Medicaid Mythbuster #3: Medical Care When You Need It

October 21, 2015 Leave a comment


By Jon Bailey, Guest Writer

Another frequent complaint about Medicaid is that it provides substandard medical coverage. Once again though, the numbers tell a different story. Medicaid coverage provides health care financial peace-of-mind. Not surprisingly, few Medicaid beneficiaries experience financial issues related to health care.
Only 10% of those with Medicaid had problems paying medical bills, and 19% have at least one medical bill that is a problem or a debt. More people with private insurance had both (21% with problems paying or unable to pay a medical bill, and 33% with at least one problem medical bill or medical debt). The uninsured face even more serious health care-related financial difficulties. Over a third (35%) of the uninsured have problems paying medical bills. Nearly half of the uninsured (47%) have at least one problem medical bill or medical debt.
Medicaid out-performs private insurance or being uninsured for measures of obtaining health care when it is needed. Only 10% of those on Medicaid did not visit a doctor or clinic with a medical problem requiring treatment, compared to 17% of those with private insurance and 40% of the uninsured. Only 13% of those on Medicaid did not fill a prescription, compared to 15% of those with private insurance and 30% of the uninsured.
Moreover, less than a quarter of those on Medicaid (23%) had at least one cost-related health care access problem. Meanwhile 30% of those with private insurance and 54% of the uninsured had at least one cost-related health care access problem.
Jon M. Bailey is a rural policy and research expert and former Center for Rural Affairs Policy and Research Director. Contact him at jonmbailey1@gmail.com.

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Special Youth Pheasant Hunt

October 21, 2015 Leave a comment


The statewide youth pheasant, quail and partridge season is Oct. 24–25 and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission again will have a special youth pheasant hunt on 10 wildlife management areas (WMA).

Youth ages 15 and younger are encouraged to participate. Rooster pheasants will be released at specific WMAs before the special youth hunt season. The special hunts are open to the public, and the number of participants is not limited. No registration or special permit is required. Special regulations posted at each of the 10 WMAs will apply to all portions of the designated areas normally open to hunting. All other current youth and regular hunting regulations also will be in effect on these designated areas.

Pheasants will be released at the following WMAs: Pressey (Custer County); Sherman Reservoir (Sherman County); Oak Valley (Madison County); Branched Oak (Lancaster County); Twin Oaks (Johnson County); Hickory Ridge (Johnson County); Wilkinson (Platte County); Peru Bottoms (Nemaha County), Yankee Hill (Lancaster County) and Cornhusker (Hall County).

The special regulations on these WMAs include:

— Only nontoxic shot may be used at Wilkinson and Peru Bottoms.

— Adult mentors must be licensed hunters age 19 or older to accompany a youth.

— Adult mentors may harvest one rooster pheasant per day only.

— The 10 WMAs are the only locations where adults may harvest pheasants during the youth season.

— Cornhusker WMA is a new addition to the list of hunting sites this year.

— Only one adult mentor per youth will be allowed to hunt (additional non-hunting mentors may accompany the youth on the hunt).

— Youth may harvest two roosters per day.

This is the fifth year of the pheasant releases during the special youth season, which is intended to increase youth participation in upland game hunting.

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Betty L. Beckmann, 85, of Norfolk NE

October 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Betty L. Beckmann, 85, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Heritage of Bel Air in Norfolk, Nebraska.

Funeral services are pending with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

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Reynard G. Brehmer, 82, of Lyons NE

October 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Reynard G. Brehmer, 82, of Lyons, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Oakland Heights in Oakland, Nebraska.

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

Reynard Brehmer

Reynard Brehmer

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Robert V. Johnson, 87, of Emerson NE

October 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Robert V. Johnson, 87, of Emerson, NE died on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Heritage of Emerson Nursing Home in Emerson, NE.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Emerson with Pastor Gretchen Ritola officiating. The visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery of Emerson. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Emerson is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

October 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. Oct. 21: The melody chime group will practice at 9:00 am. Come for coffee at 10:00 am. The foot clinic is today starting at 11:00 a.m.; call and set up an appointment. Dominoes will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Oct. 22: Rolls and coffee served from 9:00 am. until noon. Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. and the walking ex class at 10:45 a.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 23: If you want to play in the pinochle tournament at 1:30 p.m.; you will need to sign up.

Sun. Oct. 25: Make plans to come to the senior center to have a Salisbury steak dinner serving from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Your help is needed at the fund raiser dinner; contact the manager if you can help.

Mon .Oct. 26: Stop in for coffee and visit. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30p.m. Make your reservations for tomorrow’s meal.

