Cold Day, Warm Hearts Event at Mahoney State Park

January 15, 2016 Leave a comment


Bring the family to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland for the Cold Day, Warm Hearts and Family Fun event on Jan. 23.

This event from 3 – 6 p.m. at Owen Marina will include archery and ice fishing, if conditions allow. Learn how to build an outdoor shelter, as well as get information on outdoor survival. Children will make winter crafts and roast hot dogs and s’mores over a bonfire.

Meals and s’mores kits will be available for a small fee. A park entry permit is required.

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Viola Enstrom, 98, of Oakland NE

January 14, 2016 Leave a comment


Viola Victoria Verena (Erickson) Enstrom was born February 12, 1917 to Walter and Anna (Bring) Erickson on a farm west of Oakland, Nebraska. She attended grade school at Rock School District #48, four miles outside of Oakland. Viola graduated from Oakland High School in 1934. She was baptized and a member of the West Side Methodist Church, where she played the organ for many years, and directed the choir and male chorus at different times. Viola was a member and officer in United Methodist Women.

On August 26, 1939, Viola was married to William “Bill” H. Enstrom at the West Side Methodist Church in rural Oakland. They farmed and were owners of the local Dairy Queen. They had three children – Maxine Kay, born in 1942, Charles William, born in 1944 and Roger Allen, born in 1951 – all in Oakland. Together they were youth sponsors and Sunday School teachers. Viola and Bill received the AK-SAR-BEN Good Neighbor Award in 1991.

She worked at Oakland Memorial Hospital as Nurse’s Aid for over ten years, served on Oakland Heights Board of Directors and Assisted with Sing-a-Long and Bible Study at Oakland Heights. Viola was awarded the State Volunteer of the Year for Nursing Homes in 1990. She was a volunteer up until her residence at the Nursing Home in November 2014.

Viola was an active member in Garden Club, Neighborhood Circle, East Oaks, Golden Oaks and Hospital Auxiliary. She was a 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star and recipient of “Imhoff Award”. Viola was an original member of the Ring Quilters (RQ) Club. This group was formed when they were young girls and were taught quilting by Pastor Stromberg’s wife, Mabel, at West Side Methodist Church. This group was very close through their lives. Viola was the last living member.

Viola’s life centered around her family, faith and community. She enjoyed doing things for others before herself. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews meant so much to her. If you asked her when any of their birthdays were, she would know. When she had free time, she enjoyed doing puzzles, playing games with family, friends, and neighbors. Her Swedish heritage was very important to her. This included family dinners with the traditional Swedish menu – lutefisk, ostakaka and rye bread.

After her husband died in 2000, Viola lived in an apartment before moving to the Oakland Heights Assisted Living. She attended over 800 exercise sessions at the Oakland Mercy Hospital from July 2001 to June 2012 to improve her cardiovascular health and was recognized for her stamina and perseverance. In 2008, the Oakland Chamber of Commerce presented Viola with the Good Neighbor Award.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; sisters, Myrtle (Marion) Quist, Gloria (Richard) Shalberg, and Leila Erickson; brothers-in-law, Leroy (Ruth) Enstrom, Elmon (Helen) Enstrom, Leland (Ethel) Enstrom; sister-in-law, LaMae (Bryon) Brainard.

She is survived by her daughter, Maxine (Norman) Kassmeier of Lincoln, NE; sons, Charles (Mary) Enstrom of Wichita, KS, Roger (Nancy) Enstrom of Fremont, NE; brother-in-law, Claire (Ardis) Enstrom of Gretna, NE; grandchildren, Tara (Mike) Nagel of Lincoln, Troy (Patty) Kassmeier of Lincoln, Tasa (Jake) Armknecht of Auburn, NE, Tammy Enstrom of Wichita, Anna Enstrom of Fremont, Lisa (Matt) Glathar of Lincoln, Rachel (fiancé, Dylan Howe) Enstrom of Minneapolis, MN; great grandchildren, Madysn and Reid Nagel of Lincoln, Abigayl, Samuel, Cathryn, Tessa Kassmeier of Lincoln, Logan, Rees, Lexi, Crew Armknecht of Auburn, Erica Enstrom and Chase LaPierre of Wichita, Lucy and William Glathar of Lincoln; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitations is Friday, January 15th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland.

The Funeral Service is Saturday, January 16th at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Oakland.

Viola Enstrom

Viola Enstrom

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New Baby of 2015: Graham Thomas Barada

January 14, 2016 Leave a comment


Graham Thomas Barada was born Jan 15, 2015 to Ben and Sara Barada of Omaha NE. Grandparents: Loretta and Sam Barada of Lyons NE and Sandy and Pat Gaydusek of Omaha NE. He weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces. 
Graham Barada.

Graham Barada with parents Ben and Sara.

Graham Barada with parents Ben and Sara.

Graham Barada. All photos courtesy of Graham's grandma, Loretta Barada.

Graham Barada. All photos courtesy of Graham’s grandma, Loretta Barada.

