Community Platte County and the people who shape it Champions

Keepsake Edition

ow - 2019 is coming to an end. It didn’t feel that long ago like I was wit- nessing the start of spring, and then in what felt like a blink of an eye, we’re counting the days to Christmas and New Year’s Day. In early 2019, The Telegram started thinking about new and fun ways to Whighlight the people who make our community. Out of those conversations, “Commu- nity Champions” was born. Each week since April we have published in-depth human-interest profiles of people who live in Platte County and, are in a way, advocates for our community. We’ve come up with candidates ourselves, but have also gotten good ideas from readers. This special edition, the second “Community Champions” keepsake we’ve produced, recaps stories that published in The Telegram each week between early August and mid- October (profiles 15-28 in the series). Earlier this year, we published the first installment (profiles 1-14). Our plan is to publish these special editions every few months asthe 15) Jeff Gokie series continues. 25) Karina Perez Shout out to our advertisers for believing in community journalism and sponsoring good news. If you have ideas for profiles, send an email to [email protected]. Please include background and contact information. We’ll certainly consider them. Thanks to all our Champions who were willing to share their stories and put them- selves out there! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Matt Lindberg, Managing editor

16) Erin Nahorny Edition 2 26) Adam Roberts

17) Dillon Krueger 19) Nick Larson 21) Lynette Hogelin 23) Jessica Leffers 27) Megan Johnson

18) Kyle Jensen 20) Rob Gasper 22) Jenna Clark 24) Austin Olk 28) Charlie Bahr

Sponsored by E2 | Saturday, December 14, 2019

E2|Saturday, December 14, 2019 Community Champion Keepsake The Columbus Telegram Servant’s heart: Gokie takes pride in helping community

MATT LINDBERG on weapons systems while at ideal spot to move the eatery to St. Isidore’s The Columbus Telegram T.I. for the U.S. government. at that time. They eventually Catholic eff Gokie was only a senior They specifically focused on sold the Grand Island business, Church, where in high school when he the AGM-88 HARM (High- as well. he serves on started up his first busi- speed Anti-Radiation/Radar This year, Gokie is coming the planning ness as a way to make some Missile), a supersonic air- up on his 10-year anniversary commission Jmoney and solve a communi- to-surface tactical missile of working as a sales repre- and leads a ty-wide problem. designed to seek and destroy sentative for C.S. Nelson Co., rosary session His idea was to design and enemy radar-equipped air selling residential and com- every Monday install underground sprinkler defense. mercial real estate. He took on night. systems in his hometown of “We had a hand in small the opportunity after Owner/ Through Broker Chris Nelson extended the years his Atkinson after overhearing in a parts, strategic parts,”Gokie an invitation to join the team, many other relative’s machine shop how it said. a decision Nelson remains accomplish- was a pain for residents to get In a twist of fate, a nephew on Cathy’s side would later extremely happy about. ments include someone from Omaha to make grow up and use those mis- “I feel very fortunate to have serving as the nearly four-hour trek to the siles while flying fighter jets off had the pleasure of having Jeff president of north-central Nebraska com- aircraft. as a key part of our real estate the local tennis Jeff and Cathy Gokie own Henry on 11th, a reception hallthey munity. “That was kind of full office team for the past 10 association opend in a renovated building at 2521 11th St. “I remember thinking, circle,”he said. years. Jeff is always upbeat and (which got new ‘Who is going to come out from he brings a smile and positive tennis courts into it. It adds so much, and Omaha and do that?’ I figured I FINDING THEIR HOME attitude to the office each and constructed during his tenure could do it a lot cheaper,”Gokie After 12 years of living in every day. He has an amaz- in that role), co-chair of the kids learn a lot about volun- recalled, noting he then went Texas and welcoming three ing skill set and a tremendous Relay for Life of Platte County teering and so forth. I would through the necessary train- children, the Gokies desired to amount of energy,”Nelson several times, acting in numer- encourage people to do that.” ing to learn how to install Toro get back to their home state. said. “Jeff provides an ex- ous Platte Valley Playhouse Gokie’s volunteerism was sprinkler systems. “So I began “Dallas is a great place to be tremely high level of customer shows, coaching several local recognized last year when he ordering parts, designed it, young. We enjoyed it ….”Gokie service and truly goes the extra youth teams and serving on the was appointed King Ferdinand loaded it up and installed them said. “T.I. was a great place mile to ensure that his custom- Columbus Area Chamber of with a little help from my dad.” to work, but we wanted to be XLIV for Columbus Days, ers and clients are completely Commerce board. something that he enjoyed. It became quite the job each closer to family.” satisfied with all facets of their “The way I look at it, you “It was an honor, a privi- summer all the way through Cathy shared a similar per- real estate transactions. can go to work and go home, go college for Gokie, who hired spective, noting it was impor- “He genuinely cares about to work and go home, but then lege to be nominated for King multiple people in their teens tant to them that their chil- people and that is evident you miss out on it all - a lot of Ferdinand,”he said. “It really is to help him with the instal- dren grew up with that same through his volunteerism and life,”Gokie said. “There’s a lot neat, so it meant a whole lot to lation process for homes in Nebraska work ethic they did. countless activities with family of flavor you get a sense for by represent Columbus, to be part Atkinson and in surrounding The Gokies looked at and friends, at church, in the being involved. I think people of it and to be recognized for towns. various Nebraska communities community and even here with miss out by not volunteering what you’ve done in Colum- Each summer, he developed that were close enough to their our team at our office.” for things.” a steady routine. He would be parents, such as Grand Island, bus.” Sandie Fischer, the local Today, the Gokies’ chil- out the door by 7 a.m. to work chamber’s events planner and all day, get home around 6 entrepreneurship/member- dren are raised and successful. p.m. for a quick meal and then ship developer, said she first Michael, 31, is in the Catholic would go make door-to-door met the Gokies when they seminary in Philadelphia. Da- sales calls until dark. After started up Big Apple Bagels vid, 29, lives in Omaha with his that, he would draw up designs and quickly became friends. wife and three children. Jenn, for people’s sprinkler systems She called them both special 26, is married and is a vice until midnight or sometimes people, praising Gokie’s self- as late as 1 a.m. Somewhere in principal for a Catholic school less personality. in the Lincoln area. the middle, he also found time “He does not know the word to do some volunteer umpiring ‘no’ in his vocabulary. He gives Their kids have relocated, for young baseball and softball 125 % to everything he does,” but the Gokies don’t have squads. she said, noting they co- any plans to leave Columbus. “Then I would wake up and chaired Relay for Life together There’s only one certainty: He do it again,”Gokie said, laugh- on several occasions. “I love won’t be jumping back into the ing. Jeff and all he has done for the sprinkler business. It was well worth it, though. Chamber, the community and Gokie said he made about “No, I’m probably past his faith. He is very involved that,”said Gokie, who also $6,000 each summer and at St. Isidore’s Church and a solved an issue for residents as member of the Knights of Co- enjoys photography, playing they didn’t have to wait to get lumbus organization.” tennis and golf when he does a sprinkler system or to have it His wife has a similar view. manage to carve out a little serviced. “Jeff very much has a ser- spare time. “I don’t know what Since then, Gokie has gotten vant’s heart. I think that sums the future will bring.” married, raised his kids and him up,”Cathy said. “Wherev- The one thing he hopes relocated to Columbus. Despite er his skills can benefit another for is that his own efforts will the move and passing of time, person or another group, he’s inspire others. there are three things Gokie always willing to take the time Jeff Gokie, left, and Karin Rieger, who were serving as King Ferdinand andQueen “I would really encour- undoubtedly continues to be to give to that … He’s also a re- Isabella XLIV last year, pose for a photo in 2018 with Herbie Husker at the Friedhof age people to get involved and known for today: His endless Building in downtown Columbus. Gokie said it was an honor to serve in the role. ally great father.” generosity, kindness and his Gokie said his family has volunteer and bring your fam- work ethic. been key in his ability to volun- ily,”he said. “Get outside your “A person can always do a Lincoln and Omaha, but came The Gokies are also business teer, noting it was something normal box. Even if you don’t lot more than they think they about Columbus thanks to a owners, having purchased the they all did and continue to think you have time, you do. I recommendation from high can,”Gokie said. “You give a historic Henry Building at 2521 do together. The Gokie family guarantee it.” little more and it’s amazing school classmate Dr. Jeffrey 11th St. in the downtown dis- made Columbus Days floats to- how much of a positive differ- Gotschall, who lives and works trict in 2011 and turning what gether, did renovation projects Matt Lindberg is the managing editor ence it makes in people’s lives.” here. was formerly 4 Jokers Bar into and committed to other com- of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him The couple knew they want- EARLY DAYS Henry on 11th - a reception hall munity efforts as a unit. via email at [email protected]. ed to live in a smaller-sized that blends the old with the “We really bonded as a fam- Telegram File Photos Gokie grew up volunteering manufacturing town based on his time for different efforts, new. ily,”he said. “Bring the family The Columbus Telegram their backgrounds and desire Henry’s charm comes from going to church and playing to get away from the big city various sports. He was quite the mix of renovations the atmosphere. The two quickly Gokies made while maintain- the athlete, according to his found a house, new jobs, and now-wife, Cathy, who he first ing the building’s history that the right local Catholic school dates back decades. Part of the met in third grade and began system for their young kids, dating their senior year of high building was constructed in and in 1995, moved their family 1886, according to Gokie, while school. He was particularly up north. good at basketball, she added. the other half was done in “I loved his sense of humor. MAKING A LASTING 1903. Among some of the older appeal is a mirror featured in- I loved his athleticism,”Cathy IMPRESSION side that dates back to 1889. said. “He was a really kind guy, It didn’t take long for the “So it’s 130 years old,”Gokie very personable and outgoing.” Gokies to get established. They said. As for his volunteerism, got involved in various volun- People can rent out the Gokie said the importance of teer efforts, but then in the late venue; though bring their own giving back to the community 1990s, they opened up a Big food and drink or have events was instilled in him by his and Apple Bagels franchise at 2320 catered. The formula has Cathy’s parents, who were al- 23rd St. and then ran another worked well for the owners. ways very generous and known location in Grand Island. “We hosted 108 events last for helping others however “Columbus was very good year,”Gokie said. they could. to us. We were very successful,” He and Cathy went to Gokie said, noting all three of MAN OF THE PEOPLE the University of Nebraska- their kids worked at the store Gokie’s biggest challenge Lincoln after graduating high growing up and the support is arguably finding time for school, where he studied from the community enabled sleep, mostly because he has business management and she the business to give back in something going on practically pursued chemical engineering. various ways. at all times. Besides work, he’s Cathy graduated a semes- Despite all of the success been and has remained highly ter before him and got a job as the Gokies experienced with involved in various commu- a process engineer for Texas the franchise, they decided nity initiatives throughout the Instruments in the Dallas area. to close it in 2007 after much years. He followed her down there soul searching and praying. He’s served as a TeamMate once he graduated and they The initial plan was to relocate mentor for the last 20 years, got married in 1983. That same the popular establishment is on the hospital board and is year, he was hired by Texas to another city location as serving the Knights of Colum- Instruments as a manufactur- Walgreens had purchased the bus as family director, a state- Jeff Gokie applies finish to the wood floor in what was once the 4 Jokers Baronthe corner of 26th Avenue and 11th Street in 2014. He and his wife, Cathy, bought the ing manager. site that housed its building, wide role. He also is heavily building and transformed it into a banquet hall. The Gokies together worked but the Gokies couldn’t find an involved at the family’s parish,

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Erin Nahorny poses for a photo on a summer 2019 afternoon in front of Sammy’s Superheroes shirts inside the foundation’s Columbus office. Matt Lindberg Photo, The Columbus Telegram.

MATT LINDBERG then-4-year-old son was battling cancer, she said it community we live in that embraces the cause. When The Columbus Telegram was heartbreaking. But doing research about the illness there’s something going on with somebody, the com- or Columbus native Erin Nahorny, July 30, 2012, and discovering only 4% of federal cancer research is munity will pitch in and help however they can.” will always be a day she remembers. allocated to children and that it is the No. 1 cause of Williams said the creation of the foundation is a That morning she took her 4-year-old son death by disease among kids was the gut-punch, she testament to the character of Nahorny, who she called to the doctor for what she thought was ongo- stressed. her best friend. Fing low-grade fevers and some pain in his left leg that “It was just so hard,”Nahorny said, noting that “For someone to do that is pretty selfless,”she said, summer. Instead, they found out little Sammy had making matters worse was that by December 2012, it praising Nahorny as a special and kind person. Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma with metastasis to was determined Sammy was not responding as hoped to the chemotherapy treatments he was receiving. MOVE ALONG the bones, bone marrow and lymph nodes – essentially Life is good for Nahorny, who at one time worked at cancer of the central nervous system. They had been all over the country – including to Boston, Chicago and Seattle – trying to get their little the Center for Survivors before giving that up so she “It was so scary,”Nahorny recalled, noting doctors had more time to travel for Sammy’s treatments. boy the best treatment possible. suggested Sammy’s likelihood of survival was only 10 She and her husband are involved with their church, And then God delivered the Nahorny family three percent. “It was the scariest day of my life … I won’t St. Isidore’s, where their children also go to school and angels in the form of her friends: Columbus’ Amy ever forget that day.” one of her sisters, Amy Evans, is the principal. She said Williams, Kim Brandenburg and Mary Sueper. As how Almost seven years later, 11-year-old Sam’s cancer is she’s thankful to have Evans and her other sister Megan still around, though he is doing quite well as it is stable. what is now considered a legendary story in the com- Cimpl living in town, and her third sister Jennifer Bohn He has beaten the odds. munity about local kindness goes, the three friends on living nearby in Lincoln. Her parents, John and Marlene “Miraculously, he came through. I like to call it the Aug. 1, 2012, talked about what they could do to help Cimpl, as well as her in-laws, Mike and Jean Nahorny, power of prayer,”she said. “Nobody expected his dis- Sammy and his family. also live in Columbus. ease to stabilize the way that it did.” Williams said she, Brandenburg and Sueper were She and her husband enjoy golfing together, some- But this isn’t Sammy’s story, which has been well- brainstorming ideas of what specifically they could do thing they do at Elks Country Club. She and her family documented throughout the years. This is about Na- when she looked over at some laundry she had recently (including Ella, 14; Sam; 11 and Jacob, 8) are also avid horny, a wife, mother of three, friend to many and hard folded and noticed a superhero T-shirt – it was that travelers, something positive that came out of the trips worker who thought she had found her path in life only easy. She held up the shirt and said they all instantly across the country they did when Sam was in treat- to have it completely changed by the four words every had the idea for the ‘Sammy’s Superheroes’ concept. ment. One summer, she said, they rented out an apart- parent never wishes to hear: “Your child has cancer.” The trio created T-shirts with a Sammy’s Super- ment in Seattle and made the most of their extended But Nahorny didn’t sulk – she fought like hell. There heroes logo and subsequently asked local Nebraska stay out on the West Coast while Sam got his treat- wasn’t much time for tears as she and her husband, schools, including those in town, to support National ment. Chris, quickly learned of the discrepancy when it came Childhood Cancer Awareness Month that September “We really like to travel,”she said. “And it’s funny, to available research and funding for childhood cancers by purchasing and wearing them. our daughter I don’t think is evening thinking about compared to all other forms. So with great support “We just didn’t know what else to do, but we needed Nebraska schools for college just because she enjoys from her family, friends and the greater community, to do something,”Williams said. “At the time we traveling and is comfortable in other places.” she, Chris, along with a handful of close pals, started thought we would raise money to give the Nahorny Sam’s cancer is still present, but he has been stable up nonprofit Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation in family.” for some time now. Still, Nahorny remains as com- an effort to raise those funds, as well as research and mitted as ever to the foundation and its mission. She’s awareness, for all kinds of childhood cancer. currently serving as president of its board of directors. Now, she’s helping not only her own son but thou- Her efforts have definitely not gone unnoticed, as sands of children battling cancer in hopes of saving as numerous Columbus residents praised her commit- many lives a possible, all while raising her family and ment and kind spirit. managing a career in real estate, among other things. “Busy, tireless, very, very passionate about Sammy’s “Cancer reminds us to not sweat the small stuff. It Superheroes,”longtime friend Kurt Shevlin said of has given us the opportunity to see the absolute best in Nahorny.“You will not find anybody more passionate people and to watch how this community rallies to sup- about finding a cure for kids’ cancer. And not just for port its own,”Nahorny said. Sammy. There are a lot of other kids impacted. I’ve al- COMING UP ways been impressed by how unselfish she is in regards Nahorny and her three younger sisters grew up in to Sammy’s Superheroes.” town, as Columbus Hydraulics was then their fam- Nahorny said because of her commitments to the ily’s business. She ended up attending Scotus Central foundation and the emotional toll Sam’s diagnosis Catholic High School and graduated in 1994, citing her took, she opted to not return to the social services field. childhood as special because of the unique small-town Actually, she recently celebrated one year working as a living this area provides. real estate agent on a part-time basis for Renee Muel- “Columbus was great. You go to school and you ler’s Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office in town. knew everybody,”she said, jokingly describing the “This is a whole new wheelhouse. It was a lot to town by using the ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ theory learn,”Nahorny said, with a laugh. “I am a people per- that anyone on earth can be connected to any other son. I love to meet new people and know their stories. person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances I love a good social gathering, so this sort-of started to that has no more than five intermediaries. “In Colum- feel like a natural fit for me to do real estate.” bus, nobody is a stranger. It was great growing up here. The idea had been something Nahorny and Mueller Our community was and is just tight-knit.” Courtesy Photo. talked about in the past before she decided to pursue it Nahorny went to Creighton University for two years The Nahorny family - Erin and Chris with children Ella, Jacob and Sam. and take all the necessary classes. but would go on to finish up and graduate from Nebras- “I feel humbled they (clients) would choose me,” ka Wesleyan in Lincoln. She then obtained her master’s Nahorny said. “It has been really fun.” About $40,000 was raised to present to Erin and Mueller said she’s happy to have Nahorny as part of degree in counseling psychology from Doane College Chris, which Williams today said was an accomplish- (now University) before going into the working world. her team and as a friend, calling her a great leader and ment. someone who is always willing to help others however “I started out just doing mental health work at the “I was just blown away,”she said of the community’s crisis center in Lincoln, serving as their community she can. support. “Erin is a very strong gal, but very warm as well. social worker for the mental health board,”she said, Nahorny said she and her husband were over- adding she also worked for Insight, which strives to She can read people very well …”Mueller said. “She is whelmed by the gesture, unaware such a significant so giving, doesn’t hesitate to just help whenever she’s provide companies’ employees guidance and assistance donation was coming to them. in times of difficulty. needed. She’s very positive.” “They came to us with about $40,000,”Nahorny When looking back, Nahorny sometimes has trouble Although her husband, Chris, is also from Columbus said, acknowledging they were in complete shock. “We (he attended Lakeview High School), the two met while talking about what she has helped accomplish. She is were not prepared to accept that kind of money at that adamant that the foundation’s creation, success and they were both down in the Lincoln area and were mar- point.” ried May 31, 2003 there. legacy are a result of a community that came together Not wanting the money to go unused, Nahorny said and cares. She’s just happy to have had a hand in it, So in 2005, they decided it was time for them to family friend and attorney Sarah Pillen suggested they move back to Columbus to raise their family as he had stressing the importance of collaboration and never take the Sammy’s Superheroes concept to the next level gotten a job working with her dad at Columbus Hy- giving up hope in even the most difficult situations. by creating a 501 c3 nonprofit organization that could draulics. “You never know what tomorrow brings, so it is so donate funds to researchers and hospitals they felt were “We never thought we would move back to Colum- important to try and be present, live in the moment bus,”Nahorny said. “At first, we’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, doing the most innovative research aimed at finding and enjoy the little things … (Cancer) has given us the what are we doing?’ But Columbus is a great commu- cures for childhood cancer. opportunity to see the best in people and to watch how nity to raise a family.” So Erin and Chris, along with Williams, Branden- this community rallies to support its own,”she said. As their three kids (Ella, Sam and Jacob) got older, burg and Sueper, formed the nonprofit’s first board of “It makes me really emotional to think back on the went to school and got involved with activities, Na- directors. Then, in early 2013, Sammy’s Superheroes outpouring of love and support we received after Sam horny and her husband began to meet new people and officially began. was diagnosed. Also, we have met some of the best get more involved in the community. “We just decided we had a responsibility to other people we know along this journey who have blessed families,”Nahorny said. “There was money coming in our lives in countless ways.” LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS and a lack of research for childhood cancer. But we did Matt Lindberg is the managing editor of The Columbus Telegram. When Nahorny and her husband first learned their not do it on our own. This happened because of the Reach him via email at [email protected]. It’s time for a bank that’s big enough to help you and small Great Personal Service

