Greg Lee “Rosie” Rosenboom, 62, of Oakland NE

February 29, 2016 Leave a comment


Greg Lee “Rosie” Rosenboom was born January 22, 1954 to Glen and Betty (Clark) Rosenboom in Oakland, Nebraska. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 27, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, at the age of 62.

Greg attended Palmquist District 33 country school, and then graduated from Oakland-Craig High School in 1972. On June 1, 1971, he married Phyllis Faye Wilburn and had Angela Rae. He later married Debbie Elske on October 24, 1981 at the First Baptist Church in Tekamah, Nebraska where they were members. They had 3 children; Molly Lynn, Kelsey Jo, and Zachary Glen.

At the age of eighteen, he started working for Farmland Construction as a contractor for Harold Baldwin. He continued employment with the company his entire life. Greg was multi-talented, he could do almost anything. He loved to cook, to build things, woodworking, John Wayne and most of all to spend time with his grandchildren; he wouldn’t miss a chance to spend time with them. Coffee time at Memories with the gang was one of his favorite times of the day (that’s where he would get the latest news in Oakland). Greg was a kind hearted, well-tempered man; John Wayne said it best “Take ‘er easy pilgrim”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Betty Rosenboom; mother-in-law, Waletta Elske; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marcia (Joe) Mitchell.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie of Oakland; daughter, Angela (Scott) Coe of Smyrna, TN, Molly (Joe) Keehn of Belgrade, NE, Kelsey (Eric) Robinette of Millard, NE, Zachary Rosenboom and fiancé Tori Spanel of Elkhorn, NE; two sisters, Linda (Dave) Kindschuh of West Point, NE, Cheryl (Dan) Ziska of Atkinson, NE; sisters and brothers-in-law Richard (Jane) Elske, Michelle (Matt) Hopkins, Michael Elske; 5 grandchildren, Charlie (12), Trevon (12), Brett (11), Carter (9), Braxton (4); numerous nieces, nephews , great nieces and nephews.

He also had grand-animals; Bruno, Rosie, Nova, Gaze, Oliver, Ralph, Precious, Sadie, Benjamin Franklin, Rastis Abdul, Precious, Pokey, Oscar, and Felix.

Visitation will be held Tues., March 1st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services with the family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be held Wed., March 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Burial is in the Pioneer Cemetery, rural Oakland.

Greg Rosenboom

Greg Rosenboom

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Greg “Rosie” Rosenboom, 62, of Oakland NE

February 29, 2016 Leave a comment


Greg “Rosie” Rosenboom, 62 years, of Oakland, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Visitations will be Tues., March 1st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland NE. Family will be receiving friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Funeral Service is Wed., March 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland NE. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

Burial is in the Pioneer Cemetery in rural Oakland NE.

Greg Rosenboom

Greg Rosenboom

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Burt County Fair Kickoff is Today!

February 27, 2016 Leave a comment


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Oakland-Craig Board of Education February Meeting Minutes

February 26, 2016 Leave a comment


The regular monthly Board of Education meeting was held Monday, February 11, 2016 in the Board Meeting Room in the Elementary Building. Administrators present were Superintendent Smith, Secondary Principal Droescher and Elementary Principal Bland. President Thiele called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and noted the Nebraska Open Meetings Law. Notice of this meeting was properly posted and/or published by advance Public Notice in accordance with Board Policy #2008 with notice and advance agenda given to the President of the Board and all members prior to the meeting date.

 

Schmidt moved that Terry Richards and Gus Ray are absent, excused. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

ROLL CALL

Roll Call was called with the following members present: Anderson, Brett Johnson, Kiley Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Schmidt and Thiele.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

            Magnusson moved that the agenda be approved as presented. Schmidt seconded the motion.   There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

            Student Representative, James Moseman, reported on the happenings at the High School. He reported that there are several opportunities for students to become more politically involved since this is a Presidential election year. Moseman congratulated the Quiz Bowl Team for qualifying for the televised round at the Morningside Quiz Bowl meet. He also congratulated the Girls Basketball team for winning the East Husker Conference tournament. James Moseman attended the Voice of Democracy State Finals in Lincoln and placed 5th. James concluded his report by providing a list of upcoming events and activities.