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Dorothy Larson Celebrates 104th Birthday at Oakland Heights

January 14, 2016 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

It was a nice Birthday party last week for Dorothy Larson our oldest resident at the nursing home she turned 104. Next week on Tuesday January 19th we will try and go to Golden Oaks for their potluck dinner at noon, weather permitting. On Thursday January 21st is the monthly Waffle Supper at 5:30 pm.

Church Service for Sunday January 17th at 2:30 pm will be given by the St. John Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Monday January 18th is communion by the Frist United Lutheran church.

Activities for the week of January 18th   to January 22nd   are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo the w/Salem, Reading group, Bible Fellowship, Word Games, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning video, and Lawrence Walk

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Patty Miller, Anne Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Di Ruwi, Nadine Anderson, Pat Anderson, Sly Rouse, and Seth Anderson.

Guest signing in last week was Mary Plageman to see Dorothy Larson.

Dorothy Larson celebrates her 104th birthday. Photo Courtesy of Oakland Heights.

Dorothy Larson celebrates her 104th birthday. Photo Courtesy of Oakland Heights.

 

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Beast Feast is This Saturday, Come and Support Oakland!

January 14, 2016 Leave a comment


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Viola V. Enstrom, 98, of Oakland NE

January 13, 2016 Leave a comment


Viola V. Enstrom, 98 years, of Oakland, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at Oakland Heights in Oakland.

Visitation is Friday, January 15th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland.

The Funeral Service is Saturday, January 16th at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Oakland.

Viola Enstrom

Viola Enstrom

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Social Speaks: Thoughts on Local Schools Consolidating

January 13, 2016 Leave a comment


As editor, I wanted to hear what people have to say about local schools, such as Tekamah-Herman, Oakland-Craig, Lyons-Decatur Northeast and Bancroft-Rosalie, possibly consolidating. Below are several very interesting, informed and insightful responses.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen If we have to consolidate, I wish they had done it with Lyons when the option was there! Not real crazy about my kids having to travel out of town.
 Leann Canarsky Jorgensen Not sure how the people of Decatur would have felt about coming to Oakland, Tekamah would be closer.
Amy Wheaton Why if oakland and lyons went together would the school be in oakland?

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I always thought it would be ideal to have one half way between on hwy 77.

Amy Wheaton I’m so glad my kids are out of school…small towns are disappearing…and so are the schools. Sad to say!

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I wasn’t meaning that it would be in Oakland, I was meaning that it would be further for Decatur if they merged & went half way??? Wouldn’t it be ideal to meet half way than to choose towns? Would you expect it to be in Lyons?

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I’m hoping my kids are out of school before anything like this happens, but we still have 9 years left in school! I hate to see any small town school close….we love our school & the convenience of it being a few blocks from home!

Amy Wheaton No not at all! I thought that’s what you meant since you stated you didn’t want your kids to have to travel!
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I would be much more comfortable going 3 1/2 miles on hwy 77 than I would going 7 miles on 32 if we had to consolidate with T-H. That highway just stinks in the winter! Or even worse, out into the country!

Cara Schulzkump Raabe I’m so glad that my daughter graduates this year. But I still worry about all the kids. In a perfect world, right?

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen In a perfect world, every one will be happy!! Sadly, that will never happen! We need to keep the best interests of our kids & their education in mind & stop worrying about sports! 

Krisa Brown The towns of Decatur, Craig, and soon to be closed Herman have already lost their schools. So those families along with all the country people have been driving or riding the bus for decades. I understand that no town wants to lose their school house, but things change whether we want them to or not. I think people need to look at community on a larger scale than just their own town. The local small town rivalries are gone. No one has to agree, this is just my opinion.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I just don’t agree with putting more kids on the road…..

Krisa Brown Logan View has been doing it for years.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I realize that, & I see what your point is, I just think if they consolidate with T-H, I would probably choose to put my kids in The L-D school instead…..just my choice. Hwy 32 is a terrible road. When we lived in Uehling, we drove our kids to school in Oakland, instead of Logan View & when we lived out by Craig, we chose O-C over T-H ( yes, whoever owned that house chose the T-H school district for less taxes when they were given the choice). I guess any way you look at it, no one will be happy, but I as a parent, have the option to open enroll. I am not opposed to my kids traveling a short distance, but I also need to consider their safety.

Sarah Gramke Completely against. We are a strong school, and doing well financially. There is no “need” for consolidation. There is a need for more classes to be added, but with technology, distance learning with community schools would solve that. If we consolidate we will be a small B school, and not that winning is everything but we will not compete with other big schools, will not get playing time, and will have to try out for everything. Also hwy 32 would be a horrible road to commute on for our kids. I could go on and on with other reasons why its not a good idea. If you look at all of the facts, the negatives of consolidation definitely outnumber the positives. Hope the community members who are against consolidation continue to attend meetings and speak up for what is best for our kids, and our community as a whole.
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen Amen!!!! I cannot imagine my kids traveling on hwy 32 or out in the country to Bertha!! No thanks!! I love our school!!

Kris M Feauto Wow I think that would be a really bad idea.

