Pillars of Pierce
The "Pillars of Pierce" special series, which highlights businesses and individuals that contribute to making Pierce a great place to live and work, is a way to showcase and celebrate the community's strengths and the people behind them. By showcasing the businesses and individuals who contribute to the vitality of Pierce, this series hopes to help strengthen community bonds, stimulate local pride, and potentially attract even more positive influences to the area.
Students have chosen what they deem to make the “Pillars of Pierce.”
Ann Fenton a True Pillar of Pierce
By Sara Thomsen
When the 4-H program is mentioned in Pierce, the first name that should come to mind is the one and only, Ann Fenton.
Growing up in Howells Nebraska, Fenton went to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics and a masters in home economics.
Fenton worked as a 4-H extension educator in Kansas for five years before starting at the Pierce County Extension office in 1994.
When asked why she likes Pierce, Fenton commented, “There is such a sense of volunteerism, especially with the 4-H program and the people I work with, and truthfully the community at large. I don’t ask for a lot but when I need things a lot of people come through and help me support the 4-H program. And it's not just the 4-H program, it's some of the other programs that we do, I just get a lot of support from the whole community.”
Vice president of the 4-H council, Dave Thomsen, comments, “I would consider Ann a pillar of the community for all that she's done [not only with the 4-H program] in the community such as the reading program during the summer months and all she does for the youth of the community and helping raise outstanding citizens.”
While she lived in Pierce, Fenton has been a part of the 4-H program as an extension educator. She has also contributed to Pierce and the local communities by teaching ServSafe classes, which is a national food safety training program for food service managers and supervisory staff in food-handling establishments, being a member of the Pierce Chamber of Commerce and P.E.O, donating blood to the Red Cross, volunteering at St. Joseph's church by teaching religious education, working at the kitchen and helping at the yearly rummage sale, and helping with Medicare plan B enrollment. Fenton also helped the Pride of the Bluejays marching band as an officer on the board and as a “band mom,” helping press uniforms at the beginning of the season and being a chaperone on the buses during competitions.
Since living in Pierce, Fenton has earned the Outstanding Individual for the Pierce County Ag Society in 2021, and the Distinguished Service award from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2003. In 2014, she was awarded a plaque for having 25 years of service from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents and Outstanding Fair Board member.
But, Fenton says, “Truthfully working with community while being on the chamber, getting to know people from the fair board and the 4-H community are also achievements to me.”
She also said that she is a Tai Chi instructor for arthritis and fall protection and hopes to work with the local senior centers and enjoys working with the staff of the senior center and the library.
Her advice for the students of Pierce County is, “You need to work for what you want to achieve, so you’re not going to skate through life just passing it by. When someone gives you an opportunity, and if it aligns with your goals, do it. I’ve been really lucky, people have asked me to do things, and I’ve gotten to do things and I’ve gotten to go places and meet people just because somebody asked me to do something and I said yes. You know studying hard is important, working hard is important, but when you get an opportunity, try to say yes if it works for you. Take advantage of the opportunities when someone asks.”
Fenton is just one of many people who make Pierce a great community to live in and work.
The Legion
By Chase Rasmussen
The Pierce Legion, known by its formal name, The Legion Lounge and Backroom Steakhouse, has a rich history that dates back several decades. Originally established as a meeting place for veterans, the building has evolved into a hub for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant goes back to its roots, with military memorabilia adorning the walls, creating a sense of respect and reverence for those who have served.
The Pierce Legion is a very important part of Pierce. The Legion has been serving Pierce all the way back to 1919. Fast forward 104 years and the Legion’s owner is now Cindy Riggert, and other than minor updates, the Legion has stayed relatively the same as when it was founded. Along with exceptional food as well as friendly staff, the Legion offers many other great services such as renting out spaces for gatherings and catering many different events.
“We give the people of Pierce a place to eat and drink and feel welcome,” owner Cindy Riggert states. “The Legion has been around forever, and it's kind of a community staple.”
The Legion is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday and closed on Sunday. The Legion offers many different types of food on their menu such as hamburgers, tacos, chicken fried steak, pizza, and much more. The Legion is also a licensed seller of alcohol.
The Legion could also be a great job for locals needing some extra cash. Former legion employee Lucas Scriver states, “It's a great atmosphere there, I learned a lot about the people of Pierce and the community.”
Make sure to stop by and support this local restaurant by grabbing a bite to eat and meeting some new people.
