News in Osmond in 2020
January. . .
A large cross was placed east of Osmond. According to organizers of the project, Osmond has a history of having a large cross on the hill east of town, which had been replaced several times. Several people got together and said “Let’s fix that.” After discussion and planning, they ended up with a 32-ft. I-beam cross, all built with donations from anonymous people from all denominations.
With a week off because of the NSAA-required moratorium for all sports, the Osmond Lady Tigers came out on fire as they defeated Plainview Lady Pirates 52-34 and Winside Lady Wildcats to take the championship in the Randolph Holiday Tournament Dec. 27-28.
During Christmas break, the Osmond boys played in the Randolph Holiday Tournament and defeated Plainview 53-23 and Randolph 50-33 to take the championship trophy.
Joan Baer, 89, of Kearney, formerly of Osmond, died Dec. 31, 2019. Her husband Joe was the pastor at the Methodist church in Osmond from 1972 through 1980, and Joan worked for Duane Reed Accounting.
Three Osmond High School football players received post-season honors. Alexis Solorzano was named first team All-district; he also received recognition as being All-state honorable mention. Josh Gansebom earned honorable mention recognition for District D2-4 and honorable mention All-state. Landon Stelling earned honorable mention All-district D2-4 and honorable mention All-state.
Landon Koehler shared a picture of an elk, seen running southeast of Osmond on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Patsy Owens, 70, of Osmond died Jan. 8, 2020, at her home.
Gayle Beacom, 58, of Osmond died Jan. 11, 2020, in Lincoln. He was a lifelong member of the Osmond community, working for L-G Pumping for many years.
The Osmond Tiger boys’ basketball team claimed their sixth straight Wausa Tournament championship, defeating Niobrara-Verdigre 70-25 and Lutheran High Northeast 62-52.
A Winter Weather Advisory brought slippery road conditions, blowing snow and poor visibility. That, in addition to illness, caused school closing in Osmond. Superintendent Dave Hamm said “We are canceling school due to excessive illness. We have nearly 20% of our students absent and many who have Influenza B or Influenza B-like symptoms.”
Ten Osmond Tiger student-athletes received NCPA Academic All-state awards: Zach Alderson and Aaron Chishiba for boys’ cross country; Hayle Krienert and Riley Wagner, girls’ cross country; Josh Gansebom and Landon Stelling, football; Kennedy Johnson and Bailey Schmit, volleyball, and Mason Gansebom and Connor von Rentzell, unified bowling.
At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Osmond City Council appointed Alexis Buol as city treasurer and Cindy Hoffman as assistant treasurer effective that day.
A large crowd attended the first of two community meetings to discuss the proposed new activity center at Osmond Community School on Jan. 27. Many questions were asked, including “Can’t we do something more reasonable? We made do with this years ago, why not now?”
Ferd (Bahr) Reding died Jan. 18, 2020, in Oregon. She was born in Osmond. She and husband Clarence Reding moved to Oregon in 1956.
Ten Osmond band students participated in the Lewis & Clark Conference Honor Band. Named to first chair were Diandra Polt, Kaden Polt, Madeline Huwaldt, Kenzie von Rentzell, Connor von Rentzell and Jozie Kumm. Second chair medalists were Austin Vinson and Allison Aschoff. Selected to participate in Class D All-state Honor Band were Diandra Polt, Kaden Polt and Allison Aschoff. Playing in the symphonic band were Kenzie von Rentzell, Connor von Rentzell, Josh Gansebom, Jozie Kumm and Zach Alderson.
February. . .
Kayla Hoffman, owner and stylist of Sunrise Salon, celebrated her 15th year in business in February.
Another new business opened in town as Joe Aschoff, associated with Aschoff Auction Company, established a new business, Ag Land Realty, LLC, on the northwest edge of Osmond.
Residents at Osmond General Care Center, their families and friends celebrated Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14, with a special meal, treats and exchange of valentines. Shirley Schmit and Margie Thomsen were named Valentine’s royalty for the day.
