Many Notable Bills Debated by Legislature

March 23, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Our tenth week of session – days 38-41 – adjourned Thursday.

Monday was day 38, moving us into the final third of this biennium. Our calendar days continue to fly by, yet on the floor it’s as though time stands still when a single bill takes hours or even days to debate; that may be good news or bad news, depending on what your position is on a bill. It is good news for those believing there are too many laws, unfunded mandates, fee or tax increases, or other burdens created by legislation. It is bad news when there is legislation you consider good public policy and offers relief, be it tax relief or removes regulations imposed by current laws. Without regard to anyone’s beliefs on policy, the rules were written to provide for full debate, and slowing the process down is oftentimes a good idea.

Adjourned Thursday — Day 41 — we fully realized there were now less than 20 session days remaining of the 104th Legislative session. My goal of property tax relief remains steadfast. The Revenue Committee, I am a member of, is working to make meaningful progress in property tax relief. Not perfection yet, but progress. In a short session and with little time remaining, we realize perfect property tax relief has become unrealistic and even some progress is a step in the right direction.

Coming weeks hold a bittersweet undercurrent. The final group of senators who have been here longer than I, will complete their final session. These statesmen are masterfully rich in knowledge and experience, many of whom were often allies, will bid their farewells as they leave due to term limits. Five of us will become the “Senior Class”.  Yes, sometimes we agree to disagree. However, at the end of the day we realize our now ever-changing body of 49 were elected by the second house. We live much alike, a day at a time, wanting only the best for those we serve.

Because I wanted to share my thoughts, below are only highlights of notable bills debated this week:

  • LB683 Change provisions relating to homestead exemptions for surviving spouses — passed to second round of debate; I supported
  • LB344 Provide natural resources districts with the power to issue general obligation bonds — defeated during debate; I opposed
  • LB817 Adopt the Direct Primary Care Agreement Act — passed to second round; I supported
  • LB1109 Change public records provisions and provide for an enhanced public scrutiny process for certain University appointees — passed to second; I was present not voting
  • LB 467 Change provisions relating to State Patrol retirement — Advanced to second round; I was in Executive Session, and unable to vote
  • LB745 Change Game and Parks Commission fee and permit provisions — Currently being debated on first round

We were honored to have Pastor Brian High of First Baptist Church in Tekamah lead the Legislature in prayer last Tuesday. We welcomed the Nebraska Christian Homeschool Association students.  Other visitors over the past few weeks also include Michaela Ott of Blair, who recently achieved her Girl Scout Gold Award, the Hrbek family who were in Lincoln for the GACC Girls State Basketball Tournament, and a delegation of Ukrainian officials learning about our Unicameral and public health.

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 in the Capitol. You can follow the Legislature online at http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government. Live broadcasting is also available on NET2.

Lydia Brasch

Lydia Brasch

 

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A Minute with Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston

March 23, 2016 Leave a comment


 

A Minute with the Mayor by Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston

March 2016

Spring has sprung! The grass is turning green! The girls’ basketball team made our school and community proud by going to the state basketball tournament for the first time in school history. And to top it all off the school and their community supporters won the spirit award for the school with the best representation and attitude out of all the D-2 school systems lucky enough to be part of the championship tournament. Enough said!!! I couldn’t help but feel a real sense of pride when I heard about the spirit award. It was thrilling enough to have the girls make the tournament but to receive the spirit award was icing on the cake. It really shouldn’t have surprised me that much however. This was just another example of Lyons (and Decatur) pulling together and being greater than the sum of its parts. It was another opportunity for our community to shine and we did. The whole experience should make you proud, whether a member of the Lyons-Decatur school family or part of the community as a whole. Thank you to Rex and the girl’s team for being another example of what being part of our small community is really all about!

