LAUREL - Laurel high school is now sporting a new school bus, thanks to the Laurel Lions club.

As stated last week, the Lions club purchased a school bus as one of the projects of this civic organization. Monday evening the bill of sale to the bus was turned over to the local school board.

The 40 passenger bus was purchased in Sioux City by the Lions club and brought to Laurel where it underwent extensive repairs. The bus was road-tested Tuesday and Harold Tuttle chairman of the school board reports that it appears to be in good condition. Mr. Tuttle stated that the bus was driven over dirt, gravel and hard-surfaced roads and rode well on each of these surfaces.

The bus will be used by the school to haul students to various school functions such as basketball games, football games, music and declamatory contests, track meets, etc.

The bus will get a trial run this Saturday when students will go to Wayne for the annual district music contest.

Mr. Tuttle expressed the thanks of all the members of the school board to Lions club members for the bus. In no other way could the school acquire a bus without the use of tax money.

April 5, 1956

LAUREL - The Laurel Bowling mixed league ended Friday, March 23 with Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Benson and Mr. and Mrs. Dale Urwiler victorious. Other winners were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Huddleston and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hansen; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Schaer and Mr. and Mrs. Willard Alexander; and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Christensen and Ted Dirks and Anita Christensen.

Losers were Mr. and Mrs. Carl Obermeyer and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Christensen; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Jewell and Mr. and Mrs. Jess Truby; Mr. and Mrs. Don Norbeck and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Tolles; and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Urwiler and Mr. and Mrs. Vern Storm.

April 5, 1956

LAUREL - Results of the Women’s City Tournament held here during the week of March 21 are: winning team, Standard Oil, 1789, 630, and 2419. Doubles, Gloria Smalley and Dorothy Powell, 709, 285, and 994. Singles, Dorothy Urwiler, 538, 48, and 586.

All events, Dorothy Urwiler, 1448, the “All Events” is scratch with no handicap.

There were 8 teams, 12 doubles, and 16 singles participating in this tournament.

April 5, 1956

CONCORD -Concord high school held their annual Athletic Banquet Thursday evening at the school gymnasium, with Twyla Swanson as toastmistress.

Letters were presented to seven basketball boys: Larry Hattig, Leon Johnson, DeWayne Klausen, Joel Nelson, Kenneth Anderson, David Ahlman and Dick Jorgensen.

The 11 girls who received letters for volleyball were: Mary Peterson, Twyla Swanson, JoAnn Murphy, Garna Doescher, Sylvia Clarkson, Delores Malcom, Wanda Olson, Caroline Carlson, Karen Blohm, Marlyce Bose and Joleen Carlson.

Those awarded Pep club letters were: Verlene Magnuson, Twyla Swanson, Esther Corey, JoAnn Murphy, Patty Gunnarson, Garna Doescher, Sylvia Clarkson, Wanda Olson and Karen Blohm. The three cheerleaders, Rita Klausen, Ivalynn Johnson and Joleen Carlson, received pins.

Music included “It’s Almost Tomorrow,” sung by Rita Klausen and “The Halls of Ivy,” presented by the high school girls’ trio, Caroline Carlson, Delores Malcom and Ivalynn Johnson.

Decorations followed an athletic theme with black, red and white streamers. Tiny basketballs and balloons were given as favors.

The Young Married Women of the Lutheran church served the banquet. Festivities ended with the song, “There Is No Place Like Old Concord.”

April 5, 1956

LAUREL - Cornelius D. Haskell, local farmer, yielded to the requests of numerous friends and filed April 4 as a candidate for the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature. Mr. Haskell has been a farmer here at Laurel since the first World War, and has been active in tax advisory commissions and state politics.

Haskell is entered in the race for Dist. 14 State Senator which includes Cedar and Knox counties.

Haskell made the following statement in filing: “I have farmed in Northeast Nebraska for over 30 years and I believe I know and understand the problems of the people of this district. With high taxes, drought and low farm prices it appears to me that tax agencies should be very carefully budgeted for needs and not frills, and it will be my intention, if and when elected, to give this matter my careful attention.”

LAUREL - The Cedar County Farm Bureau has announced the names of two students who will attend the Youth Citizenship Seminar in Aurora April 7-9 under the bureau’s sponsorship.

