Fremont Corn Expo Thursday January 5th

December 30, 2016 Leave a comment


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

Positioning your farm to be resilient and successful despite the current downturn will be among the timely topics to be presented at the Fremont Corn Expo on Thursday, January 5.

“Choosing Your Row Ahead” is the theme of this year’s program. Nebraska corn producers have a whole series of decisions they make during a growing season. Choosing the “row” ahead or best series of decisions is what the Fremont Crop Expo is about. To accomplish this speakers will address:

 

  • applying ag technology;
  • improving economic viability;
  • increasing resilience to extreme weather, and
  • enhancing soil and water resources.

 

 

Speakers will include University and ag agency experts as well as business and industry leaders from the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, and Colfax-Dodge County Corn Growers.

The event, sponsored by Nebraska Extension, Fremont Chamber, Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and many local Ag business, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Christensen Field in Fremont. Forty-eight agribusinesses will be exhibiting at the expo throughout the day.

The Expo is a one-stop shop for local corn growers to get the critical information they need to effectively manage corn production issues. The topics at this year’s expo were driven by over 100 attendee responses in a survey mailed out after last year’s expo. This is a local corn grower guided event.

Presentations will include:

Multi-Hybrid Planting Preparation with Joe Luck, Nebraska Extension precision agriculture engineer. If you’ve been seeing in-field variation of your corn crop, multi-hybrid planting may be one way to mitigate yield risk. Learn what researchers found when conducting multi-hybrid planting research on five fields in eastern Nebraska in 2016. Yield impacts, observations, and profit analysis by zone will be presented for discussion of hybrid and zone delineation accuracy.

Economic Outlook for US Agriculture with Brent Gloy, agricultural economist at Purdue University. While there’s no glass ball to perfectly forecast economic trends in agriculture, a closer look at several key factors can help you better position your operation. Learn what factors are driving the profit squeeze and what you can expect in 2017 and upcoming years.

With Phosphorus, You Have Choices with Charles Shapiro, Nebraska Extension soil science and crop nutrient specialist. Decisions on when and where to apply phosphorus often are based on longer term economics as well as agronomic need. Is it best to apply a large load at once or spread the application across several years? Learn how to assess the factors pertinent to your farm when determining when to apply P.

Tools to Help Weather the Storms Ahead with Brian Smith, National Weather Service Meteorologist at Omaha/Valley. Severe weather, including hail, tornadoes, high winds and flooding, cause billions of dollars of damage annually to agriculture. Learn how to better weather these challenges. Learn about cloud features that accompany severe storms and how to interpret them as well as options for getting warnings.

In addition, a panel will look at what lies ahead for farm finances. Panelists will include:

 

 

  • Tina Barrett, executive director, Nebraska Farm Business Inc.,
  • Marty Krohn, ag lender, First National Bank, Fremont,
  • Al Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension educator on cash rent and leases,
  • Charles Shapiro, Nebraska Extension soil science and crop nutrient specialist, and
  • Brent Gloy, economist, Purdue University.

 

 

The event is free and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information and a full list of sponsors and exhibitors visithttp://croptechcafe.org/. A total of 2.5 CEUs for Certified Crop Advisors will be available at this program.

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Veterinary Feed Directive and Meeting Reminder

December 30, 2016 Leave a comment


4-H Planning Meeting Reminder – January 4

Don’t forget, the annual 4-H planning meeting will be held this Wednesday, January 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the First Northeast Bank of Nebraska in Tekamah upstairs in the meeting room. (New name, same place as previous years!)

EVERYONE is welcome to attend including 4-H members, parents, leaders, fair superintendents, 4-H Council members, Ag Society members and the general public. Please attend and let’s work together to make the Burt County 4-H program and fair the best ever! Please bring your personal and school calendars to help avoid as many conflicts as possible. We hope to see many of you there!

 

Veterinary Feed Directive – for ALL Livestock Producers

Effective January 1, 2017, all livestock producers that use antibiotic medicated feeds to prevent, treat or control animal health issues will be required to get a written order or Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) from a Veterinarian to purchase and feed these feeds.

This includes all youth producers including 4-H and FFA members. The regulation will only affect antibiotics administered in feed or water for food producing livestock.

 

A Veterinary Feed Directive is a written order—paper or electronic—by a licensed veterinarian approving the use of a VFD medication (feed grade antibiotic) for the prevention, treatment or control of diagnosed diseases.  As the regulation goes into effect, it will apply only to antimicrobials in livestock feed.  This regulation will not affect feed use medications such as ionophores, coccidia, other parasite and insect control drugs, or reproductive control medications. VFD will also not apply to antimicrobials used by injection administration.

