Verlin “Bud” King, 84, of Tekamah NE


Verlin “Bud” King, 84 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Brighton Gardens in St. Charles, Illinois.

Funeral Service is pending with Pelan Funeral Services.

News From Bancroft Senior Center


Bancroft Senior Center News by Connie Bargmann

*If you are 60+ 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. There are no membership fees or attendance requirements and new faces are always welcome.

* 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. Aug. 31: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee time 10:15 a.m. Join us and play Skip-Bo card game at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Sept. 1: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:40 a.m. Rolls and coffee from 9-11 a.m. FROG exercise class at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 2: FROG exercises at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pinochle or hand & foot tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Mon. Sept. 5: Center closed for Labor Day.

Tues. Sept. 6: Bring a covered dish and join us for the potluck meal at noon. Cards will be played in the afternoon. Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. and walking exercises 10:40 a.m.

Wed. Sept. 7: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 p.m. FROG exercise class at 1:15 p.m. and bingo at 2:00 p.m.

School Consolidation Issue: Vote Responsibly, Based on Facts


As November 8th looms, more and more people are voicing their opinions about the possibility of Tekamah-Herman and Oakland-Craig schools consolidating.

I am still undecided as to how I will vote. Upon deciding, I will not share my decision. Voting is a private matter. And, in this case, I believe it is better to remain as such.

There are times social media is a way to gain knowledge, catch up with friends, share pictures with others, and so on.

It is too bad it isn’t used that way all of the time.

Unfortunately, there are those using social media to state their version of facts, some of which don’t even pertain to the issue at hand.

I have read some posts I find appalling. I have to wonder if those saying such things have even attended a meeting to hear both sides of the issue.

I do believe there are many individuals that are of one mind, regardless of the facts. This is sad considering the importance of the issue and especially all involved.

I have also seen many “sponsored” pages on facebook. There are several posts stating alleged facts of the situation and what happens when a school loses its’ high school.

I don’t know who is posting such statements, but I am curious as to where they are obtaining their information.

People have asked, but to no avail.

I read these posts, but I don’t let the negativity and uninformed statements play a part of my decision.

I choose to stick to the facts.

I hope everyone else does.

This may be the most important local vote to be cast in years.

Be responsible and be informed!

 

 

Vivan L. Coryell, 95, of Pender NE


Vivian L. Coryell, 95, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Legacey Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender.

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

Storytime at Oakland Public Library Begins in a Week! Mark Your Calendar!


National Read a Book Day is September 6 2016!! What a wonderful coincidence that we are kicking off a new year of Storytime that day!!

National Read a Book Day is September 6 2016!! What a wonderful coincidence that we are kicking off a new year of Storytime that day!!

Nebraska Legislature Clerk’s Office Accepting Applications for Page Positions


The application process for selecting pages for the 2017 Legislative Session is now underway in the Clerk’s Office at the Nebraska Legislature.

“Working as a page provides a unique opportunity to assist legislators throughout the session,” said Senator Brasch. She continued, “Pages are privileged to work on the Floor of the Legislature during debate and interact with senators. The experience acquired will equip students for a variety of career fields. In my six years as senator, several college students from District 16 have worked as pages.”

Legislative pages are local college students employed by the Legislature to respond to senators’ requests for assistance on the Legislative Floor, answer incoming calls to the Legislative Chamber, and possibly assist in committee hearings. The deadline for submitting an application is Monday, October 3, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. A letter of recommendation from your state senator is encouraged. College students from District 16 requesting a letter of recommendation from Senator Brasch should contact our office at (402) 471-2728 or lbrasch@leg.ne.gov.

Applications are available at the Clerk of the Legislature’s Office, Room 2018, State Capitol, 1445 K Street. For further information on the application process, please contact the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature at (402) 471-2271 or Kitty Kearns at (402) 471-0617, or email Kitty at kkearns@leg.ne.gov.

Nebraska Upland Bird Abundance Higher Than Five-Year Average


Pheasant and quail abundance in Nebraska this year is higher than the five-year average over most of the state, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Upland Game Hunting Outlook. Survey results indicate conditions for upland birds are better than in recent years.

The outlook is based on spring and summer upland game surveys, and conditions reported by biologists. Regional weather events that could impact populations are considered. The weather this past winter was generally mild. Most of the state received timely spring rainfall, producing abundant nesting and brood-rearing cover for pheasants.

