She married Gene Ebel on September 13, 1969 at Falls City. He passed away July 23, 2004.

Zita was raised at Falls City and graduated from Falls City High School in 1969. When married the couple established their home in Falls City and later moved to a farm west of Reserve, KS. She was a homemaker and farm wife. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for various places in and around Falls City, including the farm and G and Z Trucking. She retired in 2012. She moved to Lincoln in 2023 and has lived there since. She was an active member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church at 20th and Towle St. in Falls City and DOES Drove of Falls City.

Zita is survived by her children, Gena Vang and her husband Chris of Elkhorn, NE, Karen Soward and her husband Levi and Marissa Ebel both of Lincoln, Chip and his wife Sara of Falls City, brothers, Joe Schawang and his wife Cheryl of Olathe, KS, Mike Schawang and his wife Janet of Omaha, sister, Lisa Moormeier and her husband Kiven of Roca, NE, grandchildren, Connor and Camden Soward, Isaiah and Noah Vang. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 20th and Towle St. with Elysia McGill officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.

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

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He married Patricia Kaster in 1988 and they divorced in 1991, in 1993 he married Lori Bradley and they divorced in 1996. He married Darla Adams in 2006. She passed away in 2018.

Gene worked as a welder for many years until his health forced him to retire. He had a great love for Tinkering with anything he could do in the garage. One of his joys was taking his children fishing and spending time with his grandchildren doing various fun activies. He encouraged others to stop by and chat as that was what he loved to do. His love for fireworks and the 4th of July and love for homemade fireworks took him to the ER to come home with a finger missing for a great conversation piece. The Nebraska Cornhuskers was one of his favorite things to watch on TV.

Gene is survived by his children, children Corey and his wife Molly Ballue of Beatrice, Cameron and his wife Beth of Nehawka, Ashley Gibson and her wife Megan of Beatrice, Adam Gibson and fiancé Brittney of Beatrice, 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Cecil and Helen Miller, Uncle Norman Miller, Aunt Evelyn Hoak, and wife Darla.

Gene’s memorial service will be held Monday August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Maple Cemetery in Salem Nebraska.

There will be no viewing or visitation. You may sign the registry or leave condolences at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home during regular business hours.

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Marlene was raised on the family farm south of Rulo. At the age of four she started first grade at District 91 better known as the “Y” school. She was proud of the fact that she recited the poem word for word “The Night Before Christmas” at the school Christmas program even before she started school. Marlene graduated Falls City High School in 1950.

One of thirteen children she helped her two older sisters hand milk the cows before and after school each day.  She was strong willed even as a child and found herself at the top of a tree where she could get away from her mother when she was in trouble and her mom would remind her she had to come down sometime. Mom had many stories she shared of her younger years.

Marlene worked at various businesses over the years including Fleskoski’s Food Basket, The Falls City Creamery, as a bookkeeper at Sur Gro Fertilizer, Falls City Pet Foods, Fortescue Elevator, and Novak Realty.

She was a member of Riverside Fellowship church in Rulo and through the years had taught Sunday school and church youth groups.  She was a Blue Bird – Campfire girl’s leader, served on the school PTA committees, was a softball coach for teenage girls, and was active in the American Legion and VFW auxiliaries, American Heart Association, Red Cross Blood Mobile and the Census. For several years she was the crew foreman for the girls detasseling corn crews bussed over into Missouri. Marlene was a lifetime member of the Falls City BPO DOES organization serving for seventy years in various offices locally as well as the Nebraska District and the Iowa Minnesota Nebraska East District. But of all her “jobs” her most important and dear to her heart was being mom and grandmother.

She is survived by her children Linda (Mark) Jilek of rural Rulo, Cathy O’Grady, Jerry (Nancy) McKim, and Karey Weaver all of Falls City and Nancy (John) Fischer of Hiawatha,  twenty-four grandchildren, fifty-one great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, siblings Louise Pfankuche, Kansas City, Mo, Marjorie Surman, Rulo, Ruth Lieneman, Robinson, Ben (Sandy) Bachman, Falls City, Wauneta (Jim) Catlett, Kansas City, MO, Bob Bachman, Rulo, Gary (Cindy) Bachman, Falls City and Rita (Steve) Johansen, Rulo, numerous nieces and nephews survive her. 