 

The first step producers should complete before January 2017 is to develop a Valid Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) through an operation site visit and herd health discussion.  Within this discuss a complete herd health plan should be created for vaccination and treatment protocols.  Producers must look at their operation production calendar to determine what health risks they may encounter over the course of the year and determine how to possibly prevent the risk through vaccinations or how to treat the diagnosis with antimicrobials.  This may also be an opportunity to look at other potential alternatives to help reduce the animal health risk, such as mineral programs or probiotic additives.

 

If the treatment protocol is to utilize a feed grade antibiotic, producers will be required to obtain a VFD from their veterinarian prior to purchasing and feeding the product.  The veterinarian must create and sign a valid VFD (written or electronic), providing copies to the feed distributor and producer before the VFD product is delivered to the producer.  The VFD will determine what indication is being treated, product being used, rate of inclusion, duration of treatment, number of head being treated, and at what location/operation.  Each VFD will also include an expiration date which is the last date the product can be fed.

Another key point for producers to understand is that there is NO extra label use of medicated feeds.  With the VFD this regulation will also be more enforced within the livestock industry.  VFD products can only be used for prevention, treatment or control of indication on the FDA Approved Labels.  Currently, all feed manufacturers have submitted new labels removing all performance improvement claims and adding the new VFD regulation requirements.  The new labels will help veterinarians determine how the VFD products can be used and how the VFD is to be implemented for that specific product.  All labels will be approved by January 2017 for implementation of this new FDA regulation.  A list of common antimicrobial livestock products can be found on the VFD page at the Nebraska BQA website.

 

As with any Federal regulation there will be documentation and record keeping involved.  Veterinarians will be required to keep a record of the diagnosis and the original VFD document.  Feed Distributors will keep a copy of the VFD with the purchase/delivery receipts.  Producers also hold a copy of the VFD, purchase/delivery receipts, and feeding records.  All of the documents must be filed and kept for two years from the VFD issued date.

 

The Veterinarian Feed Directive regulation will be a new way of doing business for everyone involved in the livestock industry.  There will be growing pains as the implementation takes place for all entities involved.  Producers taking the first step of developing a Valid VCPR with their veterinarian through discussions on their herd health plan, will be more prepared as final implementation occurs.

 

For more information on VFD visit the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance website at: bqa.unl.edu and clicking of the Veterinary Feed Directive tab.  Also feel free to contact Rob Eirich at 308.632.1230 or email reirich2@unl.edu.

 

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Associate
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

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Health Department has Radon Test Kits for Sale

December 30, 2016 Leave a comment


Keep your family safe from radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer. Elkhorn Logan

Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD) wants you to know that January is National Radon

Action Month. ELVPHD will have short term radon test kits, while supplies last, for people

living in Burt, Cuming, Madison, and Stanton counties. The kits will be available for $7.00 plus

sales tax starting January 3 rd .

Radon is a natural gas in soil and rock that you cannot see or smell. It can enter your home

through holes and cracks in the basement floor, walls, or from well water. The Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homes with radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter

(pCi/L) of air or more be mitigated. Last year, the average radon level in the health department’s

service area was over 8 pCi/L, twice the safe amount.

Testing is easy and the winter months are the best time to test your home for radon. The test kit

should be set up in the middle of a room in the lowest level of your home that you often spend

time in. It should be within the normal breathing zone (2 to 6 feet from the floor). When the three

day testing period is over, simply seal the kit with the supplied package and ship to the lab for

testing.

Radon kits will be available while quantities last and can be picked up at the following health

department office locations Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm:

 ELVPHD Norfolk Office: 302 W Phillip Ave., Suite 100, Norfolk

 ELVPHD Wisner Office: 2104 21 st Circle, Wisner

 ELVPHD Tekamah Office: 1121 S. 13th St., Tekamah

For more information please call 402-529- 2233 or email mason@elvphd.org. Public health aims

to make people and communities healthy and safe. In doing so, ELVPHD offers many services

and programs to local residents and businesses of Burt, Cuming, Stanton and Madison Counties

in northeast Nebraska. Visit us online today at: http://www.elvphd.org.

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Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes

December 28, 2016 Leave a comment


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

DECEMBER 8TH, 2016 @ 4:30 PM

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on December 8th, 2016.

