Barbara K. Vitt has been a devoted educator and counselor, serving Nemaha County with distinction for decades. Reflecting on her career, Vitt describes each of her teaching and counseling roles as a “little piece of paradise.” She credits the experience to the respectful, hard-working students, supportive parents, and the dedicated colleagues, administrators, and school boards with whom she worked. Given the opportunity, she says she would happily do it all again.

In recognition of her exceptional service and lifelong commitment to education, a generous anonymous donor established the annual Barbara K. Vitt Scholarships. Each year, three Nemaha County students are awarded $1,500 scholarships in recognition of their achievements and potential.

The 2026 recipients of the Barbara K. Vitt Scholarship are:

• Chloe Detweiler, Sabetha High School Daughter of Kurt and Melissa Detweiler Plans to attend Kansas State University, majoring in Nursing
• Alivia Lang, Sabetha High School Daughter of Jason and Sidney Lang Plans to attend Kansas State University, majoring in Kinesiology
• Ellie Hermesch, Nemaha Central High School Daughter of Tisha Hermesch Plans to Iowa Western Community College, majoring in Dental Hygiene

These scholarships honor Vitt’s legacy by supporting students who reflect the values she championed throughout her career, dedication, compassion, and a commitment to learning.

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is pleased to announce Brooklyn Uphaus as the 2026 recipient of the United 4 Youth Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who actively participates in SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and exemplifies a commitment to making positive, healthy life choices.

United 4 Youth is a program focused on equipping Nemaha County youth with prevention tools that encourage sound decision-making and support both physical and mental well-being.

Brooklyn is the daughter of Briana Uphaus and plans to attend Kanas State University to pursue a degree in Nursing.

Congratulations to Brooklyn for her leadership and dedication to living a healthy, responsible lifestyle.

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the Leroy “Roy” Heiman Memorial Scholarship. Established in partnership with the Heiman family, this scholarship honors Roy’s legacy by supporting the educational goals of local students living in the old B&B school district.

The 2026 Roy Heiman Memorial Scholarship recipients are:

• Laura Deters
  Daughter of John and Pamela Deters
  Plans to attend Kansas State University, majoring in the College of Art Sciences
• Kamden Schmitz
  Son of Justin and Janelle Schmitz
  Plans to attend Kansas State University, majoring in Agriculture
• Brooklyn Uphaus
  Daughter of Briana Uphaus
  Plans to attend Kansas State University, majoring in Healthcare

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is honored to assist in awarding these scholarships. STEP remains committed to helping caring citizens create meaningful opportunities for others and leave a lasting legacy within the community.

This national designation recognizes Seneca’s exceptional commitment to downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and community-driven economic development.

SENECA, Kan. — Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program, the highest level of recognition awarded by Main Street America for exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.

Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of nationally designated programs in recognition of their work creating meaningful improvements in downtown districts through the Main Street Approach™. Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact is one of 838 programs across the nation to receive Accredited status in 2026.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Main Street America,” said Kylee Bergstrom, Executive Director of Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact. “This designation reflects the dedication of our volunteers, businesses, property owners, community partners, and residents who continue working together to strengthen downtown Seneca while preserving the character and history that make our community special.”

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation: Accredited and Affiliate. These designations serve as a badge of excellence, recognizing programs that demonstrate a strong commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and community impact. Accredited status is Main Street America’s highest designation tier.

Programs receiving Accredited status must demonstrate exceptional performance in areas including broad-based community engagement, inclusive leadership, sustainable operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and measurable impact and results. The designation process includes assessments conducted in partnership with Kansas Main Street and Main Street America.

Over the past year, Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact has continued building momentum through downtown revitalization projects, tourism initiatives, business support programs, community events, and regional collaborations designed to strengthen the local economy and attract visitors to Northeast Kansas. Recent efforts have included expansion of destination-focused tourism experiences, promotion of downtown businesses, and continued investment in preserving and enhancing the historic character of downtown Seneca.

Main Street America programs collectively generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment in 2025 while supporting new businesses, job creation, historic rehabilitation projects, and volunteer engagement across the country.

