The Little Red Hen Theatre is proud to present Sense & Sensibility, Kate Hamill’s acclaimed adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, on March 14, 15, and 16. This fast-paced, inventive retelling brings a vibrant and modern energy to Austen’s classic tale while staying true to its timeless themes of love, family, and resilience.
In Sense & Sensibility, sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood find themselves navigating the unpredictable tides of fortune, romance, and societal expectations after the untimely death of their father. Forced to leave their family estate, the two sisters must learn to balance sense and sensibility as they encounter love, heartbreak, and unexpected twists of fate. “Even though Austen wrote Sense & Sensibility over 200 years ago our culture is still putting similar themes at the forefront of discussions: social status, economic status (and disparities), marriage, and even the balance of reason versus emotion” said Beau Flemming, who plays Willoughby and John Dashwood in the show. “I challenge each person to think about flexing your empathy muscle and viewing one of these concepts (or one of your own choosing) from a different perspective. To live in this world, we must honor and respect the truth of others, even if we do not understand it.”
Hamill’s adaptation infuses this cherished story with humor, wit, and dynamic theatricality, making it a joy to watch. With energetic performances, clever staging, and a lively script, the production offers audiences an experience filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and unexpected surprises.
“Coming to Sense & Sensibility will be a journey back into the late 18th century and the trials and tribulations of the Dashwood sisters. It will provide a humorous look at our own judgements, assumptions and behaviors in today's relationships as well! Not to mention an evening of fun and entertainment” said cast member Charity Potter, who plays Sir John in the production. Audiences will be swept up in the fast-paced, playful, and emotionally rich storytelling, where quick-witted dialogue and theatrical ingenuity bring Austen’s world vividly to life.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Sense & Sensibility or new to the story, this adaptation offers something for everyone to enjoy. “Jane Austen fans know that "Sense and Sensibility" is a classic tale--one of her most beloved novels--and the playwright has brought it to life and stayed true to the original in this delightful adaptation. If you aren't a Jane Austen fan yet, you just may be after you see this production!” said long time Little Red Hen Theatre actor Sharon Boeckenhauer, who plays Thomas as well as multiple smaller roles in the show.
The production features Victoria Nelson and Meg Schuler as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, with Sharon Boeckenhauer, Buffany DeBoer, Melissa Derechailo, Sherry Dorman, Lydia Engel, Barb Farup, Beau Fleming, Lydia Fox, Holly Kathol, Mike Mogus, Katelyn Pommer, Charity Potter, Kristalyn Sievers, and Josie Vilkas. The production is directed by T. Adam Goos with assistance from Lexi Kapanka who also serves as choreographer and movement specialist.
A modern staging of Sense & Sensibility allows us to see Austen's sharp insights about women’s lives through a fresh lens. Director T. Adam Goos believes audiences will relate to the struggles the Dashwood sisters face—like balancing emotion with practicality, dealing with society’s expectations, and carving out their own paths. “It’s a great reminder that even though things have changed, many of the challenges women face in finding love, stability, and independence are still very real today. Plus, it highlights just how much strength and complexity there is in these female characters”!
Don’t miss this delightful and thought-provoking production of Sense & Sensibility, made possible with the generous support of the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment, The Dixon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the 2025 Patrons of The Little Red Hen Theatre! Performances will be held at the Little Red Hen Theatre in Wakefield, Nebraska, on March 14th and 15th at 7:00 p.m. and a matinee on March 16th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.littleredhentheatre.com or by calling (402) 287-2818
The Wolfpack boys wrestling team headed to Ewing for the Class C District 3 Tournament at Summerland Public Schools on Saturday, February 15th. The team brought 4 wrestlers and fared well for a small team ending the tournament in 11th place out of 16 teams. The teams impressive performance was thanks in large part to having two State Tournament Qualifiers with Landon Newton finishing in first at the 120 weight, and Bryan Isom taking second place in 157 weight.
Newton will be making his first trip to Omaha for the State Tournament after beating all 3 of his opponents at the tournament by fall, including Corbin Pfeil of Pierce in the championship round to secure first place.
Isom is no stranger to placing at Districts having secured himself a spot at the State Tournament last year. He had little problem dispatching his first three opponents in the tournament winning two by fall and one by decision before losing the close championship match by technical fall to Quinn Bailey of Chadron.
