The Crofton Warriors saw their season come to an end with a 66-26 loss to the Sandy Creek Cougars on Monday, Nov. 24 in the 2025 NSAA Class D1 State Championship game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
On the grandest stage of them all, the Warriors took on the Cougars in front of a crowd of over 1,800 at 10:15 a.m. with a state championship on the line.
To read more about how the Warriors played, check out this week's edition of The Crofton Journal! https://www.croftonjournal.com/o/the-crofton-journal/page/subscriptions
On the grandest stage of them all, the Warriors took on the Cougars in front of a crowd of over 1,800 at 10:15 a.m. with a state championship on the line.
To read more about how the Warriors played, check out this week's edition of The Crofton Journal! https://www.croftonjournal.com/o/the-crofton-journal/page/subscriptions
With the holidays right around the corner, members of the Crofton Congregational Church along with friends and folks from the Crofton community spent a fun and festive evening filled with Christmas music and snacks as they packed 42 boxes filled with toys, art supplies, hygiene items, socks, blankets, and puzzles for Operation Christmas Child. The project, which is sponsored by Samaritans' Purse, distributes Christmas shoe boxes filled with toys and gifts along with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to needy children all over the world.
Twelve Citizens of Knox County met in Bloomfield on October 29, 2025. Kris Kinsie, Rural Organizer with the Nebraska Democratic Party attended the meeting to give assistance to those present on how to form a County party.
After some enthusiastic discussion, it was unanimous that a New Democrat Party be established to represent Knox County Democrats locally and at the State Convention. Officers were then elected to serve the new party.
They are; Chairperson: Sunny Nagengast- Bloomfield, Vice Chair: Terry Johnson – Wausa; and Secretary: Brenda Davis – Bloomfield.
The Knox County Democrats invite all interested in becoming a part of what is believed to be a new direction for Knox County to attend the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hive in Bloomfield.
Anyone can also contact the group at knoxcountynedems@gmail.com.
After some enthusiastic discussion, it was unanimous that a New Democrat Party be established to represent Knox County Democrats locally and at the State Convention. Officers were then elected to serve the new party.
They are; Chairperson: Sunny Nagengast- Bloomfield, Vice Chair: Terry Johnson – Wausa; and Secretary: Brenda Davis – Bloomfield.
The Knox County Democrats invite all interested in becoming a part of what is believed to be a new direction for Knox County to attend the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hive in Bloomfield.
Anyone can also contact the group at knoxcountynedems@gmail.com.
On Saturday, November 15, the 40 members of the one-act Crofton cast and crew travel to Norfolk for their first competition of the season.
The team took on a fifth place finish after a tiebreaker for fourth. They also had five members receive Outstanding Actor Awards: Katie Neuharth, Sophia Wortmann, Jackson Lynde, Ellie Foxhoven, and Kaden Arens.
The team also traveled to Mid-State Conference competition Tuesday, Nov 18 at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk.
The team took on a fifth place finish after a tiebreaker for fourth. They also had five members receive Outstanding Actor Awards: Katie Neuharth, Sophia Wortmann, Jackson Lynde, Ellie Foxhoven, and Kaden Arens.
The team also traveled to Mid-State Conference competition Tuesday, Nov 18 at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk.
By: Fred Dennis - CCS Journalism
The Crofton chorus went to the Mid States Vocal Clinic in Battle Creek along with multiple other schools, performing songs on November 10.
The chorus sang five songs overall, and Crofton performed one on their own. Songs like Spark of Light by Andrew Steffen and Requiem by Eliza Gilkyson were sung by all schools, but Crofton performed Sancta by Paul Barker by themselves. Throughout the day they practiced songs and broke into groups to work with their octave.
“The concert was wonderful, and really the whole day went really well,” said music director Katie Kleinschmit. “It is fun to get together with schools from the conference and make music together instead of competing against each other.”
