Brasch Attends Meeting on Guardianships and Conservatorships


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Our eighth week of session – Days 30 through 33 of our 60-day session – adjourned on Thursday.

LR35 – debated on Monday of last week – was a Legislative Resolution that called for Nebraska to add its name to the requisite 34 states needed in order to call a convention of the states for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution, the authority for which is granted to the State Legislatures under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. To date, only five states have passed the resolution. The language of the resolution stated that the amendments proposed be limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress. However, as opponents we believed the outcome of such a convention is uncertain and there may be unintended consequences that result from having a convention and proposing amendments. The resolution failed to pass. I voted against the resolution.

LB188 was debated for over four hours. This bill defined who would be considered an innocent third party in vehicular pursuits by law enforcement. LB188 sought to place a definition in statute and narrowly define who would be considered an “innocent third party”. As a compromise, the introducer of the bill removed portions that would have disqualified a person from being considered an innocent third party if they entered a vehicle without coercion and with a reasonable belief that the driver of the vehicle is under the influence of alcoholic liquor or drugs. Also removed was if a person failed to take reasonable steps to persuade the driver to stop the vehicle, they would not be considered an innocent third party. As part of the compromise, the word “immediately” was added to describe the time frame for which a person who engaged in criminal activity in the past may or may not be considered an innocent third party in the vehicular pursuit. For example, if someone did not file their income taxes three years prior to the pursuit, but are in the vehicle being chased by the police, but not for anything they have done – they simply are in the wrong place at the wrong time – then they can still be considered an innocent third party.

However, the opponents wanted another provision in the bill that would have been difficult for law enforcement to engage in future pursuits. And that is, prior to the chase, the law enforcement officer must identify the suspect they are pursuing. The opponents were successful in defeating the bill as it fell two votes short of a cloture vote. I was for this bill.

On Friday I attended a meeting of the Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships. The Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court appointed me to the commission in 2015. The Legislature created the Office of Public Guardian in 2014, which serves as guardians and/or conservators to Nebraskans who are unable to make decisions on their own, and have no private individual or organization to support their decision-making needs. The purpose of the commission is to propose solutions or improvements to help meet the challenges of caring for vulnerable adults and children that can be placed in statute, added to the court rules, and court procedures. The Office of Public Guardian can be appointed by a court when it is determined that guardianship and/or conservatorship is the least restrictive way to meet an individual’s decision-making needs, and there is no one else to serve.

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

Market Report


Dow +37.63
S&P +4.64
Nasdaq +17.34
U.S. stocks rose today, keeping them on pace to finish February higher after steep declines in January. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 72 points, or 0.4%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.5%. The Nasdaq Composite was up 0.6%. The Dow was on track for a 1.5% gain in February after losing 5.5% in January, putting its year-to-date loss at around 4%.

Oil prices rose today on signs that U.S. drilling activity is hitting new lows.

Despite plummeting oil prices in the past year and a half, global crude output has increased as production in the U.S. remained high and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has opted keep pumping at a fast clip. The global crude-oil market is expected to remain oversupplied through the rest of the year. Interesting to note that the nation’s stockpiles have risen to the highest in more than 8 decades!

Grain Markets 12:14pm
Corn-1’0 @ 3.53’4
Beans-1’4 @ 8.53’4

Choppy grain markets to start the week out. After attempting to close positive for the month, at midday we’re stuck in negative territory.

USDA Outlook Forum last week stuck a negative tone with lower 2016 price forecasts on heels of slowing global growth, a strong dollar, weakening Chinese import growth and adequate stocks.

Export inspections out this morning were lackluster and as expected. Corn at 29 mbu (26-31 exp); Beans at 38.5 ( 37-59 exp) and wheat at 13.7 (10-15 exp).

1,000 bushels

U.S. stocks rose today, keeping them on pace to finish February higher after steep declines in January.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 72 points, or 0.4%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.5%. The Nasdaq Composite was up 0.6%.  The Dow was on track for a 1.5% gain in February after losing 5.5% in January, putting its year-to-date loss at around 4%.

