at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Junior high choir students will perform at the nursing home from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Wednesday will feature a game day with class competitions beginning at 1 p.m. An all-school Mass celebrating Homecoming is scheduled for Thursday.

Friday’s activities will begin with the Homecoming parade at 11:30 a.m., followed by a pep rally at noon. School will dismiss at 1 p.m.

The Cedar Catholic football team will play at 3 p.m. Friday, with a truck raffle planned for halftime.

The Homecoming dance will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the coronation of the Homecoming king and queen at 7:30 p.m.

To be admitted to the Honors Program, students must demonstrate a record of academic excellence, outstanding leadership and involvement in prior activities, and significant contributions to their community 'These students have shown the potential to achieve at a high level, both academically and in the broader community,' said Tamy Burnett, director of operations for the Honors Program. 'We welcome this incredible group of students as they begin their Honors journey, and we are excited to see where their future takes them.'

Following is a list of new Honors Program students from the area, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their college(s).

Coleridge: Kennedy Hall, College of Education and Human Sciences Hartington: Langston Christensen, College of Business Laurel: Holly Patefield, College of Business Wynot: Addison Fix, College of Education and Human Sciences For the full list of new Honors Program students, visit https://go.unl.edu/ n3iq.

After years spent raising her family and serving as a substitute teacher, Traci Baller is returning to the classroom full time as Holy Trinity Elementary School’s new sixth grade teacher.

Originally from Plainview, Baller has lived in Hartington for the past 21 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College in 2003 and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Doane College in 2007.

Baller previously taught third and fifth grade in Creighton for four years before stepping away from full-time teaching to raise her children. For the past nine years, she has served as a substitute teacher at Holy Trinity, working with students from preschool through sixth grade.

She said the faculty at Holy Trinity inspired her to return to teaching full time.

Baller said she is especially excited to teach in a faith-centered environment where prayer and worship are part of daily life.

“I feel incredibly blessed to be part of a school where I can attend Mass, participate in prayer, Adoration, Benediction and other faith-centered activities,” she said.

Her goal is to create a classroom where students feel loved, valued and excited to learn, while growing academically and spiritually.

Beyond academics, Baller hopes her sixth graders embrace their role as leaders within the school by living out their faith through kindness, respect, compassion and service to others.

“I want my incoming sixth grade students to know that I have been praying for each of them all summer,” she said. “I hope they are excited to begin a new school year and are ready to embrace their role as leaders at Holy Trinity.”

Baller said she looks forward to helping students grow in both their faith and character as they prepare for their next chapter at Cedar Catholic.

After 18 years in education, Katrina Kathol is beginning a new chapter as the reading specialist at Holy Trinity.

While Kathol moved frequently as a child in a military family, she said Nebraska is the place she considers home. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wayne State College in 2008 and a master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2012. She has also completed additional coursework in English language learning and behavior modification. Throughout her career, Kathol has taught every grade from preschool through sixth grade, except for fourth grade. She said her students have been her greatest teachers. “Every year I learn new things, am challenged in new ways and get to fine tune how I teach,” she said.

Kathol said she is excited to openly share her faith while working with students in small groups and helping them build confidence in reading by identifying and developing their strengths. Beyond academics, Kathol said she hopes students leave her classroom with resilience, confidence and a stronger relationship with Jesus. She said Holy Trinity’s opening for a reading specialist felt like the right opportunity at the right time. “God knew was he was doing,” Kathol said, adding that previous experiences working with Principal Staci Uttecht reinforced that feeling.

For her future students, she offered a lighthearted promise.

“Weird teachers build character,” she said. “Get ready to build that character!”

Sydney Jelinek is beginning her teaching career as the new sixth grade literacy and science teacher at HNS.

Originally from Lincoln, Jelinek graduated from Concordia University Nebraska, Seward, in May 2026.

Jelinek said her passion for serving others and helping children grow inspired her to pursue a career in education.

“I have always had a love and passion for serving others and helping people grow as individuals,” she said.

Jelinek said she is excited to have her own classroom where she can establish routines while building relationships with a new group of students.

She said she believes students learn best when they feel physically and psychologically safe and are comfortable making mistakes without fear of judgment.

“I believe that a great teacher challenges students in their learning and then celebrates students’ success, no matter how big or how small,” she said.

Beyond academics, she hopes students leave her classroom with confidence, respect for others and the understanding that they are more than a test score or letter grade.

Although teaching sixth grade will be a new experience, Jelinek said she looks forward to incorporating students’ interests into lessons to help keep learning engaging.

She said HNS’s welcoming atmosphere reminded her of her own high school and made the district feel like home.

“I absolutely have loved the small town so far and can't wait to explore more! I can't wait to meet so many new people!”