enough to know you. www.gpsbanks.com E4 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 E4 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 Community Champion Keepsake The Columbus Telegram Our own Michelangelo: Krueger lends talents to patriotic

Krueger stands beside one of his many patriotic murals, this one featured at the projects in and around Columbus American Legion post 84 on 23rd Street in Columbus. NATE TENOPIR As he progressed through The Columbus Telegram the academic world, Krueger illon Krueger has always enjoyed art classes in middle and been a doodler. From his high school the most. He often earliest days in school, drew caricatures of teachers, subjects other than art some of whom actually kept his Dhad little interest for the young, comedic perspectives on their aspiring artist. human features. Early on, his fascination was Yet,while there was clearly dinosaurs. When teachers beck- some natural ability, Krueger oned little Dillon to put down wasn’t yet certain on his future his pencil and pay attention, he after graduation. was often sketching a T-Rex or a “I really wasn’t sure what Velociraptor. I wanted to do. It wasn’t until And, of course, being a little junior year I decided to join the boy, much of his work had to do service,”he remembered. “I with the battles that took place wasn’t sure what I wanted to do between those terrible lizards for a career. Joining the service millions of years ago. was more or less a way to buy “That’s pretty much where time. I knew it would be a great it all started,”Krueger remem- experience, but I didn’t have any bered back to the beginning of plans of staying in the military.” his amateur days. “I was pretty obsessed with dinosaurs when I PAINTING FOR was younger. I was always draw- UNCLE SAM ing a T-Rex or raptors. A lot of it Krueger’s love for drawing was them eating each other. I got never went away while in the into a lot of trouble for those.” army. It didn’t even have to be Dillon Krueger is perhaps a put on hold. name many Telegram readers While at basic training in have heard before. If not, you Fort Benning, Georgia; he began may be familiar with his work. designing tattoos for fellow Local artist Dillon Krueger poses by perhaps his most well-known mural in the Columbus area - the one featuring former Nebraska Diners at Reg’s 7 Mile soldiers. Usually on Sundays, football players and coaches at Reg’s 7 Mile Steakhouse. Several subjects of the mural have been by the restaurant to autograph Steakhouse, patrons of Micek’s and sometimes at other points their portrait. Shangrila and members at the in the week, new recruits were American Legion Hartman Post allowed mail time to write home. province near the Pakistan bor- became familiar to those looking It includes a history lesson on 84 have undoubtedly seen some Krueger spent much of that time der and was involved in combat. for an artist. the Battle of Baltimore at Fort of the work he’s produced over trying to interpret the vision of Though he wasn’t with the men By word of mouth, Krueger McHenry where Francis Scott the past five years. his fellow soldiers then translate at the time of their passing, was commissioned for the works Key was inspired to put pen to From a beginning at Reg’s that vision into body art. he lost two fellow soldiers in at Micek’s, the Legion, in Rising paper and author the National through a career that has in- Towards the end of his time, firefights. City and in Genoa. He’s also Anthem. cluded privately commissioned his drill sergeant was looking for His team leader, Staff Ser- been commissioned for smaller “It also teaches about the paintings up to his current proj- someone to paint a mural on the geant Jerry Reed, was killed in prints on canvas that he makes sacrifices our soldiers have made ect, a children’s book, Krueger floor of the barracks. It became a action as was Staff Sergeant Billy in his own private studio for cus- for our freedom,”Krueger said. has done it all as his way to give contest between his platoon and Wilson just over a month later. tomers who have found their way “It explains the gratitude and back to the community, the another. “It definitely makes you to him through word of mouth, the respect for our National country and the fellow soldiers Krueger designed a skull with grateful every day,”Krueger said. Facebook and Instagram. Anthem.” As you can guess, he’s not ex- who have given him so much. a snake wrapped around a sword. “The United States is defi- This was all happening while pecting to receive any endorse- That children’s book just It was the beginning of his mili- nitely better than anywhere over he was studying graphic design. ments from Colin Kaepernick. mentioned is titled “Why We tary artistic career. there.” And while he found his true love “That may have been the Stand,”a historical perspective He was next shipped to Ger- He himself came back with in painting, his stubborn nature many where he painted a rep- his own scars forced him to stay at Northeast inspiration,”Krueger joked. on the National Anthem and the “What bothered me resentation of each of the four “I certainly have some social and complete his degree. was hearing American flag made for young these stories of high school kids platoons in the battalion and a anxieties,”he said. “My fiancée Now, he’s in the midst of a audiences. and these young people that are large Apache skull, represent- knows that when we go into a brand new undertaking, “Why Krueger himself is a veteran copying (Kaepernick kneeling). ing his Apache company, in the restaurant, I have to face the We Stand.” of the war in Afghanistan who I could definitely tell there’s company building. door. I prefer not to be in crowds. found his calling while overseas RESPECT FOR OLD GLORY certain parts of the country serving the red, white and blue. When the battalion com- I was deployed in 2012, so it’s Though Krueger still works been long enough now it’s not where this lesson is lacking. I felt Since he’s returned, those mander visited the building and part time at the steakhouse, he like people could benefit, kids days of doodling long ago have was impressed by Krueger’s nearly as intense as it was those informed all of his customers first couple of years of out of the could benefit from really under- sparked a future that seems work, he quickly assigned that he would be taking a year off standing the significance of the to be leading him down a path Krueger two murals in the bat- service. But certainly, reinte- in 2019 for a new project. grating was challenging for the national anthem and the flag. towards, if not at least local talion building, right outside the Once he was finished with “But it’s also a free country. recognition, state, country and, office of the commander. first couple of years.” college, Krueger found out After Afghanistan, he was Everyone is free to do what they maybe someday, worldwide “That definitely reinforced he was becoming a dad. Liam want. That’s why I’m not going notoriety. it. It gave me the confidence to shipped back to Germany where Michael came into the world he decided to pursue a degree in to say I was angry about the situ- Of course, he enjoys it, but it’s want to pursue it once I got out and was named partly for the ation, but I think it’s important also the way Krueger has chosen of the service,”Krueger said. graphic design once he returned Archangel Saint Michael, who stateside. for people to understand why we to honor his brothers in arms. “And as I said, I did that mural Krueger carried on a pendant respect the anthem.” “It makes you see the world for the commander. Once you IT’S ALL FALLING INTO with a rosary while in Afghani- Krueger is hoping to complete through a different lens. That’s work for him as a client, you stan. the project by Christmas and a big reason why I got out (of the can pretty much do a mural for PLACE Just over a year later, Mad- Krueger returned to Colum- have “Why We Stand” on book- army) and I’ve been so passion- anybody at that point.” dox Moon, named for Krueger’s shelves next year. ate about doing military mu- bus and enrolled at Northeast grandfather Moon, was also rals and projects. It’s really my DOODLING IN A WAR ZONE Community College. He also welcomed into the family. STAYING PUT favorite subject to work on,”he After a year in Germany, took a part-time job at Reg’s. As Dillon and his fiancee Al- Krueger has enjoyed every bit said. “The guys that have been Krueger was deployed to Af- he and the owners became more lie bought a house, renovated of his latest project. Though he there, and the guys that have ghanistan for a tour of duty. familiar, Krueger was asked to a downstairs bedroom for an didn’t necessarily begin it as part been through it, this is the best Although he completed a paint a Nebraska football mural, art studio and began to taste of a series, he’s also not against thing for me to try and show my painting of Juggernaut, a Marvel some of its legends and heroes, their own slice of the American continuing with the theme. support for what everyone else is Comics character, for the weap- on the north wall of the restau- Dream. “I have other ideas,”he said. going through.” ons squad, he was back to mostly rant. They were to be married last And if somehow the book drawing in his own notebook. Once that project was com- September in Hawaii. becomes a national sensation, DINOSAURS, W. AND A Krueger was sent to Patika pleted, the name Dillon Krueger Now that Liam and Mad- you’ll likely still see Krueger CALL TO ARMS dox are nearing the end of their around town. Krueger is a Columbus na- toddler stage, Dillon wanted to In 2019, he has all sorts of tive born in 1991 who attended make something for the boys as avenues to produce his work Centennial Elementary as a they begin to read in the next few without the need for a big city. youngster and graduated from years. “I love the town of Columbus. Columbus High School in 2010. “Since the beginning of the I think it’s a great place to raise The drawings and sketches he year, it’s been a passion project a family,”he said. “I’ve never did while in grade school were I’ve always wanted to do,”he felt the need to move. My whole mostly just for fun. Although he said. “The boys are getting older, family is from here, and I want was encouraged by friends and and it’s something I wanted to do the kids to grow up around the family, it took winning a con- for them.” family. test to draw a picture of then- The book is fully and com- “Having been away overseas President George W.Bush before pletely his work from story line for three years, it’s funny, people Krueger realized the compli- to illustrations. He’s hoping to always complain about Colum- ments were more than just kind self-publish through Amazon bus. But when you go away for words. and has learned on the fly while a while, that’s when you realize, He won the contest in the watching various videos and it’s really not a bad place at all. fourth grade and had his drawing reading about what the process “It’s home.” placed in the Omaha Children’s entails. Nate Tenopir is the sports editor of The Museum. He’s not sure how long “It’s an educational book to Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email it was featured, and he’s never teach kids about why we respect at [email protected]. gotten it back. But that’s where, Krueger poses with his family, from left, then fiancee Allie and sons, Liam and Maddox. our flag and our anthem and give Nate Tenopir Photos, The Columbus in a way, it all began. some history on it,”Krueger said. Telegram.

