Watering Lawns

August 21, 2014 Leave a comment


By John Wilson

John Wilson

John Wilson

Hopefully by the time you are reading this, we will have received some significant precipitation. Because unless we can get some rain soon, more and more people are going to be forced to water their lawns if they haven’t done so already. (Fortunately, I’ve only had to water my lawn once this year.) Here are some thoughts on how to efficiently water our lawns throughout the growing season.

It has been UNL Extension’s recommendations for years that it is better to water our lawns deeply and infrequently for the best water use efficiency and plant health. That hasn’t changed… it is much more efficient, and better for the turf, to apply one inch of water in a single application once a week than a quarter inch of water every other day… or an eighth of an inch every day. The water will soak deeper in the soil which encourages deeper rooting AND the evaporation losses will be less so more of the water goes to the plant.

However, what constitutes deep and infrequent irrigation changes during the growing season. Deep and infrequent irrigation is summarized as irrigating only after the first signs of drought stress become visible, water thoroughly to wet the soil to the depth of rooting, and then do not water again until symptoms of drought stress reappear. What is “deep and infrequent” in May is far different than what it is in August, so your irrigation controllers for automatic watering systems need to be changed throughout the year. No more “set it and forget it”!

High soil temperatures decrease root growth while increasing root death, the end result is a shallower and likely less dense root system. August rooting depth may decrease by 50% or more compared to May rooting depth. Therefore, less water is needed to wet the soil to the depth of rooting. Additionally, water use increases with temperature as the plant uses it to cool itself.

The end effect of these two process is irrigation frequency increases during the heat of summer, but the amount of water applied during each irrigation cycle is less. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast numbers recommended for amount and frequency of irrigation.

Turfgrass species, soil type, slope, exposure, compaction, mowing height and frequency, overall plant health, and daily wind, temperature, and precipitation will determine the amount of irrigation required on each individual lawn. It is further complicated by irrigation method and if an underground system is used, volume, pressure, nozzles, head spacing, and condition of the system will also complicate the irrigation.

A good way to tell how deep in the soil the water has soaked is to take a large screwdriver and poke it in the turf in several places. When the soil is moist, it will slide into the soil easily. But when the soil is dry, you can still poke the screwdriver in, but there will be much more resistance. If it slides in easily to a depth of four to six inches, you do not need to water until the turf starts to show signs of moisture stress.

The bottom line is that turfgrasses require water for optimum performance, but they much prefer slightly drier conditions over slightly wetter conditions and are extremely capable of withstanding slight to excess drought or even drought-induced dormancy. Therefore, always error on the dry side when it comes to irrigating your lawn. Not only will the turf perform better, you’ll also reduce your overall water use.

For more information on lawn care, go to the UNL turf website at http://turf.unl.edu/ or contact your local UNL Extension office.

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Volunteer at the State Fair

August 21, 2014 Leave a comment


J

Mary Loftis

Mary Loftis

oin the Fun at the State Fair as a Volunteer!

The Nebraska 4-H program is seeking volunteers to help with exhibit entry day, judging, and serving as 4-H exhibit building hosts and greeters. Volunteers will be needed for educational activities in the 4-H building, serving as the Lil’ Green Mascot and assisting with all 4-H contests and events throughout the fair. State Fair 4-H volunteers will receive a fair pass for the day(s) they volunteer. They are looking for volunteers, parents, teens, anyone familiar with the 4-H program who will donate a little time to support 4-H.

Volunteers can sign-up by visiting http://4h.unl.edu/becomevolunteer or by contacting the Burt County extension office. A complete list of volunteer opportunities is also available on the site. If you have questions about being a 4-H volunteer at the Nebraska State Fair, please contact Cathy Johnston, Extension Educator, at (402) 472-1762 orcjohnston1@unl.edu.

 

Centennial Open House at the State Fair

Join the fun in Grand Island on Saturday, August 30 in the brand new Raising Nebraska Building. UNL Extension will host its final celebration of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Smith Lever Act which provided the establishment of the Extension program nationwide.

The big event will be from 1:00-5:00 p.m. with demonstrations and activities on two stages. There are also additional activities like a Scavenger Hunt and the opportunity to tape an extension testimonial (see bottom of column for extra details on these events.)