Jelinek shared a welcoming message for all students: “I can’t wait to meet any students within the school. Don’t be afraid to stop by my class, say hello and ask questions. I would love to meet you and grow a connection.” Charlie Schroeder is returning to familiar surroundings as the new K-6 STEAM teacher at HNS. A Wynot High School graduate, Schroeder went on to earn his bachelor's degree from University of South Dakota in May 2026. Schroeder said his experiences attending area schools, including HNS, inspired him to pursue a career in education.

Schroeder said he is most excited to meet students and build positive relationships with them throughout the school year. “I’m a believer that every student shines in their own way, and it is my job to help these students find what they love to do,” he said. He believes a positive classroom begins on the first day by creating a welcoming environment where students know their teacher is excited to be there and ready to help. As he prepares for his first year, Schroeder joked that organizing a classroom filled with STEAM supplies may be one of his biggest challenges.

“My room is full of supplies and materials,” he said. “I am working on becoming more organized and I plan on using many, many labels to help remember where everything is.”

Schroeder said he was drawn back to HNS because of his positive experiences there and the opportunity to teach close to home.

“Growing up, I always loved my time at Hartington Public,” Schroeder said. “Once I graduated, I wanted to move back close to home and I saw that they had an amazing job up for grabs and I couldn't be happier that I was able to take it.”

He said he hopes to build strong relationships with families, local businesses and the community.

To his future students, Schroeder shared a simple message: “I can’t wait to start the school year with you. It’s gonna be great.” Meghan Kratzer is joining HNS as a fifth-grade teacher and will also teach fifth- and sixth-grade math.

Originally from Litchfield, Kratzer graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2022. She previously taught third grade in Ansley for four years before making the move to Hartington.

Kratzer said growing up around educators, including her mother, inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. She also credits her small-town upbringing and attending the same school from kindergarten through high school with shaping who she is today.

“I love being hands on and having fun, while having high expectations for the students,” Kratzer said. “I always tell my students, ‘We have to get our work done first, and then we can do all the fun things that make school exciting.’” Kratzer said she believes great teachers are passionate about helping students succeed and works to build relationships with students both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond academics, she hopes students leave her classroom with greater confidence and stronger character.

She said the positive atmosphere within the elementary school was one of the factors that attracted her to the district, and she is looking forward to meeting families and becoming part of the community.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone, and I am excited to help the students become the best version of themselves that they can be,” she said.

To her future students, Kratzer shared an encouraging message.

“I am excited to meet you,” she said. “We have a lot of fun planned, and I can’t wait to learn right along with you.”

Kati Hahne is bringing 13 years of experience in special education to her new role as elementary counselor at HNS.

Originally from Coleridge, Hahne graduated from Wayne State College in December 2013. She previously taught special education at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge for 13 years.

Hahne said she was drawn to education because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and help them grow in many ways.

She said great educators are patient, consistent and flexible while continuing to learn themselves and understand that every student is different and may require different kinds of support to be successful.

“Relationships come first,” Hahne said. “When students know you care about them and believe in them, they are more willing to take risks, make mistakes and grow.”

Beyond academics, Hahne hopes students develop confidence, responsibility and respect both inside and outside of school. She also wants them to feel comfortable trying new things and learning from mistakes.

“There are always going to be challenges no matter where you go,” Hahne said. “Just take one day at a time with an open mind.”

Hahne said the strong sense of support and collaboration among HNS staff attracted her to the district.

To her future students, Hahne offered a message of encouragement.

“I want my future students to know that I believe in them, even on the days when they may not believe in themselves,” she said. “My classroom will be a place where mistakes are part of learning, kindness matters and everyone belongs.”

Ainsley Nelson is beginning her first full-time teaching position as the new 5-12 band instructor at HNS.

Originally from Brookings, S.D., Nelson moved to Wausa during elementary school and graduated from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., in 2025.

Nelson said she was inspired to become a teacher by the educators who influenced her growing up and by her lifelong love of music.

“I had amazing teachers that I looked up to and decided to follow in their footsteps with a subject I absolutely adored,” she said. “Music is such a blessing, and I hope our students find as much joy as I have.” Although this is her first full-time teaching position, Nelson previously served as a long-term substitute teaching K-5 general music and middle school and high school choir. Nelson said she is excited to watch students grow musically throughout the school year while building relationships with them in a welcoming, smalltown school.

Her teaching philosophy focuses on creating a respectful classroom where students develop creativity, teamwork and confidence while balancing structure with enjoyment.

Beyond academics, Nelson hopes students leave her classroom with stronger friendships, teamwork skills and a greater appreciation for creativity.

Nelson said Hartington Newcastle’s closeknit atmosphere attracted her to the district. “A school that has a community that cares about the school district, teachers that know each individual student and pride that comes with it is indescribable,” she said. Nelson is looking forward to cheering on the Wildcats at athletic events and guiding students through their musical journeys.

To her future students, Nelson offered a simple message: she is excited to get to know them, help them grow as musicians and discover what motivates them throughout their school careers.

Hayes Miller is beginning his first teaching position as the new industrial technology teacher at HNS.

