04/08/2026
AMH “Move It 2 Lose It” Winners Announced! Pictured: In the AMH Move it 2 Lose It Challenge (January 5th – March 27th), the first-place winner in the Men’s Division was Tim Kester, Jr., of Clearwater (for the second year in a row). Plus, he lost the highest percentage of body weight among all competitors at 17.9%. In the Women’s Division, Diann Arehart, of Neligh, was the second-place winner, losing 13.1% of her total body weight. The challenge was coordinated by Vanessa Carpenter, AMH Wellness Director. A total of 46 individuals participated in the challenge, collectively losing over 550 pounds.
Other winners (and their percentage of total body weight lost) in the Men’s Division were: second-place - Brian Hoffman (12.6%) and third-place - Darrel Timm (10.8%).
“I was really glad that I participated in this year’s challenge,” said Brett Branstitter, a new participant. “It was good motivation for me to lose weight and I had fun competing. I enjoyed the weekly weigh-ins to help track my weight throughout the contest and made new friends along the way. I’d also encourage others to participate – as you never know how well you’ll do until you try it.”
In the Women’s Division, the winners were: first-place – anonymous and third-place = Peggy Green (12.8%).
The team winners and their total body weight loss collectively were: first-place - the “Shrinking Assets” (11.8%). Team members included Sarah Luebe (Battle Creek) Joe O’Brien (Stromsburg), Sheila Meyer (Tilden) and an anonymous member.
The second-place winners were the “Chubby Hubbys” (8.4%), consisting of Ed O’Brien and Keith Meyer (Tilden), Billy O’Brien (Battle Creek) and Ed O’Brien Jr. (Meadow Grove).
The third-place team winners were the “Skinny Bees” (4.2%), consisting of Shantell Boggs (Neligh), Danielle Van Buren (Verdigre) and two anonymous members.
“This was my third year leading the challenge and we had another fantastic turnout for Move It 2 Lose It and my group STAC exercise classes,” said Carpenter. “It’s nice to see the competition in all three categories every year. On average, the women’s individual participants lost 10.6% total body weight, men’s individual participants lost 13.7% total body weight and the team participants collectively lost 20% total body weight. It goes to show with a little friendly competition and support you can reach your goals. I also enjoy having a good mix of new and returning participants every year. That’s what makes the competition grow!”
Prize donations were made by Antelope Memorial Hospital, AMH Wellness, Overland Rehab, Old Mill Truck Sales, Tinsley Grain, Thriftway Market and 319 Graphics.