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402-564-8847 for december or JanuarY at reg’S! 105b 41St rd., columbuS, ne Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E5 The Columbus Telegram Community Champion Keepsake Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E5 Jensen takes pride In his blood: in helping others

Kyle Jensen on a summer afternoon stands out- side Lakeview High School, where he graduated from and played prep golf. Matt Lindberg Photo. The Columbus Telegram

MATT LINDBERG is a mental game.” communications manager for Cross has a hard time getting The Columbus Telegram Jensen is a product of the the Red Cross’ Blood Services, donors during the summer Lakeview Community Schools has worked with Jensen for months because people are on lifelong golfer and system, having completed all three years. She said he has vacation or have other com- athlete, Kyle Jensen of his K-12 education there. been a great asset to the orga- mitments. He himself wasn’t a had hopes of becom- So naturally, he golfed for the nization. blood donor until several years ing an athletic trainer Vikings while in high school. “He is an incredible repre- Aand wasn’t necessarily plan- ago when his wife had him find Jensen played basketball and sentative of the area in Co- ning to return to his hometown the time do it and make a dif- golf his freshman year but lumbus. He is very dedicated ference. That was well before of Columbus. Then life dashed committed fully to the latter to what he does,”Pollard said. those plans. he began working for the Red and gave up hoops when he “You can tell by the turnout Cross, though. Jensen made his way down at all the blood drives he put began his sophomore season. “It’s an easy way to give to Overland Park, Kansas, in During his time at Lakev- together that people respond the mid-2000s and attempted well to Kyle … I can’t imagine back and you lose one pound iew High, the Vikings went to after you donate. It’s a good to get the proper certification the state golf tournament as a we would have such great sup- weight loss program,”he said, he needed in athletic training, team twice. He also went as an port in the city without Kyle only to learn how challenging individual his senior year and there.” with a chuckle. “Plus, you find that turned out to be for him. took seventh overall. Pollard has ties to Columbus out what your blood type is. So he moved back home and “I did pretty well,”Jensen Kyle Jensen. as her husband’s family lives But more importantly, you can had to essentially change his said of his prep golf career. “I in the area, so she hears about make a difference in somebody plans. didn’t work out, coming back enjoyed my four years on the things happening locally and else’s life. “It was disappointing at to Columbus made sense. He knows Jensen is an active com- first,”Jensen recalled. “It just golf team and the smaller class and Amanda married on Jan. FAMILY MAN size Lakeview provided.” munity member. seems everyone gets to dream 13, 2007,about a year-and-a- “He has his finger on the When Jensen isn’t handling something and ends up doing SIDELINE ASPIRATIONS half after they got together. pulse of Columbus,”Pollard his Red Cross responsibilities, the opposite.” Jensen decided to pursue “That’s her birthday,”he said. “Everybody loves Kyle.” he still works on a part-time But that initial heartbreak his associate degree at Central said, laughing. “And my birth- Although Jensen appreci- basis for the hospital as a rehab ended up leading to a new Community College-Colum- day is Jan. 9, so that’s always a ates the kind words, he said tech. He’s also on the church opportunity that has arguably bus after graduating in 2001, busy time.” all of his many volunteers and council at the family’s parish, shaped Jensen’s life. Today he though acknowledged it was FINDING HIS NEW donors are the ones who really Trinity Lutheran Church. serves as account manager/ a difficult decision because make everything come togeth- He admittedly hasn’t been donor recruiter as part of the the Raiders did not have a golf CALLING er. In July, he helped coordinate out on the links too much this American Red Cross’ Midwest team at that time. Upon returning to Colum- 41 blood drives in the area. year, noting he has only had Region, covering Columbus But after obtaining that de- bus in 2006, Jensen initially “I couldn’t do it without time to participate in a few and communities within about gree, Jensen went up to Dakota worked for BD Medical. But volunteers,”he said. “And we scrambles. He mostly enjoys a one-hour radius. Wesleyan University in Mitch- before long he got a job work- have quite a few drives coming spending time with his family, “Working with people you ell, South Dakota, where he ing as a rehab tech for Colum- up.” know, building those con- which also includes his three hoped to pursue his passions bus Community Hospital’s Among the many is the drive children: daughters Lilli, 11; nections and working with for athletics and medicine. Premier Physical Therapy. in honor of late Columbus resi- people, in general, is what Abby, 9; and son Lucas, 3. “I really wanted to do some- He did that full-time up until dent Josh Gasper, which will “I like chasing the kids keeps me going,”Jensen said thing with sports. I had always 2015 when friend Amy Brown take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. about what he does for Ameri- around with their activities,” been involved in sports,” presented him with an oppor- Saturday at Peace Lutheran he said, with a big grin. can Red Cross. “And hearing tunity to work for humanitar- Jensen said. “I thought ath- Church, 2720 28th St. Gasper’s Amanda, a mortgage officer stories about all the lives that ian organization American Red letic training would be good. I life was cut short on Aug. 6, at U.S. Bank, said Jensen is the are saved with donations – I thought about pursing physi- Cross. 2018, at age 22, as a result of ultimate family man and takes absolutely love it.” cal therapy after receiving my “She’s a good friend of mine injuries sustained from an Aug. pride in what he does for a athletic training degree .” and she told me they were 2, 2018, auto-motorcycle ac- IN THE BEGINNING living, adding he brings his A- Golf has been a significant During a summer break be- looking to hire someone in this cident near Humphrey. Gasper game to everything he does. part of Jensen’s life from early on, as his father, Bruce, intro- “As far as his work and fam- duced him to the game when ily life, he pretty much gives he was just 2 years old. Like his 110 percent all the time,”she dad and older brother before said. “He always steps up.” him, Stuart, he was hooked. She said she knows that her “(Stuart) was my golf com- husband did have the ambition petition all the way through to work as an athletic trainer, high school,”Jensen said of his but noted that career would brother. have required a lot more night The brothers were con- and weekend work. That’s why stantly playing at the Elks he’s so happy today – he gets Country Club and then Quail time for family and his career Run when it opened up in the while also working in medi- early 1990s. Before long they cine and athletic training, to a were on the road, playing at degree. courses wherever they could. “It’s the best of both worlds “I have been lucky enough for him,”she said. “… I think to play courses (like) TPC Saw- it’s a way he can give back to grass (Florida) and Sandhills our community and a posi- in Mullen, Nebraska,”he said. tion that helps him support his “Golf was just a family thing. I grew up golfing – my dad family at the same time.” passed that down to the rest of In Jensen’s mind, every- the family.” thing has worked out the way Jensen was undoubtedly it was meant to be. He said he a student of his father, who loves having time for family, at one time had aspirations rewarding careers and living in of playing professionally and Courtesy Photo a community that supports one competed in some mini-tours Kyle Jensen with his wife, Amanda, and their three children. another. in California when he was “It’s a caring job. Red Cross, younger. He had the chance tween his school years in South area,”he said. “She thought I was given more than 100 units Premier Physical Therapy, to accompany his father when Dakota, Jensen began dating would be a good fit.” of blood products after his you’re helping people … you’re he traveled around the Corn- the woman who would become As part of his duties, Jensen motorcycle accident, according saving lives,”he said, noting husker state coaching others in his wife, Amanda. The two travels within a one-hour to Jensen, who added Gasper’s it’s nice and helpful to have the sport. knew each other previously, as radius of Columbus to help family and friends wanted to his parents (Bruce and Con- “He also gave many lessons she attended Columbus High. organize area blood drives and make the drive an annual event nie) still living in Columbus around the state of Nebraska, They had mutual friends they is constantly recruiting and after its success last year as a and Amanda’s folks not too far so when I was younger I would hung out with during sum- meeting with donors and vol- way to honor their late loved away in Kearney.“And there travel with him and played golf mer vacations that put them unteers, among other things. one. are different benefits to being Then there’s a blood drive in all day while he gave lessons,” in the same places at the same “There is a lot of work, I here – there is something hap- ecalled. “I remember honor of Sammy’s Superheroes Jensen r time and paved the way to their travel quite a bit,”he said. pening every week. It’s tre- one day I ended up playing/ relationship. that will run from noon to 6 “But I enjoy going to the blood mendous to see people helping walking 90 holes. I enjoyed Jensen said acquiring all the p.m. Tuesday in the parking lot drives, helping out and visiting out however they can.” making new contacts through necessary certification for ath- with the donors and volun- east of the Hy-Vee gas station. the game and how the game letic training post-graduation teers.” Jensen said he hopes to get Matt Lindberg is the managing editor is so technical with different was difficult, and though it Samantha Pollard, Midwest as many people as possible out of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him shots you have to make. Plus, it to donate blood, noting the Red via email at [email protected]. APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW Visit WWW.PVRC.NET to Learn More Or Call Us at (402) 563-4213 to Schedule a Tour!

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E6 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 Community Champion Keepsake The Columbus Telegram Leading by example: Larson thrives by forging his own path, helping youth

SAM PIMPER The Columbus Telegram

ighting against the current is something Nick Larson has never shied away from. Being bold and forging his own path has helped the Columbus native find personal success, provide for his family and serve the community he calls home. Sam Pimper, The Columbus Telegram “The theme of really everything about me is finding what works for you, and Nick Larson, top left, and other coaches and players smile following a baseball game earlier this summer. Fhasn’t always been typical for everybody else,”Larson said. “A lot of the things that Larson and others created Columbus Baseball as a way to stay involved without dealing with the majority of Leslie (wife) and I have done have been fits for us, and not always mainstream … problems associated with a chaotic travel schedule of a club team. “You can waste a lot of time and effort trying to figure out what you want to be,or what someone else thinks you should be, and at some point, you have to be able to fig- just wanted to coach them up and let me deal with all of the politics with the parents. ure out who you are, and you have to do it well.” But I know that has changed because I’m sure that’s something he deals with now,”he At some point during Larson’s journey, he became a man who sometimes rubs added, with a laugh. against the grain, who doesn’t get pressured to stray from his ideals and values and who In his later years, especially when Charlie and Thomas started competing in athlet- sets an example for his two boys, 12-year-old Charlie and 9-year old Thomas. ics, Larson went on to do a little bit of everything sports-related. It seemed like he was “I’m not sure the best way to say it, but I’ve never been a sheep to follow the herd, always coaching and getting involved with whatever activities his two children were I guess,”he said. “I’ve always had my own thing, I’ve always walked to the beat of a doing. Soccer, T-ball, coach-pitch baseball and basketball were among the sports he different drum. I’m not going to do something because everyone else is doing it,andI helped out with. guess that’s something I learned growing up.” Mary Morris, a friend of the Larson family, through an email to The Telegram high- With his own foundation soundly built, for years he has been working with his own lighted her firsthand experience with Larson impacting the youth he associates with. boys and dozens of youth in the greater Columbus community instilling the principles When Morris’ twin granddaughters were 5, Larson was busy coaching them up. of hard work, being great teammates and strong leaders. From afar, Morris watched one day as all the players were laughing, bouncing their Whether through volunteering for Columbus Baseball teams, Boy Scouts or an as- basketballs and just appearing to have a great time. She saw the coach rounding up his sortment of other children sporting events, Larson is always looking to harness talent, players and chatting with them, watching their little heads nod in agreement with big softening out the rough edges and helping to mold youngsters into the final product smiles plastered on their faces as they shook their heads in agreement with whatever he they will one day become. happened to be saying. The path they travel through their later years and adulthood will inevitably be their “I wondered what he could be saying to 5-year-olds to make them so happy,”Morris own to navigate, but for the time being, they are benefiting from a pretty solid guide. said. “I got close and listened to him. He was saying things like, ‘are you having fun?’ LEAVING AND RETURNING ‘I like to see you go after the ball like that, I’m proud of you that you can throw the ball Nick, the son of John and Mary Larson, is a Columbus native who attended St. like that.’… It was all things 5-year-olds understood. He understood how to get 5-year- Bonaventure Elementary School before passing through the halls of Scotus Central olds engaged in the game.” Catholic High School. His dad was an employee with the Nebraska Public Power Dis- Now, Larson serves as a coach and one of the founders of the Columbus Baseball trict and his mother, an employee with District 10 School. team, which has 10-and-under and 12-and-under teams. Next year – in year two of the While in high school, Larson’s love for sports continued evolving. He was a guard program – there will be an additional two squads added. and tackle on the Scotus football team, positions which helped prepare him to play “Probably the highlight of my life, the most fun thing I do right now is this baseball defensive end at Concordia University in Seward for a year after graduating high school team,”he said, adding that he coaches with Nathan Karges, Marcus Gillespie, Patrick in 1997. Clark, J.P. Holys and A.J. Bloebaum. These early years were formative for Larson in more than one way. Unbeknownst to While there is always the will to win, the emphasis of the league is on teaching skills him, he mingled with some of the same friends as his future love, Leslie. She attended that will make the competitors better athletes, and ultimately, better people. Columbus High School and the pair were casual acquaintances. “It’s not about trying to put together an ultra, ultra-competitive team,”he said. “Of “We were in the same social circles and everything, but we weren’t real close friends course we want to compete, and of course we’re competing as hard as we can, but the or anything like that,”he said. emphasis is on developing skills and developing teamwork and just having a good time After transferring from Concordia after a year to Southeast Community College in playing baseball.” Lincoln, Nick and Leslie’s paths ultimately collided while attending the same social In addition to baseball, Larson is heavily involved with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. gathering. The duo hit it off and married a few years later in 2002 at Grace Episcopal He serves as the pack leader for Cub Scouts Pack 115, as well as a den leader for Pack 115. Church in Columbus. in Boy Scouts, he serves as an assistant to Troop 115 Leader Charlie Bahr. After graduating from South- He also serves as president of the Wagners Lake Home Owner’s Association; presi- east with a degree in business dent of the fish and habitat committee at Wagners Lake and a member of theCity administration, for several years Columbus Park Board. Larson worked for Vantage Pointe Homes, a Lincoln-based modular All of his responsibilities engage him, but he said there is something about athletics home builder. It was the same place and working with youth that serves a bigger purpose. They are out there having fun and he worked full-time while com- learning about life simultaneously. pleting his two-year degree. “Learning some of those (life skills) is why you do it,”Larson said. “I mean, how Larson treasures the time he many kids from Columbus, Nebraska, are making it to the Big Leagues? Maybe a- hand spent in Lincoln before returning ful. That’s not why we are playing these sports. We are here to really teach life skills, not to Columbus in 2008. It was a time athletic skills.” for him and Leslie to develop into a CLEARING THE PATH single operating unit, and he made Now 40, Larson has a view of the path in front of him that stretches miles ahead. In life-long memories. his younger years, however, there were some obstructions in his line of vision. Those But when Charlie was born in obstructions were cleared, in large part, to adult influencers who had the right words at 2007,Nick and Leslie ultimately decided that there might be a bet- the right time, and fortunately, an engaged audience. ter place for them to raise a full Three people who influenced Larson are Vern Younger, his freshman football coach; family. Gary Puetz, his high school offensive line coach; and his father, John. “We had great jobs, a fantastic Younger once gave a speech that really resonated with the teenager. He spoke at the neighborhood, we loved our house, beginning of the year how the boys in front of him were now in high school and if they everything was great,”he said. “But didn’t want to put the work in, they were more than welcome to ride the bench. I had one of those ‘aha’ moments Later on, as a varsity athlete, Puetz managed to hit the nail on the head. that I’ll never forget. On Charlie’s “Gary instilled in me that you should expect to win every game you play,”Larson first birthday I asked Leslie, ‘where said. “And that counts a whole lot further than just the football field. That’s a life les- Courtesty Photo is our kid every going to ride his son.” Nick, Leslie, Charlie and Thomas Larson smile for a photo bike around here? This just isn’t Then there was John Larson, who always knew the right things to say to his son while visiting Ground Zero in New York City. us.’ when things didn’t go well on the ball diamond, track or gridiron. “So even though we really loved “Being a kid is tough, and failing at sports and failing at events is difficult,”Larson everything about Lincoln – going to hockey games, bars, everything else that was a lot said. “And not one time did my dad ever come down hard on me, or tell me I wasn’t do- of fun – when it came to raising kids, Columbus was just kind of the place to do it for ing well enough, he always chose to take a supportive role and tell me the good things I us.” did, tell me how to get better. TAKING INITIATIVE “And I’ve always remembered being a young kid and getting into my dad’s truck and Larson during an interview with The Telegram smiled while readily admitting that going home with him after a game where we lost, or I failed, or I didn’t play well … And he doesn’t ever really shy away from vocalizing what he’s thinking. (as a father or coach) it can be so easy to make that kid who already feels bad about what Really, this is one of the driving factors why Larson is so compelled to get into the happened - it’s so easy to make them feel worse. And it’s really powerful when you can thick of things with volunteerism. think about what’s going through that kid’s head and what you can say to actually make “I’m a very opinionated person, and people who know me know I don’t have a prob- him better, as opposed to letting your own frustration bear down on him.” lem voicing my opinion,”said Larson, who works in town managing the utility division Larson said he hopes that he has had some of these moments – without him even of Obrist & Company.“In my mindset, if you are going to be opinionated and you are knowing – where kids have picked up on a seemingly small takeaway that will posi- going to say when you disagree with something, whether you don’t like something or tively impact them moving forward. you want to see something better, you better be willing to take action and be willing to He noted that he has so many people in his own corner providing him support day in get involved with it.” and day out that allows him to do some of the things he has accomplished. Getting involved started when Larson was living with one of his best high school “I’m pretty good at standing in the sun sometimes,”he said. “And I get a lot of credit buddies, Joe Niedbalski, in Lincoln. Niedbalski, the current managing partner/owner of for things that are not solely me. And my wife, Leslie, anyone that knows the two of us the Runza in Columbus, one day asked Larson if he would be interested in helping out knows that she is doing all the lifting behind the scenes, and I am standing in the sun with one of Runza’s youth football teams. taking all the credit. Nothing I do would happen if she wasn’t right there with me.” “We were roommates at the time and he saw me going and coaching and I told him Moving forward, Larson will continue volunteering, spending time with his family that I could always use an extra set of hands,”Niedbalski said. “And he’s just pretty and helping to make Columbus a great place. knowledgeable about sports in general, so I thought that it would be something good.” He said he hopes that more people will step outside of their comfort zone and make From about 2006-2008, the men worked together helping middle-school-aged boys a difference when it’s needed. That one small decision, and taking a bit of a leap offaith, strap on the pads, tackle correctly and learn some of the game’s X’s and O’s. could potentially help others start building their futures, traveling down that right “I think he did push me (to do it) a little at first, but we really enjoyed doing it –we path. just had a great time working with the kids,”Larson said. “My biggest pet peeve in the whole world is the phrase, ‘somebody should do some- Although Larson and Niedbalski were already well acquainted, coaching provided thing about this,’”Larson said. “So you just need to find something that needs fixing Niedbalski with a platform to witness Larson’s ability to communicate and engage and you fix it, you know? You can’t just say that somebody else should doit. children. “Be somebody.” “He has always been focused with kids,”Niedbalski said. “When he was younger I remember that he didn’t even really want to talk to the parents or anything like that, he Sam Pimper is the news editor of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at [email protected]