Originally from Elgin, Miller has lived in Hartington since 2022. Outside of school, Miller enjoys hunting, golfing and spending time with his daughters.

Miller said he was drawn to education because he wanted to pursue work with a sense of purpose while building connections with students, families and the community.

“I feel education and making connections with students and families in the community serves a great purpose,” he said.

As a first-year teacher, Miller said he is looking forward to getting to know his students and bringing a hands-on approach to the classroom.

Industrial technology will give students opportunities to work with welding, carpentry and other projects, and Miller said he is excited to see what they can accomplish.

Miller said his existing ties to Hartington and having his own children attend school in the district attracted him to the position. He said he looks forward to building more connectiosn with students, parents and other community members.

As a family-oriented person, Miller said he hopes to work closely with both students and their families throughout the school year.

To his future students, Miller offered encouragement as they consider their own paths.

“It’s never too late to start something new,” Miller said. “Don’t be afraid to take that risk.”

Joseph Mazour is joining Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools as the new 7-12 physical education teacher.

Originally from Vermillion, S.D., Mazour earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota in 2018 before completing a graduate degree at Mount Marty University in 2021. Mazour comes to HNS for his third teaching position. In addition to teaching, he will coach boys cross country, junior high football and high school track and field.

He said his passion for inspiring others, combined with his love of physical activity and athletics, led him to pursue a career in physical education.

Among the influences that have shaped his approach to teaching is the book Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck, along with his experience serving as a graduate assistant coach at Mount Marty University.

“My time in graduate school as a graduate assistant coach at Mount Marty University played a pivotal role in developing my leadership skills and refining my approach to teaching and coaching,” he said.

Mazour said he is especially looking forward to coaching multiple sports and working with student-athletes in the weight room. He is also excited to teach strength training, a course that was not available in his previous school districts. Mazour believes successful educators share a genuine passion for teaching, care about students’ well-being and focus on what they can control. He also plans to hold students to high expectations while bringing positive energy into the classroom each day. His advice for students is to treat others with dignity and challenge themselves to improve every day.

While he expects learning every student’s name to be one of his biggest initial challenges, Mazour said he values making those personal connections.

He said Hartington-Newcastle’s size, quality facilities and welcoming staff and administration stood out to him during the hiring process.

Mazour wants parents to know they can expect fairness and consistency.

“I will treat and coach every student fairly, and I hold all students to a high standard,” he said. “I truly believe every student can succeed if they are willing to put in the work.”

Friday, Aug. 21: Breakfast: Cereal bars, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch: Stuffed crust pepperoni pizza, croutons, fresh veggies, fruit, milk.

Monday, Aug. 24: Breakfast: Assorted cereal, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch: Mini corn dogs, baked beans, fresh veggies, fruit, milk.

Tuesday, Aug. 25: Breakfast: Sausage biscuits, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch: Mandarin orange chicken, rice, bread, veggies, fruit, milk.

Wednesday, Aug. 26: Breakfast: French toast sticks, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch: Tavern/bun, smiley fries, fresh veggies, fruit, milk.

HOLY TRINITY / CEDAR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, Aug. 20: Spaghetti with meat sauce, cheese breadstick, green beans.

Friday, Aug. 21: Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn.

Monday, Aug. 24: Cavatini, breadstick, green beans.

Tuesday, Aug. 25: Grilled chicken sandwich, sweet potato fries, peas.

Wednesday, Aug. 26: Fiestada pizza, cheese bread, corn.

WYNOT PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thursday, Aug. 20: Breakfast: Dutch waffle and yogurt. Lunch: Spaghetti and meatsauce, Italian lettuce salad, pears, cheesy bread stick.

Friday, Aug. 21: Breakfast: Breakfast bagel. Lunch: Tavern, pickles, sour cream potato wedges, macaroni salad, apple wedges.

Monday, Aug. 24: Breakfast: Pancakes sandwich. Lunch: Hamburger on a bun, lettuce, pickles, tomato, onion, French fries, baked beans, applesauce.

Tuesday, Aug. 25: Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast. Lunch: Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, banana, bun.

Wednesday, Aug. 26: Breakfast: Sausage, egg and biscuit. Lunch: Tater tot casserole, green beans, peaches, bun, garlic bread.

Heimes earned a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences.

The graduates are from 42 countries; 40 U.S. states and Puerto Rico; and 55 Nebraska communities.

Kierstan Hans, a ninth-grade student at Wynot Public School, was selected through a statewide art contest sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment. The annual contest encourages students to create artwork promoting waste reduction, recycling and litter cleanup.

Hans was recognized during a ceremony Wednesday, July 29, at the Nebraska State Capitol, where Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly and Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment Director Jesse Bradley honored this year’s winners.

Another area student receiving the statewide honor was Dayton Cunningham, a fifth-grade student at Wausa Public Schools.