The East Husker Conference Honor Band was held at Wayne State College on Monday, February 10. Students participating (via audition) from Wakefield were: (l-r) Jazmynn Scott (clarinet, Wind Ensemble), Sawyer Brudigam (batter percussion, Wind Ensemble), Maribel Fernandez (mallets, Symphonic Band), Nathaniel Johnson (trombone, Wind Ensemble), and Natalie Zuniga (clarinet, Wind Ensemble). All received a conference medal for their participation.
The Wakefield Trojans wrestling team participated in the 2025 NSAA Class C District Two Invite at Tekamah-Herman High School on Saturday, Feb. 15, where wrestlers from 16 schools battled it out for a spot at the 2025 NSAA State Wrestling Championships.
Despite their best efforts, the Trojans weren’t able to come away with much success in the team standings at the district invite. Against some tough competition, the Trojans finished the day in 15th place with 26.0 team points scored.
However, the Trojans did have one very bright moment on the mats.
Leading the way for the Trojans and punching his ticket to the NSAA State Wrestling tournament with a fourth-place finish in the 144-lbs bracket was Domingo Centino. Centino is the lone state qualifier for the Trojans, as he went 3-2 on the day to secure a spot at state and earn 18.0 points for the team.
This past weekend Lady Trojan history was made at the Class B District Girls Wrestling Tournament in Pierce where Naomi Nelson became the first Lady Trojan to qualify for the State Tournament in Omaha on February 18th and 19th.
When asked how it feels, Nelson responded, “It feels super exciting and I’m honestly surprised on how far I’ve come since last year.”
With the big tournament one week away Nelson was already looking ahead “I’m looking forward to seeing what state wrestling is like and how much more I’ll improve in the years to come.”
While Wakefield takes pride in the school’s first entry to the tournament no one was more so than her mom, Emily Nelson “I’m incredibly proud of how hard she worked this year. She is an amazing person and I am so happy she has found something like wrestling to be passionate about” said Nelson. “I can’t wait to see the rest of her high school wrestling career. I have a feeling she is just getting started.”
Wakefield students selected for WSC Honor Choir...
Recently Wayne State College announced their choices amongst area students for it’s Honor Choir.
Wakefield High School students pictured above were selected for Wayne State College’s Honor Choir in the back row from (l to r): Bailey Kai, Joaquin Chavez-German, Mikkie Mogus, and Zoe Craig. In the front row (l to r): Dorothy Sullivan, Kinslee Metzler, and Ruby Boeckenhauer.
According to Music Director Tiffany Lamprecht the students in high school auditioned in December for WSC choir. Mogus and Chavez-German in were selected for Mixed Chorus and the others were selected for Treble Chorus. All groups have been working hard to prepare music for their upcoming honor events.
The Wayne State College Honor Choir Treble and Mixed Choirs will perform at Ramsey Theatre within the Peterson Fine Arts Building on January 31st at 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Mogus selected for Honor Choir USA
Wakefield High School senior Mikkie Mogus was selected for Honor Choir USA, taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii this June, based on her participation in Nebraska All-State Choir this past November.
The weeklong event has activities as well as rehearsals throughout the week with several performances scheduled including the Ala Moana Shopping Center, then a performance on the battleship U.S.S. Missouri at Pearl Harbor on Saturday, June 14th.
“I am personally excited to perform at Pearl Harbor due to my great grandfather who was a World War ll veteran and earned two Purple Hearts due to his service” said Mogus.
Following the performance on the Missouri there is a performance at the Polynesian Center Luau that evening, followed by a performance on Sunday, June 15th at Hawaii’s oldest church, Kawaiaha’o Church.
“I have grown so much from having to sing behind a curtain due to nervousness and now having the chance to perform in Hawaii” said Mogus. “If I were to talk to little me, telling her that she was going to sing with a choir in Hawaii, she certainly wouldn’t believe it.”
On Sunday, January 26th there will be a fundraiser held at the Wakefield Legion Hall to help pay for the costs of the trip. Starting at 8:00 a.m. and running through 2:00 p.m. an omelet and french toast meal is being offered for a free will donation.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to represent Wakefield High School and the overall Wakefield community” said Mogus. “In the end, I get to do what I love most, which is singing.”