Visitors signing in Alta Wolf with Mirror Lyons Sun, Viv Novotny JEO Consulting, Dale Wolf, Jason Troutman,

Jolene Stevens, and Robert Mayo. Not signing in Brad Harris with Layne Christianson and Ethan Joy of JEO

1) Regular Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg at 4:30 PM with her stating that a copy of the open

meetings act is located on the north wall.

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

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

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

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

Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Gatewood-, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-yes, Tolby-yes

4) EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

Siecke made a motion to Excuse Gatewood and 2 nd by Tolby

Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-yes, Tolby-yes

5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

1) Police: Monthly Report- No one present

2) Lights: Monthly Report- Kellogg asked if the light by the Methodist church was fixed and Siecke

stated that we are waiting for the light to show up. There are 2 or 3 others to fix as well.

3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report- USDA search grant (resolution)- Anderson talked about the sewer

class in February. His recommendation is to get Luke signed up.

Kellogg asked Brad Harris to come to the table and talk about the south filter. Harris talked about the different

options. The board discussed the different upgrades of the filter system. The board looked at different bids

for the filter system.

Siecke made a motion to approve the bid from Layne Christianson to replace the south pump to get it

update and 2 nd by Tolby

Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-yes, Tolby-yes

Motion Carried

Ethan with JEO came to the table and talked about the filters. He presented different cost on the different

options for the Water Plant Improvements. They talked about the grant funding and the clerk said that in order

to qualify for the grant our water rates would have to go up to $36.

Siecke introduced Resolution 149. Authorizing the chairperson and the clerk of the Village of Decatur,

Decatur Nebraska to execute documents required to receive united states department of agriculture rural

development financial Assistance. Kellogg ask the clerk to read the Resolution #149

Clerk Read- RESOLUTION #149

AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRPERSON AND THE CLERK OF THE VILLAGE OF DECATUR, DECATUR

NEBRASKA TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF

AGRICULTURE RURAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The following motion was introduced and adopted this 8th day of December, 2016, by the Board of the Village of

Decatur, Decatur Nebraska.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY:

The Board of the Village of Decatur, Decatur, Nebraska, resolves that the Chairperson and Clerk are authorized and

directed to execute any and all documents and security instruments or other memoranda between the board of the

Village of Decatur, Decatur, Nebraska and the USDA Rural Development so as to affect the Water for assistance.

If the Chairperson or the Clerk should change because of an election or other reasons during the processing of the

USDA Rural Development application(s), the board of the Village of Decatur, Decatur, Nebraska will need to amend

this resolution so the Chairperson and the Clerk can sign any form(s) and security instrument(s) to finalize the USDA

Rural Development financial assistance.

This resolution shall take effect and be in full force after its passage, approval and publication as required

by law.

Village of Decatur, Nebraska

Loretta Kellogg

Chairman

ATTEST:

Ann Chytka

Village Clerk

Siecke made a motion to adopt Resolution #149 and 2 nd by Anderson

Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-yes, Tolby-yes

Motion Carried

4) Parks: Monthly Report- Income from November $ 81.45. Gatewood stated that the playground

equipment is here and they will start in the spring.

5) Streets: Monthly Report- Income from city sales tax for September $4350.03.

6) Recycling Report: $95.80 received from Hanner Salvage for metal hauled to Onawa. Recycling has

been hauled to Tekamah.

Rob Mayo came to the table and talked about recycling. He is willing to do curbside recycling for whoever is

willing to do it. Mayo would be providing the container. He is thinking it would be $6 a month for the

curbside recycling.

7) Sears Center- The router is needing to be replaced at the Sear's Center.

6) OLD BUSINESS

1) Water Study- Ethan Joy- see above

2) Purchase of replacement truck.- Jason and Larry went to Bancroft to look at a 75 Chevy with and 18’ box

for $3000. It was test drove and seems to be in good condition. Siecke stated that he would recommend that

we purchase the truck.

