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May 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Deputy Sheriff, Eric Nick discussed safety issues at the Babysitting Clinic including when to call 911 with 30 participants last week in Tekamah.
This three session workshop drew participants from Lyons, Decatur, Tekamah and Herman.
Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.
May 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Another week has flown by at the Legislature with the completion of Day 77 on May 7. There are only 13 session days left, with many major issues remaining on the agenda such as the budget, prison and corrections reform, and property tax relief.
The budget advanced through second round of debate on Wednesday. While much of the debate on the budget may occur during final reading and after line-item vetoes by the Governor, some concerns have been raised. For instance, there was extended discussion regarding an $8 million appropriation to Creighton University for the construction of a dental clinic. The debate focused on whether public tax dollars should be solely disbursed for this private institution. The appropriation was amended to provide eligibility for funding to the University of Nebraska’s dental college as well.
A recent announcement by the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board was good news. It was anticipated the Forecasting Board would announce a shortfall in projected tax revenues requiring budget cuts, but instead the Board announced a $12 million increase. Thankfully, the additional revenues were allotted for further property tax relief within the budget.
While the decision to provide increased property tax relief was a prudent move, I remain disappointed by the passage of LB610. LB610 hikes the motor vehicle gas tax by six cents over the next four years. LB610 was advanced to the Governor who immediately vetoed the bill. LB610 needs thirty votes to override the Governor’s veto.
Recently, a few bills I introduced made progress through the legislative process. LB570 expands the authority of cities, villages, and counties to permit the usage of golf car vehicles within their jurisdictions, subject to specific safety requirements.
Additionally, LB569 and LB571 were amended into LB449. LB569 modifies certain provisions of the Business Innovation Act and gives the Department of Economic Development greater flexibility to fund several programs supporting development of Nebraska-based technology and innovation in both rural and urban communities. LB571 provides the Tourism Commission with the discretionary authority to establish highway tourism signage for significant tourism attractions at the request and funding of local, private or public entities. LB449 recently passed final reading and has been presented to the Governor for his signature to become law.
Our office continues monitoring developments in the recent, abrupt decision by Deseret Health Group to close the Logan Valley Manor in Lyons. We are working closely with Senator Al Davis (District 43), whose district has another of Deseret’s nursing homes, Governor Ricketts, Director Phillips of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and other private groups and individuals. On May 8, I stopped by the home in Lyons to speak with staff concerning needs of both residents and staff. Currently only 7 residents await placement to a different facility. All residents continue being well cared for. Residents, family, community and the state are grateful to the wonderful, caring staff who are yet to be paid during the past month. Actions are underway by the Attorney General’s Office to secure funds for wages due to the staff.
Finally, a special thanks to Pastor Coral Parmenter and Reverend Les Parmenter from the Wisner-West Point area who served as Chaplains of the Day, offering beautiful and eloquent prayers over the Legislature and our great State.
As always, please contact me, administrative aide, Katie Wattermann, or legislative aide, Tom Venzor, with questions or thoughts at (402) 471-2728 or e-mail at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.
Keeping the Good Life Growing in Nebraska,
Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16
Senator Lydia Brasch
May 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Next week on Tuesday May 19th we will be having Root beer Floats at 2:30 pm. On Wednesday May 20th Charlie Davis will be here to play his Harmonica at 2:30 pm., and then on Thursday May 21st is our Monthly Waffle supper we will be serving from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
On Monday May 18th at 2:30 pm is Communion with First Lutheran Church.
Activities for the week of May 18th to May 23rd , are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Bingo w/Salem, Bible Fellowship, Reading the Local Paper, Word Games, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo and Saturday morning movie.
Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Bonnie Fleischman, Marge Maller, Judee Dix, Patty Miller, Mary Donavon, Anne Anderson, Nadine Anderson , Lola Bridgeford, Dani Moseman, Pat Anderson, and Sly Rouse.
Guest signing in last week was: Ron and Mary Plageman and Tom Larson to see Dorothy Larson. Charlie and Bobbie Lang were here to see Joan Price. Also visiting was Kathy and Kevin to see Margaret Moderow. Visiting Dale and Jeanette Johnson was Kris Peters.
May 18, 2015 Leave a comment
By Clare Wiltse, Sports Contributor
It will be a busy Friday afternoon for the State Qualifiers from Northeast’s track team. The Class D prelims are set to start at 3:30 P.M. on May 23 at Burke Stadium in Omaha..
