Expanding Education Opportunities


By Governor Pete Ricketts

As I mentioned in last week’s column, I presented my budget recommendations and key initiatives about how we can Grow Nebraska in my first State of the State address to the Unicameral on January 22nd. This year, my priorities will focus on creating jobs, cutting taxes, easing regulatory burdens, and expanding educational opportunities. This column focuses on the second two priorities that I laid out in my remarks: easing regulatory burdens and expanding educational opportunities.

 

When we get a property tax bill we can see exactly how much we are paying. The cost of regulation, however, is hidden, but it is a job killer all the same. As governor, I will stand up to the overregulation forced on us by Washington, D.C.

 

Whether it is new health care mandates on employers, EPA overreach on carbon emissions and the Waters of the US Washington just does not get it.

 

Here in Nebraska, we want to set a good example. I will be asking all of my state agency directors to make it a priority to innovate ways to reduce regulatory burdens and bureaucratic delays. Proper regulation protects our health and safety. Overregulation delays progress and growth. We can do better and we will.

 

As we seek to create jobs, slow the growth of government, reduce taxes, and fight burdensome regulations, we must also continue to strengthen our education system. While balancing our budget, we must ensure we put a priority on proper school funding and improving educational outcomes.

 

In particular, I will focus on career and vocational training. There are great career opportunities all across the state. I visited Ash Grove Cement in Louisville and they were telling me if you get a 2-year electrician’s degree out of high school, you will start working for them at $22 or $23 per hour. Stay there a year and pass two tests and you will be making $28 an hour. That’s a 21-year-old making $56,000 a year plus full benefits and the start of a great career.

 

Every manufacturer I have talked to has said they can’t find enough skilled labor, and that is a barrier to expanding. To address this, I propose an investment in innovation.

 

My budget includes funding a pilot program with an investment of $250,000 each year to form a public-private partnership to create a career and vocational training program. Good-paying jobs in the skilled labor force, agriculture, and manufacturing are a great option for our young people.

 

As Nebraskans, we have a tradition of honoring the men and women who serve our country. My budget recommendation also includes an additional $120,000 per year for a total of more than $488,000 of tuition assistance for the patriots who serve in the Nebraska National Guard. We need to help them further their education as well.

 

As we work together, I want you to know about the culture we are fostering in my administration. Every day, I want my team to ask a couple of questions: How can I serve the people of Nebraska better today? What can we do to make Nebraska a place people want to be and grow our state?

 

If you have any questions of your own, you are welcome to contact my office at 402-471-2244 or pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov. Working together with your help and input, we can Grow Nebraska for the next generation.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

Winter Weather Advisory


The National Weather Service in Omaha has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for snow and blowing snow for the Norfolk Area, which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Sunday.

A mix of rain and snow will change to all snow this tonight. Some additional light snow accumulations will be possible Sunday. Initially, temperatures will be near or above freezing with falling temperatures tonight and Sunday.

Precipitation is likely, however melting during the day and how quickly the precipitation changes over to all snow will affect eventual total snow amounts.

Total snow storm accumulations of 4 to 7 inches is expected.

High Winds and visibility are likely with this storm as northeast winds tonight will become northwest 20 to 30 mph and gusty late tonight and Sunday.

Area roadways will become snow covered and hazardous. Blowing snow on Sunday will reduce visibility and make it difficult to keep the roads clear, especially in open and rural areas.

The cold combined with the wind Sunday will lower wind chills to a range of 10 above to 10 below zero Sunday.

Here are some precautionary and preparedness tips from the National Weather Service:

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, use caution while driving.

A Winter Weather Advisory for blowing snow means that visibilities will be limited due to strong winds blowing snow around. Use caution when traveling, especially in open areas.

This Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the following counties in Nebraska: Knox, Cedar, Thurston, Antelope, Pierce, Wayne, Boone, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, Burt, Platte, Colfax, Dodge, Washington, Butler, Saunders, Douglas and Sarpy.

Marcia Kay (Elske) Mitchell, 62, of Fremont, NE


MARCIA KAY (ELSKE) MITCHELL, was born June 7, 1952, in Blair, Nebraska, to Duane and Waletta (Beum) Elske. She passed away Thursday, January 29, 2015 at her home in Fremont, Nebraska, surrounded by family.

She grew up on the family farm in Stella, Nebraska. There she participated in 4H, band, pep club, track (shot put), and showing horses. She won many titles at various rodeos. She won the title of Ms. Nebraska-Kansas Queen of 1967 at the Northeast Rodeo, held in Sabetha, Kansas. She attended Stella Southeast High School until the family moved to Tekamah, Nebraska in 1968. In Tekamah, she was involved in pep club and pep band. She put her time and energy into her saxophone, and won many musical awards. She graduated in 1970 from Tekamah-Herman High School.