Siecke made a motion to purchase the 75 Chevy truck from Brunning for $3000.00 and 2 nd by Tolby

Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Gatewood-yes, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-yes, Tolby-yes

Motion Carried

3) Employee Policy Ordinance- Kellogg stated that there were some words that need to be changed in the

policy. Kellogg asked the clerk to read the Ordinance 33.50

ORDINANCE § 33.50

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE § 10-09 OF THE CODE OF DECATUR PERSONNEL

MANUAL FOR VILLAGE EMPLOYEES; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS;

AND TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS the Members of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Decatur, Nebraska, believe it is

beneficial that each employee of the Village has a general understanding of the terms of his or her employment

with the Village, including disciplinary and termination procedures:

Whereas the Members of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Decatur, Nebraska, wish to adopt the

revised manual governing the procedures and policies with the Village of Decatur;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CHAIRPERSON AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE

VILLAGE OF DECATUR, NEBRASKA:

SECTION 1. The personnel manual attached hereto is hereby adopted by the Village of Decatur, Nebraska.

Such manual shall govern the policies and procedures of employment with the Village of Decatur, Nebraska.

SECTION 2: All ordinances, amendments, and sections in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. (§10-09).

Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and take effect from and after its passage, approval, and publication or

posting to law.

Passed and approved this 8th day of December, 2016.

Loretta Kellogg Chairperson

ATTEST:

Ann Chytka Village Clerk

Siecke would like to introduce the Ordinance 33.50 and 2 nd by Gatewood

Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Gatewood-yes, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-yes, Tolby-yes

Siecke move for final passage on Ordinance 33.50 and 2 nd by Gatewood

Roll Call: Anderson-yes, Gatewood-yes, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-yes, Tolby-yes

Kellogg stated that Ordinance 33.50 has been passed my majority of the council

4) Go fund me- Anderson stated that we have the banners and asked Larry to put them up. We also got a

basketball hoop and 3 nets. Larry is supposed to see how many boards need to be order for the park and the set

of bleachers. After that we should have a little money left to paint the building.

Kellogg thanked Lance Anderson for allowing us to appoint you to your seat and we would also like to thank

Margaret for your long term on our Village Board

7) OATH OF OFFICE- Mark Siecke, Don Warren, and Jason Troutman read there Oath of Office.

OATH OF OFFICE

STATE OF NEBRASKA )

) SS:

COUNTY OF BURT )

I, Mark Siecke, Don Warren, and Jason Troutman, 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.

Subscribed and sworn by the above named Mark Siecke, Don Warren, and Jason Troutman before me this

8th day of December, 2016. Witness my hand and official seal.

Village Clerk- Ann Chytka

8) REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD- Kellogg adjourned the meeting and turned it over to the Village

Clerk

Clerk asked for a nomination for a temporary chair man.

Kellogg nominated Mark Siecke 2 nd by

Roll Call: Warren-no, Gatewood-no, Kellogg-yes, Troutman-no

Warren nominated Kellogg for temporary chair man

Roll Call: Warren-yes, Gatewood-yes, Siecke-yes, Troutman-no, Kellogg-yes

Kellogg asked for a nomination for the chair man of the upcoming year. Warren nominated Mark Siecke 2 nd by

Kellogg.

Roll Call: Warren-yes, Gatewood-no, Siecke-yes, Troutman-no, Kellogg-yes

Motion Passed

Clerk stated that Siecke will be the Chair Man for the upcoming year. Now he will reopen the meeting and discuss

new business.

Siecke reopened the meeting at 5:37

Siecke asked for nominations for Vice Chair. Siecke nominated Kellogg for Vice Chair and 2 nd by Warren

Kellogg except the nomination

Roll Call: Gatewood-yes, Warren-yes, Siecke-yes, Troutman-yes, Kellogg-yes

8) ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS

Chairman: Mark Siecke

Vice Chairman: Loretta Kellogg

Head of Employees: All Board Members

Head of Police: Chairman

Head of Parks & Recreation: Don Warren

Light Commissioner: Cheryl Gatewood

Street Commissioner: Loretta Kellogg

Sewer & Water Commissioner: Jason Troutman

Community Center & Buildings: Chairman and Board

Police Chief: Justin Smith

Village Clerk: Ann Chytka

Utilities Supervisor: Larry McCullock

Street Superintendent: Terry Mead w/ JEO

Village Attorney(s): Matt Munderloh, Francis W Barron III

Village Engineering Firm: JEO

Zoning Inspector: Currently Jimmy Phelps

Civil Defense Directors: Dan Magill & Jim Maryott

Flood Plain Administrator: Dan Magill

Safety Committee: Department Heads, Chairman & Vice Chairman

Term Expires

Tree Board: Dennis Klatt 12-17

3Year term Tom Farrens 12-19

Charlotte Mulinix 12-17

John Mussack 12-18

Park Board: Larry Kellogg 12-17

1Year term Peggy Haeffner 12-17

Harold Dean Hayes 12-17

Charlotte Mulinix 12-17

Kay Kellogg 12-17

Darien Haeffner 12-17

John Maryott 12-17

Health Board: Chief of Police 12-17

1 Year term Chairman of the Board 12-17

Joyce Cornwell 12-17

Planning Commission:

