The Crofton Youth Basketball Association teams competed in area tournaments during the weekend of Saturday, January 31st through Sunday, February 1st.
Most of the boys teams competed in the Bon Homme tournament inside the Bon Homme High School gymnasium in Tyndall, South Dakota, on Saturday, January 31st.
Some of the boys teams and all of the girls teams who competed over the weekend played in the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge tournament inside the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge High School gymnasium in Laurel.
Most of the boys teams competed in the Bon Homme tournament inside the Bon Homme High School gymnasium in Tyndall, South Dakota, on Saturday, January 31st.
Some of the boys teams and all of the girls teams who competed over the weekend played in the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge tournament inside the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge High School gymnasium in Laurel.
On January 25, the Crofton-Bloomfield young wrestlers held the Brandon Nelson Memorial Dual Tournament, at the Bloomfield High School. “It has been a few years since we’ve done this and although it was smaller than it had been in the past, we had a great turnout, and our kids wrestled the best they have all year,” said Coach Michael Magorian. “We had a couple of teams have to drop out due to illness and prior commitments, but both Creighton and Plainview youth wrestling clubs joined us and said they will definitely return next year.”
The Crofton Community School’s “Students of the Term” have been released for the fourth term of the 2024-25 school year.
The Students of the Term are:
High School: Jace Panning
Junior High: Gavin Mueller
Students are nominated by teachers for many reasons, not just grades. Some of the reasons students were nominated are helping faculty and staff, tutoring students that are struggling, coming in for extra help before and after school, or just being a good classmate. Teachers can nominate a high school student and a junior high student.
Others nominated:
High School: Jacee Athony, Brady Guenther, Kaydence Nielsen, Sophia Wortmann, Margo Miller, Maci Foxhoven, Cali Bauch, Katie Neuharth, Dominik Emery, Athena Vau, Luke DeRoos, Isaac Steffen, Kaija Hess, Corbin Bernt, Cecilia Wortmann, Macy Baker, Collyns Stout
Junior High: Summer Haberman, Heather Steffen, Hadley Becker, Dylan Gulbranson, Bre Schieffer, Cairi Culliton, Nash Drotzmann, Jarrett Johnson, Gaia Vau, Karsyn Hart, Rex Sailer, Ruby Wilkins, Chesney Foxhoven, William Babcock
The Students of the Term are:
High School: Jace Panning
Junior High: Gavin Mueller
Students are nominated by teachers for many reasons, not just grades. Some of the reasons students were nominated are helping faculty and staff, tutoring students that are struggling, coming in for extra help before and after school, or just being a good classmate. Teachers can nominate a high school student and a junior high student.
Others nominated:
High School: Jacee Athony, Brady Guenther, Kaydence Nielsen, Sophia Wortmann, Margo Miller, Maci Foxhoven, Cali Bauch, Katie Neuharth, Dominik Emery, Athena Vau, Luke DeRoos, Isaac Steffen, Kaija Hess, Corbin Bernt, Cecilia Wortmann, Macy Baker, Collyns Stout
Junior High: Summer Haberman, Heather Steffen, Hadley Becker, Dylan Gulbranson, Bre Schieffer, Cairi Culliton, Nash Drotzmann, Jarrett Johnson, Gaia Vau, Karsyn Hart, Rex Sailer, Ruby Wilkins, Chesney Foxhoven, William Babcock
“Nothin’ but Treble” is a fun and energetic youth choir led by Katie Klienschmit made up of students in third through sixth grade. During the season, students worked together to develop proper singing techniques, explore harmonies, and learn a mix of Christmas carols and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” An incredible 61 students signed up for the group this year. “Nothin’ but Treble” wrapped up this season by performing “The Star-Spangled Banner at the Warrior basketball game on Friday, January 23.
The public can now find the Knox County and State candidate filings on the Knox County website.
Go to the Knox County website at knoxcountyne.gov and then select the Elections department.
There on the Elections Office page towards the bottom of the middle column you will find the links “2026 Knox County List of Candidate Filings” and “Statewide Candidate Filing List”.