At the Feb. 11 District 42R School Board meeting, board members accepted the resignations of business education instructor Eli Neitzel and Jane Brummels, who had served the district for 13 years.
LaVerne Acklie, 97, of Osmond, formerly of Wausa, died Feb. 4, 2020, at Osmond General Hospital.
Loren Van Houten, 52, of Osmond died Feb. 9, 2020, at his residence.
Dorothy Krohn, 99, of Plainview, formerly of Osmond, died Feb. 24, 2020, at Plainview Manor. She and husband Raymond farmed outside of Osmond until moving into town.
At the Wynot speech meet, Kaden Polt and Riley Wagner placed first in duet acting; Kaden, first in entertainment; Kiera Moes, first in persuasive speaking; Kenzie von Rentzell, first in informative speaking; Riley, third in serious prose; Cali Gutz and Kiera, fourth in duet acting; Allie Aschoff, fifth in serious prose, and Austin Vinson, fifth in informative speaking and sixth in poetry.
On Feb. 24, John Schmit and Walter Aschoff received certificates from Osmond Housing, Inc., for their fathers, Eugene Schmit and Ron Aschoff, who retired after 45 years of service with the organization. John, Walter and Ross Stelling were welcomed to the board that morning.
March. . .
As of March 2, the last filing date for non-incumbents to file for office for the primary election, Osmond had a candidate for city mayor. Dennis Kuhl threw his hat in the ring and will run unopposed.
The Osmond Tiger boys’ basketball team earned their third trip in a row to the state basketball tournament, defeating McCool Junction 63-33 in the district final on March 3.
Conference speech medalists were Kenzie von Rentzell, Allie Aschoff, Diandra Polt, Kaden Polt, Riley Wagner, Cali Gutz, Kiera Moes and Austin Vinson.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were felt in the community as Osmond schools closed through March 31 (later changed to being closed through the end of the term),
St. Mary’s soup dinner was canceled and a number of places either closed or announced they would be following guidelines of the CDC. Some places that remained open in the beginning later changed to being closed or offering take-out or drive-up options.
It was a tough pill to swallow. When the final buzzer sounded at Lincoln East High School with a score of Osmond 49-Southern Valley 50, fans, players and coaches froze in shock, realizing their dream season was over.
Jeron’s Java Roasting Company was a new coffee-roasting business in Osmond. Jerry and Sharon Wagner opened their business in September of 2019 in their home. The business offers a variety of products, including black coffee, flavored coffee, alcoholinfused coffee and cappuccino and hot chocolate mixes.
Pierce County Clerk Shannon Wragge was sending out a letter to all households in the county, advising of her recommendation that, because of the coronavirus outbreak in the state and in compliance with social distancing guidelines recommended by federal and state agencies, all Pierce County voters should vote early by mail instead of going to the polls for the primary election.
The special bond election for Osmond Community School District 42 was held by mail-in vote with the deadline of Tuesday, March 10. There were 839 registered voters in the district with 627 votes cast, for a 75% voter turnout. There were 409 votes against the bond, with 218 votes for, so the bond issue has failed.
Osmond High School senior Keaton Timmerman and junior Graysen Schultze both earned Lewis and Clark first team all-conference honors for their contributions in the 2019-20 basketball season. Fellow Tiger teammates, seniors Justus Maertins and Aaron Chishiba, received honorable mention.
Osmond High School sophomores Kiera Moes and Macy Aschoff were both selected as first team Lewis and Clark West Division girls’ basketball players.
Norman Lorenz, 88, of Osmond died March 31, 2020. He was born on the family farm southwest of Osmond and graduated from Osmond High School in 1949.
April. . .
With the Pierce County courthouse closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pierce County Clerk Shannon Wragge advised that a drop box had been installed by the southwest door of the courthouse. She later announced that, also because of the pandemic, there would be only one polling place on Primary Election Day, at the Pierce Fairgrounds Pavilion.