This fall, pheasant abundance will likely be similar or slightly lower than the 2015 hunting season, which saw a 26 percent increase in harvest compared to 2014. Southwestern Nebraska and the Panhandle will offer the best hunting opportunities in 2016. Surveys indicate pheasant abundance is higher in the central and Sandhills regions, compared to 2015. Abundance in other regions of the state is predicted to be similar or slightly lower than 2015, but not significantly.

Quail abundance continues to be high across the species’ Nebraska range. The Southeast, Republican, and East Central regions should provide the best hunting opportunities for 2016. Surveys show that abundance this fall should be as good or better than the 2015 hunting season, which was 73 percent greater than the year before.

Grouse also seem to have benefited from the mild winter conditions, particularly in the Sandhills, which will offer the best opportunities for 2016. Grouse abundance is higher in the Sandhills and Northeast regions but down elsewhere.

The Commission reminds hunters that surveys provide a broad assessment of upland game species abundance, and cannot be used to determine game abundance at any particular hunting area. Pre-hunt scouting is recommended.

The full forecast is available online at: OutdoorNebraska.gov/Upland.

The hunting season for pheasant, quail and partridge is Oct. 29 – Jan. 31, 2017. The grouse season is Sept. 1 – Jan. 31, 2017. Hunting permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Public land and lands open to public hunting through the Open Fields and Waters program can be found in the Public Access Atlas, available online at Maps.OutdoorNebraska.gov/PublicAccessAtlas. Additional properties open to public hunting, including tall wheat and milo stubble fields will be added to the online version of the Atlas in mid-October.

School Consolidation: Vote Responsibly!


School consolidation is hitting new highs and lows. Some believe since Tekamah-Herman and Oakland-Craig are alleged rivals, the kids will fight all the time if they are in the same school.

My opinion, kids learn from what they hear.

Education is the MOST important issue.

I don’t even know how I will vote. But, I do know, I will stick to the facts.

Here is my quote after I read so much about weather, kids fighting, and so on.

The most important issue here is education. I went to school in both Tekamah-Herman and Oakland-Craig…..my family moved to Oakland when I was starting my sophomore year. I was blessed to attend school in Tekamah all of my years prior. Upon coming to Oakland, I was nervous, believing the rivalry would hurt me and kids wouldn’t like me. That was NEVER an issue. I was and am blessed to have life long friends from both schools. I was on honor roll in both schools, thanks to very dedicated teachers. This is a very difficult decision for all. But, kids aren’t going to be fighting to where a sheriff has to be called. That type of behavior should never be encouraged. This is an education and financial issue. Base votes on facts, not hypothetical issues.

Arthur W. Oetken, 89, of Emerson NE


Arthur W Oetken, 89, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. Memorial services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE; Pastor Gretchen Ritola is officiating. The visitation will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE.

Arthur was born on the family farm near Emerson on May 22, 1927, the son of Henry and Mary (Bottger) Oetken. He lived all his life in the Emerson area. He married Mildred Pallas on March 29, 1947, the couple had seven children. In 1991, Art and Mildred retired and moved into Emerson.

Arthur loved fishing and trains, but most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred; sons, Dale (Darlene) Oetken of Fostoria, IA, Roger (Sharon) Oetken of Emerson, NE, Robert (Karen) Oetken of Lincoln, NE, Larry (Barbara) of Norfolk, NE, Richard (Michelle) Oetken of Lincoln, NE; daughters, Connie (Glen) Vraspir of Emerson, NE, Beverly (Leonard) Gradert of Emerson, NE; sister, Helen Frey of Pender, NE, 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wayne and Herman; and two sisters, Leona Pullen and Alvena Evans.

Arthur Oetken

Arthur Oetken

Michael Schmidt, 21, of Pender NE


Michael Ja Schmidt, 21, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 as a result of an automobile accident. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender; Pastor Beverly Rautenberg-Panko will be officiating. The visitation will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Michael was born October 5, 1994 in Norfolk, NE to Joseph Schmidt and Kristy (Deitloff). He graduated from Pender School in 2013. In high school, he was very active in sports; he participated in football, basketball, and golf. Michael was currently working as a CNA at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender and was attending Wayne State College where he was studying to be a math teacher and coach. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing the guitar and he loved staying up late playing video games with his friends.

He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Kristy Schmidt of Pender, NE; and sister, Cynthia Rose (Eric) Vinton of Chadron, NE; and grandparents, Junior and Alvina Deitloff of Norfolk, NE.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Schmidt and Susan Schmidt.

Michael Schmidt

Michael Schmidt