LDNE has two athletes in the 400 meter dash which starts at 5::45 P.M. Brianne Haskell will run in lane 8 of the third heat. Chevy Henneman also lines up in lane 8 of second heat of the boys’ race. The top eight times will advance to the finals on Saturday at 12:55 P.M.
Jon Christiansen will get the jump on the track athletes as his event, the triple jump, starts at 3:00 P. M. Jon is in the third flight which has the top eight marks from the district meets.
LDNE’s other jumper, Kelly Wakeley competes at 5:30 P. M. She will be in he second flight of the girls’ long jump.
Northeast has both of its discus throwers in the third flight. Abby Peterson and Darcey Simonsen are seeded at fourth and eighth in the competition which starts at 5:30.
On Saturday, Dylan Hardeman starts Northeast’s day with an 800 meter race at 9:30 A.M. He runs in section one of the race.
The 4×400 meter relay is the last event on Saturday. Jon Christiansen, Benny Estrada, Dylan Hardeman, and Chevy cap off a successful season as they race in Section 1 at 3:55 P.M.
May 18, 2015 Leave a comment
By Clare Wiltse, Sports Contributor
Cougar Track and Field will have eight representatives at the State Track Meet next Friday at Burke Stadium in Omaha. “It was a very competitive meet as the teams had to battle a brutal wind,” said Coach Hosch. The Lady Cougars finished in third place with 71 points. They trailed Allen who scored 124 and Wynot with 86 points. The boys finished in fourth with 55 points. Wausau was the winner with 133 points followed by Randolph with 84.
Three Athletes are making a return trip to Burke Stadium. Darcey Simonsen is going back for the third time. She placed third last year in the discus.. Chevy Henneman and Kelly Wakeley are competing in different events this year. Chevy moves up from the 100M to the 400 M. Kelly switches from the triple jump to the long jump.
The girls got a big boost from the discus competition. Northeast throwers took the top two positions. Abby Peterson was a surprise winner. She had been battling illness all week, but came through with a personal best by eight feet to take the gold. Her winning mark was 119 fee 3 inches. Darcey Simonsen took the other qualifying position with a toss of 113 feet 6 inches.
Brianne Haskell fought the wind and a B-R runner down the stretch in the 400 M dash. She got the edge with fifteen meters left and held on to place second place in 1:07.1. After sitting out last year because of a basketball injury it was a sweet feeling to qualify for the first time. In the boys’ race, Chevy Henneman found himself behind coming off the final curve. He battled to the lead coming down the stretch, loss it, and surged at the end to take a photo finish win in a slow time for him of 55.4.
Jon Christiansen made up for the disappointment of taking third in the triple jump as a freshman. He had a career best of 41 feet 8 3/4 inches to place second to one of the best jumpers in the state from Wausau.
Dylan Hardeman raced to a second place finish in the 800 M run. It was a three man race to finish and the senior had the fortitude to claim the second qualifying position with a time of 2:13.2.
The boys’ relays had one victory and one disappointment. After a disastrous first hand off the 4×400 team had to play catch up to the team from Allen. A strong anchor leg by Chevy Henneman got the team the lead with 60 meters to go. They won in 3:44.0. The team included Jon Christiansen, Benny Estrada, and Dylan Hardeman. The same foursome had lined up the race before, the 4×100, and lost to Randolph as the Cardinal anchor edged out Chevy by one tenth of a second. The Cougars’ time was 47.4.
Northeast had several place in non qualifying places. Madie Ronnfeldt took fourth in the 100M with a time of 13.3. Cierra French took fifth in the 400M in 1:09.4 and added a fifth in the 200M with clocking of 28.7. In the 1600M, Sophia Henneman placed fourth in 6:25.9 and Tessie Collins added a fifth with a 6:38.1. The 4×100 Relay took third in 55.3. French, Haskell, Ronnfeldt, and Wakeley made carries.
The shot put supplied eleven points with Darcey in third with a 33 feet 10 1/4 inch toss. Libby Henneman got fourth with a 33 feet 4 inch effort, and Abby P added a sixth at 32 feet 9 inches. Kelley Wakeley placed third in the triple jump with a best mark of 31 feet 9 inches.
