Keep Looking Up

July 22, 2015 Leave a comment


“Area Astronomers Invite You to Observe the Moon”
By Gary Fugman
We all know what the Moon looks like…but take a closer look.  Our nearest neighbor to Earth in space has a surface that wildly varies from gray to white, from smooth to rough.  And then there those patterns on the face of the Moon, the Man in the Moon, the Woman in the Moon, the Rabbit in the Moon, even the Cow Jumping over the Moon!  How did they get there?  What else can you see on the Moon with just your eyes or your binoculars?
Friday, July 24 at 9pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, July 25 at 9pm at the Decatur Sears Center you and your neighbors are invited to Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club, NENAC.  There Jean Karlens, Bev Novak, Susan Strahm and Pastor Gary Fugman will relate their experiences in observing the Moon through the Astronomical League’s Lunar Program.  The Lunar Program is a list of 100 features on our Moon, maria (seas), craters, and larger features like the Man in the Moon that are able to be seen at 4 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days in the lunar cycle from new to full.  Jean, Bev, Susan and Gary will describe the program and their experiences in fulfilling it.  Also, along with Tom Fitzgerald, they will relate their July 12-17 experiences at the Nebraska Star Party south of Valentine.  Free July constellation charts will then be given and discussed with the aid of computer graphics.
Finally, weather permitting, all are invited on Friday to the Cory and Tracie Martin residence three miles south of Lyons and on Saturday to the Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur to view the 1st quarter Moon, Saturn and other deep sky objects through large, astronomical telescopes.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars and telescopes to be advised as to what lunar features you can see at home with your equipment.
For more information on this and future NENAC programs, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953 and Keep Looking Up!
Questions to Consider:
1. What do you think has been the cause of such heavy cratering on the Moon?
2. Why are we more likely to learn about the early history of Earth by studying the rocks from the Moon than those on Earth?

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

July 22, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

 

This week we have our monthly Waffle Supper on Thursday July 23rd, serving from 5:30 to 6:00 pm. Next week is the monthly Resident Council Meeting on Monday July 27th at 2:30 pm. On Tuesday July 28th we will be serving Bomb pops on the patio at 2:30 pm. Thursday we will be having the General Store open for the residents from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm., then on Friday July 31st we will be having a salad Luncheon for the Residents at 11:30 pm. We also have two residents with birthdays next week Lavern Johnson on July 27th and Joan Price on July 31st Happy Birthday to both.

Church Service for July 26th at 2:30 pm will be given by First Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday July 28th at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass by Father Paul.

Activities for the week of July 27th to August 1st , are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Bingo w/VFW Aux., Bible Fellowship, Reading the Local Paper, Friday Bingo, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Saturday morning movie and Lawrence Welk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donavon, Patty Miller, Marge Maller, Anne Anderson, Dani Moseman, Bonnie Fleischman, Di Ruwe, Pat Anderson, Nadine Anderson, and Sly Rouse.

Guest signing in last week was: Phil Simpson, Sam and Linda Harmer to see Virginia Simpson. Rolly and Denise Church to see Muriel Rabe.

Activity Memorial Fund

A memorial was given in memory of Louis Svoboda by Frelon Danielson.

 

 

 

 

 

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Running Government Like a Business

July 22, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

One of the core duties of state government is to protect society’s most vulnerable citizens and to provide a safety net for those who truly need a hand up, while ensuring that your hard earned tax dollars are spent wisely. Upon taking office, I promised to make state government more effective and efficient, and that our agencies would take a customer-focused approach to serving the citizens of our state. This is the same mindset our state’s small businesses and companies are utilizing every day to improve their products and services so that they can grow and adapt to new consumer demands. If businesses in the private sector fail to adapt, their competitors put them out of business. To thrive, they have to look for efficiencies, stay ahead of the competition, and strive to put their customers first. While no one will put government out of business, building that culture of continuous improvement in state government will help foster an environment that grows Nebraska.

 

Some have described state government as a monopoly because it provides services to our citizens without any other competitor for the same customers or market. In many ways, this lack of competition has discouraged improving the quality of services the state can offer or held leadership back from looking for better ways to utilize taxpayer dollars. We can and we will do better. Already we are making improvements to ACCESSNebraska. The Department of Corrections is developing new prison sentence calculation software so that inmates are no longer let out early. The Department of Labor launched a new reemployment program to connect jobseekers with some of the over 50,000 job openings across our state. 

 

Running state government like a business may be new to Nebraska, but it is critical to building an environment that encourages job growth and attracts young people who are looking for a place to live, work, and raise their family. One of my first focuses as governor was making sure we had the right team in place to lead the state and tasking them with reviewing existing management practices and processes. Even with the right vision, having the right business-minded team in place is essential to carrying out the vision and applying these principles. 