Osmond High School girls’ basketball coach Terry Viterna announced that five Lady Tigers received Class D-1 All-state honorable mention: Maddy Huwaldt, Mary Kahny, Grace Gansebom, Kiera Moes and Macy Aschoff.
Osmond’s three churches announced a place for local residents to turn for messages of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. A phone number was provided for residents to call to receive a message from one of the pastors of Osmond’s three churches, a service provided at no charge by American Broadband. Allie Aschoff, daughter of Joe
Allie Aschoff, daughter of Joe and Angie Aschoff, was selected to represent Auxiliary Unit 326 for Girls State. Sam DeLaCruz, daughter of Gerardo and Olga Herrera, was selected as alternate. Zach Huwaldt, son of Brad and Marla Huwaldt, was selected to represent Post 326 for Boys’ State.
The District 42R Board of Education met Monday, April 13, following CDC and state guidelines for social distancing and keeping the number of attendees at less than 10 persons. One member of the board, LaDonna Stanosheck, joined the board via Zoom.
The Osmond Volunteer Fire Department originated an OVFD Memorial Initiative, in which any deceased member having served for five years or more would receive a sign of recognition. Memorial Maltese Crosses would be placed at respective cemeteries for each member qualifying for such recognition.
Mike Timmerman, 58, of Osmond died April 10, 2020, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Mike graduated from Osmond High School in 1980. Osmond postmaster Joanne “Jo” Sullivan announced her retirement on April 30 after more than 25 years with the postal service, 12 of them here in Osmond.
Osmond General Hospital announced it was one of 14 critical access hospitals in the state of Nebraska to receive the new Abbott Laboratories ID-Now Rapid COVID-19 testing instruments. Osmond Community School third
Osmond Community School third grader Adalyn Koehler received the distinguished award of reaching Star Reader in the Accelerated Reading program.
May. . .
Osmond High School seniors were honored with a Beacon of Light salute, circling the football field while residents drove past the field, honking and cheering. The seniors then drove around town and down State Street as the crowds held signs and cheered, and class members released balloons. Since the last few months of school
Since the last few months of school were done remotely with no events or activities, the seniors had expressed to school administrators that they would like to celebrate those two milestones, even if done later in the year. So with the Class of 2020 in mind, board members decided on Friday, July 17, for prom and Saturday, July 25, for graduation.
A community garden was planted in west Osmond on donated land and with donated labor. As the COVID-19 pandemic began to emerge, the neces sity for having more food plots than 2019 made sense. Luckily, the group in charge was able to access more space.
Like meat processors all over during the pandemic, Osmond Processing advised that they were booked up with people wanting to stock up on meats. According to owner Craig Davis, he was booked up into February of next year.
Out of an abundance of caution related to COVID-19, the Osmond Alumni Committee announced that the 2020 Osmond High School Alumni Reunion scheduled for June 27 was canceled. As far as was known, this was the first time since the first of the biennial alumni reunions was held in 1954 that the event was canceled.
At the May meeting of the Osmond city council, a hearing regarding creation of a street improvement district for Fourth Street from Main to Dakota streets revealed that the project had failed according to written objections received and filed at the city clerk’s office. Also at the May 11 meeting of the
Also at the May 11 meeting of the Osmond City Council, Tyler Wells of Plainview was hired to fill the position of Osmond’s Police Chief.
James Hoestje died in Lenexa, KS on May 12, 2020. James graduated with the OHS Class of 1956. As was the case with the alumni
As was the case with the alumni reunion, the Osmond Summerfest was canceled because of concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some businesses and activities were opening up in the state, because the event brings in large crowds, the committee thought it was best.
Osmond Community School announced its newest Honor Reader, Jack Berg. Jack was only the 17th student at OCS to achieve the high honor. Osmond’s Memorial Day pro
Osmond’s Memorial Day program, normally held in the Osmond Community School gym under the auspices of American Legion Post 326, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7838 and their auxiliaries, was affected by the pandemic but was still held — just in a different way. On Monday, May 25, the program was held without a speaker; however, the local cemeteries were decorated and a mock cemetery was placed on the east side of the school grounds, “Taps” was played and a firing salute was held.
