The 12U girls had an extraordinarily busy week, playing nine games. This included a busy weekend participating in the Nebraska 12U League Tournament.
The team’s week began with a 9-2 loss to Wausa on Monday, June 15th in Wausa. Then the 12U played to a 7-1 win at Verdigre. (They also had a few girls help the 14U that night and did exceptionally well.)
Then on Thursday, June 18th, Crofton’s 12U defeated Laurel 14-4.
They headed into the 12U league tournament on Saturday, June 20th in Osmond. This included four games on Saturday–an 11-4 win versus Wakefield, an 8-1 win versus Verdigre, an 11-10 loss to Hartington, and a 7-6 win versus Randolph.
Their win versus Randolph set them up in the championship game where Crofton would have to defeat Hartington twice. However, the weather had other plans and the championship game was postponed to Sunday, June 21st in Crofton.
Again, the weather intervened and forced the games to be played on Monday, June 22nd, in Hartington.
Crofton won game one 10-6 and then secured the league championship with a 13-8 win in game 2.
The 12U team then traveled to Norfolk’s Liberty Bell Park where they played Golden Girls Moore in a doubleheader on Tuesday, June 23rd. They won both games 13-7 and 10-6.
The team’s week began with a 9-2 loss to Wausa on Monday, June 15th in Wausa. Then the 12U played to a 7-1 win at Verdigre. (They also had a few girls help the 14U that night and did exceptionally well.)
Then on Thursday, June 18th, Crofton’s 12U defeated Laurel 14-4.
They headed into the 12U league tournament on Saturday, June 20th in Osmond. This included four games on Saturday–an 11-4 win versus Wakefield, an 8-1 win versus Verdigre, an 11-10 loss to Hartington, and a 7-6 win versus Randolph.
Their win versus Randolph set them up in the championship game where Crofton would have to defeat Hartington twice. However, the weather had other plans and the championship game was postponed to Sunday, June 21st in Crofton.
Again, the weather intervened and forced the games to be played on Monday, June 22nd, in Hartington.
Crofton won game one 10-6 and then secured the league championship with a 13-8 win in game 2.
The 12U team then traveled to Norfolk’s Liberty Bell Park where they played Golden Girls Moore in a doubleheader on Tuesday, June 23rd. They won both games 13-7 and 10-6.
Main Street Treasures donated $50,000 to the city for the construction of the new pool house on June 19.
Main Street Treasures volunteer and board member Joyce Stevens talked about how long the donation has been planned, “Ever since the Pool Project has been talked about in 2016-2017, we have wanted to help. We’ve talked about a big donation for years but actually voted at the January 30, 2026 Board of Directors meeting to pledge $50,000 when the pool house started construction.”
Stevens said that they had an account set aside for the project and were just waiting until the project became a reality.
She has many hopes for the community regarding the project, “Of course, we hope the entire pool project (finish the pool house and move on to the swimming pool itself) continues throughout the next year so Crofton can enjoy having a nice place for the kids to play in the summertime, take swimming lessons, etc. I am a true believer that having a pool is important in our area and that all young and old should learn how to swim, especially since we live so close to Lewis and Clark Lake.”
The Crofton pool project continues to be under way with more updates to come soon.
Main Street Treasures volunteer and board member Joyce Stevens talked about how long the donation has been planned, “Ever since the Pool Project has been talked about in 2016-2017, we have wanted to help. We’ve talked about a big donation for years but actually voted at the January 30, 2026 Board of Directors meeting to pledge $50,000 when the pool house started construction.”
Stevens said that they had an account set aside for the project and were just waiting until the project became a reality.
She has many hopes for the community regarding the project, “Of course, we hope the entire pool project (finish the pool house and move on to the swimming pool itself) continues throughout the next year so Crofton can enjoy having a nice place for the kids to play in the summertime, take swimming lessons, etc. I am a true believer that having a pool is important in our area and that all young and old should learn how to swim, especially since we live so close to Lewis and Clark Lake.”
The Crofton pool project continues to be under way with more updates to come soon.
The Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) of Yankton is offering free kayaking clinics this summer every Sunday and most Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through September 2nd.
