Change is in the Air!

December 23, 2015 Leave a comment


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (December, 2015)

I can’t believe that I am writing about the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) again. However, this time it is good news! The United States Congress passed– through a bipartisan effort with an overwhelming majority in the House and the Senate– the reauthorization of ESEA which has been titled Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). On December 10th, President Obama signed it into law!

Granted, this bipartisan effort should have occurred in 2007, but better late than never. Nebraska schools are finally rid of the previous version of ESEA which was titled No Child Left Behind. For 15 years, states and local school districts were saddled with federal education law that left many schools and states behind! While ESSA may not be perfect, it is a good step for Nebraska schools and school districts. It puts the responsibility and accountability for education back in the hands of states and local school districts and, most importantly, local educators, who are better prepared to know how to improve schools and opportunities for all students.

Key priorities in ESSA that benefit Nebraska include: states remain in control of standards and assessments; states are given flexibility for developing and implementing state accountability systems; and, the lowest-performing schools still receive focused attention and support. The accountability stars finally may be aligned for Nebraska. The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act coincides with Nebraska’s roll out of our new accountability system, Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow (AQuESTT).

At the December 4th State Board of Education meeting, the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) released the accountability classifications of Nebraska schools and school districts. Under the new system, all public schools and districts are classified as Excellent, Great, Good or Needs Improvement. To find out the classification of any school or district in Nebraska or to learn more about AQuESTT, go to: www. AQuESTT.com . In addition, the State Board approved the Commissioner of Education’s recommendation for the identification of three priority schools. The priority schools were identified from a list of schools classified as Needs Improvement, those schools most in need of support to improve. NDE staff did an amazing job analyzing schools finding patterns among schools. They found that schools needing improvement fall into four primary types of schools. These are: schools with mixed poverty levels in small communities widely dispersed statewide; schools in small to mid-size communities with changing demographics; Native American schools; and, urban/metro schools with poverty levels higher than the state’s average. The three priority schools identified were Santee Middle School, Loup County Elementary School and Druid Hill Elementary School in Omaha. During the next few weeks, NDE will work with these three schools to assess their specific needs, develop action plans in partnership with the schools and identify support and intervention teams to work with the priority schools. These teams will help identify specific strategies to address student achievement needs and assist in the development of school specific plans focused on improving student achievement.

As I reflect on accountability and the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act, I am excited to be a part of education in Nebraska. I know that our local school boards, administrators and teachers will work with students, parents and communities to continue to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Every Student Every Day!! Our new accountability system may not be perfect, but was developed with input from across Nebraska, and it will be improved with continuing input from across the state. It is an honor and a privilege to live in Nebraska and to serve Nebraskans. Nebraska may be nice, but we are also still “the good life,” and we know what is good for education in our state. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

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.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

December 23, 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. Dec. 23: No melody chime practice for the rest of this month. Come and have coffee at 9:30 am. Sign up for the pinochle tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Dec. 24: Today we will be open from 8:30 to 12:00 p.m. Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee from 9 – 11 a.m. Center will be closed in the afternoon.

Fri. Dec. 25: The center is closed. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Mon Dec. 28: Sign up to play in the pinochle tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. Dec. 29: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Come and have coffee with us in the morning. We will have a pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Dec. 30: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. The foot clinic will be from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 or 3:30 p.m. call or stop in and make an appointment. If you are over 65 years of age Medicare will pay for this service. Dominoes will be played at 1:30 p.m.

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

December 23, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

We would like to wish everyone Happy Holiday.  Thursday December 24th we will be having a Christmas Eve service with Pastor Hineline at 2:30 pm. Next week on Monday December 28th at 2:30 pm is the monthly Resident Council meeting. Then on Thursday we will be having a New Year’s Eve party for the residents at 2:30 pm.

Church Service for Sunday December 27th at 2:30 pm will be given by the First United Methodist Church with a luncheon served afterwards.

Activities for the week of December 28th to January 2nd   are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo the w/VFW Aux., reading group, Bible Fellowship, Saturday morning video, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Patty Miller, Dani Moseman, Mary Donavon, Donna Baldwin, Bonnie Fleischman, Ann Anderson, Nadine Anderson, Pat Anderson, Sly Rouse, and Seth Anderson.

Guest signing in this past week was: Sandra and Marcia Anderson to see Teresa Bowman, Jackie Caldwell and Larry Dean Anderson. Mary and Doug Christenson to visit Cathy Huff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mary Ellen Sundell, 88, of Wakefield NE

December 23, 2015 Leave a comment


Mary Ellen Sundell, 88, of Wakefield, NE died on Tuesday, December 22, 2105 at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE.