Knox County Clerk Joann Fischer will be updating the Knox County listing of 2026 Primary and General Election candidates throughout the business day if possible, or at least several times a day depending on filings.
Call Knox County Clerk Joann Fischer at 402-288-5604 or email clerk@knoxcountyne.gov with any questions you may have.
Go to the Knox County website at knoxcountyne.gov and then select the Elections department.
There on the Elections Office page towards the bottom of the middle column you will find the links “2026 Knox County List of Candidate Filings” and “Statewide Candidate Filing List”.
Knox County Clerk Joann Fischer will be updating the Knox County listing of 2026 Primary and General Election candidates throughout the business day if possible, or at least several times a day depending on filings.
Call Knox County Clerk Joann Fischer at 402-288-5604 or email clerk@knoxcountyne.gov with any questions you may have.
Bands from Crofton High School, Bloomfield High School and Ponca High School will be coming together for the Annual “Battle of the Bands.”
The Crofton Music Boosters, MainStreet Treasures and Modern Woodmen of America are sponsoring the Battle of the Bands at the Crofton High School gym on Friday, January 30th at 7 p.m. to raise funds for each of the school’s music programs.
Each band will be performing selections individually and “battle” back and forth during the evening. Tuba sections, drum lines, trombone, reed and trumpet players from each school will also duke it out for the “best of the evening” awards.
Admission for the evening is a free will donation. Each spectator will put their admission fee in the drum for the school of their choice. The fan base award will be based on the school with the most money in their drum! All money collected for each school’s fan base will go to their school’s music program.
Judges for the evening are Rachel Boecker, Corie Clausen and Jason Smith.
The Crofton Music Boosters, MainStreet Treasures and Modern Woodmen of America are sponsoring the Battle of the Bands at the Crofton High School gym on Friday, January 30th at 7 p.m. to raise funds for each of the school’s music programs.
Each band will be performing selections individually and “battle” back and forth during the evening. Tuba sections, drum lines, trombone, reed and trumpet players from each school will also duke it out for the “best of the evening” awards.
Admission for the evening is a free will donation. Each spectator will put their admission fee in the drum for the school of their choice. The fan base award will be based on the school with the most money in their drum! All money collected for each school’s fan base will go to their school’s music program.
Judges for the evening are Rachel Boecker, Corie Clausen and Jason Smith.
The Crofton Lady Warriors girls’ basketball team improved their regular-season record to 11-4 after a win over Battle Creek and a loss to Brandon Valley, S.D. this past week.
Most recently, the Lady Warriors travelled to Brandon, S.D. to take on the Brandon Valley Lynx on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
To read more about the Lady Warriors, check out this week's edition of The Crofton Journal! https://www.croftonjournal.com/o/the-crofton-journal/page/subscriptions
Crofton’s Volunteer Rescue Squad had their Holiday Party at Wiebelhaus Recreation on Tuesday, December 30th.
In the picture above members and their significant others were treated to a delicious chicken dinner and dessert, and members were given tumblers to thank them for their service to the community.
In the picture below Lillie Early and Pamela Dennis presented a $200 check to the Rescue Squad and Fire Department at the party. Lillie’s and Pamela’s FCCLA Star Project is to bring attention and appreciation to Crofton’s volunteer fire and rescue members.
The $200 was from proceeds collected at a bake sale they hosted earlier this month. (pictured: Andrew Dennis (EMS Captain), Pamela Dennis, Jodi Schultz (EMS Co-Captain), and Lillie Early)
In the picture above members and their significant others were treated to a delicious chicken dinner and dessert, and members were given tumblers to thank them for their service to the community.
In the picture below Lillie Early and Pamela Dennis presented a $200 check to the Rescue Squad and Fire Department at the party. Lillie’s and Pamela’s FCCLA Star Project is to bring attention and appreciation to Crofton’s volunteer fire and rescue members.
The $200 was from proceeds collected at a bake sale they hosted earlier this month. (pictured: Andrew Dennis (EMS Captain), Pamela Dennis, Jodi Schultz (EMS Co-Captain), and Lillie Early)
From NPPD:
Work to decommission the Spencer Hydroelectric Facility and Dam will begin in January 2026.