Oil prices rose today on signs that U.S. drilling activity is hitting new lows.

Despite plummeting oil prices in the past year and a half, global crude output has increased as production in the U.S. remained high and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has opted keep pumping at a fast clip. The global crude-oil market is expected to remain oversupplied through the rest of the year.  Interesting to note that the nation’s stockpiles have risen to the highest in more than 8 decades!

Grain Markets 12:14pm

Corn-1’0 @ 3.53’4

Beans-1’4 @ 8.53’4

 

Choppy grain markets to start the week out.  After attempting to close positive for the month, at midday we’re stuck in negative territory.

 

USDA Outlook Forum last week stuck a negative tone with lower 2016 price forecasts on heels of slowing global growth, a strong dollar, weakening Chinese import growth and adequate stocks.

 

Export inspections out this morning were lackluster and as expected.  Corn at 29 mbu (26-31 exp); Beans at 38.5 ( 37-59 exp) and wheat at 13.7 (10-15 exp).

 

1,000 bushels       CURRENT MARKET YEAR PREVIOUS MARKET YEAR
     ———– WEEK ENDING ———-
GRAIN 2/25/2016 2/18/2016 2/26/2015 TO DATE TO DATE
   
BARLEY             –             –           151        1,364        6,918
CORN      29,038      35,778      50,454     581,087     731,718
FLAXSEED              1              1             –           162           239
MIXED             –             –             –             –             –
OATS             –             –             –           117             13
RYE             –             –             –             –             –
SORGHUM        4,279        8,547        8,063     203,022     187,531
SOYBEANS      38,538      56,887      23,908  1,413,634  1,540,392
SUNFLOWER             –             –             –              1             –
WHEAT      13,666        9,910      17,665     543,594     624,569
Total      85,522     111,123     100,241  2,742,979  3,091,379

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

Judi A. Davis, 72, of South Sioux City NE Formerly of Walthill NE


Judi A. Davis, 72, of South Sioux City, NE, formerly of Walthill, Nebraska died on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, Nebraska.

Services are currently pending with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

March has begun.  We have three birthday’s coming up this week Bertha Mellor, Don Haeffner and Karen Brand all on Sunday March 6th. Next week on Monday March 7th is our monthly Volunteer Executive meeting at 2:30 pm. On Tuesday March 8th will be a special Puttin on the Ritz grill out dinner for the residents serving grilled Hot dogs and Hamburgers at 11:30 am. On Thursday March 10th Charlie Davis will be here at 2:30 pm to play the Harmonica.

Church Service for Sunday March 6th at 2:30 pm will be given by the St. John Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday March 8th is Catholic Mass given by Father Paul at 9:30 am.

Activities for the week of March 7th to March 12th are as follows, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Coffee and Conversation, Bingo the w/Evang. Free,   Bible Fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning video, Lawrence Walk and Coffee Hour every day at 3:00 pm.

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

 

 

 

Larry Olson, 71, of Lyons NE


Larry Lee Olson was born on October 28, 1944 to John and Mildred (Luse) Olson in Lyons, Nebraska. He passed away Monday, February 29, 2016 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont, Nebraska, at the age of 71.

Larry continued to live in Lyons, attending school there. He married Linda Jones October 1, 1966 in West Point, Nebraska. To this union were born 2 sons, Jody Olson and Chad Olson.

In the 60s, Larry worked for Logan Valley Transfer. After buying a couple of trucks, he hauled sod for George Bacon. In the 70s, Larry started his own landscaping business and sold firewood in the evenings. In the 80s, he raised and sold trees in addition to opening a pay fee fish business. He was always a hard worker, he was presently selling trees; he continued working seven days a week, up until six months ago.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of Lyons; sons, Jody Olson of MO, Chad Olson of KS; five grandchildren, Cody, Derek, Haley, Jade, Gracie; daughter-in-law, Robin Olson of NE; brother, Les Olson of AR; sisters-in-law, Roxanne (Gary) Phillips of Fremont; Gale (Rich) Penry of Blair, NE; uncles; aunts; nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service is Sat., March 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons NE.

