Hank Stark, 100, of Emerson NE


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 Stark of Emerson NE


Harlan Stark, of Emerson, NE, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2015 at Heritage of Emerson in Emerson.

Arrangements are pending with Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson.

Karen Kay Mannschreck, 76, of Hooper NE Formerly of Traer IA


Karen Kay Mannschreck, 76 of Hooper, NE. formerly of Traer, IA, passed away to be with God and family in whom she missed and loved from her heart. She died early Thursday morning December 17, 2015 in Fremont.

Karen was born the daughter of Frank and Alice ‘Briggs’ Tanner. She received her education in Traer/North Tamas Schools. She was united in marriage May 23, 1958 to Gerald LeRoy Mannschreck at the Calvary Baptist Church in Traer. Then a single parent raising a family, Karen lived in Traer as a homemaker and mother. She was employed many years cooking at different places that she loved and did so, well. She touched many people’s hearts with her presence. She devoted her life to family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Alice, brother Johnny Tanner, infant daughter Pamela Jean and three sisters Darlene, Patti, and Brenda.

She is survived by her son Kevin (Yvonne) Mannschreck and daughter Kathy Mannschreck both of Hooper. Her loved grandchildren Jeremy, Robert and Heather; two great grandchildren Michaela Ann and Isaiah Michael. She is also survived by a brother Kent (Linda) Tanner of New Albin, IA; good friend Pam and loving dog Rusty.

There are no local services, further services will be held in Iowa at a later date.

Online guestbook at http://www.hooper-scribner.com

Ludvigsen’s Hooper Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Karen Kay

Karen Kay Mannschreck

AQuESTT Classification Released for Tekamah-Herman School


 By Brandon Lavaley, T-H Superintendent

On December 4th, the Nebraska Department of Education released their AQuESTT classifications for each public school and district in the state. While some of you may have heard or read about the classification, the looming question remains, what is AQuESTT?

Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow (AQuESTT) is the most recent installment of an accountability system for public schools in Nebraska. Previously, each school was ranked based on its respective NeSA (state assessment) scores and graduation rates. This didn’t give much information to districts or patrons because it only referred to a snapshot picture on a single day for assessment scores and graduation rate for one class. AQuESTT is intended to be a multi-faceted tool that represents a school/district in a broader scope, then assigning them a classification score (1-4) rather than ranking from 1 through somewhere in the 200s. In the assignment of classification, a score of 1 indicates a need for improvement, 2 is a rating of good, 3 is a great classification, and 4 is excellent.

AQuESTT has six pillars that are represented within the overall classification. Those pillars are: 1) positive partnerships, relationships, student success, 2) transitions, 3) educational opportunities and access, 4) college and career ready, 5) assessment, and 6) educator effectiveness. The information gathered is through NeSA assessments, school characteristics, and administrator surveys.

While as a school district, we held a public celebration for our achievements and improvements on the NeSA from last spring, we are equally excited about our classification as a school district. The Tekamah-Herman Schools was assigned a classification of 3 (great) when considering all tenets of the AQuESTT system. In addition to receiving a great classification as a district, the high school was assigned a rating of 4 (excellent), of which we are extremely proud.

The AQuESTT system does not replace the continuous improvement cycle that we have used in the past. The data gleaned from AQuESTT is intended to support that process and help districts focus on areas of need, which we will continue to do. The explanation of AQuESTT is brief and probably confusing, as it takes time to become familiar with the system. More information is available online at aquest.com. Thank you for your continued support of the students and staff at Tekamah-Herman Schools.

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Village of Decatur Emergency Meeting Agenda


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING AGENDA

December 18th, 2015
3:30 P.M. CITY HALL

 

NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table. The audience must be quiet during the meeting. If you want to ask a question and you are not on the Agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking. If you are on the Agenda the same rule applies.

 

THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE PUBLIC MEETING WHEN CONVENED. MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A COPY OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT IS LOCATED ON THE NORTH WALL.

