Robert Patrick Tobin, 86, of Tekamah NE


Robert Patrick Tobin was born November 27, 1929 to John and Helen (Woods) Tobin on a homestead east of Tekamah, Nebraska, where he resided until his death. He passed away September 9, 2016 at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska, at the age of 86 years.

On April 10, 1950, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou “Sally” Miller, his high school sweetheart. To this union, five children were born; Tim, Cathy, Robert, Patrick, and Mark. Upon Mary Lou’s passing in 1996, Bob married Helen Jane “HJ” Cramer.

Bob graduated from Tekamah High School, and attended college at the University of Nebraska, where he excelled in track and was a record holder for many years. He also attended and graduated from Iowa State University. Except for a short stint in the military, Bob was involved in farming his entire life.

Bob was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tekamah and served on the Tekamah Cemetery Board for many years. He also enjoyed fishing in the Carp City Open with his son, Mark and grandson, Ron. He retired from active farming in 1992, but was a great help to his son, Pat on the farm until his death. He also enjoyed gardening, reading (especially western books) and spending time with his children and grandchildren at various parties and holiday gatherings.

Loved ones preceding him in death were his parents, John and Helen; wives, Sally and HJ; sister, Jean Hundahl; brother-in-law, William “Bill” Siggins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, William “Bill” (Bernice) Breckenridge, Robin (Leona “Bunny”) Loerch; daughter, Cathy Tobin; grandson, Brian Tobin.

He is survived by his brothers, John (Fran), Dave (Mary Ellen); sister, Barbara Siggins; sons, Tim (Linda), Pat (Susie), Robert (Cheryl), Mark (Jennifer); extended family, Cindy (Ron) Spiker, Kenny Joe Uehling, and Leah (Randy) Kirchner; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Sun., Sept. 18th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tekamah with family receiving friends during this time. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Mon., Sept. 19th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tekamah.

Burial is in the Tekamah Cemetery.

Memorials suggested to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Building Fund or donor’s choice.

Pelan Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Tobin

Robert Tobin

Senator Fischer’s Statement on September 11th Anniversary


U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement in honor of the 15th anniversary of September 11th:

 

“Fifteen years ago, the world witnessed the worst of human nature on a clear and crisp September morning. By the end of that day, we also saw the best of it: selfless sacrifice and true heroism. Our nation was united like never before.

 

“A decade and a half later, we remember the lives lost on September 11th in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. As we remember and reflect, we also call to mind the Nebraskans who died that fateful day: Julie Geis, Monte Hord, Jennifer Dorsey Howley, and Navy Captain Larry Getzfred. We will never forget them, and our hearts are with their loved ones.

 

“We must also never forget that, in answer to such evil, came virtue, generosity, strength, and deep patriotism. Even in our darkest hours, the American people displayed unparalleled courage and resolve. 

 

“On this day, we are also reminded of the important role STRATCOM played in the aftermath of the attack. STRATCOM was performing a practice exercise for a fictional threat when the attack occurred. In an instant, the men and women of STRATCOM found themselves at the center of a real world emergency. With little notice, they performed admirably and secured the base to provide safe haven for President George W. Bush as he coordinated with U.S. security officials.

 

“Though the years have come and gone since 9/11, recent events around the world remind us that threats remain. So should our vigilance.

 

“Today, we recognize our brave first responders and the members of our military who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe. We also recognize that freedom is our most powerful weapon. No one can ever take it from us.  

 

“May God bless the victims and families of this tragedy, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.”

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Today for Patriot Day


Governor Pete Ricketts announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day.  Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on September 11, 2016.

 

Governor Ricketts also issued the following statement in observance of Patriot Day:

 

“On Patriot Day, we remember the Americans killed in the largest terrorist attacks ever committed on American soil, and the brave law enforcement and firefighters who responded.  The stories of their sacrifices inspired Americans in the days following September 11, 2001, and their many acts of heroism helped us come together as a country and combat the evil of terrorism.  These stories continue to inspire us today as we wage war against Islamic extremism at home and abroad.  We will never forget.”

 

On Patriot Day, the Governor will attend the 9/11 Minute of Silence at Stinson Park in Omaha and the 9/11 Remembrance and Military Tribute in Papillion.

Robert P. Tobin, 86, of Tekamah NE


Robert P. Tobin, 86 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska, passed away Friday, September 9, 2016 at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska.

Memorial Service is pending with Pelan Funeral Services.

Oakland City Council 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 August 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, Greg Mockenhaup and Luke Blanc. Council Member Matt Johnson 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 July 18th & August 1st, 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 August 2016 was presented and questions answered. G. Mockenhaupt made a motion to accept the treasurer report and D. Gilliland seconded. All council voted AYE.