Funeral services for Mary Ellen are pending at this time with Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Wakefield.

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The Season of Giving

December 23, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

The holidays are a special time of the year for many Nebraskans.  It’s not only a time for us to celebrate the blessings we have enjoyed, but it’s also a season of giving.  During this season, many of you, like myself, draw inspiration and hope from Christmas and the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Whatever tradition you observe, the holidays are a time when many of us selflessly reaffirm our commitment to giving back to our communities.

 

One of the great things about Nebraskans is that they are engaged in their communities, their schools, and their churches.  When Nebraskans volunteer they demonstrate the highest spirit of Nebraska.  From Rotary clubs to your local food bank, the work of volunteers is at the heart of civic life in every community across Nebraska.  This generosity and selflessness has a big impact on our state, which ranks in the top ten nationally for volunteerism.  According to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), volunteers in our state contributed 61.3 million hours of service activity in 2014 which have a value estimated at $1.4 billion.  Nebraskans are not only generous with their time, but also with their finances.  Last year, over 56% of Nebraskans donated at least $25 to charity.

 

Earlier this year, I teamed up with ServeNebraska to host the first annual Step Forward Awards to honor some of the most active and dedicated volunteers from across our state.  While we honored many people, I want to highlight one young Nebraskan who stood out.  Randa, from Silver Lake, was awarded the Young Nebraskan Step Forward Award.  She dedicates countless hours of time to the American Red Cross, her local community club, the Salvation Army, and Kids Against Hunger among others.  She is a great example of the countless Nebraskans who put service above self in so many organizations throughout our state.

 

Nebraska’s veterans are also devoted volunteers.  Many of our servicemen and women who protect our way of life in the line of duty continue their service through volunteerism when they return home.  In November, CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer visited Nebraska to help me honor veterans in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps for their service and volunteerism in our state.  Veterans contribute to our communities through a wide variety of services ranging from a student-veteran outreach program at Bellevue University to the Veteran Fire Corps, which engages teams of military veterans in wild land fire mitigations.

 

The numerous families that foster and adopt each year are another great example of how selfless and giving Nebraskans are.  Foster and adoptive parents in our state provide a caring family for many who have experienced trauma.  Recently, I joined the Department of Health and Human Services to honor the Christensen family for their outstanding work with their adopted daughter Joy.  In January, the Christensens will be awarded the Casey Excellence for Children Award, an award honoring their loving sacrifice for their new daughter.

 

Thank you for everything you do to give back to your community throughout the year.  During this season, I encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities and reaffirm your commitment to giving back to your community.  For more information on how to volunteer in your community, visit www.serve.gov.  Additionally, I encourage you to mark your calendar and participate in the upcoming ServeNebraska Week of Service which will take place April 9-16, 2016.

 

On another note, one of the things the Legislature and I have heard from Nebraskans is that the state needs to do a better job of communicating how much property tax relief we are providing.  Speaker Hadley and I recently announced that the Nebraska Department of Revenue would be mailing a postcard notifying many Nebraska property owners about their Property Tax Credit Relief Fund credit for 2015.  If your property received $50 or more from the Property Tax Credit Relief fund and you have not received the postcard already, you should very shortly.

 

The postcard contains information about a tax credit that is applied directly to your property tax bill sent to you by your county.  Be sure to look closely at your tax bill to see how the tax credit impacts your property taxes and how the State of Nebraska is defraying some of your property tax burden.  This postcard does not mean property owners will receive a check or an additional credit on top of what is included in your tax statement.  The amount on the postcard matches the credit included on your property tax statement.  If you have any questions about the postcard when you receive it, please email pete.ricketts@nebraska.govor call my office at 402-471-2244.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

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Fischer Mourns the Loss of Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm

December 23, 2015 Leave a comment


“Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm served many years as a member of the New York Police Department and the Air National Guard. His death is a major loss for Nebraska and our nation. My deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time. This tragic loss is a reminder of the grave dangers our service members face around the world, and we keep them in our prayers this holiday season.”