She worked as an accountant for several businesses, including Weatherly Bros., Inc., Bob Gottsch, and Regal Printing.

She married Rick Johnson in 1978, and they had one son, Joshua Johnson. She did whatever it took to get to all of Joshua’s sporting events, even all the way through his college years. She was a proud parent. If you were at any of Joshua’s football games, either high school or college, you knew where she was sitting because of the cowbell she rang with pride.

She enjoyed watching football, especially the Cornhuskers, spending time with her family, and watching her grandchildren.

She married Joe Mitchell in 2006. They lived in Fremont, spending time with their children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Waletta Elske; her grandparents, Walter and Doris Beum; aunts and uncles, Gene and Sam Thompson, Norma and Fritz Clausen.

She is survived by her son, Joshua (Jennifer) Johnson, of Lincoln, NE; 3 grandchildren, Grant, Ellie and Josie Johnson; husband, Joe Mitchell, of Fremont; sisters, Debbie (Greg) Rosenboom, of Oakland, NE, Michelle (Matt) Hopkins, of Tekamah; brothers, Richard (Jane) Elske, of Tekamah, Michael Elske, of Omaha, NE; step-children, Mandy Reynolds, Mike Mitchell, Ida Mitchell, Cherri Schmidt, Brandy Amion; 17 step-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; cousins; aunts and uncles.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Tekamah with Rev. Dr. Brian High officiating.

VISITATION: Monday, 1-8 pm with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery, Tekamah, Nebraska

MEMORIALS: To the family.

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

Nebraska Joins Other States Suing Syngenta


Tuesday, February 3rd at 10:00 a.m., an informational meeting concerning the lawsuit against Syngenta will be held at the Green Lantern in Decatur, NE.

Dave Domina and Brian Jorde, agricultural lawyers, will be conducting the meeting, answering questions and addressing concerns during the meeting.

The lawsuit claims China banned imports of corn sold to them by Syngenta, due to traces of MIR 162, or Agrisure Viiptera, found by inspectors. The lawsuit claims that this has also led to the fall of corn prices over the last five years, hitting an all time low in 2014. “There are currently 25 states on board with suing Syngenta,” stated Graham Christensen, of the Burt County area. “This affects every corn farmer. How many bushels of corn farmers raised during this time is also being checked into, as they have lost money due to the ban and the drop in the corn market.”

There are also several other meetings being held throughout the state listed below. Graham Christensen may also be contacted at 402-217-5217 for further information.

February 2, 2015

Hartington VFW Club 7:00 PM

February 3, 2015

Decatur Green Lantern Steak House 10:00 AM

February 5, 2015

Beatrice Aunt Mary’s 10:00 AM

February 5, 2015

Blue Hill Community Center 2:00 PM

February 5, 2015

Holdrege Super 8 7:00 PM

February 6, 2015

Cambridge Community Center 1:30 PM

February 8, 2015

Doniphan Event Center 1:30 PM

February 8, 2015

York Holthus Convention Center 4:00 PM

 

 

 

Willis C. Bopp, 77, of Hooper NE


Willis C. Bopp, age77, of Hooper, Nebraska passed away Thursday January 29, 201, at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont, Nebraska.  Funeral service will be 10:30am Monday, February 2nd, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Joel Schroeder officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Hooper Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Sunday at the Redeemer Lutheran Church from 2 to 6pm with the family receiving friends from 2 to 4pm. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lutheran Family Services, Nebraska Children’s Home Society and the Salvation Army.  Online guestbook can be accessed at http://www.hooper-scribner,com.  Ludvigsen’s Hooper Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Willis was born July 29, 1937 on a farm near the Scribner Air Base to Clarence and Elnora ‘Thomsen’ Bopp. He was raised in rural Hooper. Willis was baptized on September 12, 1937 and confirmed on May 13, 1951 both at Bluffs Trinity Lutheran Church. He graduated from Hooper High School in 1956. After high school Willis joined the United States Navy serving aboard the USS Hancock (CV/CVA 19) from 1956 to 1958. After his military service he returned to the area. He married Janice Thernes on June 28, 1959 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. After his marriage, he farmed in the Maple Township area and continued to farm his whole life, moving into Hooper in the spring of 2014.

Willis was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving the church in many ways including the Redeemer Church Council and the Redeemer Foundation Board. Willis was involved in many community activities. He served on the Maple Township Board, District 88 School Board, Hooper Co-op Board of Directors, Hooper Medical Clinic Board, Logan View Foundation Board and as the area President of the AAL (now Thrivent Financial). He is a lifetime member of the Angus Association and Lifetime Member of the FFA Alumni Association. Any one who needed something fixed brought it to him and he loved fixing things in his shop.