Many of the council meeting agenda items have already been discussed in the paper so I won’t bore you with going back through them. A couple of highlights though I do want to hit upon. The first of which is the Veteran’s Memorial located by the library. Due to the many wonderful and generous donations the VFW has received, construction on the new memorial has begun. When completed, it is going to look amazing and be a true testament to sacrifice our men and women have made keeping our country safe. It will be a beautiful addition to our Main Street. We are in the process of refinancing our wastewater SRF loan. Should save the tax payers about $50,000 over the course of the loan from what we pay now. The council also spoke with a representative of EIA, our water tower builder, about some on-going issues we’ve been having with the tank. I’m hopeful we’ve come up with an action and maintenance plan that will take care of these problems. The council wants to make sure we are getting what was promised the city when EIA was courting the city for our business. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 9th. That is town clean-up day. Here’s your opportunity to throw out that stuff you really didn’t know what to do with. Take advantage of this opportunity. It only rolls around once a year. We’re still waiting to hear on our grant proposal for the street lighting project. These things take time so we will continue to wait. Financially, the city is right in line with the budget at the five month mark. I know replacement of the second police car was brought up in the paper. It is something we are thinking about. We will have more information at the April council meeting about replacement costs. We are still in need of lifeguards and pool managers. If you are interested, please apply at the city office. The council is also working on providing pool guest with clearer expectations of how we can make the pool a fun and safe experience for everyone. Last year was a new experience for everyone with regards to the new pool and what rules and regulations needed to be in place. It was difficult on patrons and on life guards at times because we didn’t have a clear set of expectations for folks to follow. I hoping with more guidance this year, it won’t be as challenging or confusing.

I’ll I think I’ve been down through the list of things I wanted to talk about. Be looking for information about the Community Club’s Stein, Wine and Swine event coming up on April 1st. You’ll want to attend it you can! Enjoy the nice weather. We’ll talk to you soon.

Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

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Carrol M. Quick, 78, of Tekamah NE

March 22, 2016 Leave a comment


Carrol M. Quick, 78 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Private family services are pending with Pelan Funeral Services Tekamah.

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Oakland-Craig Board of Education Meeting Minutes

March 22, 2016 Leave a comment


The regular monthly Board of Education meeting was held Monday, March 14, 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.

 

ROLL CALL

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

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

            Pille moved that the agenda be approved as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

President Thiele welcomed approximately 20 visitors. Three patrons addressed the Board.

 

DLR – CURTIS JOHNSON UPDATES ON THE PARKING LOT, HIGH SCHOOL AND BOILER PROJECTS

Curtis Johnson of DLR updated the Board on several items. Specifications for the boiler project have been sent to contractors to bid on. Curtis presented cost estimates for paving the parking lot north of the elementary building. The assessment on the high school building is nearing completion. Curtis gave the preliminary report which included ideas on how to make the building ADA accessible. Cost estimates will be reported at a future Board Meeting.

           

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

            Student Representative, James Moseman, reported on the happenings at the High School. The Student Council would like to place 3 picnic tables outside the high school building. They will coordinate with the janitors on placement. The shop class will build them. Twelve students have completed the Microsoft Office Specialist certification. The FFA has received a Farm Credit Grant for $2,000 to be used for creating and maintaining a garden. The produce will then be used in the cafeteria as a first step to making a fully functional Farm to School Program. Tommy Nelson and Dylan Swenson were congratulated for their participation at the State wrestling tournament. The Girls Basketball Team was recognized for qualifying for the State tournament. James concluded his report by providing a list of upcoming events and activities.

 

APPROVAL OF MARCH 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE GENERAL FUND

Magnusson ­­moved that the March 2016 claims from the General Fund, in the amount of $81,643.51 be approved as presented. Pille seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MARCH 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE SAVINGS AND DEPRECIATION FUND

            Pille moved that the March 2016 claims from the Savings and Depreciation Fund, in the amount of $29,956.64 be approved as presented. Magnusson seconded the motion. Mr. Smith explained that this was for the purchase of the Chrome Books for the high school. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MARCH 2016 CLAIMS FROM THE LUNCH FUND

Ray ­­moved that the March 2016 claims from the Lunch Fund, in the amount of $10,207.69 be approved as presented. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 8, 2016 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Anderson moved to approve the minutes from the February 8, 2016 board meeting as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1 (Ray abstained). Motion carried.