Extension Demonstrations and Activities on the Kitchen Stage

1:00 pm Cooking with Local Products

UNL Extension Food & Nutrition Team

1:30 pm 4-H Commodity Carnival: Risk Ranch

UNL Extension 4-H Youth Development Program

2:00 pm Cooking with Local Products

UNL Extension Food & Nutrition Team

3:00 pm Ice Cream Social

UNL Extension

4:00 pm Blender Bike Bonanza

UNL Extension 4-H Youth Development Program

Extension Demonstrations and Activities on the Presentation Stage

1:00 pm Do you want to be a Millionaire?

UNL Extension Community Vitality Initiative

2:00 pm Raising Nebraska Landscaping Preview

UNL Extension Water, Environment, and Community Team

2:30 pm Centennial Celebration Presentation

UNL Extension

3:00 pm Raising Nebraska Landscaping Walkthrough

UNL Extension Water, Environment, and Community Team

3:30 pm Nebraska’s Biggest Storytime

UNL Extension Learning Child Team & NET Kids powered by a Ready To Grant

4:00 pm Whisper Stethoscope

Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center

4:30 pm Automated Weather Data Network

High Plains Regional Climate Center

 

Scavenger Hunt

As part of our centennial celebration at the state fair, we are conducting a centennial emblem scavenger hunt. Several centennial emblems will be hidden across the state fair grounds. If you find one, just tweet a selfie with the emblem to #ext100 and be entered to win some UNL swag.

Testimonial Taping

During the Open House in the Conversation Pit, we will be collecting testimonials from Nebraskans on the impact that UNL Extension has had on their lives. We are asking volunteers to give us just 20-30 seconds of their time in front of the camera.

These testimonials will then be combined and made into a short video.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

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Kats’ Korner: Has This Country Changed?

August 20, 2014 Leave a comment


This country is changing, or is it? As I watch the events play out from one day to the next in Ferguson, Missouri, I wonder if things have changed.

The National Guard has been sent to assist with the civil unrest in Ferguson, MO. The National Guard has been called up many times over the years for such situations.

One of the most controversial of times was in 1957. Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus called on the troops to block nine black students from attending the Little Rock Central High School. The nine black students were treated very badly by the white students, who spit on them and taunted them when they attended school. It took an action of President Eisenhower to stop such actions. He sent more than 1,000 troops to the school to comply with court-ordered integration.

In a more recent event, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the National Guard was called upon to assist law enforcement in an attempt to prevent crimes occurring after such a horrific act of mother nature. 1.833 deaths were reported from the storm, which created looting and violence in New Orleans. The National Guard was on every block to prevent further criminal actions until all were safe.

There have been many instances over many, many years where an event has caused civil unrest, requiring more agencies to come to the aid of those in need, providing the security necessary so more violence does not occur.

I don’t know if this will help those in Ferguson, MO. I have heard there are people from other communities involved in the protesting. Whether that is true or not, I don’t know.

What will it take to stop this? Those in the charge need to get to the bottom of the situation. I think this is taking too long. Or, they are not releasing all of the facts yet.

We do know the deceased was shot six times. Prior to the shooting, he had apparently stolen cigars from a store and had an apparent altercation with the police officer in question. The victim, according to the autopsy results, had been shot six times.

I find the number six a bit outrageous. Why would a police officer shoot someone six times?

We don’t have all the answers. I hope more information is provided soon. The victim’s family needs closure, and maybe more will happen for them. That is unknown at this time.

But, at the end of the day, has this country changed or not?

 

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

August 20, 2014 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

We would like to thank Bev Peterson for bring up and displaying her mother’s Hats, the residents really enjoyed it. We have several birthdays coming up next week, Happy Birthday to Jackie Caldwell on August 24th, Teresa Bowman on August 26th and Anita Beckner on August 29th. This week we have Waffle supper on Thursday August 21st at 5:30 pm. Next week on Monday August 25th is the monthly Resident council meeting at 2:30 pm and on Thursday August 28th we will be having Bomb pops on the patio at 2:30 pm. , and on Saturday August 30th is the first Nebraska football game of the season at 2:30 pm we will be showing it for the residents to watch.