 

Recruiting and hiring business-minded leadership has allowed my administration to implement fresh management practices that are already changing the way state government works. We are applying commonsense management practices that are standard in private sector businesses. In the early days of my administration, I conducted a high-level review of cabinet-level management and human resource practices. Following the review, we decided to develop job descriptions and performance metrics for cabinet-level positions. These are fundamental practices in the jobs Nebraskans work every day. For the State of Nebraska, job descriptions have helped us recruit the right talent with the right skill sets for the cabinet. To measure the performance of agencies and directors, my office will also conduct annual reviews for each agency-level cabinet position. 

 

To help implement these management practices and to assist with this mission, I also made changes in my own office by hiring a Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). While many businesses have long employed a COO and CHRO, these positions are new to state government. In my office, the COO focused on developing a sustainable approach that will make government more customer focused, efficient, and effective. These initiatives will improve the performance of state agencies and the delivery of services across state government. The CHRO worked with directors to recruit, retain, and develop the best talent to lead state agencies.

 

Good leadership practices will take time to take root – change will happen incrementally. These initial reforms are important, however, we need to build a culture of continuous improvement. Reform is not something that is one and done. It is a process that involves continual review and fresh tactics. If you have ideas of your own, please call or email my office at 402-471-2244 or pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov. I look forward to hearing your ideas on how we can run government more like a business!

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

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Janis Joyce Zvacek, 68, of Sioux City IA

July 22, 2015 Leave a comment


Janis Joyce Zvacek, 68, of Sioux City, Iowa passed away Monday, July 20, 2015 at her home in Sioux City, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2015 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender, NE, with Pastor Miles Ruch officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender, NE. In Lieu, of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Janis was born January 13, 1947 in West Point, NE to Lambert and Dorothea (Lorenzen) Zvacek. She attended and graduated from Pender High School in 1965, and attended college at Wayne State College. Janis worked for Postal Finance for many years, Central United and most recently before retiring in December 2013 for Kramer Ernest and Swedean CPA in Sioux City. Janis enjoyed cross stitching and belonged to The Embroiderers’ Guild of America – Sioux City Chapter and the American Needlepoint Guild. She was also a member of the Pender VFW Auxiliary. Most of all, Janis loved spending time with her family especially her nieces and nephews.

Janis is survived by her sister, Frances (Dale) Anderson of Bancroft, NE; brother, Dennis (Nancy) Zvacek of Pender, NE; nieces, Sherry (Ryan) Roeber of Bancroft, NE, Aimee (Chris) Ibsen of Roca, NE, Tami (Mark) Nelson of Bancroft, NE, Andrea (Dustin) Holtz of Beemer, NE; nephews, Collin Zvacek and friend Amber of Pender, NE, Todd Anderson of Bancroft, NE, Rodney Zvacek of Pender, NE and many other great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Janis is preceded in death by her parents, and an infant nephew Scott Alan Anderson.

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Flags to Fly at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of Tennessee Tragedy

July 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Today, Governor Pete Ricketts, in accordance with a proclamation from President Barack Obama, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 25, 2015.

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Janice Faye (Koopman) Kubik, 78, of Emerson NE

July 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Janice Faye (Koopman) Kubik, 78, of Emerson, Nebraska passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Heritage of Emerson in Emerson, Nebraska. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson; Pastor Anna Speiser will be officiating. The visitation will be Wednesday, July 22, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson.

Janice was born May 28, 1937 to Herman and Edith (Drews) Koopman in Pender, NE. She was baptized October 3, 1937 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Janice was united in marriage to Lester Kubik on March 13, 1955 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson. To this union, three children were born. Janice worked many years at Heritage of Emerson as a laundry aide and cook. She is survived by her sons; Rick (Kay) Kubik of White Bear Lake, MN, Richard Kubik of Emerson, NE, daughter; Nancy (Ted) Hassler of Big Lake, MN, two grandchildren; Dalton and Lauren Hassler of Big Lake, MN, sister; Millie (Orville) Zeisler of Emerson, NE, brother; Ken Koopman of Christchurch, New Zealand, half-sister; Becky (Bob) Comstock of Rapid City, SD, step brother; Kenneth Kruse, two stepsisters; ReAnn Forsberg and Ardyce Osbahr, and many nieces and nephews.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, step mother; Adella Koopman, husband; Lester on December 31, 2007, two brothers, three sisters, and two step sisters.

Janice Kubik

Janice Kubik

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Janis Zvacek, 68, of Sioux City IA

July 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Janis Zvacek, 68, of Sioux City, Iowa passed away at her home in Sioux City, IA.

Funeral services are pending with Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, Nebraska.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

July 21, 2015 Leave a comment


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.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. July 22: Melody chimers will practice 9:00 am. Join us for coffee at 10:00 am. We will bingo at 2:00 pm. The evening picnic supper will be at 6:00 p.m., the center will furnish all of the food. Cost for the supper is $6.00. Cards and games will be played after the dishes are washed.

Thurs. July 23: Rolls and coffee served from 9:00 until noon. Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex class at 10:45. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Fri. July 24: The Farmers Market opens today at 9:00 am; it will be located by the town bulletin board.

Mon .July 27: Pitch tournament at 1:15 pm. Monthly board meeting at 3:30 pm.