The students are Larry D. Heese, a sophomore, and Lisa Anderson, a junior, at Laurel-Concord School.

Larry is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Heese of Laurel. He is a fifthyear member of the Laurel Livestock Club and a member of the Laurel-Concord High School Band and the Stage Band. He attended the honor band clinic at Wayne State College. Larry is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Coleridge. His hobbies are mechanics and cars. He helps his dad with chores and field work.

Lisa is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Anderson of Laurel.

April 1, 1976

LAUREL - The Board of Directors of Cedar View Country Club and the officers of the leagues are preparing for the upcoming golf season.

Irrigation of the fairways and greens, now being installed, has necessitated an increase in membership fees. Letters, explaining the dues structure, have been sent to prospective members.

If you did not receive a letter and wish to join Cedar View, contact Dave Felber or Ed Gadeken, co-chairmen of the Club membership committee.

Officers of the Laurel men’s league are Bill Rath, president; Verneal Gade, secretary-treasurer. The Randolph officers are Don Bauer, president; Tom Reidmiller, secretarytreasurer; Roger Johnson, Paul Tunink and Gene J. Gubbels, directors.

Cedar View will host a pork feed to get the season underway. The free feed and membership drive will be April 24 at the clubhouse.

April 1, 1976

LAuREL - Construction of a new fertilizer service facility was initiated by the Urwiler Oil and Fertilizer firm a few weeks ago and is nearing completion just in time for the spring season. Walt Urwiler, head of the family oriented business explained that the firm constructed the plant to provide better service to the community and provide better fertilizer products than in the past.

The new plant is located in the northeast part of Laurel along Spruce Street.

Facilities presently include several large liquid storage tanks, an anhydrous tank and a bulk dry fertilizer storage building.

Which will also house office and administrative space for the new plant which is about a mile from the petroleum facilities of the firm located on Highway 15 on the south side of town.

Urwiler advised that the liquid fertilizer facilities utilized by the firm at its original location have been moved to the new site and all fertilizer products will be dispensed from the new facility.

Urwiler explained that the firm will have liquid fertilizer, dry fertilizer and anhydrous but the greatest emphasis will be placed on the suspension liquid fertilizer products and application which is made possible by a anhydrous and liquid blender being installed this week. The blender is expected to be ready for operation by the end of the week.

According to Urwiler, the suspension fertilizer system provides many advantages such as better distribution of nutrients and a better pattern in the soil than dry fertilizer. In addition, he said, micro-nutrients can be easily added and will be contained evenly in the liquid when applied. The liquid suspension fertilizers can be knifed into the soil or can be surface applied and tilled into the soil, Urwiler explained.

April 2, 1986

HARTINGTON — Three law suits pending against Cedar County and county employees represent potential liabilities which could be “enormous” according to County Attorney Mark Behm. Behm reported on the status of each of the three suits at Monday’s County Board meeting.

“Taken together, the suits are probably the most important issue that you are facing right now in terms of impact on the county,” Behm said.

The oldest of the three actions is scheduled for trial in District Court in Hartington on June 3. A civil rights action filed by Barbara Harrom, a former employee of the County Welfare Department, names the county commissioners and Welfare Office head Wilma Jean Leise as defendants in a $264,511 claim.

Each year, the Nebraska School Activities Association and the Nebraska Coaches Association recognize outstanding students during the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons for their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions in their activities.

The LCC honorees are: Boys Basketball- Luke Erwin and Cade Johnson Girls Basketball- Carlie Kvols and Rena Rasmussen Speech- Kennedy Hall and Nolan Nordby Wrestling- James Recob Girls Wrestling- Grace Galvin and Justice Olson

During the Unearthed season, our Lego League teams dive deep into the mysteries of the past to become tomorrow’s archaeologists uncovering hidden treasures, revealing forgotten stories and sharing history with the world in bold, new ways.

This season’s Unearthed robot challenge board contains 15 missions for Lego League teams to complete. Each team gets two minutes and 30 seconds to score as many points as they can by completing missions. To complete missions, both teams have been working hard to program the Lego robots they have built. Both teams have also created innovation projects to address the season’s problem challenge. The teams worked with Sam Matson, Superintendent at Ashfalls Fossil Beds in Royal, Nebraska.