Burial is in the Lyons Cemetery.

Larry Olson

Larry Olson

News From Bancroft Senior Center


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. 2: We will have melody chimes practice at 9:00 a.m. Come and have coffee at 10:15 a.m. Play Rummikub (the game is played just like the rummy card game but you use tiles instead) or dominoes at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Mar. 3: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee, 9-11 a.m. Chair exercise class at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 4: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. Sign up to play in the pinochle or hand & foot tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Sat. Mar. 5: The monthly Music Jams will be starting again at 7:00 p.m. everyone is invited to come and listen to the good music.

Mon. Mar. 7: Bring a covered dish and join us for potluck dinner at noon. They will be playing cards in the afternoon.

Tues. March 8: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 a.m. The foot doctor comes today starting at 11:00 a.m. make your reservation. Come and play dominoes at1:30 p.m.

Wed. March 9: We will have melody chimes practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee times at 10:15 a.m. Free help filling out your income tax and homestead exemption forms will be provided for you between 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. today, call or stop in and make your appointment. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oakland City Council February Meeting Minutes


Minutes of City Council Meeting

City of Oakland, NE

Regular Meeting

 

A meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska was convened in open and public session at 5:30 p.m. on February 15th, 2016 at the Oakland Auditorium. This was the regular monthly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ted Beckner. On roll call, Council members Denise Gilliland, Matt Johnson and Luke Blanc answered present. Greg Mockenhaupt was absent.

Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by the posting of a notice, one of the designated methods for giving notice, as shown by the certification of posting attached to these minutes. Availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice and in the notice to the Mayor and City Council.

Mayor Beckner reminded all present of the location of the Open Meeting Laws poster in the back of the Rosen Room and stated that the council would be conducting business in accordance with said law.

The minutes of the January 18th, 2016 meeting were presented. D. Gilliland made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and L.Blanc seconded. All council members voted AYE.

The treasurer’s report for February 2016 was presented and questions answered. M. Johnson made a motion to accept the treasurer report and L.Blanc seconded. All council voted AYE.

Mayor Beckner opened a public hearing for the City of Oakland’s 1 & 6 year plan at 5.34 p.m. Seeing that no citizens came forward with comments, Mayor Beckner closed the public hearing at 5:36 p.m.

Marcia Greve was present to speak with the council about property damage and snow removal issues unrealated to the City.

Chief Poland gave his monthly report and spoke to the council about new statue reguarding K-9 handler & K-9.

Library director, Rosa Schmidt, gave her quarterly report and answered any quesitons the council had.

Clerk Onken gave an update as to why the Park is zoned R-1 and what the proceess would be to change the re-zone it.

  1. Gilliland gave an update on the Industrial paving project.
  2. Johnson made a motion to reimbure the City $197,756.52 from the Go Bond. L. Blanc seconded the motion. All council present voted AYE.
  3. Johnson made a motion to pass Resolution 2016-1, Oakland’s 1 & 6 year plan. D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All council present voted AYE.
  4. Gilliland made a motion to pass Resolution 2016-2, Allowing Oakland Public Transpiration system to apply for said funds to provide public transportation. L.Blanc seconded the motion. All council present voted AYE.

            M . Johnson made a motion to pass Resolution 2016-3, , City of Oakland wishes to submit to the qualified electors of the City the question of whether the sales and use tax shall be modified from one percent (1%) to one and one-half percent (1.5%),D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All council present voted AYE.

L.Blanc made a motion to pass Resolution 2016-4, WHEREAS the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska (“City”) wish to install new public restrooms in the City’s park (the “Project”) and wish to advertise for bids for said Project. D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All council members present voted AYE.

