Kats’ Korner: Gardening, Hot Tub and Anniversary

May 16, 2016 Leave a comment


This spring has been a soggy one, to say the least. Do you have your vegetables and flowers planted? We finally finished planting our garden and flowers yesterday. I am hoping to grow green beans this year! Last year, the rabbits kept eating them. Once they are up, I am putting a fence around them!

We have been focusing more and more on healthy eating. It is so important to drink lots of water, eat healthy and exercise.

It is hard with the busy lives we lead. Between work and our other obligations, making time for exercise is difficult.

I bought a Garmin band that keeps me moving! It keeps tracks of my steps, miles, heart rate, etc. It also shows what time it is. I don’t have to charge it either. It runs on a watch battery. It also syncs to an app on my IPhone so I can keep track of my progress from day to day.

   Kats’ Korner

We recently purchased a portable/inflatable hot tub. We haven’t used it yet. We are going to have another electrical outlet installed first. Hopefully this week! I am so excited to use it! I am sure it will do a wonder for Jeff’s sore back.

We don’t treat ourselves to many luxuries. I have wanted one for a while and finally talked Jeff into it.

Now we can go from our pool to the hot tub! What a treat!

I just hope this cold, soggy spring turns into a warm, beautiful summer!

Kats’ Korner

Jeff and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in July. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I cherish every moment with him.

We are fortunate to have lived and loved each and every day together. I remind myself every day how lucky I am.

I hope we can get away for a few days sometime this summer to celebrate our milestone, but if not, that is fine too.

I don’t care where I am as long as I am with him!

 

Thought for the day: Cherish every moment you are blessed to be on earth! Time flies!

Have a great week!

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub. Oakland City Council President.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub. 

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Holding Government Accountable

May 16, 2016 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Over the last year, I have regularly written about the importance of running government like a business.  It is something I have been focusing on in state agencies over my first 16 months as your Governor.  Unfortunately, government does not always work for the taxpayers.  Two weeks ago, the State Auditor announced that he had uncovered significant waste and abuse of your taxpayer dollars at the Nebraska Tourism Commission, a government agency run by an independent board which does not report to the Governor.

 

In a 79-page report, the Auditor’s Office detailed how the commission provided complimentary massages at a tourism conference, paid a speaker over $40,000 for an hour and a half speech, and spent $18,000 to move a single employee from Sidney to Kearney.  In addition to this wasteful spending, the commission reimbursed a contractor for alcohol and cigarettes, and mismanaged a contract with an ad agency which went an astounding $4.4 million over budget.

 

On top of this waste, the State Tourism Director, Kathy McKillip, attempted to ask the Legislature for money to patch a hole in their budget—without her board’s knowledge—even though our state had a record year for hotel tax revenues that help fund the commission.  Because of all this waste and mismanagement, I have called on the Tourism Commission board to fire Ms. McKillip, so the commission can search for new leadership to help run the organization more like a business.  Nebraskans cannot tolerate such flagrant abuse of taxpayer dollars, and it is important that commission directors take the necessary steps to rectify this situation.

 

You only have to go back a few years to understand how the Tourism Commission ended up with minimal oversight.  In 2012, the Legislature voted to create an independent commission to promote tourism—a function previously performed by the Department of Economic Development.  The creation of an independent commission took away the accountability of direct oversight from the Governor’s Office.  As Governor, I have the authority to appoint commission members, and will make my first appointments later this year when the terms of several commission members expire.  While I will have the opportunity to make appointments to the commission as Governor, I do not have the authority to remove commission members.

 

When the Legislature creates independent commissions, there is always a risk of a lack of oversight by the volunteer board members of commissions and it is harder for elected officials to hold them accountable.  Unlike the Governor or Legislature, the board members of the tourism commission are not elected by a vote of the people.  Additionally, unlike my cabinet, which is accountable to me, I cannot fire directors or commissioners from these agencies at will.  Removing our tourism office from the Department of Economic Development made it more difficult to hold the State Tourism Director accountable.

 

In the coming days and weeks, I hope to see the Tourism Commission do the right thing by making staffing changes and instituting best business practices.  My office will continue to work to encourage commissioners to do the right thing in the wake of this scathing audit.  In the agencies reporting to me, I will continue to work with my directors to run agencies in a more business-minded and customer-friendly manner.  If you have any thoughts on this subject or any other matter, you are welcome to share them by emailing my office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244.  I look forward to hearing from you!

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Several State Recreation Areas Affected by High Water

May 16, 2016 Leave a comment


LINCOLN – Heavy spring rains have led to soggy conditions at three state recreation areas in Nebraska.