 

President Thiele welcomed approximately 15 visitors. One patron addressed the Board.

 

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE GENERAL FUND

Pille ­­moved that the February 2016 claims from the General Fund, in the amount of $94,118.44 be approved as presented. Brett Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE QUALIFIED CAPITAL PURPOSE UNDERTAKING FUND (QCPUF)

            Magnusson moved that the February 2016 claims from the QCPUF, in the amount of $900.00 be approved as presented. Brett Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

 

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE LUNCH FUND

Pille ­­moved that the February 2016 claims from the Lunch Fund, in the amount of $13,283.74 be approved as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 2016 BOARD MEETING

Pille moved to approve the minutes from the January 2016 board meeting as presented. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF BOARD GOALS

            Superintendent Smith read the Board Goals. Discussion followed. Schmidt moved to approve the Board Goals for 2016-2017 as amended. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Pille reported that the Buildings Grounds and Transportation Committee will meet in the near future. The Adhoc Committee met on January 26, 2016. Smith provided a copy of the notes from that meeting.

 

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO RETAIN THE PERRY LAW FIRM AND APPROVE THE JOINT COUNSEL AGREEMENT

            Magnusson moved to retain the Perry Law Firm and approve the JOINT COUNSEL AGREEMENT by and between Burt County School District 11-0001, a/k/a Tekamah-Herman Public Schools (“THPS”), and Burt County School District 11-0014, a/k/a Oakland-Craig Public Schools (“OCPS”), with the law firm of Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford, P.C., L.L.O., (“Law Firm”) as joint counsel for the school districts to assist and advise the school districts in regard and relating to a Community Education and Reorganization Plan (the “Plan”) generally along the lines of the Educational Planning Worksheet as presented by educational consultant Mr. Jerry McCall, ECS to the boards of education of the two school districts, a possible bond election, processing of the Plan through state and local officials to completion and all matters ancillary or related thereto (the “Work”), and that the Perry Law Firm shall perform such services hereunder as jointly directed by the THPS and OCPS boards and superintendents of schools. Smith explained this was necessary because Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman both have the same law firm as their general counsel. Schmidt seconded the motion. Much discussion followed. Voting results were: For Motion-6; Against Motion-1 (Anderson); Other-2 (Richards and Ray absent). Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE SPORTS CO-OP WITH TEKAMAH-HERMAN

            Superintendent Smith reported that he had been approached by Tekamah-Herman regarding a sports co-op for boys’ basketball and volleyball. Much discussion followed. The Board directed Smith to form a committee to discuss this further and then report back to the Board.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF BOILER BID FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

            Superintendent Smith shared the 3 bids that were received for replacing a boiler at the elementary. After much discussion, it was decided more specific information was needed. This item was tabled until next month.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF COMPUTERS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL

Principal Droescher and Superintendent Smith reported on the need for additional computers in the high school. After much discussion, Magnusson moved to approve an amount not to exceed $30,000.00 for the purchase of Chrome book computers to be used in the High School. Anderson seconded the motion. No additional discussion followed. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-0; Other-2. Motion carried.

 

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF SCHOOL CALENDAR

Smith presented the school calendar for 2016-2017. Some discussion followed. It was decided to table this item until next month.

 

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

            There were no board member reports.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

            Elementary Principal Bland reported that the NeSA Writing assessment has been completed. MAP testing has begun and the NeSA Reading, Math and Science assessments will begin at the end of March. Several 5th and 6th grade students will be participating in the spelling bee in Lyons next week. Bland presented projections of kindergarten number for the next 3 years. Kindergarten Round Up will be held on March 18th. The size and makeup of the current 1st grade class was discussed. A list of upcoming events and activities was presented. Current PK-6th grade enrollment is 256 students, which is up 1 student from last month and 7 students from last year.