Each year, the contest selects 13 student artists from across Nebraska. One piece is featured on the calendar cover, while the remaining 12 winning entries are showcased throughout the calendar’s monthly pages.

The 2027 calendar cover features artwork by Bhavyasri Bhooma, a fourthgrade student at Swanson Elementary School in Omaha.

Other students whose artwork will appear in the calendar include August Ortmeier of Dodge, Haley Dane and Eliza Golden of Gordon, Grace Schmidt of Grand Island, Alexa Gonzalez-Silos and Abel Popish of Nebraska City, Camila Hernandez of Albion, Lizzie Peretti of Omaha, Liliana Grimstad of Syracuse and Heston Fehringer of Beatrice.

The Nebraska: Don’t Waste It! calendar is produced annually to encourage environmental stewardship and educate Nebraskans about recycling, waste reduction and litter prevention through student-created artwork.

Holy Trinity Elementary will host a back-to-school night at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. The first day of classes will be Thursday, Aug. 13, and the school's annual Fly-In Breakfast is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.

At East and West Catholic Elementary, preschool and students in grades one through six will begin classes Thursday, Aug. 13. Kindergarten students will report for their first day Friday, Aug. 14.

Cedar Catholic High School will begin classes Thursday, Aug. 13. The Booster Club kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21.

Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools will also begin classes Thursday, Aug. 13. A preK-12 open house is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, and the Booster Club Tailgate at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21.

Wynot Public School will welcome students back Thursday, Aug. 13, with preschool beginning Tuesday, Aug. 18. The annual Breakfast for Champions is planned for Sunday, Aug. 23. Volleyball and football Gatorade scrimmages will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.

All fall sports practices will begin Monday, Aug. 10, as mandated by NSAA.

Most of the board’s action centered on revisions recommended by the Nebraska Association of School Boards to ensure district policies remain aligned with changes in state statute and federal regulations.

Among the updates was a new policy governing staff use of artificial intelligence. Superintendent A.J. Johnson said employees will be required to obtain administrative approval before entering student information into AI tools to ensure appropriate security measures are in place.

The board also approved a companion policy addressing student use of artificial intelligence.

The revised policy includes an explicit list of prohibited uses, including creating deepfakes, generating harassing content, creating nonconsensual images and entering classmates’ personal information into AI programs.

Board members also adopted Policy 6046 regarding access to school library materials in response to Legislative Bill 390, which takes effect this fall.

Johnson said parents already have online access to the district’s library catalog.

The new policy allows parents to receive notifications whenever their child checks out a library book, a feature supported by the district’s library system.

The board approved revisions to several additional policies, including meeting notices to reflect updated state publication requirements while continuing the district’s practice of publishing monthly meeting notices, bidding and procurement policies to reflect updated state and federal purchasing thresholds, communicable disease procedures to align with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidance and a new ACH originator policy governing electronic fund transfers.

Other policies included attendance and absenteeism procedures, admission requirements for part-time and homeschooled students participating in activities, student discipline procedures reflecting updated state law allowing suspension of prekindergarten through second-grade students for violent behavior capable of causing physical harm and grade placement procedures for transfer students.

The board also approved an employment contract for industrial technology instructor William Hayes Miller, who received a three-year career teaching certificate from the Nebraska Department of Education based on his work experience. Johnson said Miller will work toward earning his teaching degree while the district identifies a mentor to support him.

In other business, board members approved a proposed one-year agreement allowing the Village of Newcastle to use the former Newcastle school building. The agreement will take effect once approved by both parties.

Johnson thanked district employees for their work preparing for the new school year.

“I’d just like to thank the custodians, secretaries and office staff for working on getting everything done,” Johnson said.

He said custodians have completed most summer maintenance projects, including classroom work, painting and preparations for annual gym floor maintenance, while office staff have finished ordering supplies and preparing back-toschool packets.

NDE is partnering with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services on the initiative funded by a five-year grant from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The program aims to improve the health and academic outcomes of students in rural Nebraska through enhanced school nutrition programs.

As part of the program, DHHS will partner with the NDE to lead objectives directly benefiting school food service operations across the state.

“Research consistently shows that nutrition is fundamental to a student’s physical and mental well-being,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Brian Maher. “When students have reliable access to nutritious meals, they are better focused, have more energy and are more likely to attend school regularly. This program is a vital step in reducing chronic absenteeism and accelerating student achievement across our rural communities.”

The Nebraska Rural Health Transformation Program will provide direct support to schools participating in the USDA National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs through several key initiatives: Infrastructure Grants: Rural schools or districts can apply for grants of up to $100, 000 per year to modernize food preparation and storage infrastructure. This funding will help schools transition toward scratch and semi-scratch cooking.

Local Procurement Support: The NDE will provide technical assistance to help schools navigate the procurement and acquisition of locally produced and grown food items.

Healthy Kitchen-Ready Products: Grants will be available for food infrastructure equipment designed to develop products that reduce the preparation burden on school kitchen staff.