 

1)         Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

2)        Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting received:

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

3)        Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

5)         NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Accept Bolln’s resignation

 

2) Nominate new Board member for Bolln’s seat

 

6)        APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Kellogg & Tolby

 

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

________________2nd_________________

 

 

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

 

7)         MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

_______________2nd________________
 

Adjournment Time:

Alvin LeRoy Holiday, 71, of Tekamah NE


Alvin LeRoy Holiday was born to Forrest and Ruth (Clark) Holiday on January 14, 1944 in Silver City, Iowa. He passed away December 15, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Tekamah, Nebraska after a lingering illness.

At an early age, Alvin’s family moved to Nebraska. He attended Hillcrest School and Herman High School in Herman, Nebraska.

On June 13, 1965 Alvin was married to Loretta Johnson of Council Bluffs, Iowa. To this union were born four children: Robin, Stacy, Guy and Rick.

Alvin was a farmer, school custodian and bus driver. He loved fishing, horses and hunting. His biggest love was his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Robert Holiday.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta of Tekamah; children, Robin Holiday of Blair, NE, Stacy (Dave) Dunham of Valley, NE, Guy (Cindy) Holiday of Australia, Rick Holiday of Blair; brothers, Frank (Linda) Holiday of Decatur, NE, Forrest (Linda) Holiday of Kennard, NE, Dan Holiday of Alaska, sisters, Dorothy (Ralph) Martin of Arizona, Dianna (Terry) Pickell of Tekamah; 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Sat., Dec. 19th at 10:00 a.m. at the Golden Living Center in Tekamah NE.

Alvin Holiday

Alvin Holiday

Christmas Concert at Lyons Library Saturday


By Gary Fugman
The joy of Christmas is magnified when we gather together to celebrate.  You are invited to gather together this Saturday, December 19 at 1pm at the Lyons Library.  There the Burt County Brass Quintet and the Bancroft Melody Chimers will present the finale in a series of three area Christmas concerts.  This Saturday in Lyons sounds of Christmas like “Joy to the World”, “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, “Silent Night”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and a peculiar “Most of the Twelve Days of Christmas” will ring through the library.  A reception for all will be held after the concert.
Playing in the Burt County Brass Quintet are Gary Fugman and Jim Groth, trumpets, Lisa Mutzenberger, French horn, Jess Watson, trombone and Viktor Sundleaf, tuba.  Members of the Bancroft Melody Chimers are Connie Bargman, Ruthann Bargman, Janice Daberkow, Sharon Fugman, Ken Headlee, Rachael Macklin, Brenda Trotter, Peggy Renz, and Nicole Sachs.  You can preview this Saturday’s Christmas concert by going online to News Channel Nebraska-Video-Christmas Concert in Bancroft.
Magnify the joy of Christmas this Saturday at 1pm at the Lyons Library with the Burt County Brass Quintet and Bancroft Melody Chimers!
Burt County Brass Quintet and Bancroft Melody Chimers. Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

Burt County Brass Quintet and Bancroft Melody Chimers. Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

We had nice evening for the resident Christmas party last Friday night; it was nice to see all of the family members here for the party.  We would like to thank Wayne Miller for the entertainment and Dan Rosenbaum for playing Santa and a big thanks to all of the staff who helped out, it made for a nice party for the residents. A couple of things going on this week on Thursday December 17th we will be have a Christmas shop open for the resident to come in and do a little Christmas shopping for themselves we will have a large variety to choose from. On Saturday December 19th at 2:30 pm the rusty buckets will be here to perform. Next week is Christmas week and on Thursday December 24th we will be have a Christmas Eve Service at 2:30pm given by Curt Hineline. We have a birthday to celebrate this week Lamae Johnson on December 20th.

Church Service for Sunday December 20th at 2:30 pm will be given by the Craig/Alder Grove Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Monday December 21st at 2:30 pm is Communion with First Lutheran Church and on Tuesday December 22nd at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass with Father Paul.

