Story and photo by Brian McKim

The Blue Storm Seniors had a good week as well, winning two out of three to improve to 5-4 for the year.

On Tuesday night FC came on late to get the 6-5 win over Plattsmouth.  Trailing 5-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth, FC got three runs and one more in the seventh for the come from behind win.

With the score tied at five heading into the final inning, Jake Craig led off with a walk.  Ransom Campbell followed it up with another walk to put runners on first and second with no outs.  After a pop out at first Chaydyn Butler came through with a single to center field to load the bases for Noah Milam.  Milam drew a five-pitch walk to score Craig and give FC a walk-off 6-5 win.

Campbell was 2-3 with HR to right field in the third inning.  Milam was 0-2 but had two walks and the game-winning RBI.  Eickhoff was 2-3 with two RBI.  Milam started the game on the hill and went three innings, giving up three hits and three earned runs.  Zach Beaver got the win tossing four innings in relief, giving up four hits and two runs.

On Wednesday night FC hosted Springfield, falling to the visitors 12-4 after giving up seven runs in the fifth frame.  FC was up 4-0 after two innings, but Springfield got three in the third, two in the fourth and seven in the sixth for the win.

Kade Bredemeier was 1-1 at the plate with two walks and two runs scored.  Craig finished the night 1-3 with an RBI.  Craig also took the loss on the mound for the Blue Storm as he gave up three hits and five runs over four innings.

In the final game of the week, Falls City bounced back with a 7-6 win over Doniphan County in Troy on Thursday night.

FC picked up one run in the first on an RBI by Nick Novak that scored Bredemeier but trailed the home team 5-1 entering the sixth inning.  That’s when things began to heat up for Falls City.  The Blue Storm got one in the sixth and four big runs in the seventh to tie the contest.  FC got a walk by Milam to lead off the seventh followed by a single up the middle by Brett Black.  Eickhoff then laced a single to LF to score Milam.  With one out Beaver then drove a pitch to RF to score Black and cut the lead to 6-4.  Craig then stepped in the box and delivered a base hit to RF to score Eickhoff and get FC within one run.  Campbell reached on an error, scoring Beaver to tie the game.

In the eighth inning, Milam reached on an error by the left fielder and advanced to second base. Milam then reached third on a passed ball and came in for the go-ahead run on another passed ball.  FC gave up two hits to Doniphan in the bottom of the inning but closed the door on the rally for the thrilling win.

Beaver was 2-4 with an RBI and Milam was 1-4 with two runs scored including the game-winner.  Beaver started the game and went four innings giving up five runs.  Bredemeier got the win throwing the final four innings giving up six. Hits and one run.

The Blue Storm teams will be in action on Thursday in Lincoln at Sherman Field and again next Tuesday at Auburn to take on the Bulldogs.

The post Blue Storm Seniors improve to 5-4 appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Story and photo by Kaylie Ractliffe

The long-awaited Falls City stop on the Run for the Fallen tour brought an audience from the tri-state area to Veterans Memorial Park on Tues., June 5.

The event kicked off with a welcome address by master of ceremonies June Bowers, followed by words from Mayor Jerry Oliver.

Pastor Andrew Chavanak led a prayer before the presentation of the colors by the Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard and Legion Riders. Anne Crofford performed the National Anthem.

Honor and Remember founder George Lutz addressed the audience and gave a recap of the run as of day 60 of the 120-day journey.

“Here we are, right now, smack dab in the middle of a five-month journey through 19 states, over 6,100 miles,” Lutz said. “And every day, we call out loud the name of one or more [fallen soldiers] at every mile.”

Members of the National Run Team stood to read the names of the 148 fallen heroes that were honored over that day’s 52-mile stretch of the run. Lutz reminded audience members to think of each name as a member of their own families as they were read out loud. He stressed the importance of ensuring each fallen hero is remembered by name.