 

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Pille reported that the Buildings Grounds and Transportation Committee met on March 1st. Items discussed included leaks in the gym, replacing the pickup and issues with the drain in the kitchen.

The Adhoc Committee met on February 17th, February 24th and March 7th. Smith provided a copy of the notes from those meetings. Members of the committee explained the selection processes for the bond underwriter and the architect firm. They suggested that we retain D.A. Davidson & Co. as the bond underwriter and Prochaska & Associates, Inc. as the architect firm.

 

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO RETAIN THE FIRM OF EITHER AMERITAS INVESTMENT CORP., D.A. DAVIDSON & CO., OR FIRST NATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS, INC., AS BOND UNDERWRITER AND APPROVE EXECUTION OF A PRE-BOND DISCLOSURE LETTER FROM THE SELECTED BOND UNDERWRITER SETTING FORTH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SELECTED BOND UNDERWRITER’S OBLIGATIONS AND LIMITATIONS DURING THE PERIOD UP TO ANY BOND ISSUE ELECTIONS RELATING TO A PROPOSED NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FACILITY.

            Richards moved (i) to retain the bond underwriting firm of D.A. Davidson & Co., (“Underwriter”), (ii) to approve execution of the Underwriter’s pre-bond disclosure letter dated March 14, 2016, (“Disclosure”) in the form on file with official school district records and as presented at this meeting, acknowledging Underwriter as the expected joint bond underwriter for and on behalf of Burt County School District 11-0014, a/k/a Oakland-Craig Public Schools (“OCPS”), along with Burt County School District 11-0001, a/k/a Tekamah-Herman Public Schools, and setting forth certain pre-bond underwriting services, obligations and limitations of the Underwriter to the school districts during the period up to any bond issue election relating to a proposed new secondary school facility (“Project”), and (iii) to authorize and direct the OCPS Superintendent of Schools, or other designee, to complete any such negotiations and make necessary modifications to the Disclosure as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent, or a designee in OCPS’s best interest, and to sign, execute and deliver the final Disclosure and any other necessary approvals or other transaction documents and make payments under such Disclosure as may be necessary to complete the transaction, and to implement and administer the same through the course of the Project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this School District. Schmidt seconded the motion. After discussion and on roll call vote, the following members voted in favor of passage and adoption of the above motion: Brett Johnson, Kiley Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Richards, Schmidt and Thiele. The following members voted against the same: Anderson and Ray. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-2; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO RETAIN THE ARCHITECT FIRM OF EITHER CANNON MOSS BRYGGER & ASSOCIATES, P.C., DLR GROUP INC., PROCHASKA & ASSOCIATES, INC., OR THE CLARK ENERSEN PARTNERS, INC., AND APPROVE EXECUTION OF A PRE-BOND PHASE ARCHITECT AGREEMENT, BY AND BETWEEN BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11-0014, A/K/A OAKLAND-CRAIG PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND BURT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 11-0001, A/K/A TEKAMAH-HERMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND WITH THE SELECTED ARCHITECT FIRM AS THE JOINT ARCHITECT FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE CERTAIN ARCHITECTURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH A PRE-BOND FEE LIMITATION OF $10,000 ($5,000 FOR EACH DISTRICT) DURING THE PERIOD UP TO ANY BOND ISSUE ELECTIONS RELATING TO A PROPOSED NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FACILITY.