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Lego League teams (Lego-cy Hunters and Lego Diggers) competed with 96 other teams at the First Lego League State Competition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Friday and Saturday, March 20-21. Both teams performed well in the Innovation Contest held on Friday. On Saturday, Lego-cy Hunters earned a trophy for Robot Design, which is given to the top four teams in the category. Lego Diggers placed 60th in the Robot Game and Lego-cy Hunters earned the 15th place.

Toss in a couple of freshmen and you have the 2026 LCC golf team.

Juniors Tanner Thompson and Talon Carson and sophomores, Luke Erwin and Parker and Paxton Hoeppner return and are looking to improve on last season’s 13th-place finish in the district meet.

Joining the five returning players will be James Recob and Bryson Urwiler.

The Bears will open the 2026 campaign at the Plainview Invitational on April, 11 then head to Creighton for a triangular with the Bulldogs and Randolph on April, 14.

Laurel-Concord-Coleridge will host its own invitational on April 16 then travel to Ponca for a triangular which will include the Indians and Hartington-Newcastle.

The Bears will finish April with a couple of invitationals hosted by Lutheran High Northeast on April 23 in Norfolk and April, 28 at the Hartington-Newcastle meet.

The Pierce Invitational is slated for May 2 then the Greater Northeast Activities Conference Meet will tee off May 5 at Atkinson.

LCC will finish off the regular season at the Wayne Invitational on May 7, the Cardinal Invitational on May 11 in Randolph and the Wakefield Invitational on May 12 at the Wayne Country Club.

The C-3 District tournament is set for May 18 at the Fair Play Golf Course in Norfolk with the top three teams and top 10 individuals qualifying for the Nebraska Class C Golf Championships in Grand Island scheduled for May 27 and 28 at Indianhead Golf Club.

The planetarium has been upgraded with a new single-lens ultrahigh- def projection system and the immersive Digistar Astronomy software. The planetarium has once again become the most technologically advanced and educationally versatile planetarium in the region.

LAUREL — One of Laurel’s most anticipated spring traditions will return to the Laurel City Park this weekend as families gather for a morning of fun, laughter and a little friendly competition.

The annual Laurel Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, with children from babies through fourth grade invited to take part in the event.

Each year, the hunt draws a large crowd to the park, with youngsters eagerly lining up before the start time, baskets in hand, waiting for the signal to dash across the grass in search of brightly colored eggs.

Parents, grandparents and friends are encouraged to attend and watch the action unfold, as the park quickly fills with excitement and energy during the fast-paced hunt. Organizers note that many families make the outing part of a larger springtime tradition, often staying afterward to visit, take photos and enjoy the park.

Following the hunt, a number of special prizes will be awarded to participants, adding an extra layer of excitement for those taking part. Details on prize categories will be announced at the event.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Easter Bunny is expected to make a special appearance, giving children an opportunity to meet, take photos and share in the fun.

COLERIDGE — The warmer weather over the weekend causing snow to melt and the frost to come out of the ground coupled with Tuesday’s rain has left a lot of rural roads impassable. The rain was just the checker, but some warm, windy weather is needed before much drying will be done. For the first time it really felt like spring Monday as the temperature climbed up past the 60-degree mark.

March 29, 1951

COLERIDGE — The asset of having pavement in a community becomes very apparent at this time of the year. Several Coleridge streets, now paved, would be impassable, if it weren’t for the paving. One does not fully appreciate paving, until they attempt to travel on streets in towns where paving does not exist.

To salesmen, truck drivers, travelers, visitors, etc. coming into Coleridge this time of the year, the paving must serve as a sign of progressiveness in the community.

March 30, 1961

COLERIDGE — Sandra Lee Lortz, 16, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. H. P. Lortz has been named to be the Coleridge representative to the Cornhusker Girls’ State in Lincoln this summer. Alternate for the position in close competition will be Sharyn Heikes, 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Heikes.

LAUREL —Tyler Schindler of Laurel-Concord High School sponsored by American Legion Post #54 will join nearly 400 other high school juniors from across Nebraska participating in the American Legion Cornhusker Boys’ State, June 5-11, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus.

March 30, 2016

COLERIDGE — The Easter morning church service was the last time for Pastor Deb Valentine to be behind the pulpit as the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Coleridge.