3 Year term Jim Maryott 12-19

Peggy Smith 12-17

Alta Wolf 12-19

Gwen Menard-Tippery 12-17

Mary Jane Hayes 12-17

Jack Quinn 12-17

Wayne Hightree 12-19

Therese Magill 12-17

Steve Dye 12-19

Board of Adjustment/Variance Board: Village Board

ADHOC Committee:

Appointed by the Village Board Carol Kellogg

Appointed by Senior Center Joan Hightree

Appointed by Senior Center Betty Tyndall

As Hired by Senior Center Jackie Anderson

Appointed by the Village Board Loretta Kellogg

Appointed by the Village Board Cheryl Gatewood

Appointed by hospital Fran Tramp

Appointed by Committee Janice Larsen

Appointed by Committee Matt Connealy

Appointed by Committee Judy Connealy

Housing Rehabilitation Board: Jane Seymour 12-18

3 Year term Jeania McCullock 12-18

Therese Magill 12-18

Renee Stammer 12-18

Beth Phelps 12-19

Persons authorized to sign all checks from the Village of Decatur’s Checking & Savings Accts: Chairman, Vice

Chairman, Village Clerk

Village Banking Institution: First Nebraska Bank

Commercial Insurance Agent: Continental Insurance- KH Insurance

Employee Insurance Agent: Employee insurance- KH Insurance

Village Power Supplier: Burt County Public Power District

Legal Newspaper: Lyons Mirror Sun

Kellogg made a motion to retain Lyons Mirror Sun and 2 nd by Warren

Roll Call: Gatewood-no, Warren-yes, Siecke-yes, Troutman-no, Kellogg-yes

Motion Carried

Approval of the following Checking, Savings, Money Market, and CD accounts

Checking Accounts: (as of December 18, 2015)

General Contingency Fund 9822 .05%

Utility Fund 5039 .05%

Payroll Account 9849 0%

Rehabilitation Account 150-3710 .05%

Utility Money Market 160-4180 .05%

Reserve Money Market 160-6669 .05%

City Hall Savings 160-3143 .08%

Beck Park 153490

Park Grant account 1535153

C D’s:

Sewer Savings -12 month 1021656 .2500%

Water Construction -15 month 2001296 .2500%

Light Savings -12 month 1023842 .2500%

Pumper Savings-15 month 1024890 .3000%

Loans

Tractor 3.50%

Broadway Bridge 3.50%

Clerk stated that the 150,000 loan for the community center was paid off this year.

9) NEW BUSINESS

1) Employee Appreciation-Kellogg stated that since she has been on the board the employees haven’t

received anything in raises or Christmas gifts. We appreciate all their hard work. Board discussed giving

the employees raises. Leaving the temporary employees at the same rates.

Gatewood made a motion to give Cindy, Ann, Chelsey, Luke and Larry a 3% raise and 2 nd by Kellogg

Roll Call: Gatewood-yes, Warren-yes, Siecke-yes, Troutman-yes, Kellogg-yes

Motion Carried

2) Employee Hours- Troutman asked about Cindy’s hours with the park closing. Gatewood stated that her

hours need to change since the park is closed. Board discussed her hours.

Troutman made a motion to reduce Cindy’s hours to 12 hours a week and 2 nd by Kellogg

Roll Call: Gatewood-yes, Warren-yes, Siecke-no, Troutman-yes, Kellogg-no

Motion Carried

Troutman asked if the police had a curtain amount of hours they are working a week. Kellogg said no that

Justin makes the schedule according to when they are off from the county. Troutman asked if we can get

them to be patrolling more instead of in the office all the time. The board agreed.

3) Recycling- Board discussed the different options for recycling.

Troutman made a motion to close the recycling center on 2/1/2017 ongoing financial losses and 2 nd by

Gatewood

Roll Call: Gatewood-yes, Warren-yes, Siecke-yes, Troutman-yes, Kellogg-abstain

Motion Carried

10) CORRESPONDENCE- Received information on a grant for trees. Clerk is going to send out letters to the

Tree Board.

We sent flowers to the family of Phil Hennig and they sent us a Thank you card.