Osmond students named to NSAA Academic All-state included Zach Alderson, Robert Aschoff, Mason Bykerk, Josh Gansebom, Cali Gutz, Madeline Huwaldt, Kennedy Johnson, Diandra Polt, Kaden Polt, Bailey Schmit, Alexis Solorzano, Landon Stelling, Keaton Timmerman and Patrick Vinson. Those named to the Lincoln Journal Star Academic Allstate were Alderson, Aaron Chishiba, Johnson Chishiba, Gansebom, Connor Gutz, Madeline Huwaldt, Zach Huwaldt, Johnson, Hayle Krienert, Graysen Schultze, Solorzano, Brady Stech, Stelling, Timmerman and Connor von Rentzell.
June. . .
Baseball and softball practice began June 1 and, after months of being cooped up, Osmond kids were ready to get out and be active. The teams had to adhere to many new rules, including no concessions, each athlete using their own equipment and only household members allowed at games.
The Osmond Food Pantry located at the United Methodist Church received a new refrigerator and will now be able to stock perishable foods on site.
After much anticipation, the new Osmond Municipal Swimming Pool opened on Saturday, June 20. On that day, according to the CDC, the pool was only allowed 25% of its capacity of 200. Beginning the next Monday, the city was allowed 75% of capacity, which is 150.
Barbara Roth peacefully passed away on June 18, 2020. Barbara attended Osmond High School and graduated in 1953.
July. . .
The Osmond school board met Monday, July 6, and began the meeting with an oral report by Principal Kurt Polt, who asked for direction on prom and graduation plans. Prom was planned for July 17 at the city auditorium with the grand march starting outside, and the dance to be limited to juniors and seniors. Graduation was also to be limited to family of seniors only, with recorded music and masks optional but encouraged.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Osmond Municipal Pool was held Saturday, July 11, as part of a Pierce County Economic Development-sponsored pool party. The 2020 Osmond High School
The 2020 Osmond High School prom king candidates were Zachary Alderson, Landon Stelling, Logan Stelling and Alexis Solorzano. Candidates for prom queen were Madeline Huwaldt, Mary Kahny, Diandra Polt and Makenzie Vargas-Toledo.
Mary Kahny and Alexis Solorzano were named Osmond High School prom queen and king during activities held at the city auditorium on July 17.
During the Monday, July 13, Osmond City Council meeting, Cindy Hoffman was presented an engraved clock by Mayor James Bessmer and was honored for her years of service working for the city.
The top six-ranking students of the Class of 2020 were Kennedy Johnson, valedictorian; Grace Broekemeier, salutatorian; Landon Stelling, thirdranking; Diandra Polt, fourth; Zachary Alderson, fifth, and Madeline Huwaldt, sixth.
On Tuesday, July 21, Kelly Hodson, president of Osmond Housing, Inc., presented a certificate to Deb Schmit in honor of her father, Norman Lorenz’s, years of service with the organization. Deb was also welcomed to the board that morning.
Parishioners of Immanuel Lutheran Church found out that Rev. Glen Emery would be leaving the congregation. Rev. Emery, who moved to Osmond in December of 2013, announced he would become the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairbury in September.
August. . .
Osmond has a new postmaster! Lori MacGregor of Plainview took the oath of office as postmaster at Osmond on Tuesday, Aug. 4. A large crowd packed into the various rooms of the post office for the 11 a.m. ceremony.
At the fall visit of the American Red Cross on Aug. 4, there were 27 presenting donors, two deferrals, 21 whole blood units and eight power red units for a total of 29 units collected.
At the August meeting of the board of education, Principal Kurt Polt discussed a number of changes for students because of COVID-19, including that masks are mandatory while in transition (on buses) and between classes, but not while in classrooms, although highly suggested.