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www.runza.com Columbus 1944 33rd Avenue The Columbus Telegram Community Champion Keepsake Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E7 Straight to the top: Gasper’s drive helped him overcome odds, find success

MATT LINDBERG By his senior year in 1987 The Columbus Telegram at Columbus High School, he decided it was time to make a eenage Rob Gasper drastic change. often would come to “I never looked at a piece of downtown Colum- paper as far as what you can do bus back in the day and what you’re capable of and Tand take in what he called the what defines you,”Gasper said. beauty of the old Schweser’s “I’ve always done things for department store at 1270 27th myself; a piece of paper never Ave. really had any effect on me.” “We don’t have mountains around here, so I was always ROLLING THE DICE attracted to buildings and Gasper decided to head out architecture,”Gasper recalled. west to California after leaving “I was 16 years old and this high school during his senior (Schweser’s) was one of the year. buildings that would stick out, “I was a snowbird when I that I liked.” was a teenager,”Gasper said, A Newman Grove native noting how he would travel who bounced between that to Los Angeles shortly after small town and the nearby Christmas until near summer village of Lindsay through- to work. He did this for several Matt Lindberg Photo, The Columbus Telegram years. out childhood, Gasper had to Rob Gasper on a summer morning, poses for a photo on the outdoor patio outside The Oak Room portion of The Friedhof Building often use his imagination to “I can remember the first in downtown Columbus. keep himself entertained in his time leaving for California on youth. So he and his friends a cold January night knowing I (primarily skid loaders, Bobcat, praised Gasper as a special Gasper has brought in. “He’s would climb whatever they had 2,000 miles in front of me Case, Gehl, John Deere and individual and great commu- really talented as far his ideas could – TV towers, elevators, in an old, rusted out ’74 Fire- HydraMac Skid steer loaders) nity role model, noting he’s the of promotions and bringing buildings and more. Schweser’s bird and $123 in my pocket,”he for low prices. front runner when it comes to new activities to not only his never made the cut, though. said. “We take older equipment someone trying to make the business but downtown Co- “When I got to Columbus Out in L.A, Gasper, who had and we refurbish it,”he said. area better. lumbus.” I learned real quick that you relatives there, picked up sev- The company has built its “He’s a great person, he’s The two met by chance could actually get in trouble eral warehouse jobs and made a reputation throughout the really fun, charismatic and real about a year-and-a-half-ago here for things that were com- decent living for himself doing years using the internet as a outgoing,”he said, noting they while they were out golfing pletely normal in a small town,” temporary work. The West promotional tool, with Gasper were best man in each other’s and struck up a conversation. Gasper said, with a laugh. “I Coast was a lot different back noting he remains proud that weddings. “He’s an outstand- Frieze used to own his own didn’t climb it (Schweser’s) but then compared to nowadays. he decided to use eBay to his ing person with great personal photography business and his I wanted to get up on the roof, “I made some good money advantage when the website values.” wife used to work at the old that’s for sure.” each time. It was really easy to first started in the mid-1990s. Schweser’s back in the day, so Gasper was and has always go out there and make a really “I was the first person ever COMING FULL CIRCLE In 2017,the Gaspers took there were some shared inter- been a dreamer, but also a hard good wage through the winter to put a video up on eBay,”he on their biggest and arguably ests. During that conversation worker who has battled and months,”Gasper said, noting assured, noting it was unheard most exciting challenge yet: it also came up that Frieze had beaten the odds. He grew up he pulled in somewhere around of at the time since the site was The Friedhof Building. The serious experience bartending, in a crowded household, the $9,000-$10,000 at a time brand new. couple decided to buy and so he’s been helping out at the youngest of seven children during his nearly half-year Flatland also helped him Friedhof ever since. with a single mother, but he excursions. realize his passion for travel. refurbish the old Schweser’s building he has admired since “We’re business friends, but later pursued aspirations of After a few years of traveling He has made sales all over the also good friends,”he said. being a successful business back and forth, Gasper decided country, and as a result, he, his youth after the department store went out of business. The success of The Friedhof owner. to stay put in Columbus and Tracy, and his three older chil- means a great deal to Gasper, Decades later, he’s the proud met the woman who would dren, Jacy (26), Nicole (25) and “I see value in things that you can restore and bring who noted he and his wife de- owner of two successful busi- eventually become his wife, JJ (20) went near and far. sire to provide a place that can nesses, a husband, a father of Tracy. They settled down and “It’s pretty interesting. I back,”Gasper said of his two businesses. be a hub and source of pride four and community advocate. he decided to once again pur- have traveled a lot and we have for residents and city visitors. “Definitely the best thing sue his education by obtaining had a lot of life experiences,” Friedhof has become a dining experience and events He said he appreciates every- that I love about Columbus is his General Education Devel- Gasper said of his family’s one who has and continues to trips. “Before our oldest girls center of sorts, hosting wed- it is large enough to have good opment (GED) diploma when patronize their venue, adding were 7 or 8, they had been in dings, galas and more with shopping, good schools and he was 24 in the early 1990s. he is especially proud when things to do, and it’s still a re- people from his Newman Grove ally safe place to raise a family,” and Lindsay days as a boy come Gasper said. through and see what he’s up But it didn’t come easy. He to now. worked his way to where he is “I think everybody thought today. I was a pretty good kid in the GROWING UP community growing up, but In a way, Newman Grove then nobody ever asked me to and Lindsay are both Gasper’s be a choir boy either,”Gasper hometowns as he moved be- said, jokingly. tween the two often. His family Ask him today and Gasper had a farm right by Lindsay and will tell you he’s appreciative owned the local bar there for of his upbringing. If he wanted quite a while. He said he had extra money to play a game or, a good childhood, though ac- on some days, get food, he had knowledged he had to become to go out and work for it. But pretty independent early on that instilled a work ethic in being in a house full of kids liv- him that, in a way, is why he’s ing on one source of income. at where he’s at now. “You kind of had to fight for “Whether that was walk- your food a lot of days,”Gasper ing beans, door-to-door snow said. “So I spent a lot of time shoveling, shelling corn or whether it was out scoop- even delivering the Telegram in ing snow or doing odd jobs if a 10 below wind chill,”he said. I wanted something or to buy “As a small-town kid, I pretty something to eat.” much did anything I could to Helpful was the fact that have something in my pocket. he had his great uncle and I have always believed self- aunt (Cecil and Katie Letter- reliance is a good virtue and is man) nearby – his great uncle something I probably learned was the longtime volunteer pretty early.” fire chief and a policeman in The young boy who had Lindsay and his aunt was the Courtesy Photo aspirations of being a success- head cook at Lindsay Holy The Gasper family: JJ, left, Nicole, Tracy, Jacy and Rob holding Britlyn. ful business and family man Family for 50-plus years. So certainly found his way. He still when he needed a hot plate much support from the com- hasn’t and won’t climb the old of food, even after he moved He then got an associate degree like 43 of the 50 states.” Schweser’s building as he de- The family, which now in- munity. In the year since they to Newman Grove following in business from Central Com- sired as a teen, but he got to see cludes 3-year-old Britlyn, has opened the downtown spot, fourth grade, he could go back munity College-Columbus. He the view from the top like he taken trips practically all over the business has made several to Lindsay to find one. later went to Wayne State Col- always wanted. He can when- “They were like second par- the world. Besides the states, upgrades. Gasper was also lege for a year, before deciding ever he wants now, though ad- ents to me,”Gasper said of his the Gaspers have traveled instrumental in advocating for to pursue entrepreneurship mittedly doesn’t all that much great aunt and uncle. and family. internationally to places like the Columbus City Council to Gasper’s mother married Mexico and Southeast Asia. approve outdoor patio spaces as it requires using a ladder and a man from Columbus when BUSINESS & FAMILY “I got a new perspective in the downtown district last leaves you pretty dirty. he was a sophomore in high Everything came together on how people do things in year. “I have quite a few times, school, so the family relocated for Gasper in the 1990s. He other parts of the world,”said “I think Rob is a very nice though,”he said, with a big to town in the mid-1980s. He worked for a railroad company Gasper, who also enjoys golf- gentleman. He always has a smile. “Usually not for fun acknowledged it was a little for a little while, and he and ing at Quail Run and playing good demeanor about him, he’s stuff, but the view is nice bit tougher to make friends in Tracy were married in 1993. pool whenever he can. “For the very friendly,”said friend and from the top of the Schweser’s Columbus because he had a car He also started his Flatland most part, people are pretty fellow Columbus resident Jim building – that’s for sure.” by then and often went back to Auction & Equipment Sales. decent in most places.” Frieze, citing things like the Matt Lindberg is the managing editor visit his pals in Newman Grove The company prides itself on Lifelong friend and Hum- Sunday morning car shows and of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him whenever he had the chance. selling used farm equipment phrey resident Greg Schroeter other forms of entertainment via email at [email protected]. PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE COLUMBUS COMMUNITY. America’sAmerica’s FavoriteF ite ChickenChick 2266 33rd Ave., Columbus 8 Pc. for $10 (402) 564-8131 E8 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 E8 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 Community Champion Keepsake The Columbus Telegram Finding her rhythm: Hogelin loves to dance, help others MATT LINDBERG The Columbus Telegram ifelong dancer and Columbus resident Lynette Hogelin grew up believing she was destined to live in California and make La living dancing in commercials and music videos for entertainers like Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. “That was my dream. MTV was just starting,”she said of the early 1980s when what was then referred to as ‘Mu- sic Television’ came on the airwaves. “I thought that would just be the coolest job ever.” Hogelin worked hard practically her entire adolescence aspiring for that goal until a series of unfortunate events derailed those plans. During her senior year of college, she had several non-life-threatening health issues that lingered and ultimately resulted in her missing class time and delaying her graduation one year to repeat some courses. “That kind of changed my life,” Hogelin said. “But I think that was Lynette Hogelin on Aug. 21 shows off a wall of pictures inside her dance studio that showcases many of her former athletes. God’s plan because it just would have not been the right life for me out in California. It’s a tough life for sure, a of Nebraska-Lincoln. The studio is actually on the lower and causes. Among them are helping lot of rejection. I just couldn’t imagine CHANGE OF PLANS level of Hogelin’s home, 3076 38th Ave. raise thousands of dollars for the Co- now being out there without family and in Columbus, and gives visitors a sense lumbus Community Hospital Auxiliary In the early 1980s, Hogelin was still of her love for not only dance but fam- to enable it to purchase much-needed friends.” determined to make it out to the West Despite enduring what felt like a few ily, friendship and community. Each medical equipment, as well as for the Coast and dance in commercials and wall inside the studio has a bright pop American Cancer Society through the setbacks at the time, the misfortunes music videos upon obtaining her bach- ultimately gave Hogelin a true sense of of color (green, blue, pink and yellow) local Relay for Life (she’s a member of elor’s degree in dance. But those health and is covered in memories from the the 10,000 club for raising over $10,000 what she believes is her purpose in life: issues that forced her to graduate a year Community enrichment. studio’s rich 35-year history. on her own). after she had initially planned resulted One royal blue wall, in particular, is She’s served on the Columbus Area Today, she’s the proud owner and in her reevaluating everything. operator of Lynette’s Dance Studio in adorned with framed photos of practi- Chamber of Commerce’s Board of She moved back to Columbus and cally every year’s dancers dating back Directors and numerous committees Columbus. But beyond that, she’s a worked numerous part-time jobs to sister, aunt, daughter, friend, teacher, a to 1984. A bench in the main lobby of within the area entity, such as for Red, make ends meet as she said she thinks the studio is covered in signatures of White, KaBoom! and Columbus Days. woman of faith, volunteer and commu- employers had fear about hiring her and former and present dancers who left She’s also assisted the Columbus Area nity activist. losing her if an opportunity in dance sweet messages of appreciation to their United Way and is a longtime Sertoma “Lynette’s just one of those people came about later. instructor. Club member. who is involved in virtually every com- “It was tough,”she said. For Hogelin, all of her 1,000-plus With faith being an important part of munity project there is,”said longtime She was admittedly stuck, but divine friend K.C. Belitz, who is the chief op- students are family – her adopted chil- her life, Hogelin has and remains highly intervention came about that time active at her church, St. Isidore’s. She erating officer for the Nebraska Com- in the form of one of her old college dren - in a way. munity Foundation, an organization “I think just year after year, I love has helped out with several youth mis- professors. That professor encouraged sion trips, sharing her strong religious that helps communities in Nebraska live Hogelin to consider becoming a dance seeing the kids grow and develop,”she the good life by providing resources and said. background with people across the teacher. The professor recalled Hoge- world. training to a network of affiliated funds. lin’s ability to teach students so well In the performance area, students “I don’t know how she does it and gets are greeted with a message of encour- “Lynette is a champion of volun- when she led her peers during courses teering and does it with a lot of enthu- in as deep as she does, but somehow she her senior year. agement found painted in big bold let- pulls it off.” tering for all to see on the wall: “Danc- siasm,”said Columbus resident and “Honestly, I did not want to live friend of 15 years Rick Chochon, who in Columbus, Nebraska. I never saw ers are the athletes of God.” COMING UP IN COLUMBUS Hogelin was organizing the space on is also the president and CEO of Great From her earliest memories, Hoge- myself here and I never saw myself as a Plains State Bank. “She always seems dance teacher,”Hogelin said. a recent afternoon as she’s gearing up lin was a dancer. She loved watching to start the new dance season. Dance to have a smile on her face, and I never musicals whenever she could and would But another dance studio in town have heard her complain about any- had closed around that time, and the means the world to her, but in actuality, move around with glee on the front it’s hardly what defines her. thing. (She’s a) hard worker and great porch in the winter each year after her more and more people encouraged her, volunteer.” father put up the Christmas lights on During a trip to Las Vegas for her the house and tuned them up to many birthday, Hogelin planned an afternoon holiday classics. for her and her friends to celebrate her “The front porch was like my little date of birth by helping out at a local stage – I would be out there dancing,” soup kitchen. Hogelin recalled. “I just do not remem- “She’s an amazing person,”longtime ber not dancing. It was something I al- friend and Columbus resident Sandie ways did. It’s something that has always Fischer said. been in me.” Hogelin’s service work isn’t about So much so that when many kids accolades or bragging rights. She has her age would be playing games or with trouble recalling everything she has and toys, she spent a large chunk of her free continues to be involved with, mostly time coming up with choreography to because it’s not something she thinks all sorts of songs she heard throughout about. It’s really just something she the years. does because she’s inspired by many Hogelin grew up in a loving house- others who do the same. hold with her older brother, David, and “Even though I’ve never really gone parents. Her parents instilled in her and away and lived somewhere else, I hear her brother a strong commitment to constantly from people - people who faith and community service. come back - and they say there really “I always thought and I still feel the is something special about Columbus,” sense of community here. I even felt said Hogelin, who does not have any that as a child because my parents vol- biological children of her own but is unteered a lot,”Hogelin said. Lynette Hogelin sorts through some new shoes inside her studio in preparation of the business’ annual the proud aunt of her nephew Dylan of She went to St. Bonaventure for ‘Shoe Day,’ in which dancers can purchase shoes to use. New York City.“At times, being a single elementary school and eventually person with no children – it’s hard to graduated from Scotus Central Catholic Hogelin said she realized it made a lot find a fit. Volunteering gives me aplace High School. of sense. SERVANT’S HEART in the world.” Hogelin’s passion for community In her spare time, she danced as “I just love to dance and I’ve always The various experiences she has had service dates back to her early child- often as possible. Her parents nurtured loved children,”Hogelin said. “So I get through volunteering provide connec- hood as she watched her parents get her love for dancing, as she took courses to combine my love for dance and kids. tions to others, which builds commu- heavily involved in various local initia- through much of her childhood. She That made a ton of sense to me.” nity, she noted. So much so that leaving began attending Barb’s School of Dance tives every year. The generosity and Columbus is something she’ll never in middle school and worked on her NEW ERA kindness of so many residents opened consider. For Hogelin, Columbus repre- craft there all through high school. Lynette’s Dance Studio opened up her eyes, especially when she was sents family, friendship and home. Her childhood didn’t come without in 1984, and in those 30-plus years, crowned Miss Columbus (within the “I think in high school you think some bumps, though. She was 15 when Hogelin has happily coached more than parameters of the Miss America pag- you want to get away from everything, she lost her father, who passed away 1,000 students in a variety of dance, eant). but you really don’t,”said Hogelin, an unexpectedly from a heart attack. ranging from pre-ballet, ballet, tap, “I was named Miss Columbus in instructor for the dance team at Central “I woke up one day and had a dad. I jazz, modern, clogging, pom, hip-hop 1983, and that sparked my interest in Community College-Columbus. “I saw him that morning,”she said. “By and pointe. There are courses for girls, giving back to the community because I think home is a good place to be.” the end of the day, I didn’t. He was boys, women and men. felt the community gave me so much as gone.” “I don’t think of this as my job. This Miss Columbus,”she said. Matt Lindberg is the managing editor of The The loss was profoundly difficult, is the vocation God has given me in Through the decades, Hogelin has Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at matt. but Hogelin still went on to pursue her life and I can’t imagine doing anything quietly committed her time and energy [email protected]. aspirations for dance at the University else,”Hogelin said. to numerous nonprofit organizations Matt Lindberg Photos, The Columbus Telegram SUPPORTING LOCAL JOURNALISM SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY 402.564.2741 1254 27TH Ave, Columbus www.columbustelegram.com The Columbus Telegram Community Champion Keepsake Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E9 Heart & Hope: Cancer battle, difficult upbringing and family drive Clark