Rivet Roasters
By Lauren Ueding
As many in Pierce know, there is a coffee shop downtown called Rivet Roasters. The town loves the little coffee shop downtown, and it is convenient for people so they do not have to run to Norfolk to get either Scooters or Starbucks for their morning coffee.
Rivet Roasters is owned by Kim Fogle. She has been making coffee for the town for three and a half years. She started the business because of COVID. Fogle could not travel because of the outbreak. Fogle says Pierce needed the shop because we needed more businesses here in town and people do not have to go so far just to get their coffee.
“I get my coffee beans from three different distributors. They come from all over the world,” comments Fogle.
Fogle’s favorite item on the menu is black coffee. A fan-favorite menu item is the blended latte.
One of her plans for the shop in the future is to renovate the coffee shop. The building that it is located at is not hers, so she wants to buy the building and from there she will start to add more things to the menu.
“It’s a flavorful coffee shop that is right in our hometown, and that's why I love it,” says customer Lisa Polt.
“It’s a very nice place to go and get you some coffee before you head into the dreadful day of school, my personal favorite is the Lance,” says junior Shayna Haase.
Check out Rivet Roasters on Facebook or call the shop at 402-329-6300.
Pillars of Pierce
By Chase Rasmussen
Tom Meyer has been an integral part of the Pierce community for over 40 years. As many Pierce locals know, Meyer owns Tom’s Service on Main Street, which has been in business since 1977. Tom’s Service provides the community with a place to fuel their vehicles and grab a quick snack. Tom’s Service also operates an automotive shop that services and repairs vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
In addition to his business, Meyer has been on the fire department for 40 years and the rescue squad for 38 years. He is also the current mayor of Pierce.
Besides mayor, Meyer has held multiple city council positions over the past 30 years. When asked about the Pierce community he stated, “Pierce does a lot for the residents in it, I feel that I need to do as much as I can for the great community.” Meyer also said that there is no better place to live than Pierce due to the great people and school.
City administrator Chad Anderson stated that, “Tom Meyer is ‘a pillar’ of the Pierce community because he is a successful businessman having owned a service business on Main Street for several years. He has served his community being a former County Commissioner and currently being the City’s Mayor. Mr. Meyer has also served his community being a fireman and rescue volunteer. As City Administrator, Mayor Meyer has been a person for me to rely on for leadership and advice during some difficult times most notably the 2019 flooding event and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Meyer is dependable, a good listener, and is very proud of the community that he serves.”
Meyer is just one of many people who make Pierce a great community to live in and work.
Hausmann Physical Therapy: Pillar of Pierce
By Brody Knox
Since its establishment in Pierce in 2013, Hausmann Physical Therapy, formerly known as Pierce Physical Therapy, has become a pillar in Pierce. Hausmann has been helping the community get back on their feet after surgeries or injuries. Hausmann Physical Therapy lives up to their motto. Hausmann Physical Therapy helps sponsor multiple sports and clubs.
As their website states, they “strive to provide their patients with the individualized physical therapy care they need.”
When asked what makes someone iconic in Pierce, Hausmann physical therapist Dr. Lane Rohrich states, “The impression that they leave on other people and their service in the community.”
Rohrich’s advice for students is, “Take a step back to really appreciate your time in Pierce, don’t wish your years of high school away. You make so many memories with your friends, and you develop relationships that last a lifetime.”
Hausmann Physical Therapy does just that–they give their patients memories that last a lifetime. Hausmann helped some of Pierce’s most skilled athletes get back to the playing field or court. “Our physical therapists are former athletes who can relate to students after an injury and during recovery. We don't just treat the injury; we treat the athlete. We offer a holistic approach to health encompassing physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and healthy habits for young athletes” states Hausmann Clinic Manager Carrie Pfeiffer.
Thank you Hausmann Physical Therapy for your service in Pierce.
Pierce County Leader
By Peyton Kruntorad
Pierce, Nebraska, is home to a community filled with dedicated individuals who work to make the town a better place for its residents. Within this town is a business known as the Pierce County Leader, a place that puts out information for the rest of the town since 1887.
The purpose of the Leader is their commitment to community involvement. They have actively participated in taking pictures of the community, writing stories about what is happening in the town, and informing people about local issues. Their dedication has made a difference in this town.
The Leader consists of four hard workers including Randee Falter, Nan Jansen, Debbie Anderson, and Jacque Falter. R. Falter writes stories and takes pictures of the community. Jansen sets the type and lays the paper out. Anderson takes care of the mailing and proofreads the articles. J. Falter also writes stories for the Leader.
