News at Bancroft Senior Center


* The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

 

Meals on Wheels

Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day. The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

 

Farmers Market

The Bancroft farmers market is held each week on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. located by the community bulletin board. All vendors are welcome to sell baked goods, jellies, farm fresh eggs, honey, garden produce etc. No charge to participate in the farmers market. For more information contact Connie at 402-648-3387.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Aug. 27: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Sign up for 5-handed pinochle at 1:30.

Thurs. Aug. 28: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. We will play chicken foot dominoes starting at 1:30.

Fri. Aug. 29: Join us for chair exercises at 10:00.The farmers market is happening by the community bulletin board; selling from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. today and Sat. at the same time. All vendors are welcome to come sell that day. The pool players go to the Wisner Center for a pool tournament. The pinochle tournament is at 1:30.

Mon. Sept. 1: Labor Day – center is closed.

Tues. Sept. 2: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Bring a covered dish and join us for potluck dinner. Cards will be played in the afternoon or work on the puzzle.

Wed. Sept. 3: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Sign up to play pitch at 1:30.

 

 

 

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Grain Prices and Markets


Current markets as of 8: am 8/25/14

Corn -5 ¼ @ 3.60 ¼

New Corn -4 ¼ @ 3.67 ¾

 

Beans -6 ¾ @10.35 ¾

 

Commodities are softer this morning outside of Sep beans and soybean oil. Corn is down -3 and soybeans are down -7 after the overnight session.  While the US Dollar index is higher.

 

-New crop beans made new lows overnight, marking the fifth time it has done so in the last 10 trading sessions.

-slower harvest in the south and fewer soybean imports than expected have caused old crop bean basis levels to rocket upwards, this may be an opportune time to make an old crop sale if any beans are left.  Harvest basis is likely to head back into negative territory come October.

-good weekend rain coverage across key portions of the growing region and more to come this week.

-crop conditions will be out later this afternoon

 

Strategy: It may be time to look at adding some premium to a new crop sale or hedge.  For example receiving an extra 20 cents on a sale today in exchange for a new crop offer.  Harvest basis levels also may be a risk concern, especially for beans.

 

Pro-Farmer Tour

Pro-Farmer state by state yield estimates vs last year’s USDA yield are shown in the charts below. As you can see, it appears even better yields are expected with the exception of Nebraska Soybeans.

 

Corn Yield (bpa) Last Year PF This Year % Change
Nebraska 170.0 171.5 +1%
  1. Dakota
138.0 140.0 +1%
Minnesota 160.0 160.0 NC
Illinois 178.0 198.0 +11%
Iowa 165.0 183.0 +11%
Indiana 177.0 193.0 +9%
Ohio 177.0 187.0 +6%
US Total 158.8 169.3 +6.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soybean Yield (bpa) Last Year PF This Year % Change
Nebraska 53.0 51.0 -4%
  1. Dakota
40.0 40.0 NC
Minnesota 41.0 41.5 +1%
Illinois 49.0 54.0 +10%
Iowa 44.5 49.5 +11%
Indiana 51.0 52.0 +2%
Ohio 49.0 50.0 +2%
US Total 43.3 45.3 +4.6%

 

For more information contact:

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

Risk Management Consultant

Central Valley Ag – ProEdge

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

Office: 402-685-5613

Cell: 402-380-9855

 

Eugene Robert Rollins, 77 of Tekamah, NE


EUGENE ROBERT ROLLINS was born October 30, 1936 in Tekamah, Nebraska to Robert Dean and Evelyn Frances (Moffitt) Rollins.  Gene passed away Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska, at the age of 77 years.  Gene’s father Robert passed away when he was only one month old.  In 1940, Evelyn married Willis Valder and the family grew by three sisters; Janice, Marleen and Karen Sue.

Gene was in the Army from 1953-1956.  Upon returning home from overseas he married Sylvia Walter on July 28, 1957, in Decatur, Nebraska.  From this union their son, Kyle was born.  Gene spent most of his career in agriculture, working 27 years for Midwest Service in Tekamah. Since then he spent his free time in the fields helping area farmers.

Gene was very dedicated to the area by serving 12 years on the Burt County Board of Supervisors.  He was also on the Board of Directors for NENCAP.  Gene was a member of the Nebraska Association of County Officials.  His true passion was being a lifetime member of the V.F.W Post 3304 in Tekamah, where he served as Post Commander for 10 years.  Gene also enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, Cole and Malory.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Sylvia of Tekamah; son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Kristy Rollins of Bennington; grandchildren Cole and Malory Rollins; three sisters, Janice Scripter of Valentine, Marleen Barta of Omaha, and Sue (Bruce) Whittier of Maryland; and a host of family and friends.

 FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, August 25, 2014, 10:00 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ, Decatur Restoration Branch, Decatur, Nebraska

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, with Military Honors by the Tekamah VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15 and the Decatur Robert Klase-Rogers VFW Post No. 7998 and American Legion Rogers-Crum Post #215.

Gene Rollins

Gene Rollins

MEMORIALS: Tekamah VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and the Church of Jesus Christ, Decatur Restoration Branch

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Gene Rollins, 77 of Tekamah NE


Gene Rollins, 77 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, August 25, 2014, 10:00 am, at the Church of Jesus Christ, Decatur Restoration Branch, Decatur, Nebraska

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, with Military Honors by the Tekamah VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15 and the Decatur Robert Klase-Rogers VFW Post No. 7998 and American Legion Rogers-Crum Post #215.

VISITATION: Sunday, 5:30 – 7:30 pm with family receiving friends and a PRAYER SERVICE at 7:30 all at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

MEMORIALS: Tekamah VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and the Church of Jesus Christ, Decatur Restoration Branch

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

Gene Rollins

Gene Rollins

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Sign Up Now For Brian’s Big Game Guided Tours


If you have a love of hunting and don’t know where to go Brian Johnson can show you the way.

Brian is a resident of West Point, NE and owns/operates Brian’s Big Game Guided Tours. Being an avid hunter, he began taking friends and family on hunting trips to help them out. His family and friends spread the word, thus leading him to create his business. Brian provides guided tours available in Northeast Nebraska, Southeast South Dakota and some parts of Western Iowa. “I typically like to stay within driving distance so that we can keep costs down,” Brian stated. “There are so many great places in the area that you really don’t need to travel far to have a great experience.”

Most of the time, the tours stay in Northeast Nebraska and Southeast South Dakota. “If there is a location that a customer wants to visit, or has heard about, we are always willing to give it a try,” Brian said.

Although Brian does love to fish, most of the tours provided are hunting. “Typically, people need a little more guidance when it comes to hunting. I think it’s more intimidating for amateur sportsmen and thus, they like more direction,” Brian stated. “There is also an obvious safety element involved and having an experienced guide is always a good thing.”

If someone wants a guide for fishing, Brian is happy to accommodate that as well. “I have been on many trips to Minnesota and South Dakota for fishing and would always be happy to lead someone there,” Brian said.

Brian has hunted almost everything. “I am not sure anything beats a good deer hunt. The weather is usually nice and cool and I love the challenge of tracking down a big buck,” Brian stated. “I know if I miss the shot, I may not get another one.”

Brian also hunts pheasants and ducks, appreciating the challenge of hitting a flying object. “One thing I love to do that many people probably haven’t is hunting prairie dogs,” Brian said. “There is no limit to the amount you can hunt in South Dakota and it’s a great test of your marksmanship.”

Brian’s zest for hunting came from his father, who has since passed away. He enjoyed hunting with him during his childhood, learning a great deal about the sport from him. “It was the one area that kept us connected in my youth and even in his older years,” Brian stated. “The bonding that can take place on a hunting trip, whether it be short or long, is unmatched.”

Even if one has never tried hunting, Brian suggests they try it at least once. “My guess is that they will be hooked once they do,” Brian said.

With technology ever evolving, Brian is concerned that it is hurting our society. “We are far too reliant on it and our survival skills are dwindling because of it,” Brian stated. “Too many family nights are spent around a TV instead of a campfire. We talk through text and e-mail instead of on a fishing dock.”

Brian has a suggestion for everyone, whether you are already an avid outdoor person or not. “Whether it’s hunting or fishing or anything else outdoors, get outdoors!” Brian said. “Whether it is a family member, spouse or a good friend, get outside and spend some time together. You might be surprised what you learn.”

To set up your weekend hunt, email BJisOk5@gmail.com.

“Set up your weekend hunt for fall before it’s too late,” Brian stated.

 

Brian Johnson's dog, Gunner, hunts with Brian. Photo Courtesy of Brian Johnson.

Brian Johnson’s dog, Gunner, hunts with Brian. Photo Courtesy of Brian Johnson.