The Cougar boys got a third in the 400 M by Benny Estrada. He timed at 59.2. Jon Christiansen took fourth in the 200M with a 24.4 Joey O’Connor added a sixth in the 3200m run. His time was 12:17.4
May 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Twelve members of the Oakland Garden Club met in the Rosen room at the Oakland auditorium at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday May 14, 2015.
Leila Heineman was hostess. The front table held a mixed bouquet of cut leaf peony, viburnum, columbine, red-leafed penstemon leaves, and spring rocket. Members gave pledge to the American flag and read the Garden Club Creed from their handbooks. Each member answered roll call by answering “What’s stressed at your place?” Although many first answered that they were, they followed with name of plants, bushes, or trees. Again, many gave a similar answer by naming what had been lost over the winter.
Cathi McMurtry read the minutes of the April meeting. Audrey Unwin gave the treasury balance. She reported receiving a Memorial check of $5.00 for Doris Anderson.
Julie Easton announced a card and a rose had been sent to May Taylor after the death or her husband Bill.
Stan Pearson attended and joined the Garden Club.
In old business, Lela Heineman said we need to plant more roses in the Memorial rose bed. Members discussed that we had agreed to move the knock-out rose from there to other places and plant tea roses in the bed. Vernelle Nelson gave a check of $25.00 to help pay for flower plants.
Marie Daubert wondered if the burning bushes at the old Piper place might be rescued and planted elsewhere in Oakland before the property was razed. While members liked the idea, they agreed we need to find out first who owns the property and their decision. Audrey Unwin said she would check.
Audrey reported that the city had budgeted $450.00 for the Garden Club; however, Katie Onken said, with a new auditing system, she was not sure yet if she could write a check to the Garden Club or if the Garden Club would need to turn bills into the City to pay.
Lela Heineman reported that Evelyn Swenson gave a $125.00 check for the Jim Swenson Memorial flower bed. Lela also reported that Amanda Huntington is making the sign designating it as Jim Swenson Memorial bed.
Marie Daubert reported that California pesticide rules farmers must abide by are the nation’s strictest to protect workers and consumers. While grapes & almonds have 20-year cycles, strawberries are treated every year, causing great danger to people. A new way to grow potatoes is in the new potato bag which sets on top the ground, is filled ½ with dirt, then spuds on top, and grass clippings on that. These plants evidently don’t die down as fast as those growing directly from ground.
The blackpole warbler, ½ oz. in weight, summers in forests of N. America and Canada and then flies 1700 miles for 49 to 73 hours nonstop over the Caribbean to S. America for the winter.
If you’re planting a crab apple tree, you have over 900 varieties to choose from, but be sure to get one that is disease resistant. When pruning trees or shrubs, cut dead stems back to a hardy upright, and trim off cross branches.
A late reminder: According to 2013 figures, mothers are worth $38,126.00 and $8,879.00 for overtime.
Members read the Garden Club Benediction.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2014 OAKLAND GARDEN CLUB 2
Lela Heineman gave the lesson on “Care of Stressed Plants” which she limited to outdoor plants to limit the time and amount of material. Winter damage to trees and shrubs often comes from rabbits and deer. Rabbits will gnaw limbs and bark. If the trunk is completely girdled, the plant will die. Suckers may come up, but if it is a fruit or ornamental item grafted to root stock, the suckers will not be the same. If the evergreen buds are chewed off, that season’s growth is gone.
Plants may seem to be under insect damage that is often due to moisture damage. Dig for moisture at 6” depth. If is dry, water and plant should recover in 24 hours. If it is too wet, stop watering. If plant doesn’t recover, that wasn’t the problem or was severe enough to destroy plant. Heat may cause a plant to wilt during the day to shut down moisture loss, but it may recover in cooler evening temperatures. Newly planted seedlings or ones moved from outdoors may need shade or fabric protection till they are acclimated. You might turn the fan on seedlings before moving them outside to toughen them up. Bleached spot on these plants may indicate more need for early protection from sun. Black areas on leaves may indicate frost damage. The foliage will not recover, but the plant may survive. Wait till plant begins to show new growth before trimming off blighted areas. Ragged foliage can be caused by heavy winds, rain or hail, and this foliage can make plant more susceptible to diseases, so trim it.
Off color foliage can mean nutrient deficiency—if pale, most likely nitrogen. If veins green, but rest pale, then iron, a reddish or purplish cast, phosphorous. Stunted growth—overall lack of nutrients. Check soil level for pH and fertilize accordingly. Be sure to follow application directions. Dried leaf margins can mean wind or fertilizer burn, while burned area in one location may indicate damage by herbicide overspray or animal urine. Spray area with clear water & trim off damaged area. Also, maybe plant is not happy in that location, so move it to one with more or less shade or wind, moisture or dryness, etc.
