Latest articles - Osmond Republican

Pierce County voters choose sheriff, commissioners

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:47:00 -0500

OSMOND — Pierce County voters delivered decisive victories Tuesday night in several high-profile races, while also narrowly approving a major bond issue for the Pierce Public Schools district.

With five of six precincts reporting by 11 p.m., unofficial results showed strong support across the county for Republican candidates at both the state and local levels.

On the Republican ticket, Pete Ricketts cruised to victory in the U.S. Senate race in Pierce County with 1,723 votes. Todd Knobel received 96 votes, while Debb Axtell Schultz added 92.

In the race for Nebraska’s Third Congressional District, incumbent Adrian Smith easily carried Pierce County with 1,391 votes, compared to 489 for David Huebner.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen also posted a commanding local showing with 1,550 votes. John Walz received 148 votes and Sheila Korth-Focken added 136.

One of the closest statewide races locally came in the Secretary of State contest, where Scott Petersen outpolled incumbent Bob Evnen by a 1,110-577 margin in Pierce County.

For Pierce County voters, some of the biggest interest centered on local races.

In the Pierce County Sheriff’s race, Daniel G. Hallock secured a convincing victory with 1,291 votes. Rick J. Eberhardt received 609 votes, while Josh Bauermeister finished with 159.

The Pierce County Commissioner District 2 race featured a crowded field. Michael Mayfield led the way with 238 votes, followed by Dave Lienemann with 154, Brad Albers with 149 and Loren Gerdes with 56.

In the District 3 commissioner race, Carl Martinson defeated Brandon Wagner by a 420-252 margin.

State legislative candidate Barry DeKay ran unopposed for Legislative District 40 and received 824 votes in Pierce County.

Voters also weighed in on education-related races and ballot issues. Sherry Jones received 1,114 votes in the State Board of Education race, while Grady Erickson collected 667 votes.

One of the night’s tightest decisions came in the Pierce Public Schools bond election. The proposal passed narrowly with 668 votes in favor and 625 opposed.

Meanwhile, voters in the Plainview Public Schools district overwhelmingly rejected both school bond proposals. Proposition 1 failed by a 488-192 margin, while Proposition 2 was defeated 499-176.

Municipal races also drew attention across Pierce County.

In Pierce, Tom Meyer won the mayoral race with 362 votes. Tom Gubbels received 128 votes and Roy Mittelstaedt added 46.

In Plainview, Bob Smith was elected mayor with 290 votes. Brian Schlote finished with 87 votes and Larry Lockman received 51.

On the Democratic side, Cindy Burbank led the U.S. Senate race in Pierce County with 104 votes, compared to 37 for William Forbes. Becky Kelly Stille received 133 votes in the Third District congressional race, while Lynne Walz received 111 votes in the governor’s race.

There were no votes cast locally on either the Libertarian or Legalize Marijuana Now tickets.

Poppy Day to be held Thursday

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:46 -0500

OSMOND — Poppy Day in Osmond will be observed next week, on Thursday, May 21. Members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 326 will have poppies available in downtown Osmond and some businesses.

Poppy Day coordinators Michelle Reikofski and Miriam Stelling share the following information about the poppy.

————— National Poppy Day

The red poppy is a nationally rec- ognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Ameri cans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. Wear a poppy to honor those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

The Poppy

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists at tributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy.

The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

On Sept. 27, 1920, the poppy be- came the official flower of The Ameri can Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of TheAmerican Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

Slagle retiring as Immanuel preschool teacher

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:45 -0500

OSMOND — Julie Slagle, who has been the teacher at Immanuel Preschool here since 2005, will be retiring this year after 21 years of service.

Julie, the daughter of Merlyn and Nyla Kuhl, is a 1989 graduate of Osmond High School. She went on to graduate from Wayne State College in 1993 with a bachelor of science in early childhood education. Following graduation from WSC, she worked at Rainbow World daycare in Wayne, Humpty Dumpty daycare in Wakefield and then moved to Lincoln and worked at Lollipop Farm daycare.

In 1995, Julie married Mike Slagle, whom she had met while in college, and their daughter Erica was born in 1998. After the family moved to Fre- mont, she stayed home with Erica for two years before starting an intergenerational daycare at a nursing home for their employees. The Slagles moved back to Osmond in 2003.

Julie describes how she became involved with Immanuel Preschool: “My journey at Immanuel Lutheran Preschool began one Sunday morning after a regular Sunday church service. Pastor [Gary] Trowbridge. . . had heard that I could teach preschool and he wondered if I’d be interested in teaching here at Immanuel. I told him I would think about it.

“Later that week, school board member Mark Koehler asked if I had decided about taking over the preschool teacher position. He told me it would really help him out and take a big worry off his shoulders. I told him I would be happy to help him and accept the position. He thanked me and told me I was doing him a very big favor. Little did I know that it was actually Pastor and Mark who were doing me the favor! They both had the faith in me to take on this important role.”

One month later, Julie was starting her first year of teaching at Immanuel, with 10 4-year-olds.

Since she started at Immanuel, Julie said that many changes have taken place. At that time, preschool was only offered to 4-year-olds on two mornings a week. The next school year, 2006-07, she offered 4-year-old preschool on Monday-Wednesday-Friday and a 3-year-old preschool on Tuesday-Thursday.

That year, both classes were held in both the mornings and afternoons because there were so many children interested. There were 10 students on Monday-Wednesday-Friday mornings and 11 others in the afternoon, plus six students on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with seven others on those afternoons.

Another change that Julie recalled was that she started teaching in the old brick schoolhouse that was originally built in 1949. That building was torn down in 2007 after the new wing on the church, which now houses the preschool, was built. She remembers when the addition was being built, watching out the windows with her students as the men worked on the roof and waved and talked to the students in their upstairs classroom.

Julie moved everything to the new room in February 2007, and says the students loved their new classroom. She added that, “Practicing for Sunday morning performances and special programs was so much easier without the long walks across the parking lot, especially in the winter snow!”

At some point, she said, the hours were changed to start at 8 a.m., and in 2015, the all-day 4-year-old program was introduced. The children bring their lunch every day and eat it in their room.

Julie noted, “In my 21 years of teaching at Immanuel Lutheran Preschool, I have taught 47 different classes, 221 SLAGLE RETIRING AS IMMANUEL TEACHER

different students, and had the pleasure of teaching many of those children two years, and some even three years!

“So many smiles, a few tears, and many Lego towers, tea parties and marching band parades pretending we were just like the big kids!

“And so many Jesus lessons taught over the years. It was so heartwarming to teach each of those young children all about the love of Jesus and other stories from the Bible. It made my heart melt when they would ask if it was Jesus Time yet, because that was their favorite time. They truly enjoyed listening as we shared the Word of God together.

“I have loved every minute of it and will miss it very much. No two kids were the same (even with the sets of twins I had) and no two days were the same - I never knew what to expect! It was exciting every day!" Julie’s family includes husband Mike, and daughter and son-in-law Erica and Keaton Gracey of Minden.

She also became a grandma in December 2025 to Gable Michael Gracey, with whom she hopes to spend plenty of time after her retirement.

The church is hosting an open house for Mrs. Slagle on Sunday, May 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. with all welcome to attend.

Sprucing up the place. . .

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:44 -0500

Students of Osmond Community School gathered downtown and at various other locations around town to paint the helicopter pad, parking stripes, curbs, fire hydrants and baseball field posts and dugouts on Monday, May 11, in order to spruce up the Osmond area. They had perfect weather for it — the temperature was in the low to mid-70s on Monday. Temperatures for the rest of the week will reach into the 80s.

