Bureau Seeking Comment for Dam Repairs

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking comment regarding an environmental assessment document for the dam at Box Butte State Recreation Area north of Hemingford. Engineers have identified problems with sedimentation through the dam’s toe drain – a perforated pipe that runs along the base of the earthen dam to collect water from the reservoir’s seepage and move it to the downstream side of the embankment.

The bureau prepared the draft to evaluate environmental consequences of undertaking corrective actions to the dam. The goal is to reduce the risk of dam failure and maintain it at satisfactory levels for its variety of uses.

Among the bureau’s three listed alternatives are to, one, take no action and continue monitoring the dam; two, to replace the toe drain on the dam; and, three, to permanently restrict the reservoir to an elevation of 3,995 feet.

The dam at Box Butte Reservoir, which is situated along the Niobrara River, is used for both irrigation and recreation. As of Jan. 11, its elevation was 3,999 feet – just over 60 percent capacity under current guidelines.

Comments will be received through Feb. 12. They may be sent by mail to the Bureau of Reclamation, Attn: Lucas Milheiser; at 1706 W. 3rd St., McCook, NE 69001. Comments may also be submitted through the online comment portal on the project website, http://www.usbr.gov/gp/nkao/nepa/box_butte.html.

The document is also available by hard copy by contacting Milheiser at (308) 345-8323.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

January 19, 2016 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. Jan. 20: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee at 9:30 am. Sign up to play 5-handed pinochle at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Jan. 21: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee, 9-11 a.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Jan.22: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. There will be a pinochle tournament at 1:30 p.m., remember to sign up if you want to play.

Mon. Jan. 25: The monthly board meeting is at 10:30 this morning. Sign up if you want to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. Jan. 26: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. The noon meal will be fried chicken. Cards and dominoes will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Jan. 27: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee with us at 10:30 a.m. Would you like to play the golf game at 1:30 p.m., the gals will teach you if you don’t know how to play.

 

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Winter Weather Advisory for Tomorrow

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment 


MONONA-HARRISON-SHELBY-POTTAWATTAMIE-MILLS-MONTGOMERY-FREMONT-
PAGE-THURSTON-WAYNE-MADISON-STANTON-CUMING-BURT-PLATTE-COLFAX-
DODGE-WASHINGTON-BUTLER-SAUNDERS-DOUGLAS-SARPY-LANCASTER-CASS-
OTOE-JOHNSON-NEMAHA-PAWNEE-RICHARDSON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ONAWA...MAPLETON...MISSOURI VALLEY...

WOODBINE...LOGAN...DUNLAP...HARLAN...COUNCIL BLUFFS...GLENWOOD...

RED OAK...SIDNEY...HAMBURG...TABOR...FARRAGUT...CLARINDA...

SHENANDOAH...PENDER...MACY...WALTHILL...WINNEBAGO...WAYNE...

NORFOLK...STANTON...WEST POINT...WISNER...TEKAMAH...OAKLAND...

LYONS...DECATUR...COLUMBUS...SCHUYLER...FREMONT...BLAIR...

DAVID CITY...WAHOO...ASHLAND...YUTAN...OMAHA...BELLEVUE...

PAPILLION...LA VISTA...LINCOLN...PLATTSMOUTH...NEBRASKA CITY...

TECUMSEH...STERLING...AUBURN...PAWNEE CITY...TABLE ROCK...

FALLS CITY
347 PM CST MON JAN 18 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 6 PM CST
TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN OMAHA/VALLEY HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 6 PM
CST TUESDAY.

* EXPECT SNOW TO DEVELOP AROUND 4 AM TUESDAY AND THEN DIMINISH BY 6
PM TUESDAY.

* THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL RATES WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 6 AM AND NOON 
TUESDAY. 

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED. 

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES. 

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE 
MORNING COMMUTE ON TUESDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

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Short Session of 104th Legislature Has Convened

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Day one of the Second Session of the 104th Legislature convened on Wednesday, January 6th and ends April 20th – a short, 60 day session. Three of my bills from the first session remain in committee: two offer property tax relief; and the third makes a payment system fairer for those seeking modifications of child custody, support, or parenting time whether the parents are married or unmarried.

 

On day one, I submitted a legislative resolution (LR388) to pay tribute to fallen hero Joseph G. Lemm, who was raised in District 16 and was a 1989 graduate from Beemer High School in West Point. The NYPD detective and staff sergeant in the National Guard passed away on December 21, 2015 from wounds received while serving our country in Afghanistan. We extend condolences to detective Lemm’s family and friends who remain in our thoughts and prayers. The memorial service is Saturday, January 16th at 1:00 p.m. in the Beemer Elementary School gymnasium.