MATT LINDBERG stick out because it set the tone Courtesty Photo The Columbus Telegram for the rest of her life. Soon af- ter that conversation and tak- Jenna Clark earlier this year presented the Center For Survivors s homecoming queen, with a check for $2,500 from the MakeSense Foundation. student coun- ing care of herself, Clark knew cil president and a she wanted to pay it forward. It further enhanced her desire to multi-sport standout er at Columbus High School). most effectively. Aathlete, Gothenburg native help others find happiness. As part of her role with It was difficult for Jenna Clark was happy as could FINDING HER WAY the Center, Clark went into many reasons, she be – at least on the surface. Clark went to Doane Uni- area schools and talked with noted. But one morning during her versity in the early 2000s with students about different kinds “It basically junior year of high school, her the intention of becoming a of abuse and dating violence. It makes you radio- guidance counselor, Jerry Wig- teacher. But quickly after the was tough work, but she loved active. You can’t gins, saw her differently. He start of her freshman year, she it and was fully committed to it be around anyone saw through her smile. knew there was a problem. for a long time. else; I couldn’t “‘No, I want to know how “I realized when I got there hold my baby or you’re really doing,’”she that while I love working with CHANGE OF PLANS anything,”she recalled him saying when she people and children, I was By mid-summer 2009, the said. “It was really answered his question with a actually so shy that the idea of Clarks were happy and- expect hard – it was just smile and a simple ‘fine.’“It getting in front of a classroom ing their second son. But as terrible. was the first time someone had made me sick to my stomach,” months went by, Clark began “I hurt all over; asked me that.” Clark said, with a laugh. “I noticing one of her ears kept I would sleep 18 The truth was Clark was not didn’t have a fear of interacting popping. It was admittedly hours a day. My OK, she wasn’t happy. She had with people, but I had signifi- annoying; however, she didn’t body couldn’t been witnessing and enduring cant fears of public speaking want to go to the doctor out function; it was family struggles at home that, and being in the limelight.” of fear of getting sick while pretty intense, at one time, forced her and her Despite those fears, there pregnant. but it worked.” Her ear had actually been siblings to live in a hotel for an was no way she was going to Courtesty Photo extended period. let her passion for leading and popping all day, every day LIVING LIFE “I went through a really making a difference go by the for three months before she STRONG Jenna Clark with her husband, Patrick, and their two boys. dark time where I was very wayside. Instead, she decided relented and went to the doctor After about depressed,”Clark said. “He thanks to much encourage- eight months of recovery, “We feel it’s important to give to pursue and obtain a degree back to those who give the said, ‘it’s OK to not be OK.’He in psychology. ment from friends and family. Clark returned to the Center community so much on a daily recognized I wasn’t OK and “I found that I loved be- On Sept. 8, 2009, her life for Survivors. She continued basis.” loved me through it.” ing able to still work and help changed. Suddenly, everything to love what she was doing The Clark family is a special It was a life-changing mo- people, but just do it in small stopped. professionally but decided to ment for Clark, as was chang- groups,”she said. That was the day Clark had step away from that role after a bunch, according to close ing careers multiple times, Her freshman year also that ear-popping checked out. while to focus on other efforts. friend and Columbus resident becoming a mother twice and brought romance, as soon After being told it looked fine, “I started to realize I needed Erin Nahorny. having to battle cancer while enough she married the love the doctor questioned a nodule to do something different for “They are just some of the pregnant with her second of her life, Patrick, also of on her neck. myself. I was starting to bring kindest people we know. Their child. But she’s a fighter, a Gothenburg. Midway through “She just said, ‘have you work home with me and it bur- whole life is about service to giver, a kind-spirited indi- college, she had found her always had that bump?’ And dened my heart,”said Clark, other people, their church and vidual whose less than ideal “happy place” – married and I laughed and said, ‘you mean who remains a big advocate for their community,”Nahorny circumstances at times shaped working toward turning her my Adam’s apple?’” she re- the nonprofit to this day. said, adding that she’s proud to her. Everything she has been passion into a full-time career. called. Clark spent a few years call them friends and a person- through has done that. They welcomed their first son A thorough exam would re- employed as a social worker al cheerleader of Jenna’s. “Jenna is the most kind, shortly after she graduated sult in a diagnosis of papillary of sorts at Columbus High On a late August 2019 day, giving, honest, the most- genu college. thyroid cancer about a week School, among other things, Clark learned that her tumor ine person. You couldn’t find later. The Clarks faced a scary but for the last four years has markers went up significantly a better friend,”said Colum- HELPING HANDS unknown future all while she been working for SeneGence and was planning to undergo bus resident and longtime pal Only a month into starting was several months pregnant International, helping sell an ultrasound and CT scan to Amy Williams. “She has such her new job as a child and ado- with their second son and they makeup and skincare products. find out what exactly was going a giving heart. She is selfless, lescent advocate for Columbus were raising a then-2-year-old. The career change came about on. whether it was when she was nonprofit Center for Survivors On Sept. 15, she had surgery after Clark happened to come “First of all, thank you for doing social work and giving to after graduating college, Clark to remove the lump. That re- across a friend’s social me- all of your prayers and well all the people who were need- found herself in the local police sulted in a total thyroidectomy dia post about the company’s wishes. I am truly blessed to ing her or for a friend in need. department calming a young and more bad news: The cancer unique lipstick. have so many friends in my She is always giving and never boy who had been the victim of had spread to the lymph nodes. “It was a lipstick that didn’t corner,”she wrote in a Face- expecting to receive.” physical abuse at the hands of Despite the horrific news, budge. I bought some and book post announcing the family members. Clark said she is grateful she thought, ‘this stuff is incred- unfortunate circumstances. GROWING UP IN “I would go to the shelter went to the doctor when she ible,’” she said, pulling out a Although the past has been GOTHENBURG every day and there was a little did. Had she not, she might tube of it and showing how it less than ideal, Clark counts Born and raised in the small boy whose parents hurt him so not have known she had cancer didn’t smear on her arm on a her blessings and is thankful town of Gothenburg (almost badly,”she said, recalling how until it was too late. recent morning. for what she has in her life. three hours southwest of Co- the boy had been tossed down Clark chronicled her experi- She’s flourished in the role, She said days before her latest lumbus), Clark was the oldest the stairs and hurt in many ence almost a decade ago in a now leading a team of about diagnosis that everything she of three children (she has a ways. “His face was almost blog, “Jenna’s Journal.” 1,000 people throughout has experienced made her who brother and sister). With her unrecognizable. I was the only “What? Did she just say Nebraska and another 2,000 she is today. home life rocky throughout her one he felt comfortable with.” cancer? Now? While I’m preg- outside of the Husker state. And though she won’t say it, childhood, Clark found com- That night while she nant? What about my baby She said her Nebraska team has those who know her best will fort by diving into athletics and comforted him, the young boy? Seriously … cancer? I’m sold millions of dollars’ worth tell you: extra-curricular activities. boy asked her if she would 25,”she wrote in a post from of product and ascended to She’s a special person; a lov- “I used the outlets as my be his mom. She admittedly Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. third overall in the company ing wife and mother, daughter, safe place essentially,”Clark cried once she got home and The timing of the diagnosis among states across the coun- dear friend, a hard worker, explained. got emotional – it was heart- came just in time, though. She try in sales. caring and selfless individual. Besides student council, wrenching. It also made her was in her second trimester “It’s great, it’s fun. I call it She’s a fighter, a giver, some- she jumped into athletics by understand the importance of when she had the surgery. my hashtag makeup ministry,” one who desires to only live life competing in basketball, track getting more of the community Had she had been in the third, she said, laughing. “It allows to the fullest, help others, and and cross country. She was involved with the nonprofit the risk associated with the me to still help women and hopefully, inspire others to do also a member of the 1999 that serves victims of domes- surgery would have been much make them feel confident, just the same. Gothenburg High girls Class C tic and sexual assault, dating higher. without the burden I was living “I often look back on (my state champions cross country violence and human trafficking She decided to put her can- with before.” childhood) with a grateful unit, which took the top spot in Platte, Colfax, Butler, Polk, cer treatment on hold because Clark is also quite the ac- heart, which sounds crazy to a Nance and Boone counties. she was pregnant. After the the year before Scotus Central tive community member. lot of people. But without my “At that moment, I knew total thyroidectomy, she was Catholic girls’ three-year-con- She’s highly involved with her upbringing I wouldn’t have the I had to bring in more people put on Synthroid, a medication secutive run that started the church, Columbus Berean, compassion I do or interest I do 2000s. Sports and activities to make a difference because designed to replace the thyroid where she serves as women’s in helping and serving others,” gave Clark not only the chance there are so many kids in our hormone her body was no ministry coordinator, among she said. “And a cancer diag- to get her mind off of home but community who need love and longer able to make on its own. other things. She’s also helped nosis will change you forever also to develop leadership skills I couldn’t do it alone, because She was on medication, but the with Sammy’s Superheroes, and make friends. my heart wouldn’t have sur- combination of being pregnant Night to Shine, and of course, because I will always remember “I’m a sports enthusiast; I vived it,”she said, noting she and fighting cancer left her Center for Survivors. that day and always remember love the team aspect and it was heard stories from hundreds drained. She and Patrick, along with how terrible it was not being good for me,”she said. “I loved of young girls and boys in the “I just needed to get well,” their children, 12-year-old able to hold my babies. my coaches – they were great community who witnessed she said. Grady and 9-year-old Gavin, “So I truly try to live each role models for me. They were abuse, or were physically or Once her second son was also have made it a point of day in a new way and to love like family. So I was active in sexually abused firsthand. “I born, Clark eventually got back baking cookies and delivering others well each day because everything, I volunteered for got a true taste of hurt in our to treatment. It began with them to various law enforce- you just don’t know what everything.” community.” her going off the medication ment and first responder tomorrow brings. As cliché Despite all her success in The Clarks moved to in order to rid her body of the agencies during the holidays as that sounds, it’s truly the high school, Clark’s unhap- Columbus in 2006 for their thyroid-stimulating hormones throughout the years. truth.” piness weighed on her. That careers (Jenna worked at the (TSH). That process was “We just want them to Matt Lindberg is the managing editor fateful day her counselor said Center initially while Patrick needed in order for the radio- know how thankful we are and of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him something to her will always was hired and remains a teach- iodine treatments to work brighten their day,”she said. via email at [email protected]. Great Personal Service. It’s in our name.

Great Personal Service 3423 21st Street | Westgate Shopping Center | Columbus, NE 68601 (402) 564-6077 | Toll Free: (844) 435-5323 | Fax: (402) 835-5325 www.gpsbanks.com E10 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 Community Champion Keepsake The Columbus Telegram Living the good life: Leffers loves her blended family, career, giving back and occasionally Taco Bell Matt Lindberg, The Columbus Telegram Jessica Leffers poses for a photo on a summer morning inside the kitchen of her Columbushome.

MATT LINDBERG “Childhood was great,”she to,”she said. married Aug. 21, 2004. resources and safety for the The Columbus Telegram said. Everything was coming “I thought it could be chal- Columbus branch of Superior t doesn’t matter what Leffers graduated from together for Leffers, whose hard lenging having a blended family Industries, which designs and exactly longtime Columbus Humphrey High in 1996 and work and commitment to her but John has been very support- manufactures crushing, screen- resident Jessica Leffers is wanted to follow her passion job were noticed by her superi- ive of it and the girls have been ing, washing and conveying doing as long as she’s with for helping people by going into ors. That resulted in numerous really good about it,”she said, solutions to support the world’s Iher family or friends. Even nursing. So, she decided to enter promotions over the course of noting she has a really good re- dry bulk producers. It’s a job she something as simple as a Taco the nursing program at what 13 years, including inventory lationship with her stepdaugh- loves and remains in today. Bell run with a loved one makes is now Central Community control to safety environmental ters, 27-year-old Jennifer and After buying her first home her happy. College-Columbus. technician and later environ- 23-year-old Stephanie. in Columbus, Leffers had inter- Actually, trips to the fast- While attending college and mental technician. Jessica and John also have a est in obtaining her real estate food restaurant that serves a va- going through the program, As she worked her way up in daughter of their own, Ashlee, license in 2005. She’s putting riety of Mexican-inspired foods Leffers worked regularly as a the company she also decided to who is now in eighth grade at that to good use working on a has become somewhat of a tra- certified nursing assistant at a go back to school while working Scotus. Several photos of the part-time basis as a realtor for dition for her and her husband, local nursing home. She enjoyed and obtain her bachelor’s degree family are proudly on display in friend and broker Steve Miller of John, by accident. They weren’t getting to know the residents through online courses with the Leffers’ Columbus home. Capstone Realty. feeling the best the night of but acknowledged she didn’t Concordia University (based out Family means a great deal to “I just know she’s a high- Leffers and she relishes hav- their first wedding anniversary anticipate how hard it would be, of Seward). character person, has good ing those closest to her inside 14 years ago, so they decided to as she got extremely emotional- “I felt like I just wanted to Christian morals. I know her to the home creating memories, go pick up some comfort food ly attached to those she helped. challenge myself and do more be honest, hardworking and I and keep things simple. whether that’s enjoying some “I didn’t honestly know if than I was currently doing,” beverages together, grilling never have to worry about how “I think I ordered Taco Su- I could do that every day,”she Leffers said, noting she got her she’s representing both herself preme tacos and John had, more or just hanging around. Her said. “So I decided I should do degree in 2011. parents, Jerry and Kathy Pfeifer, and our company when she’s than likely, a burrito of some something else.” She bought a house, got her interacting with people,”Miller sort,”Leffers recalled. “Every live in Columbus. Her three bachelor’s degree and earned younger brothers all live in the said, noting they got to know year after that we did Taco Bell STARTING ANEW several promotions while work- each other years ago when they just as a joke. We laugh about it Once Leffers decided to get Omaha area, so they get down ing at FLEXcon. She also ended to see them and their families worked for another real estate now.” out of nursing, she had to figure up meeting the man who would agency in town. Leffers is all about keep- out what exactly she wanted to when they can and do things become her husband, John, like attending concerts together. Miller said some of Lef- ing things simple but by many do next. She ended up get- while playing on the company’s accounts has a huge heart and Columbus, however, is their fers best qualities are that she ting a receptionist job at the softball team. That happened in genuinely cares about people, is commits much of her time to Columbus office of FLEXcon, permanent home. help others quietly, such as 2000. “I like the Columbus com- empathetic to others and knows a global leader in coated and “We became friends through how to brighten a person’s day. baking a cake for a funeral and laminated films and adhesives munity- I think it’s a good town softball and then started dat- and is a great place for some- “She’s a great person,”he af- aiding with church functions or used in graphics applications, ing,”she said. body to raise their family,”she firmed. “I just think she’s posi- nonprofit causes when possible. manufactured goods and new “I definitely believe Jessica said. “There are a lot of school tive and honest. She’s involved products. NEW PATH options and opportunities for in the community and a good goes above and beyond to help “I thought it would fill my Leffers jokes about her en- anybody and everybody,”long- anything really – and it has church person.” time friend and fellow Colum- Indeed, Leffers enjoys bus resident Angie Arndt said. helping out at her church, St. “She does it out of the goodness Isidore’s, whenever she can. She of her heart. She doesn’t help also likes doing things behind others because she has to, but the scenes to help local causes because she wants to.” and nonprofits. It’s not about Leffers will tell those who ask recognition, but rather bringing that her mindset comes from a smile to someone else’s face. her DNA, noting her mother Leffers’ journey hasn’t al- is quite social while her father ways been an easy one, but she’s is more introverted. She called certainly proud of it. She said herself a combination of the she’s proud of what she has ac- two. complished and become, adding “I like to do things where I’m that she hopes people know under the radar. I still love being changing your plans doesn’t able to in the back of my mind mean you’re not successful. know I’m helping somebody,” “I think it probably just she said. “I think ultimately no means even though your game matter what I decided to do I plan didn’t go the way you knew I wanted to help people.” intended, it doesn’t mean your It’s been a journey for Lef- next game plan isn’t going to fers, a self-proclaimed farm kid who grew up aspiring to follow be just as successful or self- a specific plan in life only to find satisfying as you thought it another one that she believes is would be,”she said. “So plans equally rewarding. can change and it can still be a good thing.” FINDING HER WAY Leffers and her husband kept Courtesy Photo Leffers grew up in the the Taco Bell tradition going Humphrey/Lindsay areas on a Jessica Leffers with her family: stepdaughter Jennifer, daughter Ashlee, husband John and stepdaughter Stephanie. up until this year when they family farm alongside her three decided to take an excursion to younger brothers. the Nebraska State Fair. It was “We went to school in void while I was trying to figure gagement. She said John actual- grown a lot. I remember when out what I wanted to do,”she ly proposed twice to her, as she in celebration of their 15th wed- Humphrey but we lived closer to Walmart was over by where ding anniversary. Lindsay,”she said. said, noting her dad also worked acknowledged she wasn’t sure Hobby Lobby was. This is just a there. about what her path in life was “No Taco Bell. We kind of The family had plenty of good place to be.” upscaled things this year,”she crops and pigs on their property, During this time she was going to be. She acknowledged Things have also worked out traveling back and forth living at she had some fears initially said, laughing. with the siblings raising calves well for Leffers professionally. But, Leffers, whose favorite both her parents’ farm and her about having a blended family In 2013, she took an opportu- to earn their own money. Taco Bell item is a Taco Su- Leffers was also quite active grandfather’s Columbus home. as he has two daughters from a nity to work as a safety manager preme, said they may start the while attending Humphrey She decided she was ready to previous relationship who were at Valmont in town and leave High School, playing volley- find her own place, and with young kids at the time. FLEXcon after 13 years. It was tradition up again in the future. ball and basketball while also encouragement from her father, But, she said, she said yes the admittedly a tough decision “Oh, I’m sure we will,”she participating in track and the bought a home in Columbus at second time because she knew because she grew close to her said. “We still laugh about it.” Future Homemakers of America age 20. she loved him and believed they co-workers, but decided it made Matt Lindberg is the managing editor and Future Farmers of America “It was scary, but I just could all make it work. They be- sense. A couple of years later, of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via programs. wanted a place I could go home came engaged in 2003 and were she accepted a job in human email at [email protected].