 

Secondary Principal Droescher reported current enrollment for the 7th through 12th grades at 188 students which down 1 from last month and 3 from last year.   The results of the NeSA Writing testing will be provided as they become available. The second window of MAPS testing will begin on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Professional development has been focusing on instruction model work, Canvas training, Grit training and staff meetings. Droescher reported that he participated in a Career Academy tour of the Metro area with representatives from Pender, Bancroft-Rosalie, Lyons-Decatur NE, West Point Beemer and ESU 2. Tommy Nelson and Dylan Swenson were congratulated for their placement at the East Husker Conference wrestling tournament. A list of upcoming events and activities was provided.

 

Superintendent Smith provided a list of upcoming Board Member workshops and asked members for plans to attend.   Our FFA program received a $2,000 grant from Farm Credit Services of America to expand the landscaping and plant vegetables at the elementary building. Curtis Johnson from DLR has started the high school assessment and will provide more information in the near future. Superintendent Smith explained the General Fund budget allocations and provided some historical data on state aid.

 

There being no further business on the agenda of this meeting, President Thiele adjourned this meeting at 10:28 p.m.

 

Secretary,

 

 

 

Julie Ehlers

 

GENERAL FUND
20/20 TECHNOLOGIES LLC $5,570.00
ACTIVITY $80.00
ADE’S PEST CONTROL $370.00
AMERICAN BROADBAND CLEC $141.88
ANDERSON HARDWARE $672.12
BARONE SECURITY SYSTEMS $351.96
BLACK DIAMOND ELECTRONICS $1,487.50
BLAND, JESSICA $153.00
CDW-GOVERNMENT INC $2,760.13
CENTRAL VALLEY AG $3,773.99
CHEMSEARCH $419.23
CHRISTENSEN ELECTRIC LLC $295.12
CITY OF OAKLAND $682.01
CONTINUUM RETAIL ENERGY $5,669.69
DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE INC $263.17
DOLLAR GENERAL-REGIONS 410526 $9.05
DROESCHER, RUSTY $372.50
EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS $87.89
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES $600.00
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #1 $5,386.88
EGAN SUPPLY $125.00
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND EQUIPMENT $119.40
ESU #6 $70.00
ESU 2 $38,506.99
FIRST BANKCARD $1,214.80
HOMETOWN LEASING $1,255.77
JO-DEL ENTERPRISES $778.00
K C PARTS $3,518.62
KSB SCHOOL LAW $1,935.65
LEARN2MOVE, LLC $1,176.06
LYONS-DECATUR N E $75.00
NASB $140.00
NEBRASKA AIR FILTERS $708.73
NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER $4,693.12
OAKLAND INDEPENDENT $605.14
OLSON PLUMBING AND HEATING $571.43
PLAINDEALER PUBLISHING $8.94
PROCOMPUTING CORPORATION $29.00
RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS $5,735.18
SAPP BROTHERS $105.00
SOFTWARE UNLIMITED INC $50.00
STANTON MUSIC BOOSTERS $162.00
SUPPLYWORKS $1,781.68
TELEPHONE CONNECTION, INC. $603.01
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – $390.00
VERN’S PLBMG & HEAT $13.80
WAYNE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL $600.00
$94,118.44
SCHOOL LUNCH FUND
ADVANCED FIRE AND SAFETY INC $112.00
APPEARA $206.46
BRAUNGER FOODS $2,305.42
FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM $3,395.41
HILAND DAIRY FOODS COMPANY, $3,481.99
PEGLER SYSCO $2,688.32
STROMQUIST, PAULA $4.54
VERN’S PLBMG & HEAT $1,089.60
$13,283.74
QUALITY CAPITAL PURPOSE UNDERTAKING FUND
FIRST NATIONAL BANK FREMONT $900.00

 

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A Minute with Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston

February 26, 2016 Leave a comment


The Lyons city council meeting was held two weeks late this month due to the snow storm we had at the beginning of the month. It practically took that long for me to dig out of my driveway with all the snow we had! I can’t praise the city crew enough on the outstanding job they did keeping and getting the streets cleared during that storm. They put in a couple of really long days to allow the public the ability to get out and about after the storm. When you have that much snow it makes it hard on everyone. The city’s main objective is to get the streets cleared in those situations. I know there were concerns about being able to get to mailboxes due to the excessive amount of snow but unfortunately the city crew’s focus is again on street clearing. Homeowners are responsible for clearing out in front of their mailboxes and their driveway entrances. It is just the way it has to be in these situations. So again, I want to shout out a big thank you to the street crew for taking such good care of our community.