Regina Lorenz | Osmond Republican

School board approves re-keying building, stage curtain and lighting replacment

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:43 -0500

OSMOND — The Osmond Board of Education met Monday, May 11, and heard from science teacher and golf coach Dante Schmit on his first year at Osmond Community School. He asked Board President Mark Moes if he remembered a conversation they had after he (Dante) had graduated high school here. He had told Moes that he wouldn’t come back to Osmond after college and when Moes asked why, he said he couldn’t think of a reason to come back. Now, he said, he hopes he can give kids a reason — this place will always be home.

Schmit said he enjoys kids coming in and sharing about their day. He also spoke about Kooper Gubbels, who is on the golf team, and he enjoys watching him develop and improve as a golfer.

Asked if there will be any changes to his job next year, Schmit said he will be teaching technical math next year.

Athletic Director Report

Athletic Director Brian Guenther reported that Class D districts for track is on Wednesday, May 13, at Hartington, and District D-2 golf is on Monday, May 18, at Indian Trails Country Club in Beemer, hosted by West Point.

Guenther advised that Academic All-state awards have all been submitted for spring activities. He also advised that an EPIC football camp will be held here again this summer on Thursday, July 9.

Gym floor cleaning and waxing is scheduled for Friday, July 17.

K-6 Principal’s Report

Principal Paige Parsons, who had to be absent, sent in the following report: She congratulated the K-12 students and music directors Vanessa Steinkraus and Christalin Ginn for their performances in the spring concerts.

The planning committee for the Osmond PTO is planning a “kick-off” for membership at the elementary field day on Thursday, May 14. They will have brochures and information available.

Students are finishing up Acadience benchmarking and NSCAS (Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System). She will have a more detailed report of the date at the next board meeting.

Staff Appreciation Week was celebrated May 4-8 with the theme of "90s Edition: Osmond Staff is All That and More.” She noted that Osmond has amazing staff members, and “it’s been fun to celebrate all those that make our district great.”

The elementary students have been on a few field trips recently, including the third and fourth grade to a Life on the Farm presentation, kindergarten through third grade going to Niobrara, and fourth through sixth graders going to Lincoln to visit the capitol.

Following kindergarten round-up with three families participating, there will be six new kindergarten students next fall.

Upcoming events include the field day on May 14, the last day of school on May 15 and a teacher in-service May 18 and 19.

7-12 Principal’s Report

Principal Kurt Polt reported that the last day for students in Friday, May 15, with a 1 p.m. dismissal. Grades are due at the end of that day, with all report cards being sent home by the end of the following week. Staff members will have work days May 18-19.

Polt advised that district track is May 13 at Hartington with Class C and D state track in Omaha on May 22 and 23, and district golf is May 18, hosted by West Point at Beemer, and state (Continued on Page 8, No. 1) SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES RE-KEYING, CURTAINS golf is May 27 and 28 in Columbus.

The principal noted that all students’ schedules for next year have been completed, and added that the eighth grade science class will be taught by Erin Braun.

Principal Polt thanked Mrs. Parsons and Superintendent Skip Bremer for covering for him during graduation.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Bremer briefly went over the board policies for the month. Those with no changes include 3013, emergency closings; 3015, time away from school activities; 3017, official communication with the public; 3018, denying access to school premises or activities; 3019, sale or disposal of school property; 3020, copyright compliance; 3022, volunteers; 3023, record management and retention; 3024, booster clubs and parent-teacher organization policy; 3025, returned and outstanding checks.

For Policy 3016, smoking and related products, the current policy allows adult smoking outside in designated areas (which the school doesn’t have). The committee would like to be a smoke-free campus, so the changes will reflect that. All policies are available on the school website: click on Menu-School Board-Board Policies.

Bremer went over the new staff positions, which include: Morgan Schmit hired as para-educator; Grace Nordhues, fifth grade teacher; Jaci Kumm, moving from fifth grade to second grade; Lacey Bahr, moving from second to third grade; Erin Braun, moving from third to junior high interventions and eighth grade science, and Kaitlyn Anderson, resigning from her SPED teaching position.

Bremer noted that the information from the ad hoc committee would be discussed at the June meeting. Members were given reading materials to go over until then.

Mr. Bremer noted that the changeover to JMC for the school information system is progressing.

The superintendent reported that, on May 5, Security Bank’s Paula Gutz accompanied him in attending the Stellar Teller Days in Laurel with the seven Osmond sixth grade student tellers. Axyl Rice, one of the Osmond tellers, was named a “Stellar Teller.” The Osmond branch will reopen in the fall with the new school year. A question was asked about what happens with sixth graders’ money at the end of that year. He advised that the students have the option to take the cash, or open a regular account at the bank and deposit their money.

Action Items

A bid was received for re-keying the school, and a motion was made to accept the bid from Glass Edge to replace the locks and handles at a cost not to exceed $29,715, to be paid from the depreciation fund.

The board discussed replacing the stage curtains and lighting with technology, and a motion was made to accept the Omaha Stage Equipment bid for stage curtain and light replacement at a cost not to exceed $21,256 for curtains and $28,506.69 for lighting and technology to be paid from the depreciation fund. It was noted that the Osmond Community School Foundation is making a donation toward the cost, so the amount will be less.

OHS CLASS OF 2026 RECEIVES DIPLOMAS

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:42 -0500

OHS CLASS OF 2026 RECEIVES DIPLOMAS — On Saturday, May 9, the Osmond High School Class of 2026 walked across the stage and received their diplomas, becoming the newest graduates of Osmond High School. Members of the class are, back row: Riley Williams (left), Meagan Wagner, Justin Rohloff, Ava Reikofski, Kaleigh Miller, Carriana Kumm; front row: Piper Hoffman, Jade Halsey, Abigail Brown, Erin Aschoff, Jack Berg. A special section containing graduation features is included in this week’s Osmond Republican. Besides a biography and picture of each member of the Class of 2026, there are items about scholarship winners and other information, as well as reprints of the addresses given by the top six students at commencement.

Election results to be posted on website

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:41 -0500

OSMOND — Because election results came in after the Osmond Republican print deadline, complete election results from Tuesday’s election can be found at the Osmond Republican website — www.osmondrepublican. com. The results will also be published in next week’s newspaper.

According to Pierce County Clerk and Election Official Shannon Wragge, the results may also be found here: https:// countyelectionresults.nebraska.gov/election_ files/Pierce/2026_Primary_unof- ficial_results.pdf

Legion pancake benefit is Sunday

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:40 -0500

OSMOND — Members of American Legion Post 326 will host a pancake day on Sunday, May 17. An ad on another page of this issue invites residents of the area to the city auditorium between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The menu will feature the old-fashioned red sausage patties, scrambled eggs, pancakes, juice and coffee.

In addition to the meal — for which a free-will offering will be collected — those attending will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for a drawing featuring three prizes. The top prize is $50, with second and third prizes at $30 and $20, respectively, all in Osmond Dollars.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Summer Youth program.

Take steps to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:39 -0500

For many Nebraskans, Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer and the start of the boating and water recreation season. However, one troublesome invertebrate has the potential to disrupt summer fun: the zebra mussel.

These are small, D-shaped clams with alternating light and dark bands across their shells. They can be as small as a pencil eraser. These mussels are an invasive species, meaning they are not native to Nebraska and can damage the state’s ecosystems and economy once established.

Zebra mussels form dense colonies and filter important nutrients from the water that native species rely on to survive, reducing fishing opportu nities in Nebraska. They also litter swimming beaches with their sharp shells and can damage public and private infrastructure.

These mussels are spread by boaters and anglers by “hitchhiking” on the undersides of boats and on angling equipment. Veligers, or zebra mussel larvae, are microscopic and can survive in a single drop of water for several days. Adult mussels can live out of water for up to a month. To prevent their spread, it is important to ensure all boating and angling equipment are cleaned, drained of any standing water, and allowed to dry completely before entering another water body.