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www.workatsuperior.com crushing scrEEning WAshing cOnVEYing Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E11 The Columbus Telegram Community Champion Keepsake Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E11 Man of the people: Olk’s love for community and sales dates back to childhood MATT LINDBERG them on Easter, only to find The Columbus Telegram buttercup squash sprouting up olumbus native Austin earlier this year. A neighbor and Olk was a success- her boys came by and pointed it ful entrepreneur with out to him. business savvy before “Yeah, so I turned up a bunch Che was even a teenager. By the time he turned 12, Olk of squash even though it was was pulling in about $100 each supposed to be watermelons,” weekend selling his vast collec- he said, laughing. “I probably tion of basketball, football and had 60-70 of them initially. I baseball cards inside 30 Center gave a batch away, I sold a few. Mall. The young Olk struck a deal with the owner of the I was kind of disappointed they Sports Village store inside the weren’t watermelon because mall at the time that enabled practically everybody loves wa- him to sell cards at a table out- termelon.” side of the shop for $10 per day. He also enjoys riding his “It was a pretty good deal for a kid, and this was during mountain bike on the various the time of Michael Jordan, so trails in town when the weather it was pretty easy to sell,”Olk is nice, noting he recommends said, with a big smile. “Sort- local outfit Nebraska Cycling and ing through those cards took Fitness for bike purchases. a lot of time, but it was a good Olk also relishes time with hobby.” Olk sold cards for sev- his family, which includes his eral years and eventually left parents, Mike and Hollie; and Columbus in hopes of trying brothers Chet and Wade. to find his passion in life. Over “Everybody is pretty close,” time, it became apparent that he said, noting he has dinner Olk was destined to take his own path. He elected to not with his parents at least twice finish up his post-high school each week. education, move back to his Olk is undoubtedly proud to hometown permanently, roll call Columbus home, mention- up his sleeves and put the skills ing he appreciates how it has in sales and customer service he had since childhood to good evolved throughout the years. use. “There has been constant “There are a couple of ways growth,”he said. “For a small to this in life – experience or town, this one has really taken degree,”Olk said. “Those who off. There has been expansion in have a degree don’t have ex- every direction. So many busi- perience. Those who only have experience don’t have a degree. nesses have upgraded.” The experience is usually going Olk’s ambition still drives to take priority when there is a him. He said he’s content and need to fill a position. It’s not so happy doing what he’s doing much about the piece of paper now, but that he won’t rule out you have in most instances.” Olk’s always been ambitious new opportunities in life if they and had a passion for family Courtesy Photo present themselves and make and people. It took him a while sense for him. Austin Olk poses for a photo while bowling. Olk is a member of a Tuesday night men’s bowling league at Westbrook Lanes in to figure out where he wanted Columbus. As for trading cards, the self- to go in life, but fortunately, proclaimed L.A. Dodgers and Se- has been able to combine his him. didn’t like what you told me but it was attle Seahawks fan still has a nice skillset and passions and use them to So he ended up moving back to Co- the truth.’So that’s how I do things.” his benefit in his hometown. little collection. Among his most prized lumbus and attended Central Commu- How he goes about his job and life possessions are some former Nebraska nity College for a bit. Olk also worked a is noticed and appreciated by those he JUST GETTING STARTED football standout Ndamukong Suh From a very early age, Olk was a hard number of jobs during this time and got works with. worker who was determined to make a just shy of earning his associate degree “He’s got a great attitude and is a (who now plays for Tampa Bay in the name for himself in the world. When when he decided to head back to Omaha great all-around person,”said Gary NFL) autographed rookie cards, a few he was 9, he began delivering papers for in 2011. Ortmeier, friend and service consultant autographed Tim Tebow rookie cards the Omaha World-Herald in the local In Omaha, Olk found his footing for Ernst on the Toyota side of the busi- and several rookie cards of NBA Hall of in sales. He began building a reputa- ness. “He’s a lot of fun to be around.” area. He would get up about 5 a.m., Famer Shaquille O’Neal. rubber band them and deliver as much tion for himself by initially selling cars Brent Bond, director of operations as he could with his bike. His mother, and then mattresses for The Bedding for Ernst Auto Group, also had high Those cards are for his enjoyment, Hollie, would then drive him out to the Company, but couldn’t shake his desire praise for Olk. though. One thing Olk won’t be doing farther areas. Eventually, Olk took on to come back to his hometown. “He’s Mr. Customer Service,”Bond is diving back into the trading-card another nearby route that opened up. Olk had grown up and was close to said, noting Olk exemplifies great cus- business. But, he credits his time selling “I think he was getting up about 4 his family that lived in town, includ- tomer service skills and is the perfect cards as being a stepping stone to what to get all the papers rolled and ready. ing his parents, younger brothers and person to train others on how to do it There was something around 80 deliv- grandparents. He was particularly close well. “… He’s really wonderful with he does now. eries,”recalled his mother, Hollie. “It with his grandparents because he spent customers, he’s sincere, he’s very pro- “I think I definitely branched out was a huge stack of papers.” a lot of time with them growing up fessional … People just love him.” from that,”he said. “I did that using Within a few years, Olk transitioned while his parents were working. Olk’s success in business is some- that show-and-tell concept you learn in to selling his sports cards inside the “I just really wanted to be near my thing that his parents have enjoyed kindergarten and just sort of applied it mall. He would eagerly wait for kids family again,”Olk said. seeing. to other things in my life.” and their parents to come out of the “I have had people go out of their movie theater to stop by and make some LOST, THEN FOUND way to tell me how Austin has worked Matt Lindberg is the managing editor of The purchases, noting it gave him some When Olk returned to Columbus with them, what a professional and Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at matt. spending money. around 2014, he worked several differ- polite young man he is,” [email protected]. He even would order out of catalogs ent jobs before finding his place at Ernst Hollie said. “Makes a mom and sell products, such as chocolates Auto Group, 615 23rd St. E, a place he proud…” and stationery, and sell it by going door had worked once before on the Chevy to door at one point. side. He was hired as and continues HAPPINESS It wasn’t all about business for Olk, to work as a Toyota service advisor, When Olk isn’t working, though. He went to school and played where he’s constantly working directly he has found many ways sports as most kids do. He went to St. with customers on maintaining their to stay active in Columbus Isidore’s for a few years and then began vehicles. and enjoy life. He joined a attending Lost Creek in the midst of For Olk, the job is an ideal situation. Tuesday night men’s bowl- elementary school when his family He gets to use his skills, enjoys meet- ing league at Westbrook moved to another side of town. ing with all kinds of people and keeping Lanes a few years ago after He was big on playing baseball and vehicles safe for travel. hearing a friend from work soccer growing up, with the latter being “I just like dealing with the com- talk about it. He enjoys the the game that truly won him over. He munity. Not a day goes by I don’t see game and isn’t too shabby, participated in the local chapter of the two-four people I have knowledge of or though stresses it’s more American Youth Soccer Organization, know them really well,”he said. “When about hanging out with noting that he enjoyed the athleticism I go over these inspections with cus- friends and having fun. and team aspect of soccer. tomers, not only does it give them com- “My best is 220, so I’m “It’s quite an active game,”he said. plete awareness of what’s going on with not the greatest,”he said. “And during halftime, we all loved the their vehicle – what’s coming up and “For me, it’s just really buckets of oranges we could eat.” what’s needed now - there are safety about all the people who Olk went on to graduate from Co- features they need to know about. If are there. We all really have lumbus High School in 2001 but admit- that’s not discussed with the customer, a great time.” tedly was unsure of exactly what he then that’s a failure of the service writer Olk also likes to do yard wanted to do in life at that point. and also a safety risk for the person on work and has become an the road and everybody else.” avid gardener, a hobby he THERE AND BACK, THERE AND Olk also takes pride in being upfront always had an interest in BACK AGAIN and honest with everyone – that’s a big and picked up as a way to Upon graduating high school, Olk part of why he likes what he does. get away from the pressure opted to go to ITT Technical Institute’s “I’ve always done it the right way,” that comes with his work. Omaha campus to explore his interest he said. “If I lie to you as a customer, I His passion for it remains in technology and work part-time as a don’t know when I’m going to see you solid, even though he had pizza delivery driver to bring in some next, maybe five years from now. But a mishap recently. He money. It didn’t take him long to figure when I do, you would remember I lied bought a pack of water- Courtesy Photo out ITT and pizza delivery weren’t for versus ‘hey you told me the truth. I melon seeds and planted Austin Olk shows off some of his many trading cards. Happy Holidays from Brown’s Shoe Fit.

825 23rd Street, Columbus, NE 68601 • 402-562-6499 E12 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 Community Champion Keepsake The Columbus Telegram Dream big, work hard: Perez’s upbringing, family, fuel her heart of gold

MATT LINDBERG The Columbus Telegram veryday life for Karina Perez is different de- pending on the day. From babies, work, ac- Etivities and family – it’s all far from a routine – it’s what she calls “structured chaos.” But from an early age she was independent and had a love for giving back to others. Perez and her four sisters’ parents, Pedro and Rosa Lopez, emigrated from El Salvador in Central America to Los Angeles to raise their family in the mid-1980s. Then, in 1999, they moved to Nebraska, where Rosa’s brother lived, to provide a better life for an elemen- tary school-age Perez and her siblings. “I still remember com- ing here. We drove from the Omaha airport in my uncle’s pickup truck,”Perez recalled, noting there wasn’t a whole lot of infrastructure to see yet like there is in Omaha today.“I re- member seeing fields and fields of corn and wheat – that’s all we saw on the way here. It felt like a million hours; it was new. We were just so used to traffic.” Having parents who weren’t Matt Lindberg Photos, The Columbus Telegram from America and with a Karina Perez relaxes on an afternoon this past fall on a bench in downtown Columbus’ Frankfort Square. limited education presented its challenges for the L.A. native, What followed after high part of their journeys, their who often had to do what she school were a couple of dif- successes, their struggles and could to help her parents. ferent plans. Initially, Perez tears - everything that’s part “Growing up, my dad always wanted to get into the medi- of it. It’s very fulfilling to see helped and pushed educa- cal field and studied nursing people get a happy ending.” tion on us,”she said. “There at Creighton University her Perez, who has six employ- was a time in fourth grade I freshman year. She ultimately ees, said the job has been a was so frustrated because I decided that wasn’t what she dream come true. She’s hoping did not know how to do my wanted to do and transferred to continue to grow the orga- math homework and he had to the University of Nebraska nization and make more people this heartbroken expression Omaha to pursue a degree in aware of what exactly it does. on his face and tears in his eyes communications and Spanish. “If anyone would like to get because he didn’t know how “I was also on a pre-dental to know more about Centro to help me. That ate me up for track. I thought for sure that and it’s work, come down, a long time because I put that was where life was going to volunteer or join us for a day pressure on him. He did not take me,”she said. of shadowing. Our doors are get to finish his education in El But life changed. She always open. We do have a spe- Salvador.” became engaged to her high cial night that we have turned She also got admittedly an- school sweetheart, Aaron Per- into our annual fundraiser that noyed at times because she had ez, and the two decided they showcases all of our work and to teach her father multiplica- desired to live in Columbus. our client stories. Our annual Courtesy Photos tion and division for his job, as gala this year is celebrating a Karina Perez, middle, with her parents. NEW DIRECTION ‘Decade of Change,’honoring he had never learned it. After moving back in 2016, “As a frustrated teenager, the scope of work that has been Perez worked in the dental field done by Centro Hispano, over I showed him. He needed it at Family First Dental for about for work,”Perez said. “I didn’t the last 10 years,”she said. “We a year. But Perez’s passion for have entertainment, drinks, understand the importance community service was some- of it then. I didn’t know how and we honor those who have thing that always stuck with impacted our mission ...” that bit of time for the weeks to her. So, when the executive follow would better my father’s Perez has become a commu- director job at Central Hispano nity leader, according to those working conditions.” opened up, she was interested. Fast forward to today, those who work with her regularly. Central Hispano is a non- “I find Karina to be a very memories are something Perez profit, non-partisan organi- is appreciative of and, in a way, professional and positive, yet a zation that envisions justice, very down-to-Earth person,” inspired her to get where she is unity, human rights and op- now. She’s the executive direc- Columbus Area Chamber of portunities for all. The orga- Commerce President Jeanne tor of Central Hispano, a wife, nization provides affordable daughter, sister, mother of Schieffer said. “She’s family- high-quality immigration legal oriented, she brings great ideas three and community ad-vo services, informs and educates cate. But she said her drive to and she’s very engaged in help- the community through pro- ing businesses succeed. I’ve be successful and help others gramming, as well as engages was directly influenced by her been very impressed with her the community in civic activi- professionalism …” parents and her upbringing. ties and advocacy. “Growing up, my dad and Columbus resident Ken “I told them I was young Curry has worked with Perez mom were always super invest- and inexperienced, but that I ed in our education and serving on the chamber’s Engaging Di- was hopeful I could bring new versity Committee and known back and giving back to every- ideas to the table,”recalled one who helped us along the her for a few years. He said he Perez, who was pregnant with way. They really encouraged appreciates her high energy her first child at that time. “I that in all of us,”she said of her and positive attitude. just loved everything Central mom and dad and how they “She’s doing great work Hispano was doing and stood Perez with her husband, Aaron, and daughters, Jade and Zoey. parented their five daughters. at Central Hispano,”he said. for. The community side of “All of my siblings are here and “The diverse population is a things really drew me in. It felt citizenship) and putting in the all work in jobs that are giving very important part of this like home. I knew that was kind money and time,”she said. back to the community in some community …” of what I wanted to do.” “That’s really cool.” sense. That’s just what we do.” It worked – she took over HAPPY AND CONFIDENT Everything came full circle DISCOVERING HERSELF as Central Hispano’s execu- Perez and her husband for Perez last year, as she and Perez was in the second tive director on Jan. 31, 2017. married in 2016 and now have her own family went through grade when she and her family From the beginning, she was three children: Zoey, 2; Jade, 1; that very same process she relocated to Columbus from motivated to help take the and Abram, 3 months. Raising has seen hundreds of others the West Coast. She and her organization to the next level. kids and spending time with endure. siblings first went to West Park She wasted no time getting to family keeps her quite busy, On Oct. 25, 2018, her father and later Emerson Elementary work, even preparing a grant but she still has managed to became an American citizen. School. She then attended while in the hospital preparing volunteer with the Columbus The very next morning he Columbus Middle School and to deliver a baby that Febru- Area United Way and serve on registered to vote in his first graduated from Columbus ary and declining to take any committees for the chamber. American election - fittingly High in 2010, though acknowl- leave. She essentially powered She ultimately just wants Co- for his very own daughter, who edged it was a different town through it all. lumbus to prosper. was running for a seat on the back in the day. “There really has been a “This is home,”she said. board of education for Co- “When I first started, there huge learning curve,”said “This is the only home I know lumbus Public Schools. Perez The youngest Perez, Abram. was only one other Hispanic Perez, who will celebrate her of.” didn’t end up winning, but sometimes take for granted,” child in my class,”she said. “I third anniversary at Central She is proud of what she has that hasn’t stopped her from she said. “So it’s really beau- grew up when a lot of people Hispano in January.“But it accomplished in her personal looking back on that October tiful when I get to see those day as a truly special moment were immigrating to town, so has been very rewarding – the and professional life, adding moments – not just with my stories are my favorite - every that fronting Central Hispano in her life. I’ve seen a lot of changes. It family but in the community.” has been really neat to see the piece of every story. Whether has been highly rewarding. “All in all, everything I had growth in our community and it’s someone becoming a citi- “I get to see families make the chance to experience in my Matt Lindberg is the managing editor how welcoming it has become zen, getting their GED, a job something of themselves life, it really has taught me to of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him over the years.” promotion … we’ve become after enduring the process (to appreciate the little moments I via email at [email protected]. Your money. Your bank. Our community. Trust your deposits to a bank that supports your Great Personal Service local community and calls it home. www.gpsbanks.com Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E13 The Columbus Telegram Community Champion Keepsake Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E13 Master of many trades: Roberts enjoys longtime leadership role in Dusters’ kitchen, brew pub Matt Lindberg, The Columbus Telegram Adam Roberts shows off some of the kitchen area at Dusters Restaurant.