Join park rangers near the "bubble" at Lake Yankton next to Chief White Crane Recreation Area for basic kayaking instruction and lots of fun on the water.
The minimum age requirement in a single kayak is 10 years old with an accompanying parent or guardian. Minimum age to attend is 5 years old; children between ages 5-9 must paddle in a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian.
Prior paddling experience is not required. Learn the about the components of a kayak, practice basic paddling skills, and learn critical safety information. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Enrollment for the clinic is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve your spot please call the MNRR office at (605) 665-0209 extension 21. The first 12 that sign up will be accepted for each clinic. The deadline for reservations is noon the day prior to the clinic date.
Join park rangers near the "bubble" at Lake Yankton next to Chief White Crane Recreation Area for basic kayaking instruction and lots of fun on the water.
The minimum age requirement in a single kayak is 10 years old with an accompanying parent or guardian. Minimum age to attend is 5 years old; children between ages 5-9 must paddle in a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian.
Prior paddling experience is not required. Learn the about the components of a kayak, practice basic paddling skills, and learn critical safety information. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Enrollment for the clinic is limited and reservations are required.
To reserve your spot please call the MNRR office at (605) 665-0209 extension 21. The first 12 that sign up will be accepted for each clinic. The deadline for reservations is noon the day prior to the clinic date.
The Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) near Yankton is offering free fishing clinics this summer in collaboration with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks to learn the basics of recreational fishing, ethical angling practices, and how fishers can do their part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The clinics began on June 20th, 2026 and will take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. until the end of August.
However, there will be no NPS fishing clinics on July 4th or August 22nd.
Join MNRR park rangers at the fishing pier at Lake Yankton next to the Chief White Crane Recreation Area for the event. This event is free of charge and all fishing equipment and bait will be provided. This program is designed for all ages.
The clinics began on June 20th, 2026 and will take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. until the end of August.
However, there will be no NPS fishing clinics on July 4th or August 22nd.
Join MNRR park rangers at the fishing pier at Lake Yankton next to the Chief White Crane Recreation Area for the event. This event is free of charge and all fishing equipment and bait will be provided. This program is designed for all ages.
The first “Yard of the Month” for this year’s nominations from the Crofton Community Club was awarded to Suzanne Wiebelhaus.
From her nomination:
“Suzanne’s property is a very simple, well kept, lush green yard. When she came to Crofton her thoughts were all about planting flowers in the yard. Husband Gordy was not much of a flower person even though he had Daylilies planted. A few years later Suzanne did some land scaping with flowering pots placed in front of her home. At this time she moved the Daylilies to the property line on the north side of her lot. One Daylily ball was so large they needed to use a pay loader to move it.”
From her nomination:
“Suzanne’s property is a very simple, well kept, lush green yard. When she came to Crofton her thoughts were all about planting flowers in the yard. Husband Gordy was not much of a flower person even though he had Daylilies planted. A few years later Suzanne did some land scaping with flowering pots placed in front of her home. At this time she moved the Daylilies to the property line on the north side of her lot. One Daylily ball was so large they needed to use a pay loader to move it.”
The first youth golf camp is being held Tuesdays through the month of June.
Twenty-five kids are signed up for the first session in grades second through fourth grade; 16 for the second session in grade fifth through eighth for a total of 41 kids.
Michael Jensen, Jenna Gobel, Addie Rossman, Grant Schieffer, Joe Janssen, Badger Bailey, and a few other area golfers all are helping with instructions and technique.
Golf enthusiast Michael Jensen stated “We have seen the need for this camp in the last couple years and were finally able to make it happen this year. I am really excited to be a part of this opportunity; golf is something these kids can continue to play well beyond high school or college. My hope is that they can take what they learn, continue to practice and that Crofton Youth Golf becomes even bigger than just a 4-day camp every summer! Excited for what opportunities are ahead for Crofton Youth Golf!”
Twenty-five kids are signed up for the first session in grades second through fourth grade; 16 for the second session in grade fifth through eighth for a total of 41 kids.
