The Milford Free Press

Well, it was a fun experiment, but the time came when I had to lay my little paper to rest. I thought I’d keep my faithful readers informed of the news via this website, but even that got a bit tedious, with little time and only a rare bit of positive feedback. That, and the fact we’re packing up for a move to a farm south of Palmyra. I’d like to pass The Milford Free Press on to someone else who may be interested in reviving it and making it their own project, though. Just contact me, Nancy Swarts, at 402-641-1083, and we’ll talk.

Moch Pryderi (Welsh for Pryderi’s Pigs) are well known purveyors of traditional Celtic music and song at a variety of east coast festivals. Southeast Nebraska residents will soon get to experience them as they are heading to the plains for their first appearances west of the Mississippi.

The group is set to perform from 10-11 a.m. at Southeast Community College-Milford’s Eicher Auditorium. The workshop is free to the public.

The members of Moch Pryderi are based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. They perform a mix of traditional Brythonic music of Wales and Brittany, which is a departure from the more familiar Gaelic music of Scotland and Ireland. Members perform on a variety of authentic Welsh instruments including Welsh triple harp, small and great pipes, Breton bombardes, Welsh pibgorns, Celtic bouzouki, etc.

Workshop settings allow them to speak about and demonstrate their instruments as well as Welsh folk dance steps. They will compare and contrast how the Welsh developed the unique aspects of their folk culture and how they have contributed to the amalgam of “Celtic” folk tradition. They will also illustrate the influence of Welsh immigrants in the development of folk traditions in the American South.

For the week beginning Thursday May 13, 2010 (12:00 am) through Wednesday May 19, 2010 (11:59 pm)

May 15, 2010 at 11:34 pm

The Seward County E911 Center received a call from a Milford resident reporting that she had been sexually assaulted.  A Milford officer was assigned to investigate and Deputy Troy Schaefer responded to assist.  This case is still under investigation by the Milford Police Department.

May 16, 2010 at  1:46 am

The Seward County E911 Center received a call from the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) dispatcher in Lincoln regarding a male subject operating a blue pickup truck headed eastbound on I-80 near the Utica Interchange.  A motorist had reported to the NSP dispatcher that the male appeared to be drinking an alcoholic beverage and was nude.  The caller reported that the male driver would turn on his dome light and exposed himself to other motorists.  Deputy Brody Duncan and Deputy Troy Schaefer were assigned to investigate.  A trooper from Lincoln stopped the suspect and later placed the individual under arrest.  Deputy Duncan and Deputy Schaefer assisted the trooper with the investigation.

May 18, 2010 at 9:04 am

The Seward County E911 Center received a call from an individual reporting the theft of equipment from a job site near 392nd and West Blue Road outside Beaver Crossing.  The caller related that the theft had occurred during the overnight hours.  Sergeant Tina Matulka was assigned to investigate.  Anyone with information about this crime or any unsolved crime are encouraged to call the Seward Sheriff’s Office at 402-643-2359 or can remain anonymous by caller Crime Stoppers at 402-643-3334.

May 18, 2010 at 6:36 pm

The Seward County E911 Center received a call from a Milford resident reporting a domestic disturbance.  Deputy Ryon Blath was assigned to investigate.  Sergeant Michael Vance also responded to assist Deputy Blath.  The individual reporting the call then stated that responding officers would not be needed and hung up.  Sergeant Vance and Deputy Blath proceeded to the residence and assisted Milford Police Department with the investigation.

A total of 132 calls were received during the two-week period from May 6 through May 19.  A summary of some of the other calls handled by the Sheriff’s Office included:

3      Abuse Neglect – Child

9      Accident (Animal Related)

1      Accident with Injuries

3      Accident without Injuries

13      Animal Calls (Livestock Out, Cruelty to, Vicious)

8      Assist Other Agencies

2      K9 Assists

3      Motorist Assists

5      Public Service – Title Inspections

3       Suspicious

1      Traffic (Hazards)

8         Traffic (Reckless Driving)

1      Traffic (Speeding)

1      Traffic (Parking)

3      Traffic (Vehicle in Ditch)

5      Warrant Transport

3      Welfare Checks

There are currently 23 individuals in custody in connection with Seward County arrests/sentences.  Currently, there are:

16 males incarcerated at the Seward County Detention Center

2 males at the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center in Lincoln

1 female is at the York Correctional Center for Women

2 females at the Platte County Detention Center

1 male and 1 female are out on GPS monitoring

Mark Mundhenke

Mark Mundhenke

Mark M. Mundhenke, 31, died suddenly, Friday, June 4, 2010, as the result of an automobile accident near Milford

He was born on October 4, 1978, at Seward, Nebraska, to Mike and Karen (Meyer) Mundhenke, the youngest of two children. As a young boy he attended Milford Public Schools. Mark helped his father farm and also with the Homestead Pest Management Company. He did construction work for Brian Drake and helped his brother Matt with underground utility work.

In his spare time, Mark enjoyed bull riding and competing in rodeos throughout the region. He was an avid football and Nascar auto racing fan. Mark loved the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. Mark was a hard worker, had a great sense of humor and would stand up for anybody and support them if he felt their cause was important and right. He liked to grill outside and spend time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by grandfather, Milton Mundhenke.

He is survived by his two children, Cassidy and Brett Mundhenke, Deshler; parents, Mike and Karen Mundhenke, Milford; brother, Matthew Mundhenke, Milford; nieces, Jayda and Shyann Mundhenke, Papillion; grandparents, Frances Mundhenke, Lincoln, Marvin and Eileen Meyer, Seward; aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services were Tuesday, June 8, at Faith Lutheran Church in Seward with Rev. James A. Miller officiating.

Interment was in Blue Mound Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Spencer Schnell, Ryan VanAndel, Wes Harriman, Tim Smith, Brian Drake, and Paul Zahourek. Honorary Pallbearers are Jeff Culp, Darin Meyer, Camden Mundhenke, Dawn Stock, Stacey Strole, Sonia Culp, and Kellie Klopfenstein.

Memorials have been established for the education of his children.

Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Milford, was in charge of arrangements.

Melba Newton

Melba Newton

Melba Newton, 91, died on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Memorial Hospital in Seward.

She was born on May 17, 1919, at Milford, Nebraska, to Lauren B. and Ethel A. (Smith) Walker the youngest of five children. As a young girl she attended Milford Public School and graduated with the Class of 1937. On Aug. 15, 1941, Melba was united in marriage to Carl C. Newton in Milford and to this union a daughter, Janet was born.

Melba lived in Milford her entire life. For a time, Melba worked at Newton’s Café. She later was employed for 23 years at Russell Stovers Candy factory in Lincoln. In her spare time she crocheted afghans, pot holders and other items. She also spent many hours doing “word search” puzzles. Melba was a soft-spoken person, like visiting with others, had a great memory and enjoyed sharing information about the community. Every Saturday, Melba faithfully watched The Lawrence Welk Show. In the last year, Melba made her home at Crestview Care Center. In her earlier years, Melba attended the Milford United Methodist Church.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Carl in October of 1962, her brother, William “Ben” Walker in 1977, sisters, Vivian Stauffer in 1979, Frances Fette in 1992, Gladys Walker in 1998, nephew, Duane Stauffer in 2002, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet A. Newton, Milford; nieces and nephews, Norman and Jacqueline Stauffer, Milford, JoAnn and Dave Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo., Nancy and Bob Corder, Shawnee, Kan., Donna and Norman Lewandowski, Rockville; her beloved cat, “Dolly”; great-nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 11, Blue Mound Cemetery, Milford, with Rev. Michael Curd officiating. Visitation is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Milford.

Memorials have been established to the United Methodist Church.

by Dave Ramsey

The rule is no new debt

Dear Dave,

My wife wants to go back to school to complete her degree. Right now, we’re on Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we’re about 12 months away from being debt-free, except for our house. Should we work the budget to cash flow her going back to school now, or wait until we’re out of debt and have our emergency fund in place?