Tues. Oct. 27: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 am. and walking ex. class at 10:45 am. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 am. Blood pressure clinic at 11:45 a.m. Chicken and chili soup for dinner. Cards will be played in the afternoon.

Wed. Oct. 28: The melody chime group will practice at 9:00 am. Join us for coffee at 10:00 am. The board meeting is at 3:30 p.m. Come and play golf at 1:00 p.m.

 

 

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Darlene Sok, 87, of Lyons NE

October 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Darlene Jean Sok was born to Felix and Genevieve (Chochon) Barnas on January 4, 1928 in Tarnov, Nebraska. She passed away on October 19, 2015 at the Mable Rose Estates in Bellevue, Nebraska at the age of 87 years.

Darlene graduated from St. Michael School in Tarnov. She worked at Armour in Omaha, Nebraska and Hormel in Fremont, Nebraska.

On September 22, 1953 Darlene married Henry A. Sok in Tarnov. To this union were born three children; Paul, Pat and Mary.

After Henry’s death on August 3, 2002, she moved to Lyons, Nebraska. Darlene worked at Oakland-Craig schools in Oakland, Nebraska as a custodian for twenty years. She was an active member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lyons; she was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary and the St. Joseph Altar Society. She also volunteered at the Logan Valley Manor Mass.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Anna Sok; sister and brother-in-law Lorraine (Ralph) Hemmer; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Leon Marquardt, Bernard Spenner, Lillian (Alvin) Vetick, Steve Sok.

She is survived by her son, Paul (Kim) Sok of Winside, NE; daughters, Pat (Mark) Nelson of Omaha, Mary (Gary) Dusenberry of Waterloo, IA; grandchildren, Brandy (Jon) Kroeger, Kelly (Josh) Baulisch, Stephanie (Zachary) Gates, Robert Dusenberry, Miranda Dusenberry, Joshua (Cinzia) Sok, Andrew (Nicole) Sok, Lara (Brian) Lanphear; 6 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Eva Spenner, Marie (Bob) Gill all of Tekamah, NE, Adelene (Art) Laetsch of Atkinson, NE, Jo Marquardt of Omaha, Pat Sok of Fremont, NE.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 10:30 am, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lyons.

VISITATION: Wednesday, 5-7 pm with family receiving friends and a 7 pm VIGIL SERVICE all at Pelan Funeral Services, Lyons. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service at the church.

BURIAL: Lyons Cemetery

MEMORIALS: To the family for designation at a later time.

Darlene Sok

Darlene Sok

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

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City of Oakland Accepting Applications for Utilities Superintendent

October 20, 2015 1 Comment


The City of Oakland is accepting applications for a full-time Utilities Superintendent position to oversee the water and wastewater treatment plants. Successful applicant must possess or have ability to obtain a grade 3 water operator license from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and a grade 2 wastewater operator license from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality within 6 months of hire.
Primary duties include operating, maintaining and repairing of the City water treatment plant, storage reservoirs and distribution system, (including water meters) and operating, maintaining and repairing of the City’s wastewater treatment plant, life stations and collection system. Additional duties include but are not limited to sampling, testing and reporting as required by law, and supervision of all employees within the utilities department. Additional requirements necessary for the position are strong mathematic and biology skills, the ability to lift 100 pounds from ground to waist on occasion, and experience working on aerial lift equipment to heights of 60 feet. Experience with equipment such as front end loaders, backhoes, skid steer loaders, and dump trucks are all preferred. Wage is commensurate with experience and is subject to a specific probationary period.
The successful applicant will receive a benefits package to include employee and family health insurance, retirement plan, sick, vacation and holiday pay. Requirements include graduation from high school or equivalent and a valid Nebraska driver’s license. Applicant must be 18 years of age or older and must pass a drug test. Please submit a resume and application to the City of Oakland, 401 N Oakland Ave, Oakland NE 68045. Applications can be obtained by contacting the City of Oakland at 402-685-5822 or by emailing oakland@skyww.com. Applications will be accepted by the City Clerk until the position is filled. The City of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability and the position is subject to a veteran’s preference.