Teresa Tobin I know I’m not from O-C but just a question to think about. Financially you may be doing great now- what about 10-20 years from now is O-C growing? Are young couples staying in town and raising their kids? I know I’ve seen small town schools here in MO. That did not consolidate and were forced too 5-10 years later cause they didn’t have enough kids! Just a thought!

Sarah Gramke Oakland-Craig is growing. Young people are staying or returning.

Cherry Hanak Why don’t they just build a new high school building , and tear down that old ugly one.

Kristi Bacon How many of u r paying land taxes in the Oakland school district. We have two farms in this district. We can not afford to pay anymore. We r at almost a 100 dollar an acre. OC needs to forget about building n look at other options

Jasmine Haeffner Helzer What should have been done is a school at Bertha. I could care less about sports as that is not what is going to pay the bills when these kids get older. Education is first and foremost. The outlook for rural communities are to hopefully sustain and the likely hood of growth is small. When looking at the numbers there is no tax benefit for a Tekamah-Oakland consolidation all we can hope for is better education.

David Mallette I always thought a merger with LV when the opportunity was there. Good highway to travel…already a new building in existance….I don’t feel a new building for the town and tax payers is the way to go. Oakland will always be my home town, but 10 years from now who knows what young families will be in town to support a new building.

David Mallette When it comes to sports…the BEST athletes make the teams…yes you have to try out and either make a team or your don’t.

Cherry Hanak I don’t even live there , just saying , how many years can people talk about this , nothing ever happens, just saying, again
Susan Reynolds-Seery Living 5 miles out of town is bad enough. My kids ride the bus, so no I don’t drive them, but just recently they got stuck in the snow and was almost 45 minutes late to school. I couldn’t imagine them having to travel farther. I hope they graduate before this goes down or we might be going to West Point and I don’t want to take my kids from their friends, but their safety is more important.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I agree Susan!! I’m hoping this will be years down the road & my kids are out of school too! If everyone would stop complaining about this school or that school & worry about their education, it would be a small miracle! No one wants their kids to travel, but if they have to, wouldn’t the shorter, safer route be best? 
Susan Reynolds-Seery Yes definitely! It’s not the first time they have gotten stuck either. I worry about them every time they go out. We have a great bus driver and I trust him, it’s the weather and roads I don’t trust. I hope in the end it works best for the kids.

Abby Simonsen As a young child I rode the bus from 7 am till right up till school time every morning. Back in the day when we had snow on the ground from Halloween till the end of March. I have so many fun memories of this free time with other kids. Weather you travel two miles or ten, getting the education required to succeed in this wildly changing world is what is important. Sports teaches discipline to fight and succeed when you are out in the big bad world. Consolidation only makes sense if the dollars it takes to run an education establishment are being spent efficiently.

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Nam Van Tran, 82, of Wakefield NE

January 13, 2016 Leave a comment


Nam Van Tran, 82, of Wakefield, NE passed away at his home in Wakefield on December 22, 2015. A private family service was held on December 24th, 2015.

Nam was born on January 5th, 1933, in Bac Lieu Vietnam. He has lived in the Wakefield community for the past 35 years, arriving in Wakefield in 1979.

He was employed at the M.G. Waldbaum Company for 23 years. He married Anh Vu Tran November 19, 1980.

Surviving Nam is his wife, Anh. Daughters: Mai (Lonnie) Harder, Truc (Duong) Mach, Trang (Matt) Dagostino, Thao (Jose) Rangel and Thu Tran. One son, Tri (Whitney) Tran and eight grandchildren: Toan Nguyen, Vanessa McKain, Tiffany Mach, Dylon Harder, Kirk Rangel, Austin Brandt, Charli Beck and Penelope Tran.

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Senator Fischer’s Response to the State of the Union Address

January 13, 2016 Leave a comment


Below is U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s response to the State of the Union address:

“Our nation faces many challenges, from escalating dangers abroad to limited economic opportunities here at home. To provide real and lasting solutions, we need a positive vision to unite behind and move forward. By working together, we can deliver meaningful results and a brighter future for the American people.

 

“Last year, we were able to make progress on many big issues. From enacting a multi-year highway bill and reforming our education system to funding our military and passing policies to help prevent suicide among our veterans, we acted on the will of the American people.

 

“There is more work to do. Building a stronger Nebraska, giving Americans more opportunities and more certainty, and creating flexible options for working families remain at the forefront of my priorities. 

 

“I know many families across our state and across our nation are worried. Whether it’s hardworking parents trying to make ends meet or grandparents concerned about the future we will leave our grandchildren, there is no shortage of anxiety. 

 

“Yet, I believe that our very best days as a nation are ahead. That’s because of my unwavering faith in the fundamental goodness, tenacity, and creativity of the American people. I look forward to pursuing shared solutions worthy of our people in the days and weeks to come.”

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Oakland City Council Meets Monday

January 13, 2016 Leave a comment


The Oakland City Council will meet Monday, January 18th at 5:30 p.m. in the Rosen Room at the Oakland City Auditorium. An agenda is on file at the Oakland City Office for the public. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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