The decommissioning will involve removing the remaining structure and material from the site and restoring the property to its natural state, including grading the land and seeding the site. Drivers should be aware of increased heavy vehicle traffic in the area, while the decommissioning work is being completed.
Nebraska Public Power District has contracted with Brandenburg Industrial Services Company to complete the decommissioning work, which is anticipated to be finished by year-end 2026.
Work to decommission the Spencer Hydroelectric Facility and Dam will begin in January 2026.
The decommissioning will involve removing the remaining structure and material from the site and restoring the property to its natural state, including grading the land and seeding the site. Drivers should be aware of increased heavy vehicle traffic in the area, while the decommissioning work is being completed.
Nebraska Public Power District has contracted with Brandenburg Industrial Services Company to complete the decommissioning work, which is anticipated to be finished by year-end 2026.
Hunters may begin purchasing 2026 spring turkey season permits from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning at 1 p.m. Central time Jan. 12.
Hunters are reminded they may harvest no more than one turkey per calendar day during the spring season. All harvests also must be reported via Telecheck at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Hunt/Telecheck or by phone at 844-279-4564.
Hunters are reminded only 10,000 permits are available for nonresidents; these permits have sold out quickly in recent years. Resident permits are unlimited and available for purchase through the end of season. Both residents and nonresidents
are allowed up to two permits in total.
The spring archery season opens March 25, youth shotgun April 11, and the regular shotgun April 18. All spring turkey seasons close May 31.
Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov or a permitting office to purchase permits starting Jan. 12.
For more information on turkey hunting in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Hunters are reminded they may harvest no more than one turkey per calendar day during the spring season. All harvests also must be reported via Telecheck at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Hunt/Telecheck or by phone at 844-279-4564.
Hunters are reminded only 10,000 permits are available for nonresidents; these permits have sold out quickly in recent years. Resident permits are unlimited and available for purchase through the end of season. Both residents and nonresidents
are allowed up to two permits in total.
The spring archery season opens March 25, youth shotgun April 11, and the regular shotgun April 18. All spring turkey seasons close May 31.
Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov or a permitting office to purchase permits starting Jan. 12.
For more information on turkey hunting in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.
The Crofton-Bloomfield youth wrestling team competed at the “Rumble at Rice” on Wayne State College’s Campus on Sunday, Dec. 14.
At the tournament, the youth wrestlers from Crofton-Bloomfield competed against youths from dozens of towns in the area.
While no team scores were kept, the competition was fierce as each wrestler fought hard for individual accolades.
Despite the large size of the tournament, the Crofton-Bloomfield youth wrestlers found success as all 12 earned a top four placement in their respective brackets.
Leading the way for the squad were Colton Hoesing, Ryker Schmidt, and Taylynn Hamilton, who each earned first place in their divisions.
At the tournament, the youth wrestlers from Crofton-Bloomfield competed against youths from dozens of towns in the area.
While no team scores were kept, the competition was fierce as each wrestler fought hard for individual accolades.
Despite the large size of the tournament, the Crofton-Bloomfield youth wrestlers found success as all 12 earned a top four placement in their respective brackets.
Leading the way for the squad were Colton Hoesing, Ryker Schmidt, and Taylynn Hamilton, who each earned first place in their divisions.
The Canopy at Lewis and Clark Mini Mart was no match for high winds with gusts up to 52 mph that hit the area on Thursday, Dec. 18.
The Santee Sioux Nation celebrated a significant land acquisition south of Yankton on Thursday. The acquisition completed a 17-year process to acquire the land in trust and follows an the Aug. 2023 final decision of the BIA to acquire the land for the Santee Sioux Nation beyond just being the owner of the property and making it part of the tribe’s sovereign territory. To mark the occasion, the Santee Sioux Nation held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday outside of its Feather Hill Express convenience store and fuel plaza-formerly South Yankton Shop EZ-located just south of Yankton. Chairman Alonzo Denney stated, “This has been a 17-year-long battle to gain this land. Forever and a day ours, today. Never to belong to anyone else again but the Santee Sioux Nation. The opportunities that come with that economically are enormous for the tribe.” From the left, Andrea McBride, Alonzo Denney, and Kameron Runnels.