Tues. July 28: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:45. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 am. We will have a fried chicken dinner at 12:00 please make reservations if you are planning to eat with us. Cards, puzzles and games will be played in the afternoon.

Wed. July 29: We will have melody chime practice at 9:00 am. Join us for coffee at 10:00 am. There will be a golf game tournament at 1:30 am.

 

 

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Market Report and South Dakota Sights

July 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Markets @10:50am

Dow +27
S&P +2.26
Nasdaq +9.90

 

U.S. stocks were little changed early Monday following a batch of better-than-expected earnings from companies such as google (jumping 16.3%) and Hasbro (jumping 5.8%).  Investors turned their attention to a stream of corporate earnings reports from several large companies this week.  The Nasdaq ended at a record level on Friday, Gaining 46.96 points, or .9%, to 5210.14.  Googles surge is to blame posting their 3rd largest daily gain ever.

 

The U.S. Dollar rose to its highest level as compared to the Euro in nearly 3 months on Friday, likely due to the continued discussion of the feds interests rate hikes later this year.

 

Gold Hits 5 Year Low

Gold tumbles, hitting 5 year low at the open today after 23 days of steady decline.  Gold likely weighed down by the U.S Dollars continued gains and the continued concern of the first U.S interest rate increase in more than 9 years.  While some analysts believe the down trend is the market taking advantage of low liquidity as opposed to actual fundamentals.

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Grain Markets @ 10:51am

Sept Corn -7 ½ @ $4.12 ¾
Dec Corn – 7 ½ @ $4.23 ¾
Aug Beans -6 @ $10.08 ¾
Nov Beans -6 ½ @ $10.00 ¼ 

 

A weaker start to the open this week due to favorable weather through the Midwest.  Fridays CFTC report showed spec funds long 130k corn, and just over 80k beans, the funds are liquidating some of these positions today causing some market negativity.  Also expecting crop ratings report out this afternoon, not looking to see much of an adjustment.

 

Corn – With today’s low landing right at the 20 day moving average we are likely to see some support in the $4.21 area for Dec Corn.  The next support line would fall at $4.10.  I will also mention there was a “Gap” at the open, many technical analysts believe there is almost always a gap retracement.  If that holds true we should see ourselves back to at least $4.29 ¼ in the short term.

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Beans opened very weak this morning below $10, but have gain back most of what was lost on the overnight by mid-morning.  The story in beans may not play out until August when USDA resurveys Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas.  The trade believes we may see USDA reduce yield estimates by a few bushels.  Until then it seems Nov Beans will continue to see support at $9.80 and resistance at $10.30 giving us a wide trading range, until we get some news sending us one way or another.

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For Fun: Just returning from a vacation in South Dakota, I took the family to see some of the most impressive marvels of nature starting with the Badlands, the Needles, Sylvan Lake, Custer Park and even crystal cave.  Then of course Mt. Rushmore, something that many of us have seen but forget how truly amazing the process of making it was.  All done through private funding, this is not likely ever seem something of this magnitude in our lifetime being built.  Mt. Rushmore cost $989,992.32 to build, taking 14 years to complete, with over 400 workers to complete, there was not one single death.  Despite the fact that I have been there many times, it was the first with my boys.  It was a fun and affordable trip.

 

That said, there are so many things to do in the midwest over a long weekend, things we easily forget about, its easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or fixate only on glamourous trips.  When there are some great things our children have never seen right here in our back yard!  I will add the liesure trip and lack of internet…gives a lot of time to learn about your family, and hold a lot of conversations you may not ave had otherwise.

 

Top 10 places to go in the Black Hills
http://www.midwestliving.com/blog/travel/top-10-things-to-do-with-kids-the-black-hills/

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Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

 

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Federal Crop Insurance Gets Failing Grade

July 21, 2015 Leave a comment


By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

At the Center for Rural Affairs, we’ve heard from farmers across the Midwest and Great Plains about the negative impacts of federally subsidized crop insurance for over a decade. A farm safety net is important to help family farmers mitigate risks, but there are real concerns with the current crop insurance program. The best way to begin addressing those concerns is through honest assessment of the crop insurance system.

Toward that end, the Center for Rural Affairs recently released a crop insurance report card, entitled:Promises vs. Performance: A Report Card Evaluating Federal Crop Insurance. Most of the grades awarded are not what parents would hope to see on their own child’s school report, and the accompanying Policy Brief offers further analysis and recommended reforms to improve the performance of the crop insurance system. In overall performance, crop insurance received a failing grade (www.cfra.org/crop-insurance-reform).
Subsidizing the nation’s largest and wealthiest farms on every acre, every year, regardless of crop prices, production or farm profitability, puts America’s natural resources at risk. And, absent reform, crop insurance gives mega-farms an advantage in bidding up land costs, driving their smaller neighbors out of business, and preventing the next generation of farmers from ever getting started.
The impact crop insurance will have on future years of farming practices is significant, making reform of the federally subsidized crop insurance system vitally important to the future of rural and small town America.

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