Speaking of R. Falter and his positive contributions to our community, “He’s a really honest and genuine person,” states Anne Muhs.
A piece of inspiration that Falter gives to high school students is,”You need to find out what you enjoy in life. Find what your passion is and pursue it.”
The Pierce County Leader is a place that Pierce is fortunate to have. Pierce County residents can always rely on the leader for putting out the information they need.
The Pierce County Leader is just one of many businesses who make Pierce a great community to live in and work.
Pillars of Pierce-Midwest Bank
By Chase Rasmussen
Midwest Bank of Pierce has been a foundation of Pierce since it was founded in 1999. They are a pillar of Pierce due to the vast amount of support they put back into the community.
Bank vice president Deb Zautke states that, “Our bank is always willing to help whenever we can, we help with fundraising and donating to many Pierce events and especially sports.” Midwest Bank gives the residents of Pierce a safe and trustable place to manage their finances. Not only do they offer a friendly small town bank experience but they also support and fund many activities within the community.
“Midwest Bank walked me through how to open up my own account. They also helped me plan for college spending, and they are very helpful and kind,” Midwest Bank user Sara Thomsen says.
Midwest Bank offers great job opportunities and is an integral part of how the Pierce community functions.
Pillars of Pierce: Stonacek Memorial Chapel
By Brody Knox
Back in 1960, Pierce native, William Stonacek bought a house built in 1895, and converted it into a Memorial Chapel. Over a span of 22 years, the chapel went through renovations including the enlargement of rooms and add ons.
Stonacek was part of the 1951 graduating class and U.S Army Korean War veteran. After his service, Stonacek went to college at Norfolk Junior College in 1959, and then California Mortuary Science, graduating in 1960.
During college, Stonacek married a Pierce native, Sharon Hetrick. Later on, the couple had three children, Todd, Troy, and Shannon.
Todd is now the funeral director for Stonacek Memorial Chapel and embalmer with his three sons, Brock, Bronson, and Blake being involved.
When asked about advice for students in regard to mortuary business, T. Stonacek states, “The mortuary business is an open field and they need workers, there is a shortage of funeral directors in Nebraska. There are scholarships available and you can take classes online. The closest college is in Des Moines, Iowa.”
Ever since 1960, the three generation memorial chapel has been a pillar of Pierce, creating comfort for the families who have lost loved ones and giving the community a trusted business. “We have had two funerals through Stonacek Funeral home in the last 10 years. They have been professional and caring with both grandparents. Last year after losing our grandpa they had the nicest casket that honored him and his faith to the Catholic church with the Pieta (Mary holding Jesus) on each corner and the last supper along the sides,” says Janneil Knox, granddaughter of Francis and Leonard Hoffmann whom both had their funeral and burial services directed by the Stonaceks. “The attention to detail they provide to each family is amazing. The community of Pierce is blessed to have generations of the Stonacek family honoring our loved ones last wishes.”
Pillars of Pierce-Vickie Prince
By Peyton Kruntorad
In the town of Pierce, a dedicated individual has worked behind the scenes, making sure the principles of justice run smoothly and efficiently. That person is none other than Vickie Prince, the district court clerk in the 7th judicial district with a commitment to her community, who puts forth her efforts and years of service which have made her a vital asset in Pierce.
Prince said that Pierce is different from other communities because it is a small town, and everybody is really close to one another, which forms a friendly environment.
“Vickie is the one that runs the courtroom and works with the judges and the justice system in Pierce County. She is very important in the justice system here in Pierce County. She has been one of the elected officials that has been here the longest, and we all look up to her for her advice. She has great integrity and professionalism in her position. She is committed to updating the courtroom and technology in the courtroom,” states Shannon Wragge, the Pierce County Clerk.
Over the years, Prince has evolved into more than just a district court clerk. She has become a pillar of the town of Pierce. The role of a district court clerk is vital in the local legal system, and Prince's responsibilities are nothing short of demanding. Her role requires good organizational skills and a deep comprehension of Nebraska's legal processes.
In addition, Prince is responsible for managing and documenting all cases that come before the district court. She also plays a vital role in coordinating court proceedings, ensuring that cases are heard in a timely and orderly manner. Prince maintains a precise archive of legal documents, making them easily accessible to the public.
“Always be willing to try new things, but don’t go out of your comfort zone if you feel uncomfortable doing something until you know you're ready to pursue your dream,” states Prince when asked about a piece of inspiration to give to high school students.