Activities for the week of December 21st to December 26th are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo the w/Methodist, reading group, Bible Fellowship, Saturday morning Christmas video, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Patty Miller, Dani Moseman, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Ann Anderson, Nadine Anderson, Cathi McMurtry, Mary Fritts, Lola Bridgeford, Sly Rouse, and Seth Anderson.

Guest signing in this past week was; Cathi McMurtry to see Teresa Bowman, also Dawn Anderson and Holly Perez to see Iva Anderson.

Christmas party at Oakland Heights. Photo courtesy of Oakland Heights.

Christmas party at Oakland Heights. Photo courtesy of Oakland Heights.

 

 

 

Track Santa Several Different Ways


PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — The North American Aerospace Defense Command is ready to track Santa for the 60th year, and media are invited to participate in a variety of ways, to include a media availability Dec. 21 showcasing preparations, and conducting live interviews on Dec. 24 with senior NORAD officers.

Here are the many ways media can participate:

Senior NORAD Officers – The senior leaders will be actively tracking Santa and available for live satellite interviews from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. On-scene audio-visual specialists will help facilitate all interviews. Scheduling is necessary in order to accommodate all interested news organizations.

Broadcasters interested in arranging an interview or in downloading video, audio, B-Roll, and select historical “Santa cam” files should contact DVIDS at NORADTracksSanta@dvidshub.net or visit http://www.dvidshub.net/feature/NORADTracksSanta. Click on the media request link. Please adhere to the broadcasting instructions.

Logos, Countdown Clock, and Tracking Map – Media can embed the NORAD Tracks Santa logos, Countdown Clock or Tracking Map (live Dec. 24) on their website by going to http://www.noradsanta.org/?visit=footerPressroom.

Media Day in the NTS Operations Center Dec. 21 – Media are invited to interview NORAD personnel and NORAD Tracks Santa Partners about the preparations for tracking Santa. Interviews will be in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO. Contact NORAD Public Affairs for more information and base access.

Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) – Through DVIDS, NORAD will offer opportunities for live interviews from the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center on Dec. 24 in addition to audio, video, B-Roll, and select historical “Santa cam” files at http://www.dvidshub.net/feature/NORADTracksSanta.

NORAD Tracks Santa Media Operations Center – Media outlets desiring live updates on Santa’s location on Dec. 24 may call the NORAD Tracks Santa Media Center at (719) 556-1910 or (719) 556-5128.Be advised phone lines may be extremely busy.

For other information related to NORAD Tracks Santa, including scheduling interviews with a NORAD Tracks Santa spokesperson, please send an email to: NTSMedia@outlook.com.

Dorothy Brownell, 91, of Allen NE


Dorothy Brownell, 91, of Allen, NE, went to be with the Lord her Savior Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the Saunders Medical Center in Wahoo, NE. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Allen United Methodist Church in Allen, NE; with Pastor Lorri Kentner officiating. The visitation will be Friday, January 1, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE. Burial will be in Eastview Cemetery in Allen, NE. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE.

Dorothy was born November 9, 1924 to John and Cecil (Robinson) Potter in Ulysses, NE. She graduated from Allen High School. Dorothy married Raymond Brownell on April 14 1946, and they blessed this marriage by adopting two children. Dorothy was a full time farm wife and stay at home mother. She was a member of the Sand Hills Club, the Allen United Methodist Church, and the Ladies Aid. Dorothy was also a Rosie Riveter. She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and traveling.

She is survived by her son, Gary (Chriss) Brownell of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter, Pamela (Keith) Simonsen of Lincoln, NE; grandchild, Matthew (Julia) Brownell of Vinton, IA, great grandchildren, Katelan, Brittney, Jordyn, and Tanner Brownell of Vinton, IA, and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two infant sons, brothers, brothers-in-law, and sister-in-law.

Dorothy Brownell

Dorothy Brownell