From News Partner News Channel Nebraska
A Norfolk man is dead after a Tuesday morning accident about 15 miles east of Petersburg. According to Sgt. James Vrbsky with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, first responders were called to a single vehicle roll-over on Highway 32 near mile marker 16 at about 7:20 a.m. Tuesday morning. Police said Ben Sunderman, 29 of Norfolk, formerly of Madison, was east bound in a truck when it left the roadway and entered the south ditch. The early investigation suggests that the truck then over-corrected and pulled back on the highway and skid out-of-control. Sunderman was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Madison County Attorney Joe Smith has ordered an autopsy. The accident was investigated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and was assisted by Newman Grove Fire and Rescue.
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Pumpkins were not the only thing smashed in Petersburg on Sunday, a record was broken too.
On a beautiful afternoon, several hundred people turned out to witness the 12th Annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ event. The fun filled day included kids games, a petting zoo, outhouse races, lots of grilled food and of course the pumpkin blasting. Every year, contestants from around the area haul their cannons, air guns and catapults to Petersburg to see who can launch a pumpkin the farthest. The event is put on by the Petersburg Community Club with the help of committee members and many volunteers. The Weeder family of Lindsay, Nebraska is no stranger to the Punkin’ Chunkin’. The grandsons of Ralph Weeder have participated in the event with their air gun “Grandpa’s Gun” almost every year, winning the competition several times. What is their secret? They claim the pumpkins make all the difference. “The right pumpkin really can make or break it.,” said Ralph's grandson Kyle Wegener, "Whether it's too tight or perfectly round or the shell is hard or not. We usually try to go with the white ones they seem to be the hardest." Not only is the perfect sized pumpkin a factor, but the last two years they have had their pumpkins autographed by the visiting Miss Nebraska. This year their lucky autographed pumpkins not only won them two awards for the distance shot and the accuracy shot, but they also broke the Punkin’ Chunkin’ record of 3,930 feet. Their pumpkin was launched over 4,000 feet. The award for the distance shot was a cash prize of $500. For the accuracy shot there were several envelopes each with a cash prize, one of which held $500. They drew a prize of $20. When the family was being recognized during the awards ceremony, they made a surprising announcement. They were donated $250 of their prize money to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. According to Wegener this is something the family does every year. "It was something we started when we first won, and we keep going.," Wegener said. The family includes grandson's Matthew Wegener, Kyle Wegener, Scott Jarecki and Easton Baumgart. The 11th Annual Punkin' Chunkin' event will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Participants can use an air gun, trebuchet, catapult, or sling shot to shoot pumpkins. A chance to win up to $500 for accuracy is donated by Great Plains State Bank (formerly Petersburg State Bank). Current record 3,930 ft. There's no fee to enter the event. There will also be their 3rd Annual Outhouse Race Championship. The trophy awarded, sponsored by Double D Portable Restrooms. Enter on site. Special free kid's activities include a petting zoo, launching contest, treasure hunt, and obstacle course. There will also be a food stand and shuttle service. There is free admission to the activities. T-shirts will be for sale and the winner of the Fire Department Gun Raffle will be announced. This year's event will have outhouse races, and lots of events for the kids, including a petting zoo, launching contest, treasure hunt, and obstacle course. Contact Doug Wright 402-843-0102 or Brian Yosten 308-380-1008 for questions or to get signed up. A blood drive will be held in Petersburg next month.
The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood and platelets to support liver transplant patients and others needing blood products. The drive will be Oct. 8, at the Petersburg American Legion Club from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. To make an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767. Boone Central Middle School Students Help Staff Member Celebrate Last Day of Cancer Treatment9/10/2015 It was a happy day at Boone Central Middle School in Petersburg on Wednesday, as staff member Joyce Bottorf celebrated her last day of treatment for breast cancer. Students and staff surprised Bottorf by decorating the hallways with pink posters and surrounding Bottorf's desk with pink balloons. The Petersburg native is very involved in the community. She started treatment for breast cancer on March 28th after being diagnosed earlier this year. A fellow staff member said,"Joyce has always been such a kind, uplifting member of our staff and she always brightens the kids' day with her smile." The staff also invites anyone to send her well wishes and congratulations at P.O. Box 62, Petersburg, NE 68652.
The Rae Valley Heritage Association of Petersburg is pleased to host the 33rd annual Antique Tractor and Horse Plowing Bee on Friday-Sunday, August 28-30th. This one of a kind event not only displays the tractors of the past, but offers onlookers a close-up, real life demonstration of "the way things were" on the farm in years past. Those interested in displaying their vintage machinery are encouraged to do so, including tractors, tillage equipment, and machinery of all years, makes, and models. The schedule is full, and there is something for everyone at the three day event, including both a long and short "Tractor-cade," a working blacksmith, steam and gas engines on display, a shingle and sawmill, multitudes of antique tractors and machinery to view, horse-powered machinery, plowing demonstrations, threshing displays and other working events, flea market, consignment auction, tractor pull, food, music, and vendors, and raffle prizes. Please see the Rae Valley Heritage Association's website and Facebook page for more information, including directions to the event and lodging and camping options, and to view the full schedule. Admission is free!
Alumni of Pope John XXIII Catholic High School in Elgin participated in their annual Alumni Softball tournament Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26th, held in Petersburg. Ten teams battled it out on the field in the double elimination tournament.
The combined classes of 2000, 1988, and 1989 went undefeated in the tournament, besting the classes of 1998/2013 in the championship game, played Sunday at 3:00 pm. Congratulations to all the teams and the organizers for a great weekend of softball! Make plans to be in Petersburg on August 8th for great food and drink, the Adventure Race, beer garden, kids' activities, and a street dance featuring Hi-Fi Hangover. The BBQ, bread, and home brew competitions will feature delectable flavors that may be sampled starting at 6:00 pm. The fun starts early and lasts until 1:00 am--click here to see the full schedule of events, and for registration information to the BBQ, bread, and home brew competitions. Click here for information about the 2-person Adventure Race competition. ADMISSION FREE - Kids 4 years and under $10 - Kids 5-15 years old $15 - Adults (16+) *Admission includes sampling, kid’s activities & dance entry. |