Michael Jensen, Jenna Gobel, Addie Rossman, Grant Schieffer, Joe Janssen, Badger Bailey, and a few other area golfers all are helping with instructions and technique.
Golf enthusiast Michael Jensen stated “We have seen the need for this camp in the last couple years and were finally able to make it happen this year. I am really excited to be a part of this opportunity; golf is something these kids can continue to play well beyond high school or college. My hope is that they can take what they learn, continue to practice and that Crofton Youth Golf becomes even bigger than just a 4-day camp every summer! Excited for what opportunities are ahead for Crofton Youth Golf!”
The Creighton Historical Society will be hosting its annual fundraiser on Friday, June 19 during the BerryPepper Days celebration in Creighton.
The event will be held at the Faith United Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a meal of taverns, potato salad, coleslaw, dessert and beverage for a free will donation.
All funds raised will go to support the Creighton Historical Society.
The Creighton Historical Society meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the historical center on Main street in Creighton, and all are invited to attend.
The event will be held at the Faith United Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a meal of taverns, potato salad, coleslaw, dessert and beverage for a free will donation.
All funds raised will go to support the Creighton Historical Society.
The Creighton Historical Society meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. at the historical center on Main street in Creighton, and all are invited to attend.
On Sunday, June 14 the Crofton American Legion and Auxiliary will be holding a special ceremony for the retirement of American flags in Crofton’s South Park.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.
Battered, torn, or flags that are old and need to be retired can be dropped off at Highstreet Insurance.
Those with flags to retire can also bring them along to the South Park on Sunday evening as well.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14.
Battered, torn, or flags that are old and need to be retired can be dropped off at Highstreet Insurance.
Those with flags to retire can also bring them along to the South Park on Sunday evening as well.
The Crofton All-School Reunion group gave away two memorial scholarships this year to Crofton seniors headed off to their next level of education.
For this year’s $1,000 Alumni scholarship, the winner was Lillian Earley.
A second scholarship this year, a new contribution, the Roth Homes Scholarship, was awarded to Alexa Suing, Jaisie Janssen, Christopher Neuharth, Pamela Dennis, and Anthony Steffen.
The Class of 1981 was in charge of the presentations this year, as they are hosting this year’s celebration. Pictured with the students is Charlene Roth of the Class of 1981.
For this year’s $1,000 Alumni scholarship, the winner was Lillian Earley.
A second scholarship this year, a new contribution, the Roth Homes Scholarship, was awarded to Alexa Suing, Jaisie Janssen, Christopher Neuharth, Pamela Dennis, and Anthony Steffen.
The Class of 1981 was in charge of the presentations this year, as they are hosting this year’s celebration. Pictured with the students is Charlene Roth of the Class of 1981.
The Crofton/Wynot boys golf team wrapped up its 2026 season at the 2026 NSAA Class C-3 District Meet at Fair Play Golf Course in Norfolk on Tuesday, May 19.
At the C-3 District Meet, only the top ten individuals and three teams earned the right to advance their season to the state tournament.
With their seasons on the line, the Crofton/Wynot squad was met with adversity as the weather conditions were harsh and the competition was strong.
Despite this, the boys from Crofton/Wynot battled until the very end and put together some strong scores. However, the squad ultimately fell short of continuing its season.
With a team score of 373, the Crofton/Wynot squad finished in eighth place as a squad, and saw no individuals finish inside the top ten.
At the C-3 District Meet, only the top ten individuals and three teams earned the right to advance their season to the state tournament.
With their seasons on the line, the Crofton/Wynot squad was met with adversity as the weather conditions were harsh and the competition was strong.
Despite this, the boys from Crofton/Wynot battled until the very end and put together some strong scores. However, the squad ultimately fell short of continuing its season.
With a team score of 373, the Crofton/Wynot squad finished in eighth place as a squad, and saw no individuals finish inside the top ten.
Staff at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area will host an informational open house about the Weigand Marina expansion June 6 at the Crofton Haymarket, 105 Main St., Crofton.
The open house, set for 9 a.m. to noon, will give parkgoers an opportunity to visit several informational tables to learn more about the expansion’s operations, logistics and design.