February was a busy month but it always is. Thoughts begin to turn to warmer days and all the items that need to be accomplished in the coming year. We had a nice discussion regarding the one and six year plan for street improvement during the public hearing. We have some streets around town that need some TLC but like everything else finding the money to do it can be daunting. There are no grants available for fixing streets unfortunately! We will continue to chip away at the fixing areas of concern. Some will require more financial support from property owners than other areas but we will work together to make appropriate improvements. The council continues to have preliminary conversations regarding adding solar power to our electrical output. We are at a point where we need feedback from the community to see if you feel it is something you feel will be beneficial. In the next couple of months, a short survey will be coming your way regarding solar energy that we would like you to take some time to tell us what you think. The idea of utilizing some solar power to supplement the purchase of electrical power through a community solar garden is intriguing to me but ultimately the decision to move forward will be based on community need, desire, project cost and site placement. The council gave approval to add a couple more horseshoe pits down at Brink Park after working through some space issues. Hopefully the horseshoe league continues to grow and become even more popular and bring people down to the park for entertainment. The recycling baler has been repaired and a couple of light plant pumps are being replaced. We continue to talk to the company that built and installed the water tower. We have some long-term maintenance issues with the tank that we need to get cleared up to the council’s satisfaction. A representative from the company will be at our next council meeting to talk about them. We are currently advertising for pool managers and lifeguards for the upcoming pool season. Please get your applications in soon so we can plan accordingly. We also continue the waiting game on the street lighting grant we applied for last fall. At this point in the game we have to say that no news is good news but it sure is tough waiting for the phone to ring. Again, if we receiving the grant, it will fund the majority of the lighting project we would like to do on Main Street. I know I say it often but keep your fingers crossed!

Lastly, we received our financial report from the city auditor. It is always fascinating to me to see the breakdown of where our money comes from and where it all goes. The city has two components to it generation and disbursement system; the first is the governmental (or general) side and the other is the proprietary (or utility) side. The general side is where all our tax dollars go and out of that account we pay for the expenses of the community center, police, streets, recycling, landfill, parks, pool and library. The utility side pays for everything utility related.   Due to pool and community center capital costs, we had to transfer money from the utility fund to cover on-going expenses as we waited for our grant and tax money to come in. Thank goodness we have the ability to do that to help us cash flow these kinds of big money projects. Once we get the money owed to us we transfer the money back to the utility fund and make it all right with the world. I can tell your life isn’t getting any less expensive but we continue to be good stewards of our tax and utility dollars.

Lastly, I just wanted to mention that you have to the 1st of March to sign-up to run for public office.   So if you have a desire to run, please do so. Every two years you have the opportunity to help shape the future of your city government. This election year is no exception. The Lyons city government needs more good people to lead it into the future! Don’t be afraid to take the leap. It is very rewarding so sign-up today. Enjoy the warming weather! Take care and talk to you soon.

Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

February 26, 2016 Leave a comment


 

Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

It was a nice party for Wilma Neitzke that was held last Friday for her 103rd Birthday. Next week on Monday February 29th at 2:30 is the monthly Resident council meeting and we also start the month of March; it will be a busy month as March holds two holidays St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.

Church Service for Sunday February 28th at 2:30 pm will be given by the First Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Wednesday March 2nd is communion with Pastor Hoden at 1:00 pm.

Activities for the week of February 29th to March 5th are as follows, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Trivia Day, Bingo the w/WOW, reading group, Bible Fellowship, crafts, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning video, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Dani Moseman, Mary Donovan, Anne Anderson, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Pat Anderson, and Sly Rouse.

Activity Memorial Fund

A memorial was given in memory of Virginia Simpson by Jim and Judy Nelson.