Survivors:
Wife – Janice of Hooper
Daughter – Nancy and husband Mike Ecklun of Holdrege, NE.
Son – Ron and wife Gail Bopp of Hooper
Grandchildren – Chris and wife Lindsay Ecklun of Holdrege
Matt and wife Breanna Ecklun of Holdrege
Lisa and husband Joel VonSeggern of Hooper
Stephanie and husband Will Johnson of Hooper
Great grandson – Carter VonSeggern
Step Brother – Gareld and wife Sara Wulf of Fremont
Step Sister – Connie and husband Glenn Langemeier of Fremont
Sisters-in-law – Kay Bopp of Ballwin, MO.
Marjorie and husband Arlen Gnuse of Fremont
Julene and husband Larry Karloff of Yutan
Brothers-in-law – Louis and wife Sharon Thernes of Hooper
Ken and wife Berniece Thernes of Hooper
Many nieces and nephews

Willis was preceded in death by his parents, sister Loretta (Mruz) Riskowski, brother Marlin Bopp and an infant brother.

Willis Bopp

Willis Bopp

Lorna Webster, 84, of Lyons NE


LORNA WEBSTER, 84 years, of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska from heart failure.

Lorna Helen Suhr was born to Rudolph and Adeline Suhr on August 22, 1930 on a farm northwest of Pender, Nebraska.

Lorna graduated from Pender High School. She married Raymond Lewis Webster on May 29, 1948. They lived east of Lyons until 1952, when they moved east of Lyons, where she resided until she became ill in November 2014.

Lorna’s passion was her children and grandchildren. She loved crocheting, quilting, and all forms of needlework. She spent hours crocheting dolls, hand quilting, and embroidering various treats for her children and grandchildren. Lorna taught, by example, the meaning of love and patience to all of her family.

Lorna was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond.

Survivors include two sisters-in-laws, Tootie Webster, of Lyons, Eleanor Webster, of Pender; four children: two sons, Lyle Webster, of Lyons, Lynn (Holly) Webster, of Salt Lake City, UT; two daughters, Wanda (Ron) Brovont, of Lyons, Sonja (David) Errick of Salt Lake City; 4 grandchildren, Kim (Dale) Beckstrom, Tim (Cristina) Brovont, Becky (fiancé Fred), Matt; 3 great grandchildren, Kalter & Raymond Beckstrom, Wesley Brovont and another little Brovont on the way.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, January 31, 2015, 9:30 am, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons.

VISITATION: Friday, 6-8 pm with family receiving friends at Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

BURIAL: Blair Cemetery, Blair, Nebraska

Family and Friends are invited to the family farm (1698 County Road 19), at 1 pm for a gathering following the graveside services in Blair.

MEMORIALS: To the family

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

Lorna Webster

Lorna Webster

Marcia (Elske) Mitchell, 62, of Fremont NE


MARCIA (ELSKE) MITCHELL, 62 years, of Fremont, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2015, at her home in Fremont.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Services are pending with Pelan Funeral Services Tekamah.

Lorna Webster, 84, of Lyons NE


LORNA WEBSTER, 84 years, of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, Janaury 31, 2015, 9:30 am, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons.

VISITATION: Friday, 6-8 pm with family receiving friends at Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

BURIAL: Blair Cemetery, Blair, Nebraska

Family and Friends are invited to the family farm (1698 County Road 19), at 1 pm for a gathering following the graveside services in Blair.

MEMORIALS: To the family

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

Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes


OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK January 13, 2015
TEKAMAH NE 68061

The Burt County Board of Supervisors met this date pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting with the following members present: Clifford Morrow, David Schold, Greg Brummond, Matt Connealy, Perry Rogers and Ted Connealy. Absent: Gerald Newill.

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Schold, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none. County Clerk Sarah Freidel informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act is posted on the wall.

The first order of business was reorganization. County Clerk Freidel asked for nominations for Chairman of the Board. Brummond motioned to nominate Clifford Morrow, and M.Connealy seconded the motion. Schold moved that the nominations cease and that Morrow be elected Chairman of the Board for 2015. The motion was seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

The next order of business, also part of reorganization, was to appoint a Vice- Chairman. Chairman Morrow asked for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Board. Schold moved to nominate Matt Connealy, and Brummond seconded the motion. Morrow moved that the nominations cease and that M.Connealy be elected Vice-Chairman of the Board for 2015. The motion was seconded by Schold, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Upon motion by Brummond, seconded by M.Connealy the agenda was approved as amended with the addition of the possible formation of a Road Committee, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for December, as well as the Sheriff’s Quarterly Reports and the Treasurer’s 6 Month Report, were approved upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T. Connealy. Nays – none.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Brummond, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

The following Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $122,157.44, along with the Fund Balance Report, were approved upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