Louisville, Two Rivers and Dead Timber state recreation areas, all of which are adjacent to rivers, have all been affected by high water levels. Users should be cautioned that access to area roads, campgrounds, toilets and other facilities could be limited. Water levels can rise and fall quickly, and anyone planning to visit one of these areas – or any state park or recreation area situated on a river – should call the park to check conditions prior to their visit. Park contact information can be found at OutdoorNebraska.org.

It is common for park areas adjacent to lakes and rivers to see some standing water early in the spring and after heavy rains. Sometimes parts of park areas may close until waters recede. Usually, these closures are brief.

Park visitors are urged not to walk or drive through standing water, as hazards hidden by turbid water may be present.

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Shawn Liermann, 42, of Omaha NE

May 16, 2016 Leave a comment


Memorial services for Shawn Liermann age 42 of Omaha, NE will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk with interment in the Wisner Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Minnick Funeral Home in Wisner.

Shawn passed away on Friday, April 29, 2016 in Omaha, NE.

Shawn Ray “Homer” Liermann was born on April 5, 1974 at West Point, NE to Larry and Marlene (Lehman) Liermann. Homer was baptized in 1974 in Beemer, NE and later confirmed in 1987 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pilger, NE. He attended Wisner-Pilger Public Schools and attained his GED in 1993. At the age of 20, he was involved in an auto accident and for the last five years at QLI in Omaha, NE.

Homer loved to play cards, hunting, fishing, watching movies and football, and guns.

Survivors include-
Father- Larry and Deb Liermann of Wisner, NE
Mother-Marlene and Stan Kellen of Madison, NE
Sister-Julie Smith of Uehling, NE
Brother-Shane and Lynn Liermann of Dumfries, VA
Sister-Teresa Liermann of Plainview, NE
Sister-Stephanie and Gregg Edwards of Denver, CO
Step-Brothers- JD Siefken of Lincoln, NE
Adam and Pam Siefken of Hinesville, GA
Step-Sister-Angela and Todd Nance of McChord, WA
Nieces and Nephews

Homer was preceded in death by his grandparents and a brother-in-law-David Smith.

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Bring an International Living Experience to Your Family

May 16, 2016 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis, Extension Associate

If you can’t find the time and money to travel consider hosting a young adult from another country for a short three weeks this summer or fall to ‘travel abroad without leaving home”!! Enjoy the exposure to different cultures which hosting brings.

 

IFYE, formerly known as the International Four-H Youth Exchange, (pronounced “iffy”) is a rural based, international cultural exchange program designed for young adults, 19 years and older.  IFYE emphasizes the understanding of other cultures by living it on a day to day basis, rather than seeing the culture from a tourist point of view.  As a host family, include the IFYE in your daily activities.  As this is not an academic or research based program, the IFYE will be more fully engaged in all aspects of your family’s lives.  Families often find they are drawn closer, and see their lives in a whole new perspective as they welcome a new son, daughter, brother, or sister in their circle.

 

Being an IFYE host family is fun, rewarding and educational. Just welcome the delegate into your home and treat him or her like one of the family. The delegate will want to join in everyday activities, help with chores and otherwise fit in as a brother, sister, son or daughter.  No special activities need to be planned. Host families provide the IFYE with meals and lodging, just as you would for a family member. IFYEs bring their own personal spending money.

 

Anita Keys, of the Nebraska IFYE Alumni Association reported Nebraska has the privilege of hosting four inbound IFYEs this summer and they are trying to find a few more families to host. Mari Roseberry is coordinating the host families for the inbounds: mariroseberry@hotmail.com, phone (308)538-2648. You can contact Mari directly or apply on line.

This website will answer lots of your questions: http://ifyeusa.org/ Click on “Become a Host Family” on the top line. There will be a pretty involved application process, but nothing too complicated. They just want it to be a safe and enjoyable experience for both the IFYE and the host families. If this is something you and your family want to consider they will help you through the process.

 

Here’s the schedule for the IFYE travelers so far:

Alice Giles from England will be in Nebraska and her third family stay is available August 15- September 9. Alice is interested in livestock (beef, sheep, poultry), works at a children’s charity and is active in Young Farmers.

 

A male from Taiwan will be visiting June 21-July 9 and July 9-August 9. Additional information was not currently available for the male from Taiwan.

 

 

Johanna is a female from Germany and her first stay in Nebraska is available August 1 – September 9. She was raised on a grain, sugar beet and potato farm, she’s a paramedic, interested in health and nursing and loves horses!