Scott

Dear Scott,

If you can find room in your budget to pay for it, and all it does is slow down the getting-out-of-debt process a little bit, then I think it’s a great idea. The main thing is that I don’t want you taking on any more debt to make it happen. You guys can see light at the end of the tunnel right now, so I don’t want you taking a big leap backward by piling on a bunch of student loans.

Education with a purpose is a fabulous thing. I’m all about school and learning, but the idea of going to college just to collect degrees is a little silly. Knowledge—not degrees—is the currency of the new millennium. The more you know, the more tools you have in your belt. That’s why I still read like a maniac. It helps me stay up to speed with things I need to know to do my job better!

Dave

Count the company match?

Dear Dave,

You recommend investing 15 percent of your income into Roth IRAs and other pre-tax retirement plans. Should you count your employer’s company match as part of that percentage?

Ben

Dear Ben,

You can, but I’d prefer that you didn’t. Employers and employment situations can change at the drop of a hat. I’d rather see you put in 15 percent. That way, you don’t have to rely on someone else to complete your retirement savings plan.

It’s not your employer’s responsibility—or any one else’s—to make sure you have money to live on in your old age. Stick 15 percent in there yourself, Ben. Then, if your employer does match workplace contributions, it’ll be that much sweeter.

Dave

Self-employment for the summer?

Dear Dave,

I’m a college student in Utah, and I compete with lots of other students for summer jobs. Do you have any suggestions for debt-killing work?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

My best suggestion for debt-killing work in that kind of situation has always been self-employment. You’ll make a lot more money cutting grass, walking dogs, or detailing cars. You can control your time, too. Plus, you’ll make a lot more per hour than you will at any mall job. By the time they take taxes and everything out of that, you’ll almost wish you hadn’t bothered.

A few years ago, I knew a couple of college guys who pooled their money and bought a pressure washer and some other equipment to start a business. They came to the house, washed and re-sealed our driveway, and I paid them a few hundred dollars apiece for the job. It took all day, but they walked away with their pockets full of money. You’d have to flip a lot of burgers to match that.

You can make some serious summer cash if you’ll look at yourself as a small-business owner and not someone’s employee. I’m not going to lie to you. If you take this route, you’re probably going to be involved in some pretty hard work. But the truth is, you’ll never make really good money without doing some pretty hard work!

Dave

Real estate agent vs. for sale by owner

Dear Dave,

What are the advantages of using a real estate agent versus going the for-sale-by-owner route when it comes to selling a home?

Seth

Dear Seth,

I’ve had a real estate license for 30 years. If I were to put my personal residence on the market today, I’d use an active real estate agent who really knows his or her stuff in the marketplace. I’d gladly pay them their commission, too.

Now, why would I do that if I could just sell it myself and save the commission cost? For starters, if I do a for-sale-by-owner, or FSBO, I’m only getting my place in front of buyers I can attract from seeing a newspaper ad, Craigslist, and anyone who happens to drive by the house. If you go with a high-octane real estate agent, you’ll have the advantage of being exposed to their entire pool of buyers. More importantly, you’ll be in the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, database. There, you’ll immediately have thousands of potential buyers. So, who do you think will have the best chance of selling your house? Market exposure is everything in the real estate game!

And think about this: Even if you went the FSBO route every time you moved, you might do three or four of these transactions in a lifetime. A good agent closed three or four deals last week! They’ll know all the ins and outs of buying and selling a home, and they’ll walk you through every step of the process. Research has shown that between basic mistakes, pricing errors, and lack of negotiation skills, you’ll cost yourself more than the agent’s commission by trying to sell it yourself.

Trust me, you’ll get a much better deal—with a lot less hassle—by using a top-flight real estate agent!

Dave

The cost can’t be justified

Dear Dave,

How much do you put into your old car for maintenance and repairs before it makes sense to buy a new vehicle?

Christy

Dear Christy,

I know a lot of people don’t believe this, but it’s almost never mathematically justifiable to go out and buy a new car, or even a newer one. Let’s say you’re driving a $1,000 car, and you keep having problems and putting $250 worth of repairs or maintenance into it each month. Do you realize how long you can keep putting that $250 into the car before you reach the point of it making sense to buy a new $10,000 car? I mean, we’re literally talking about years!