Another problem may be insect damage. Certain ones attack certain plants and leave tell-tale marks. Earwigs leave irregular holes, aphids leave a sticky residue, lace bugs eat tree & bush leaves, while scale on trees & shrubs suck sap from twigs and branches and cause die back. Most can be controlled with chemicals. Check cans or bags for symptoms, plants affected, and application.
Diseases affect plants in varying degrees. Powdery mildew affects some plants and various shrubs, Although it doesn’t cause serious damage, it can slow growth and reproductive rate. Aster yellows affects many plants, is transmitted by leafhoppers, and results in stunting, dwarfing, yellowing of foliage, spindly stalks, failure to develop flower color or seeds. No cure. Remove and destroy all affected foliage. Root rot usually affects roses and azaleas. Symptoms are drooping and yellowing leaves that roll downward. Don’t plant in poorly drained soil, on exposed south side of building or in windy areas. Leaf spot affects many plants and first appears as small brown spots. High humidity and moisture make plants susceptible to fungal infection. Improve air circulation by removing some of surrounding plants, and in fall remove and destroy dead or spotted plant material so as to reduce spoors available for infection the following spring.
Finally, if there is a sad-looking plant in a store that you really want, take it home, remove it from pot and soak it in a bucket of water till bubbles quit. Since in many stores they are watered from above, they often lack sufficient water. Also, many are root bound. Once bubbles quit, trim the roots, repot, and water. If it doesn’t thrive, quit and try a new plant.
Cathi McMurtry, Secretary
May 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Elden E. Prazan was born February 20, 1939, south of Clarkson, Nebraska, the son of Emil and Emma (Dostal) Prazan. He passed away Friday, May 15, 2015 at his home in Columbus, Nebraska.
Elden got his elementary education at District 38 Colfax County. He graduated from Clarkson High School in 1958.
He married Frances (Marco) Prazan on April 19, 1965, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, Iowa. They lived their married life in Columbus. Elden worked at Vishay Dale Electronics as a Mechanical Inspector for 47 years. He also held a second job at Lohr’s 66 for 33 years.
Elden enjoyed dancing and helping his parents on the farm, and he was always a hard worker. He loved his family very much, his greatest joy was in spending time with them, and he truly enjoyed his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant granddaughter, Jennifer Prazan; brother-in-law, Fred Thalken.
He is survived by wife of 50 years, Frances; daughter, Dianna (Jeff) Hansen of Norfolk, NE; son Dwayne (Amy) Prazan of Johnstown, CO; 4 grandchildren, Shania Hansen of Norfolk, Ryan, Garrett and Alex Prazan of Johnstown; sister, Emily (Homer) Hastings of Columbus.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 10:30 am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus, NE
VISITATION: Monday, 5-7 pm with family receiving friends at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation will also be held at the church one prior to service.
BURIAL: Tuesday 1:15 pm, Clarkson National Cemetery, Clarkson, NE
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
Elden Prazan
May 16, 2015 Leave a comment
Elden E. Prazan, 76 years, of Columbus, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2015 at his home in Columbus.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Services are pending with Pelan Funeral Services.
May 15, 2015 Leave a comment
By Brandon Lavaley, T-H Superintendent
As I discussed in a previous article, the Tekamah-Herman Schools Board of Education contracted Jerry McCall with Educational Consulting Services to evaluate the options for the district. Through his work, he considered many factors including current facilities, school population trends, regional population trends, financial ramifications, and many others that the district could not have interpreted on its own. Through his work, he came to a recommendation to the Board as to a direction to pursue concerning the facilities and future of the district. His recommendation was to pursue a consolidated effort with Oakland-Craig and Lyons-Decatur Northeast. The initial presentation would suggest PK-8 attendance centers in Tekamah, Oakland, and Lyons, with a high school for grades 9-12 constructed between the communities at an undetermined location.
