What's New

 

DON'T FORGET VALENTINE'S DAY

What great weather we had for our Groundhog Celebration this year. There were some new vendors at the Gym and a nice crowd.

Sue Saathoff and Peggy Leefers at the Library table

About 80 people attended the presentation "Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History" by Deb Carpenter Nolting and Lyn Messersmith.

Deb Carpenter Nolting & Lyn Messersmith

We are so lucky to receive funding from the Nebraska Humanities Council and the Unadilla Area Fund/Foundation for these annual presentations.

Corey Schulze and Sharon Demaree had their "mini" Unadilla set up in the Library and visitors stated they were amazed by the details. If you missed it, the village will be set up in one of the old classrooms for visitors to the Village Office to enjoy.

Christie and Milan Brehm created a wonderful display of old and new quilts. Even if you're not a quilter, they were inspiring and the history that was attached to some was very special.

Thanks to Peggy Leefers, Sue Saathoff, Larry Larson, Corinne Zahn, Maureen Vogt, Donna Crownover and their helpers for the wonderful assistance they provided at the Community Center and the Duncan Building. If you won a Silent Auction item, please pick them up as soon as possible. 

A special thanks to the Christian Church Circle for providing lunch at the gym.

Brenda DeGolyer & Jeannie Steinkuhler

Soup, jerky, and Spam entries were checked in at the Duncan Building. 

Jerky judges were: Gabe Meints, Aaron Rule, and Jason Hurt

Soup judges were: Jennifer Jepsen, Cindy DeFreece, and Jimmy Cox

There were no vegetable soup entries. In the Chili division, Adam Bassinger won first and Paul Wallman, second. In the "Other" category, Nina Jean Rohlfs took first and Susanna Porter claimed second. In "Best use of Spam" category, Jenn Bassinger took first and Nina Jean Rohlfs came in second. They were all delicious. In the Jerky contest we had repeat winners from last year: first place went to Reagan Wilhelm and second place to Pressley Wilhelm. Thanks to Matt & Michele Capps for organizing this event.

Also at the Duncan Building, the Girl Scouts were selling Groundhog items, the Nebraska Nut Growers Association had lots of their products, and the Boy Scouts provided lunch there. And for your dining enjoyment, Nina Jean Rohlfs provided the lovely music.

It was 54 degrees at parade time. As far as attendance, we lost count around 350. Continuing a long tradition, the joint American Legion and VFW Color Guard led the way.

(L) Keith Goering, Gerald Neemann, Governor Pete Ricketts, Eldon Halm, Bob Wilhelm

 

They were followed by the Grand Marshall, Christina Hoyt, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, who rode in the Groundhog Falcon.

For the first time in recent history, there were no actual floats, but a great number of old cars, some restored to perfection, as well as other Falcons.

First place went to Bob Bryan and his Minneapolis Moline pulling tractor. The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts tied for second place.

After the close of the parade, Governor Pete Ricketts presented the Village with a new proclamation, once again appointing Unadilla as the "Groundhog Capital of Nebraska". Governor Ricketts stated, "First of all, you've got a great monopoly on parades this time of year. This parade is one of the things that makes our state great...makes Nebraska a place where people want to be."

Thanks to Perry Stoner and Bill Farmer for their "Master of Ceremonies" duties and to the organizers down by Dan's Tire for lining up everyone in the right place.

King Kevin Randall & Queen Michele Capps

After the parade, the King and Queen coronation was held at "The Bar". This year Kevin Randall was elected King and Michele Capps as Queen. This contest raised over $1700. for the Fire Department, Rescue Squad, and Unadilla Area Fund. We would like to thank everyone who donated in support of the great cause. 

Jimmy Cox & Larry Larson

As the last event of the day, Rex Oelke won the grill, and Jimmy Cox won the meat package.

We would especially like to thank Dwight Kastens and Arlin Rohlfs for tackling the streets, sidewalks, and downed trees after last week's snow storm. They outdid themselves. There were also events at the Methodist Church, Unadilla Hardware, Reclaim it Antiques, and the Andersons. Sorry we couldn't cover everything.

Groundhog Mascot & Bob Brandt

Thanks to our head groundhog and president of the "Central Committee", Bob Brandt and his many helpers. Thanks also to Bob Wilhelm, who nevers says no and goes along with all my ideas. If I've missed anyone, I'm truly sorry. 

As I've stated before, this type of event "takes a village" and almost everyone in our village participates in one way or the other. Thank you hardly seems enough, but thank you anyway.

We had a great time and we hope to see you next year on Saturday, February 6.

Go to the "Events" tab above to see other photos. (check back often!)

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

2-14   Cooper Oelke, Jackie McWilliams Katchaturian

2-16   Colt Aernie

2-18   Jay Jensen, Makenzy Walker

NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO

Friday, 2-12-1915, The Otoe Union:

"The brick is here for the new depot platform which will be laid as soon as weather permits." "The carpenters and furnace men completed their work on the new school house Tuesday and the painters and decorators are busy."