Legislative Session Progresses


By Governor Pete Ricketts

The legislative session is moving quickly.  It seems like it was only a few weeks ago when I outlined the top priorities to work on with the Legislature in my State of the State address.  Working together, we have made progress on a number of key issues.  With only a few weeks left, however, there is still much to accomplish before session adjourns and senators return home.  A significant amount of work on top priorities like tax relief, infrastructure funding, and balancing the budget is yet to come.

 

At the opening of session, I designated property tax relief as my number one priority.  Wherever I travel, I continually hear from Nebraskans who feel the pain of our state’s high property taxes.  Earlier this session, I testified at two hearings in support of property tax bills, which have been a collaborative effort between Senators Gloor and Sullivan and my administration.  Nebraskans at those hearings confirmed the need for more property tax relief, and also provided feedback on how we could improve the bills.

 

Following the hearings, the senators, their committees, and I have continued to work to make adjustments to these bills.  After much discussion, the Revenue and Education Committees and I have agreed upon proposed amendments to the property tax relief bills.  These amendments do three major things: First, they provide additional targeted direct property tax relief for ag land property taxpayers.  Second, they limit the carryover of unused restricted funds by community colleges to three percent.  Third, they make changes to our state’s education funding formula to enhance local accountability in our school districts.

 

Because the amendment to LB958 contains significant changes from the original version, the Revenue Committee will hold a new hearing on the proposed amendment on March 24, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Nebraska State Capitol.  Nebraskans are invited to attend the hearing to give their feedback on the new proposed amendment.  If you are not able to attend and would still like to testify, you are welcome to submit your written testimony to the Revenue Committee by emailing kdelka@leg.ne.gov.  Written testimony must be submitted before the hearing to be included in the official record.

 

In addition to property tax relief, we have been working with the Appropriations Committee on the Transportation Innovation Act (TIA), a bill that makes targeted investments to accelerate expressway construction and bridge repair.  These targeted investments utilize existing sources of revenue, including a $50 million cash reserve transfer and unprogrammed motor vehicle fuel tax revenue.  After advancing from committee unanimously, the TIA successfully passed the first round of debate with overwhelming support.  There are two more rounds of debate on the TIA before it can reach my desk for approval.

 

As always, my administration is also working to hold the line on the rate of growth in spending.  Recently, the Appropriations Committee advanced a budget from committee that holds the line on spending similar to the responsible rate proposed in my budget.  Holding the line on the rate of growth in spending is critical to ensuring that the Legislature and I can continue to provide tax relief in the coming years.

 

As the session continues, my administration will continue to work with the Legislature to address these and other important priorities for hardworking Nebraskans.  If you want to share your thoughts on these bills or others with your senator, you can find all of the information you need to contact your senator by visiting www.NebraskaLegislature.gov.  To reach my office, you can call 402-471-2244, email pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov, or follow me on Twitter @GovRicketts and at facebook.com/GovernorPeteRicketts.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes


The Board of the Village of Decatur met in a Regular Session at 4:50 P.M. at the City Hall on March 10th, 2016. Visitors signing in Phyllis Mitchell with Relay For Life, Jaccie Uehling with Relay For Life, Cathy Sears with Alumni, Pam Nelsen with Alumni, Darien Beatty, Greg Beatty, Justin Smith, David Malloy, Jim Phelps, Luke Dunning, Nico Hardemen.

1)         Regular Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

Roll Call: Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-absent

 

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

Roll Call: Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y

 

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

Roll Call: Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y

 

4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

Gatewood made a motion to excuse Tolby 2nd Siecke

Kellogg-y, Gatewood-y, Siecke-y

 

 

5)         OATH OF OFFICE:

Lance Anderson read:                                     OATH OF OFFICE

 

STATE OF NEBRASKA                  )

)           SS:

COUNTY OF BURT                         )

 

I, Lance Anderson, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or for purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of Board of Trustees according to law, and to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence, so help me God.                                                              Lance Anderson(signed)

 

Subscribed and sworn by the above named Lance Anderson before me this 10th day of March, 2016. Witness my hand and official seal.

 

Ann Chytka/ Village Clerk(signed)

Officer administering oath

6)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

 

1)         Police: Monthly Report- Chief Smith reported 20 warnings, 6 Citations, 14 Incident reports, 2 arrests, we have collected one of the grants that we turned in for $500.00 and then we will be receiving another grant for $441.00. Chief Smith wanted to let the people of Decatur to know that any violations of ordinances will be forwarded to the city attorney and there will be a $48.00 court cost added.
2)         Lights: Monthly Report- Tenant VS Owner Delinquent Utility Bills, Cheryl reported that we had an incident where there was a light bill that was not paid by the renter and before they new renter can have lights on the owner needs to pay the bill. Cheryl agreed to accept 1/2 of the bill. There was discussion among the board. Anderson made a motion that we have our city attorney look at it and see if we need a document or just use the ordinance if we need a documents he can do that also. 2nd by Gatewood

Roll Call Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Anderson-y, Gatewood-y.