Got a new letter from USDA I believe we are below poverty for water and sewer at 1.375%

11) ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Regular Board meeting will be on January 12th, 2017 at 4:30 here at City Hall

We got a good deal on tablets so we are looking to go paper less. Everyone will have an email account but this

will be for the clerk to get information to the board. No group emailing.

12) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

1) Claims preapproved by Siecke and Tolby

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

Kellogg made a motion to approve the claims as submitted and 2 nd by Gatewood

Roll Call: Gatewood-yes, Kellogg-yes, Siecke-abstain, Troutman-yes, Warren-yes

Are there any questions from the audience? Alta asked about the water. Siecke stated that all the board did was

approve the bid from Layne Christianson to replace a pump, pipes, and valve.

MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING

Troutman 2nd Gatewood

Adjournment Time:7:03

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

December 28, 2016 Leave a comment


Bancroft Senior Center News

*If you are 60+ and need information on programs designed to help keep you stay 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. Dec. 28: No melody chimes practice. Coffee time at 9:00 a.m. Come and play Skip-

Bo at 1:30 p.m. The monthly board meeting is at 3:30 p.m.

Thurs. Dec. 29: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. serving rolls and coffee from 9 – 11 a.m.

FROG ex. at 1:00 p.m. Make your reservation for the chicken dinner. Sign up to play in

the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 30: Join us for coffee at 9:00 a.m. Have you made your reservation for the fried

chicken dinner being served at noon? Cards will be played in the afternoon.

Mon. Jan 2: The center is closed today.

Tues. Jan. 3: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. Coffee time at 10:00 a.m. FROG ex. at 1:00 p.m.

Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Jan. 4: No chime practice today. Coffee time is at 9:00 a.m. Golf is on the schedule

for 1:30 p.m.

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Everett Thomas Koenig, 94, of Pender NE

December 28, 2016 Leave a comment


Everett Thomas Koenig, 94, of Pender, NE died on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, NE.

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

Filed under Obituaries Tagged with , ,

Charles Richard Sheets, 87, of Tekamah NE

December 28, 2016 Leave a comment


Charles Richard Sheets, 87 years of Tekamah, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2016 at the Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska. He was born November 4, 1929 in rural Herman, Nebraska to Floyd and Grace (King) Sheets.

Dick graduated from Herman High in 1947. Following high school, for the next year, he faithfully climbed aboard his Harley, riding into Omaha, Nebraska to attend Barber School. Dick began barbering in 1948 and apprenticed under Fred Kjeldgaard; in 1949 he opened his own shop “Dicks Barber Shop”.

On January 27, 1949 Dick married the love of his life, Marjorie M. Bowland; they made their home in Tekamah. To this union four children were born, Richard (Dick), Gregory, Jolene and Floyd.

In the 1960’s Dick owned and operated a cob business, and in 1968 he built and relocated Dick’s Barber Shop to its current location on Main Street in Tekamah. That same year Dick’s Western Store began; in 1975 Dick’s Western Wear was opened up in Omaha and in 1980 a Norfolk, Nebraska store was opened.

Dick was a cowboy at heart and his passion for horses was a huge part of his life. Through the years many Appaloosa’s and Quarter horses found their home in Dick’s and Marge’s pastures. Dick was an outstanding horseman; he owned and showed horses throughout his lifetime and taught his children and grandchildren to respect the beauty and share in the love of a horse.

Dick was a member of the National Appaloosa Horse Club, a member and president of the Nebraska Appaloosa Horse Club and judged for over 25 years at shows throughout the United States. In 2008 he was inducted into the Nebraska Appaloosa Club Hall of Fame for his outstanding dedication and support.

Dick was a member of the Tekamah School Board, Tekamah Chamber of Commerce, Burt County Supervisors, a founding member of the Tekamah Jaycees and Charter member of the Northridge Country Golf Club. Memberships have also included the Tangier Temple Shrine of Omaha, Shrine Jesters of Omaha, Masonic Lodge No.31 of Tekamah, Tekamah Lions Club and the First Presbyterian Church of Tekamah.