Dr. Dave Jones and brother-in-law Ron Cunningham won the Bob Owens Golf Tournament, held at Rolling Hills Golf Course.
Glenn Sazama, 90, died Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, at Avera Creighton hospital. Glenn was born on the family farm north of Osmond. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Winning champion trophies at the Pierce County Fair were Madeline Huwaldt, champion Hereford breeding heifer, champion stockerfeeder steer, champion 4-H visual arts, reserve champion 4-H home environment and reserve champion senior beef showman; Zachary Alderson, champion senior poultry showman and champion senior livestock judging; Matthew Alderson, champion dehydrated food, reserve champion floriculture and reserve champion vegetable exhibit, and Delilah Koehler, grand champion junior cake decorating and reserve champion halter horse.
The second annual Osmond Volleyball 5K Fun Run, held Monday, Aug. 10, had an excellent turnout with approximately 80 runners and walkers. This year, a scavenger hunt was created in which participants had to take pictures of various items throughout the route. Those who had all the pictures needed were placed in a drawing for a 2020-21 single sports pass. This year, the winner was Kayla Hoffman. One new instructor joined the staff
One new instructor joined the staff at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Rachel Baer is the fifth and sixth grade instructor at St. Mary’s.
A number of new staff members joined Osmond Community School for the 2020-21 school year. They included Kim Miller, business instructor; Rae Carlson, English (working remotely); Camille Asmus, paraeducator; Keesha Billie, custodian; Bronson Pahl, assistant boys’ basketball coach; Mike Slagle, assistant football coach, and Kerry-Lea Wicker, piano accompanist.
Fifty-year certificates of continuous membership were awarded to American Legion members Dr. David Johnson, Dallas Steckelberg, Dennis Hoffman, Denis Schneckloth and Michael Steffen, and a 60-year certificate to Vernon Buol. Ed Clayton received the “Cantankerous Award” from the county.
Don Blecha made a donation to Osmond Community School for swing panels for senior class composites, painting of the old panels and racks to hold them.
Theresa Rice, 91, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, at Osmond General Hospital. Theresa graduated in 1948 from Osmond High School. Theresa taught in a one-room schoolhouse in District 57 for three years and one year in District 80 before her marriage, then was a teacher’s aide at Osmond Community School for 16 years and 10 years at St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Another piece of Osmond’s history came down when a building on Fourth Street housing the former Dr. Rodgers office, dentists’ office and residences was torn down.
Lillian (Broekemeier) Hagelstein, 85, died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, in Columbus. Lillian was born on the family farm by Osmond and graduated from Osmond High School in 1953.
September. . .
The District 42R School Board adopted the 2020-21 budget showing a total budget of disbursements and transfers for all funds in the amount of $6,481,839; they also adopted the tax request resolution.
Marion Adkisson, 90, of Lincoln died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. Marion and his wife, Mary Ann, moved to Osmond in 1978. He was a public accountant with Reed Accounting from 1979 to 1982, then was employed at Osmond State Bank from 1982 to 1991.
After first being rescheduled because of a quarantine situation, Homecoming 2020 was reinstated and was held on Friday, Sept. 25. King and queen candidates were Brenden Gillespie, Connor Gutz, Graysen Schultze, Austin Vinson, Connor von Rentzell, Allison Aschoff, Lexi Beacom, Tessa Dominguez, Elisa Herrera and Hayle Krienert. At halftime of the homecoming football game, Elisa Herrera and Connor Gutz were chosen queen and king.
At the October city council meeting, council members adopted the 2020-21 property tax request at $329,000, the general property taxes for non-bond purposes at $189,000 and the principal and interest on bonds at $140,000.
Winners of the Osmond golf league’s end-of-the-year tournament were Lee Bartz and Merlyn Kuhl.
St. Mary’s annual Swiss steak dinner was held on Saturday, Sept. 19, as a carry-out dinner only. They reported it was a sell-out: 425 meals were served.
October. . .