By: Brynn Hansen - CCS Journalism
The Crofton-Bloomfield girls wrestlers took charge at West Point-Beemer on Saturday, December 13. The girls medaled five and placed 12th as a team.
Sophomore Bethany Arens (145) made her mark by defeating a sophomore state champion to take her first-place medal.
Freshman Shaun Anderson (190) took her second place medal by pinning a Lakeview girl in 3:17 for her finals match, which was her first junior varsity wrestling medal. “It was great and it proved that all the work during practice really does pay off, though I wrestled for JV on Saturday, it was still a lot of fun!”
Freshman Bella Hetzel JV (115) took third at the meet, wrestling a junior and pinning her in 3:30 for her finals match. Junior Elizabeth DeRoos (170) wrestled a Bellevue East girl, pinning her in 2:57 for her finals match to also take third. Freshman Madison Nelson (115), who wrestled a sophomore with a winning record, won her third place match.
The Crofton-Bloomfield girls wrestlers took charge at West Point-Beemer on Saturday, December 13. The girls medaled five and placed 12th as a team.
Sophomore Bethany Arens (145) made her mark by defeating a sophomore state champion to take her first-place medal.
Freshman Shaun Anderson (190) took her second place medal by pinning a Lakeview girl in 3:17 for her finals match, which was her first junior varsity wrestling medal. “It was great and it proved that all the work during practice really does pay off, though I wrestled for JV on Saturday, it was still a lot of fun!”
Freshman Bella Hetzel JV (115) took third at the meet, wrestling a junior and pinning her in 3:30 for her finals match. Junior Elizabeth DeRoos (170) wrestled a Bellevue East girl, pinning her in 2:57 for her finals match to also take third. Freshman Madison Nelson (115), who wrestled a sophomore with a winning record, won her third place match.
Submitted Article
Creighton Police Chief Mark Duncan has announced his candidacy for Knox County Sheriff.
Duncan has served as the City of Creighton’s police chief for 16 years and has been a certified Nebraska law enforcement officer for 21 years.
Duncan said he believes it is time for a positive change in the county’s law enforcement leadership. He said he wants to ensure the Knox County Sheriff’s Officer is fully staffed, well maintained, and operating at its highest level.
Duncan said he looks forward to meeting with Knox County residents between now and the Primary Election and introducing himself to who may not yet know him.
Creighton Police Chief Mark Duncan has announced his candidacy for Knox County Sheriff.
Duncan has served as the City of Creighton’s police chief for 16 years and has been a certified Nebraska law enforcement officer for 21 years.
Duncan said he believes it is time for a positive change in the county’s law enforcement leadership. He said he wants to ensure the Knox County Sheriff’s Officer is fully staffed, well maintained, and operating at its highest level.
Duncan said he looks forward to meeting with Knox County residents between now and the Primary Election and introducing himself to who may not yet know him.
By: Peyton Berger - CCS Journalism
The One Act team wrapped up their season with a strong performance at the district competition in Homer bringing home a fourth place finish and a C1-3 best overall tech award.
This year's play “Can I Ask You a Question” featured a talented cast and crew who worked hard and spent a lot of time practicing.
The team also celebrated several individual honors. Outstanding performance awards went to Fred Dennis, Ellie Foxhoven, Jackson Lynde, Kaden Arens, Katie Neuharth, Pamela Dennis, Cecilia and Sophia Wortmann, Morgan Stevens, Collyns Stout, and Elizabeth DeRoos.
Lead actor Sophia Wortmann thought the play was a good story and warning for the future with AI. Wortmann said, “I believe the Crofton one act team really relayed the message and put our hearts into our performance.”
Even though the season is over, everyone is proud of how far they have come and the memories they made together.
The One Act team wrapped up their season with a strong performance at the district competition in Homer bringing home a fourth place finish and a C1-3 best overall tech award.
This year's play “Can I Ask You a Question” featured a talented cast and crew who worked hard and spent a lot of time practicing.