Church Service for Sunday August 24th at 2:30 pm will be given by the Craig-Alder Grove Church with refreshments served afterwards. Tuesday August 26th at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass given by Father Paul.

Activities for the week of August 25th to August 30th , are as follows, , Reading with Marilyn, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo w/Methodist, Reading Group, Bible Fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Welk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donovan, Seth Anderson, Dani Moseman, Marge Maller, Anne Anderson, Pat Anderson, Anna Anderson, Mary Fritts, Mary Alice Pearson, Bonnie Fleischman, and Sly Rouse.

Guest signing in last week was: Beth Floyd, Cecil James, and William Torrey to see Iona Long. Lyle Mueller to see Lillian Mueller.

 

 

 

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Patricia Jean Logeman, 72 of Bancroft NE

August 20, 2014 Leave a comment


Patricia Jean Logeman, 72, of Bancroft, Nebraska died on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at the Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, Nebraska. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at the Bancroft Community Center in Bancroft, Nebraska; Pastor Ron Pietz from Hospice of Siouxland will be officiating. There will be a time of fellowship following the memorial service. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Siouxland.

Pat was born on September 15, 1941 in Eagle Grove, Iowa, the daughter of Herb and Elsie (Coleman) Walker. After graduating from Marian High School in 1959, she was united in marriage to Lavern Logeman in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union three children were born: Vicki, Rick and Cindy. In 1973 the couple moved to Bancroft, Nebraska.

She is survived by her husband Lavern of Bancroft, NE, daughters: Vicki (Steve) Mayer of Lincoln, NE and Cindy (Bryce) Broyhill of Pickstown, SD and a son Rick (Lisa) Logeman of Lyons, NE. She is also survived by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren and two sisters Dehlia Lozier of Omaha, NE and Karen (Larry) Bates-Crouch of Ava, MO.

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Dedication of the Oakland-Craig Elementary School Addition

August 19, 2014 4 Comments


All of Oakland-Craig elementary students are finally under one roof, thanks to citizens passing a bond to build a new addition onto the current elementary building.

Sunday, August 17th was the Oakland-Craig Elementary School Dedication and an open house, providing those in attendance with an opportunity to view the new addition.

Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier began the ceremony by welcoming those attending the dedication. He also introduced guests involved in the planning and building of the addition.

Curtis Johnson, a graduate of Oakland-Craig High School, also was the architect from DLR group, in charge of designing the new elementary addition. He spoke at the dedication, thanking everyone involved in making the project a reality. He became a bit teary eyed when speaking of one room, the band room. “I wish Mr. Johnson (Bryan, former band director, deceased) were here to see the band room,” Curtis said.

Curtis then presented Oakland-Craig School Board President Don Wallace with a plaque commemorating the occasion. The plaque will be placed on display at the school.

Don Wallace also spoke after accepting the plaque, thanking everyone, including past and present school board members that sought to make this day possible.

Rachel Wise, President of the Nebraska School Board, spoke to those in attendance, congratulating them for such a great addition to the school in support of a education.

Following the speeches, Don Wallace cut the ribbon, officially dedicating the new addition to the Oakland-Craig Elementary School.

Following the dedication, people toured the building, with assistance from Oakland-Craig Student Council members. Many comments were made on the larger sized classrooms. “This is very nice. I am impressed with what they have done,” stated Jill Johnson.

If you were unable to attend the dedication/open house of the new addition and would like to take a look at it, contact the elementary school.

O-C Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier gives the opening speech, welcoming everyone to the dedication of the elementary school addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier gives the opening speech, welcoming everyone to the dedication of the elementary school addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Nebraska State Board of Education President Rachel Wise congratulated the school and citizens on their new addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Nebraska State Board of Education President Rachel Wise congratulated the school and citizens on their new addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C School Board President had the honors of cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C School Board President had the honors of cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Architect for the project, and graduate of Oakland-Craig School, Curtis Johnson, commemorates the event by presenting a plaque to the school. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Architect for the project, and graduate of Oakland-Craig School, Curtis Johnson, commemorates the event by presenting a plaque to the school. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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The Role of the Judge

August 19, 2014 Leave a comment


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education 

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise

Since the Nebraska State Board of Education did not meet in July, we had an incredibly full agenda for our August work session and business meeting. As I list some of the highlights of the past meeting, I want to remind readers of the State Board’s three broad areas of responsibility. That is policy-making, development and adoption of rules and regulations and quasi-judicial decision-making. In most of my articles I share information about the policy-making and regulatory responsibilities of the board, but for this article, I want to start out with the quasi-judicial role.