Current slip holders and members of the public may attend the event.
“This open house is a chance for us to share what we know and keep the public informed as the project moves forward,” said Jonathan Voelker, park superintendent. “We may not have every answer June 6, but we will continue to provide updates as more details become available.”
The open house, set for 9 a.m. to noon, will give parkgoers an opportunity to visit several informational tables to learn more about the expansion’s operations, logistics and design.
Current slip holders and members of the public may attend the event.
“This open house is a chance for us to share what we know and keep the public informed as the project moves forward,” said Jonathan Voelker, park superintendent. “We may not have every answer June 6, but we will continue to provide updates as more details become available.”
Several of the Crofton Volunteer Fields youth baseball and softball teams competed in game during the week of Monday, May 4, through Sunday, May 11.
The Cedar Knox Baseball League began its season, which included all of the CVF baseball teams.
To read about how the CVF teams did, check out this week's edition of The Crofton Journal! https://www.croftonjournal.com/o/the-crofton-journal/page/subscriptions
The Cedar Knox Baseball League began its season, which included all of the CVF baseball teams.
To read about how the CVF teams did, check out this week's edition of The Crofton Journal! https://www.croftonjournal.com/o/the-crofton-journal/page/subscriptions
A proposed Cedar Knox Rural Water project upgrade is something that has been ongoing for the past several years.
But the current phase of the project to connect the rural northeast Nebraska system to the system at the City of Yankton is nearly ready for construction, in order to help improve water quality.
The pre-planning stages initially looked at new wells in the Dolphin Township south of Crofton and in the Aten area. But it was decided that a better option was to connect to the Yankton system. Phase 1 was finalized last year, and included replacing the ground storage tank north of Hartington with an elevated tank, said Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District general manager, Annette Sudbeck. Miles of pipes were installed throughout the distribution system.
But the current phase of the project to connect the rural northeast Nebraska system to the system at the City of Yankton is nearly ready for construction, in order to help improve water quality.
The pre-planning stages initially looked at new wells in the Dolphin Township south of Crofton and in the Aten area. But it was decided that a better option was to connect to the Yankton system. Phase 1 was finalized last year, and included replacing the ground storage tank north of Hartington with an elevated tank, said Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District general manager, Annette Sudbeck. Miles of pipes were installed throughout the distribution system.
The Crofton City Council accepted a bid for the new swimming pool bathhouse at their special meeting held on May 7 at the Crofton City Auditorium.
The lone bid for the pool bathhouse for $409,710 by Doyle Stevens Construction was accepted, with construction plans beginning immediately. Six contractors requested a bid package, but Stevens was the only one to bid the project.
The lone bid for the pool bathhouse for $409,710 by Doyle Stevens Construction was accepted, with construction plans beginning immediately. Six contractors requested a bid package, but Stevens was the only one to bid the project.
By: Taylor Arens - Journal Staff
The Nebraska Department of Transportation presented the US-81 and N-12 Roundabout Project at the Community Engagement Event on May 11 at the Crofton City Auditorium where around 80 area residents and 14 NDOT officials were present.
Frustration and concern by community members of Knox and Cedar county was present, and the NDOT was there to address concerns and answer questions.
According to NDOT, they are building a “rural, single-lane roundabout at the intersection of US-81 and N-12 in Cedar County.
This project is funded through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is designated exclusively for safety improvements.”
HSIP is federally not state funded
The Nebraska Department of Transportation presented the US-81 and N-12 Roundabout Project at the Community Engagement Event on May 11 at the Crofton City Auditorium where around 80 area residents and 14 NDOT officials were present.
Frustration and concern by community members of Knox and Cedar county was present, and the NDOT was there to address concerns and answer questions.
According to NDOT, they are building a “rural, single-lane roundabout at the intersection of US-81 and N-12 in Cedar County.
This project is funded through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is designated exclusively for safety improvements.”
HSIP is federally not state funded
As a reminder to those that may be in need, the Crofton community has a free food pantry cabinet outside the fire hall in downtown Crofton.
Anyone that needs assistance is welcome to access the pantry at any time and take what they need.
