The Wakefield Republican -

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.

Covenant Church Spring Fest April 13th By Jon Burleson The Wakefield Evangelical Covenant Church will be celebrating its 20th Annual Spring Fest dinner, consisting of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes & gravy and green beans, as well as salad and dessert, Thursday, April 13, starting at 5 p.m. Barb Stout is one of the five committee members that organizes the event each year. She said church members prepare the meal and set up the eating area. According to Stout, Spring Fest has an average of 350 to 400 attendees each year. “It takes a lot of people putting in a lot of hours,” Stout said. “The church people start setting up late Wednesday night and work all through the day Thursday.” Guests will be able to dine in, carry their meals out or even have their meals delivered by one of the church members. Stout said the person delivering will be someone “who knows where the person ordering lives.” While many do attend SpringFest and dine in, just as many elect to eat their meal at home. Calling for carry-out or deliveries can begin at serving time, Stout said. “We have as many carry-outs as we have sit-ins,” she said. “Last year, we only had five pieces of chicken fried steak left over at the end.” The proceeds from Spring Fest are used to fund the Covenant Wednesday At Church weekly youth program and its curriculum, Stout said. There are about 85 pre-K through sixth grade children currently enrolled in the WAC program, she said. Some of the money made from the meal is also used to purchase fare for the Sunday night meals the church serves to around 80-100 young folks each week, Stout said. The Covenant Church believes “no one is exempt from the call to feed the hungry.”

Ruvalcaba grateful to brother for achievements By Jon Burleson For Dixon County spelling bee champion Mirella Ruvalcaba, success is spelled b-r-o-t-h-e-r. The seventh-grade student at Wakefield Community Schools said it was her older brother, Diego, who helped her practice and kept her focused on winning. “He was very supportive and had a lot of belief in me,” Mirella said. “He told me I would win the school and then the county spelling bee.” Diego, a Wakefield High School senior, ran Mirella through spelling drills and also helped her overcome the anxiety of competing in a public forum. It was her first time winning the school contest and thus her first appearance on the county stage. Still, she proved her brother’s faith in her abilities was not ill-placed. Mirella won the county spelling bee in January and proceeded to the state level spelling bee held in Omaha on March 18. There her streak of wins ended. It was the written portion of the state competition that foiled Mirella. Fortunately, she has at least one more year of spelling bee eligibility left and plans to compete at the eighth-grade level and, with a little help, go even further next year. “It was pretty nerve-racking at the state level,” Mirella said. “But, it would be nice to go to Nationals. They are held in Washington, D.C.” Until then, she will continue to get impromptu practice. She said her friends often ask for her help with proofreading their assignments. She also likes to read, especially mystery-romance books. “Spelling has always come easier for me,” she said. “Spelling errors also kind of jump out at me on the page.” Mirella’s eye for detail should come in handy in her future endeavors. Her dream job is to be a fashion designer.

Brock Hansen earns youth wrestling state championship By Jon Burleson Wakefield’s own Brock Hansen earned a state wrestling championship at the 2023 NEUSA PK-8 Boys/Girls Wrestling Tournament held in Grand Island March 17-19. He completed his season with a perfect 25-0 record. Wrestlers from Wakefield competed in the tournament as part of the Wayne Youth Wrestling program. Levi Pofahl is the head coach and organizer for the wrestling organization. He said Brock went 5-0 in the second grade class in the tournament. “The tournament is tough,” Pofahl said. “You have clubs from towns like Wayne wrestling against big city clubs like from Omaha.” Brock’s brother, Saul, wrestled in the fourth grade class at Grand Island. He dropped his opening match, but fought his way back and made it to the last bracket – known as the “heart-break” bracket. He was eliminated just one match away from medaling ending the tournament at 3-2. “He showed a lot of determination after his first-match loss,” the coach said. This was the first year the Hansen brothers wrestled as part of the Wayne club. Prior to that they had been with the Wakefield youth wrestling club. Pofahl said he was proud to watch their talents develop over the last year. “They were skilled coming in,” he said. “But, both of them showed an impressive amount of growth over the season.” The youth wrestling season runs from January through the middle of March. Next season, should the Hansen brothers decide to participate, Brock will move up into the third and fourth grade class while Saul will compete in the fifth and sixth grade class, Pofahl said. The coach credits the outstanding support from parents, the organization’s board members and the assistant coaches for providing the foundation for success the group has had. Youth wrestling is very family oriented,” Pofahl said. “Even between the various clubs there is a family aspect to the competitions.”

Wakefield Board of Education holds special meeting By Jon Burleson Republican Staff The Wakefield School Board held a special meeting Tuesday, March 21, to discuss several items including a proposal to use the Construction Manager at Risk contract delivery system, establish a CMAR Selection Committee and to authorize the administration to create a Notice of Request for Proposals in accordance with Nebraska State Law. The board voted unanimously (with the exception of Jim Litchfield who was absent) to adopt a resolution that sets into motion procedures which will allow the administration to move forward with efforts to explore the costs that would be involved in expanding/increasing Wakefield Community Schools’ buildings. “We need more room,” said Superintendent Matt Farup. By implementing the CMAR contract delivery system, the school streamlines the process of selecting a Construction Manager and getting a Guaranteed Maximum Price. The GMP contractually obligates the CM to deliver the project in accordance with the plans and alleviates the school from having to foot the bill should the project go over budget. Prior to selecting a CM, the members of the CMAR Selection Committee will define the parameters of the project including a preliminary budget constraints. Three members of the committee will be board members. Included among the others will be three people with experience hiring construction companies, Farup said. “They will review everything pre-bond proposal and pre-construction services,” he said. “That way we aren’t obligated if financing doesn’t materialize.” Also involved in the process and acting as municipal advisor will be Tobin Buchanan, vice president of public finance for First National Capital Markets. Farup said FNCM has been good to work with in the past. Board member Eric Riewer agreed and said he believed taking these steps were the “right way to go” and (in regards to FNCM) it was reassuring to know someone had the school’s back. In other business before the board at the special meeting: - Voted to accept the resignation of preschool-to-sixth grade choir teacher Deb Nicholson. Farup said she was headed to her next career watching multiple grandchildren; - Voted to approve the employment contract of new fifth-through-12th grade instrumental teacher Jennifer Trenhaile. Farup said with the departure of Esly Ovando, who taught both band and choir, the administration had decided to divide the classes between two instructors. - Voted to adopt the PowerSchool Documentation Server for filing paperwork. Previously, the board had voted to implement this service, but never followed-up. This unintentionally saved the school $5,000 according to Farup. This will also facilitate enrollment and re-enrollment; and - Approved a bid from Riverside Technologies, Inc., of North Sioux City, South Dakota, to provide a security system for the school’s external doors. According to Farup, they will also install a “big red panic button” that will send an alert straight to local law enforcement if activated.

Eric and Traci Riewer, of Riewer Properties, would like to show the Wakefield community the transformation that has occurred in the last 2 years in the old hatchery buildings. They ask for the community to join them at an open house on Wednesday, March 29th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Community members coming to the open house can access the apartments through the north door on 3rd St, the door will be marked. There are stairs so keep that in mind when visiting. “We hope to have another open house for the first floor soon so watch for that” said Traci Riewer. “Thank you for coming out to see this little bit of Wakefield history restored!”