What does the board do in its quasi-judicial role? We make some very difficult decisions about the certificates of educational professionals―teachers, coaches, administrators, etc. At this meeting, we had four certification cases about which we had to make “judgments.” This is some of the most challenging work that we do as a board. Educational professionals have an ethical code of conduct they must follow and at times, some individuals make very poor choices or decisions. The Nebraska Professional Practices Commission (PPC) is the first line of decision-makers when an educational professional is alleged to have violated the code of conduct. Typically, all of the evidence in any case is introduced when the PPC hears from witnesses and receives documents as evidence. In cases where the PPC believes an educator’s certificate should be suspended or revoked, then all of the case materials are filed with the State Board of Education who becomes the final quasi-judicial decision-maker. While decisions on whether educators lose their certificates for a short-time or for a lifetime are very difficult, in my opinion, this is one of the most important roles we fulfill as board members.

On to a more uplifting topic, accountability!! At the August meeting the Nebraska Department of Education presented a draft framework of an accountability and quality system for Nebraska schools ― called A QuESTT (Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow}. Under this system, schools will be classified as excellent, great, good or needs improvement. As required by LB 438, three schools most in need of improvement will be identified as priority schools. Tenets of the system are as follows: College and Career Readiness; Assessment; Positive Partnerships, Relationships and Student Success; Educator Effectiveness; Transitions; and Educational Opportunities and Access. During the next few months specific indicators, measures and timelines will be identified. Public hearings and public comment opportunities will be held to gather input before finalizing the new system.

We are now moving closer to adopting more rigorous college and career ready, English Language Art Standards in Nebraska. On August 5th, public hearings were held throughout the state to gather additional input on the standards. The next step is a final review and validation by postsecondary education, then back to the State Board in September.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank Lynn Cronk, who stepped down from the State Board of Education as a result of her move from Grand Island to Lincoln. Lynn has been a longtime public servant, serving first on the Grand Island School Board and then the State Board of Education for almost four years. Lynn demonstrated a strong passion for education and was a champion for all students.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more

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Hassebrook on Taxpayers Repaying the Government

August 19, 2014 Leave a comment


“The revelation that Nebraska taxpayers may face another $2.5 million repayment to the federal government because the Department of Health and Human Services’ repeated mismanagement demonstrates the need for a Governor who will take responsibility for the management of state government.

“This is just the latest in a long series of failings in state agencies. The Department of Corrections released dangerous convicts early, costing lives and jeopardizing the safety of all Nebraskans. The state has lost or repaid over $40 million to the federal government due to the mismanagement of the Beatrice State Developmental Center and the privatization of foster care.

“Nebraskans have a right to expect their Governor to run their government in a competent manner. When I am Governor, I will pay attention to state agencies and fulfill my responsibility to make state government work effectively and cost effectively.

“The Governor must be responsible for government – and I will be. The buck will stop at my desk.”

Chuck Hassebrook

Chuck Hassebrook

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Weldon C. Schwarten, 86 of Wakefield NE

August 19, 2014 Leave a comment


Weldon C. Schwarten, 86, of Wakefield, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield. A celebration of Weldon’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield; Pastor Darwin Garton will be officiating. A prayer service will be held at Salem Lutheran Church Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial with military honors from the Wakefield American Legion Post #81 will be in the Wakefield Cemetery following the service. Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Wakefield is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wakefield Community Foundation and Salem Lutheran Church.

Weldon was born on October 4, 1927 in Wakefield, Nebraska, the son of Charles and Anna (Gradert) Schwarten. He was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. Weldon graduated from Wakefield High School in 1945 and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1950 until 1952. On October 1, 1961, he was united in marriage to Betty Stolle at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Concord, Nebraska. To this union four children were born: Teri, Thomas, Timothy and Tricia. Weldon worked in the Wakefield bank for several years until being elected as Dixon County Treasurer. He served two terms as treasurer until his retirement. Along with being a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Weldon was also a member of the Wakefield American Legion Post #81, and the Wakefield Community Club. His hobbies included playing cards, golf, playing pool at the senior center and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and the family vacations they took.