Mayor Beckner opened a public hearing at 5:32 p.m. for a varience setback of 15’ at 101 S Charde. With no public comments made, Mayor Beckner closed the public hearing at 5:33.

Tim Adams, a representative with JEO, updated the council on the progess made on the water project on Third Street and presented the council with a Pay Application #6 to Midwest Underground for $27,356.85 and recommended the City pay. D. Gilliland made a motion to pay Pay Application # 6 for $27,356.85. L. Blanc seconded the motion. All on roll call voted AYE. Tim had some concerns about not bring able to make the completion date of September 19, 2016.He stated that he thought there would be two more Pay Applications one for between now and September 19th and the second will be pay application for the remanding items pending their completion.

Kathy Backer wanted to speak about responsible beverage server traning. She host classes to help servers and owners identify underage drinkers at no charge for the class. Kathy mentioned that some cities have resorted to passing an Ordiance that would require servers and liquor license holders to attend this class once a year. She also wanted to make the council aware that there is a substance abbuse collition that has placed permited med return boxes in West Point for anyone that may need somewhere to take old medications.   Melanie Thompson, the emegency response coordinator with Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Heath, spoke to the council about quaretine and isolation training. She asked the council to work a quarentine plan into place so that everyone would have a general understanding of what to expect and the process.

Connie Petersen was on the agenda to request blocking off a street for an anniversary party but changed the direction of her anniversay party and did not attend.

Tim Ogborn was present to speak with the council about his water bill on 109 E. Fulton for $4,127.11. He stated the place has been vacant for over a year and that he has recently sold it. He stated there was a leak a couple of months ago and he had called the city to turn off the water which Dan Tanksley III did. He said that the water should have been turned off a long time ago but was not. He stated the previous renters called the office. Clerk Onken stated that there was no phone calls made to the City office requesting water to be shut off prior to his request on 05/13/2016 at 2:00 p.m.. Mayor Beckner asked Tim how he could have a house and not look at it for a year. Tim’s response is that he had to get our of town because someone tried to kill him and that he now can not pay the $4,127.11. Mayor Beckner told Tim to figure out what he thinks is far and said that as to who pays the bill, he needs to be discussed it between him and the new owner because it is not the City’s responsibility Mayor Beckner state that the City would be willing to work out a payment plan but he needs to come to the city with a proposed plan.

Chief Poland gave his monthly report and answered any questions.

Bryan Johnson gave his quarterly street department report and presented the council with different options for a new street loader. He received bids from CAT, John Deere, and Cass. No decision was made at this time.

Motion by Blanc, seconded by Gilliland to pass Resolution 2016-11, WHEREAS, the OAKLAND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM desires to apply for said funds to purchase 2 vehicles (wheelchair accessible minivan and a small bus with wheelchair lift) to provide public transportation in the Oakland, Nebraska area and all voted yes on roll call.

Motion by Gilliland, seconded by Mockenhaupt to introduce Ordiance 701, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA, TO REGULATE PARKING; TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE and waive the three readings. All voted yes on roll call.

Motion made by G. Mockenhaupt, seconded by Blanc to adopt Ordiance 701, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA, TO REGULATE PARKING; TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Motion by Mockenhaupt, seconded by Blanc to introduce Ordiance 702, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA, TO REGULATE ANIMAL WASTE; TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE and waive the three readings. All voted yes on roll call.

Motion by Blanc, seconded by Gilliland to adopt Ordiance 702, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA, TO REGULATE ANIMAL WASTE; TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE and all voted yes on roll call.

Motion by Mockenhaupt, seconded by Gilliland to approve the recommendation from the Board of Adjustments to approve a variance for 101 S. Charde to allow a 15’ rear setback and all voted yes on roll call.

A city siren is located on private property at 710 N Oakland and the owners would like it moved seeing that it has become an obsitcal for them. Discussion about where to move the siren was had but no decision was made.

The council discussed potential dates for a the 2016-2017 budget hearing.

L.Blanc spoke to the council about the new park restroom. He explanined that when the pool is being filled there isn’t enough water to run the bathrooms. There will be a better schedule next summer so the pool is not being filled during a busy time at the restrooms..

            Motion by Mockenhaupt, seconded by Blanc to add President Denise Gilliland to the First National Northeast Bank bank account signature cards. All answered Yes on roll call.

