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
With the holidays right around the corner, members of the Crofton Congregational Church along with friends and folks from the Crofton community spent a fun and festive evening filled with Christmas music and snacks as they packed 42 boxes filled with toys, art supplies, hygiene items, socks, blankets, and puzzles for Operation Christmas Child. The project, which is sponsored by Samaritans' Purse, distributes Christmas shoe boxes filled with toys and gifts along with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to needy children all over the world.
Twelve Citizens of Knox County met in Bloomfield on October 29, 2025. Kris Kinsie, Rural Organizer with the Nebraska Democratic Party attended the meeting to give assistance to those present on how to form a County party.
After some enthusiastic discussion, it was unanimous that a New Democrat Party be established to represent Knox County Democrats locally and at the State Convention. Officers were then elected to serve the new party.
They are; Chairperson: Sunny Nagengast- Bloomfield, Vice Chair: Terry Johnson – Wausa; and Secretary: Brenda Davis – Bloomfield.
The Knox County Democrats invite all interested in becoming a part of what is believed to be a new direction for Knox County to attend the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hive in Bloomfield.
Anyone can also contact the group at knoxcountynedems@gmail.com.
After some enthusiastic discussion, it was unanimous that a New Democrat Party be established to represent Knox County Democrats locally and at the State Convention. Officers were then elected to serve the new party.
They are; Chairperson: Sunny Nagengast- Bloomfield, Vice Chair: Terry Johnson – Wausa; and Secretary: Brenda Davis – Bloomfield.
The Knox County Democrats invite all interested in becoming a part of what is believed to be a new direction for Knox County to attend the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hive in Bloomfield.
Anyone can also contact the group at knoxcountynedems@gmail.com.
On Saturday, November 15, the 40 members of the one-act Crofton cast and crew travel to Norfolk for their first competition of the season.
The team took on a fifth place finish after a tiebreaker for fourth. They also had five members receive Outstanding Actor Awards: Katie Neuharth, Sophia Wortmann, Jackson Lynde, Ellie Foxhoven, and Kaden Arens.
The team also traveled to Mid-State Conference competition Tuesday, Nov 18 at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk.
The team took on a fifth place finish after a tiebreaker for fourth. They also had five members receive Outstanding Actor Awards: Katie Neuharth, Sophia Wortmann, Jackson Lynde, Ellie Foxhoven, and Kaden Arens.
The team also traveled to Mid-State Conference competition Tuesday, Nov 18 at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk.
By: Fred Dennis - CCS Journalism
The Crofton chorus went to the Mid States Vocal Clinic in Battle Creek along with multiple other schools, performing songs on November 10.
The chorus sang five songs overall, and Crofton performed one on their own. Songs like Spark of Light by Andrew Steffen and Requiem by Eliza Gilkyson were sung by all schools, but Crofton performed Sancta by Paul Barker by themselves. Throughout the day they practiced songs and broke into groups to work with their octave.
“The concert was wonderful, and really the whole day went really well,” said music director Katie Kleinschmit. “It is fun to get together with schools from the conference and make music together instead of competing against each other.”
Sophomore Hudsyn Stout said, “I really enjoyed working on the songs throughout the day; slowly the songs sounded better and I was pleased with the final product.”
The Crofton chorus went to the Mid States Vocal Clinic in Battle Creek along with multiple other schools, performing songs on November 10.
The chorus sang five songs overall, and Crofton performed one on their own. Songs like Spark of Light by Andrew Steffen and Requiem by Eliza Gilkyson were sung by all schools, but Crofton performed Sancta by Paul Barker by themselves. Throughout the day they practiced songs and broke into groups to work with their octave.
“The concert was wonderful, and really the whole day went really well,” said music director Katie Kleinschmit. “It is fun to get together with schools from the conference and make music together instead of competing against each other.”
Sophomore Hudsyn Stout said, “I really enjoyed working on the songs throughout the day; slowly the songs sounded better and I was pleased with the final product.”
Knox County joined colleagues across the nation in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
The program encourages public facilities, private businesses and homes to shine green lights the week of Veterans Day so to shine a light on the plight of veterans in counties across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country. The green lighting also shows the veterans and their families that they are supported and appreciated.
“Once again this year, Knox County Clerk of District Court Matt Fischer placed all of the green lights at the Knox County Courthouse Square and his efforts are much appreciated.”