Professional Development: The NDE will implement the Nebraska School Nutrition Training Institute, offering school food service staff continuing education and experiential learning focused on scratch-cooking techniques and chronic-diseaseprevention menu design.

By removing barriers to healthy meals, the program aligns with the NDE Strategic Plan to improve student achievement and reduce chronic absenteeism by supporting the holistic well-being of Nebraska’s students.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31, 2026, unless all available funds are committed prior to that date and can be found online at https://dhhs. ne.gov/Pages/Grant-Opportunities. aspx#docaccess-6f7aa0f-812cd8d4652ae95e8291646c0.

Supt. A.J. Johnson spoke on behalf of the special committee dedicated to the Newcastle site during Monday's School Board meeting.

Johnson said the committee recently met with the Village of Newcastle and had a productive discussion.

Information has now been sent to the school's attorneys so a draft agreement can be prepared. Johnson said the hope is to vote on the agreement with the Village of Newcastle at the July meeting.

The agreement would be a lease agreement, with the Village of Newcastle essentially taking over the cost of the building, Johnson said.

Also Monday, Johnson announced Hartington-Newcastle Public Schools received a $15,000 grant through the Nielsen Foundation for the purchase of musical instruments.

"I'd like to thank the music teachers, Mrs. Hahne and Mrs. Collier, especially Mrs. Hahne," Johnson said. "In the time that Mrs. Hahne was here, I know it was at least over $100,000 that she wrote grants for." Johnson said those grants have helped create opportunities for students to participate in band by expanding access to instruments that families otherwise would have had to purchase.

"The Nielsen Foundation is very generous, so hopefully we will continue to be able to get grants through them and work with Mrs. Collier and a new band teacher to get those done," Johnson said,."But I truly want to thank Mrs. Hahne for getting that done in her years here." The Board also voted Monday to approve an increase in school meal prices for the 2026-27 school year.

Student and adult lunch prices will increase by 10 cents, while student and adult breakfast prices will increase by 15 cents.

The price of milk will also increase by 5 cents to cover the 4.5-cent increase in Hiland Dairy Products' bid this year. The Board also approved the Hiland Dairy bid Monday.

Lunch prices for the 2025-26 school year were $3.35 for elementary students, $3.65 for high school students and $5 for adults.

Student breakfast was $2.05, adult breakfast was $3 and extra milk was 55 cents.

Johnson said rising costs are the reason for the price increases.

The School Board also approved summer school contracts for Susan Anderson, Ladonna Kneifl and Julie Steen for 17 days.

The Hartington-Newcastle School Board will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m., July 15. Meetings are held in the school's consumer science room.

“This is something that the

citizens of Hartington voted for over 20 years ago," Johnson said. "The citizens of Hartington knew the best way to get it done 20 some years ago was jointly and for the city to do it and for the schools to help contrib- ute. And I think that relationship needs to continue." Board President Jason Dendinger said he was on the board when the city originally approached the district about the complex. He said the city wanted guaranteed users for the facility.

"If they were going to go forward with this, then that is what they wanted," Dendinger said. "They were asking us if we would be that customer along with the other school." Dendinger said he views the two schools as equal users of the cityowned facility.

"So in my mind, we're equal customers to the city," he said.

Both schools currently pay $8,000 a year to rent the facility.

Board member Jason Heikes also questioned the mayor's posi- tion.

"It's a bold statement from one person to overrule the whole city that voted for this 20 years ago," Heikes said.

Dendinger said the city had

previous opportunities to set money aside for future track repairs.

"They were talking about increasing that user fee. That's fine. We understand that. Put it to the side," Dendinger said. "So then when the time comes to redo the track, there's funds there." Johnson said he would like to see the three entities sit down and discuss a long-term plan for the complex.

"My message to the mayor would be and my request to you guys would be like, okay, let's get together and talk," Johnson said, "but any solution has to involve all three entities and not just the Hartington-Newcastle school."

They are the twins of Eric and Crystal Hames. They received a medal, a certificate, their final prize and a FREE book from the Hartington Public Library.

Mya and Reid will be entering Kindergarten at Holy Trinity Grade School in the fall of 2026.

Maya and Reid love coming to the library with their brothers and sister to play with the kitchen and playhouse and also like to attend craft day. They like to read books about Barbie (MYA), Paw Patrol and Dinosaurs (REID). They like it when Miss Kim brings the Old Lady to the mom's daycare to read. Awesome job to mom and dad for instilling the love of the library and books at such a young age.

This program was launched to get children ready for school, and to encourage more parent/child library visits. Books are logged and prizes are awarded along the way. One of the best ways to encourage pre-reading skills is to spend time sharing books each and every day. Reading provides a solid foundation, a key to school and learning success.

Interested in learning more about this reading adventure for your child? Stop by or call the Hartington Public Library, 402-254-6245.

Steen, a senior at Cedar Catholic High School in Hartington, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter HZ of Hartington.