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

 

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Santa Claus Comes to the Oakland Public Library

December 22, 2015 Leave a comment


Santa arrived at the Oakland Library today, visiting all the girls and boys, who were so excited to share their wish lists for Christmas with Santa. They also enjoyed craft time, coloring pictures of Santa while he looked on. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Santa arrived at the Oakland Library today, visiting all the girls and boys, who were so excited to share their wish lists for Christmas with Santa. They also enjoyed craft time, coloring pictures of Santa while he looked on. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Harlan Stark, 100, of Emerson NE

December 22, 2015 Leave a comment


Harlan Stark, 100, of Emerson, Nebraska passed away Sunday, December 20, 2015 at Heritage of Emerson in Emerson, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson; with Pastor Gretchen Ritola officiating. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the church with a prayer service starting a 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson. Memorials may be directed to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson.

Harlan was born December 27, 1914 in Emerson, NE to Arthur and Amanda (Schoening) Stark. He attended grade school in Emerson. On February 21, 1941, Harlan married Vivian Gradert in Emerson. The couple had two children. He farmed in the Emerson area until his retirement in 1979.

Harlan loved to be outdoors fishing, playing horseshoes, and gardening. He also enjoyed playing pool and playing cards, especially pitch. The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage of Emerson for their kindness and friendship shown to Harlan and his family over the past years.

He is survived by sons, Harvey Stark of Sioux City, IA, Dennis (Charlotte) Stark of West Des Moines, IA, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vivian; and three brothers.

Harlan Stark

Harlan Stark

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Verah G. Lallman, 85, of Fremont Formerly of Tekamah NE

December 22, 2015 Leave a comment


Verah G. Lallman, 85 years, of Fremont, NE died December 20, 2015 at Premier Estates in Fremont.

Verah was born March 21, 1930 in Tekamah, NE to Walter and Doris(Trowbridge)Beum. She grew up in Tekamah and was a 1948 graduate of Tekamah High School. Verah married Marvin L. Fox on May 27, 1951 in Tekamah. The couple lived at Wahoo, NE for 1 year before returning to Tekamah. They moved to Arlington, NE in 1958. They later divorced. She married August C. Lallman on May 20, 1977 at Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle. The couple resided in Arlington. August died August 1, 2012. Verah had been residing at Premier Estates, formerly Arbor Manor in Fremont since December 2009.

Verah’s work history included Burt County Rural Electrification Association for 3 yrs., Offutt Air Base in Bellevue 1967 to 1970, the Pathfinder Hotel in Fremont for 2 yrs., owned and operated Verah’s Mini-Mart at Arlington, NE for 6 years and ended her working career at Wal-Mart in Fremont.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Tekamah and V.F.W. Auxiliary at Arlington.

She is survived by daughters, Gloria (Les) Raub of Omaha, Georgia (Ed, II) Hollander of Fremont and Gwen Roberts of Clearwater, FL; sons, Gerald Fox of Lyons, NE and Gordon (Holly) Fox of Lawrenceburg, IN; step-daughters, Carolyn (James) Taylor of Arlington and Darlene Lallman of Blair, NE; step-daughter-in-law, Naomi Lallman of New Mexico; sisters, Nada (The Rev. Dale) Shadonix of Ottumwa, IA and Harriet Litel of Minneapolis, MN; 15 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren; 19 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents; husband; step-son, Kenny Lallman; brother, Alfred “Fritz” Claussen; sisters, Lillis Thompson and Waletta Elske; and daughter-in-law, Shelly Fox.

Private family service will be held at a later date.

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Village of Decatur Emergency Meeting Minutes

December 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
December 18, 2015 3:30P.M.

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in an emergency session at 3:30 P.M. at the City Hall on December 18th, 2015. Visitors signing in Georgia Redding, Bob Kellogg, Cheryl Gatewood, attendees not signing in Alta Wolf, Mark Jackson, Kim Brey, Jack Huffman, and Jerry Huffman.

 
1)         The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.
Roll Call: Kellogg-here, Richards-here, Tolby-here

2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes
3)         Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes
4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

All present

 

5)         NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Accept Bolln’s resignation- Board members reviewed Bolln’s letter of

Richards made a motion to accept Bolln’s resignation. 2nd by Tolby Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-           yes, Tolby-yes

 

2) Nominate new Board member for Bolln’s seat-

Kellogg nominated Mark Siecke for Bolln’s seat. Richards made a motion at have Mark Siecke take               Bolln’s seat. 2nd by Tolby Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes

 

6)        APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Kellogg & Tolby

 

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

Tolby 2nd Richards

Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes

 

 

7)         MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

Richards 2nd Kellogg
 

Adjournment Time:   3:34
 

Loretta Kellogg/Chairperson

Ann Chytka /Village Clerk

 

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