The team also celebrated several individual honors. Outstanding performance awards went to Fred Dennis, Ellie Foxhoven, Jackson Lynde, Kaden Arens, Katie Neuharth, Pamela Dennis, Cecilia and Sophia Wortmann, Morgan Stevens, Collyns Stout, and Elizabeth DeRoos.
Lead actor Sophia Wortmann thought the play was a good story and warning for the future with AI. Wortmann said, “I believe the Crofton one act team really relayed the message and put our hearts into our performance.”
Even though the season is over, everyone is proud of how far they have come and the memories they made together.
According to two other news sources - former County Attorney Hannah Knox Jensen has been called to serve as the County Attorney by County Judge Donna Taylor after Jensen's dismissal last week.
The renewed designation comes on the heels of the removal of appointment by the Knox County Supervisors in November, and the appointment of Norfolk Attorney Danielle Myers-Noelle.
A number of news outlets reported that Myers-Noelle had declined the appointment, "continuing under her existing civil contract" with the county.
As of Wednesday, Dec. 10 the item was not on the Supervisors agenda.
The renewed designation comes on the heels of the removal of appointment by the Knox County Supervisors in November, and the appointment of Norfolk Attorney Danielle Myers-Noelle.
A number of news outlets reported that Myers-Noelle had declined the appointment, "continuing under her existing civil contract" with the county.
As of Wednesday, Dec. 10 the item was not on the Supervisors agenda.
The Crofton Community Schools One Act group performed a dinner theatre fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 23 for the public. This year’s one act play tells a story that is important in today’s world. The play, “Can I Ask You a Question?” was written by one of Crofton’s One Act coaches, Shiann Hansen. More pictures from the performance can be found on the back page and at paperandink.smugmug.com.
The Dakota Theatre in Yankton, SD will be ringing with the “Sounds of Christmas” on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
The stage will be filled with local and area talent who will present an energetic and inspirational musical variety show featuring traditional, classic and country Christmas music (and even a little rock and roll!)
Featured will be Kim Sawatzke, Crofton (Keyboard); Brenden Christensen, Yankton (drums); Larry Leet, Yankton (guitar); Gene Blom, Yankton (bass); Dr. Tim Rice, Yankton (electric guitar); Evie Sime, Yankton (flute); Beth Preheim, Yankton, fiddle; Jan Schiferl, Fordyce (vocals & guitar); Jean Barkley, Yankton (vocals and guitar)
There will also be a surprise guest that has traveled far to come to South Dakota.
This concert is free to the community with admission by donation. All are welcome.
The stage will be filled with local and area talent who will present an energetic and inspirational musical variety show featuring traditional, classic and country Christmas music (and even a little rock and roll!)
Featured will be Kim Sawatzke, Crofton (Keyboard); Brenden Christensen, Yankton (drums); Larry Leet, Yankton (guitar); Gene Blom, Yankton (bass); Dr. Tim Rice, Yankton (electric guitar); Evie Sime, Yankton (flute); Beth Preheim, Yankton, fiddle; Jan Schiferl, Fordyce (vocals & guitar); Jean Barkley, Yankton (vocals and guitar)
There will also be a surprise guest that has traveled far to come to South Dakota.
This concert is free to the community with admission by donation. All are welcome.
The Crofton Warriors saw their season come to an end with a 66-26 loss to the Sandy Creek Cougars on Monday, Nov. 24 in the 2025 NSAA Class D1 State Championship game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
On the grandest stage of them all, the Warriors took on the Cougars in front of a crowd of over 1,800 at 10:15 a.m. with a state championship on the line.
To read more about how the Warriors played, check out this week's edition of The Crofton Journal! https://www.croftonjournal.com/o/the-crofton-journal/page/subscriptions
On the grandest stage of them all, the Warriors took on the Cougars in front of a crowd of over 1,800 at 10:15 a.m. with a state championship on the line.
To read more about how the Warriors played, check out this week's edition of The Crofton Journal! https://www.croftonjournal.com/o/the-crofton-journal/page/subscriptions
