The Seneca, Kansas post office has a Depression-era mural on display. Titled "Men and Wheat," it pictures wheat harvest as it was done in that era. The artist was Joe Jones -he painted a handful of PO murals including one in Anthony, Kansas. Seneca is in Nemaha County.

The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School first guest reader for 2nd grade was Ms. Kim, who chose a book that she recalls her librarian reading to her when she was young. She read “Thunder Cake” and also baked us our own thunder cake to enjoy. The surprise ingredient was shocking! Thanks, Ms. Kim!

Hiawatha Public School Coach Jiru started providing morning weights for 7th and 8th graders this year. Twenty-three middle school students showed up today. These students are dedicated to the future of Red Hawk athletics! Thanks Coach Jiru!

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is proud to announce a record-breaking total from its
fifth annual STEP-Up Nemaha Match Day, held on Friday, August 22, 2025. With a
tremendous outpouring of support from local donors, the event raised a net total of over
$294,000, making it the most successful Match Day in the foundation’s history.

Sam Bergstrom was the youngest participant to spin the KMZA prize wheel—what a memorable moment!

Donors gave in person at the Seneca Free Library between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with KMZA
radio broadcasting live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online donations were also collected at
www.stepupnemaha.com.

A total of 414 gifts were received during the event, with donations ranging from $10 to over
$22,000. In all, 37 different funds benefited from the day’s giving. Eight funds achieved the
maximum matching amount from the available $55,000 match pool.
The top three funds receiving the highest contributions were:
? Nemaha County Catastrophic Medical Fund: $23,763
? Centralia Project Fund: $19,383
? Kathy L. Schmelzle Fund: $18,043

A list of participating funds and donation totals is available at www.stepupnemaha.com.
The sixth annual STEP-Up Nemaha Match Day is scheduled for August 2026. Anyone
interested in becoming STEP-Up Supporters or starting a fund with the STEP Foundation are
encouraged to contact Tory Jost at info@nemahastep.org.

Congratulations to all Sabetha High School students receiving academic honors!! Well done all students who worked so hard for thier awards!

Hiawatha Public School 5th grade STEAM is having fun investigating conductivity using Makey Makeys!

The Seneca Fire Department is excited to be apart of this years Match Day on Friday, Aug 22. We are raising funds to replace our SCBA fill station. This important tool fills our air bottles with breathable air to enter burning structures. Our current system is over 30 years old and replacement parts are hard to come by. An estimated cost to replace the unit is $30,000. SFD greatly appreciates our community and those who continued to support our 100% volunteer fire department.

Hiawatha Walmart congratulates their very own Robin Adamson for being recognized by the North East Kansas Market as a Next Level Leader. This is a big honor and well deserved!!

The Axtell School StuCo and NHS students hosted the annual Eagle Boot Camp for the K-5 graders. Eagle Boot Camp helps our young Eagles learn life skills used in our school and other public places.

Hiawatha Teammates Mentoring Program received a $500 grant from Grain Belt Express. Thank you for supporting our programs!

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is proud to announce a generous $5,000 donation from
Ag Partners in support of the upcoming Match Day initiative. This significant contribution
reflects Ag Partners' ongoing dedication to strengthening the local community and supporting philanthropic efforts throughout Nemaha County.

Match Day is a vital fundraising event that encourages charitable giving to local organizations,
amplifying impact through matched donations. Ag Partners’ support plays a crucial role in the
event’s success and in ensuring that community foundations continue to grow and thrive.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Ag Partners for their continued generosity and belief in our
mission,” said STEP Executive Director Tory Jost. “This kind of partnership demonstrates what
makes Nemaha County such a strong and supportive place to live, work, and give.”

Pictured left to right: Caitlin Holthaus (AP Clerk); Nicole Hermesch (Data Optimization
Expert); Maggie Grier, STEP Vice President; Tory Jost, STEP Executive Director; Bonnie
Meeks, STEP Board Member; Sophie Schumacher (Marketing Intern); Jacey Leech
(Merchandising Assistant); and Jessica Hermesch (Director of Marketing)

For more information about Match Day or to learn how you can support the STEP Foundation,
visit www.nemahastep.org or www.stepupnemaha.com.

A huge shout out to our ACCHS Booster Club for the amazing upgrades they have made to our football stadium. Thank you for the new scoreboard wrap and the new fence cups.

Hiawatha School Teachers were treated to breakfast to welcome them back! Have a great start to the new school year everyone!!

Here is the first shipment of new books to the Axtell public school thanks to Lisa Broxterman for donating her Highland money to the library. The students will be excited to see these new titles in the library,.

Doniphan West Kay members Alisa Enke and Isabelle Smith attended leadership camp last week at Rock Springs Ranch.

The Jefferson County North middle school cheer team just got back from their first overnight UCA cheer camp. It was a grueling couple days learning cheers and dance performances. They competed against 13 other teams ranging from ms to hs varsity teams. They took home 1st place for their pyramid out of all the teams! We couldn't believe it. They also took home 3rd place for their dance performance in their division! These girls represented JCN with so much class and integrity. They are competitor's and definitely a team to watch! Come out to a MS football game to help cheer them on!!

Shout out to our amazing USD 115 Custodial Staff!

From deep cleaning every classroom, to moving furniture, repairing equipment, and keeping our building running smoothly all year long- their work often happens behind the scenes, but it makes a HUGE difference every single day.

We are so grateful for their dedication, hard work, and pride in our school. When you see them in the halls, be sure to give them a big “thank you” for everything they do for our students, staff, and community!