 

Pille moved (i) to retain the architect firm of Prochaska & Associates, Inc., (“Architect”), (ii) to approve the Pre-Bond Phase Architect Agreement (“Agreement”) by and between Burt County School District 11-0014, a/k/a Oakland-Craig Public Schools (“OCPS”), and Burt County School District 11-0001, a/k/a Tekamah-Herman Public Schools, and with the Architect, in the form on file with official OCPS records and as presented at this meeting, as the joint architect for the school districts to provide certain pre-bond architectural and administrative services to the school districts during the period up to any bond issue election relating to a proposed new secondary school facility (“Project”), and (iii) to authorize and direct the OCPS Superintendent of Schools, or other designee, to complete any such negotiations and make necessary modifications to the Agreement as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent, or a designee in OCPS’s best interest, and to sign, execute and deliver the final Agreement and any other necessary contracts, certifications, approvals or other transaction documents and make payments under such Agreement as may be necessary to complete the transaction, and to implement and administer the same through the course of the Project as contemplated thereby, for and on behalf of this School District. Brett Johnson seconded the motion. After discussion and on roll call vote, the following members voted in favor of passage and adoption of the above motion: Brett Johnson, Kiley Johnson, Magnusson, Pille, Richards, Schmidt and Thiele. The following members voted against the same: Anderson and Ray. Voting results were: For Motion-7; Against Motion-2; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

 

 

DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE SPORTS CO-OP WITH TEKAMAH-HERMAN

            Pille reported that he and President Thiele met with a couple board members from Tekamah-Herman to discuss a possible sports co-op. Tekamah-Herman would like to co-op boys basketball due to projected low numbers for the next couple of years. After lengthy discussion, it was decided to not proceed with the co-op.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE ADDITION OF A 1.0 FTE TEACHER IN THE ELEMENTARY BUILDING

Principal Bland presented several options for class splits for the next school year and the possible need for an additional teacher in the elementary. Much discussion followed. At this time, an additional teacher will not be hired. It was decided to split the 2016-2017 2nd grade class but not split the Kindergarten.

 

CONSIDER AND ACT ON THE HIRING OF STAFF

            Pille moved that Alex Hoefling be hired as Vocal Music Education Teacher for the 2016-2017 School Year.   Anderson seconded the motion. Mr. Smith, Mrs. Bland and Mr. Droescher provided background information on Mr. Hoefling. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF ESU 2 TITLE COOPERATIVE     

Brett Johnson moved to approve the contract between Oakland-Craig Public Schools and ESU 2 for Title I Cooperative Services. Magnusson seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF 2016-17 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Brett Johnson moved to approve the Oakland-Craig Public Schools Calendar for 2016-17, as presented. Kiley Johnson seconded the motion. Mr. Smith explained that he polled the faculty and staff and the majority chose the option of teachers returning on August 15th with students starting on August 17th. Voting results were: For Motion-9; Against Motion-0; Other-0. Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF FOUNDATION BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Brett Johnson moved to elect, according to the by-laws, the following community members to the Oakland-Craig School Foundation Board of Directors: Kiley Johnson, Andy Rennerfeldt and Paige Peterson. Ray seconded the motion. There was some discussion. Voting results were: For Motion-8; Against Motion-0; Other-1 (Kiley Johnson abstained). Motion carried.

 

DISCUSSION OF TECHNOLOGY STAFFING AND COMPUTER CHECK-OUT

            Mr. Smith reported the Ryan Kroger has resigned from the position of Technology Coordinator effective June 10th. Gerald Brand has agreed to serve as our tech coordinator for the 2016-2017 school year. We are still working on the exact schedule for Mr. Brand but he will teach 2 science classes and we will continue to employ tech interns from Midland. In addition, ESU 2 will help with some of our needs. We are in the process of hiring a science teacher and reconfiguring the class load. Part of this reconfiguration will be to offer a few more ag classes by Mrs. Penke. President Thiele thanked Ryan for all he does for our district.

The administration will work on a computer check out policy for the upcoming school year. After much discussion, it was decided to require a $25.00 deposit to check out a computer for the remainder of this school year.