 

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Evelyn Morgan, 86, of Decatur NE

February 26, 2016 Leave a comment


Evelyn Eunice (Harmer) Morgan was born October 20, 1929 in Walthill Nebraska to Samuel Everett and Rachel (Bonham) Harmer. She passed away Thursday, February 25th, 2016 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender. She moved with her parents to Decatur at age 2, where they built the family home. She was baptized and confirmed at United Methodist Church in Decatur, where she remained a lifetime member.

She was united in marriage to James Floyd Morgan on May 13, 1947. The couple farmed, raised chickens, pigs and cattle east of the Rosalie area, northwest of Decatur, where they built their home and raised their son and daughter. The couple shared a passion for and attended many music festivals and dances. Jim passed away July 25, 2002. She continued to live on the farm where she loved to work outside, caring for the farmstead, lawn and flowers. She also enjoyed sewing, outdoor painting and “fix-it” challenges, and loved working with machinery and farming with her husband. She enjoyed her children and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rachel and Everett Harmer; brother Charles Harmer; sisters Dorothy Taylor and Everetta Bonneau; sister-in-law Dorothy Shamburg; brother–in-law Rex Morgan.

Survivors include two children, Jim (Jean) Morgan and Kathleen (Jack) Buhr, both of Decatur, sister Mildred Edgington of South Sioux City, brother Sam (Linda) Harmer of Tekamah, brother-in-law Don Bonneau of Henderson Nevada; sisters-in-law Iva Anderson; Verna Vogt; Jean Thomas and Elva Barnett; brothers-in-law Ralph Morgan; Max Morgan; Jack Morgan and Jary Morgan, 5 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The Funeral Service will be Sat., Feb. 27th at 10:30 a.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Lyons NE. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church.

Burial is in the Lyons Cemetery in Lyons NE.

 

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Ditch Diets Forever with Mindful Eating

February 24, 2016 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

Dieting is a multi-billion dollar market.  Even if you don’t think that you need to lose weight, you may be swayed by the plethora of magazine stories devoted to weight loss to the TV shows highlighting biggest weight loss or losers. But the problem with dieting is that it can promote an obsession with food and weight, feelings of failure, guilt and deprivation.  This can lead to a endless cycle of dieting, throwing in the towel and eating anything, dieting again and so on.  If you want to lose weight but would rather ditch diets forever, it may be time to try mindful eating.

 

The same is true for people with diabetes where self-management of the disease can lead to frustrations and feelings of wanting to throw in the towel and just eat whatever makes you feel good at that point.  You may find that the environment in your home is also causing temptations to eat too much or eat foods that may cause issues for your blood sugar control.

 

Mindful eating teaches you that food is nourishment and eating should be enjoyed but we shouldn’t use food to cope with life’s stressors.  Some have called food a cheap emotional cure-all. If you are feeling anxious or stressed chomping your way through a bag of chips may temporarily decrease your anxiety, or if you are bored and lonely, you might turn to food for comfort.

 

How do you start eating mindfully?  How do you make you home and eating habits slim by design?  Join us for the March 14 session of Control Diabetes for Life to learn how mindful eating and slim by design can be key in your efforts of self-management of diabetes.

 

Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, have had diabetes for many years, or are a family member or friend intent on learning as much as you can about the serious disease of diabetes and its life threatening complications we invite you to participate in the March 14 session of “Control of Diabetes for Life”. The theme for the March session is Ready, Set, Go! Diabetes Self-Management a New Look.

 

“Control Your Diabetes for Life” is a program that will help you take charge of your life and learn to control diabetes and get up-to-date information related to controlling diabetes.  The program will take place on Monday, March 14. Through the two-way interactive distance education you will have the opportunity to discuss questions you have with the teaching team of Stacie Petersen, B.S.N. and Certified Diabetes Educator; Deborah Willcox, R.D.,L.M.N.T., of Franciscan Care Services in West Point; and Debra Schroeder, UNL Extension Educator in Cuming County.  Guest speaker for this session will be Terry Nelson, D.P.T., also with Franciscan Care Services.