Sophomore Hudsyn Stout said, “I really enjoyed working on the songs throughout the day; slowly the songs sounded better and I was pleased with the final product.”
The Crofton chorus went to the Mid States Vocal Clinic in Battle Creek along with multiple other schools, performing songs on November 10.
The chorus sang five songs overall, and Crofton performed one on their own. Songs like Spark of Light by Andrew Steffen and Requiem by Eliza Gilkyson were sung by all schools, but Crofton performed Sancta by Paul Barker by themselves. Throughout the day they practiced songs and broke into groups to work with their octave.
“The concert was wonderful, and really the whole day went really well,” said music director Katie Kleinschmit. “It is fun to get together with schools from the conference and make music together instead of competing against each other.”
Sophomore Hudsyn Stout said, “I really enjoyed working on the songs throughout the day; slowly the songs sounded better and I was pleased with the final product.”
Knox County joined colleagues across the nation in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
The program encourages public facilities, private businesses and homes to shine green lights the week of Veterans Day so to shine a light on the plight of veterans in counties across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country. The green lighting also shows the veterans and their families that they are supported and appreciated.
“Once again this year, Knox County Clerk of District Court Matt Fischer placed all of the green lights at the Knox County Courthouse Square and his efforts are much appreciated.”
The program encourages public facilities, private businesses and homes to shine green lights the week of Veterans Day so to shine a light on the plight of veterans in counties across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country. The green lighting also shows the veterans and their families that they are supported and appreciated.
“Once again this year, Knox County Clerk of District Court Matt Fischer placed all of the green lights at the Knox County Courthouse Square and his efforts are much appreciated.”
Work has begun in earnest at the Crofton Lakeview Golf Course and the construction of the new clubhouse on the grounds. The Course posted a number of pictures of the new building on its social media this week as framing, walls and roof appeared.
A program in honor of Veterans was held at Crofton High School in the school gym on November 11th with students, staff, members of American Legion Post 128 as well as members of the community in attendance.
The program was organized by Mickey Doerr.
The program was organized by Mickey Doerr.
To encourage other women to enter the teaching profession, Alpha Lambda Chapter, a group of Key Women Educators in Knox County, will be offering a $300 grant-in-aid (scholarship).
Women currently in their junior or senior year of college majoring in education or working on their master’s in education are eligible to apply. The applicant must be a graduate of a Knox County high school or a nontraditional student who is a resident of Knox County. This grant-in-aid will be presented for the second semester.
December 18, 2025 is the deadline for applying. Contact Mary Eiler, 101 West Verdel 2nd St., Niobrara, NE 68760 (402-229-3249) for more information.
Women currently in their junior or senior year of college majoring in education or working on their master’s in education are eligible to apply. The applicant must be a graduate of a Knox County high school or a nontraditional student who is a resident of Knox County. This grant-in-aid will be presented for the second semester.
December 18, 2025 is the deadline for applying. Contact Mary Eiler, 101 West Verdel 2nd St., Niobrara, NE 68760 (402-229-3249) for more information.
Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership will hold the Creighton WIC and Immunization clinic on Tuesday November 18th, 2025, from 10:30am to 2:30pm at the NENCAP Building 808 Chase Ave., Creighton, NE 68729.
For an appointment or for more information regarding the WIC or Immunization Programs please call (402) 385-6300.
For an appointment or for more information regarding the WIC or Immunization Programs please call (402) 385-6300.
The Crofton Warriors defeated the Johnson-Brock Eagles in a high-scoring game that ended 88-56.
The Warriors made a statement early on with a 65-yard rushing touchdown from Jr. Tyson Jackson on the very first play of the game.
The Warriors made a statement early on with a 65-yard rushing touchdown from Jr. Tyson Jackson on the very first play of the game.
Megan (Sage) Mueller recently joined the team at the Crofton Journal.