The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional high school senior women in their final year of high school to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success. Steen is involved in National Honor Society, Yearbook, EMHC, Volleyball, Cross Country, Student Council, Campus Ministry, One Act, Choir, Swing Choir, Lector, Speech, C-Club, FFA Secretary and 4-H Council Secretary. Steen plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Kearney and major in Communications Disorders. Breah is the daughter of Brad and Jackie Steen of Hartington.

Chapter HZ has been a part of the Hartington community since it was organized in 1982.

P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been motivating, educating and celebrating women for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 129,000* women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $462 million* in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood is also the primary support for Cottey College.

Through membership, the P.E.O.

Sisterhood has brought together more than half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.

What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women's organizations in North America with over 5,400 chapters. To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org. You can also find more information at: facebook.com/ peointernationalPEOInternational on Instagram linkedin.com/company/peo- international

To earn dean’s list distinctions in SDSU’s colleges, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and must have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Overall, 4,147 students from 40 states and 31 foreign nations are on the list. Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement.

Students on the list include: Lane Heimes of Hartington, a student in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Dylan Heine of Hartington, a student in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Sarah Karnes of Hartington, a student in SDSU’s College of Nursing.

Benjamin Kleinschmit of Hartington, a student in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Paul Kleinschmit of Hartington, a student in SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.

Melayna McGregor of Hartington, a student in SDSU’s College of Natural Sciences.

Meredith McGregor of Hartington, a student in SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Madalynn Graham of Laurel, a student in SDSU’s College of Natural Sciences.

Abigail Lipp of Laurel, a student in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Bradyn Urwiler of Laurel, a student in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Brayden Shearer of Randolph, a student in SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciencess.

Jordan will be entering Pre-school the fall of 2026.

Jordan and his pet, Dino the dinosaur, love to visit the library to get fresh books. His favorite books are about puppies. He likes playing with the magnet tiles and the floor puzzles.

This program was launched to get children ready for school, and to encourage more parent/child library visits. Books are logged and prizes are awarded along the way. One of the best ways to encourage pre-reading skills is to spend time sharing books each and every day! Reading provides a solid foundation, a key to school and learning success.

Interested in learning more about this reading adventure for your child? Please stop by or call the Hartington Public Library at 402-254-6245.

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts recognize students from kindergarten to twelfth grade, who competed in the annual "Home is Where the Habit is" Conservation Poster Contest. Students winning in the state competition included K-1: Sawyer Suckstorf, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD); 2-3: Gemma Mueller, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD); 4-6: Clara Steen, Fordyce, Nebraska (Lewis & Clark NRD); 7-9: Kiersten Hans, Wynot, Nebraska (Lewis & Clark NRD); and 10-12: Ember Chavez, Purdum, Nebraska (Upper Loup NRD) Each NRD selects a winner from their district contest to compete in the state competition. The state winners take home a $25 prize and will go on to compete in the National Association of Conserva tion Districts (NACD) poster contest for a chance to win $200. National winners are selected at the NACD annual conference in February.

For more information on the poster contest, visit the NARD website or contact Megan Grimes at mgrimes@nrdnet.org.

He was 82.

Long before he became one of Nebraska’s most respected com munity bankers, Richard E. "Rick" Adkins, Jr. was just a young man learning the ropes at a small-town bank in Geneva. It was 1971, and banking was still done face-to-face across a counter, with a handshake often sealing the deal more firmly than a signature.

For Adkins, those early years at Geneva State Bank became the foundation for a career devoted to serving rural communities — places where he believed strong banks and strong people were inseparable. That belief would guide him for more than five decades in the banking industry.

After two years in Geneva, Adkins moved north to Laurel, joining what was then Security National Bank as a loan o$cer.

It didn’t take very long for the Osmond native to become a trust ed name across Cedar County. Whether a farmer needed to restructure a loan after a tough harvest or a young couple was ready to take on their first mortgage, Adkins quickly earned a reputation for listening first and deciding second - a quality that would define the rest of his professional life.

In 1980, at a time when the agricultural economy was heading into some of the most challenging years rural America had ever seen, Adkins was elected President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Security Bank. It was a daunting role for any banker, but he stepped into it with the combination of steadiness and empathy that people would come to expect from him.

Under his leadership, Security Bank weathered the storms of the 1980s farm crisis and emerged stronger, expanding its reach and investing in new communities across northeast Nebraska. Branches in places like Osmond, Hartington, Allen, and Coleridge grew under his watch, reflect- ing his belief that rural banking wasn't just about financial transactions - it was about keeping small towns strong and vital.

That hometown philosophy led to statewide recognition. In 1999, Adkins was elected President of the Nebraska Bankers Association. From that position, he helped guide banks across the state through shifting regula tions, technological change, and the evolving role of rural financial institutions. On a national level, he served on several key American Bankers Association committees, lending a Nebraska voice to discussions on agriculture, community banking, and government relations.