Of all of the many accomplishments Dick may have had during his life, his greatest and truest legacy is his family. He was a wonderful and devoted husband and knew that it was a true gift from God to have Marge by his side. To see how he loved his children of each generation you only had to watch his face to see how happy he was whenever they were around. He always worked to instill in them the same faith and wisdom that God had given him. Work hard, Love and Care for each other and Life will be Good!
Dick was a loving family man, a dedicated working man and a man who will be truly missed by the many who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Floyd Sheets; sister, Ellen Epperson; brothers-in-law, Dale Epperson, Rich Thompson, Bill Bowland, Dan Bowland; mother and father-in law, Vard and Stella Bowland.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Marge Sheets of Tekamah; sons, Dick (Pat) Sheets of Norfolk, Greg (Diane) Sheets and Floyd (Anne) Sheets all of Tekamah; daughter, Jolene (Roland) Jack of Gardner, KS; grandchildren, Kathy (Mark) Vrbka, Debi (Dave) Wolff, Maggie (Dave) Lubben, Clay (Becky) Sheets, Cori (Sam) Breckenridge, Connie (Jason) Jarzynka, Jason (Jamie) Neal, Jenny Carlon, Trina (Kyle) Sidwell, Jesse (Abby) Sheets, Amber (Ryan) Walpole, Casey (Trisha) Sheets; great grandchildren, Mason Vrbka, Myles Vrbka, Cassidy Wolff, Sydney Wolff, Alissa (Michael) Wagner, Noah Lubben, Selah Lubben, Lydia Lubben, Taylor Mclaughlin, Maleah Sheets, Aubrynn Sheets, Taryn Sheets, Spencer Breckenridge, Hannah Breckenridge, Grace Breckenridge, Cooper Jarzynka, Lucy Jarzynka, Ava Neal, Avery Neal, Ali Neal, Nico Carlon, Peyton Sidwell, Easton Sidwell, Mylee Sheets, Maggie Sheets, Oakley Sheets, Brenna Sheets, Neelei Walpole, Aisley Walpole, Salem Sheets, Shelton Sheets; sisters, Donna (Roy) Schafer and Grace (Walt) Mitchell all of Fremont, NE, Lela Thompson of Herman, NE; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Bud) Megrue of Lincoln, NE, Mary (Don) Thomas of Waterloo, NE and Lee Bowland of Tekamah; a Host of many more Family and Friends.

Thank you all for sharing in his life.

MEMORIAL VISITAION

Thursday, December 29th
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church, Tekamah1318 K Street
Tekamah, NE 68061

Family will receive friends 5-7 pm.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Friday, December 30th
1:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church, Tekamah1318 K Street
Tekamah, NE 68061

Rev. Duncan Nichol officiating, and a special reading by Kevin Thomas. Organist, Leanne Dorathy and Special Music by Diane Sheets and Dick’s Great Grandchildren. Honorary Bearers, All of Dick’s Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Burial is in the Tekamah Cemetery.

Memorials suggested to the family for future designation.

Dick Sheets

Dick Sheets

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Making Government Work

December 28, 2016 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

As 2016 comes to a close, it’s hard to believe that January will mark the halfway point in my term as your Governor.  My administration works daily to make state agencies more effective, more efficient, and more customer-focused.  Over the last two years, we have focused significant resources on transforming an agency that was in dire need of reform when I took the reins of state government.  That agency, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is critical because it provides vital temporary assistance and a safety net for some of our most vulnerable Nebraskans.  In past years, the agency faced numerous challenges including federal fines, special investigative committees, and failed programming.  With new leadership and intense process improvement initiatives, the agency is now on a new path.  DHHS is focusing on their core mission of helping Nebraskans live better lives.

 

One of the first areas of DHHS reform under my administration was ACCESSNebraska, home to our call centers for public assistance.  Before I entered office, Nebraskans were waiting on hold for an average of up to 24 minutes to apply for programs through ACCESSNebraska.  The Nebraska Legislature had formed a special investigative oversight committee to look into the backlogs and had called the program a “failure.”

 

When I took office, my team partnered with ACCESSNebraska staff to identify process improvements that significantly reduced call wait times.  Over the last year, call wait times have averaged below five minutes for 10 out of the last 11 months.  Acknowledging the many improvements, the Legislature announced plans last week to dissolve the oversight committee, citing “increased functionality and productivity.”

 

Fixing ACCESSNebraska is important for three reasons.  First, it protects you, the taxpayer.  The previous poor performance of the call centers resulted in the federal government threatening to withdraw $17 million in federal funding.  This move would have forced the state to budget more of your tax dollars for existing services.  With our improved performance, this is no longer a risk.  Second, it means that our most vulnerable citizens are receiving better service in their time of need, and have access to resources to help get them back on their feet.  Third, it also means DHHS can focus more time and resources on improving customer service in other areas.