Letter from Burt County Public Power. Cheryl read a letter from Burt Country Public Power stating sorry in the confusion about the 2 letters received but that the increase for the delivery of power is going up 1.16%. That the letter we received stating that it was going up 2.6% was sent to us in error.
3)         Water & Sewer: Monthly Report- Lance gave the report he stated that we need 2 new filters and that it   needs to be put on the budget for next year. Kellogg stated that we need to apply for grants.

Clerk reported that she has been in contact with NENEDD and there are grants available but we need       to get the surveys out and back.
4)         Parks: Monthly Report- Park Rates currently $16.00 and tents are $11.00. Starting April 1st we will       start having to pay a 3% lodging tax for the camp ground. Siecke made a motion to raise park rates for    camp pads to $18.00 and tents will be raised to $12.00. Rates will go into effect April 1st, 2016. 2nd   by Gatewood. Roll Call Kellogg-y, Anderson-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y.

 

5)         Streets: Monthly Report- Income from city sales tax for December $3,105.82. Siecke stated that we                    need to purchase millings. Millings will be used down at Riverview turn around. Anderson made a                 motion that we get 6 tons of millings and get the asphalt we need to patch the holes.   2nd by Gatewood              Roll Call Siecke-y, Kellogg-y, Anderson-y, Gatewood-y. Anderson brought up the alley between the                  church and the bar and how it needs to be fixed. Siecke stated that Larry is aware of it.
6)        Recycling Report: Recycling is in the process of being hauled to Tekamah and we made $557.73 from                 October’s haul. Anderson asked about the curb-side recycling. Siecke said that it was tabled because not only a few showed interest in it.

 

7)        OLD BUSINESS

8)         NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Alumni- Cathy Sears and Pam Nelsen came to the table. Cathy asked if the Alumni could put some put a       cabinet in the hall basement to display the plaques from Decatur School. She advised this is the last of the           things they have from the old trophy case. Siecke moved to allow the alumni to install a cabinet to display the        plaques from the school. 2nd Gatewood Roll Call- Anderson-abstained, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y

2) Dave Malloy- Tapping into water. Dave came to the table and requested the village get him a waterline            to his property. The cost for the pit is $350.00. Dave stated he will be in to make the payment on Friday.

3) Clean up day- Kellogg stated we need to come up with a date. Clerk stated that she has contacted Carrier        Container who we used last year. They are available to bring 4 dumpsters on April 16th at the cost of            $720.00. The containers will be on site for Saturday only. Gatewood asked if she could have high school      students volunteer on clean up day. It was agreed it was a good idea. Anderson said that we need to get help      for the day.

4) Nico Hardeman- Came to the table with 2 concerns, one is the property on that he is cleaning up the property, he was also upset that his wife and bank received letters. Siecke explained that they were on          property so they needed to receive the letters. Nico asked if the rezoning was going to happen tonight?          Kellogg advised not tonight.

5) Jaccie Uehling – Relay for Life June 10th Jaccie came to the table and said that Decatur is where Relay            for Life will be on June 10th. She asked if she could rent 5 camp spots for that Friday night. Uehling stated   that every year there is a tree donated to the place where the Relay for Life is held.

6) Cheryl- Junk Properties she said that she is just wishing the clean-up would move faster. Clerk said that       we still have to have the properties inspected. We are waiting on the requests that we have out. Smith came to            the table and said that he has been calling for bids for the demolition he has talked to 4 different companies. She wanted to thank Jack Quinn for cleaning up his property. It was discussed amongst the board that we need to have the community and business owners come together. It was decided that we have a Town Hall meeting        on Tuesday March 22nd, at 7 PM and it will be held at the Sears Center. This meeting will not be about the             past. It will be on how we can move forward for the future of Decatur.

7) Zoning Commissioner / Building Inspector- Kellogg stated that there is a problem at the north end of town     that is in violation. She is not sure how it needs to be dealt with, is it the zoning commissioner or by the police           department. Anderson thought that the zoning commissioner and police should go up and talk with her and     have her give us a date on when this can be resolved.

Then they moved on and discussed another property up on the north side, Cheryl is going to do some checking on it.

Anderson stated that he wants to hear from our attorney that these properties are in violation.

8) Red Barn- Kellogg stated that we need to set a date of the annual Red Barn Clinic. Kellogg asked the clerk     to set up the date so we can inform the community

9) Vacation request- Clerk requested vacation for 3-11-2016, and May 26,27,&31. Board members did not          have a problem with the clerks request.