Really, it all boils down to a couple of things. One, do you have the money sitting around to pay cash for a new car? If you’ve worked hard and can go to the dealership and write a check for a new car, then go for it.

The second thing is the hassle factor. Is the car absolutely unsafe, or is it driving you nuts in terms of inconvenience and repair costs? If so, then you might need to look into getting a newer vehicle. You’ll notice I didn’t say a new car, right? And you still pay cash. You don’t want five or six years’ worth of car payments hanging around your neck.

I’m not against you having a nice car, Christy. What I’m against is your nice car having you!

Dave

* For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com.

Governor Ron and First Lady Jean host dinner at Spezia in Omaha for Paul and wife Suanne. At far end is Frank Murphy, District Secretary and wife, Janet.

by Ron Petsch

Milford Kiwanis Members Meet with Kiwanis International President

Twelve members of the Kiwanis Club of Milford were fortunate to participate in the Kiwanis International President’s Visit to Omaha and Council Bluffs on May 22.  Paul Palazzolo, current Kiwanis International President, made his official visit to the Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District with his wife and family, spending several days doing activities and working with Kiwanis members on service projects.

The Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District is made up of 194 Kiwanis Clubs from between Ogallala, Nebraska to Iowa City, Iowa and has almost 6900 members.  Kiwanis International Presidents only visit Districts on a rotational basis of 5-6 years. President Paul Palazzolo, of Springfield, Illinois, was elected in June 2009 at the 94th annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  He previously served as trustee and vice president.

Paul is a 25-year member with perfect attendance and past-distinguished president of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield-Downtown, Illinois.  He earned distinguished honors as governor of the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District in 1994-95, and served as district secretary, district treasurer and as president of the district foundation board.

He is a life member of Kiwanis International and a diamond-level George F. Hixson Fellow, Tablet of Honor recipient and Heritage Society member of the Kiwanis International Foundation.  He served as a Key Club distinguished governor in 1983-84 and was recognized with Circle K’s Opal Award by the 1999-00 president of Circle K International.

Paul holds a degree in finance from the University of Illinois and is the auditor of Sangamon County, Illinois.  He is also a licensed real estate broker.  In addition to Kiwanis, he has served his community in many ways, including park district trustee, airport authority treasurer, and leadership roles in Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Illinois and Senior Center Services Board.

Paul and his wife, Suanne, are parents of a daughter, Maria and a son, Anthony.  They arrived in Omaha on Friday morning, May 21, and were greeted by Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis Governor Ron Petsch, plus a Greeting Team of 12 other people.  They were escorted to the Omaha Holiday Inn Central for their stay and they had a luncheon with Omaha Archbishop, George Lucas.  Lucas was formally an Archbishop in Palazzolo’s hometown of Springfield, IL.

A reception was held at the Holiday Inn on Friday evening with many Kiwanis members from around Omaha and Council Bluffs in attendance.  Following the reception, Kiwanis Governor Ron Petsch and wife Jean, along with NE-IA Kiwanis District Secretary Frank Murphy and his wife Janet, hosted Paul and his wife Suanne for dinner.

A  District Kiwanis Family event was held on Saturday, May 22 at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha with Kiwanis members and family members participating.  The Palazzolo family enjoyed themselves and the company of the many Kiwanis members and children that attended.  A picnic in honor of the Kiwanis First Family followed at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center Lodge in Omaha.

Milford Kiwanis members attended the “Kids Against Hunger” service project that was conducted during the afternoon hours at the Omaha Food Bank.  The Milford Kiwanis members that participated in the service project included Bob & Nora Ficke and Ron, Jean and Justine Petsch.  Over 17,000 meals were packed during the 2-hour work session with over 100 volunteers participating.  The meals consist of dried rice, soy, vitamins and vegetables.  Eighty percent of the meals will go directly to Sierra Leone while 10% remains at the food bank and another 10% goes to disaster response in the US.  The $5500 necessary to purchase the food for the project was donated by Kiwanis Clubs in the Omaha area.