Anyone that needs assistance is welcome to access the pantry at any time and take what they need.
It was the perfect afternoon for baseball when the Crofton Bluejays opened their 2026 campaign at home Sunday afternoon, May 3 against non-league opponent, Dimock-Emery.
The Raptors took the game, 5-3, but the outing helped the Jays hone their skills as they enter into the tough South Central League schedule in the coming weeks. The Raptors kicked things off with a solo homer to right field in the first inning.
The Jays didn't get on the board until the bottom of the fifth inning when Zach Clark took a lead off walk, eventually scoring. They tacked on single runs in the sixth and the ninth, but it was too little too late.
Clark went 1-4 on the day. Tyler Potts also collected a hit for the Jays. Dimock-Emery scattered five runs on nine hits, although a combination of five Jays pitchers struck-out 12 Raptor batters and only gave up five walks on the day.
The Raptors took the game, 5-3, but the outing helped the Jays hone their skills as they enter into the tough South Central League schedule in the coming weeks. The Raptors kicked things off with a solo homer to right field in the first inning.
The Jays didn't get on the board until the bottom of the fifth inning when Zach Clark took a lead off walk, eventually scoring. They tacked on single runs in the sixth and the ninth, but it was too little too late.
Clark went 1-4 on the day. Tyler Potts also collected a hit for the Jays. Dimock-Emery scattered five runs on nine hits, although a combination of five Jays pitchers struck-out 12 Raptor batters and only gave up five walks on the day.
By: Darin Babcock - CCS Journalism
The Crofton Band and Choir both showed up and showed outstanding performances at the 2026 District Music Contest on Friday, April 24 in Laurel.
The band scored as high as they could with a rating of 1 in every category. Categories include performance, interpretation, and musicianship.
The Crofton Choir also performed extremely well scoring as high as they could with straight 1’s in each category. Categories include technique, diction, and musicianship.
Senior, Sophia Wortmann, has been a part of both the Band and Choir for four years. She states “I think that both performances at district music were satisfactory. I am happy with how I played and sang as an individual and as a group. I would not have asked for a better performance to end my high school career.”
The Crofton Band and Choir both showed up and showed outstanding performances at the 2026 District Music Contest on Friday, April 24 in Laurel.
The band scored as high as they could with a rating of 1 in every category. Categories include performance, interpretation, and musicianship.
The Crofton Choir also performed extremely well scoring as high as they could with straight 1’s in each category. Categories include technique, diction, and musicianship.
Senior, Sophia Wortmann, has been a part of both the Band and Choir for four years. She states “I think that both performances at district music were satisfactory. I am happy with how I played and sang as an individual and as a group. I would not have asked for a better performance to end my high school career.”
Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, was the site of the Nebraska History Day competition on Saturday, April 25.
Five St. Rose School students competed at the state contest with entries connecting to this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Eighth grader Meredith Wortmann won second place with her Junior Individual Performance, “Rheta Childe Dorr: A Born Debater.”
Also competing at the state contest were eighth graders Jake Jackson, Alexis DeRoos, and Emma Arens and seventh grader Ella Pokorny.
Worthmann will represent St. Rose School and Crofton as part of the Nebraska contingent at the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland/College Park, near Washington, DC.
Students from St. Rose School have advanced to the national level with their History Day projects each year since 2016.
Five St. Rose School students competed at the state contest with entries connecting to this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
Eighth grader Meredith Wortmann won second place with her Junior Individual Performance, “Rheta Childe Dorr: A Born Debater.”
Also competing at the state contest were eighth graders Jake Jackson, Alexis DeRoos, and Emma Arens and seventh grader Ella Pokorny.
Worthmann will represent St. Rose School and Crofton as part of the Nebraska contingent at the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland/College Park, near Washington, DC.
Students from St. Rose School have advanced to the national level with their History Day projects each year since 2016.
Crofton Community Schools custodial staff had a busy morning Wednesday, April 29. Left to Right Larry Tramp, Jeff Burbach, Ryan Mueller, and Roger Yates work to move the fence around the playground at Crofton Elementary School to make way for equipment delivery for the construction to start when school dismisses May 11.