The Nebraska water bodies with established zebra mussel populations are Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton, the Missouri River, Offutt Air Force Base Lake, and Beaver Lake near Plattsmouth.

To combat the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species, Game and Parks staff will conduct boat inspections at boat ramps statewide this summer. Since its implementation in 2020, the Aquatic Invasive Species Program has inspected more than 26,000 watercraft across the state.

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is a responsibility shared by all Nebraskans. All water recreationalists should remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and gear every time they leave the water: CLEAN – Rinse your watercraft, trailer, angling gear and other equipment. Remove all aquatic vegetation and animal species from your equipment.

DRAIN – Allow your watercraft to drain at the ramp by removing the boat plug and draining all live wells and ballast tanks.

DRY – Let your watercraft, trailer and other equipment dry for at least seven days before visiting another water body.

Visit CleanDrainDry.org/ for more details on the Clean, Drain, Dry Procedure and OutdoorNebraska. gov/aquatic-invasive-species for information about invasive species in Nebraska.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected observations of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 402-4717602 or at ngpc.ais@nebraska.gov.

Put love first. Entertain thoughts that give life. And when a thought or resentment, or hurt, or fear comes your way, have another thought that is more powerful - a thought that is love. - Mary Manin Morrissey

Go Explore summer camp spots still available

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:38 -0500

The Turpin Outdoor Education Center still has openings for its five Lincoln-based summer camps that offer children the chance to explore the natural world and learn outdoor skills.

The Go Explore camps are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with extended drop-off hours available 8 a.m.

Cost for each camp is $200, or $160 for annual Outdoor Education Center annual pass holders. A $50 registration fee is required. Learn more or register through the event listing at calendar. outdoornebraska.gov.

Camp opportunities include: Go Explore: Archery, June 15-18 or July 27-30. For ages 11-14. This exclusively archery-focused camp is designed for new, intermediate and advanced archers. Topics covered include range safety, equipment knowledge, scoring, intro to competition, stretching and exercises and practice time.

Go Explore: Girls in the Outdoors, June 22-25. For ages 8-12. This outdoor skills-focused camp will take campers to the next level in outdoor preparedness. Participants will gain knowledge useful for singleday outdoor trips, more extended hiking excursions, and/or travel emergencies. Topics covered include fire building, outdoor cooking, water resources, hiking, shelter building, es-

sential supplies, first aid and hunting skills. No matter their skill level, all girls will find a path that adds to their knowledge and ability.

Go Explore: Survival, July 6-9. For ages 11 to 14. This camp will teach participants essential skills that prepare them for outdoor adventures without modern conveniences. Participants will learn skills that come in handy when something doesn’t go according to plan and others that might be particularly fun to try on a camping trip. Skills learned will be useful for single-day outdoor trips, more extended hiking excursions, and/or travel emergencies.

Go Explore: Hunting, July 1316.

For ages 11 to 14. Students will learn the fundamentals of safe and successful hunting, including hunting techniques, archery skills, firearm handling and marksmanship, species identification, tree stand safety and conservation principles. Students will gain hands-on experience with modern bowhunting equipment and firearms in indoor ranges.

The Turpin Outdoor Education Center offers a unique combination of educational programming at its facility at 4703 N. 44th St., Lincoln. Learn more about the center at OutdoorNebraska. gov by searching for Turpin Center.

Community Calendar

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:37 -0500

Every Monday – Al-Anon meets at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, Pierce, 6:30 p.m.

Every third Monday — American Legion Auxiliary Unit 326 meets, Legion hall. No meetings in July, August or December.

Every second Tuesday — American Legion Post 326 and Sons of the American Legion meet, Legion hall.

Every Wednesday — AA meets at Osmond General Hospital. Osmond Food Pantry open at United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m.

Every Thursday — Osmond Food Pantry open at United Methodist Church, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Sunday, May 17 — Legion baseball pancake feed, city auditorium, 9 a.m.

Thursday, May 21 — Poppy Day in Osmond, sale of poppies in various locations downtown.

Death on the Plains: 1876 at Fort Hartsuff

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:36 -0500

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park continues its 150th anniversary with a commemoration of the 1876 Battle of the Blowout and honors for a fallen soldier. The fort will host reenactments, presentations and living history on May 16 and 17.

Several presentations are scheduled for May 16. The next day, there will be a Battle of the Blowout narration, eulogy for Sgt. William H. Dougherty, and funeral procession around the parade ground.

Historical buildings and the gift shop open will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

May 16 is Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, but museum admission fees still apply.

High School Memories of the Class of 2026

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:34 -0500

High School Memories

of the Class of 2026

Parting Thoughts

Seniors ranking in the top six scholastic positions at Osmond High School traditionally share memories of their school days, express hopes for the future and thank those who were a part of their life journey thus far. The 2026 senior speakers left graduation guests with these messages: –––––

Piper Hoffman

Welcome, family and friends, to this special day! I am honored to address you as this year’s valedictorian. Everyone is often told that they’re unique, which is kind of funny, considering that I’ve been told my whole life that I look like my mom — or get confused with my sister.

But as I stand before you today, reflecting on the final "lasts" of this year, I’ve realized that uniqueness is a characteristic we all share; it’s not about how we look or act, but rather about the lives we are living and the people we are becoming.

Today is an emotional day, not because I loved every second of high school, but because high school has been my class’s and my whole world up to this very graduation day. And I know I’m not the only one caught somewhere between holding on and letting go. Class of 2026…where do I even begin?

If we could flash back to elementary school and see the little versions of ourselves, what would we say and what advice would we give? Maybe we would start spilling life advice or reassure them that everything turns out just fine. Maybe we would talk about the silliness of how we grew up - a childhood filled with memories of slime, flip flops, fidget spinners, pigtails, and, yes, even the dab, which Kaleigh tried bringing back.

I can’t share many silly elementary stories from my class because I didn’t start at this school. Up until I transferred from St. Mary’s in town to the public school during my first year of junior high, I was in a class of two, just Abi and me.

That first day of junior high at a new school with a new schedule was one of the scariest adjustments I faced at the time. I remember just crying at school because I felt so lost, but day by day, it got easier. After all, we all started out as cringey junior high kids with no real worries. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: "Don't be afraid of change, because I’d say future me is doing pretty well."

High school has shaped us in so many contrasting and similar ways. Because of that, I am forever appreciative of what high school has done for me. Throughout the past few years, I have lost friends, gained new ones, and reconnected with old ones.

It’s true when they say that high school teaches you who your real friends are. I remember on my first day of freshman year, I met the new girl, Riley, in my class. Instantly, I knew she was going to be my best friend. Obviously, it must have been a mutual feeling, because we’ve been inseparable every day since. She is one of many people who have made these years unforgettable. I couldn’t imagine my life without her, and not only her, but with the people who have been there every step of the way.

I am extremely grateful to have parents who ask me daily how my day was, and they always, always listen. My family wouldn’t be complete without my siblings, who have brought equal parts chaos and joy, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

To the many coaches and teachers I had during high school, I appreciate the life skills you have taught me, such as how to face challenges with an open mind, how to build teamwork, and how to be the best version of myself.

My underclassmen friends, you have truly blessed my life with love and laughter. It fills me with sadness to know that I got so close to you only to have no choice but to leave you behind, but I know you are going to accomplish incredible things.

My support system of people is what I owe all my success to. As many of you know, that support system carried me through a difficult time last year, when my Grandma Cindy passed away. While she is missing this special day, I hope she is proud to see that I have made it this far.

I feel confident that this Class of 2026 has left an exceptional legacy. What other class can brag that they brought home Osmond's first NSAA state champion title? In a few months, we’ll all be in different places — different schools, different cities, different routines. But everything we’ve learned here is coming with us. The world we’re stepping into doesn’t need perfect people — it needs real ones. And I believe this class is ready for that.