She was preceded in death by sisters Bernice Adams and Alice Crouch, brother Ronald Bachman, grandson, Aaron O’Grady, sons-in-law, Neal Frost and John O’Grady, grandson Kevin Driggers.

Her funeral services will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Pastor David Showalter and Wauneta Catlett officiating. Interment will be in Rulo Cemetery.

The family will receive friends, Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 6-7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. Viewing will begin in the afternoon of August 1, 2026 at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials be made to Family Choice in lieu of flowers.

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Rusty entered the Nebraska National Guard in 1978 and served in Falls City with Company B until 1983.

He married Tanya Windle February 28, 1986 at Salem.

Rusty was raised in Falls City and graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1978. Following graduation, in addition to his service in the National Guard, he worked in various slaughter houses, Mickelberry’s, did logging and had a saw mill and drove a semi. He retired in 2020. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was a member of the Falls City Elks.

Rusty is survived by his wife, Tanya of Salem, children, Felicia Martin and her husband John of Salem, Orrin of Salem, father, Robert of Falls City, sister, Vickie Zeigler of Falls City, brother, Ryan of Lincoln and five grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and a granddaughter, Brynn Martin.

Rusty has been cremated and a graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Steele Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, from 6-7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials be made to family choice in lieu of flowers.

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Gary was born on May 2, 1943 in Falls City, NE to Paul and Venice Mick. He was a 1961 graduate of Falls City Senior High. After high school, Gary met the love of his life, Dorothy Pierce. The couple were married in Lincoln, NE on July 2, 1966. In 1971, Gary earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Gary worked as a civil engineer for the US Forest Service for 17 years. While in Alamogordo, New Mexico, he designed and built a family home for himself, Dottie and their two children, John born in 1970 and Sallie, born in 1975.

In 1988 Gary left the Forest Service for Lockheed Martin to work on the Space Shuttle program. He helped design an alternate landing site for the Space Shuttle program, located at the White Sands Missile Range. In 1995, after Lockheed lost the NASA contract, Gary and Dottie moved to Wisconsin where he worked as Director of Environmental Services for Milwaukee County.

Gary retired from Milwaukee County in 2007. They moved to Loveland, CO to be closer to their son John and his family. Gary and Dottie enjoyed travel in their retirement taking trips to Ireland, Spain, Russia and more. Motorcycles were a huge part of Gary’s life. Over the course of his life he rode, bought, sold and repaired too many motorcycles to count. He loved them!

Gary is survived by his wife, Dottie and their children, John (Jeanne) Mick of Fort Collins, CO; and Sallie (Matthew) Wild of Milwaukee, WI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Paul and Ben Mick and Madeline Wild. And his sister Judith Nye of Florida.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Paul in 1987 and Venice in 2011; and his sister Linda Mick-O’Hara in 2006.

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“The Conservation Reserve Program continues to demonstrate the strength of voluntary, producer-led conservation across the country,” said Hilary Maricle, FSA State Executive Director in Nebraska. “The success of the 2026 enrollment period reflects USDA’s Farmers First commitment and the dedication of America’s farmers and ranchers to protecting our natural resources.”

Accepted acres include participation through General CRP, Grassland CRP, and Continuous CRP initiatives that support soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and long-term conservation on working lands.

Of the 71,980 acres set to expire on Sept. 30, producers submitted re-enrollment offers for approximately 48,000 acres. Additionally, producers submitted offers to enroll 351,676 acres of new land in Nebraska. Nebraska had the highest number of accepted CRP acres in the nation. Counties with the highest accepted acreage include Sheridan, Sioux and Grant counties.

USDA’s CRP is one of the nation’s largest voluntary conservation programs, helping agricultural producers protect sensitive land while strengthening rural communities and supporting long-term sustainability.