 

SUB PAY DISCUSSION

            Mr. Smith provided a comparison of substitute teacher pay in the area. Our current rate is the lowest in the area. After some discussion, it was decided to raise the substitute teacher pay to $105 per day.

 

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

            Brett Johnson thanked the Board Members that have been putting in extra time with the sports co-op and consolidation talks.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

            Elementary Principal Bland reported that MAP testing has been completed. NeSA Reading, Math and Science assessments will begin at the beginning of April. Parent Teacher Conferences were held last week with 96% of the parents attending.  Mrs. Bland congratulated Connor Guill for his 1st place finish and Kara Peterson for her 4th place finish in the Burt County spelling bee. She also thanked Corner Drug and the Mulder family for bringing world traveler Dean Jacobs to Oakland-Craig. He held assemblies for the entire school. She explained Breakout EDU which encourages students to think “outside the box” to solve problems. A list of upcoming events and activities was presented. Current PK-6th grade enrollment is 257 students, which is up 1 student from last month and 6 students from last year.

 

Secondary Principal Droescher reported current enrollment for the 7th through 12th grades at 186 students which down 1 from last month and 6 from last year.   NeSA Reading, Math and Science assessments will begin at the end of March. Congratulations were extended to Mrs. Meyer and students for tying for 2nd place at the East Husker Conference Art Show.  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. Superintendent Smith provided the most recent state aid numbers that show we will receive about $50.00 in state aid next year. Smith shared a letter we received from patrons of another school district complementing our student section at a district basketball game. Smith reported that he will be covering for Mrs. Bland during her maternity leave. Since there is enough money in the QCPUF fund, we anticipate being able to pay those bonds off in May. Smith thanked Shannon Harney for coming up with a loader and moving some snow for us. He also thanked Paige Peterson for organizing the Boot Camp to raise money for the O-C Foundation.

 

 

There being no further business on the agenda of this meeting, President Thiele adjourned this meeting at 11:53 p.m.

 

Secretary,

 

 

Julie Ehlers

 

GENERAL FUND
ADE’S PEST CONTROL $185.00
AMERICAN BROADBAND CLEC $201.56
ANDERSON HARDWARE $313.17
APPLE COMPUTER $433.55
AWARDS UNLIMITED $134.65
BLACK DIAMOND ELECTRONICS $3,968.75
BLAIR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS $60.00
BLAND, JESSICA $115.00
CENTRAL VALLEY AG $1,718.78
CITY OF OAKLAND $540.55
CLASSIC SPORTSWEAR $399.54
COMFORT INN $83.00
CONTINENTAL RESEARCH $920.84
CONTINUUM RETAIL ENERGY SERVICES $5,572.69
DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE INC $116.66
DROESCHER, RUSTY $360.00
EAKES OFFICE SOLUTIONS $3,711.89
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES $650.00
EHLERS, JULIE $32.39
ESU 2 $36,187.43
FIRST BANKCARD $502.69
FOLLETT SCHOOL SOLUTIONS INC $131.30
FOOD PRIDE $283.68
GROTH, MARILEE $14.00
HOMETOWN LEASING $1,255.77
J W PEPPER AND SONS INC $61.98
JO-DEL ENTERPRISES $749.50
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL $286.87
KSB SCHOOL LAW $1,957.48
LUNCHFUND $1,830.00
MALCOLM HIGH SCHOOL $84.00
MELS SMALL ENGINE $21.90
MERCY MEDICAL SERVICES $100.00
MEYER, ANGIE $187.50
MIDAMERICA ADMIN & RETIRMENT SOLUTIONS $354.16
NASB $3,738.00
NCSA $85.00
NEBRASKA AIR FILTERS $127.96
NEBRASKA COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC ED $80.00
NEBRASKA LINK $1,338.40
NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER $5,438.87
NRCSA $1,140.00
O’KEEFE ELEVATOR $205.00
OAKLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE $10.00
OAKLAND INDEPENDENT $11.35
OMAHA WORLD HERALD $2,551.80
PEARSON EDUCATION $174.79
PENKE, KYLIE $23.43
PROTEX CENTRAL $770.00
REVOLVING ACCOUNT $73.16
RJK ELECTRIC $80.00
RL CRAFT COMMERCIAL ROOFING $100.00
SMITH, JEFFERY $103.00
SUPPLYWORKS $1,597.11
SWEET, DALLAS $10.89
TELEPHONE CONNECTION, INC. $403.75
YOUNGS $54.72
$81,643.51
DEPRECIATION FUND
CDW-GOVERNMENT INC $29,956.64
SCHOOL LUNCH FUND
APPEARA $211.57
BRAUNGER FOODS $2,346.99
FIRST BANKCARD $117.97
FOOD PRIDE $178.24
HILAND DAIRY FOODS COMPANY $3,323.80
PEGLER SYSCO $4,029.12
$10,207.69