During the Wakefield City Council’s regular meeting for the month of January, which took place last Wednesday, January 8th, Zach Dolen was appointed as the fourth member of the City Council.
In the above picture Wakefield City Clerk Pam Vander Veen swears Dolen early in the meeting so he can take his place on the Council. The opening on the Council was due to Mike Mogus who was due to be elected to the position, taking over as Wakefield City Administrator.
Dolen will be representing Ward 2 on the City Council.
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The recent dry and windy weather has given the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department a busy weekend with multiple incidents. On Wednesday, October 16th Wakefield, Wayne, and Pender’s fire departments responded to a corn field fire south of Wakefield. In addition to the fire departments six farmers were helping with discs as well as Travris Birkley from Nutrien Ag Solutions with a tanker truck.
Then on Saturday 3 ditch fires broke out on Highway 35 and 852 road with Wakefield and Wayne’s fire departments on hand to take care of it. There was also a car fire later that afternoon on 858 road south of Wakefield that the WKVFD was on hand for.
Spooky opportunities available in Wakefield over the next week
Halloween is right around the corner and a spooky good time can be found in Wakefield starting on Saturday at Sidelines with their first annual trunk or treat starting at 3:00 p.m. and running through 5:00 p.m. There will be prizes for the best child costume, best couple costume, and best Trunk as well as Crazy Jacks specials starting at 11:00 a.m.
Anyone interested in decorating a trunk should contact Denise at gdtello@gmail.com
Then next on Halloween Wakefield Elementary will be holding its annual Elementary Costume Parade through downtown. Approximately 210 preschool through third grade students will dress in their costumes at the end of the day and will parade for residents of the Wakefield Health Care Center around 2:30 p.m.
The students will parade down Wakefield’s business district around 2:50 p.m. and will return to school for regular dismissal at 3:35 p.m.
Nature put on a show in Nebraska skies over the last week. On Thursday, October 10 an unusually strong solar storm earlier in the week set off a massive display of aurora. The northern lights could be seen as far south as Florida, and very bright in Nebraska as seen in the upper left picture from just north of Plainview.
The second display is Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS which is currently visible in the western Nebraska sky just after sunset for the next few weeks. This visitor from the outer solar system visits this part of the solar system every 80,000 years. Having just made its closest approach on Saturday it will get higher in the sky each night but also a little dimmer, so take a look while you can! In the above right picture it can be seen over Wakefield.
To see it for yourself look in the western sky just after sunset, find the single bright star in the sky at that time, this the planet Venus. If you turn northwest just a bit on a line with Venus the comet will be in that area, becoming more obvious as the light from sunset fades away. It’s best viewed with a pair of binoculars or a camera but can be seen with the unaided eye before it dips below the horizon each night.
On Saturday, September 28th a Troop 172 Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held for Jaden Sievers at the Wakefield Legion Hall. In front of a large crowd of family, friends, and fellow Scouts.
Sievers took his oath as an Eagle Scout. Jaden is the son of Steve and Lisa Sievers of Wakefield.
Asher Geiser began the Court of Honor as well as lighting the Eagle Trail, with Scoutmaster Zach Wirth presented Sievers journey to Eagle Scout Rank, followed by Rylie Ekberg, Committee Chair, reviewed the criteria for the rank of Eagle.
Scoutmaster Wirth then took Sievers through his Eagle Scout oath before presenting him with his Eagle Scout Award. Tom Eaton of Legion Post 81 then presented Seivers with a flag that flew over the Capitol. John Geiser then presented the Eagle Charge followed by Daryl Milius, Northeast Nebraska’s District Field Director for the scouts.
Assistant Scoutmaster Ed Haglund then gave remarks before it was Sievers gave his remarksbefore the benediction was given by his brother Oliver Sievers and Court of Honor concluded with the retirement of the colors.
Red Riding Hood begins Oct. 5th at LRHT: An interactive experience for younger audiences
By T. Adam Goos
Managing Director
The little Red Hen Theatre
The Little Red Hen theatre has been busy venturing down the forest path with their hilarious and fast paced farce of a fairy-tale, Red Riding Hood! Written by Allison Gregory, this version of Red Riding Hood is a clever retelling of the classic story that features three actors, mad-cap comedy, and plenty of surprises with opportunities for the audience to take part in the story. The production will be presented over three public performances, October 5th at 2 & 5 PM, and October 6th at 2PM.