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A Spectacular View of Summit Lake

October 20, 2015 Leave a comment


A view of Summit Lake near Tekamah and Craig NE. We were out for a drive and I always have my camera with. I also had a new lens and wanted to practice with it. We were much further away than the photos indicate. It was a beautiful day for a drive and Summit Lake just sparkled! All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A view of Summit Lake near Tekamah and Craig NE. We were out for a drive and I always have my camera with. I also had a new lens and wanted to practice with it. We were much further away than the photos indicate. It was a beautiful day for a drive and Summit Lake just sparkled! All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

DSC07685 DSC07686

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Lady Cougars Earn Ninth Place in EHC Tournament

October 20, 2015 Leave a comment


By Clare Wiltse, Sports Contributor

The Lady Cougars went on a roll at the EHC Conference Volleyball Tournament.  After losing the first match against West Point-Beemer Northeast went into the loser’s bracket.  In these consolation games LDNE picked up three straight wins and claim ninth place in the tournament.

The Cougars did all this without starting outside hitter Brianne Haskell.  Brianne was attending the Global World Food Prize Youth Institute in Des Moines.

“Our team is so amazing to work with,” said Coach Angela Hathaway. “The remaining 9 girls that we had for the Conference Tournament pulled together, adjusted, and did all that I asked of them. We had to move a few girls around and play a freshmen that didn’t have much experience, but the girls all play well together and that translated throughout the games. “

After dropping their match to the Cadets in straight sets Northeast came back with a 25-14, 25-13 conquest of Madison.  They were spurred on by Madie Ronnfeldt who hit 0.545 with 7 kills..  The team hit 0.316 for the match.

Kelly Wakeley gave the team a boost with 11 kills when they defeated Clarkson/Leigh in the consolation semi-finals on Saturday morning.  LDNE put up winning scores of 25-20 and 25-16.  Abby Peterson transitioned from her libero position to play in the front row.

The coach commented, “Kelly is a solid player for us. She stepped up her game with her hitting and her defense. Abby transitioned over to a right side to play in all six rotations. It was fun to watch the girls in some different roles.”

In he finals, the Cougars struggled on the attack against Bancroft-Rosalie as they hit only 0.071 and had 13 hitting errors.  Madie Ronnfeldt had another  outstanding game with 5 kills and 11 digs

“Madie stepped up her game for both games. Her defense and offense were on point. We did have some hitting errors but our defense backed us up.,” said the Coach.

Earlier in the week the Cougar had a home match against North Bend Central..  The C-1 rated Tigers overpowered Northeast in three straight  games, 25 too 10, 21, and 18.  The Cougars attack was led by Kelly Wakeley with 7 kills and Tessie Collins with 5.

NBC 25 25 25
LDNE 10 21 18

Abby Peterson  5 digs
Brandi Simonsen  1 dig
Brianne Haskell   3 kills   9 digs
Kelly Wakeley  7 kills   9 digs
Lexie Bacon  1 kill  7 set  assists  9 digs
Madie Ronnfeldt  4 kills  1 dig
Mickayla Petersen  2 kills    11 set assists  4 digs
Tessie Collins   5 kills   1 dig

East Husker Tournament

WP-B 25 25
LDNE 14 10

Abby Peterson  1 kill 4 digs
Brandi Simonsen  1 dig
Kelly Wakeley  3 kills   10 digs
Lexie Bacon  2 kills  6 set  assists  2 digs
Madie Ronnfeldt  1 kill  1 kill  6 dig
Mickayla Petersen  1 kill   1 dig
Tessie Collins   2 kills

LDNE 25 25
Madison 14 14

Abby Peterson  1 kill 5 digs
Brandi Simonsen  5 digs
Kelly Wakeley  4 kills   8 digs
Lexie Bacon  14 set  assists  3 digs
Madie Ronnfeldt  1 ace  7 kills   1 block
Mickayla Petersen  1 ace  2 kills  1 dig
Sophia Henneman  4 aces
Tessie Collins   2 kills   2 blocks   6 digs

LDNE 25 25
C/L 20 16

Abby Peterson  2 kills  1 set assist  4 digs
Brandi Simonsen  10 digs
Kelly Wakeley  1 ace   11 kills   7 digs
Lexie Bacon  1 ace  18 set  assists  6 digs
Madie Ronnfeldt  1 ace  7 kills   1 block    11 digs
Mickayla Petersen   2 kills  1 dig
Sophia Henneman   3 digs
Tessie Collins    1 ace     3 digs

LDNE 25 25
B-R 17 21

Abby Peterson  1 kill    1 block   1 set assist  8 digs
Brandi Simonsen  3 digs
Kelly Wakeley   3  kills   9 digs
Lexie Bacon  2 aces  13 set  assists  9 digs
Madie Ronnfeldt  1 ace  5 kills   1 block    11 digs
Mickayla Petersen   1 ace   4 kills  1 set assist
Sophia Henneman   1 ace
Tessie Collins    4 kill   2 blocks   1 set assists   5 digs

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