 

On day two, as Vice Chairperson of the Transportation Committee, I was invited to a press conference with Governor Ricketts and our committee. During the press conference announce Governor Ricketts announced one of his 2016 legislative agenda items: the creation of a transportation infrastructure bank. The infrastructure bank will be administered by the Nebraska Department of Roads and will help accelerate Nebraska’s roads construction and repair. Simply stated, $150 million will be phased in through cash reserve transfers. More information can be found here: https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/transportation-initiative-accelerate-roads-projects-unveiled-governor-ricketts-chairman-smith. The Governor’s State of the State will be on NET at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14th. Also on day two, during the Rules Committee hearing, I testified as a proponent for a rule change that would require senators’ votes for each committee chairperson and for the Speaker to be open to the public.

 

On day three, bill introduction continued. Presently, I introduced two new bills. The first bill, LB757, increases the amount of personal property that can be exempted for individuals filing bankruptcy. The statute governing exemptions has not been updated in 17 years. Mandating a larger amount for exemptions allows individuals filing bankruptcy to get back on their feet.

 

The second bill, LB811, was brought to me by the DMV. It eliminates all county numbered license plates in counties over 100,000 people, which are Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy. This bill will provide a savings to the state by cutting down on duplicate plates in those counties; and it will also add efficiency to the DMV by eliminating the confusion caused by the duplicates.
We have a new Legislative Aide in my office, Brett Waite, who has a strong background in the Constitution and the sciences. Katie Wattermann, who is from District 16, remains, thankfully, my Administrative Aide. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or my office via email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov or via phone at 402-471-2728; or stop by Room 1016 if you are at the Capitol. Legislative sessions and committee hearings are broadcast on NET found here: http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government.

Lydia Brasch

Lydia Brasch

 

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License Dogs Now Before Fee Goes Up!

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


Don’t forget, dog licenses are still only $10 through the end of January. Fee goes up to $35 February 1st,  so stop in the Oakland City Office today!

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Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


REGULAR MEETING

CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA

 

MEETING NOTICE:

            NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska, will be held at 5:30 on Monday January 18, 2015 at the Municipal Building, 401 North Oakland Avenue in Oakland, Nebraska for the regular monthly meeting.

An agenda for such meeting, kept continuously current is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. Except for items of an emergency nature, the agenda shall not be enlarged later than twenty-four hours before the scheduled commencement of the meeting.

______________________________________________________________________________

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

      I.         CALL TO ORDER

 

A.   Roll Call

B.   Establishment of a Quorum

C.   Reminder of Open Meeting Laws/Poster

D.   Approval of Minutes of December 21st, 2015 meeting

E.    Treasurer’s Report

 

  1. SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

 

  • COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS

F.    Police Department

G.   Library- Rosa Schmidt and Audrey Unwin- Engineered design for new Library

H.   Park department, Street department, Water and Sewer department, Library

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

    V.         NEW BUSINESS

I.     Zoning- Oakland City Park

J.     Hiring of new Water and Sewer operator

K.   Travel request for Katie Onken IIMC Clerk Conference May 22,2016-May 26, 2016 in Omaha

 

  VI.         INFORMATION ITEM

 

  • DISCUSSION

 

                 

  • CLOSED SESSION

 

  1. APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS BILLS AND WARRANTS

Approval by motion

  1. ADJOURNMENT

Registered Agenda Speakers

                  The Mayor or Presiding Meeting Officer reserves the right to deny this request, or will call you to the center front podium when your agenda Item is ready to be heard. Presentations, if allowed, may be limited to five (5) minutes per person, with a limit of three (3) individuals speaking per topic position. Please come to the center front podium, and clearly state your name and address for the record and the agenda topic you wish to speak upon in a professional manner.

                  The Mayor and City Council reserve the right to enter into an executive session at any time during the meeting, in accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, even though the closed session may not be indicated on the agenda.

                  It is the intention of the Mayor and City Council to take up the items on the agenda in sequential order. However, the Mayor and City Council reserve the right to take up matters in a different order to accommodate the schedules of the city council members, persons having items on the agenda, and the public

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Esther M. Watkins, 83, of Hubbard NE

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


Esther M. Watkins, 83, of Hubbard, Nebraska died on Friday, January 15, 2016 at Regency Square Nursing Home in South Sioux City, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 10:30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, Father Gerald Leise will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, NE. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Emerson, NE. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Emerson is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Siouxland, Queen of Peace and Ella Watkins Fund.

Esther was born on July 6, 1932 in Emerson, NE, the daughter of Thomas and Lena (Hoeck) Belt. Esther was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. After graduating from High School in Emerson, she was united in marriage to Charles Watkins on December 29, 1951 in Emerson, NE. The couple made their home in Hubbard, raising their children. Esther enjoyed embroidering, making quilts, stamp and coin collecting, and traveling throughout the United States. She was crazy about baseball games, a 4-H leader, softball coach and enjoyed working with her flowers and watching the birds and squirrels. Most of all she cherished the time spent with her family.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, an officer of the Legion Auxiliary, Harty McNally in Jackson, NE for 25 years, a Senior Homemaker and won the Good Neighbor Award in 1984.