More Information  

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the United States. Originally intended to primarily control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production, the program has evolved over the years, providing many conservation and economic benefits to farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the country.

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Since May 2026, Nebraska has reported 49 cases of cyclosporiasis. At this time, there have been no reported cases of cyclosporiasis in Nebraska related to the recent outbreak in the United States. DHHS is working with federal and local public health partners to investigate a number of domestically acquired cases to determine if there are shared exposures linking cases together.

“Cyclosporiasis is not a new infection. Nebraska sees a small number of seasonal cases each year between May and September, typically associated with international travel,” said Dr. Timothy Tesmer, DHHS Chief Medical Officer. “Nebraskans who develop symptoms lasting more than three days should contact a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help shorten the illness and reduce the risk of dehydration and other complications.”

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which is typically spread through contaminated food or water, most commonly fresh fruits and vegetables. Previous outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. It is not spread from person to person. Symptoms usually develop about one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea. Without treatment, it can last for weeks or longer, and symptoms may come and go.

Reduce Your Risk:

• Cook foods when possible. Heating food to at least 158°F (70°C) kills the Cyclospora parasite.
• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean, running water before eating, cutting, or peeling them. Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
• Clean and sanitize your hands, cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces before and after handling fresh produce.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating fruits and vegetables.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.

Treatment

People experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden or ongoing diarrhea lasting more than three days, are encouraged to contact their health care provider. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. Additionally, if you are sick with cyclosporiasis, local or state health officials may contact you to ask about what you ate in the two weeks before becoming sick.

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/index.html.

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By Leo Adam Biga

Flatwater Free Press

When about two dozen members of Beatrice High’s Class of 1961 recently gathered for their 65th reunion, it was more than the usual redux. For many, it marked the first time in years that they had set their eyes on a cinematic time capsule — a feature-length documentary chronicling their 15-year class reunion that coincided with the U.S. bicentennial 50 years ago.

“Reunion ’61-’76” was made for and broadcast on Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (now Nebraska Public Media) then largely vanished, save for a few screenings at class reunions over the decades. 

“I think it holds up very well,” said grad and retired history professor Bob Cherny, who co-moderated a Q&A at the July 11 reunion in Beatrice.

A sharper, digitized version of the film will debut July 29 as part of the Made in Nebraska series at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center in Lincoln. Ross program manager Laurie Richards called the film “a hidden gem of the cinema verite movement that should be seen because it reflects its times in such a raw, remarkable way.”

Its maker, John Spence, was himself a member of the Beatrice Class of ’61, and in 1976, he worked in NET’s film unit. He said the concept behind the project was simple.

“Because we literally hadn’t gotten together as a group for 15 years, and a lot had happened in the meantime. I was frankly very curious to see how people turned out and if they had found a unique way of getting by.”

Spence had no script, just an idea that evolved as he met with people and events happened. Of course, he needed buy-in from his classmates. They agreed to participate “because we knew film was John’s thing so we just sort of went along with it,” said classmate Pete Genzlinger. 

“I’m not sure many people thought anybody would see it anyway besides us,” he added.

LINK TO DOC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrLnXGODMzM

The group proved willing participants — and worthy subjects.

When they entered the world, World War II was still raging. Both Spence’s and Cherny’s fathers died in the conflict. When the 135 graduates received their diplomas at the municipal auditorium on May 24, 1961, John F. Kennedy was still president. The Cuban Missile Crisis had not happened. Vietnam was far from most Americans’ radar. The Beatles were years away from invading the U.S.

After their graduation, the country saw change and tragedy: the sexual revolution and rise of feminism, the fight for civil rights, Cold War dread, the assassinations of JFK, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, the Vietnam War, Watergate.

By the time this cohort reunited in the bicentennial year, they were veterans of the nation’s culture wars, witnesses to a decade and a half of upheaval not unlike today’s America.

In the film, grads share what they did after high school — from serving in the military to attending college to entering professions to starting families. Some moved away, some stayed put. Some did what they set out to do, others were still searching. 