  1. Johnson made a motion to allow Dan Tanksley to attend the NE Rural Water Association. D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All present voted AYE.
  2. Johnson made a motion to allow Chief Poland to attend Management training on 03/14-03/18. D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All present voted AYE.

Clerk Onken informed the council of the City’s membership with the Credit Bureau Services.

Advertisment for lifeguards will start March 1st, 2016.

  1. Johnson made a motion to enter executive session at 6:59 p.m. to discuss personal issues. Seconded by L. Blanc ,all members present voted AYE.

At 7:22 p.m., M. Johnson made a motion to exit executive session, seconded my D. Gilliland. All council present voted AYE.

 

The bills and warrants were presented to the City Council as follows:

AMERICAN BROADBAND CLEC $321.61,Anderson Hardware $8.88,ANDY’S QUIK STOP $468.82,ARDON’S REFRIGERATION $381.60,AUTO VALUE PARTS STORES $283.21,BIBLIONIX $1,500.00,BLACK HILLS ENERGY $1,127.33,BCBS $51,275.62,Braniff Service $88.95,Brehmer Mfg.Co.$ 174.72 Burt Co. Sheriff’s Office $30.00 CVA $799.17,CLINTON PETERSON $350.00,Corner Drug $33.67, Data Tech. $135.18,DEARBORN $273.37,Egbers $154.44,Engelhardt $80.00,Farmer’s Pride $1,401.48,First Bankcard $390.60,Holiday Inn $185.90,Ingram 506.25,INSUREVEST $500.00,JEO $12,600.00 ,Jerri Case $27.68,Johnson & Mock $510.00,K-C $144.60,KATIE ONKEN $47.92,Midwest Lab $668.00,Municipal Supply $146.53,Nebraska Public Health 30.00,NNSWC $1,265.28,ANDREW E CULLEN $100.00,NPPD $7,318.42,Oakland Heights $291.00,Oakland Independent                   $258.66, ONE CALL CONCEPTS $3.03,Petty Cash $206.36,Plaindealer $32.00,Quality Printing $162.71,Red Barn $50.00,RIC ORTMEIER $12,000.00, Seals & Service $262.00,T&H ELECTRIC, LLC $255.20,USA Blue Book 579.05 ,Verizon Wireless $191.61

 

 

     D. Gilliland made a motion to accept the warrents. L. Blanc seconded and all council voted AYE

There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.

 

__________________________________

Ted R. Beckner, Mayor

________________________

Katie K Onken

Lyons City Council Meeting Agenda


 

A Copy of the “Open Meetings Act” Has Been Posted on the Bulletin Board on the East Side in the Council Chambers.

 

LYONS CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

March 1, 2016 – 5:30 P.M.

 

The City Council reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time as deemed appropriate and in accordance with State Statute.

  1. ROUTINE BUSINESS

 

  1. Meeting called to order.

 

  1. PUBLIC HEARING
  1. None.

 

    III. CONSENT AGENDA

Recommended Action: Approval of Consent Agenda

NOTE: All items are automatically approved when the Consent Agenda is approved unless moved to the Regular Agenda by the request of any single Council member.

  1. Dispense with reading of minutes of meetings held February 16.
  2. Claims as presented.
  3. Treasurer report.
  4. Clerk Report of Mayoral Action of February 16 meeting: Ordinance No. 724: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING PROVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF LYONS, BURT COUNTY, NEBRASKA, PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTING OF ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS, (ALSO KNOWN AS NET METERING), STANDARDS FOR INTERCONNECTION, PROCEDURES, AGREEMENTS, CHARGES AND FEES BY AMENDING SECTION 3-918 was signed and published in pamphlet form. Resolution No. 2016-1: One & Six Year Plan was signed.

 

Motion and second to approve the Consent Agenda/Tabulation of Vote.