We now realize that there will be no more activities, school events, begging Mr. Krause for candy, or sneaking energy drinks into school.

Instead of a "See you tomorrow or next school year," it will be, "I hope to see you again." It's finally hitting me and I'm sure my fellow graduates that in the future, we might look back on this moment with sadness. This chapter of our lives will be a story we retell and not relive. So goodbye senior year, goodbye to our lunch table with our designated spots, goodbye to the endless rants, goodbye to seeing the same people every day, and goodbye to the high school version of me and you.

If you take anything away from this speech, let it be this: show up, get involved, be the kind of person others look up to — because I promise you, you will never regret giving your whole heart to something. Don't be afraid to take up space in the world and soak up each moment.

To everyone who has known me and my fellow graduates, don’t be a stranger when we leave for college; stay in touch, reach out — because if you miss us, chances are we miss you too. As we move forward, let’s not forget that what makes us unique is the story we are about to write next. Thank you.

Jade Halsey

Salutatorian

Good afternoon faculty, families, guests, and the Class of 2026. My name is Jade Halsey, and it is an honor to stand here today as your salutatorian. When I was told I was going to be giving a salutatorian speech, like any other normal 18-year-old, I ignored it until the very last minute. That was when my Google search bar was filled with questions on how to write a salutatorian speech, what all to include, and even how to spell salutatorian.

But here we are. We made it. The day we thought would never come and somehow came way faster than we expected.

Before anything else, I want to thank those that have lifted me, challenged me, and helped me grow.

Dad, you have been my rock and my hero for as long as I can remember. We have had our fair share of arguments, but even in the middle of them, I have never once doubted that you were on my side. You taught me resilience, strength, and how to work hard. We have put in enough hours together to build a lifetime of memories, lessons, and inside jokes that I will carry forever. You have sparked so many things in me, like my LEGO obsession, but more importantly, you have pushed me to try everything, be my best self, and never let one small thing ruin my whole day.

Tam, even though you have not been with me my entire life, I could not have pictured anyone better entering it. You stepped into my life with kindness, patience, and grace. You have fought battles with me that not everyone should go through. You will always be a second mother to me in every way that matters. I am forever grateful for the never-ending support and love.

Mom, our story has not always been simple. But, I will forever cherish the moments we laughed together, the times we sat and talked about everything and nothing, and the gossip we shared. I will always share your excitement for the fun trips we make, the coffee we get, and the times we share in the kitchen. The little moments that end up meaning the most.

And above all, I want to thank God. Every step of this journey has been guided by His grace. I would not be standing here today without His strength, His timing, and His love.

But, my biggest inspiration comes from my best friend, the most amazing individual who is sitting behind me. A simple ride after volleyball practice changed my life more than I ever could have expected. That moment was the start of a friendship that has carried me, challenged me, and blessed me in ways I will always struggle to put into words.

Ava, you are one of the most resilient, hard-working, and genuine people I have ever met. You have taught me thousands of lessons, some harder than others. You are the kind of person who makes me want to be better simply by being yourself. We have seen the worst in each other, but also the best. From our late night Taco Bell runs to simply doing chores side by side, I would not have changed a single thing. I am so grateful that God has blessed me with the most honest, trustworthy, and strong friendship. I hope everyone can experience having their own Ava in this lifetime. I will always be there for you even if I do not always pick up the phone. I know we always joke about growing old together. But, I always wish this would come true. I always picture us walking down the aisles of Walmart, reminiscing on old stories, and laughing at the same dumb jokes. But, no matter where life takes us, I will always be cheering you on no matter what.

For the Class of 2026, this year, I read a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie." There is this line that has stuck with me and it reads, "So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they are busy doing things they think are important. This is because they are chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." We are about to step into a world that will measure us by how busy we are or how perfect we look. But this line reminds us that meaning does not come from any of that. It comes from loving people, being part of a community, and building something that actually matters to you.

So as we leave this place, I hope we do not get caught up in chasing the wrong things. I hope we choose purpose over pressure, people over perfection, and life that feels full. If we can do this, we will be ready for whatever comes next.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Jack Berg

Third-Ranking

Good afternoon everyone, and thank you all for taking the time to come and witness the most monumental moment of our high school careers. I, and the rest of my class, have been looking forward to this day since the beginning of the school year, and now that it's finally here, I can really only say: wow, it's finally here.

Yesterday, I found a photo of our class in elementary school holding up a sign that said "Class of 2026," and I was able to remember exactly what that younger version of me thought: "Awwwww, this is gonna take forever." Well, little me, it definitely wasn't "forever", even though it felt like it at times over these last four years of school. As I look back over these few years, I think I realize what people have meant when they say "you'll miss these days when you're older;" granted, I’m not that much older, but the sentiment still stands.

We’ll never be able to discuss shared professors who we, as high school students, have deemed unfit to teach their classes (none of ours from here, of course, we would never), and we’ll never sit out in the open courtyard by the trophy case for lunch again, and I’ll never get to jump three feet in the air and scream like a little girl as I scramble back inside because I saw a wasp. . .

I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons since I began kindergarten all those years ago, and I’m grateful for everyone who had a part in teaching me those lessons, whether it be our teachers, my parents, or my classmates themselves.

I was able to discover what kind of person I want to be, and what kind of life I want to live thanks to all the shared jokes, unhappy moments, and comforting times we’ve had together. They showed me that I want to be the kind of person that supports others, whether that be by sitting by your side silently, or making you laugh just for the heck of it.

And that’s the piece of advice I’d like to leave behind with you all today: be kind to one another. You never know what kind of day someone might be having, and you will NEVER know the way you can change it for the better by just being kind. Dish out a compliment, ask them out for coffee, give them a hug. The smallest thing can make the biggest difference.

I will always be thankful for any and everyone who has helped shape me into who I am today, for better and for worse. I will look back on these days fondly, and I’ll remember all those who helped make high school a bearable endeavor.

On a final note, I'd like to leave you with a quote from Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Thank you.

Meagan Wagner

Fourth Ranking

Good afternoon everyone. I want to start by saying thank you for coming and helping us celebrate this momentous occasion. I also want to say thank you to all of the parents, friends, and teachers who helped us get here. We could not have made it this far without your help and support.

Now I am going to be honest with you. When I sat down to write this speech I had no idea what I was gonna say, but when I started thinking about it, I realized that we did many things this year that we should be proud of.

Whether it was when the volleyball team had to play on the day of homecoming and still came to the dance with their hair and make-up done, how the basketball team made it a whole season with only eight girls, how all the track and golf kids competed on freezing cold days, or how we managed to make a 104-page yearbook with only two girls on the Mass Media team.

And of course, my personal favorite achievement, when our speech team brought home Osmond's first-ever state championship trophy in the history of our school. I mean, it’s all so crazy to think about. During our time at Osmond we were not just making memories, we were making history.

I am sure all of these experiences taught us loads of important lessons that we will carry on into our future lives, but I hope they did more than just that. To all future students, whether you are in high school, junior high, or elementary, I hope that these experiences inspired you to go out and try to make history.

Make the most of your time in school, because it goes by a lot faster than you think. I hope that you put your whole heart into everything you do. And even when things get hard, I hope you persevere and stick it through until the end. I cannot wait to see what all of you accomplish.

Ava Reikofski

Fifth-Ranking

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Class of 2026’s graduation ceremony.

It is only right to start off by saying thank you to everyone who got us all to this point. Our teachers, administration, staff members, family, and friends have all had a huge impact on where we are today.