ABOUT SENECA AREA CHAMBER AND DOWNTOWN IMPACT The Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact is dedicated to promoting, encouraging, and improving the business, civic, historical, and cultural vitality of the Seneca area while fostering a vibrant and economically strong community. Through community partnerships, events, tourism, business support, and downtown revitalization initiatives, the organization works to strengthen Seneca as a destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Learn more at www.ComeSeeSeneca.com.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Today, the network includes more than 1,600 communities across the country working to build stronger places through preservation-based economic development. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 recipient of the August Bergman, M.D., Scholarship. This $1,000 award is designated for students residing within the former B&B school district.

Dr. August Bergman has been a steadfast supporter of the STEP Foundation and local students for many years. His generosity has made possible multiple scholarship opportunities, including the Elizabeth Bergman Memorial Scholarship and the B&B Legacy (Challenge) Scholarship.

The 2026 scholarship recipient is Kamden Schmitz, son of Justin and Janelle Schmitz. Kamden plans to attend Kansas State University, where he will major in Agricultural Economics.

The STEP Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Bergman for his continued commitment to encouraging local students and investing in the future of our community.

Cora Thompson/submitted

The Centralia Community Church Scholarship Fund was created to uplift and encourage the Christian community in Centralia, Kansas. Each year, the fund honors local students who demonstrate strong values, commitment to their faith, and dedication to their education.

The 2026 scholarship recipient is Cora Thompson, who has been awarded a $500 scholarship. Cora, the daughter of Dustin and Manda Thompson, plans to attend Kansas State University, where she intends to major in Chemistry or Biology.

Congratulations to Cora on this welldeserved recognition. We wish her continued growth and success as she pursues her academic goals and deepens her spiritual journey.

Congratulations to Maur Hill-Mount Academy Ravens Coach Roger Purdy on earning his 150th career victory last week against ACCHS!

Coach Purdy’s accomplishments include:
• 150 career wins
• 4 state tournament appearances
• Two 3rd-place finishes
• Named Coach of the Year in 2015

A tremendous achievement and a testament to years of dedication and leadership. Congratulations, Coach Purdy!

Kentucky Derby Day came to life Thursday at Jonesbrook Estates Assisted Living in Falls City with a fun-filled afternoon of stick-horse racing, cheering residents, and plenty of smiles.

MSC Radio’s John Nixon added a unique accomplishment to his broadcasting career by serving as the official announcer for the races, bringing excitement and energy to the event.

The jockeys for the day were first grade students from Sacred Heart School, led by teacher Sue Ebel. The students raced their “wild herd” of stick horses around a specially prepared track while residents gathered outside on a sunny, windy afternoon to cheer them on.

After the races, residents helped present medals to the young riders, making the event especially memorable for the students.

Sherry Aitken and the staff at Jonesbrook Estates organized Derby Day festivities and received praise for creating the race track and grandstand area that brought the Kentucky Derby spirit to Falls City.

Hiawatha Public Schools – USD 415

HMS lit up with curiosity and creativity at our #4 STEAM Night! Students and families explored hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math—building, experimenting, and discovering together. From exciting experiments to innovative projects, the energy in the building was incredible.

A big thank you to our staff, volunteers, and families for making the night such a success. Opportunities like this show just how powerful learning can be when we bring our community together!

The 5th grade wrapped up their germs unit in Health with a hands-on experiment that really brought learning to life! Students explored how germs spread by handling slices of bread with both clean and unwashed hands, then made predictions and tracked their observations throughout the week.

This engaging activity not only showed just how quickly germs can spread, but also reinforced the importance of good hygiene habits like proper handwashing. The class saw firsthand how simple actions can make a big difference in staying healthy. Great work, 5th grade—what a fun and meaningful experiment!

Our class had an exciting, hands-on opportunity to observe the life cycle of a butterfly! We watched tiny caterpillars grow bigger each day as they ate and prepared to form their chrysalis. Before long, they transformed into beautiful butterflies—an incredible process we learned is called metamorphosis.

We also discovered how butterflies use their proboscis to drink nectar from flowers, fruit, and even sugar water. To wrap up our learning, we observed the butterflies feeding up close before releasing them onto a flowering bush. It was a fun, engaging experience that brought science to life for our students!

(KMZA)--A local student team is heading to the world stage after an impressive showing at the state level.

The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School team known as the “WINders,” based in Seneca, earned second place in the sixth through eighth grade generator division at the KidWind State Competition, held April 11 in Salina.

Thirteen teams were crowned state champions during the day-long event. Teams finishing first or second in their divisions qualify for the World KidWind Challenge, coming up in May in Madison, Wisconsin.