TOBACCO LICENSE
ZONING PERMITS
CO CLERK-FILING & RECORDING
CO CLERK-DOC STAMPS-COUNTY SHARE CO CLERK-MISC FEES
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
DISTRICT COURT-MISC FEES & REVENUE DISTRICT COURT-FEES & COST
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
CO COURT-MISC FEES
ELECTION REIMBURSEMENT
CO SHERIFF-SERVICE FEES
CO SHERIFF-MILEAGE & COSTS
TITLE INSPECTIONS
GUN PERMITS
CO ATTNY FEES-CHECK COLLECTION OVERLOAD FINES-25% COUNTY SHARE INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS
MISC REVENUE
HIGHWAY/STREET ALLOCATION ROAD-MISC REVENUE
PRESERVATION & MODERNIZATION INHERITANCE TAX
INHERITANCE TAX
911 WIRELESS SERVICE FUND
COUNTY 911 SURCHARGE
OVERLOAD FINES-75% STATE SHARE COUNTY COURT FINES-REGULAR
IN LIEU TAXES-1957 PRIOR

10.00 375.00 1,866.00 1,030.90 285.50 90.00 35.00 10.00 850.00 119.00 1,595.74 565.00 680.32 320.00 35.00 27.00 93.75 1,072.41 36.97 81,562.22 330.81 329.50 13,259.06 6,564.17 4,771.30 832.00 281.25 5,105.00 24.54

Newly Elected County Attorney Francis W. Barron III came before the Board to introduce himself and to offer his services for any needs of the Burt County Board.

Board Member Rogers offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION #2015-01

BE IT RESOLVED that the County Treasurer be authorized to deposit funds in excess of the capital and surplus in any depository designated for county funds, provided such depository furnish the proper securities as provided by law, and that the Treasurer be and she hereby is, authorized to invest surplus funds, if there be any, in United States Treasury bills or certificates of deposit in the following financial institutions: First Nebraska Bank, Decatur, First National Bank Northeast, Tekamah, and Washington County Bank, Tekamah.

DATED this 13th day of January, 2015, at Tekamah, Nebraska.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL CLIFF MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

Board Member M.Connealy seconded the motion, the Board Chairman declared it adopted, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, the Board appointed Peggy Smith as Burt County Highway Superintendent for 2015, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Also part of reorganization for 2015, upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, the Board approved the following board committee appointments, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Clifford Morrow

Gerald Newill

Ted Connealy

Greg Brummond

Matt Connealy

Perry Rogers

Elkhorn- Logan Valley Public Health Dept

Region IV
Heartland of Nebraska Board

Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership (NENCAP) Burt County Economic Development Board

Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Services – alternate Burt County Economic Development Board Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District

North Star & Region IV Services
Region 5/6 Homeland Security
Northeast Nebraska Waste Coalition-alternate

Nebraska Loess Hills RC & D Council Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Services

David Schold N.E. Nebraska Area Agency on Aging
N.E. Nebraska Waste Coalition, Advisory & Governing Board

All of the Burt County Supervisors are on the Burt County Weed Board.

Upon motion by Schold, seconded by Brummond, the Board approved special designated liquor licenses for Ronnie’s Bar at St Patrick’s Catholic Church for Lenten fish fry dinners on February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27, 2015, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Upon motion by T.Connealy, seconded by Schold, the Board approved an annual cost of living raise based on the Midwest Economic Consumer Prices available January 16, not to exceed 3%, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Highway Superintendent Smith discussed the 1 and 6 Year Road Plan with the Board. Allen Soll came before the Board to visit with Smith and the Board to request to keep Airport Road in the County Road Plans.

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Schold, the Board authorized Chairman Morrow to sign the Burt County Weed Control Authority Activities and Information Report, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Board Member T.Connealy briefly reported information on the lease of a tractor for the possible replacement of an existing County Tractor.

Discussions followed regarding the possible formation of a Road Committee, no action was taken at this time.

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Board adjourned at 10:20 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. January 30, 2015.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

Hope everyone had a nice weekend, this week I would like to mention the Snowman party for the residents on Thursday January 29th at 2:30 pm. Next week is a new month so we start with our monthly volunteer executive meeting on Monday February 2nd at 2:30pm. We also have a resident celebrating a birthday on February 3rd Happy Birthday to Jeanette Johnson.

Church Service for Sunday February 1st at 2:30 pm will be given by the Craig – Alder Grove Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Wednesday February 4th at 1:00 pm is Communion with Pastor Hoden.

Activities for the week of February 2nd  to February 7th are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Coffee and Conversation, Crafts, Bingo w/ WOW, Bible Fellowship, Word Games, Friday Bingo, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Bonnie Fleischman, Betty Hanna, Mary Donavon, Patty Miller, Mary Pearson, Pat Anderson, Heather Silvey, and Anne Anderson.

Guest sign in last week were: Tom and Lizzie Larson to visit Dorothy Larson. Trudie Craven and Beth Kieldgaurd to visit Lillian Mueller, also visiting was Kris Peters.