Written specifically for young audiences, Red Riding Hood is an interactive experience that is most fun to watch with the little ones along for the ride. “We don’t expect our audiences to ‘sit still’ for our Red Riding Hood”, says Director T. Adam Goos, “in fact we expect our audience to become active participants, helping the actors make decisions and tell the story with them”! Playwright Allsion Gregory has infused the classic story with a fast, funny, modern twist that families will love. Red still journeys through the woods to Grandma’s house and the Wolf still has devious dinner plans – but this Red is brave and strong, with clever tricks up her sleeve. And when three actors take on all the roles, anything can happen! The production is recommended for ages 3 and up, although the entire family is welcome to attend.
Red Riding Hood features Mike Pommer as Wolfgang, a.k.a. “The Wolf,” Melissa Derechailo as the delivery person, a.k.a “Red,” and Josie Vilkas assuming various other roles. The production is directed by T. Adam Goos with assistance from Sawyer Brudigam and with technical help from Barb Farup. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.littleredhentheatre.com, or by calling the box office at (402) 287-2818. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors. “Babes in arms” are welcome at the performances, but all children ages 1 or older must have a ticket. This production was made possible with support from the Dixon County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Nebraska Arts Council, and by the 2024 Patrons of The Little Red Hen Theatre.
Two Wakefield Fire and Rescue complete EMT certification
The Wakefield Fire and Rescue Department announced that two members have completed their Emergency Medical Technician ceritifcations. The members in the above picture are Carissa Helzer and Dakota Roberts.
Dead tree turned into baseball art
Recently someone might have found a bat and ball near Eaton field, while that might not be unusual this one happens to be over 10 feet tall.
A piece of baseball art, recently commissioned by Graves Park Forever, was completed between the ballfields first base line and the road through Graves Park last week.
The baseball bat balancing on a ball was created by Lea Wilson from Tilden, who spent several days carving it from the remains of large dead pine tree. Though hardly new to this kind of work, she has been carving trees for 9 years, this was her biggest project to date.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) has announced the award of $898,139 in grants to support nine projects that will demolish dilapidated commercial properties across the state.
The funds are provided through the Revitalize Rural Nebraska grant program. NDEE received applications from 15 communities during the application period earlier this year.
“The Revitalize Rural Nebraska program gives these grant recipients a unique opportunity to improve their communities,” NDEE Interim Director Thad Fineran said. “Removing these damaged and abandoned buildings will give properties a blank slate for redevelopment and provide a benefit to these cities and villages.”
Among 8 other projects Wakefield was chosen for 106-110 West 3rd Street in Wakefield with a grant of $25,000.
“The CRA Board is excited to improve a downtown property and make it more appealing for a new property owner” said Wakefield’s economic developer Megan Weaver. “These funds will allow the board to remove a blighted property to make it more appearling for a new property owner.”
The Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant Program was established in 2023 by the Nebraska Legislature to fund the demolition of dilapidated commercial properties owned by a village or a city of the first or second class. This was a competitive grant process. To be eligible for funding, properties have to be owned by the applying municipality, abandoned or vacant for at least six months, and not on or eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recipient communities must also provide a local match. NDEE assessed applications for eligibility
A full day of fun awaits at Wakefest this Saturday, August 17th
From T. Adam Goos
Wakefield Community Club
Live music, a car show, bouncy houses, laser tag, street festival, parade, cornhole tournaments, beer garden, wings cook-off and more are in store for attendees at Wakefield’s annual celebration, Wakefest, on August 17!
The fun starts running at 8:00 a.m. and doesn’t stop until later that evening after attendees have danced the night away to live music and had their fill of delicious wings. “There really is something for everyone”, say organizers, “whether they want to stroll the streets and shop at our vendor faire, let the kids play the day away at our awesome kids’ activities, or enjoy some great music and delicious wings – a fun time is just waiting to be had”.
Wakefest kicks off with the Michael Foods annual Color Run and the Wakefest free-will donation breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m. Those events are followed by a parade that makes its’ way from Graves Park to downtown Wakefield – just in time for The Wakefest Street Festival which an old fashioned Tractor Pedal Pull contest. Adults can enjoy the food, craft, and small business vendors, partake in the beer garden, check out the Car Show, and participate in the Cornhole Tournament.
At 4:00 p.m.M, while tasting the work of the Wings Cook-Off competitors, attendees can listen to live music from Ted and Alice Miller, Hillbilly Deluxe, Reinvented Wheels and dance the night away to our headliner Xperience from Omaha, performing classic hits by Aretha Franklin, Steve Wonder, Jackson 5, Tina Turner and many more! Tickets for the Wings Cook-off, Live Music, and gated beer gardens are $20 if purchased prior to August 17. (Tickets will be available the day of the event for $25 dollars.) Kids’ Activity bracelets can be purchased for $5, for unlimited access to bouncy houses, laser-tag, and the game truck. No tickets are required to attend the daytime portion of the event.
A full and detailed listing of Wakefest activities, and access to purchase tickets to paid portions of the event can be found at www.wakefieldcommunityclub.com Wakefest is presented in collaboration between Wakefield Community Club and the Wakefield Fire Department, with funds raised going towards the support of the Fire & Rescue Squad. The event is sponsored in part by Michael Foods, Sidelines Bar & Grille, Secuity Bank, Nick’s Wood Shop, The Dixon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Peitz voted to Academic All American Men’s Track team
From Wayne State College
Wayne State College senior Gabe Peitz was voted to the 2023-24 Academic All-America Men’s Track and Field/Cross Country Team, earning Third Team honors. The award was announced on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 and is selected by the College Sports Communicators in NCAA Division II, recognizing the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track, in the field and in the classroom. He is the first Wildcat Academic All-American in track and field/cross country since 2018 and joins Derek Lahm, Mickey Doerr, Alex Timperley and James McGown as Academic All-Americans in the NCAA Division II era at Wayne State.
Peitz, a senior from Wakefield maintained a 3.97 grade point average majoring in pre-med/chemistry. He was ninth in the 800-meter run at the NSIC Outdoor Championships and 11th during the NSIC Indoor Championships in the same event during his senior season. Peitz earned the NSIC Elite 18 Award for men’s outdoor track and field and was the NSIC Elite 18 Award winner in cross country last year as a junior as the top scholar athlete at a Northern Sun Conference Championship event. He was also awarded the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic With Distinction and voted College Sports Communicators Academic All-District.
Peitz is the fifth Wayne State athlete to earn College Sports Communicators Academic All-American honors this year, joining volleyball players Taya Beller (First Team), Jordan McCormick (Second Team) and Rachel Walker (Second Team) along with football player Jett Janssen (Second Team).
Wakefield After-School Program hosts second July Summer Camp
In its second year, the Wakefield Community School’s after-school program’s July summer camp features new themes and hands-on activities.
Running from July 8-11 and July 15-18, the camp includes 65 participating students grades 3 to 6. The camp is supported by ESSER grants.
With four main themes — entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), fine arts, and health and nutrition — students engage in hands-on activities at school and will go on four themed field trips, according to Kari Rooney, 4-6 grade language arts teacher and program director.
In the entrepreneurship theme, students learn about the impact of small businesses in the community. Participating students showed their appreciation for local small businesses by decorating their sidewalks. On a tour of local businesses, students learned from local entrepreneurs and Trojan alumni.
High school groups such as the Future Business Leaders of America chapter, Better Blended, and Trojan Zone visited the summer program to speak about their involvement in the organizations.
For the STEAM theme, students will be divided into small groups to engage in activities allowing them to explore STEAM-related careers. Michael Foods will present about job opportunities in STEAM fields in Wakefield.
A field trip to Robert’s Cave and Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is planned.
In the fine arts theme, students will participate in an art class by Angela Abts with the Nebraska Extension office and learn about floral design with Sarah Ekberg with Lazy Acres Decor & Floral. Students are scheduled to visit The Little Red Hen Theatre to learn about stage productions from Adam Goos.
The final theme, health and nutrition, includes a basketball camp hosted by the Wakefield basketball team and Austin Galles. Students will also receive lessons in nutrition, yoga, and exercise.
The summer program ends with a field trip to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Omaha.