Five Gold Star families were then presented Honor and Remember flags that listed their loved ones’ rank, name, date of death and the country in which they were killed. Flags were presented to the families of USMC Pvt Carl R. Marrs, Army SP5 Gary W. Dunn, USMC Cpl Adrian Robles, Army SPC Matthew H. Walker, and USAF Cpl Bernard R. Portrey. Audience members were then encouraged to call out the names of fallen soldiers in their own families so that they could be recognized.

The event closed with a performance of “America the Beautiful” by Crofford, retiring the colors, a closing prayer by Chavanak and closing comments by Bowers.

The post Run for the Fallen event draws crowd to Veterans Memorial Park appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Vincent Robert “Bob” Lehmkuhl, of Fairview, went to meet his savior on the morning of Monday, June 4, 2018, at the age of 74.

Please refer to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com for service/obituary information.

Among survivors include his wife Linda (Johansen) Lehmkuhl.

The post Vincent Robert “Bob” Lehmkuhl appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

M. Eileen Lundy Johnson, 98, passed away on May 26, 2018 in Jupiter, FL.  She was born December 27, 1919 at Dawson, NE to Cecil and Freda (Marsh) Lundy.

She was married to Clarence for 74 years, he passed away September 2, 2012. They have 3 children, Ron (deceased 2017) and his wife Jean, Bonnie Whitten and Al and his wife Connie.

Eileen was immensely proud of her beautiful loving family, 10 grandchildren, 15 1/2 great-grandchildren and 4 1/2 great-great-grandchildren. She had 2 brothers, Glenn (Laura) and Richard (Doris) both deceased.

She will be laid to rest with Clarence in the Verdon Cemetery. A Graveside service will be held Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10:30 AM.

The post M. Eileen Lundy Johnson appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Dylan Michael Lang, 24, of Waverly, Nebraska was born on May 26, 1994 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Michael Lang and Carrie Gross.  He lived in Table Rock, Humboldt, DuBois and Beatrice thru age 10 to Lincoln, Waverly and then currently in Lincoln.  Dylan attended HTRS Public Schools in Humboldt from Kindergarten through 4th grades, Saint Paul Lutheran School in Beatrice for his 5th grade year, Norris Public Schools from 6th through 8th grades, Bern Public Schools in Bern, Kansas for part of his 8th grade year, and Waverly Public School 9th to 11th grades.  He received his G.E.D. at 18 years old.

Dylan was a handyman who enjoyed fishing, camping, being outdoors, and had a love for all animals.  He loved art, crafting, making people laugh and drawing.  He was an aspiring tattoo artist and made jewelry for friends and family just like the necklace his brother is wearing.  He had tattoos that stated these quotes: “The Fear of Suffering is Far Worse than the Suffering Itself” and “Only He Knows” in Latin.  Dylan passed away on June 1, 2018 at the Bryan LGH West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska having reached the age of twenty-four years and six days.  Dylan will forever be a hero for saving so many lives by being an organ donor.  He was preceded in death by grandmother, Linda Coonce, grandfather, Jay Keeton, cousin, Dameon Keeton and many great-grandparents, great uncles, great aunts, and great cousins.

Dylan is survived by his mother, Carrie (Duane) Bleich of Waverly, NE; his father Michael Lang, DuBois, NE; brother Wyatt Schmidt of Table Rock, NE;  sister Abby Baldridge, grandparents: Robert and Janet Coonce, of Humboldt, NE; Annie Keeton of Pawnee City, NE; Ben and Jan Lang of DuBois, NE; and