Now, oftentimes you hear speeches congratulating the students for all the work they put in, and while many of us put in a lot of time and effort over the past 12 years, I would like to focus on the specific people who helped each of us get where we are today. Graduating from high school is likely not the hardest thing anyone in this class will do, but it is where we all are right now, and it requires some people to be mentioned in each of our lives.

I cannot speak for my whole class, but for me, I have had two parents who loved and supported me each day, no matter what decision I made, three older brothers who humbled me daily, but also taught me some of life’s more valuable lessons, and a best friend named Jade who always showed me the best and worst parts of me, but chose to look for the good no matter what.

But most importantly, every one of us in this room has had the Lord above us to watch and hold our hands along the way, and while the people previously mentioned may come and go, the One above us will lovingly guide us through every valley, bump in the road, and path we choose to take.

So congratulations to the Class of 2026, but as we just start our lives, I encourage you to look past what you have accomplished and instead to the people who supported every step of the way. Thank you.

Abigail Brown

Sixth-Ranking

I was told to keep this conclusion speech short and sweet by my fellow classmates so we can all get out of here and finally graduate.

With that, as this ceremony comes to a close, I want to give one final thank you to our parents, teachers, custodians, and every member of this community who shaped us along the way.

Most of all, I want to thank God for not only allowing me to cross paths with my classmates, but to grow up alongside them. They are some of the most lively, passionate, and unique people I have ever met, and it has been a blessing to share our beginnings with each other. I know that wherever you all go in the future, you will make it your own because I have never met people who are more persevering or stubborn.

We have not spent the last six years convincing every teacher not to assign homework, debate on switching due dates, or even shave off their mustache in a bet for nothing. These important life skills will carry on with us as we take the next step in our lives, and I can’t wait to see where each of you ends up.

With that, thank you, and let’s get out of here. :)

Ava Reikofski gets a hug from her mom, school board member Michelle Reikofski, who presented her diploma during graduation on Saturday.

Speakers at OHS graduation were the top six ranking students in the Class of 2026, top row: Piper Hoffman, Jade Halsey, Jack Berg; bottom row: Meagan Wagner, Ava Reikofski, Abi Brown.

Meagan Wagner celebrates as the seniors leave the gym after graduation ceremonies

Class Motto

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

— Oscar Wilde

Class Song

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds

Class Flower

Orange Rose

Class Colors

Orange and Black

Class Sponsor

Kaylen Tunink

Erin Aschoff

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:32 -0500

Parents’ names: Joe and Angie Aschoff Siblings: Maddie and Allie Aschoff Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Volleyball, speech, one act, band, jazz band, “O” Club, Quiz Bowl, Student Council, track and field, FBLA, mass media

Awards won/offices held : Academic All State, honor roll, superior honor roll, Principal’s Award, parttime dean’s list at Northeast, parttime president’s list at Northeast, secretary and treasurer of Student Council, 2026 Class D2 state speech champion, fourth place state medal in POI, fifth place state medal in OID

Member of what church/church youth group: St. Mary’s of Osmond Favorite — TV show: 13 Reasons Why Movie: Pitch Perfect Trilogy Song: Coming Up Roses By Harry Styles School lunch: BBQ chicken flatbread pizza Food: Pot roast

Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings Pastime/hobby: Puzzles Class in high school: Study hall Memory from elementary school: The Red Pen (IFKYK)

High school memory: There is not a specific memory that I love the best, but everyday I made new

memories that will last forever.

Who inspires you : Jesus Plans after high school : Attend the University of South Dakota and major in elementary education with a minor in ASL.

What will you miss after you graduate? After I graduate, I will miss all the memories and friendships that I made throughout high school.

Where do you hope to be in five years? In five years, I hope to have a secure job.

What are three things on your bucket list? Travel to all 50 states, go to Europe, deepen my faith

Jack Carter Berg

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:31 -0500

Parents’names: Jason and Heather Berg Siblings: Jordan and Jared Berg Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Cross country, track, bowling, one act, speech, FBLA, band, choir, St. Mary's PREP Awards won/offices held : Princi- pal's Award, FBLA reporter, co-drum major

Member of what church/church youth group : St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Favorite —

TV show: Avatar: The Last Air bender Movie: Look Back

Song: Cold by Novo Amor School lunch: Oven-baked chicken Food: Pork egg rolls

Restaurant: Bun Mee - Bun Tea Pastime/hobby: Reading Class in high school: Art Memory from elementary school: Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch High school memory: Junior year one act season Who inspires you : David Attenborough

Plans after high school : Attend Wayne State College

What will you miss after you graduate? Being around my friends every day.

Where do you hope to be in five years? Beginning my career after graduating from college.

What are three things on your bucket list? Produce and publish a song, travel to Japan or China, and go scuba diving.

Abigail Brown

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:30 -0500

Parents' names: Amber Brown and Jason Brown Siblings: Xander Brown Participation in sports, extra-curricular activities, etc.: 3 years volleyball, 4 years Student Council, 3 years FBLA, 3 years one act, 1 year basketball, 2 years track

Member of what church/ church youth group : St. Mary’s Catholic Church Favorite —

TV show: The Office or How I Met Your Mother Movie: IDRK Song: Close Your Eyes By the Backseat Lovers School lunch: Cinnamon rolls Food: Ice cream

Restaurant: Anywhere with good chicken Pastime/hobby: Reading Class in high school: Mrs.

Fleury's aide

Memory from elementary school: Playing truth or dare at lunch with all my friends High school memory: Getting pizza and drinks to go and do speeches with my friends for our college class in the white building and getting caught by a guy just trying to workout.

Who inspires you : My mom Plans after high school : Attend SCC and get my associates degree in surgical technology.

What will you miss after you graduate? Laughing and talking

with all my friends from school.

Where do you hope to be in five years? Living my best life I guess What are three things on your bucket list? Travel, go skydiving, do something life-changing for someone else

Jade Halsey

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:29 -0500

Parents’ names: Jared Halsey and Tamarie Vogt, Rebecca Fletcher Siblings: Zoey Halsey, Drake Kingham, Liam and Holt Fletcher Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Volleyball 2 years, one-acts 3 years, speech 4 years, Quiz Bowl 3 years, band 4 years, Color Guard 3 years Awards won/offices held : Principles Award, honor roll all 4 years, Lamp of Knowledge

Member of what church/ church youth group : Immanuel Lutheran Church and LYF; LYF president Favorite — TV show: Bridgerton

Movie: Princess and The Frog Song: I cannot choose, but I love anything by Josiah Queen School lunch: I don’t eat lunch Food: I love anything seafood!

Restaurant: Taco Bell Pastime/hobby: Reading Class in high school: Mass Media Memory from elementary school: At Zion Lutheran, my favorite memory was the time when our substitute teacher left the room and our class danced to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

But, we quickly had to turn it off before she came back into the room.

High school memory: I do not think I have an absolute memory, but I love all the times I got to have fun and make memories with countless people.

Who inspires you : Jesus Plans after high school : I will attend Wayne State College and major in criminal justice.

What will you miss after you graduate? I will miss all my close friends and the amazing times we had.

Where do you hope to be in five years? I hope to be in my first year of law school.

What are three things on your bucket list? 1. Travel to Greece and meet every cat 2. Build a library like the one in Beauty and the Beast 3.