Mildred “Millie” Zimmer died Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in Norfolk. She was born in Osmond and graduated from Osmond High School.
Donald Hall entered into eternal rest at Osmond General Hospital on Oct. 4, 2020, after a long, hard fight with pancreatic cancer. Don worked in the lab at Osmond General Hospital for 37 years.
The OHS junior workers auction, held after the Osmond-Plainview volleyball game on Thursday, Oct. 8, brought $6,825 for 19 students.
An Osmond boy who had dealt with intestinal issues for years, finally received a life-saving multiorgan transplant. On Oct. 10, Danny Anderson, an eighth grader at Osmond community School, received a new liver, pancreas, small bowel and colon. The transplant came just days before his 15th birthday.
At their Oct. 12 meeting, Osmond City Council members discussed a number of issues relating to flood repairs, including damages to the two bridges on south State Street, several streets and the city offices.
Security Bank of Osmond was named Friend of 4-H at the Pierce County 4-H Achievement Day on Sunday, Oct. 18. Also receiving awards were Gloria Kudera, 30-year volunteer award; Marla Huwaldt, 10-year volunteer award, and Matt Alderson, 2020 Outstanding 4-H Exhibitor.
Services for John Borgmann Jr., 81, of Norfolk were held Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. He was born in Osmond and graduated from Osmond High School in 1956.
The Osmond Tiger boys’ cross country team earned the runnerup plaque at the district meet in Ainsworth on Oct. 15 and a trip to the state meet. Johnson Chishiba finished in sixth place to lead the Tigers, with Graysen Schultze finishing in eighth place. Other members of the varsity team were Kaden Polt, Robert Aschoff and Karter Johnson. At the state meet on Oct. 23, the team finished in 15th place.
The Osmond Tiger football team ended its season in the playoffs with a first-round loss, 54-26, to the Creighton Bulldogs in Osmond on a cold Thursday night, Oct. 22.
A special town hall meeting was held at the Osmond city auditorium on Monday, Oct. 26, to deal with flood damaged streets. The city council was asking for input on direction and guidance in order to move forward with street repairs since both Street Improvement Districts that took place earlier in the year failed. A lengthy discussion was held with various comments and questions from community members. No action was taken at the meeting.
Organizers of the annual craft show sponsored by the United Methodist Church advised that, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the craft show was canceled for 2020.
Halloween activities in Osmond, specifically at Osmond General Hospital, were different in 2020 because of restrictions at the hospital due to COVID-19. The usual costume contest was replaced by a Halloween parade on the east side of the hospital.
November. . .
Another Osmond event that had taken place for many years was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual Veterans Day program at Osmond Community School, hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7838 and scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11, was canceled. The school, however, did have a shortened version of the program that was live-streamed to the public. It included recorded music, a history of Veterans Day and “Taps,” with the song played by Christalin Ginn, and the 2020 Voice of Democracy winner, Kaden
Polt, reading his essay, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”
The official results of the 2020 general election were announced. Locally, the only contested race was for city council. In a vote for two, Dennis Haselhorst received 279 votes; Doug Schmit, 274, and John R. Aschoff, 167. There was only one candidate for Osmond City Mayor. Dennis Kuhl received 341 votes. For District 42R school board, in a vote for three, there were three candidates: Larry Krohn, Michelle Reikofski and Mark Moes, all of whom were reelected.
Shirley Hoffart, 84, of Plainview died Oct. 28, 2020. She graduated from Osmond High School in 1954.
Osmond Community School hosted a fall vocal concert on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Before the final song, Osmond music director Christalin Ginn and several students presented a framed copy of some of the lyrics to the song, “We Must Say Goodbye,” to Jeannie Oltjenbruns, who retired as Osmond accompanist, a position she had held since 1988.
During the November meeting of the Osmond school board, administrators advised the board of the new protocols they would be following in response to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in the area.