 

 

  1. REGULAR AGENDA / NEW BUSINESS

Consideration and Action:

 

 

  1. Brad Slaughter of Ameritas – Discuss refunding the Wastewater SRF Loan and possibly move forward.

 

  1. Brad Forrester of EIA – Discuss Water Tower tank.

 

  1. Jerry Ludwig – Update on Vet’s Memorial.

 

  1. Tim Zechman of Logan Valley Baptist Church – Discuss purchasing a portion of the open lot east of Lyons Shooter Sports building.

 

  1. Police report by Chief Buck.

 

  1. Library & Grant reports by Mike Heavrin.

 

  1. Utilities report.
  1. State St Water Services.
  2. City Property Mower.
  3. Blacktop Streets.
  4. Utility Pickup.
  5. Town Spring Clean-Up.
  6. Marquee Sign on Mini-Green.

 

 

 

LYONS CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

March 1, 2016 – 5:30 P.M.

 

 

  1. Clerk’s Report.
    1. Income Statement – General.
    2. Income Statement – Utility.
    3. Budget Reports – General and Utility.
    4. Requesting to attend the IIMC Conference in Omaha May 22-25, 2016. Nebraska Clerks are hosting this Conference.

 

  1. Approve the appointment of Dennis Blankenbeckner to replace Willis Kroger on the Lyons Housing Authority.
    1. Motion and second from Council Members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Approve/not approve the recommendation of approval from the Planning Commission to issue a building permit to Croft & Associates to install a concrete pad to hold 4.1M communications dish, antenna, equipment cabinet and generator on part of Lot 1, Block 2, Robley Second Addition, Lyons, NE.
    1. Motion and second from Council Members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Motion and second by Council members to adjourn the meeting.
    1. Tabulation of vote.

 

 

Joyce French, 88, of Bellevue Idaho, Formerly of Wayne NE


Joyce French

Joyce French

Joyce French, 88, of Bellevue, Idaho, formerly of Wayne, Nebraska died at her home on Friday, February 26, 2016. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield with Pastor Carol Jean Stapleton officiating. The visitation will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Eastview Cemetery near Allen, Nebraska. Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Joyce French was born December 19, 1927 to Pearce and Hattie Vande Brake in Orange City, IA. She spent her childhood on a farm outside Maurice, IA. After graduation, Joyce attended a business school and became a bookkeeper. She met and married Marlen French in 1952 and started a long career as a farmwife outside Waterbury, NE. During this time, she raised 6 children, kept a huge garden and helped raise all types of animals to feed her family throughout the year. She enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends, bird watching, quilting, knitting, sewing and gardening.

Joyce died peacefully in her sleep on February 26 outside of Bellevue, ID where she spent the last 15 months being cared for by family. She always had a cat on her lap, a dog by her side, and horses running by outside. The highlight of her day was when she would go out to eat with family. Eggplant Parmesan was her favorite.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Marlen and son, Kevin and sister Shirley Reilly.

She is survived by sons Gene (Gayle) French of Panama, NE, Randy (Lynne) French of Bellevue, ID, Duane (Jody) French of Sioux City, IA; daughters Barbara Haru of Bellevue, ID and Renea (Chuck Olsen) French of Wynot, NE; 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

 

Walter “Eddie” Roder, 71, of Fremont NE


Walter “Eddie” Roder was born February 17, 1945 to Herman and Dealia (Breakey) Roder in Madison, South Dakota. He passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Fremont Health Medical Center in Fremont, Nebraska, at the age of 71.

Eddie attended several different schools, graduating from Ypsilanti High School in North Dakota. He served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966. After the Army, Walter worked for Nielsen Rating in Lincoln and Omaha Nebraska for 35-40 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; two sisters; two nieces.

He is survived by his brother, Carl Roder of Moorhead, MN; sisters, Nora Moe and Ramona Jimison of Spring Green, WI, Rita Laux of Granite Falls, MN; 27 nieces and nephews and extended families.

Visitation will be held Fri., March 4th from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah.

The Funeral Service is Fri., March 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah.

Burial is in the Tekamah Cemetery.

Walter Roder

Walter Roder