Valentine has been the interim pastor at the church for close to two years.

Pastor Russell Lambert will start as the new pastor on March 31.

Valentine has many fond memories of her time here, and one not so fond memory that she will never forget.

“I moved to Coleridge the day of the tornado on June 17, 2014,” Valentine said.

Valentine had lived at Fairbury for seven years before coming to Immanuel Lutheran.

Serving as the interim pastor in Coleridge has been a good experience for Valentine.

“I loved it. The people are so kind,” she said. “There have been some challenges – some illnesses and a few tragedies but it has been wonderful to be here.”

March 30, 2016

HARTINGTON — County Commissioners opened bids involving a road project and looked at information on tax sales during the Cedar County meeting on March 22.

Bids on a project known as the Wynot East Project were opened during the Cedar County Commissioner meeting.

LAUREL — Five Laurel mother/ daughter sets competed in the Nebraska Women’s State Bowling Tournament held recently in Grand Island.

Mothers competing were Pat Schaer, Phyl Dirks, Faye Loeb, Naomi Peterson and Cherry Urwiler. Daughters in the state tourney were Nancy Sherman and Sally Roberts (Schaer), Vee Lage (Dirks), Marcia Hirschman (Loeb), Kristy Peterson (Peterson) and Mina Swanson (Urwiler). Also attending the tournament were Katie Neese, Jean Gadeken, Mary McCorkindale, Linda Heitman and Dolores Erwin. Pat Schaer received a participation award for her 20th year of bowling in the State Tournament.

March 26, 1986

LAUREL — Roger Jensen put together games of 234, 256 and 247 for his high 737 series at Hillside Bowl. Roger bowled his high series in the Starlight League Thursday night.

March 27, 1991

LAUREL — The 13th annual contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Mothers Association, was held at the Northeast Community College Campus in Norfolk. Ellie McBride of Laurel was a first place winner in the sculpture division of the art contest. She was presented her award at a luncheon held in the Student Center Cafeteria on Saturday, March 9. First place winners are eligible to compete in the National competition in St. Louis, Mo., April 25-29.

March 27, 1991

LAUREL — History day competitors Diane Boysen, Stacy Nixon, Missy Mursick, Jennifer Fritz, Wendy Carstensen, Matt Kessinger and Courtney Thomas will be competing for state honors April 20 in Lincoln at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Nixon, Carstensen, Mursick, Thomas and Fritz earned first place for their group drama and Boysen and Kessinger received third for a duet.

March 27, 1991

LAUREL — The Laurel Thinclads performed exceptionally well at the Wayne Indoor Invitational Friday, March 22. The boys placed third teamwise , finishing ahead of Battle Creek, Hartington Cedar Catholic and Emerson-Hubbard and behind Wayne and Madison. Dean Heydon, Jeremy Klausen, Dustin Roberts and Kelly Arens completed in the 440 meter relay and finished first at the indoor track meet.

March 27, 1991

LAUREL — Effective April 1, the new federal minimum wage rate will become $4.25 per hour for most employees. The new rate replaces the current hourly figure of $3.80.

March 27, 1991

LAUREL — Workers interested in future job possibilities in the Persian Gulf should visit their local job service or employment service office, the U.S. Department of Labor has announced. Although few job vacancies exist at this time, the network of 1,700 offices which make up the U.S. Employment Service is prepared to accept applications from workers interested in positions in the Persian Gulf.

March 27, 1991

LAUREL — A shipment of 500 trout was stocked in Elm Creek March 19, said Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Fisheries Division Southeast Supervisor Dave Tunink. The fish were distributed along the five-mile stretch of creek in Webster County. The stocking was one of three planned for 1991.

Having to reschedule the cross country event twice before, the decision was made to bring it indoors on the third try.

Events were held in both gyms at the school with the walkers doing their thing in the Legacy gym and the joggers utilizing the main gymnasium.

Participants were encouraged to come dressed in green.

Also making an appearance was a special Leprechaun whose job was to keep people moving along by chasing them.

Head coach Shannon Benson welcomed 41 Bears and Lady Bears to practice earlier this month and said leadership from returning upperclassmen will set the tone.