MATT LINDBERG After turning 16 and in Central Community College and offering creative yet tasty Soccer Club. Meanwhile, Greta The Columbus Telegram search of a job, a teenage Rob- campus. dishes that range in style. He plays for teams in Columbus here’s a high prob- erts just so happened to land “I thought about a career in can’t pick favorites, though and Grand Island in addition to ability that every time work alongside a friend who electronics,”he said. “I got a acknowledged the steaks and swimming. one patronizes Dusters was employed at a Howard degree in electronics technol- black tilapia are two of the Roberts enjoys going with Restaurant & Gottberg Johnson restaurant in Omaha. ogy.” many items he would recom- them to their practices and His job was to serve people who mend. Ultimately, everything TBrew Pub, they come across While attending CCC, Rob- watching them compete, noting came up to a deli-type line by erts still worked at some local that makes the menu comes Adam Roberts. that they’re also bright students He’s likely brewing up a new dishing food onto their plates. restaurants to make ends meet. from his No. 1 guiding principle. “Basically, everything on our in the classroom. batch of beers, checking on the His role unexpectedly changed His interest in a career in tech- menu is how I would want to sit As much as he cooks at the front of the house or leading early on, though. nology and electronics dwin- down at a restaurant and con- restaurant, it’s actually some- efforts in the kitchen. Just don’t “One day the entire kitchen dled when he heard about a job sume - what I would like to see thing he doesn’t like to do at call him “Chef.” walked out and the GM asked opportunity at a new restaurant me if I knew how to cook,”Rob- on a menu. It’s all selfish needs,” “I don’t like the word chef that was scheduled to open up home. Instead, he said he and erts said, noting it set the tone he said, noting he chops the on- because I don’t have any in the fall of 1995: Dusters. his wife, along with their chil- for where his career in a kitchen ions in the onion soup because schooling other than the school dren, enjoy going out for meals would take him. TRUE CALLING he doesn’t like big chunks of of hard knocks,”Roberts said. when they can. Roberts would go on to work Chuck Cantrell still remem- onion and bread getting in the “I’m the guy who takes care of “A lot of people’s vacations various kitchen jobs, including bers when Roberts came in to way of the broth. “Everything the stuff. I try to take care of at Café Dicopia, Market Basket, interview for the sous-chef we make is something I would are planned around sight- whatever needs to be taken care Spirit World Deli and Cattle position at Dusters. Cantrell, eat myself.” seeing, but we like to eat and of.” Baron, over the next several who was then the head chef at It’s not just about plan- drink,”he said, noting the fam- Roberts has been with the years. He had been going to the Dusters, was looking to bring ning, though. Roberts is almost ily will go out and have a nice restaurant/brewery since it University of Nebraska Omaha someone in he could rely on. always in the kitchen working meal when they’re on the road opened in October 1995 in a with his team. The staff overall for the kids’ soccer games in- former auto dealership build- is made of about 30 people. stead of ordering pizza as many ing restored by owner Gordon “I get on the line several “Mac” Hull at 2804 13th St. families do. nights a week. I’m right in the Roberts also enjoys golfing, in downtown Columbus. In trenches with everybody; I like that time, he’s worked his way teeing off at Quail Run and Van- to be right where the action is,” berg when he has the time. up and has been serving as its he said. “I need to be the hard- kitchen manager and brewmas- est worker in the building for ter for a number of years. GOOD PLACE TO BE them to respect me, that way Roberts has been at Dust- Of course, it’s ironic, con- when I say jump, they jump. If I sidering it all came about by ers Restaurant & Gottberg say,‘hey I need you to put it out Brew Pub for 24 years now, but accident. Roberts admittedly this way,’they need to see that I never had any desire to work in can put it out this way.” it’s evident he still very much the restaurant industry what- His employees greatly re- enjoys it. soever when he was younger spect him for it. Dusters Sous- “It just stuck with me. I just until he said he got an “ultima- Chef Matt Marksmeier said like it, I like the people,”he said. tum” from his parents, Rob and Roberts is a hands-on leader “Everyone should be in the food Pam Roberts of Columbus, to and does a terrific job directing industry at some point.” find a job once he turned 16. His the crew. Cantrell is undoubtedly mother said it wasn’t an ulti- “He’s an excellent role mod- proud of his friend. matum but rather a nudge to a el. He gives me a lot of freedom “He’s a good man,”he said. boy who wanted some spending to express what I want to do. He money of his own. “I hope the community appre- gives us the freedom to learn ciates him for what he has done “We told him school was and make mistakes,”he said. because that is a heck of a run his priority job, but he wanted Matt Lindberg, The Columbus Telegram “He doesn’t judge you, he lets spending money because he you be you. He’s great, down at a very difficult and challeng- was of the age he could earn Adam Roberts enjoys a cold pint of Gottberg Brew Pub beer that he made himself. to earth. He would give you the ing job.” it himself,”she said. “We just The beer is produced in the pub’s fermenting room. shirt off his back if it will help Roberts said he and his wife didn’t want it to interfere with you out.” would eventually like to get his school.” for two-and-a-half years “He had a ponytail all the A few years ago, Roberts also back to Omaha, but stressed Roberts, though, is adamant because he had aspirations to way down his back and he was took on the role of being the that would be years down the he remembers it differently. He work in law enforcement while on crutches because he had hurt adjacent Gottberg’s brewer. He road when their children are said his parents told him he had working in a kitchen to pay the his knee playing a pickup bas- handles all aspects of the brew- grown. He said he wishes Co- to find some kind of part-time bills. ketball game,”Cantrell recalled. ery – making the beer, transfer- lumbus was a bit more progres- work. Not that it matters – it But things changed one “But he had the experience.” ring it, carbonating and kegging sive, but that he really likes the paid off in many ways. day in the early 1990s. He was So Roberts was hired and it, among other things. “I turned 16 and my parents working as a line cook for The worked under Cantrell’s wing. Like he did with cooking, people here. He said Columbus said you are grounded until you Garden Café bakery & res- “Adam was my right-hand he reads a lot and was able to is overall a friendly town. get a job,”he said, with a laugh. taurant when he was offered a man. He was a super hard master his craft. That fits him well seeing “So I found a job at a restau- salaried position – a manager worker, super dependable,”he “You get people who say as how he likes being the guy rant.” role –and never looked back. said. “One of us was always this is the way we have always people know they can come to “I decided I liked money there, and when it was your day done it, but I always want to visit and have a beer with in his COMING UP better than school,”he said, Roberts and his sisters were off, we understood that you did know why we do it this way,” backyard. with a bit of a laugh. born and raised in the Omaha not call the other guy unless the he explained of his rationale. “When he was young, and He started out running a area, where he was often on the place was on fire.” “I’m a self-taught cook. I am this is even true today, I could store before moving on to open- go and hanging out with his The two were Dusters’ Bat- just aware. I pay attention and smile at him from across the ing other ones for the business friends. man-and-Robin-like duo for a I’m not scared to screw up and room and he would smile back,” around the region, including make a mistake.” “He was never home if he decade until Cantrell decided in his mother said. “He’s very in Kansas City. He did that the mid-2000s to pursue a new He said a big part of his suc- could help it. He would pay successfully until 1995 when strong-willed.” his sisters to do his chores for opportunity in the food indus- cess at Dusters has been due he decided to make another to all of the great employees it Roberts is appreciative of his him – that’s what he spent try. He said he recommended to change. boasts, including his wife, Eryn, background and experiences some of his money on,”Pam the establishment’s owner that who is the business’ general but doesn’t look back often. recalled, laughing. “We lived he hire Roberts as his successor. COMING TO COLUMBUS manager. He’s too busy working hard in a neighborhood where a lot That’s ultimately what hap- Roberts’ parents moved to “She’s a great help. My wife of kids were. A lot of the guys Columbus in the late 1980s, as pened. and enjoying his life – whether Roberts cited Cantrell as not is my partner in crime,”he said, that’s cooking, brewing beer, he hung around lived within a his father had gotten a job with noting she balances the book two-block radius.” Nebraska Public Power District. only a good friend, but a men- planning menus or hanging tor. Since taking the reins at the and leads the way with the front out with his wife and children, Roberts and the boys were At that time, Roberts never of the house. “She’s fantastic.” quite active outdoors playing thought about following them business, he has blossomed as a maybe even kicking around the basketball, soccer and other out west. leader of the downtown estab- FAMILY MAN soccer ball with his girls. sports, or swimming in a nearby “I never even knew Colum- lishment. Roberts and his wife “I had a lot of fun, but I am community pool when the bus existed until my parents “I treat it like I own it,”he have two teenage daughters, living the best years of my life weather was nice. Soccer was moved here,”he said. said. “We keep getting better 16-year-old Molly and 11-year- now and have yet to peak in an area of particular interest for But by the mid-1990s, every year. I still write all the old Greta. The girls have taken life,”he said. “Better things to menus, price everything out, do Roberts as he was pretty good Roberts said he felt it was time to his love for soccer, as both come.” and enjoyed the game. So much to make a change in his life and inventory and go through the play the game. so, he made the varsity squad grow up a bit. So he relocated coolers.” Molly made the Columbus Matt Lindberg is the managing editor as a freshman at Westside High to Columbus and decided to Roberts is known for adding High School team as a freshman of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via School in Omaha. start taking courses at the local seasonal items to the menu and also plays for the Fremont email at [email protected]. Happy Holidays from

402-564-8338 402-562-6488 2804 13th Street, Columbus, NE 2804 13th Street, Columbus, NE Dusters restaurant Lunch Hours: Sunday – Friday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Dinner Hours: Monday – Thursday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday – Saturday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM anD the GottberG brew Pub E14 | Saturday, December 14, 2019

E14 | Saturday, December 14, 2019 Community Champion Keepsake The Columbus Telegram By the grace

Columbus Public Schools Special Education Teacher Megan Johnson poses for a photo inside the main of God hallway of Lost Creek Elementary School.