Visit the real life Harry Potter film -

ing locations in the UK

Piper Hoffman

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:28 -0500

Parents’ names: Terry Hoffman and Kayla Hoffman Siblings: Callie Hoffman and Emmett Hoffman Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Volley- ball (4 years), basketball (4 years), track and field (1 year), one-act play production (4 years), speech (3 years), choir (4 years, section leader), FBLA (4 years), Student Council (3 years, president), "O" Club (4 years) Awards won/offices held : NSAA Believers and Achievers local win- ner, Lewis and Clark Principal's Academic Award, top-ranked in class (Grades 9-12), superior honor roll (Grades 9-12), Academic All-State, class vice president (4 years) Member of what church/ church youth group : St. Mary’s Prep Favorite — TV show: Bridgerton, Maxton Hall, and The Summer I Turned Pretty Movie: Twilight Saga and 10 Things I Hate About You Song: Stay, Artist: Rihanna or any Noah Kahan song

School lunch: Popcorn chicken bowl Food: Spaghetti

Restaurant: Mall Chinese Pastime/hobby: Doing nails, reading, watching TV shows Class in high school: Biology Memory from elementary school: Using the playground swings at recess to pretend to be ice skaters High school memory: I loved Mrs. Conn's first period study hall with Abi and Riley because we had our best rants and laughs to start off each school day. Winning homecoming queen and state speech are at the top of the list too.

Who inspires you : My sister inspires me because she seems to have her life figured out and always carries herself confidently.

Plans after high school : Attend University of South Dakota and major in communication sciences and disorders to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist What will you miss after you graduate? I will miss spending time with all my friends.

Where do you hope to be in five years? In five years, I hope to be graduating college with my master’s degree, be married, and start my family.

What are three things on your bucket list? Go to Paris, ride in a hot air balloon, get a matching tattoo with my best friend

Carriana Kumm

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:27 -0500

Parents' names: Cassandra and Anthony Micklevitz Siblings: Juliana, Brianna, Deanna, and Alex Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Volleyball, basketball, track, softball, Student Council, FBLA Awards won/offices held : none Member of what church/ church youth group : Immanuel LYF

Favorite — TV show: Bluey Movie: The Notebook

Song: When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars

School lunch: BBQ flatbread Food: Spaghetti Restaurant: Raising Canes Pastime/hobby: Walks Class in high school: Fifth period study hall Memory from elementary school: In the fifth grade, when Justin fell asleep standing up.

High school memory: Going to all the school dances with my friends.

Who inspires you : My mom Plans after high school : I am going to attend college and go into early childhood education.

What will you miss after you graduate? I will miss seeing my friends every day.

Where do you hope to be in five years? I hope to have a good job and graduate from college.

What are three things on your bucket list? I want to travel the world, go to a Bruno Mars Concert, and I want to go to Hawaii.

Kaleigh Miller

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:26 -0500

Parents’ names: Montana and Cynthia Miller Siblings: Jaxson and Addison Miller Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Basketball 4 years, volleyball 4 years, softball 4 years, one act 4 years, speech 4 years, Student Council 4 years, FBLA 4 years, TeamMates 4 years, choir 4 years, band 3 years, “O” Club 3 years, Book Club 2 years, track & field 2 years Awards won/offices held: FBLA parliamentarian, Student Council vice president, school record for basketball in blocks in a single season, and rebounds in a single season Member of what church/ church youth group: Member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, LYF, served as LYF vice president Favorite — TV show: Law & Order SVU Movie: 27 dresses Song: Young Blood- Noah Kahan School lunch: Teriyaki chicken with rice Food: Chicken noodle soup Restaurant: Taquería Mr. López Pastime/hobby: reading Class in high school: Seventh period senior year Memory from elementary school: I can’t think of a certain memory, but I like to reminisce on all the memories made at recess.

High school memory: My favorite high school memories came from my fifth-period study hall my sophomore year and my seventh period my senior year.

Who inspires you: My parents inspire me because they work hard and are amazing individuals.

Plans after high school: I plan to start at Central Community College, where I will study elementary education, with the intent of transferring to Wayne State College, where I will also study Special Education.

What will you miss after you graduate? I will miss seeing my friends every day.

Where do you hope to be in five years? I hope to be in a job in the early years as a Special Education teacher or a job somewhere in education.

Ava Reikofski

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:25 -0500

Parents’ names: Jay and Michelle Reikofski Siblings: Tyler, Nick, and Zach Reikofski Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Vol- leyball, basketball, track and field, FFA, FBLA, one-acts, speech, Quiz Bowl, band Awards won/offices held : FFA secretary, FFA vice president, FFA president, band section leader, honor roll/superior honor roll every semester, Principal’s Award, Lamp of Knowledge for all four core classes Member of what church/ church youth group: Trinity Lutheran Church LYF president Favorite — TV show: Smiling Friends Movie: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Song: Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac School lunch: Mandarin chicken Food: Brisket Restaurant: Taco Bell Pastime/hobby: Working cows Class in high school: Art Memory from elementary school: Leaving for Covid, and never coming back High school memory: Sophomore year, State FFA Farm Business Management.

Who inspires you: My dad. Plans after high school: I plan on attending the University of Nebraska- Lincoln to major in animal science. I then plan on applying to veterinary school through UNL and Iowa State University.

What will you miss after you graduate? I will miss my best friend and all the memories we made over the past four years.

Where do you hope to be in five years? I hope to be starting my first or second year of veterinary medicine school.

What are three things on your bucket list? Visit the Holy Land where Jesus once walked, become a doctor, open my own veterinary clinic

Justin Rohloff

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:24 -0500

Parents’ names: Nykole and Larry Gray, and Jason Rohloff Siblings: Shyann Levos-Rohloff, Nathen Gray, Rayen Gray, Kelcy Gray, Britney Gray Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: Speech, band, one acts, FBLA, FCCLA, Chess Club, Key Club, “O” Club, mass media, choir Awards won/offices held : 2026 Class D2 state speech champion, fifth at state speech in OID, honor roll, dean’s list at Northeast Favorite — TV show: Stranger Things Movie: White Chicks Song: Bazooka by Bazooka School lunch: Popcorn chicken bowl Food: Salmon patties Restaurant: Panda Express Pastime/hobby: Board games Class in high school: Environmental science Memory from elementary school: Blue Monkey High school memory: Mr. Tindel seventh period first quarter Plans after high school: Col-lege, construction management What will you miss after you graduate? All the time and memories with my underclassmen friends Where do you hope to be in five years? Out of college working for a company What are three things on your bucket list? Become a billionaire, travel the world, give back to my community

Meagan Wagner

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:23 -0500

Parents’ names: Chris and Robin Wagner Siblings: Riley Vinson, Erin and Emerson Wagner Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc. : Unified

Bowling, bowling, golf, one act, speech, FBLA, band, mass media Awards won/offices held: Class president, FBLA president, Academic All State grades 10-12 in Unified Bowling, bowling and golf, Outstanding Actor award grades 10-12, state speech qualifier grade 9-12, state medalist grades 11-12 Member of what church/ church youth group: Immanuel LYF Favorite — TV show: Psych/Supernatural Movie: Clue/The Mario Movie Song: Any Green Day song School lunch: Mandarin chicken Food: Chicken noodle soup Restaurant: Panera bread Pastime/hobby: Quilting Class in high school: Intro to anatomy Memory from elementary school: Field trips to Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch High school memory: 2026 state speech Who inspires you: Seeing anyone work hard to achieve their dream is what inspires me Plans after high school: I plan to go to Wayne State to get a degree in business administration.

What will you miss after you graduate? I’m going to miss talking to all my classmates every day.

Where do you hope to be in five years? Hopefully I will be done with my schooling and have a career I love.

What are three things on your bucket list? Visit NYC, take a cross country road trip, become a rockstar

Riley Williams

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:21 -0500

Parents’ names: Ashley and Kyle Christenson Siblings: Blake, Myleigh, Parker, and Paisley Participation in sports, extracurricular activities, etc.: One act, TeamMates, Student Council, Book Club, and “O” Club Awards won/offices held : Honor roll 9-12 at Osmond Community School and president’s honor roll at Northeast Member of what church/church youth group: East Hill Church of Christ Favorite — TV show: Outer Banks and Maxton Hall Movie: Tangled and People We Meet On Vacation Song: iloveitiloveitiloveit School lunch: Chicken Alfredo flatbread pizza

Food: Any pasta Restaurant: Olive Garden Pastime/hobby: Reading Class in high school: Anatomy and physiology Memory from elementary school: Spending the night at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo High school memory: Meeting my best friend Who inspires you: My mom inspires me because she is hardworking and pushes herself to achieve her goals.