During the evening hours, the “Official Presentation” by President Paul was held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.  He discussed the Ten Qualities of Effective Kiwanis Clubs to a crowd of 150 people.  Kiwanis members from Milford that attended include Ron, Jean, and Justine Petsch, Connie and Larry Lindquist, Bob and Nora Ficke, Elaine Plessel, Terri Lannen and Dave and Karen Geary.  Governor Ron and First Lady Jean presented the Palazzolo family with gifts representing the best products produced in Nebraska and Iowa.

Prior to their departure from Omaha on Sunday, the Palazzolo family attended services at the Boys Town Dowd Chapel.  Their visit to the Nebraska-Iowa District provided Kiwanis members to learn more about their family and become more familiar with President Paul’s vision for Kiwanis and the future of service by the organization.

Milford Kiwanis members at the Kids Against Hunger service project. From left is Bob Ficke, Kiwanis International President, Paul Palazzolo, Governor Ron Petsch, Justine Petsch and Nora Ficke.

Governor Ron Petsch introduces and greets Paul as he comes on stage for his Official Presentation speech.

BryanLGH College of Health Sciences

Joanie Welsh, Milford, received her Master of Scienced in Nurse Anesthesia at the college’s 2010 graduation at Sheridan Lutheran Church.

Peter Stahly

Each year Phil Goddard, the instrumental music instructor at Milford High School, presents the “John Philip Sousa Award” to an outstanding Senior Band member. This year the recipient was Peter Stahly.

“Peter has led the percussion section for three years and made all the decisions regarding instrumentation, assignments and transportation,” Goddard wrote in an email to the Free Press. “It helps a great deal if I can have a responsible student take charge of that large section.”

See the latest about the Milford landfill at http://journalstar.com/news/local/article_b47dd40e-6784-11df-86e7-001cc4c03286.html

Shelbi Bittinger shows her medal-winning style in the high jump in a Milford meet photo by Debbie Berg.

Milford High School has a state medalist in track and field.

Sophomore Shelbi Bittinger won a bronze medal at state in the girls high jump with a 5’3” tie with her personal record — the same height that earned her a gold medal at the district meet in Seward the week before.

“She had a couple of good attempts at 5′4″, but just barely nicked the bar,” Head Coach Marty Hingst said. “She was first at every meet she participated in, until the state meet.”

Three other Eagle qualifiers headed to the state tournament as well. Although they didn’t medal, all placed higher than they were seeded.

“This is the best of the best,” Hingst said of the competition at the state meet, held at Omaha Burke. “Our kids didn’t let the size of the meet and all the people affect them. They just went after it.”

Junior Taylor Klein competed in the boys high jump. His 6’1” effort at district earned him a bronze. But a 6’2” at state not only counted as a new personal best, it moved him from a 12th seed to ninth place.

Junior Devin Wortman qualified for state by placing third in the boys 400 with a time of 51.81. He ran a 51.7 at state — another new PR, and enough to move from being seeded 16th, to finishing 14th.

Freshman Haley Moore was the final qualifier, earning a trip to state by running the girls 300-meter hurdles in 48.30 seconds at district — enough to place fourth. She was seeded 18th at state, but her 47.8 finish (also a new PR) landed her in 12th.

Other Eagle District medals:

Haley Moore — fourth in girls triple jump (34’10.5”)

Kyle Hoggins, Devin Wortman, Coleman Dahle and Derek Tegtmeier — fourth in boys 4×400 relay team (3:36)

Kyle Hoggins, Derek Tegtmeier, Mitchell Martin and Dillon Williams — fourth in boys 4×800 meter relay (8:49.20)

Jon Davenport — fifth in boys triple jump (40’1.75”)

Devin Wortman — sixth in boys 200-meter dash (23.20)

Andrea Kontor — sixth in girls 3200 run (12:43.90)

Katie Fry, Bryli Troyer, Allison Spath and Sally McCall — sixth in the girls 4×800 relay (10:48.30)

Dillon Williams — sixth in boys 3200-meter run (10.40.50)