Mueller is a 2003 graduate of Crofton High School. She and her family moved back to the Crofton area in February of 2024. She and her husband Ryan have three daughters that attend Crofton Elementary School.
“Megan has already proven to be a great help to the Journal – keeping the office open and knowing the community will continue the Journal’s service to Crofton and the surrounding area into the future,” said Brook Curtiss, Journal publisher.
Mueller will be in the Crofton Journal office Monday – Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop in to say hello, drop off news articles, or purchase a current newspaper.
Mueller is a 2003 graduate of Crofton High School. She and her family moved back to the Crofton area in February of 2024. She and her husband Ryan have three daughters that attend Crofton Elementary School.
“Megan has already proven to be a great help to the Journal – keeping the office open and knowing the community will continue the Journal’s service to Crofton and the surrounding area into the future,” said Brook Curtiss, Journal publisher.
Mueller will be in the Crofton Journal office Monday – Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop in to say hello, drop off news articles, or purchase a current newspaper.
By: Emma Kuchta - CHS Journalism
The Crofton Warriors traveled to GACC to face the Bluejays and suffered a 0-3 loss.
The Bluejays out scored the Warriors and won the first set 16-25, the second 11-25, and the third set 16-25.
An outstanding performance by sophomore Bailey Gerths led the Bluejays. Gerths had 13 kills and 1 ace for the game.
Senior Jaisie Janssen led Crofton with six kills, and senior Addyson Ostermeyer led with five kills.
The Crofton Warriors traveled to GACC to face the Bluejays and suffered a 0-3 loss.
The Bluejays out scored the Warriors and won the first set 16-25, the second 11-25, and the third set 16-25.
An outstanding performance by sophomore Bailey Gerths led the Bluejays. Gerths had 13 kills and 1 ace for the game.
Senior Jaisie Janssen led Crofton with six kills, and senior Addyson Ostermeyer led with five kills.
During half-time of the Crofton vs Boyd County football game last Friday night members of the Crofton Community Foundation Fund Committee presented a check for $4260 to the Crofton Community Schools Support Account. This is the Foundation’s match to the Alumni $10,000 Matching Grant Challenge issued last July during the annual alumni banquet. Pictured left to right are Mark Wragge, Michael Guenther, Terry Mueller, Angie Connot, Lisa Van Heek, and Sarah Higgins.
On Monday, October 20th during the first round of the Mid States Conference Volleyball Tournament Crofton senior Jaisie Janssen hit two personal milestones during the game versus the Wayne Blue Devils.
Janssen, a middle hitter for the Lady Warriors, set career milestones for 1000 receptions as well as 800 kills.
Janssen, a middle hitter for the Lady Warriors, set career milestones for 1000 receptions as well as 800 kills.
By Knox Hegge - CCS Journalism
Senior Alexa Suing qualified for the NSAA State Golf Tournament this year and placed 27th overall with scores of 90 and 93 for a combined 183.
The first-place spot was held by a Minden senior, putting together a one-under for 143.
The state tournament was held at the Lake Maloney Golf Club in North Platte on October 13 and 14.
Suing was fairly pleased with her performance, “I think it went pretty well, there were definitely some things that could have gone a lot better, especially putting, but overall with how cold and rainy it was, I did better than I thought I was going to.”
Senior Alexa Suing qualified for the NSAA State Golf Tournament this year and placed 27th overall with scores of 90 and 93 for a combined 183.
The first-place spot was held by a Minden senior, putting together a one-under for 143.
The state tournament was held at the Lake Maloney Golf Club in North Platte on October 13 and 14.
Suing was fairly pleased with her performance, “I think it went pretty well, there were definitely some things that could have gone a lot better, especially putting, but overall with how cold and rainy it was, I did better than I thought I was going to.”
By: Peyton Berger - CHS Journalism
The Crofton High School Marching Band battled and brought home first place in both the parade and field competition at the March to the Meridian in Yankton on Saturday, Oct. 11
During the parade, the band impressed many people including the judges with their outstanding performance and clear music. Later in the day, they had the field competition and the drumline and did another outstanding job earning first place.