O

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Governor Ricketts’ Statement on Terror Attacks in Brussels

March 22, 2016 Leave a comment


Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news of terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium.

 

“These continued attacks by Islamic extremists are an assault on freedom-loving people and the shared values of our democratic societies.  Our hearts go out to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, and Susanne and I join Nebraskans in sending our thoughts and prayers to their families.”

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Scott A. Larsen, 54, of Hooper NE

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Scott A. Larsen age 54, of Hooper
Died Friday March 18, 2016 at his home.

Scott was born August 7, 1961 in Fremont to Darrel and Carolyn ‘Moore’ Larsen. He was raised in Fremont through junior high then moved with his family to a farm just outside of Hooper. He graduated from Logan View High School in 1979. After school he worked construction for Ehler’s Construction and Dale Reynolds before going to work for Excel in Schuyler for several years.

Scott liked to hunt, fish, and bowl and was a member of several bowling leagues in Fremont. He was a big Kansas City Royals and Denver Bronco’s fan. He was confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper, where he was still a member.

Survivors:
Parents – Carolyn and Darrel Larsen of Hooper
Sister – Rita Larsen of Los Altos, California
Aunts and Uncles

The funeral will be 10:30am Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. Rev. Joel Schroeder will officiate. Burial will follow in Hooper Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Hooper Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue for one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Scott Larsen

Scott Larsen

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Leroy D. Novak, 85, of Pender NE

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Leroy D. Novak, 85, of Pender, NE died on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender; Pastor Miles Ruch will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery of Pender. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Pender is in charge of the arrangements.

Leroy was born on December 21, 1930 near Rosalie, NE, the son of Ferdinand and Adela (Fabry) Novak. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rosalie. In 1949, he graduated from Rosalie High School. On January 21, 1951, he was united in marriage to Joyce Engel at Immanuel Lutheran Church. To this union five children were born: Nancy, Craig, Scott, Lee and Rhonda. The couple farmed near Rosalie until retiring and moving into Pender in 2000. Two of his favorite past times including playing cards and fishing. He looked forward to his annual fishing trips with his family to Minnesota. Leroy was a gentle man, like a bull in a china shop. He was known for his generosity with friends and strangers alike. He snuck away from his family silently in his sleep, unlike his boisterous loud demeanor.

Leroy is survived by his wife Joyce of Pender, NE, children: Nancy (Larry) Nyquist of Omaha, NE; Craig (Jean) Novak of Loveland, CO; Scott (Reva) Novak of Rosalie, NE; Lee (Carrie) Novak of Hubbard, NE; Rhonda (Jason Miller) Novak Jacob of Lincoln, NE; 14 of his favorite grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Lillian Radtke of Hooper, NE and Francie Dorau of Omaha, NE and Dan Miller, his honorary son.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and 4 sisters.