But the work that mattered most to Adkins rarely made head lines. It happened in the quiet corners of community life — the places where he always felt most at home.

He served on the Laurel Cham ber of Commerce, the Cedar County Fair Board, the County Extension Service, and the 4-H Council.

He volunteered at his church and supported youth activities. He took the same steady approach to community service that he did to banking: listen, help where you can, and never forget who you're doing the work for.

Outside the bank, Adkins found another lifelong passion - American Quarter Horses.

He spent years exhibiting and promoting the breed, eventually serving as a National Director of the American Quarter Horse As sociation, representing Nebraska.

He also served as president of the Nebraska Quarter Horse Associa tion, continuing the same kind of relationship-driven leadership he was known for in banking.

Adkins and his wife, Joan, raised four children in Laurel, all graduates of Laurel–Concord High School. Their family story is interwoven with the community - a reflection of the deep bond he cultivated not just as a banker, but as a neighbor.

Today, Adkins is recognized not only for his long tenure at Security Bank, but for his decades of dedication to rural Nebraska. His legacy is measured not just in bank growth or committee titles, but in the trust of the people he served - thousands of small-town customers who knew that when they walked into the bank, they'd be greeted by someone who understood their lives.

In an era of consolidations, mergers, and online transactions, Adkins remained a reminder of what community banking was always meant to be - personal, local, and grounded in the land and the people who work it. A complete obituary can be found inside this week's issue of the Cedar County News.

In an 11-page letter Monday to Steve Corsi, chief executive of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Foley's team alleged "ongoing financial abuse" in the personal assistance services (PAS) program that helps Medicaideligible Nebraskans with mobility, hygiene and housekeeping.

“Numerous PAS caregivers con tinue to milk the program with false, inflated and duplicate billings," Foley said, adding that the alarm to DHHS was his o$ce's third since February 2024.

Information uncovered by the audit team was forwarded to law enforcement for review of possible legal violations.

In one case, the auditors said, a caregiver had been authorized to de liver 66 hours of personal assistance services a week despite holding down a full-time job as a school bus driver. Auditors identified 28 days during which the caregiver billed DHHS for performing client services at the exact times she was documented to have been driving students. In another example, Foley described a personal caregiver who billed DHHS for 70 days of client services while working full-time for a family counseling business. He said that created an “impossible scenario” of the caregiver working more than 24 hours in each of 45 days during a three-month period reviewed.

“Some of these caregivers claim to be performing work schedules that would make the Energizer Bunny look like a slacker," said Foley.

That caregiver had tapped into other public programs as well, including the larger personal care services (PCS) budget and foster care. Particularly troubling to the auditor was that the caregiver in that case provided help to two adult clients who lived in her home. And one, a relative, was on the sex oender registry for having been convicted of felony sex tra$cking of children in 2014. Living in the home as well, said Foley, was a 14-year-old girl in the state foster care system.

He said the caregiver appeared to have been purposefully deceitful in failing to disclose to foster care agencies that the past oender lived in the house. In seeking personal care aid, the provider reportedly claimed the relative lived in a back yard "cabin," for which cleaning was authorized.

"When the audit team reported this bizarre and unsafe domestic ar rangement, DHHS removed the foster child from the home," Foley said.

The findings surfaced during the ongoing statewide annual audit and were reported to Corsi early due to "urgent need for corrective action," the letter said.

For fiscal year 2025, PAS expenses totaled $10.5 million, of which the federal government covers 60% of costs and the state pays 40%.

4-H Achievement Award during the annual Cedar 4-H awards banquet this weekend.

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Jon Arens Construction Jones Feed & Grain Trucking Keith’s Package Liquor Kennedy Pier Loftus, Reynolds & Brandt LLP Keiser Ag & Irrigation Koch Seed Knights of Columbus Insurance - Craig Pfeifer Kramer Tile Leise Tax & Bookkeeping Mark Bruning Trucking Mayer Signs Midwest Tree Moving Milbrath Sayler Bookkeeping & Tax Service

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Premier Lawn & Landscaping & Snow Removal RaDec Construction Co., Inc.

REPS – Russell & Karen Flamig Rodeo’s Bar and Grill Security Bank Shiftr, Joan Steffen SKCI Inc.

State Farm Insurance - David Bassing Steffen Drug Steffen Hay Grinding Subway T&R Butcher Block - JT Allen, Fordyce Textures Hair Salon Top Crop Whitmire & Associates Realty & Property Management Whole Hog Genetics Wiebelhaus Service/Farmers Union Wiechelman Repair, Inc.

Wieseler Crop Insurance Wintz Funeral Home Wynot Oil LLC X-Pert Lawn & Landscaping

Broadway Lanes Burnell’s Foodtown Carhart Lumber Cedar County News Northeast Nebraska News Cedar County Veterinary Services Cedar Knox Public Power District Cedar Security Bank Cedar Title & Escrow LLC Central Valley Ag Christensen Well & Irrigation, Inc.