Robert and Connie Bleich of Jansen, NE; Aunts: June (Thad) Lambrecht of Bern, KS;  Emilie  (Bill) Goering of Beatrice, NE; Lindsay (Steve) Wittenhagen of Lincoln, NE;  Janice Emiterio & Stephan Brown of Harlem, Montana,  Denise (Brad) Pahl, of Diller, NE; and Jennifer (John) Wagner of Arnold, MO; Uncles: Mike (Mollie) Keeton of Surfside Beach, TX; Shane Keeton & Ruth Heywood of Nemaha, NE; Jason (Carmen) Post of Lincoln, NE; Pat (Val) Coonce of Beatrice, NE; Jeff (Holly) Lang of Pawnee City, NE; and many great aunts, uncles, many cousins, great cousins and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018, at The Christian Church in Humboldt, NE with Pastor Eric Biehl officiating. Inurnment will be at the Humboldt Cemetery with a lunch following at the Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com. Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary- 207 N. Nemaha ST.- Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915

The post Dylan M. Lang appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Robert Hugh “Bob” Stoddard died May 21, 2018, at age 89. He taught Woodstock School in India; taught geography at Wesleyan University; and in 1967 joined the geography faculty at UNL until his retirement in 2006.

He is survived by his wife Sally, children: Martha, Andrew, and Hugh. Sisters: Lee Ferguson of Falls City and Evelyn Jensen of Liberty, Mo.

Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on June 25 at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln.

The post Robert H. “Bob” Stoddard appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Jean Jackman (Bauman), 65, of Falls City, NE (formerly of Kansas City, MO), passed away June 7, 2018 at St. Joseph, MO. She was born September 11, 1952 at Kansas City, MO to Jean Bauman and Florance Imajean.

She married Tim Jackman on February 11, 1986 in Kansas City, MO. When married the couple established their home in Kansas City then later moved their home back to Falls City.

Jean was an amazing woman with a love for the casino, her family and her dog. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed quilting and baking.

She is survived by her husband and best friend Tim, her children and stepchildren, Kathy (Chuck) Dawkins, Rose Morley, Steve and Greg Jackman, by her sisters Marsha McNabb and Lucinda Soria. Jean will also be forever remembered by her 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and extended family and dear friends.

She is proceeded in death by her father Jean Bauman of Falls City, Ne, mother Florance Imajean of Hiawatha, KS, and siblings Kevin and Connie Luther. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 23, 2018 in Falls City. Contact Kathy for further information at (402) 801-1563.

The post Jean Jackman appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Eric J. Timothy, 28 years of age, of Forest City, MO passed away Sunday, June 3, 2018. He was born on April 8, 1990 in Falls City, NE to Ronald and Kim (Bokelman) Timothy. Eric attended Dawson High School and South Holt High School. He married Samantha Cotton on October 8, 2016 in Oregon, MO. Eric was working for the Holt County Road and Bridge Department. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, riding four wheelers and spending time with his son, siblings and nieces and nephews.

Eric is survived by his wife, Samantha; son, Connor Timothy; mother, Kim Koeneke and husband Dennis of Rulo, NE; father, Ron Timothy and wife Rose of Salem, NE; siblings, Ashley Leafty of Beatrice, NE, Ronald Timothy III and wife Brenda of Rulo, NE, Brent Moore and wife Tessa of Millard, NE, Nathan Moore and wife Gale of Verdon, NE, Aaron Moore, Devin Moore and wife Katie, Abbey Huntsman and husband Gage, Dylan Crofford and wife Rachelle, Matt Koeneke, all of Falls City, NE; parents-in-law, Dave and Barb Cotton; brother-in-law, Austin Cotton, all of Oregon, MO; grandparents, Ron and Nancy Timothy of Salem, NE, Ellen Coburn of Rulo, NE; best friend, Scott Meyer and wife Sara of Oregon, MO; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Graveside Memorial Services were held at 11:00 AM Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Maple Cemetery in Salem, NE with Pastor Jim Kelly officiating. There was no viewing but a register book was available from 1 to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 6 to 7 PM Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Hall Funeral Chapel in Falls City, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.hallfuneral.net. Hall Funeral Chapel in Falls City, NE in charge of arrangements.