“We have some great leadership coming from our returning upperclassmen and women,” Benson said. “I hope we can follow the high standard they have set for our season.”

Benson is joined on the coaching staff by Nate Sims, Zeke Stephens, Brandi Settje and Nick Puppe.

The Lady Bears return several athletes with state meet experience, led by distance standouts Kate Tasler and Faith Galvin. Both competed in Omaha last year and are expected to contend again in individual events and relays.

“We should have a very solid distance team this season,” Benson said. “Faith and Kate will be our leaders, but we have some other runners who contributed last year and have improved.”

On the boys side, Drey Puppe returns after a state appearance and is expected to be a top contender in the hurdles. He will also compete in the pole vault and high jump after earning a state medal a year ago.

Boston Brown joins the Lady Bears lineup after qualifying for state last season and is expected to contribute in both running and jumping events.

“Boston works very hard and is driven and wants to improve,” Benson said. “We hope she has a very successful 2026 season.”

Jaylen Carpenter and Carlie Kvols also return after narrowly missing state last season and will look to take the next step this spring.

Benson said the team’s depth will be a key strength, particularly in distance and relay events.

“Addie Hoeppner, Shane Langford, Hunter Benson, Justice Olson, Sebastian Von-Drongelen and Ava Christiansen all had solid seasons in 2025 and will be a big part of our distance and mid-distance groups,” he said. “We hope to have two solid 3,200 relay teams.”

In the field events, Kolton Settje, Cade Johnson and Paul Allison will lead the throws, while Laney Folkers and Tyler Recob are expected to contribute in the jumps.

“Hannah Hart, Aubri Kleinschmit and Maddy Campbell will be in the throws and are ready to take a big step this season,” Benson said.

A strong sophomore class could also make an impact. Taelynn Settje, Weston Patefield, Josiah Tasler, Grace Galvin, Jolynn Kinkaid and Nathan Boysen all return after impressive freshman campaigns.

“They will look to improve and compete for medals in the sprints, jumps, vault and relays,” Benson said. “This group is very focused and determined to help the team.”

Additional contributors include Alex Allison, Turner Thompson and Devyn Staples, who add depth in the throws and sprints.

Benson also pointed to a group of younger athletes — Ruby Jonas, Kloie Ferris, Nora Sprecht, Willa Roberts, Mady Ross, Lisa Jackson and Nolan Nordby — as key pieces for the future.

“The future is bright with these athletes,” he said. “They work hard and will have a very successful season.”

Owen Johnson is expected to bolster the distance events and relays after a strong cross country season.

LCC will open its season April 2 at the Plainview Invitational before competing April 8 at the Knox County Invitational in Creighton.

The performance is free and open to the public. To view a livestream, visit www.wsc.edu/watch-live. The program is accessible by selecting the event from the Upcoming Music Events list at www.wsc.edu/music-department.

Trio Mezzklarno is a faculty chamber ensemble in residence at Wayne State. Members include Dr. Sarah Farr, mezzo-soprano; Dr. Karl Kolbeck, clarinet; and Dr. Angela Miller-Niles, piano. The musicians are equal partners in the musical landscape, creating tight discourse among the three instruments.

Concert repertoire emphasizes the virtuosic skills of each faculty member. “Where Now Rusts the Iron?” by Howard J. Buss is a tribute to the ironworkers of the past and the loss of the shuttered factories.

“I believe her voice quality is perfect to enhance the wide range of emotions conveyed by the poem’s words set to music,” explains Buss.

Several selections are composed by Rick Sowash. “The Clarinet Song,” written for the ensemble, is a unique and comical tribute to the clarinet, featuring the virtuosity of Kolbeck. The allegorical delight “Two Musical Myths” tells the tale of musical transformation. “Kindness Will Be Our Way” is a powerful hymn-like tune featuring poignant lyrics.

“The message is an antidote to the casual cruelty that characterizes many events making the news today,” says Sowash. “Yet the lyrics are not ‘preachy.’ They are humble, confessing that ‘we’ have made a mess of things.”

Grass tetany is the result of low levels of magnesium in an animal’s blood stream.

This mineral imbalance can be brought on by diet due to low magnesium levels in lush, newly growing grass. Because high levels of potassium interfere with the body’s ability to absorb magnesium, diets that are high in potassium (greater than 2.5%) are at even higher risk. Another mineral to look at is calcium.