Wayne Gansebom, 56, of Osmond died Nov. 13, 2020, at Madison. He was born in Osmond and graduated from Plainview High School in 1983. He loved eating at his favorite hangouts in Osmond and Norfolk, and Jerry’s Hilltop.
Helen Pochop, 98, died Nov. 14, 2020, in Norfolk. She was born in Osmond and attended school at Osmond Public School. The Osmond High School foot
The Osmond High School football team had seven members selected to the All-district D2-3 teams. Named to the offensive team were Patrick Vinson and Ryan Schmit. Zach Huwaldt and Alex Vinson were named to the defensive team. Receiving honorable mention was Bryan Solorzano.
Grace Gansebom and Macy Aschoff were named to the Lewis and Clark West Division All-conference volleyball team, while Elisa Herrera received honorable mention. Four Osmond High School
Four Osmond High School students — Connor von Rentzell, Holly Jensen, Allison Aschoff and Austin Vinson — were selected for the Conference Honor Choir.
Wausmond competed in the Lewis and “Clark Conference oneact play contest on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Newcastle and was named conference runner-up in the Clark Division. Three Osmond students received Outstanding Performance Awards: Allison Aschoff, Kaden polt and Riley Wagner. The one-act play was “Hold On,” and was written by Sheila Hoesing, Wausmond one-act coach.
A Monday morning accident, surprisingly, resulted in no injuries. A semi truck driver was headed east on Highway 20 behind a Northeast Power truck hauling a pole for new power lines. When the Northeast Power truck turned north, the semi struck the pole, which took off the sleeper section behind the truck’s cab.
Robert “Bob” Arnold, 83, died Nov. 22, 2020. Bob worked as general manager for Big John Mfg. from 1974 to 1981.
Lavon Blunck, 86, died Nov. 24, 2020, in Randolph. She and husband Kenneth farmed northeast of Osmond for 36 years. She worked at the Osmond Republican for eight years.
Kenneth Kumm, 91, of Bloomfield died Nov. 26, 2020. Kenneth was born northwest of Osmond and graduated from Osmond High School in 1946. Joan Leuck, 78, of Pekin, IL, died
Joan Leuck, 78, of Pekin, IL, died Nov. 25, 2020. She graduated in 1960 from Osmond High School.
December. . .
The Osmond Sons of the American Legion announced that they were changing their annual Christmas Wishes to mail-in. Also, Bob Hupp would be performing on his Facebook page at Main Street Alley on Dec. 13. Wausmond’s one-act play, “Hold
Wausmond’s one-act play, “Hold On,” took the district championship, earning them the right to compete at state. District acting awards went to Kaden Polt and Riley Wagner of Osmond and Cole Story, Tyler Baue, Leah Bloomquist and Trey McQuay of Wausa. The cast and crew then took the championship at state. Polt, Wagner and Allie Aschoff received outstanding performance awards, and the technical crew also took home a first-place award.
Santa Day in Osmond was held a little different because of COVID-19. Santa and Mrs. Claus were stationed in the window of the Osmond Senior Center. Children waved and dropped off their wish lists, then headed off to complete a scavenger hunt for Christmas decorations.
Raymond Veik, 88, of McLean died Dec. 10, 2020. He spent the majority of his childhood in McLean, graduating high school there in 1950.
Winners in the Voice of Democracy contest were announced: first place: Kaden Polt; second, Bailey Schmit, and third, Grace Gansebom.
At the December meeting of the Osmond City Council, James Bessmer, who did not seek reelection, received a token of appreciation for his years of service to the city. New city council member Dennis Haselhorst and new mayor Dennis Kuhl both took the oath of office, as did Doug Schmit, who was reelected in November.
On Dec. 11, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced that the state was moving from the “orange” to “yellow” phase of its coronavirus pandemic response plan.
Lois A. Gerdes, 84, of McLean died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. She earned her diploma from Osmond High School in 1953. She taught in country schools from 1953 to 1993.
Shirley Schmit, 87, died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, at Osmond General Care Center. She and husband Raymond farmed near Osmond for many years.
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