With that recommendation, a letter has been sent to the two districts to gauge their Board’s respective interests in pursuing a joint venture. The Tekamah-Herman Board has asked for a response in short time regarding any interest, or lack thereof. As this process moves along, as it is envisioned from our Board’s perspective, the three districts would establish committees composed of Board members and community members to work with Mr. McCall through the process. Eventually, a proposal would be brought to the voters of participating districts for backing of construction needs. At this time, the Tekamah-Herman Board is reaching out to determine the interest levels of the two other districts. If there is no interest on their parts, the Board will continue to work with Jerry to find a second solution that may work.
This time of year also means the end of the school year for most teachers and students, and the end of careers at Tekamah-Herman for graduates and retirees. While graduation is focused on those seniors moving on, I would like to recognize those behind the ceremony that make it possible. The custodial staff responsible for setting up the gym, Mr. Gross for organizing the ceremony, Mr. Steinke and Mrs. Niewohner for their preparation of music performed at the ceremony, Board President Gordy Bryant for the presentation of diplomas, and Sarah Chatt with the Tekamah-Herman Schools Foundation for her representation and the Foundation’s continued support of graduates through scholarships. Lastly, I would like to commend Ms. Nuss for her tireless work tracking student progress, encouraging students with scholarship applications and meeting graduation requirements, her work with the Foundation to get the students applications out and back to the Foundation, and preparing for the graduation ceremony. She does an excellent job for our district and our students. Finally, congratulations and good luck to our retirees: Jaccie Mencke, Kathy Mussack, Jim Steinke, Priscilla Warren, and Marsha Weise.
As is always the case, all articles, past and current, can be found at http://suptcorner.blogspot.com. Please communicate with a Board member or myself about any questions, comments, or concerns with Tekamah-Herman Schools. Have a great summer!!
Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent
May 14, 2015 Leave a comment
Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education
In March, I had an opportunity to attend the National Association of State Boards of Education’s board of directors meeting and legislative policy forum. As a member of the board of directors of this organization, I have had an opportunity to learn about educational issues around the country from my colleagues serving on state boards of education in other states. This month, I want to share some activities happening nationally as well as a few important initiatives underway “at home” here in Nebraska.
Nationally, the biggest issue is the need to fix or reauthorize a very broken Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) titled No Child Left Behind. I feel like a broken record, bringing this issue up every month! However, this month there is a glimmer of hope! It is anticipated that the House of Representatives will vote on its bill when Congress returns to Washington D. C, after its break. This week a draft bipartisan Senate bill has been made public. Apparently, the House and the Senate— from a bipartisan perspective—concur that ESEA needs to be reauthorized and that states should have greater control of education as they once did!
At the conference I attended a session on the effective use of digital educational resources and technology. Technology is significantly impacting our lives and education. Technology has changed my life! With the help of our great Nebraska public libraries and the application called OverDrive, I can use my phone to listen to a book while I am walking, cleaning the house or on the road. Technology can have a positive change in the classroom! Classroom teachers are engaging students with digital resources and a variety of applications. These are the new tools of the trade for teachers at all grade levels. An open educational resource is the term used to define a host of digital resources that teachers can access at low or no cost. Some states have created statewide networks to help teachers more easily access digital materials and resources. In Nebraska, we have resources and digital tools in place, but we need a statewide plan that allows educators easy access similar to the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries, which has expanded access to eBooks and audio books through the public library network. All Nebraska students, teachers and parents ought to have key educational resources at their fingertips through a few easy clicks on a phone or a tablet.
In April, the Nebraska State Board of Education released a draft of the new mathematics standards for public input. If you go to the Nebraska Department of Education website at the link below, you can review and provide comments on these draft standards. As Nebraskans, we should take pride in the process used to develop academic content standards. Nebraska teachers—with input from business, post-secondary education and the public—write the standards and then seek input in multiple ways, including the survey on the NDE website.
This month the board also reviewed the Nebraska Coordinated School Health program, and NDE’s role in providing support for schools in health education, human growth and development and sex education. This role involves providing resources and support to schools as they work to develop curriculum and strategies that work well for local school districts. While NDE provides resources and support, it is the responsibility of local school districts—with input from their communities and their locally-elected school boards —to address these sensitive and sometimes controversial issues within their individual communities. Each community has unique needs and challenges. Who knows better how to deal with those issues other than local community members and parents of children in the school district? One reason I ran for the State Board of Education was to become an advocate for a balance in the responsibilities between state and locally-elected school board members. The approach taken with the Nebraska Coordinated School Health program is balanced, respectful and has led to a meaningful process and practice.
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 about education in our state.
Rachel Wise
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