Calcium can act as a sort of buffer, limiting the impact of high potassium. Diets with calcium levels below 0.4% are considered low. In lactating animals, this drain on magnesium and calcium from milk production throws these imbalances off even more.

Animals with tetany issues will often graze separate from the rest of the herd, be irritable or excited, show muscle twitching especially round the ears and face, and walk with an uncoordinated, stiff, or staggering gait. Eyes may be wide and staring. In severe cases, animals will collapse, thrash around and can lapse into a coma leading to death.

To prevent tetany problems this spring, it’s best to wait till grass in pastures has grown to at least 6 inches high before grazing. Legumes like alfalfa or clover, are a good source of magnesium, so grazing pastures with a good mixture of grass and legume can help balance mineral demands and prevent possible problems. Keep an especially close eye on high milk producing or older animals, as these are the most likely candidates for a tetany issue.

While cultural practices can reduce risk, providing correct and adequate mineral supplementation may be the most fool proof solution.

Sodium is important in the absorption of magnesium into the cell, so ensuring adequate salt is available and being consumed by the herd is important.

A sure prevention for grass tetany is feeding a mineral with supplemental calcium and magnesium included. Cattle should be consuming 3-4 ounces daily of mineral containing 10-13% magnesium oxide. This needs to be fed at least 30 days before grazing begins to ensure proper intake has been established.

Most high magnesium mineral utilize magnesium oxide, which is bitter tasting and can reduce animal consumption. Mixing magnesium fortified mineral with salt into a complete package may help intake. If the 3-4 ounce target is still not being met, consider mixing the mineral with a highly palatable protein or energy supplement.

High magnesium mineral should be provided for animals until cool season grasses slow down growth and the levels of lush, fresh forage are reduced.

This usually happens around mid-May.

Dealing with grass tetany in the spring is one of the annual cycles producers must deal with every year. However, with proper management, it doesn’t have to negatively impact your herd.

Plan now to adjust grazing management or mineral supplementation for a tetany-free spring.

— Ben Beckman is a beef systems Extension Educator serving the counties of Antelope, Cedar, Knox, Madison and Pierce. He is based out of the Cedar County Extension office in Hartington. Call him at: (402) 254-6821 or email: ben.beckman@unl.edu

LAUREL – Kennedy Hall has put in so much speech practice, her coach can nearly recite her persuasive speech by memory herself.

“She practices and practices some more,” said Jennifer Kesting, Laurel- Concord-Coleridge speech coach. “We have worked really hard on having her look and sound conversational and this year she really blossomed as a confident speaker.”

Hall, a senior, estimates about 150 hours of practice each speech season which has led her to the state stage all four years of her high school career. Once again but for the last time, she will be competing at the NSAA State Speech Championships March 27-28 in Kearney.

Her success in qualifying for state competition is well-earned, Kesting said.

“Kennedy puts in the work. She does intense research on her topics, whether it be informative or persuade and she picks topics that she was either intrigued by or affected by,” Kesting said. “Another thing that makes her so successful at speech is her willingness to try new events. She performed in an OID one time last year to fill in for a missing teammate and now she is state bound in that event.”

Hall also incorporates judge comments and coach recommendations, perfecting her speech and craft throughout the season, Kesting said.

Over the last four years, she’s participated in informative speaking, persuasive speaking, extemporaneous speaking and oral interpretation of drama (OID) categories, covering topics from being left-handed to the history of the world.

This year’s OID is her favorite from over the years due to performing it with her best friends. Apart from time with her friends, she also enjoys writing her speeches.

Hall has yet to earn a medal (by placing sixth or better) but that is certainly her goal as she closes out on her last high school state speech experience.

Win or lose, she hopes to just soak in the experience one last time.

“The state speech competition is completely different than a normal meet,” she said. “Everyone is full of energy, and it is super busy with people everywhere.”

Hall said she’s grateful for her family and coaches for their support all four years in speech.

“It has been an adventure,” Kesting said. “Kennedy has a big personality, and I am never quite sure what she is going to do or say and that has kept me on my toes.”

The skills Hall’s learned by participating in speech have served her well in her classwork and other activities at LCC, and will continue to serve her in the future, Kesting said.