MATT LINDBERG the state at the intersection of city and she felt comfortable son to this day jokes about how abundance of positive en- The Columbus Telegram Interstate 90 and Minnesota being there when she had she had three jobs in a mat- ergy to the school that exudes here was one thing State Highway 60. visited throughout the years. ter of weeks without having throughout the building. He Lost Creek Elementary “There’s not much of a dif- Johnson had a plan: She was stepped foot in the classroom. also noted how she’s very School Special Educa- ference except there are lakes going to major in Spanish. During that summer, CPS hired patient and persistent working tion Teacher Megan her as a reading teacher at West with students, which ultimate- TJohnson knew without a doubt Park Elementary. That quickly ly makes parents feel good. she didn’t want to do when she changed to her being a fourth- “She’s a great asset to the grew up: Teach. grade teacher until the special team and a great team player,” education position opened up “I always laugh about it now he said. “She’s very flexible and unexpectedly. When she was because I had this plan where always willing to go above and offered the job, she admittedly I was going to go to Bolivia for beyond what it takes to make had to step back and think a whole year before going to all students successful.” about it. college because I really didn’t Johnson is also the proud “I don’t know what made mom of five children, but like want to go to college,”she me think I could do it because said, noting she desired to go her career, motherhood didn’t they don’t teach you a lot about go as she planned. Her husband to what is one of the poorest autism in college,”she said. countries in South America has cystic fibrosis, a hereditary “They teach you a lot of general and often life-threatening dis- and help those in need. “But it things, but I had no experience wasn’t working out with the ease that causes constant lung working with students who infections and also impacts paperwork and it was unstable have autism.” politically there. other organs in the body where Johnson said she decided to mucus builds up. They found “God just had different make a go of it, citing a federal plans for me.” out those with the illness are program which provides more less likely to be able to have Johnson is in the midst of loan forgiveness on student what is now her eighth year children of their own, but they debt to those who teach in weren’t going to give up. as a Columbus Public Schools special education. special education teacher They initially looked at “I thought, ‘I’ll just teach overseas adoption but found based out of Lost Creek, where it for five years for the loan she works with elementary- out it was too expensive and forgiveness and go to the a long process. It was around aged students across the regular classroom,”she said. district who are significantly that time her sister, who Megan Johnson talks with a student, Landen, who on a recent morning was enjoying “That’s what I thought I always worked in the foster care world, affected by autism. ASD (Au- some time on an iPad at Lost Creek Elementary. wanted.” tism Spectrum Disorder) refers recommended they go that route. It ended up working out to a broad range of conditions everywhere,”she said of her “I was dead set against DESTINED TO BE characterized by challenges The first couple of years in as they’ve adopted three chil- hometown when compared to teaching, but I don’t know dren (one girl and two boys), with social skills, repetitive be- Columbus. why,”she said. “I just knew I the role were admittedly tough haviors, speech and nonverbal for Johnson. are in the process of adopting a Growing up, she and most wanted to do something differ- fourth child and have hopes to communication, according to kids in town spent almost ent and stand out.” “They were very hard, I autismspeaks.org. The Centers didn’t know what I was getting adopt a fifth who they consider every Friday night at the ice She completed her freshman part of the family already. for Disease Control (CDC) says skating rink. But, she was also year of college and was set to into,”she said. “It was just a autism affects an estimated really big learning experience, “God’s given us these involved in many other things still major in Spanish when she beautiful kids. It’s like making one in 59 children in the United throughout the years. Her had a realization of not know- but right away, I just fell in love States today. with the kids.” beauty out of ashes – that is mother taught violin, so she, ing what it would do for her truly our story,”she said, not- Johnson on a recent morn- of course, started at an early when she graduated. Johnson and her team work ing was sitting alongside a with a variety of kids, who all ing them not being able to birth age. She played in the orchestra “I started Spanish class and children but having the ability young student who was enjoy- and on the tennis team while in quickly realized I didn’t want have different needs when it ing some time with an iPad. comes to learning. A consistent to parent children who needed high school in addition to being to be a translator. My thought them has worked out. “We’re She talked to him about the active in her family’s church. was, ‘If I didn’t want to trans- area of focus is language and program he was using and they communication, as it’s often just so grateful and lucky. Actually, that’s how the late it or teach it, why was it my We’ve seen again and again shared a few laughs. Each one idea of Bolivia came into play. major?’” considered the biggest weak- of her many students is differ- ness among those who are God’s faithfulness and provi- Her pastor was a missionary As she pondered it over, sion. He planted that dream ent and requires her and her from there and arranged for Johnson said she knew she autistic. Some of her students team to give specific focus to are non-verbal. when I was little. All I ever her youth group to go to his loved being around children. wanted to be was a mom. on a daily basis. native country for two weeks Teaching started to feel like She and her co-educators “People often say it takes a also teach a lot of life skills, “It didn’t turn out the way I while she was in high school. the logical fit. So she decided thought it was going to be but special person to teach spe- such as brushing your teeth, She and the group spent one to switch over to studying our story is so much better, dif- cial education, but I just think potty training, brushing your week running a bible school in elementary teaching and ferent and beautiful than what that’s full of baloney because I hair and learning how to be OK Cochabamba, a city in central added in special education her I envisioned.” don’t feel like a special person. going to the dentist. They’ve Bolivia in a valley in the Andes sophomore year at UNL. The Johnsons love Colum- I am just a person who said also had the chance to teach mountain range. Then they “I just knew I wanted to bus, as she noted it’s yes,”Johnson said. “I think a couple of kids how to ride a not the spent another week running work with kids,”she stressed. flashy place everyone wants to teaching special education a Christian camp and doing “I added the special educa- bike. makes you a special person. “I’m not trapped at a desk. go but is amazing if you choose manual labor projects in differ- tion endorsement for selfish to plant roots, seek friendships It changes how you think, it It’s not about certain scores,” ent parts of the country. reasons because I thought it and make it your own. She likes changes your patience and it she said of her career. “We have That visit had a profound would make me more market- to run in marathons when she helps you learn to celebrate to battle a lot of hard battles, impact on the young Minne- able to an employer. I just really can, noting her faith remains a small things and look for small but we also get to celebrate sota teen. wanted to be in a classroom.” very special part of her life. growth. You don’t take for a lot of big celebrations I “It was just a completely “What He planned for me granted small things people FINDING HER WAY wouldn’t get to experience if I different environment, a lot is so much better than what I can do because you see some While at UNL, Johnson met were in a regular classroom.” of poverty,”Johnson recalled. could have dreamed up my- kids don’t have that.” the man who would become That’s something she keeps “The kids there were pretty self,”she said of God. Johnson never imagined she her husband, Jimmy. They were in mind all of the time. She said amazing – they don’t see the She said none if it would be would be where she is today – married in December 2008 and once she received a letter from poverty. Their smiles are still possible without the love and she thought she would be hap- moved to Columbus when he a mother who applauded and so bright and big even though support of her husband and py doing something completely got a job teaching at the high thanked her for working with the life around them is not so children, as well as her class- different professionally and be school and coaching baseball, her fifth-grade daughter who good. Being part of those big room team that works every bit a mom. Today, she’s a mom of a job he remains in today. She had joined the district only a smiles on their faces instilled a as hard to love the students. five, wife and, ironically, hap- spent a semester finishing up year earlier. That mother was passion that I still have.” “I pray so often that I will pily teaching. She’s apprecia- school commuting back and elated sharing how for the first Johnson was convinced by live life in such a way that God tive of her journey and that her forth between Columbus and time she got to sit down with her senior year of high school can use it to his glory and am plans changed, as she calls it an Lincoln. her little girl, read a book with that she was going to take a humbled and honored to get important plan - “God’s plan.” Upon graduating, she did her and watch as she listened. year off from school before to share the story He is writ- Going down that road, though some student teaching in CPS “It’s the little things, and going to college and spend it ing for me,”she said. “I would challenging at times, is what and then became a- substi if you don’t know the world in Bolivia, but when it didn’t never trade any of this for the shaped her. tute for a semester. She was of special education, you take work out, a new opportunity world. I’ll teach in this program presented itself. hoping to lock up a full-time that for granted as a parent,” STARTED UP NORTH opportunity in the district, Johnson said. “It was incred- as long as I can. I’m not going Johnson grew up the young- COMING TO NEBRASKA and though she wasn’t hired, ible to that mom her daughter anywhere.” est in a house with her parents, After graduating in 2005, Johnson noted district leaders would do that. That meant a Matt Lindberg is the managing editor sister and two brothers in the the Minnesota teen decided to said they wanted her as part of lot.” of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him small town of Worthington, go to the University of Nebras- their team. Lost Creek Principal John via email at [email protected]. Minnesota, a community nes- ka-Lincoln, noting her grand- The summer of 2011 ended Holys called Johnson a great Matt Lindberg Photos tled in the southwest corner of parents lived in the Nebraska up being a little chaotic. John- leader, noting she brings an The Columbus Telegram Hom of origi

Home of the Original 402.606.4713 • [email protected]@gmail.com “Mini Bouquet” 3413 21st Street, Columbus, NE Monday – Friday 10 am-6 pm • Saturday 10 am-3 pm • Sunday Closed The Columbus Telegram Community Champion Keepsake Saturday, December 14, 2019 | E15 Boy Scouts, government and bees: Bahr serves his community in Courtesy Photo Charlie Bahr has served as the troop leader for St. Bonaventure Boy Scout variety of unique ways Troop 115 since 1985. He is a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, the highest adult scouting award one can receive. SAM PIMPER family bought the Chevrolet leaders by example and partici- The Columbus Telegram dealership, so I went to work pating citizens,”Bahr said. “… harlie Bahr is a doer, for them,”said Bahr, who And there’s a right way to do someone who isn’t retired from his body shop things, and there’s an incorrect content sitting on the manager role in December way to do things.” sidelines watching the 2018 after a combined 46 years Brandt said that one of Caction happen from afar. spent at Nielsen’s and Ernst. Bahr’s strengths is show- He prefers being right in the Bahr noted that he always ing scouts the right way to do thick of things. liked getting his hands dirty things by letting them make In reality, the longtime Co- from a young age. Working mistakes in a controlled set- lumbus City Council member with one thing or the other or ting. and Boy Scout troop leader said tinkering about, it all suited “He’s just very effective in he feels like he was meant to be him well. terms of making a difference,” an active community servant. “All of my life,”he said, with Brandt said. “He’s a ‘been After all, so many others in his a laugh, of how long he’s been there, done that’ kind of guy inner circle paid their dues in intrigued by that kind of stuff. who has seen what works and one way or another. Inevitably, that skill set and what doesn’t. He provides a His grandfather, Claire interest paid dividends down safe environment for people to Lamar, was a Polk County the line with Bahr serving hun- make mistakes a fail. And that Commissioner, his Aunt Evelyn dreds of area youth through his is important because they are was a council member decades role with Boy Scouts. going to learn. ago in Columbus and his wife’s “For example, let’s say they RALLYING THE TROOPS (scouts) cook their own meal father was former Columbus In Columbus, the words Mayor Frederick Gerber Jr. and it burns because they Boy Scouts and Charlie Bahr aren’t paying attention and The Columbus Telegram File Photo “So you really never escaped are virtually synonymous, but walk away. Well with Charlie Charlie Bahr in 2015 holds a frame of honey to show what the product looks like at any kind of family gathering, Bahr will tell you that he never you were never out of earshot helping, they probably won’t before it’s extracted, strained and bottled. Bahr is the only licensed bee keeper in saw his role with Boy Scouts burn their meal again tomor- Columbus and is a member of the Nebraska Beekeepers association. of someone talking about lasting this long. politics,”said Bahr, who was row.” As a sixth-grader he joined checked out a book.” elected to the governing body a troop, and that lasted awhile, OFFICIAL BUSINESS in 2004 and is in his fifth year The rest is really history, but eventually as a young man Bahr’s work with scouting is and although he has received serving as city council presi- some of that interest wore off. often more behind the scenes, dent. numerous batches of bees “You get to that age where but he was thrust into the throughout the years, he still So though the bar was set the fumes take over – the spotlight at the local govern- high for Bahr, he still had to gets a kick out of thinking perfume and gasoline,”he said. ment level for the first time about some of his first ship- make the decision to throw his “So if you’re going to chase the when he became a member of hat into the ring. It really came ments. perfume you gotta have gaso- the Columbus Public Library “At that point in time when down to the fact that he had line, so you’ve gotta have a job Board of Directors – and served an idea of how certain things you ordered bees, you called to make that happen,”he said, as its president from 1998- up and ordered them and they should be done and he hoped with a laugh. 2004 - leading up to his first people would listen. came by mail,”he said. “And Chasing the perfume ul- council victory in 2004. He then the post office would call “Seeing these people, they timately paid off for Bahr, as would go on to be re-elected in really stepped forward and you up at about 6 a.m. and say, he married Sharon in August 2008, 2012 and 2016. ‘hey, can you come get these were trying to be part of the 1977.Prioritizing other aspects “I was on it for six years, and solution rather than the prob- The Columbus Telegram File Photo bees?!’ They would never call of his life resulted in Bahr not I had to resign in the middle of Charlie Bahr, several years back, you if it was chicks, but they lem,”he said of his relatives. receiving his own Eagle Scout my second term to run for the “And seeing that they could delivers sugar water to the honeybees would if you had the bees com- ranking. But in his time as a city council seat,”Bahr said of he keeps on a property northeast of ing,”he said, with a laugh. do that, I thought, ‘you know troop leader, Bahr said that 32 his time on the library board. Columbus. It’s been a hobby of his for what, I’m not that much differ- scouts have received the elite Through his role with the the better part of 25 years. COLUMBUS, ent than they are, I ought to be status during his tenure with council, Bahr serves as acting able to do that, too.’” Columbus community. THE RIGHT FIT Troop 115. president and sits on the Public Spending virtually all of his And do he has. Not just at “He is just a really good Property, Safety and Works “You have to be able to look the local government level, but at both sides of an issue,”Bahr life in Columbus, you might scout master, he always has at Committee, and is a member think that Bahr has an itch to in many other areas of service. least 15-20 youth in his troop,” of the E-911 Technical Com- said. “Is it good for Columbus? The 66 year old has been the Is it good for the city? Is it leave at some point, but you’d said Tracy Brandt, district ex- mittee. inevitably be wrong. leader of St. Bonaventure’s ecutive for the Petah La Shauro Serving his Ward 1 -constitu something that we need to be Troop 115 since 1985, a youth doing? And then you just have It’s the kind of town that scouting district. “He has a real ency is something that Bahr provides the life that he and his hunting and fishing instruc- passion for scouting, and if you takes pride in. During his time to make the best decision you tor for the Nebraska Game can with the best information family enjoy. have that passion, you might with the governing body, he “I’m very proud of Colum- and Parks Commission since do it forever. And he really has.” noted that he’s seen a lot of you can gather.” the 1980s, served on the city bus and very proud of the kind Bahr’s extended scout shifting within the city. There WHAT ABOUT THAT of people that we’ve got here,” council for 15 years and on top service likely would have never is a little less talk and a lot of that, is the only licensed bee BEEKEEPING? he said. “They are hardwork- happened without his son, more action, the way he sees ing, dedicated, nobody is afraid keeper in the City of Colum- Nathan, bringing home a Boy it, especially with all of the Ah, yes, one of Bahr’s favor- bus. ite hobbies. For the better part to jump in and get their boots Scouts flyer from school. Bahr new revelations being made dirty. We are all very fortunate How is that for variety? and Nathan went to an infor- in terms of economic devel- of 25 years, Charlie and Sharon Bahr is also a family man to be in Columbus. There are a mative scouting meeting and opment and housing, among have raised bees on their who prioritizes family and lot of communities that are just they both signed up. other things. northeast Columbus property. community over virtually all stagnating, and we are not.” Before becoming a troop Mayor Jim Bulkley, a long- The interest propelled him to- else. He and his wife, Sharon, Reflecting on all of his years leader, Bahr said that he helped time friend and professional ward becoming a long-stand- have three sons: Tony, Nathan and the activities he has kept with Cub Scouts and some acquaintance of Bahr, said that ing member of the Nebraska and Matthew. Columbus is himself busy with, Bahr said behind-the-scenes work. he serves the community in Beekeepers Association. where his family was raised and that he feels lucky to have been Eventually, though, the St. exemplary fashion. Sharon handles the pack- where his passions are rooted. put in a position to accomplish Bons leader decided it was time “I’ve been fortunate to aging and marketing sides It’s been a great ride for some good things and serve the to step away and Bahr vol- know Charlie for many years,” of their bee-product opera- Bahr, and the way he sees it, tion, and he handles all of the community he loves. there’s still a long way to go. unteered to fill the role in the Bulkley said. “And he’s just a interim. At least that was the great individual who is always hands-on work with the buzz- “I’m well-pleased with FROM THE BEGINNING plan. willing to step forward and ing creatures themselves. what I’ve been able to do,”Bahr “I said, ‘well, I’ll do it until serve his community … Charlie This interest took root when said. “They say,‘well, when are Bahr was born in 1953 in you going to run for mayor?’ Columbus but was raised in you find somebody else,’”Bahr has been a co-councilman Bahr was working on Aunt And I say that I don’t want the small Polk County city of said. “So I think at this point with me for many years, and Evelyn’s Duncan farm after to run for mayor, the mayor Osceola. Around Christmas- maybe they’ve quit looking,” now as the mayor, he has been he got roped into a little bit of time his fourth-grade year, the Bahr joked. “But it’s just been the council president and has manual labor when she was in doesn’t have the votes, the Bahrs moved to Columbus. It an awful lot of fun.” been an asset that’s been great the process of working toward council has the votes,”he said, was the place his formative And remember how Bahr for me and great for the whole selling the property. That was with a laugh.” years were spent leading up never got his Eagle Scout community.” when he stumbled upon several But at the end of the day, as to his 1972 graduation from badge? Well, although that’s The job as a council mem- bee boxes that were previously usual, Bahr really doesn’t like Columbus High School. now out of the question, in the ber comes with its challenges, used by Evelyn’s father. He was making it about himself. It’s al- Upon graduation, Bahr late 1990s he was presented and it’s certainly not one that instructed to throw them on ways more about the people he received his associate’s degree the Boy Scouts of America Sil- anyone takes for the mini- the burn pile, but they piqued helps serve, in a place he feels from Milford Vocation School ver Beaver Award, the highest mal financial compensation. his interest to an extent where is pretty special. and went on to serve as a me- adult scouting award one can Residents get mad at officials that just wasn’t going to hap- “It’s all about the people, chanic at Casey’s Body Shop, achieve. when hard decisions have to be pen. you just can’t go wrong here,” followed by jobs at Rogers- For Bahr, the best part of made, and Bahr said he knows “So I squirreled them he said. “… You just can’t beat Riley Ford and then Nielsen being a local scouting leader is that’s part of what he signed away in the chicken coop and it.” Chevrolet. shaping young people. up for. thought, ‘I’ve got to do some- Sam Pimper is the news editor of The “And of course, after Mr. “You lead by example, and But he simply tries to do thing with that,’”Bahr said. Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email Nielsen passed away, the Ernst we want to teach them to be what he feels is right for the “So, I went to the library and at [email protected].

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