 

Leiz is a male from Norway. He will be in Nebraska for his first visit November 13- December 9.

 

Nebraska is hoping to continue having inbounds and to send outbounds to other countries in the future, so keep that in mind too. Or, if you know of another family that might make a good host, please let Anita Keys (308)834-3379, kasakeys@yahoo.com or Mari Roseberry at (308)538-2648.

 

Nebraska is also excited to have three outbound IFYEs representing Nebraska and the United States in 2016. They are: Erica Peterson to Poland and Switzerland, Taylor Hannan to Luxenbourg and Switzerland, and Alyssa Dye to Estonia and Germany. They will be available to share their experiences with schools and organizations after the first of the year in 2017. Let Anita Keys know if you’d like to schedule them.

 

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Nebraska Department of Roads Accepting Applications

May 16, 2016 Leave a comment


The Nebraska Department of Roads is currently accepting applications for a Highway Maintenance Worker Senior in West Point, NE.  For a full job description or to apply, visit www.statejobs.nebraska.gov.  An on-line State application must be completed on or before the closing date of May 27, 2016.

Notify Nebraska State Personnel at 402-471-2075 if you need accommodation in the selection process.  The State of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity/Veteran’s Preference Employer.

 

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When it Rains, it Pours!

May 16, 2016 Leave a comment


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (May, 2016)

As I am writing this article, I am looking out the window at the rain—again! Downpour is a good analogy for how I felt about the workload this past month with the State Board of Education! It was difficult to trim down a summary of the workload to just a page—so this month there are three major topics that I would like to touch base on. All three of these topics are important to the State Board of Education, to our schools and to ensure continued high-quality public education in Nebraska!

First, I want to touch base on standards, again! A review of the academic standards in science is now underway at the Nebraska Department of Education. As stated in previous articles, the primary authors of Nebraska standards are Nebraska teachers—elementary teachers, secondary teachers and faculty from community colleges, state colleges and universities. Nebraska’s standards development process includes a review of standards from other states and national standards before identifying broad standards, grade level standards and curricular indicators. Local school districts are responsible for developing their local curriculum based on state standards and for adopting appropriate instructional materials. The first step of the process started with a comparison of current Nebraska science standards with national standards including as the Next Generation Science Standards. This analysis provides the teacher-led writing team with good reference information as they start with the process for Nebraska. As a part of the standards update, a State Board committee participated in a science experiment. Needless to say, we did not blow up the Nebraska State Office Building!

Second topic: Nebraska State Assessments (NeSA), the statewide tests that look at student progress in writing, reading, math and science. As stated in previous articles, Nebraska had technical difficulties this year with just online writing. With changes in federal and state law and given the technical issues in writing, the State Board in June will recommend some changes for assessment in the 2016/2017 school year. The vision for assessment in 2017 and beyond will be designed with input from many stakeholders across the state. The vision will also incorporate the proposed changes in assessment at the federal level and the catalysts at the state level. One state level catalyst for change was the passage of LB 930, which requires schools to use a college entrance exam in lieu of state tests at 11th grade. In June, I will spend more time on the proposed assessment changes.

The third topic: strategic planning. In May, the State Board moved forward, spending time on a draft of the preliminary goals for the strategic plan. This plan will help guide the work of the State Board and the Nebraska Department of Education. During the May meeting, the State Board received an in-depth overview on federal changes. Elements of the new federal law—Every Student Succeeds Act—will be incorporated into the strategic plan. The new federal law is expected to place most of the responsibilities back into the hands of states and local schools districts. The federal changes will be aligned with our new strategic plan to provide direction for education in Nebraska. After reaching out for additional input on our goals, the focus will turn to setting specific measureable sub goals, targets and an implementation plan. I will write more about this topic in August.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at http://www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

 

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Golden Oaks Senior Center Closed

May 14, 2016 Leave a comment


Golden Oaks Senior Center in Oakland is closed until Monday, May 16th due to construction. 