The WINders secured their spot after advancing through regional competition. Organizers say a record 106 teams competed at six regional events this year, with 35 teams from 25 schools moving on to state.

KidWind is open to students in grades four through twelve. Teams of three to five students design and build wind turbines, which are judged on energy output, design quality, and their understanding of wind energy concepts.

Silver Lake students enjoyed a memorable day at the Capper Foundation’s 3rd Annual Abilities Day at the Zoo on April 20. The special event welcomed more than 1,600 attendees for a day of exploring the zoo, visiting exhibits, connecting with others, and celebrating inclusion in a fun and meaningful way.

Silver Lake’s Eagle’s Nest high school group attended alongside a small group of Silver Lake Elementary students. Together, they explored the zoo, shared a picnic lunch at the park, and spent time playing on the playground.

It was a beautiful day filled with smiles, friendship, and plenty of Eagle pride!

A nationally known LEGO artist will be at the Morrill Public Library from 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 to help kick off the Summer Library Program.

Cody Wells will be bringing his program C3BRIX to several libraries in Northeast Kansas and Southeast Nebraska on that day. He is one of the most sought-after custom LEGO artists in the country and his clients range from private collectors and celebrities to Google, New York Hall of Science and beyond.

Wells work has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show, Good Day New York, Details Magazine and numerous other publications. He is an award-winning designer, winning the 2013 BRICKIE at Brickfair - Virginia in TV and Sci-Fi for his Star Trek Enterprise.

Wells said he enjoys working with children and presents at schools, libraries, museums and private functions nationwide. The motto of his company C3BRIX is "Rebuild Your Childhood," where he encourages adults to reminisce and children to use their imagination to think outside of the (LEGO) box by building anything they can imagine and not be limited by instruction books.

The Morrill Public Library is excited to welcome Wells and invites community members of all ages to join in the fun, according to Joey May, Community Services Librarian. 

"Bring your own LEGO creations to share," she said.

The program will be featured in the upstairs lobby of the library, located at 431 Oregon St., starting at 4:30 p.m. on the 28th. May said this is just one of several free family events that will be scheduled as part of the library's Summer Reading Program. 

Anyone with questions can contact her at jmay@hiawathalibrary.org or call the library at 785-742-3831. For more aboutC3BRIX and Cody Wells, find him on Facebook and Instagram @c3brix or go to his website at www.c3brix.com.

At Americare, wellness isn’t just a program—it’s a way of life. Through Flourish Wellness, we create meaningful opportunities for residents to experience vitality, purpose, and fulfillment at every stage of life.

Wellness Dimension: Environmental
Activity: Pet Therapy

Story:
Sometimes the smallest visitors make the biggest impact! This sweet 10-day-old baby goat was full of snuggles and quickly stole everyone’s hearts. His visit brought smiles, laughter, and a wave of cherished memories, as residents shared stories of farm life and days gone by.

Congratulations to Jefferson West’s Braxdon Penry on being selected as the Kansas FCCLA Voting Delegate! Braxdon will represent all Kansas District Presidents at the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer, during the celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday.

In this important role, he will serve on the selection team responsible for voting on bylaw changes and helping elect the National Officer team. Braxdon is a dedicated six-year member of the Jefferson West High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter, and this honor reflects his leadership and commitment.

Junior, Kayte Falk has been named one of the Top 5 winners in the 9th Annual Kansas Business Hall of Fame (KBHF) Student Essay Contest, a prestigious statewide competition for students in grades 9–12.

Falk, the daughter of Josh and Sarah Falk, earned this honor after advancing through two rounds of judging by a panel of business professionals. Her award-winning essay focused on Kansas Business Hall of Fame inductee Marci Penner, founder of the Kansas Sampler Foundation and author of the Kansas Guidebook for Explorers. Through her writing, Falk explored Penner’s impact on promoting Kansas culture, communities, and rural pride.

The KBHF essay contest encourages students to research influential Kansas business leaders and reflect on their contributions and leadership. As a Top 5 finalist, Falk will receive a cash award, generously sponsored by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and is invited to attend the official awards ceremony at Emporia State University. 

The Kansas Business Hall of Fame, housed within the School of Business at Emporia State University, is dedicated to honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to Kansas business while inspiring future generations of leaders.