The bills and warrants were presented to the City Council as follows: Rodney H. Johnson $15.00 ,Advantage Business Forms $340.00, ABB $35.04, Anderson Hardware $418.59,ANDY’S QUIK STOP $331.88, BLACK HILLS ENERGY $80.35,Braniff Service $124.95,Burt Co Eco Dev Corporation $2,975.00,Central Valley Ag Cooperative $607.40,CHEMSEARCH$242.27,Computor Innovations $130.00,DEARBORN NATIONAL $130.69,Farmer’s Pride $2,001.81,First Bankcard $323.33,Harms Equip. Co.$324.92,Ingram Library Services $846.60, Jerri Case $25.92,Midwest Laboratories $ 869.00,MIDWEST UNDERGROUND INC $27,356.85,Nebraska Lib Commission   $500.00, NMC $94.11,NNSWC Coalition Fees $1,316.18,Nebraska Public Power District $156.95,Oakland Chamber of Commerce $3,000.00,Oakland Independent $161.22,PENDER IMPLEMENT $26.92,Petty Cash $400.16, Red Barn Vet Clinic $154.50,Robertson Implement Co.$ 628.26,Sargent Drilling 15,057.49,Seals & Service, Inc. $46.88,Stalp Gravel Co. $896.94,Verizon Wireless $191.64,   Nelson’s Food Pride $680.00, EFTPS $4,474.31,FIRST NATIONAL BANK- HSA $265.00,Ameritas Life Ins. Corp. $775.20

 

 

D.Gilliand made a motion to accept the warrents. G. Mockenhaupt seconded and all council voted AYE

There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.

 

__________________________________

Ted R. Beckner, Mayor

________________________

Katie K Onken

Bryan Eisenhauer, 48, of Bellingham WA


Bryan Julius Eisenhauer, age 48, of Bellingham, Washington passed away Thursday, September1, 2016, at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 10:30 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beemer. Minnick Funeral Home in Beemer in charge of arrangements.

Bryan was born March 30, 1968 to Sten and Jeanette(Lamprecht) Eisenhauer.

He married Amy Oswald, of Pilger, NE on July 29, 1993.

Bryan is survived by his wife Amy and children Andrew and Claire of Bellingham, WA. Mother, Jeanette Eisenhauer of Beemer, Sisters: Debra and husband Allen Lambrecht of Beemer; Dixie and husband Jim Oligmueller of Atkinson, NE; Rhonda and husband Curtis Vavra of Decatur, NE. Brothers: Douglas and wife Lana Eisenhauer, Todd Eisenhauer, Scott Eisenhauer, Kyle and wife Pam, all of Beemer; Wade and Amy Eisenhauer of Wisner, NE and Troy and Shelly Eisenhauer of West Point, NE. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bryan was preceded in death by his father Sten, his grandparents and his nephew Matthew.

Bryan Eisenhauer

Bryan Eisenhauer

News from Bancroft Senior Center


Bancroft Senior Center News  

*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. Sept. 7: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee time 10:15 a.m. FROG exercises at 1:15 p.m. Bingo at 2:00 p.m.

Thurs. Sept. 8: 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. 9: Pool tournament at Bancroft. The meal is ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, fruit and dessert. Our speaker will talk on nutrition. Cards in the afternoon.

Mon. Sept. 12: Golf card game at 1:30 p.m. Evening supper of French toast, pancakes. scrambled eggs, juice and coffee.

Tues. Sept. 13: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. Coffee time at 10:00 a.m. and walking exercises at 10:30 p.m. FROG exercises at 1:00 p.m. Pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Sept. 14: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 p.m. Coffee time at 10:15 a.m. Come and learn how to play the card game called 65 at 1:30 p.m.

 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch


The National Weather Service has extended Severe Thunderstorm Watch 470 to include the following areas until 2 am CDT Wednesday In Iowa this watch includes 1 County In west central Iowa Monona In Nebraska this watch includes 2 counties In east central Nebraska Burt In northeast Nebraska Thurston This includes the cities of…Decatur…Lyons…Macy…Mapleton… Oakland…Onawa…Pender…Tekamah…Walthill and Winnebago. 

Word on the Street: OC and TH Consolidation


Voters will take to the polls in November to decide the fate of Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman schools staying where they are or consolidating. Kat Country Hub decided to see what some people think of the schools consolidating. Here are the opinions:

 

Cindy Schorn If it will give kids a good education and is financially a better choice then I think it’s a good thing

Kay Marie Throener I love the idea of my daughter going to a smaller school. I dont want her getting lost in a class where the teacher is unable to help all the students if they need it. More one on one teacher to student.

 

Jody Davis Its a good thing I don’t have a close personal stake in it!but here goes no!

Krisa Brown We are in favor of it. Looking towards the future.

Lauri Bundy Canarsky Denise, you and I both are from Tekamah & Oakland. We both understand the conflict that happens. Left to their own devices,the younger kids would adjust if they were merged, but we both know that the adults would find conflict, no matter what happens. Over 25 years since Oakland & Craig merged, and we still that “the Oakland people” & “the Craig people”. I’m sure Tekamah & Herman have the same situation.