Gene R. Rollins, 77 of Tekamah NE


Gene R. Rollins, 77 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Services are pending with Pelan Funeral Services

John H. Bacon, 90 originally of Lyons NE


JOHN H. BACON, 90 years, originally of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2014, at Homestead Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Services are pending with Pelan Funeral Services

Author Mary Connealy Coming to Oakland Public Library


Author Mary Connealy of Decatur will be speaking at the Oakland Public Library on Monday, August 25th at 7:00 p.m. She will be speaking on the perfect storm that turned her into an author.

“People as a lot what made me start writing and I usually don’t have a very good answer so I’m working on that and intent to talk about all the little things that went together to get me to write that first book,” Mary stated.

Mary has authored many, many books in her career. “In June, my thirty-first book released and my thirty-second is coming in September,” Mary said. “In fact, I’ve gotten my author’s copies already of Tried and True, book #1 of the Wild at Heart Series. I will bring some along.”

Mary isn’t planning to sell any books Monday night. “I have decided to take some to give away in exchange for a donation to the Oakland Public Library,” Mary stated.

Everyone is invited to the Oakland Library Monday night to visit with Mary and hear her speak.
“I am speaking to a group of unsuspecting book lovers who think a person who writes books can give an entertaining speech,” Mary said.

“Oh, are they ever in for a big surprise!”

Tried and True by Mary Connealy, courtesy of Mary Connealy.

Tried and True by Mary Connealy, courtesy of Mary Connealy.

Author Mary Connealy, courtesy of Mary Connealy.

Author Mary Connealy, courtesy of Mary Connealy.

Dedication/Open House of Elementary Addition at Oakland-Craig School


Glen and Norma Cull and Marlene Lindstrom were among many attending the dedication/open house for the new elementary addition at O-C. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Glen and Norma Cull and Marlene Lindstrom were among many attending the dedication/open house for the new elementary addition at O-C. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Troy Denton is pointing out some artwork on the walls to others at O-C's new elementary addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Troy Denton is pointing out some artwork on the walls to others at O-C’s new elementary addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

This is one of the grade school classrooms at O-C's new elementary addition. Mark Johnson is pictured on the other end of the room. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

This is one of the grade school classrooms at O-C’s new elementary addition. Mark Johnson is pictured on the other end of the room. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The Buck Will Stop at My Desk


Chuck Hassebrook was in Omaha with law enforcement officials from Douglas County Corrections and the Fraternal Order of Police to talk about the issues in the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

Citing last week’s testimony before the Special Legislative committee by former Corrections Director Bob Houston, Hassebrook re-stated the Department has, but has never fully used, broad authority to take automatically granted good time away from inmates for breaking prison rules.

 

As a result, four Omahans died and four Omaha families lost loved ones.

 

But in spite of that tragedy, the Governor and Department of Corrections have still not used their authority under existing statutes to take away all good time when warranted.

“Under current rules, Nikko Jenkins would have had to make six separate assaults on prison guards to lose all of his good time. That is unacceptable,” said Hassebrook. “I will initiate a change in that policy on the day I take office to take every day of automatically granted good time away from prisoners who repeatedly refuse to comply with Department of Corrections rules.”

 

President of the Nebraska State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police John Francavilla added, “The Good Time issue is important and should be addressed immediately. We feel that any delay in this will jeopardize the public safety of the citizens of Nebraskans.”

 

“The blatant disregard for public safety is deeply troubling. When I take office in January, the buck will stop at my desk to ensure that sentencing statutes are fully and faithfully implemented. The failures of recent years will not be repeated under my watch,” said Hassebrook.

 

Hassebrook went on to detail his plan for prison reform, which includes reducing the prison population by thoroughly examining each nonviolent offender’s case, reestablishing job training and education programs and mental health services for prisoners, and the expansion of drug and mental health courts, which has been proven to drastically reduce recidivism. He is also focused on long term solutions that will prevent further burden on Nebraska’s budget and the criminal justice system, including investing in expanding quality early childhood education programs and job training programs in high school.

Hassebrook served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents for 18 years, and spent 36 years working for Nebraska communities at the Center for Rural Affairs, a national rural advocacy and development organization based in Lyons, where he has assisted over 10,000 rural Nebraska small businesses.

Since announcing he will run for Governor over a year ago, Hassebrook has received the support of key leaders in Lincoln and Omaha, including Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, former Omaha Mayors Mike Boyle, Mike Fahey, and Jim Suttle, fourteen state Senators, former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, the Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraska State Education Association, Nebraska AFL-CIO, and others.

Chuck Hassebrook with law enforcement officials. Photo Courtesy of Chuck Hassebrook's office.

Chuck Hassebrook with law enforcement officials. Photo Courtesy of Chuck Hassebrook’s office.