The post Eric J. Timothy appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Darla Ballue, 50, of Beatrice, NE, passed away June 6, 2018 at Beatrice. She was born June 21, 1967 at Falls City to Robert and Donna Mae (Roberts) Adams.

She married Richard Gibson in 1985 and they were later divorced. She married Gene Ballue on August 25, 2006 at Pawnee City, NE.

Darla was raised at Rulo and attended Falls City High School. Following her schooling she worked at Woodings Verona and Falls City Care Center.

She graduated from Southeast Community College in 1994 as an LPN. She then worked at various nursing homes until taking employment at Crete Manor for 14 years and most recently was employed at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln until becoming ill in September of 2016. She enjoyed taking care of the nursing home residents and volunteering at her church, Connection Church at Beatrice.

Darla is survived by her husband, Gene of Beatrice, children, Ashley and her wife Megan Coleman of Kingman, AZ, Corey Ballue and Molly Hartley of Beatrice, Cameron Ballue and his wife Beth of Nehawka, NE, Adam Gibson and his fiancé, Britney of Beatrice, brother, Mike Adams and his wife Sheila of Kingman, AZ, sister, Maria Freeman of Falls City, eleven grandchildren, step-mother, Cheri Adams of Falls City, second mother, Marcia Freighner of Falls City, aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Kristy Korte.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, June 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Pastor Jason Pence officiating. Interment will be in Maple Cemetery at Salem.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

The post Darla Ballue appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.

Steve Milam, 61, of Falls City was born on November 9, 1956 in Nebraska City to Bill and Shirley (Majors) Milam.  They were living in Auburn at the time, moved to Topeka for a very short time, then returned to Auburn where he was raised until a senior in high school.  The family then moved to Falls City where he was a 1975 graduate of Falls City High.

On October 11, 1975 Steve married Joni Runyan of Falls City at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Falls City.  They established their home in Falls City.

Steve co-owns Milam’s Greenhouse, along with his brother, Max Milam.  He and Max are fourth generation greenhouse owners.  The greenhouse is and always has been their livelihood.

Steve was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.  He served on the summer rec board for many years, a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, a member of the Richardson County Sheriff’s Posse, and a cardholder of the United States Team Roping Championships.  Steve loved sports and was a lifelong competitor.  He played on the men’s slow pitch league, a member of the PBR team.   Steve was an active member of the community and supported athletics.  He coached and refereed youth activities for many years.  He also enjoyed motorcycles and golf, but his passion was horses.  He learned to rope and ride from his Grandpa Logan Majors of Auburn.  He trained horses and was a horse trader, but team roping was his love.  He won numerous ropings alongside his cowboy family.  He shared his passion with many. 

Steve is survived by his mom, Shirley Milam of Falls City; wife, Joni of Falls City; his daughter, Staci (Derek) Deger of Firth, NE; his son, Judd (Jamie) of Falls City; and his son, Jace (Amanda) of Salem, MO. Four grandchildren: Drake and Gage Deger, Braiden and Ellie Milam. Brother: Max (Michelle) Milam, Falls City; sister-in-law Roxann (Mark) Stitzer, Salem, NE; brother-in-law Don (Becky) Runyan, Falls City; sister-in-law Gaye Runyan, Nebraska City.  Nieces and nephews: Darcy (Paul) Demmel, Chicago, IL; Brooke (Brian) Adam, Lincoln; Andy Runyan, York; Courtney (Byron) Anway, Lincoln; Hayley (Sarai) Milam, Lincoln; Maggie Ochsner, Orange, CA; Hannah Milam, Falls City; Noah Milam, Falls City. Great nieces: Baylee and Brynlee Adam and Amalia Demmel.  He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Milam of Falls City. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 15th, 2018 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 20th & Towle Falls City, Nebraska with Pastor Jerry Yount officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Thursday, June 14th at Dorr & Clark Funeral Home.

The post Steve Milam appeared first on THE FALLS CITY JOURNAL.