Esther is survived by her children; sons: Daniel & Sue of Suquamish, WA , William of North Sioux City, SD, James & Donell of Hubbard, NE. daughters: Kathleen Straube of Lincoln, NE, Barb Hoyt of Sioux City, IA, Patty & Todd Anderson of Doniphan, NE, Sharon & Jim Harral of Hubbard, NE, Joann & Dean Peters of Omaha, NE, Pam & Randy Colwell of South Sioux City, NE, Lisa & Bill Reppert of Pender, NE. She is also survived by her 29 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, infant sons Charles L. and Ronald A. Watkins, grandchildren: Joseph Harral and Alicia Anderson and a great granddaughter Sabrina Beck, 3 brothers and 2 sisters and an infant brother.

Esther Watkins

Esther Watkins

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Iola B. Hargens, 95, of Hooper NE

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


Iola B. Hargens age 95, of Hooper
Died Saturday January 16, 2016 at the Hooper Care Center

Iola was born September 17, 1920 in Primrose, Nebraska to Wesley and Maude ‘Pryer’ Stigile. She grew up there until moving to Hooper in 1935. Iola graduated from Hooper High School in 1937. She went to Nebraska Wesleyan and the Bryan School of Nursing, graduating in 1942 with RN and BSN degrees. She was married to William C. Hargens on December 20, 1942 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hooper. After their marriage she was head of Pediatric Nursing in Norfolk, Virginia while Bill was stationed there during WWII. The couple’s daughter Joan was born at Chelsea Naval Hospital near Boston. The family returned to Hooper where Bill worked at the bank and their son Joel was born. During the time Iola was raising her family, she also worked as a home health nurse and as the school nurse at Logan View Schools for 15 years.

Iola was a very active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper and loved God very much, read the bible and found comfort and peace in faithful prayer. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter in Hooper as well as the American Legion Auxiliary and several bridge clubs. She loved to read and collect antiques, but her favorite thing was spending time with her family especially her grand and great grandchildren.

Survivors:
Daughter – Joan (Rev. Ron) Nelson of Fremont
Son – Joel (Carol) Hargens of Hooper
Grandchildren – Pamela Sue (Jim) Hollis, Catherine Ann (Bradley) Edmondson, Michael Alan (Sage) Nelson, Lee (Brenda) Nelson, Mary Jo (B.J.) Reynolds, Ruth Ann (Jason) Horvatich.
10 great grandchildren
Sister – Lois Youngerman of Wayne
Sisters-in-law – Illa Stalp of West Point
Jeanine Tillman of Fremont

Iola was preceded in death by her husband Bill in December of 1997.

The funeral will be 10:30am Wednesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. The Rev. Joel Schroeder will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hooper Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church and Hooper Care Center. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at Ludvigsen’s Hooper Funeral Chapel.

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

Iola Hargens

Iola Hargens

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Judith E. Anderson, 75, of Tekamah NE

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


Judith E. Anderson died January 16, 2016 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Judith Eleanor (Bruce) Anderson was born to Alvin John “A. J.” and Eleanor M. (Farnam) Bruce in Tekamah, Nebraska on November 23, 1940. She was born, raised, and lived nearly her entire adult life in Tekamah. After graduating from Tekamah High School in 1958, she graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1962, with a BS in Education.

Judy was a kindergarten teacher in Sunnyvale, California from 1961-1962 and at the Havelock School in Lincoln, Nebraska 1962-1965.

Judy was united in marriage to Ralph M. Anderson, Jr. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah on August 18, 1963.

Judy was a lifetime and faithful member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where she served as work group co chairman for over 30 years and as secretary of the Lutheran Church Council. She served as President of PEO Chapter DC and the Tekamah Library Board. She was a long time volunteer of the American Cancer Society and long time member of the Tekamah Book Club. She was honored as an Aksarben Countess in 1961. Judy loved to read, play bridge, boat on the Missouri River, and spend time in Okoboji, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband Ralph M. “Mick” Anderson, Jr of Tekamah; son Michael Thomas Anderson and his wife Brenda of Las Vegas, Nevada; and daughter Amy Louise Wenstrom and her husband Shawn and children Julia Louise and Thomas John of Farmington, Minnesota.

The Memorial Service will be Tues., Jan. 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanual Lutheran Church in Tekamah NE. Burial will be at a later date in the Tekamah Cemetery.

Judith Anderson

Judith Anderson

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Closings and Cancellations

January 17, 2016 Leave a comment


Sorry I am a little late. My computer doesn’t want to work today either!

CRAIG-ALDER GROVE PARISH – CRAIG,NE  
Closed Sunday .
ELIM LUTHERAN CHURCH – HOOPER,NE  
Event Cancelled Sunday – No 9:00 A.M. Service
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH – OAKLAND,NE  
Event Cancelled Sunday – No Sunday School
LYONS METHODIST CHURCH – LYONS,NE  
Event Cancelled Sunday – No Services or Sunday School
OAKLAND METHODIST CHURCH – OAKLAND,NE  
Event Cancelled Sunday – No Services or Sunday School

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH – WALTHILL,NE
Closed Sunday – No Church or Sunday at either Trinity, Walthill or Trinity, Decatur

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