A surprising number found themselves in creative careers. Genzlinger painted and taught art. Vicki Krecek became a writer and Omaha communications professional. Jim Meyers ran his own photography studios and a pottery business. Barbara Hibben became the first research assistant for the then new Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery before heading to the East Coast. Gibb Hedges became an illustrator and ran the popular Beatrice bar Gibbs’ Place for three decades. 

And there was Spence, the filmmaker. As he came of age, his ambivalence about his hometown grew. By the time graduation came, he couldn’t wait to get away. But he didn’t get far — he has lived in Lincoln since 1962. 

“Quite frankly, the more and the further I went away, the better home looked. … Lincoln’s only about 40 miles from Beatrice, but in my heart, my mind, it’s a thousand miles away.”

The 65th reunion was a different experience for this group of now 82- to 84-year-olds reflecting on themselves from a half century ago. Whereas with earlier reunions people talked about careers and families, the focus now veers toward the bigger picture.

“The list of people that have died gets longer every year, and it’s so sad,” Krecek said. 

Hibben, who became a career U.S. foreign service officer after her art career, traveled from Pennsylvania with a daughter for the 65th reunion out of a sense of urgency. “Because I think it’s probably going to be the last time I get to see some of these people,” she said. “I miss quite a few who I remember well.” 

Meyers, who recently resettled in Beatrice, acknowledged the reality of their age. But he mused, “There’s a pretty good group of us that feel like we’re just going to keep going. Maybe we’ll have a 75th. Why not? If you don’t believe that way then you probably won’t make it.”

Watching the film again, some noted how the polarization of today reminds them of the divisions of the turbulent ’60s and ’70s. 

“Yeah, I thought about that when I watched it,” Krecek said.

The Class of ’61 has managed to avoid that same division at their reunions, going to lengths to avoid talking politics and other polarizing subjects.

“We recognize that at meals people may end up at separate tables because they may feel strongly on both sides,” Hibben said.

The doc doesn’t refer to the disproportionate number from the class who pursued creative lives or careers, but 65th participants did. Past reunions featured exhibitions of classmates’ work. Grads pointed to the town’s maverick streak and legacy of strong art teachers — like Don Hazelrigg, who Meyers said encouraged students to “explore” and make things — as contributing factors. 

Spence said “Reunion ’61-’76” is his answer to “nonfiction unfettered personal filmmaking.” Michael Farrell was the director of photography on the project and used a handheld camera to capture its intimate black-and-white images. He feels Spence made a minor classic. 

“This is a very interesting slice of American life, and I think John’s got something really important to say with this film. It’s a really important piece of work and it shouldn’t just get buried someplace.”

Classmates appreciate that their class is the rare one anywhere, anytime immortalized in a film. Class archivist Peg Quakenbush echoed others in saying, “It’s very special … for us and we’re lucky.”

Meyers was teaching art in Nelson, Nebraska, when the documentary aired. His students watched it. Years later, one of those students told him that Meyers and his classmates inspired them to stick together much the same way. ”It wasn’t me,” Meyers said, deferring the credit, “it was John (Spence) and what he did with that (film).” 

Spence is satisfied it remains an honest, unadorned looking glass into the past. “I do like the idea it could be about any small Midwestern town and the folks in it,” he said. “That’s the value of it in my mind.”

The ’61 class has gathered for past milestone reunions. When the 60th coincided with COVID, the reunion was held virtually. The 65th was not the first time the doc got screened. Seeing and hearing themselves from a half century ago elicited the usual laughs and perhaps more tears than past screenings. 

Though Bob Cherny lives on the West Coast, he has actively organized several reunions. Why? “I guess just the idea to get back in touch with people I knew and fell out of touch with.” 

Genzlinger, who has made all the reunions, said the attraction to catch up is natural.

“The first ones I attended, I was curious to see how people had changed. Some of those people I don’t know why I didn’t become closer to them in school because I realized they’re neat people and I wish I had. I wish I knew their story. Everybody has a story.” 