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Respect and Restore: Reassessing Local Wind Energy Standards

May 12, 2016 Leave a comment


Center for Rural Affairs examines making local wind energy ordinances work for landowners and communities
Lyons, NE – Today the Center for Rural Affairs released a report entitled Respect and Restore: Reassessing Local Wind Energy Standards, that examines issues being overlooked in county and township wind energy ordinances.
“Ordinances often require developers of wind energy projects to limit noise and shadow flicker that impacts local residents as well as establish setback distances from neighboring residences. But they leave out requirements for access roads, post-construction restoration, or ensuring public roads are repaired after a project is complete,” says Lu Nelsen, Center for Rural Affairs Policy Program Associate and author of the report.
“All of these issues are commonly mentioned by stakeholders, but are rarely addressed through local regulation,” Nelsen continued. “In fact, most restoration requirements focus solely on the decommissioning of projects at the end of their life, providing very few guidelines for prior restoration or local infrastructure and adjacent land and property that may be needed.”
According to Nelsen, Respect and Restore describes different typical elements in the construction process of wind farms, and lays out potential problems landowners and communities might face. Additionally the report reviews county regulations for commercial wind energy systems. Finally, the report provides recommendations for future development of wind energy systems.
To view or download a full copy of the report go to:
“Post-construction land restoration is an important issue to many landowners, as they want their land returned to them in good condition,” added Nelsen. “Projects need to maintain access roads and an area around the base of a turbine.”
But additional land is affected by the construction process, and without proper restoration the land will not be as workable for a landowner as it previously was. Similarly, heavy machinery can have a big impact on the condition of local roads, especially in rural areas where roads were not designed to handle heavy traffic.
Nelsen’s report finds that addressing these issues directly in local regulations will provide communities with peace of mind and give developers clear requirements for post-construction restoration. Developers should use local input early in the process to limit the need for restoration by using pre-disturbed areas or existing access roads.
Additionally, Neslen points out that it is important to identify solutions like these to improve the development process. As wind development continues to grow, it is essential that developers and local officials tackle the concerns experienced by people in the community.
“Continuing to develop renewable wind energy brings real benefits to rural communities across the nation. To ensure these benefits aren’t realized at the expense of landowners and community members, wind energy projects must address the challenges presented by the construction process,” concluded Nelsen.

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Village of Decatur Meeting Agenda

May 12, 2016 Leave a comment


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

AGENDA

MAY 12TH, 2016 @ 4:30 PM

 

NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table. The audience must be quiet during the meeting. If you want to ask a question and you are not on the Agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking. If you are on the Agenda the same rule applies.

 

THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE PUBLIC MEETING WHEN CONVENED. MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A COPY OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT IS LOCATED ON THE NORTH WALL.

 

1)         Regular Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

Roll Call: Anderson_______ Gatewood_____, Kellogg_____, Siecke ______, Tolby _____

 

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

Roll Call: Anderson_______ Gatewood_____, Kellogg_____, Siecke ______, Tolby _____

 

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

Roll Call: Anderson_______ Gatewood_____, Kellogg_____, Siecke ______, Tolby _____

 

4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

Motion to Excuse Loretta Kellogg from tonight’s meeting

 

Roll Call: Anderson_______ Gatewood_____, Kellogg_____, Siecke ______, Tolby _____

 

 

5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

 

1)         Police: Monthly Report

2)         Lights: Monthly Report-

 

3)         Water & Sewer: Monthly Report- Olson Bid
4)         Parks: Monthly Report-
5)         Streets: Monthly Report- Income from city sales tax for February $3,403.25.

 

6)         Recycling Report: Recycling is needing to be hauled to Tekamah

 

6)        OLD BUSINESS

1)        Ordinance §53.07A regarding late fee

2)        Ordinance §111.01A Amending Peddlers and Hawkers

3)         Rezoning Lots 18-28 Block 22

4)         252 W. 3rd St. Clerk wants the ok to line up the abatement of asbestos and clean up of land.


7)         NEW BUSINESS

 

1)        Kay Kellogg- Commercial Insurance

2)         Community Club Liquor License Riverfront Days

3)        Donations to Community Club for fireworks

4)        Donations to Business Club for website

5)        City Hall basement flooding

6)        Minors Mowing

7)         Sell 1986 Chevy pickup

8)        Look into replacing 1978 IH Dump truck

9)         QuickBooks updating software to 2016

10)        Dave Malloy- Cabins

11)        Norma Farrens- Riverfront

12)         Tim Slaughter- Lighting at the Memorial Trailer

 

8)         CORRESPONDENCE

1) Tri-State High Adventure Base

2) Nate Wright. Bike and Build
9)         ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Regular Board meeting will be on June 9th , 2016 at 4:30 here at City Hall

 

10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Gatewood and Tolby

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

________________2nd_________________

 

 

Roll Call: Anderson_______ Gatewood_____, Kellogg_____, Siecke ______, Tolby _____

 

Are there any questions from the audience?

 

 

12)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING

 

 

_______________2nd________________

Adjournment Time:

 

 

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