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Stockings Boost Nebraska’s Tiger Trout Population

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


A fish species that has been a rare catch in Nebraska is becoming more common thanks to the work of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Thousands of tiger trout, a hybrid of brown trout and brook trout, have been raised at the Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery near Parks, Neb., and are being stocked at locations throughout the state for the first time. The colorful species has characteristics of both brookies and browns and is easily identified by the worm-like scale pattern that covers its body. Most of the fish being stocked are 10-12 inches.

Read more about stocking information on the news release.

You can purchase a fishing permit on our website.

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Nebraska Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

Wide-open spaces, grazing cattle in rolling pastures, and efficient feed yards cover Nebraska’s landscape. We are “The Beef State.” Our delicious products are the best in the world. They are found on dinner tables from New York to Tokyo, and many places in between. Because Nebraska’s producers are committed to delivering safe and high-quality beef, they continue to reach new consumers around the globe.

 

This success is the result of persistence in the face of adversity. In December of 2003, Israel was one of many countries to suspend imports of U.S. beef. Israel did so following a confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, more commonly referred to as BSE. After this case was confirmed, U.S. beef producers quickly implemented strict improvements. But, for nearly 13 years following this discovery, America’s beef producers were unable to ship their products to Israel.

 

When I visited Israel last fall, U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro reached out to me to find a solution to this ban. He wanted to bring Nebraska beef back to dinner tables in Israel. The ambassador said he was especially interested in serving Nebraska beef at the embassy’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Following our conversation, I began a dialogue with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to find a way to make this happen.

 

For the next few months, my office worked closely with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. I also spoke regularly with officials from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in a concerted effort to find the best solution. Finally, in February of 2016, an agreement was achieved. The ban was lifted, and the USDA announced that, for the first time in over a decade, an American shipment of beef will be delivered to Israel. What’s more, Nebraska will have the honor of supplying this shipment.
As part of this agreement, WR Reserve, a processing plant in Hastings, was selected to make the first delivery. This company’s hard work and dedication to complying with a rigorous inspection process made this agreement possible.

 

Agriculture is the driving force of Nebraska’ economy, and beef is a critical component of that success. With nearly $7.2 billion in annual cash receipts, our beef represents the largest sector of the state’s economy, while leading the nation in every aspect of beef production. In our state, cattle outnumber people by more than three to one. Nebraska is also the number one cattle on feed state. This fact illustrates our steadfast commitment to supplying the world with affordable, safe, and high-quality Nebraska beef.

 

This historic agreement with Israel is a win for both Nebraska and the Israeli people. For the first time in many years, consumers in Israel will once again be able to enjoy world-class Nebraska beef. And for Nebraska, opening this new market means increased opportunities that can benefit our communities and strengthen our economy.

 

According to the USDA, Israel imported $405 million in beef products from other nations. Ninety-five percent of these imports originated in Latin America, with additional volumes coming from Australia and the European Union. Nebraska now has an opportunity to be a competitor in that marketplace.

 

Throughout this process, I was honored to collaborate with state, federal, and international officials. This teamwork and persistence made it possible for Nebraska’s beef producers to lead the charge. I’m proud of our beef producers, and excited for the beef industry.

 

Going forward, I will continue working to ensure Nebraska’s beef producers have every opportunity to succeed and feed the world.

 

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

 

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

March 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Bancroft Senior Center News by Connie Bargmann

* 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. Mar. 23: We will have melody chimes practice at 9:00 a.m. Come and have coffee with us at 10:15 a.m. There will be chair exercises at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Mar. 23: 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 pinochle and hand and foot tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 24: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. The center will be closed this afternoon

Mon. Mar.28: There will be chair exercises at 12:45 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:15 p.m. The monthly board meeting will be at 3:30 p.m.

Tues. March 29: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 a.m. Walking exercises 10:45 a.m. Come in the afternoon to play Skip-Bo, dominoes or the card game 65 starting at 1:30.

Wed. March 30: We will have melody chimes practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee times at 10:15 a.m. Chair exercises at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

 

 

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