Creamer Auction Company LLC City of Hartington D&J Variety Deano’s Mini Mart Don Miller Land Co. Inc.

D&K Trailer Inc. - Coleridge Don Peterson Associates Real Estate Family 1st Dental Farm & Ranch Co. - Tim Kuchta Fay’s Furniture & Floor Covering Feilmeier Electric Fischer Feed & Supply First Chiropractic Center-Hartington Floral Designs Folkers Bros. Garage, Inc.

Folkers Painting, LLC Fordyce Coop Globe Event Center Grossenburg Implement Hartelco Hartington Ace Hardware Hartington Auto & Truck Parts Hartington Feed & Chick Hartington Tree Service Hefner Oil - Coleridge Heine Electric & Irrigation Holan Title & Escrow LLC Hiway 84 Auto & RV Wash Integrity Insurance Group Jerry’s Service J&H Cleaning Services Jody Koch Construction & Excavation, Inc.

Jon Arens Construction Jones Feed & Grain Trucking Keith’s Package Liquor Kennedy Pier Loftus, Reynolds & Brandt LLP Keiser Ag & Irrigation Koch Seed Knights of Columbus Insurance - Craig Pfeifer Kramer Tile Leise Tax & Bookkeeping Mark Bruning Trucking Mayer Signs Midwest Tree Moving Milbrath Sayler Bookkeeping & Tax Service

Miller Painting MR. Golf Car, Inc. Nebraska Land Tiling, LLC Nebraska Realty

Deb Addison, Realtor Northeast Ag Consulting/Pioneer Northeast Pipe & Panel NP Mart Pinkelman Sales Inc.

Premier Lawn & Landscaping & Snow Removal RaDec Construction Co., Inc.

REPS – Russell & Karen Flamig Rodeo’s Bar and Grill Security Bank Shiftr, Joan Steffen SKCI Inc.

State Farm Insurance - David Bassing Steffen Drug Steffen Hay Grinding Subway T&R Butcher Block - JT Allen, Fordyce Textures Hair Salon Top Crop Whitmire & Associates Realty & Property Management Whole Hog Genetics Wiebelhaus Service/Farmers Union Wiechelman Repair, Inc.

Wieseler Crop Insurance Wintz Funeral Home Wynot Oil LLC X-Pert Lawn & Landscaping

Broadway Lanes Burnell’s Foodtown Carhart Lumber Cedar County News Northeast Nebraska News Cedar County Veterinary Services Cedar Knox Public Power District Cedar Security Bank Cedar Title & Escrow LLC Central Valley Ag Christensen Well & Irrigation, Inc.

Creamer Auction Company LLC City of Hartington D&J Variety Deano’s Mini Mart Don Miller Land Co. Inc.

D&K Trailer Inc. - Coleridge Don Peterson Associates Real Estate Family 1st Dental Farm & Ranch Co. - Tim Kuchta Fay’s Furniture & Floor Covering Feilmeier Electric Fischer Feed & Supply First Chiropractic Center-Hartington Floral Designs Folkers Bros. Garage, Inc.

Folkers Painting, LLC Fordyce Coop Globe Event Center Grossenburg Implement Hartelco Hartington Ace Hardware Hartington Auto & Truck Parts Hartington Feed & Chick Hartington Tree Service Hefner Oil - Coleridge Heine Electric & Irrigation Holan Title & Escrow LLC Hiway 84 Auto & RV Wash Integrity Insurance Group Jerry’s Service J&H Cleaning Services Jody Koch Construction & Excavation, Inc.

Jon Arens Construction Jones Feed & Grain Trucking Keith’s Package Liquor Kennedy Pier Loftus, Reynolds & Brandt LLP Keiser Ag & Irrigation Koch Seed Knights of Columbus Insurance - Craig Pfeifer Kramer Tile Leise Tax & Bookkeeping Mark Bruning Trucking Mayer Signs Midwest Tree Moving Milbrath Sayler Bookkeeping & Tax Service MR. Golf Car, Inc.

Nebraska Land Tiling, LLC Nebraska Realty Deb Addison, Realtor Northeast Ag Consulting/Pioneer Northeast Pipe & Panel NP Mart Pinkelman Sales Inc.

Premier Lawn & Landscaping & Snow Removal RaDec Construction Co., Inc.

REPS – Russell & Karen Flamig Rodeo’s Bar and Grill Security Bank Shiftr, Joan Steffen SKCI Inc.

State Farm Insurance - David Bassing Steffen Drug Steffen Hay Grinding Subway T&R Butcher Block - JT Allen, Fordyce Textures Hair Salon Top Crop Whitmire & Associates Realty & Property Management

Whole Hog Genetics Wiebelhaus Service/Farmers Union Wiechelman Repair, Inc.

Wieseler Crop Insurance Wintz Funeral Home Wynot Oil LLC X-Pert Lawn & Landscaping

www.skcicrop.com

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