 

9)         CORRESPONDENCE

1) Patty Plugge emailed and wanted some feedback on what interests we had what we would like to learn           about.
10)       ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Board meeting will be on April 14, 2016 at 4:30 here at City Hall

 

11)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Gatewood and Siecke

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

Siecke made a motion to approve the claims as submitted. 2nd Gatewood

Roll Call: Anderson-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y

 

Are there any questions from the audience?

 

 

12)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING

Gatewood 2nd Siecke
Adjournment Time: 6:39 PM

 

__________________________________

Loretta Kellogg / Chair

 

_______________________________________

Ann Chytka / Village Clerk

 

Leroy D. Novak, 85, of Pender NE


Leroy D. Novak, 85, of Pender passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender.

Funeral services are pending with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Frances Jasa, 87, of Pender NE


Frances Anne (Prokop) Jasa, 87, of Pender, NE passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Pender; Father Gerald Leise will be officiating. The Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church with a wake service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery of Pender. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Pender is in charge of the arrangements.

Frances was born on November 28, 1928 in Pender, NE, the daughter of Frank and Frances (Urbanec) Prokop. She attended Pender High School, graduating in 1946. On October 1, 1949, she was united in marriage to James Robert Jasa. To this union ten children were born. The couple farmed near Thurston. Frances was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Thurston Legion Auxiliary. Frances enjoyed gardening, but took pride in her family, enjoying the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children; Robert (Robin) Jasa of Laurel, NE, Steven (Teresa) Jasa of Marlboro, MA, Jeff (Cindy) Jasa of Thurston, NE, Kevin Jasa of Estherville, IA, Karen (Don) Pearson of Pender, NE, Cheryl Hatley of Pender, NE, Kerry (Janice) Jasa of Omaha, NE, Gina (Jason) Slama of Thurston, NE and Kristine Jasa of Omaha, NE. Frances is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Gladys Prokop of Pender, NE and brother-in-law, Joseph Tesarek of Omaha, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband James Robert in 2007; son, Dennis; grandson Justin Slama; brothers, Frank, Alvin, Charles, James, Edwin and Reynold and sisters, Agnes and Alice.

Frances Jasa

Frances Jasa

Georgian Vraspir, 84, of Thurston NE


Georgian (Pope) Vraspir, 84, of Thurston, Nebraska died on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Heritage of Emerson Nursing Home in Emerson, NE. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson with Pastor Gretchen Ritola and Vicar Rebecca Truland officiating. The visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the church. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery of Emerson. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Emerson is in charge of the arrangements.

Georgian was born on October 15, 1931 in Emerson, NE, the daughter of George and Emma (Stimson) Pope. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson and attended Emerson High School. On June 10, 1955 she was united in marriage to Robert Vraspir at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. For several years she worked at the Pender Community Hospital, retiring due to her health. Georgian was a member of the Legion Auxiliary in Thurston, NE and St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE; where she was a member of the Mariam Circle. She loved baking and traveling; but her greatest joy was time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons: Mike (Joan) Vraspir of Emerson, NE and Steven (Melynda) Vraspir of Roundup, MT; daughter, Diane (Keith) Lamp of Emerson, NE. Georgian is also survived by her grandchildren; Amy (Jason) Modlin, Jenny (Todd) Skoglund, Valerie and friend Joe Messerschmidt, Jeremy Vraspir, Merissa, Emilie, Hannah Vraspir, Nathan (April) Lamp, Jessica (Zach) Wehner, Adam Lamp; her great grandchildren: Jacob, Karrena, Kylie, Emma, Raegan, Ryan, Ethan, Adyson, Wyatt, Reed, Isabelle, Tyson, Toby, Ansleigh, Joey and Maddox; and several nieces and nephews.

Georgian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, sister Betty and brothers: George, Glen, Art, Johnny, Charles, Harold and Teddy.

Georgian Vraspir

Georgian Vraspir

Doris J. Worley, 91, of Decatur NE


Doris J. Worley was born January 17, 1925 to John and Jenny (Walker) Beard in rural Decatur, Nebraska. She passed away peacefully at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Blair, Nebraska on March 19, 2016.

On September 29, 1942, Doris was united in marriage to Don L. Worley. They were married for 70 years.

Doris was a homemaker and also assisted Don with his farming activities. She was an active member of the Decatur United Methodist Church, the Blackbird Aid Society and volunteered as a fund raiser for several charities. She enjoyed spending time with her family, baking, gardening and dancing.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Don; daughter, Janice Sears; great grandsons, Garrett Hartman and Max Sears; granddaughter-in-law, Ann Sears; her parents; sisters, Beulah (Howard) Lewis, Sara (Robert) Baker; brothers, Louis (Dona) Beard, Charles Beard, Johnnie Beard; brother-in-law, William Witthuhn.