 

Since ACCESSNebraska is performing at such a high level now, we are looking to utilize it in new ways to improve customer service in other areas.  This week, we announced improvements to the application process for Nebraskans seeking services for Developmental Disabilities (DD).  DHHS has added the application and other information about DD services to the ACCESSNebraska website, and has reduced the application from 14 pages to three.  These changes mean the time necessary to determine eligibility has been slashed from 69 days to an average of 14 days—a nearly 80 percent reduction.

 

We also unveiled WIC Journey, a new system that helps to administer DHHS’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.  The program serves over 37,000 clients through 13 local WIC agencies delivering services at 106 clinics across the state.  WIC provides healthy food along with nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to low-income Nebraska families.  These upgrades replaced a 20-year-old computer system, and eliminated the need for 23 paper forms.  In the past, some WIC offices closed down during regular business hours just to process paperwork.  With the new, streamlined system, offices no longer have to shut down to do paperwork, allowing them to focus more on helping women and children.

 

These are just a few examples of what my administration has accomplished over the last two years because of a relentless focus on reforming DHHS.  There is more to come!  Earlier this year, DHHS CEO Courtney Phillips and I unveiled the agency’s first-ever business plan, and I look forward to sharing with you continued successes as the agency works to execute the initiatives contained in their plan.  We’ll be updating you in the coming months as those initiatives prove successful.  Thank you to Courtney Phillips and her team at DHHS for their work to help Nebraskans live better lives—it truly is a team effort.

 

We are working to instill a team mentality focused on improving customer service in all our agencies.  If you have an experience you would like to share, please email my office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244.  I want to hear your feedback, so we can continue to make state government more effective and efficient for you!

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Charles R. “Dick” Sheets, 87, of Tekamah NE

December 27, 2016 Leave a comment


Charles R. “Dick” Sheets, age 87, of Tekamah, Nebraska passed away Sunday, December 25, 2016, at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska.

Memorial service will be on  Friday, December 30, 2016, at 1:30 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church in Tekamah.  Burial will be in the Tekamah Cemetery, Tekamah, Nebraska.

Memorial visitation will be held  Thursday, from 5-7 p.m. with family receiving friends at the First Presbyterian Church.  Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.  Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah is in charge of arrangements.

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Richard H. “Dick” Middendorf, 94, of Lincoln NE

December 27, 2016 Leave a comment


Richard H. “Dick” Middendorf, 94, of Lincoln, died on December 22, 2016, at Gateway Vista Senior Living in Lincoln.

 

Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 4-8 pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be Thursday, Dec. 29, 10:30 am, at Christ Lutheran Church, Lincoln, with the Rev. Dr. Luke Schnake officiating. Burial will follow at the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lincoln Lutheran Schools or Concordia University, Nebraska. Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home of Lincoln is in charge of arrangements.

 

Dick was born August 29, 1922, in Bruning, NE, to Henry and Katie (Duis) Middendorf. He graduated from Bruning High School, and served in the army in the final years of World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. Dick was united in marriage to Della Mae (Lautenschlager) Middendorf on January 2, 1945. To this union four children were born. The couple lived in Lincoln, and then in Lyons, NE, where Dick worked for the Soil Conservation Service, and then as a rural mail carrier with the USPS, serving in that capacity for 30 years until his retirement. He was also a school bus driver, and a member of various local organizations including the summer baseball program, the American Legion and VFW, and the Lyons industrial development committee. Dick’s gift of writing led to many special feature articles in the Sioux City Journal, and the Omaha World Herald. Following retirement in 1986, the couple moved back to Lincoln, where Dick continued working part-time as a courier for Union Bank & Trust for another 24 years. While in Lyons, Dick served his congregation of St. John Lutheran as Sunday School superintendent and elder. At Trinity Lutheran, Lincoln, he volunteered as a greeter and was also a member of various boards and Bible study groups. His most recent church membership has been with Christ Lutheran in Lincoln.

 

Survivors of the immediate family include his four children and spouses: Joy (Rick) Golden; Lyle (Nancy) Middendorf; Larry (Penny) Middendorf; and Mark (Julie) Middendorf, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Della Mae; his siblings & their spouses: Ella (Kenneth) Stubbs, Lenore (Boyd) Biggs, Carl (Merle) Middendorf, and Delma (Leon) Bruning.

Richard Middendorf

Richard Middendorf

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