Jasmine Haeffner Helzer I started elementary the year Lyons-Decatur joined. We seen our Decatur class mates twice a year. Once on our field trip and once during our track & field day. Unlike our previous consolidations this is for high school only. I feel there are many questions that need to be answered, and still details that need to be discussed.

Debbie Meyer Krutilek Consolidation is never easy and no one likes to see change. This plan has been researched and discussed for long enough. Time for the communities to make their decision and move forward, one way or another.
I was a student during the consolidation of schools in the early 70’s. At that time the decision was made to be proactive, instead of reactive.Consolidating two schools takes lots of cooperation and dedication from Administrators, board members, teachers and community members. Our kids will make us proud no matter where they attend classes. It’s up to the voters to decide what they feel is best for our youth. The bottom line is “School is for Kids”.

Delwin Anderson Just my opinion…I feel when it is time to vote on things like this, it should be for property owners only…tired of taking the weight from those who don’t contribute but still get all the benefits. Just sayin..I know t doesn’t work that way…but you asked!
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I am on the fence about it! I know that things need to change with the times, but I really like the fact that my kids are in town for school. They can walk if needed, & I’m not real crazy about highway 32 on a good day, so I cannot imagine what winter will be like! I wish we could all be one district, share administration & still have our own schools in town. Does that make sense?

Susan Reynolds-Seery Both my kids will be out of school so me it won’t matter, but I believe what is better for our kids is what should matter. I came from a BIG school, Millard South in Omaha and graduated with about 400 kids, my kids now have like 7 kids in each class and are getting the attention they need. I just hope whatever the decision it’s for the KIDS!

Tami Friedl Hovendick I am not for it! It’s not like they’re consolidating all of the grades and putting them into one school they’re still going to have these schools open even with the Elementary in there so what’s the point of just consolidating the high schools.

September Lawn Care


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

Last week we flipped the calendar over to a new month, and September can be the most important month to get your bluegrass and tall fescue lawns back in good condition after the stressful months this summer, although this year wasn’t as bad as many. I had to mow my lawn every four to five days in August which is unheard of. Normally it’s about every eight to 10 days! I guess Mother Nature thought I could use the exercise.

There are some lawns with brown patches from disease problems this summer. Some of those will fill in as temperatures cool in September, but if they don’t, rake up as much dead plant material as you can, then overseed thin areas by mid-September to give new grass a chance to germinate and get established this fall. Remember to keep the top inch of soil moist, but not too wet, after seeding or overseeding if you don’t get timely rains. One nice thing about seeding in the fall is you generally won’t have the weed competition you do when seeding or overseeding in the spring.

If you haven’t fertilized yet this fall, apply about 3/4 to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of turf now, and apply a similar amount toward the end of October. That last fertilization in late October is the most important one you make all year so don’t forget to do that about Halloween-time. This will also give you a slower, more uniform green-up next spring rather than the fast flush of growth you get if you fertilize too early. Avoiding the rapid flush of growth in the spring can also reduce the chance of disease and drought injury later in the growing season.

If you have a thatch buildup, over ½ inch of thatch, power rake your lawn by mid-September. This will give the turf a chance to recover after this operation. Rake up and compost or dispose of the dead plant material after power raking. If the thatch in your lawn is not that thick, consider core aerating rather than power raking. It isn’t as hard on the turf and will improve root growth and water infiltration.

If you have problems with perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, ground ivy or white clover, mid-September to mid-October are the best times to apply broadleaf weed killers. The plants are busy making food and sending it to the roots for next year’s growth. Herbicides applied then will also be translocated to the weed roots, giving you better control. If you wait until after a light frost, you can also reduce the potential for injury to ornamental plants.

If you had your mowing height raised for the summer, leave it at this height this fall rather than lowering it as was once recommended. As lawns start to grow faster in the fall, remember to mow more frequently so you don’t remove more than 1/3 of the total height of the grass. Removing more than that with one cutting will cause unnecessary stress on the turf.

As leaves start to fall, don’t let these accumulate because they can smother areas of grass if allowed to become too deep… especially if you get some rain that packs them down. Mow your lawn and mulch in the leaves before they become too deep. If you luck out and the wind is from the right direction, the leaves may blow off your lawn and onto your neighbor’s lawn… reducing the amount of mowing or raking you’ll need to do.

Besides fertilizing your lawns one last time in late October, the other thing you need to remember is to water your lawn well later this fall, but before the ground freezes, if you don’t get timely rains. This will help your turf go into the winter in a healthier condition and reduce the chance of winterkill.

Following these steps can help your lawns recover from the stress of summer, go into winter in a healthy condition, and reduce problems next year. For more information on fall lawn care, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.