The program encourages public facilities, private businesses and homes to shine green lights the week of Veterans Day so to shine a light on the plight of veterans in counties across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country. The green lighting also shows the veterans and their families that they are supported and appreciated.
“Once again this year, Knox County Clerk of District Court Matt Fischer placed all of the green lights at the Knox County Courthouse Square and his efforts are much appreciated.”
Work has begun in earnest at the Crofton Lakeview Golf Course and the construction of the new clubhouse on the grounds. The Course posted a number of pictures of the new building on its social media this week as framing, walls and roof appeared.
A program in honor of Veterans was held at Crofton High School in the school gym on November 11th with students, staff, members of American Legion Post 128 as well as members of the community in attendance.
The program was organized by Mickey Doerr.
The program was organized by Mickey Doerr.
To encourage other women to enter the teaching profession, Alpha Lambda Chapter, a group of Key Women Educators in Knox County, will be offering a $300 grant-in-aid (scholarship).
Women currently in their junior or senior year of college majoring in education or working on their master’s in education are eligible to apply. The applicant must be a graduate of a Knox County high school or a nontraditional student who is a resident of Knox County. This grant-in-aid will be presented for the second semester.
December 18, 2025 is the deadline for applying. Contact Mary Eiler, 101 West Verdel 2nd St., Niobrara, NE 68760 (402-229-3249) for more information.
Women currently in their junior or senior year of college majoring in education or working on their master’s in education are eligible to apply. The applicant must be a graduate of a Knox County high school or a nontraditional student who is a resident of Knox County. This grant-in-aid will be presented for the second semester.
December 18, 2025 is the deadline for applying. Contact Mary Eiler, 101 West Verdel 2nd St., Niobrara, NE 68760 (402-229-3249) for more information.
Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership will hold the Creighton WIC and Immunization clinic on Tuesday November 18th, 2025, from 10:30am to 2:30pm at the NENCAP Building 808 Chase Ave., Creighton, NE 68729.
For an appointment or for more information regarding the WIC or Immunization Programs please call (402) 385-6300.
For an appointment or for more information regarding the WIC or Immunization Programs please call (402) 385-6300.
The Crofton Warriors defeated the Johnson-Brock Eagles in a high-scoring game that ended 88-56.
The Warriors made a statement early on with a 65-yard rushing touchdown from Jr. Tyson Jackson on the very first play of the game.
The Warriors made a statement early on with a 65-yard rushing touchdown from Jr. Tyson Jackson on the very first play of the game.
Megan (Sage) Mueller recently joined the team at the Crofton Journal.
Mueller is a 2003 graduate of Crofton High School. She and her family moved back to the Crofton area in February of 2024. She and her husband Ryan have three daughters that attend Crofton Elementary School.
“Megan has already proven to be a great help to the Journal – keeping the office open and knowing the community will continue the Journal’s service to Crofton and the surrounding area into the future,” said Brook Curtiss, Journal publisher.
Mueller will be in the Crofton Journal office Monday – Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop in to say hello, drop off news articles, or purchase a current newspaper.
Mueller is a 2003 graduate of Crofton High School. She and her family moved back to the Crofton area in February of 2024. She and her husband Ryan have three daughters that attend Crofton Elementary School.
“Megan has already proven to be a great help to the Journal – keeping the office open and knowing the community will continue the Journal’s service to Crofton and the surrounding area into the future,” said Brook Curtiss, Journal publisher.
Mueller will be in the Crofton Journal office Monday – Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop in to say hello, drop off news articles, or purchase a current newspaper.
By: Emma Kuchta - CHS Journalism
The Crofton Warriors traveled to GACC to face the Bluejays and suffered a 0-3 loss.
The Bluejays out scored the Warriors and won the first set 16-25, the second 11-25, and the third set 16-25.
An outstanding performance by sophomore Bailey Gerths led the Bluejays. Gerths had 13 kills and 1 ace for the game.
Senior Jaisie Janssen led Crofton with six kills, and senior Addyson Ostermeyer led with five kills.
The Crofton Warriors traveled to GACC to face the Bluejays and suffered a 0-3 loss.
The Bluejays out scored the Warriors and won the first set 16-25, the second 11-25, and the third set 16-25.
An outstanding performance by sophomore Bailey Gerths led the Bluejays. Gerths had 13 kills and 1 ace for the game.
Senior Jaisie Janssen led Crofton with six kills, and senior Addyson Ostermeyer led with five kills.