With their hard work and dedication over the season they earned the first place trophies.
The Crofton High School Marching Band battled and brought home first place in both the parade and field competition at the March to the Meridian in Yankton on Saturday, Oct. 11
During the parade, the band impressed many people including the judges with their outstanding performance and clear music. Later in the day, they had the field competition and the drumline and did another outstanding job earning first place.
With their hard work and dedication over the season they earned the first place trophies.
By: Brynn Hansen - CHS Journalism
The Crofton Warriors fell to The Plainview Pirates on Monday, Oct. 6 in a competitive 5 set game.
They lost the first two sets of the night (21-25, 20-25). “I don't think we were ready for what they were gonna come out with.” Senior Jaisie Janssen stated.
They built their way back up in sets 3 and 4, winning 25-22 and 25-20. The Crofton Warriors played a solid game with senior Jaisie Janssen having 24 kills, and 64 attempts. Senior Karoline Schendt had 18 digs and 94.7% serving, and senior Tylee Cooper had 4 aces.
They fought their way through the 5th set but lost 14-16. Janssen also stated, “Moving forward we got a taste of how well we can play together as a team and hopefully it keeps going up from here.”
The Crofton Warriors fell to The Plainview Pirates on Monday, Oct. 6 in a competitive 5 set game.
They lost the first two sets of the night (21-25, 20-25). “I don't think we were ready for what they were gonna come out with.” Senior Jaisie Janssen stated.
They built their way back up in sets 3 and 4, winning 25-22 and 25-20. The Crofton Warriors played a solid game with senior Jaisie Janssen having 24 kills, and 64 attempts. Senior Karoline Schendt had 18 digs and 94.7% serving, and senior Tylee Cooper had 4 aces.
They fought their way through the 5th set but lost 14-16. Janssen also stated, “Moving forward we got a taste of how well we can play together as a team and hopefully it keeps going up from here.”
By: Emma Kuchta - CHS Journalism
The Crofton Warrior Volleyball team faced two tough losses to Norfolk Catholic and Ponca when they traveled to Ponca for a triangular on Sept. 30.
The Warriors first faced off against the 14-1 Norfolk Catholic Knights for the first game of the night. The Knights forced several Crofton serve receive errors with 6 aces and won the match 2-0. (15-25, 11-25)
For the second match of the triangular, Crofton played the Ponca Indians. Crofton’s poor hitting and Ponca’s scrappy defense combined helped the Indians defeat the Warriors in both sets 21-25 and 25-27.
The Crofton Warrior Volleyball team faced two tough losses to Norfolk Catholic and Ponca when they traveled to Ponca for a triangular on Sept. 30.
The Warriors first faced off against the 14-1 Norfolk Catholic Knights for the first game of the night. The Knights forced several Crofton serve receive errors with 6 aces and won the match 2-0. (15-25, 11-25)
For the second match of the triangular, Crofton played the Ponca Indians. Crofton’s poor hitting and Ponca’s scrappy defense combined helped the Indians defeat the Warriors in both sets 21-25 and 25-27.
By: Emma Kuchta - CCS Journalism
The Crofton Volleyball team traveled to Wisner Pilger and suffered two tough losses to Battle Creek and Wisner-Pilger.
The score of the first game versus Wisner-Pilger was 21-25 for the first set and 20-25 for the second.
In the second game the Warriors lost to the young Battle Creek Braves. The first set score was 16-25 and the second was 11-25.
The Crofton Volleyball team traveled to Wisner Pilger and suffered two tough losses to Battle Creek and Wisner-Pilger.
The score of the first game versus Wisner-Pilger was 21-25 for the first set and 20-25 for the second.
In the second game the Warriors lost to the young Battle Creek Braves. The first set score was 16-25 and the second was 11-25.