Plans after high school: Attend Wayne State College and major in psychology to pursue my future career in the mental health field.

What will you miss after you graduate? I'm going to miss first

period yap sessions with Abi and Piper, giving Carrie a hug after seventh period, and I will also miss seeing my favorite underclassmen friends.

Where do you hope to be in five years? I hope to have my bachelor’s degree in psychology and be enrolled in a master’s program.

What are three things on your bucket list? Travel to Greece, attend concerts of all my favorite artists, attend the Nascar race at Bristol Motor Speedway

BYGONE YEARS IN OSMOND . . .

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:18 -0500

April 14, 1898 —

Thompson [Precinct] people are getting ready to put in their walks.

When the walk is completed this will afford one of the most pleasant promenades in the village.

Elmer Booth and Bert Southwick returned from Iowa on Tuesday, where they went to get an imported horse which will be kept in the Booth livery barn for the present season.

On Monday there was a big prairie fire north of town. The house on the old Hansen farm formerly occupied by Herman Plagge was burned down together with a quantity of grain stored therein.

100 Years Ago. . .

Michael Korth and son Raymond dug out nine young coyotes on the farm north of town. They took them to Center and got $18 bounty on them. The old wolves were with their young, and Mr. Korth and son had quite a time with them while taking the young wolves, but having no gun with them and nothing but a spade, could not get close enough to kill the old ones. However, pups and mamma wolf showed their temper by killing Korth’s little dog, who to pass away the time started chasing a rabbit. The old ones took after the little dog and before Mr. Korth or Raymond could come to its assistance, killed it and got away.

Sylvia Mohr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mohr, was badly burned.

She and her little cousin were lighting some candles upstairs when their clothing caught fire. Sylvia ran downstairs and before her mother could extinguish the blaze, she was badly burned. She was taken to the Plainview hospital and was getting along all right. The burns of her cousin were slight.

Fritz Eggert, who measured the rainfall at the Osmond ranch, reported as follows, which included the snow: On Nov. 4, we received .35 of an inch of rain, and from then until May 1, there was only .67 of an inch of moisture. May 1, we got a rain which measured .37 of an inch.

It started raining here again May 7 and kept it up for three more days. .

. . The long drouth was broken when it started to rain, and kept it up for three days, with better than a 2-inch rainfall. The ground was now well soaked and oats and pastures were looking fine, with the ground in good shape for corn planting.

75 Years Ago. . .

Cpl. Robert Wortman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Wortman of Osmond, was wounded somewhere on the Korean front. The wounds were not serious according to the version given by the wounded soldier in a letter to his parents. The letter said in part: “I still have a little metal in my head and shoulder. They said they were going to take it out one of these days. It doesn’t bother me much, but they said it was a little too large to leave in.” Cpl. Wortman did not state when or where he was wounded. The Osmond soldier the previous winter had been officially reported "missing in action” by Army telegram, but his parents had later received letters from him written after the “missing” date.

Investigation later disclosed that he had become lost from his original outfit and had found his way back to his base with another Army group.

Mrs. Otto Schumacher, chairman of Poppy Day sales, announced that local auxiliary members had received $84.36 as they sold the little red poppies on Poppy Day. A house-tohouse canvass was made in Osmond.

Poppies were also sold on the streets during the afternoon and evening.

Of the $84.36, $7.90 was received from McLean residents by Mrs. Walt Bruckner. The 1951 sales were within one dollar of the sales in 1950.

Rehearsals were progressing rapidly under the direction of Miss Elvira Norman for the senior class play, “Off the Track,” which would be presented publicly on May 8 at the Osmond city hall. The play was a three-act comedy. The Osmond band was to play and other musical numbers would highlight betweenact entertainment. Seniors involved in the play were Norman Nierman, Eugene Schmit, Marian Broekemeier, Elaine Kumm, Lois Schumacher, Barbara Burt, Barbara Swanda, Bill Hixson, George Swanda, Junior Schmer, Vernice Wiese, Arleath Stratton and Dorothy Bilau.

Gary “Red” Schuttler, Osmond High senior, copped first place in the District Class C half mile at Norfolk.

Schuettler turned in the time of 2:19.5 on a muddy track in the run. The Osmond runner would enter state Class C competition in Lincoln.

The annual firemen's ball at the city hall went off in good order with 250 persons purchasing or showing tickets at the door. Department members announced that the net profit from the dance was near $175.

65 Years Ago. . .

Gary Rodgers of Osmond was elected National Committeeman of the University of Nebraska Young Republicans at the annual election in April 1961. The Young Republicans club boasted more than 300 members and was selected as one of the six outstanding political organizations in the nation in 1960 by the voting federation of Young Republicans.

Paul Golter of Orchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Golter who operated Golter’s Store in Osmond, narrowly escaped serious injuries when a 1958 pickup truck which he was driving crashed against a narrow bridge west of Plainview on U.S. 20 and rolled over several times. Mr. Golter suffered only minor cuts and bruises.

[Paul’s older brother, Werner, an Osmond veteran reported on a few week ago, had died in a car crash in 1950, in which speed was also a factor.] Nearly 75 ladies journeyed to Laurel for the bowlers banquet.

Chick’s Meadow Gold team was the winner of the Friday night league.

Each member of the team received sleeve patches to wear on their bowling blouses. The Osmond State Bank team placed second among the Tuesday night bowlers and “Adkins Insurance team placed second among Friday night leagues. In third place was Walt’s Mobile Team and the Paper Dolls, Tuesday and Friday night leagues, respectively. Verna Mae Folkers bowled the high game of the season on both leagues. Luetta Clayton bowled the high three-game series during Tuesday night league play.

Several members of the Osmond track squad participated in the Wayne State Invitational track meet. Osmond placed first in the 880 run. Darrell Steckelberg set a new Class B record of 2:05.5.

50 Years Ago. . .

The consensus of individuals involved with Osmond’s civil defense drill which included a mock tornado was that everything went very well.

The siren sounding the warning of an approaching tornado was given at 1:15 p.m. and the all clear at 1:30 p.m.

Fifteen children in the public school and St. Mary’s School were made up to simulate injured persons and were transported to Osmond General Hospital by means of Stanosheck ambulance and station wagons pressed into duty.

The Tigerette track squad brought home a second-place tie in the C4 district track meet in Plainview. Rose Clayton showed her speed, becom- ing the first Tigerette to be district champ in three events. Rose swept the 80-yard hurdles, 100-yard dash and 220-yard dash, qualifying for the state track meet in all three events. Anita Gloe, qualifying for the state meet in the shot put — district champ — and the discus, held the fourth best throw in the state of Nebraska with the shot put with a heave of 40 ft., 7.5 in.

“What we are is God’s gift to us; what we become is our gift to God.”

The 43 member Osmond High Class of 1976 chose that phrase as its motto for contemplation as it took a giant stride into adult life during commencement ceremonies on Sunday afternoon, May 16. Valedictorian of the class was Miriam Stengel, and salutatorian was David Fuelberth.

Songs during the ceremony included “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “The Spirit Of ’76.” The rose was chosen as the class flower while the colors selected were red, white and blue.

25 Years Ago. . .

Prom king and queen candidates for 2001 were Justin Sandoz, Chad Moes, Ross Petersen, Brad Ekberg, Ryan Friedrich, Andrea Taylor, Amanda Mowinkel, Sara Meyer, Beth McLaughlin and Jennifer Stech. Chosen as the OHS prom king and queen were Ryan Friedrich and Elizabeth McLaughlin.

