Thousands of Pounds of Beef Recalled

June 9, 2017 Leave a comment


Maid-Rite Specialty Foods, LLC., a Dunmore, Penn. establishment, is recalling approximately 174,000 pounds of various beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the products labels.

 

The raw and ready-to-eat beef items were produced between March 13, 2017 and May 26, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:

 

  • 30-lb. bulk boxes of “FULLY COOKED BEEF BURGERS,” with case code 83353-52980 and lot numbers 04/04/17, 04/06/17, 04/07/17, 04/10/17, 04/18/17, 04/24/17, 04/25/17, 05/04/17, 05/08/17, 05/15/17 and 05/16/17.

 

  • 30-lb. bulk boxes of “FULLY COOKED BEEF BURGERS,” with case code 83353-52981 and lot numbers 03/31/17 and 05/08/17.

 

  • 30-lb. bulk boxes of “FULLY COOKED BEEF BURGERS,” with case code 83353-52982 and lot numbers 03/31/17, and 05/08/17.

 

  • 10-lb. bulk boxes of “FULLY COOKED AND CHARBROILED SALISBURY STEAK,” with case code 48339-44914 and lot numbers 03/31/17 and 05/08/17.

 

  • 10-lb. bulk boxes of “OUR HOMESTYLE BIG-N-BEEFY PATTIES,” with case code 70804-35001 and lot numbers 03/20/17 and 04/19/17.

 

  • 10-lb. bulk boxes of “OUR HOMESTYLE BIG-N-BEEFY PATTIES,” with case code 70804-35005 03/20/17, 03/31/17, 04/19/17, 05/02/17, 05/05/17, and 05/19/17.

 

  • 30-lb. bulk boxes of “FULLY COOKED BEEF MEATBALLS,” with case code 75156-33530with lot codes 03/13/17 and 04/28/17.

 

  • 10-lb. bulk boxes of “FULLY COOKED BEEF STEAKETTE FOR SALISBURY,” with case code 75156-34914 and lot number 04/27/17.

 

  • 10-lb. bulk boxes of “FULLY COOKED AND CHARBROILED SALISBURY STEAK,” with case code 48339-44913 and lot numbers 03/16/17, 03/28/17, 04/18/17, 05/08/17, and 05/17/17.

 

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 77” or “EST. 118” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutional locations throughout the United States and Canada.

 

The problem was discovered on June 6, 2017, when Maid-Rite Specialty Foods, LLC. received notification from one of their ingredient supplier that the bread crumbs the company received and used in the recalled products potentially contained undeclared milk.

 

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

 

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

 

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify theircustomers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Kurt Sorensen or Deb Weber, Managers FSQA, at (570) 343-4748. Media with questions about the recall can contact Michael Bernstein, Vice President, at (570) 343-4748.

 

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

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Two From Burt County to Receive Good Neighbor Award

June 9, 2017 Leave a comment


ASKARBEN Foundation and the Omaha World-Herald have announced the 73rd annual Good Neighbor Award recipients. The Good Neighbor awards recognize Nebraskans who have performed unselfish acts of kindness.  Receiving the award this year are 13 individuals and groups representing eight Nebraska counties. Award winners will be recognized at their local county fair with a certificate and a Good Neighbor lapel pin.

Burt County

Jeannine Batie Nelsen, Lyons, NE

At her own expense, Jeannine created 25 full size personalized quilts for the veterans who graduated from Lexington and St. Ann’s 1966 class. The surprise quilts were distributed at the 50-year reunion. Jeannine personally delivered to those who were unable to attend the reunion.

Mary Alice Pearson, Oakland, NE

Mary Alice Pearson is an active hospice volunteer who works countless hours helping those in need at a very difficult time. She spends hours visiting nursing home residents.  Mary Alice volunteers at the Burt County Fair, is involved with the school mentoring program, drives people to church, doctor appointments, and wherever they need a ride.

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Village of Decatur Meeting Agenda

June 8, 2017 Leave a comment


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

AGENDA

JUNE 8TH , 2017 @ 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 REGULAR 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 SIECKE

 

Roll Call Gatewood-___, Kellogg-____, Siecke-_____, Troutman-_______, Warren_______

 

Quorum Present? ______

 

2)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

Roll Call: Gatewood-___, Kellogg-____, Siecke-_____, Troutman-_______,Warren_______

 

3)              AGENDA AND MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH’S MEETING RECEIVED:

Roll Call: Gatewood-___, Kellogg-____, Siecke-_____, Troutman-_______, Warren_______

 

4)         APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION AND SUSPENDED READING OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH         MINUTES.

 

Roll Call: Gatewood-___, Kellogg-____, Siecke-_____, Troutman-_______,  Warren_______

 

5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

 

1)         Police: Monthly Report-

2)         Lights: Monthly Report-

 

3)         Water & Sewer: Monthly Report-

 

4)         Parks: Monthly Report- April $6689.89

  • Park Monthly Camping Rates
  • Trash cans- Out Houses

 

5)         Streets: Monthly Report- February’s city sales tax $4203.44

 

6)         Sears Center-

 

6)        OLD BUSINESS

 

  • Seasonal Help

 

 

 

 

7)        NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. Cleanup day
  2. Able Employees 55+
  3. Cemetery Board Donations
  4. Property Issues
  5. Cell Phone
  6. Employee Hours
  7. Trees in the right of way

 

 

 

8)         CORRESPONDENCE

Museum Ad for Book

9)         ANNOUNCEMENTS

Curb appeal will start street cleaning on Monday June 12th.

Bug Spraying is continuing on Wednesday nights.

 

Next Regular Board meeting will be on July 13th, 2017 at 4:30 here at City Hall

 

10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Gatewood and Troutman

 

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as submitted

 

Roll Call: Gatewood_____, Kellogg_____, Siecke ______, Troutman-_______,Warren ________

 

Are there any questions from the audience?

 

11)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING

 

                                     2nd________________         Adjournment Time:         ________________

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The Heat is on!

June 8, 2017 Leave a comment


By Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub

Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Whew! Summer has arrived! Some people enjoy hot weather more than others.

I am one that loves it! There is one draw back as of today. Our pool isn’t up! We have been so busy with the arrival of a new grandson. