The Wakefield Republican -

Galles named boys basketball head coach Wakefield High School has announced the hiring of Austin Galles as the new head coach of the boys basketball program. Coach Galles has been an employee of Wakefield Community Schools for more than 10 years as an Elementary teacher and assistant boys basketball over the last 10 plus years. “We are excited to have Coach Galles lead our high school boys basketball coaching staff,” said Matt Brenn, Activities Director at Wakefield High School. “He has a proven track record of success and we believe he is the right person to lead our boys basketball program to new heights.” Coach Galles is a graduate of Wayne State College and earned his master's degree in education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. “I am excited to get the chance to be the head coach of these boys and to help them learn and grow as basketball players and men,” said Coach Galles. “We graduated a lot of talent from this past year so it will be fun to see who will step up and how these boys will respond to the challenges they will meet on the varsity floor.” Coach Galles will begin his duties as boys basketball coach during the Winter sports season on November 13, 2023.

New Dixon County Clerk sworn in The Dixon County Courthouse recently welcomed the newly appointed Dixon County Clerk Cathy Stillwell when she officially took over duties being sworn in as the clerk for the county. On Tuesday, September 5th, 2023 in the courtroom at the Dixon County Courthouse Clerk Stillwell was sworn in as the Dixon County Clerk by the honorable Judge Edward Matney. Stillwell takes over for the long serving but recently retired Cindy Purucker.

A new year started at Wakefield Community Schools The new school year began last week at Wakefield Community Schools with the traditional meet and greet for students and parents on Wednesday, August 16, as well as the annual flag raising and bell ringing ceremonies on the first day of school. In addition to students getting a chance to drop off their supplies, meet their teachers, and see their classrooms, there was also a meal grilled and served by the Wakefield Board of Education. The morning’s event also gave people the opportunity to view the recently installed temporary classrooms located on the north side of the school. The first day of classes for Wakefield began on Friday, August 18th with the annual of the raising of the American flag accompanied by members of the Wakefield Legion Post 81, and the bell ringing by the sixth grade class. The ceremony started with Superintendent Matt Farup giving some opening remarks, followed by Pastor Jill Craig of the Covenant Church and Jim Litchfield of Legion Post 81.

At the recent Dixon County Fair Kurt Rewinkle received the 2023 Dixon County Volunteer of the Year Award. This award is sponsored by the Dixon County 4-H Council and was presented by 4-H Council Member Martey Stewart and Dixon County 4-H Youth Ambassador Isabella Mellick. In the above picture present at the award presentation were back row (l to r): Deb Rewinkel, Ashley and Mike Rewinkel, Kurt Rewinkel, Martey Stewart, and Isabella Mellick. Front row (l to r): MacKenzie and Gracelynn Rewinkel.

Hassler and Wakefield students complete new mural at Sacred Heart By Roxy Ekberg Republican Staff A new mural in Emerson was painted by Wakefield Community Schools art teacher, Mike Hassler, and four of his students. Work began on June 21st and the mural was finished on Thursday, July 20th. Hassler approximates 170 hours went into the project, and the students added an additional 50 hours. Hassler attended the elementary school at Sacred Heart, and the Sacred Heart Parish Council was interested in having alumni paint the mural. He requested an additional fee to hire and pay four art students: Ashlyn Boeckenhauer, Bella Andrade, Gracyn Keagle, and Adrian Flores. The process began by power washing and priming the wall surface, then creating a grid, and mapping out the picture in proper proportion and location. The entire mural was hand drawn and used “good old-fashioned” exterior paint with paint brushes used after. The color scheme was based on colors that go well with Sacred Heart’s red and white, and also tied in well with colors used in stained glass windows, said Hassler. The mural features a painting of the old school, the Sacred Heart School’s mascot, the crusader, and an image of the sacred heart-a heart pierced by a flaming sword. A sunset with the replicated Emerson skyline is placed in the bottom middle with Sacred Heart’s name and the year it was founded written above. “To tie it all together, I thought back to the beautiful stained glass windows in the church and used that motif to tie it all together,” said Hassler.

Traci Haglund selected for national organization Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) announced that Traci Haglund, administrator of Wakefield Health Care Center has been chosen by American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a national, future leader in long term and post-acute care. Haglund will join AHCA/NCAL’s Future Leaders program, a year-long program that offers training and guidance to industry professionals. “I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to Traci and our new class of Future Leaders,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “These individuals have distinguished themselves with the potential to guide long term care into the future, and I am excited to watch this class grow into the profession’s leaders of tomorrow.” “Growing the workforce of Nebraska’s nursing homes and assisted living communities starts by growing strong leaders,” said Jalene Carpenter, president and CEO of NHCA. “Traci cares deeply about our state’s seniors and, as the administrator of a rural, city-owned facility, truly understands the urgent need to recruit and retain team members who will care for this growing population. She will represent Nebraska well.” In her role as Administrator, Haglund works to ensure the residents and staff of Wakefield Health Care Center feel safe and that they are a vital part of the community. Haglund received a master’s in nursing from University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she followed an executive leadership track. She served as a nurse manager at a critical access hospital for three years before beginning in long-term care administration. Haglund also served on Wakefield Health Care Center’s board of directors prior to becoming the facility’s administrator. AHCA/NCAL developed the Future Leaders program in 2004. Selected participants demonstrate leadership potential and represent the interests of state and national long term care providers. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership. The year-long program kicks off with the Future Leaders of Long-Term Care in America Symposium held each year in Washington, D.C.

Class of 88 holds reunion From Dwight Fischer Members of the Wakefield High School class of 1988 celebrated their 35-year class reunion with events in Wakefield and Ponca over the weekend of July 15 and 16. The reunion was attended by 16 of 23 classmates. The WHS alumni traveled from Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, Arizona, and Tanzania (Africa), in addition to various locations in Nebraska. The classmates were joined for the weekend by Dennis and Paula Mitchell of Norfolk, NE. Dennis was a member of the class until his family moved to Norfolk in the seventh grade. The reunion officially kicked off on the evening of Friday, July 15, with a get-together at Sidelines in Wakefield that lasted until the early-morning hours. Classmates were joined by Doug Roberts of the WHS class of 1989. Also attending were Gaylen and Teresa Fischer and Lyle and Marvene Ekberg, parents of class members Stephanie (Fischer) Hogan and Lana (Ekberg) Wood. Much to the surprise of those in attendance (and those who remember the Class of ’88), law enforcement was not required at the scene. The next evening, Saturday, July 16, the classmates rallied and reconvened for dinner and drinks in the beer garden at Cedar Hills Bar & Grill in Ponca. The event was hosted by class member Todd Kratke and his wife, Carol, owners of Cedar Hills. The class is already looking forward to their 40 year reunion in 2023!

WVFD holds practice rescue By Roxy Ekberg Republican Staff Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department ran a practice rescue on Monday night at the Logan Creek on the 582nd Avenue bridge. The team practiced pulling someone out of the creek, simulating a rescue after a car goes over the bridge. Dallas Roberts played the part of the victim and was extracted from the creek. The entire process took roughly two hours and the team performed the exercise twice. We did not feel our first run was the quickest and easiest, so we wanted to try something else, said volunteer firefighter, Scott Wageman. Every month, the VFD runs a fire drill and a rescue drill, on the second and third Monday, respectively. “We practice to make sure our skills are up to the standards we expect,” said Wageman. “If something like this were to happen, there are one hundred ways to do it. We have to make sure we’re all on the same page.” Fire department members Scott Wageman, Devin Anderson, and Andres Vasquez hauled up Dallas Robberts while Nick Ekberg, Adam Ulrich, James Felt, Lyle Ekberg, and Jake Rahn pulled him up on the rope.

Matt Brenn taking over as secondary principal By Roxy Ekberg Republican Staff Matt Brenn will fill the high school principal position in upcoming school year. The position was opened internally within the school district. Angela Zach previously filled the role for two years. Brenn was offered the job and approved by the Board of Education in February. Brenn has served the Wakefield Community School District for 24 years. He has held positions as an elementary teacher, assistant football coach, assistant boys basketball coach, and head girls basketball coach. Brenn has been the Athletic Director for approximately eight years. The desire to become principal began after assuming this position, said Brenn. In the 2022-23 school year, Brenn transitioned from the elementary into the high school as the Director of Alternative Education. Halfway through the school year, he also took on the position of Attendance Officer. In this capacity, he met with students on a weekly basis to address attendance or tardy issues. "I look forward to working with all of the students and the high school staff through collaboration to ensure that a high quality is being delivered on a daily basis," said Brenn. "I am excited about the future of the district, and am and will always be proud to say that I am an employee of the Wakefield Community School District."

Mid Summer Classic a real team effort By Roxy Ekberg Republican Staff Community members banded together to create an army of volunteers for the 36th Annual Lefty Olson Mid-Summer Classic Tournament. Approximately 50 volunteers helped with the annual baseball tournament held last weekend. The group was a mix of community members, parents, and Wakefield Youth Rec committee members. People stepped up to help, even if they didn’t have a kid in the tournament, said youth rec president, Scott Hansen. Volunteers filled the roles of prepping the fields, taking gate, running the concession stand, announcing games, or operating the scoreboard. The Wakefield Youth Rec committee organized the event and was pleased to have a filled volunteer sheet this year. Numerous people signed up for multiple volunteer shifts. Weather struck Friday and into Saturday morning, delaying games due to impact on the fields. Volunteers and community members arrived early Saturday morning to fix the fields. The tournament resumed with no other hiccups thanks to volunteers who worked from 7 a.m. until midnight on Saturday due to the rain and schedule change. “[The tournament] would not be successful without the volunteers. That’s the only way it’s run,” said Hansen. Funds from the Mid-Summer Classic go back to the youth rec and support youth activities.

Care Center celebrates Skilled Nursing Care Week Wakefield Care Center’s celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care Week earned a spotlight in the American Health Care Association’s blog. The week highlights the role skilled nursing care centers have on seniors and individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme was Cultivating Kindness and activities occurred across the country as residents and staff celebrated during the month of May. To plan their events, WHCC used a resident and employee engagement committee. “Our residents were very vocal when it came to planning. When our committee met, they focused on what the residents want and that made the week more special,” said administrator Traci Haglund. In preparation for the week, residents and staff made over 80 tye-dyed shirts to be worn at the community grill out, which brought in over 100 people to the facility. A Texas sheet cake “made with love” by one of the residents was one of many highlights of the event. Young members of the community were integrated into the celebration. Residents enjoyed a performance by junior high and high school music class. The 2nd grade class did arts and crafts during a family-employee potluck lunch. “The week was a great time to come together; people came from all over to celebrate, some from over an hour away”, said activities director, Cheryl Greve. Residents ended the week by expressing their thanks with May Day baskets for the staff.

Allen Days this weekend! The Community of Allen will be celebrating with “Allen Days” next weekend, June 9-11 – with a schedule of events from Friday through Sunday. Friday night, June 9, the community will be holding a “welcome hour” starting at 5 p.m. for all returning alumni and community members with Crazy Jacks food truck catering and a drive-in movie at the Allen Firehall starting at 8 p.m. On Saturday, June 10, the main events kick off with an 8 a.m. check-in at the firehall for a 5K, and a 10 a.m. check-in at the school for the community parade that will be held on Sunday. The grand parade event will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and lunch and games will be hosted in the park by the Allen Community Club immediately following the parade. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Museum tours, a co-ed volleyball tournament at the school, and cornhole tournament at the firehall will be held. School tours will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and at 5 p.m. the annual Allen Alumni Banquet will be held, honoring classes of 1972 and 1973 especially.

Wakefield Pool open for season! More pictures of fun in the sun at Wakefields pool can be found here! https://paperandink.smugmug.com/Wakefield-Republican/Wakefield-Pool-2023/ The Wakefield Family Aquatic Center opened for the 2023 season on Monday, May 29th. In the above picture are most of this seasons guards keeping the pool safe and fun for the summer. In the front row starting from the left are Laken Rahn, Shaylla Snyder, Rhyanne Mackling, Daveigh Munter-McAfee, Masno Lamprecht, Jack Schlickbernd, Gracyn Keagle, and Ashlyn Riewer. On top of Nemo is Cade Johnson and Adrian Flores. Not pictured are Bella Andrade and Patty Gonzalez.

Wakefield Legion Post 81 held their annual Memorial Day program to honor the fallen heroes of Wakefield on Monday, May 29th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wakefield Cemetery. Jim Clark started started proceedings with the pledge of allegiance before turning things over to Pastor Jill Craig of Covenant Church to lead the assembled crowd in a prayer. Clark then gave a few anecdotes in introducing this year’s guest speaker former City Administrator for both Wakefield and Wayne, Lowell Johnson. The reading of Wakefield’s fallen followed with the duties being split between Clark, Jon Geiser, and Gary Salmon. The program was then concluded with honoring the fallen with a salute from Legion Post 81 and taps being played.

Tree Board keeping Wakefield a 'Tree City' The City of Wakefield and the Wakefield Tree Board promote and encourage all homeowners to plant trees on the terrace. The city has received several tree grants over the years, helping to increase tree cover in our neighborhoods and park system. The city has been able to provide terrace tree at no cost to the property owner over the year through grants and partnership with the Lower Elkhorn NRD and Trees for Nebraska Towns. Over the last five years, the city has planted 123 trees. The city is currently waiting to here on a grant application submitted to Trees for Nebraska Towns. If homeowners are interested in having a tree planted on their terrace, contact Nicki at the city office to get your name on the waiting list.

First Wakefield Market of 2023 held A crowd gathered last Thursday as a crowd gathered on Main Street for the first Wakefield Market of the year. A visit was even paid by the residents of the Wakefield Health Care Center, being escorted around town in a special trailer. A variety of crafts and food were available, including cotton candy made by Wakefield Schools Cheer squad. There was also live entertainment ni the form of the Chad and Amy Duo out of Norfolk.

The boys NSAA C-3 District golf tournament postponed to Tuesday, May 16. Same tee times!

A tornado watch has been set for the area until 9 p.m. by the National Weather Service.

Peitz named Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Gabe Peitz, a junior at Wayne State College, from Wakefield, was named winner of the Bob Cunningham Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Award Monday evening at the Ameritas Honors Athletic Banquet held at the Kanter Student Center. The award is given each year to a male and female student athlete at Wayne State recognizing both academic and athletic accomplishments throughout their athletic careers. Gabe has competed in cross country and track and field for three seasons and maintains a 4.00 grade point average majoring in pre-med and chemistry. Last fall, Gabe was named winner of the NSIC Elite 18 Award at the NSIC Cross Country Championships as the top scholar athlete at a conference championship. He is a two-time NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence selection in both sports, an Edward Jones Presidential Scholar Athlete and has served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee representing cross country the last two seasons. On the track, Gabe placed fifth in the 600-meter run at this year’s NSIC Indoor Track and Field Championships and currently ranks 12th in the NSIC in the outdoor season in the 800-meter run. Gabe is the son of David and Candyce Peitz of Wakefield.

Pierce Bluejays @TheJaysZone 10:18 a.m. The Tom Martin/Wausa track meet scheduled for today has been canceled. The meet will not be rescheduled.