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

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B-roll − e-bikes and e-scooters

Sound bites – trauma surgeon

OMAHA, NE (July 21, 2026) — As e-bikes and e-scooters surge in popularity, AAA – The Auto Club Group is providing its new “E-Ride Ready” campaign to help parents better understand the risks associated with these fast-moving devices and take steps to prevent serious injuries.

“E-rides have spread so quickly that laws, infrastructure, and safety awareness haven’t kept pace,” said Brian Ortner, Spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That leaves many parents trying to figure out what’s safe, what’s allowed, and what rules to set. AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign helps to close that gap.”

At the center of the campaign is The Auto Club Group’s new E-Ride Safety Guide, a free resource that helps families:

• Understand how e-bikes and e-scooters operate
• Choose helmets designed for the speed and type of device
• Identify where riders can safely and legally ride
• Set clear safety expectations before a child’s first ride

This campaign comes amid growing concern nationwide about injuries involving young e-riders. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission review found micromobility-related injuries rose an average of 23 percent from 2017 to 2022, contributing to an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits and 233 deaths. Medical experts say e-ride crashes commonly involve vehicles, pedestrians, and fixed objects such as curbs and mailboxes.

“As e-rides become more common, younger riders are often sharing the road with traffic before they fully understand how to navigate it safely,” said Ortner. “When you combine higher speeds with limited experience, the risk of a serious crash increases quickly. That’s why it’s critical for parents to stay involved and set clear expectations before a child rides.”

Helmets save lives

Medical experts say helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries, yet many young riders go without one or use helmets that are not designed for higher-speed devices.

“Helmets can make all the difference in a crash,” said Ortner. “Parents should make sure riders wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride and ensure it matches the speed and capabilities of the device. AAA’s new E-Ride Safety Guide helps families understand the different standards and when they apply.”

E-Ride laws vary by location

Confusion about e-bike and e-scooter laws can create additional risk for families. Rules governing rider age, helmet requirements, and where devices can operate often vary widely by state and local communities.

Federal law generally defines a low-speed e-bike as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and top assisted speeds ranging from 20 to 28 mph, depending on classification. Some higher-speed devices commonly used by teens may fall outside traditional e-bike classifications altogether and require a driver’s license and registration.

Nebraska law at a glance:

• No statewide minimum age for e-scooter riders
• Helmet required on e-bikes and e-scooters for 18 years of age and younger
• E‑bikes may ride where bicycles are allowed
• Sidewalk riding is generally permitted statewide
• Public trail use as permitted
• Local municipalities may have specific restrictions
• E-bikes and bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as drivers, such as, honoring stop signs and traffic signals.

AAA encourages families to review their state and local laws before allowing children or teens to ride. The E-Ride Safety Guide also highlights safe riding locations and encourages families to prioritize environments with less traffic and fewer hazards.

AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign encourages families to:

1. Know the speed and capabilities of the device
2. Require properly fitted helmets, rated for the e-ride’s top speed
3. Understand where e-rides can legally and safely operate
4. Practice safe riding habits around traffic and pedestrians

The free E-Ride Safety Guide includes:

• An overview of e-bike and e-scooter types and performance differences
• Helmet guidance and safety checklists
• Tips for riding around traffic and pedestrians
• Safety conversation starters for parents and young riders
• Safety tips for drivers and e-riders

As e-rides become more common in neighborhoods and on roadways, AAA says preparation is critical to preventing injuries.

“E-bikes and e-scooters can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but they require more awareness and responsibility than many families expect,” said Ortner. “When parents understand the risks and set clear expectations, they can help prevent crashes before they happen.”

Families can download AAA’s free E-Ride Safety Guide at sm.AAA/ERideReady

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.

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   She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary (Howden) England. 

   She is survived by her husband Edwin Weaver, Lincoln, sister Debby England and nephews Tyson Meek and Kelly Meek. 

   She was a former Falls City Public school speech pathologist.

   Her body has been cremated by the Nebraska Cremation Society.  Her final resting place will be in Steele Cemetery, Falls City, after a private memorial service.

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