Weldon is survived by his wife Betty of Wakefield, sons: Thomas (Kimberly) Schwarten of Lincoln, NE and Timothy (Beth) Schwarten of Vancouver, WA, daughters: Teri (Roger) Sahs of Stillwater, OK and Tricia (Joe) Rehrs of Syracuse, NE, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother Merle (Mae) Schwarten of Wakefield, NE, nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law Lois Schwarten, nephew Bradley Schwarten and a great niece Megan Schwarten.

Weldon Schwarten

Weldon Schwarten

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Penke Starts Ninth Year Teaching at O-C

August 18, 2014 Leave a comment


 

Kylie Penke in her newly arranged and decorated room at O-C. Photo courtesy of Kylie Penke.

Kylie Penke in her newly arranged and decorated room at O-C. Photo courtesy of Kylie Penke.

“We have really great kids at O-C and that makes my job rewarding,” stated Kylie Penke, a teacher at Oakland-Craig Schools. “I also think we have rock-star administrators, faculty and staff that make this a great school for everyone!”

Kylie is beginning her ninth year teaching at Oakland-Craig. She teaches biology, advanced biology, intro to agriculture, plant science, animal science and ag business in grades 9-12.

She has been busy the last few days in preparation of the first day of school, tomorrow. “There are more changes than usual this year due to the elementary renovation being complete and several teachers being on the move in the high school as well,” Kylie said.

She has a new room and has been working at getting it ready for the new school year. “I am really excited to have more space and storage to properly accommodate teaching science and ag,” Kylie stated.

Education is ever evolving, and providing students with the best education possible is important to teachers. “I have been revising the syllabi to reflect some of the new technologies and policies that I will be using in hopes of keeping parents more in the loop of what is going on in class,” Kylie said. “I have also spent some time working with professors at UNL’s College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources on a new Plant Science course that will mirror a current college course.” Students have the option to take an on-line version of this class. “It will be offered through the Advanced Scholars Program for college credit,” Kylie stated.

Kylie’s inspiration to become a teacher came while working with students during her year of service as a Nebraska FFA State Officer. “I discovered I really enjoyed working with high school students and being with them nearly every day presents an amazing opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives,” Kylie said.

She also thought she had a lot that she could teach students about school and life. “Turns out, they are constantly teaching me!” Kylie stated.

Teaching for nine years, Kylie has had many memorable moments. “Helping students excel in class, athletics and life who have truly worked hard to accomplish their goals is wonderful, Kylie said. “I could name several kids from all walks of life whom accomplish some pretty amazing feats and their satisfaction is priceless.”

Not only is Kylie entering her ninth year of teaching, this will also be her ninth year coaching cross country. “Cross Country has been so positive for myself and the runners. I couldn’t imagine life without it,” Kylie stated. “I am especially excited for the 2014 season because I think this is going to be a very big year with all of the talent and hard work I have already witnessed.”

Kylie doesn’t just coach cross country, she runs too. “Although I never catch the kids, I do run during most practices. It started as a selfish way to stay in shape, but I have learned that the kids really appreciate me “suffering” with them,” Kylie said. “It motivates them to do more. I guess if these old bones can do it, they should be able to do it too!”

Kylie and her husband, Jason, are the parents of two boys. Tate is five and Tye is three. “Tate is pumped about starting kindergarten and Tye is excited about the cool toilet he gets to sit on at preschool,” Kylie stated. Her and Jason will be hands on, assisting the boys with homework. “We will be doing plenty of reading in the evenings,” Kylie said.

To those considering the education field, Kylie has some advice to share. “I can’t count on two hands how many people have told me they wish they would have become a teacher,” Kylie stated. “The summers are wonderful, but most teachers are still working/teaching/coaching throughout the break so hopefully you have other reasons for going into education. It is an extremely rewarding field that is very family friendly. There truly is no other job I would rather have!”

 

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