 

Topics included during the March 14 session are: “Nutrition for Your Eyes”, “Are You Sitting Too Much?”, “What’s New for Diabetes Self-Management”, and “Is Your Home Slim by Design?”

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters. Recipes for diabetic appropriate foods will be shared to help you with food management goals.

 

Participants have the opportunity to attend from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Tekamah Herman Public High School.

 

Participants are asked to pre-register for Control Diabetes for Life by calling the Nebraska Extension Office in Burt County 402/374-2929. Please register by Friday, March 12, so the proper number of handouts may be prepared. School food service staff may earn two hours of continuing education credit for attending.

This program is offered free-of-charge by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Franciscan Care Service of West Point and the schools hosting the presentation. These sessions are designed to supplement the education that you receive from your local diabetes education team and not a substitute for diabetes classes through your local health care providers.

Control your diabetes for life!  Start by attending the March 14 distance education program.  Call 402-374-2929 today to register!

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Senator Brasch Introduces Bill Involving Motor Collisions with Livestock

February 24, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Our seventh week of session – Days 26 through 29 of our 60-day session – adjourned on Friday.

The Legislature did not convene on Monday in honor of Washington’s Birthday, a United States federal holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of February. Officially started as a way to honor the birthday of George Washington, it has been used in many states as a day to remember all of our United States Presidents.

On Tuesday the Legislature convened and I introduced LB811 and LB929 which were on Consent Calendar for General File. Consent Calendar is a way to get noncontroversial bills through the debate process quickly. The bills selected for Consent Calendar can sometimes be technical in nature, such as LB929, or they may make small changes to statutes that help clarify language and reduce waste in certain agencies, thereby saving the state money, which is the case with LB811.

LR26CA was a constitutional amendment proposed by Senator Larson that would have lowered the age requirement (to 18) to hold any public office in Nebraska. It was defeated Thursday on Select File. I voted with those who were also opposed to the bill.

On Wednesday I introduced LB1037 to the Revenue Committee. The intent of LB1037 is to solve the increasing valuation problem specific to farm sites and farm home sites due to non-agricultural, housing developments around farmsteads. LB1037 redefines agricultural and horticultural land to mean a parcel of land that excludes buildings or enclosed structures located on the parcel, which is primarily used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. Agricultural or horticultural purposes would also now include farm sites and farm home sites lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership or management with other agricultural and horticultural land. The effect of the bill would be that the land that the home sits on would also be valued at 75% of its market value, but the home itself would still be valued as residential – which is 100% of its market value. Senator Bill Kintner, from Sarpy County, chose LB1037 as his priority bill.

On Friday I introduced LB890 to the Judiciary Committee. This bill deals with civil action lawsuits involving motor collisions with livestock. Defendants in these cases – usually the owners of livestock – are oftentimes put into an indefensible position in court cases because plaintiffs – usually the drivers of the motor vehicles – are not required to provide evidence of negligence by the defendant. Under a certain legal doctrine, even if there is no evidence of negligence provided by the plaintiff, the Nebraska Supreme Court decided that in these cases negligence by the defendant can simply be assumed and they can then be held liable if the judge or jury decide it to be so. However, this relieves the driver from assuming any responsibility for not driving carefully, and also assumes no other outside party was an influence in the case. There are times when the livestock owner was negligent and should be held accountable, but if no evidence exists that they were negligent, then their negligence should not be assumed. To put the livestock owners on an even playing field in these lawsuits, LB890 would have required the plaintiff to provide specific acts of negligence by the defendant. I appreciate that several citizens who are livestock producers and some who are not, took time out of their busy workweek to come testify as proponents. Their support for the bill was much appreciated. There were only two opponent testifiers: the Nebraska Trial Attorneys Association and the Nebraska Trucking Association.

Please contact me; my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann; or my legislative aide, Brett Waite, with questions or concerns at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 if you are in the Capitol. If you would like to follow the Legislature online you can visit http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government. Live broadcasting is also available on NET2.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

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Logan Valley Artists to be Featured in Decatur

February 24, 2016 Leave a comment


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