Hall plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall to study communication sciences and disorders and then pursue a career as a speech pathologist in a rural Nebraska community.

LAUREL - Veteran school bus driver Ralph Emry is retiring after a tenure of 23 years transporting pupils to Allen Consolidated school.

Mr. Emry, who also farms east of Allen, has had only one minor accident in the 23 years, and only one flat tire on the road.

He has sold his bus to Fred Hickman.

During his years as a driver, Mr. Emry has transported kindergarten children to their first day at school, and took those same pupils home their last day as graduating seniors.

His passengers also included his three sons and four grandchildren.

March 16, 1961

LAUREL - Who is the strongest man in Nebraska? Old Man Winter. And pantywaist Spring seems to be no challenge to this great.

Winter has a toehold on Nebraska and stubbornly refuses to budge.

He is championing it over both Spring and the weatherman as he has proven both wrong recently.

With forecasters calling for high mercury readings Wednesday, residents were greeted by a gentle snowfall which, however, was short-lived.

Spring is nudging Winter but so far hasn’t made too much headway.

March 16, 1961

BELDEN - Mr. and Mrs. Chris Roth observed their 40th wedding anniversary with an open house at the Wagon Wheel Steak House.

Mrs. Fred Roth of Sioux City, Iowa, and Mrs. Hubert Abts of Belden poured. Waitresses were Patty Bring, Mrs. Walter Huetig, of Belden, and Mrs. Wayne Vogel of Coleridge. Mrs. Charles Roth and Mrs. Alvin Roth cut and served the anniversary cake.

March 16, 1961

LAUREL - The Cedar county speech festival was held at the Laurel auditorium.

Ratings were as follows: Original public address — Gloria Hattig, “The Sleeping Giant,” excellent; Clare Rossiter, Holy Trinity, “The Insured American,” excellent; Bob Jordan, St. Frances, “Speaking of Nebraska Weather,” good.

Interpretative public address — Mike Munter, “President Kennedy’s Inaugural Address,” superior; Ron Halleen, Belden, “The American Tragedy,” excellent; Mary Jean O’Gara, Holy Trinity, “The Definition of a Teacher,” good; Earl Dredge, Randolph, “The Challenge of Greatness,” good; Arlis Bottoflson, Hartington, “Memorial Address on Iwo Jima,” good.

They have recorded and met the hours, income and activities requirement as well as participated in an interview to earn the highest FFA award the State Association can give.

The local FFA duo will officially receive their State Degrees on Wednesday during the first General Session of the Nebraska State FFA convention in Lincoln at Pinnacle Bank Arena on March 25.

They competed against 12 other teams and had three individual placers.

Faith Galvin took conference champion in Extemporaneous speaking, Kennedy Hall earned runner-up honors in Persuasive, and Cloey Young was 6th in Poetry.

Other competitors included: Ava Christiansen and Nolan Nordby; Entertainment speaking, Jolynn Kinkaid; Extemporaneous speaking, Allysa Paulhamus; poetry, and the Oral Interpretation of Drama team; Kennedy Hall, Ava Christiansen, and Nolan Nordby.

The team held a community performance March 12.

The speech team then competed at the District meet, Mar. 17 in Homer.

The recital is free and open to the public.

The concert will also be livestreamed. View it at www.wsc. edu/watch-live. The program is accessible by selecting the event from the Music Events list at www.wsc.edu/music-department.

Calkin is a professor of music and director of bands at WSC.

Challenging repertoire spans centuries with each selection requiring advanced technique. “Danza Espanola” by David Uber resonates with rich Spanishinfluenced rhythms. The intricate Baroque dance suite “Partita for Solo Flute in A Minor” by J.S. Bach demands dexterity.

Music for the event was provided by the LCC Middle School band and choir, setting the tone for the celebration while several school programs and student achievements were highlighted.

Laura Nordby shared an update on the school’s Lego League program, while Blake Brown talked about the upcoming junior high track season and encouraged students to get involved in the sport.

Several middle school students were also recognized for recent accomplishments. Maya Brummels and Stella Graham qualified for the Junior High Wrestling Meet. Stella Graham, Tenlie Christiansen, Foster Stone and Cade Barnes earned spots in the State Band.

The Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Parent-Teachers Organization (PTO) for grades K-8 helped provide entertainment for the celebration.

Over the years, LCC Middle School Principal Mark Leonard has proven to be a good sport during the annual event — previously taking a pie in the face or even being duct-taped to a wall.

This year’s activity saw students turn their principal into a “human sundae.”

Students also enjoyed competing in several “Minute to Win It” games throughout the afternoon. To cap off the celebration, everyone had the chance to build and enjoy their own ice cream sundaes.

The event provided a lighthearted way to recognize student success while bringing the school community together for an afternoon of fun.

LCC Middle School students Jeremiah Kinkaid and Ruby Tasler (r) pour topping on the human made sundae, Mark Leonard.

The tournament drew a large crowd both days. To get a sense of the number of people in attendance, the concession stand went through nearly 50 pizzas and almost 50 pounds of walking taco meat.

Many towns and schools were represented including Allen, Battle Creek, Crofton, Hartington, Laurel, Lutheran High Northeast (LHNE), Norfolk Catholic, Plainview, Ponca, Randolph, Tilden, Vermillion, Wakefield, Wayne and Wynot. There were three age divisions for both boys and girls, third and fourth grade, fifth grade, and sixth grade.

One standout performance over the weekend was delivered by Braxton West, a 10-year-old from Battle Creek, who sank three long-range buzzer-beaters for his team, all on Sunday.

The tournament was made possible by the efforts of the Laurel Rec volunteers, referees, coaches, students, and families who helped with concessions, scorekeeping, and setup throughout the weekend.

The Rec appreciates the help of Laurel’s Hometown Market and Knuckleheadz Bar for their support and flexibility, and Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School and staff for their assistance and for allowing the use of their facilities.

Proceeds from the tournament are used to keep fees down for area youth to participate in a number of rec sports throughout the year.

Results are as follows: 3rd & 4th Grade Boys — First: Battle Creek, Second: Norfolk Catholic, Third: Vermillion 3rd & 4th Grade Girls — First: Crofton (4th Grade), Second: Wakefield, Third: Hartington 5th Grade Boys — First: Hartington, Second: Wakefield, Third: Laurel 5th Grade Girls — First: Crofton, Second: Norfolk Catholic, Third: Laurel 6th Grade Boys — First: Tilden, Second: Laurel, Third: Wakefield 6th Grade Girls — First: Wayne, Second: Crofton, Third: Laurel

Ashley Jelinek understands that all that gear requires space - something in short supply at the Logan Creek Thrift Store.

Or at least it was in short supply until Erwin stepped up to the plate and contributed to his community.

“We had the sports gear everywhere some in the kids’ room and really wherever we could fit in in,” said Jelinek, board president of the thrift store.

Erwin applied for and received $400 from the Contribution Project to buy a new six-foot-tall shelving unit which now holds and displays baseball gloves, football helmets, shoes, golfing and tennis equipment, even snorkeling gear and flippers.

“We are so grateful he chose us. It’s so nice to have the community behind us,” Jelinek said.

The Contribution Project is funded through Purpose Commons and PSiX at Cornell University. The organization accepts applications from young people, ages 14-25, who are seeking to make an impact on their community, school, or neighborhood.

Erwin, son of Josh and Carol, heard about The Contribution Project from his mother. Another Laurel-Concord Coleridge student successfully received Contribution Project funds to start a little library in town.

Using the money to support Logan Creek Thrift store was a natural fit as the store is run by volunteers with all proceeds going back into the community – either to individuals in need, or charitable causes, Erwin said.

The application process involved filling out a survey detailing how he would use the money and answering questions about his character. It took two weeks from the time he submitted the application until he heard it was approved.

Once the money was received, he quickly got to work, contacting Jelinek and getting the shelving ordered. Erwin assembled it and the store started using the shelving to display gently used sports gear last week.

While Erwin, a sophomore at LCC, hit an easy homerun with his latest community service project, he’s previously contributed in other ways, painting at the city park and helping with recreational sports.

“Supporting the community is important to me because I always love giving a helping hand to people,” he said. “Especially since we have a smaller community, there is a lot of opportunities to help someone out. I encourage other students to do this project because it is a great way to give back to the community, especially for no cost besides your time.”

Sandra Cross | for the Laurel Advocate