Osmond collected three medals at the Norfolk Classic track meet. Maggie Schultze took the silver medal on her last throw in the shot put. Franziska Theilig also collected a silver medal in the 800 meters. Medaling for the boys was Andrew Ortmeier in the high jump.

10 Years Ago. . .

Members of the OHS boys’ track team contributed to take the championship at the Winch Invitational track meet in Laurel. Placing first in their respective events were Brock Johnson, high jump; Kyle Swallow, triple jump; Dylan Wieneke, discus; Curtis Kralicek, 300 hurdles; 1,500-meter relay team of Kralicek, Moes, Simmons and Krohn.

The Osmond High School golf team closed the season by taking runner-up honors at the Niobrara-Verdigre invi- tational and won first-place honors at the Wakefield invitational.

Osmond's Veterans Remembered

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:17 -0500

Mervin Wilson

World War II

Mervin Wilson was the son of Everid (sometimes transcribed incorrectly in censuses as Edward) and Martha Wilson and was a New Year’s baby in 1910. He had a brother, Merle, who was about a year older, and interestingly, became an FBI fingerprint expert!

Mervin was born and raised in Creighton. I’m not sure what his father had as an occupation in 1910, but in 1920 when Mervin was 9 years old, the family was living in the Creighton area with Louis Jensen. His father was a hired man and his mother was the cook. Then in 1930, his father worked as an insurance agent in Creighton.

By that time, Mervin had graduated from Creighton High School. He later graduated from a barber training school in Omaha. Mervin married Genevieve Rosberg of Osmond in 1936 (although the centennial book says 1935).

Around 1937, the couple and their children, Barbara and Gary, moved to Osmond, where Mervin operated a barber shop for 25 years. His wife operated a beauty shop in an attached building.

Mervin served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from Dec. 14, 1943, to Nov. 21, 1945, and according to the centennial book, was stationed at Pearl Harbor. According to his obituary, it says that during his training and service, he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Schumacher Naval Base in California and at Ford Island in Hawaii.

According to his obituary, in 1960, Mervin discovered he was suffering from cancer of the larynx, and a subsequent operation left him speechless. Special schooling, initiative and perhaps fortune in the years to come enabled him to converse in a near-normal manner.

His development of this ability was considered by medical experts to be an outstanding achievement and he was an instructor in this technique for a time in Omaha and Lincoln medical institutions. An article in the Osmond Republican told of a new club being organized in Lincoln called the Cancer Victim Club, and it said that Merv Wilson was a star member of the club, helping other laryngectomies talk again, sing again and even whistle.

Merv stated, “Why, I hardly have to think about my new way of speech as I talk to you now.” Mervin was disabled after the surgery, and sold his barber shop in 1962.

Mervin was an avid baseball fan throughout his life and at one time coached midget baseball here, probably when his son was young.

On June 21, 1972, Mervin was killed instantly in a head-on collision with a semi-trailer truck just west of South Sioux City. Services were conducted at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and American Legion Post 326 attended in a group and had charge of graveside rites at the parish cemetery.

Thank you to Tom Roth, son of Barb (Wilson) Roth, for providing the picture of Mervin Wilson.

Locals graduate from Northeast College

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:16 -0500

NORFOLK — Northeast Community College recognized the achievements of 992 graduates during its 53rd Annual Commencement Ceremony, on Friday, May 8, at the Cox Activities Center on the Norfolk campus.

Three ceremonies took place. Graduates received degrees, diplomas, and certificates representing programs across the College.

The ceremony featured remarks from Northeast President Leah Barrett, who highlighted the college’s recent recognition as one of the top 25 community colleges in the nation, an achievement that underscores the strength of its mission and the impact it has on students and the region.

Serving as faculty speaker was Bonnie JohnsonBartee, English instructor at Northeast Community College.

The student address was delivered by Chrissy Clark, who was awarded an associate of applied science degree in agriculture with a concentration in urban agriculture.

In addition to commencement, Northeast Community College hosted its nursing pinning and commencement ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, honoring graduates of the associate degree in nursing (ADN) and practical nursing (PN) programs. The pinning ceremony recognized the transition of nursing students into the profession and the completion of rigorous academic and clinical training.

The nursing ceremony featured a student address by Phoebe Matson of Norfolk, who was awarded an associate degree in nursing.

Local spring 2026 graduates are listed below by degree and program followed by name and hometown.

Associate Degree in Nursing — Grace Veik of McLean Associate of Science Degree — Anabelle Vinson of Foster; Keely Gubbels and Grant True of Osmond Associate of Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design — Brooklyn Wattier of Osmond Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology, Certificate in Cisco Networking Acad - emy and Certificate in Information Security — James Doyle of Osmond Diploma in Plumbing Technology — Jeffrey Thelen of Osmond Diploma in Practical Nursing — Anabelle Vinson of Foster Certificate in Automotive Light Service Technician — Jaxon Vinson of Osmond

Moes among graduates at Concordia Nebraska

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:15 -0500

SEWARD — On May 9, nearly 500 Concordia University, Nebraska undergraduate and graduate students were awarded degrees. The class of 2026 was honored during a commencement ceremony held in the Walz Human Performance Complex.

Among the graduates was Kiera Moes of Osmond, who earned a bachelor of science in education. Kiera is the daughter of Mark and Amy Moes, and a 2022 Osmond High School graduate.

OHS graduates receive degrees in May ceremony

LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln conferred a record 3,885 degrees during commencement exercises May 8-9. The 3,762 graduates - also a record - are from 61 countries; 45 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; and 230-plus Nebraska communities.

A ceremony for students earning graduate and professional degrees took place May 8 at Pinnacle Bank Arena; and two ceremonies for undergraduates were May 9 at the arena. A ceremony for College of Law graduates occurred May 9 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Interim Chancellor Katherine S.

Ankerson presided over the ceremonies.

Among area graduates, listed with their college(s) and degree(s), were: Kaden Bernard Polt of Osmond, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, bachelor of science in fisheries and wildlife with highest distinction. Kaden graduated from OHS in 2022. He is the son of Kurt and Sarah Polt.

Caden Robert Wingert of Osmond, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, bachelor of science in agribusiness. Caden, the son of Jared and Jenny Wingert, is a 2023 Osmond High School graduate.

Hammer’s Hill Exhibit Dedication is May 16

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:13 -0500

Visit Rock Creek Station State Historical Park on May 16 for the dedication of a new exhibit at the Visitor Center Museum – a collection of prehistoric Native American artifacts discovered in Jefferson County.

This exhibit tells the story of the Hammer’s Hill cache, stone tools that are rare to find intact and provide a special glimpse into the life of the early indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.

An open house will be held from 1-4 p.m. Former Nebraska state archeologist Rob Bozell and Doug Kapke, one of the original discoverers of the cache, will speak on the significance of the find and how the items were found and cared for over the years.

This event is free and open to the public. Visit the calendar event at Calendar. OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Water safety grant applications to be accepted

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:12 -0500

Grant applications focusing on water safety, especially for children, will be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from May 18 through June 18, 2026.

The Josh the Otter Water Safety Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations committed to educating children and communities about the importance of water safety.

Funding is intended to expand and enhance efforts that teach lifesaving skills and awareness, with a particular focus on preventing childhood drowning.

Grant recipients may use funds to develop or deliver educational programming, outreach initiatives, and resources that promote safe behaviors in and around water, such as life jacket loaner stations. Through this program, Josh the Otter aims to equip children and families with the knowledge needed to stay safe in aquatic environments.

Grant winners will be notified in July.

For more information and to apply, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Josh the Otter.”