Survivors include her sons, Phil (Mitzi) and Marty (Karen) of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren and their spouses; seventeen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sister, Betty Witthuhn of Loveland, CO; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Beard of Tekamah; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 21st from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah. Family will be receiving friends during this time.

The Funeral Service will be Tuesday, March 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Decatur. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Burial is in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Decatur, NE.

Memorials suggested to the United Methodist Church in Decatur, NE.

Doris Worley

Doris Worley

Wilma H. Neitzke, 103, of Oakland NE Formerly of Manistee MI


Wilma H. Neitzke, 103 years, of Oakland, Nebraska, formerly of Manistee, MI, passed away Friday, March 18, 2016 at Oakland Heights, in Oakland.

The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 20th at 6:00 p.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. Visitation will be held on hour prior to service at the church. Burial will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery, Manistee MI.

Memorials suggested to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.

Pelan Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

 

Elsie Hansen, 98, of Lyons NE


Elsie Wilhelmina Hansen was born June 22, 1917 to Henry and Emma (Hoegemeyer) Heitshusen on their farm east of Lyons. She passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 98.

Elsie was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church and later joined the Divide Center Presbyterian Church. She transferred her membership to the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons in 1979.

Elsie attended rural school at Viles School District 56 for eleven years and graduated in 1935 from Lyons High School. She was secretary for Johnson Commission Company at the Livestock Exchange Building in Omaha several years before her marriage to Harry L. Hansen in 1942. Two daughters were born to this union; Marinell and Carolie.

Harry and Elsie lived on a farm east of Lyons, in the Divide Center Community. They left the farm in 1982 and retired in Lyons. Elsie enjoyed traveling, playing cards and gardening.

The past year she has lived at Golden Living Center in Tekamah, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry; four brothers, Elmer, Clifton, Lloyd, Norman; two sisters, Bernice Nelson, Gladys McKenzie.

She is survived by her two daughters, Marinell (Gary) Neuhaus of Omaha, Carolie (Daniel) Smith of Lyons; three grandchildren, Jay (Alicia Klein) Neuhaus of Zurich, Switzerland, Jacquie (Erik) Nordwall of Shoreview, MN, Heather (Jason) Lauritsen of Lyons; two great grandchildren, Aubrey and Blake Lauritsen.

A Memorial Visitation will be on Friday, April 8th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons. Family will be receiving friends during this time.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 9th at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons.

Burial is in the Lyons Cemetery.

Elsie Hansen

Elsie Hansen

Elsie W. Hansen, 98, of Lyons NE


Elsie W. Hansen, 98 years, of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska.

MEMORIAL SERVICES are pending with Pelan Funeral Services Lyons.

Elsie Hansen

Elsie Hansen

Helen Jean Nelson, 100, of Oakland NE


Jean (Helen Jean) Nelson was the firstborn of Edward N. and Henrietta (Johnson) Nelson January 29, 1916 on a farmstead south east of Oakland, NE. She ended her time here on earth as she slept during the early morning hours of March 9, 2016, at Oakland Heights Nursing Home, of old age.

She had just started attending country school when the family bought their own farm, and moved to where she would grow up, helping her mother to care for her eventual five siblings. She attended a new country school, and would graduate from Oakland High School at the age of 16, where she obtained her first teaching certificate. Later, she would attend Wayne State for a year to expand it.

She taught at Homer, Nebraska for a year before moving back to teach at a country school closer to home. During the summers, and even after her move to North Platte where she taught fourth grade, she took classes during the summers at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Once she was asked by her mother to care for her sister Evelyn, who had been mentally damaged by a fall as a child, the two of them moved to Duluth Minnesota for two years. From there it was on to Chicago, Illinois, where Jean taught for over 30 years, was a Sunday school teacher and ran a Girl Scout troop in addition to caring for her sister. Jean retired at 65 because of a rule of the times. Soon after, she returned to Nebraska and the farm to live with her brother Gordon while Evelyn chose to stay at a Home in Chicago. Jean attended the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland and for decades belonged to and enjoyed helping others, the goal of their many organizations, until she could no longer do so.

Jean, never wasteful of her time also used the summers to work. One summer during WWII, Jean became a “Rosie the Riveter,” another summer she took Evelyn to Washington and the Pentagon to work and while Evelyn ran an elevator Jean worked in an office. They both met General Charles de Gaulle there during his 1944 visit. During the later 50s through the 70s they made trips to Europe to visit their younger sister Ruth and her family and enjoyed discovering Europe for themselves. However, whether it was Christmas or summer break from school Jean made it a point to first go back to the farm to spend time with her folks before anything else.

She never married but always said she had had many, many children in the ones she taught and in her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings; two nephews.

She is survived by her youngest sibling, Ruth Schmidtmayr of Vienna, Austria; two nieces; two nephews; sixteen great-nieces and nephews; eleven great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Pelan Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.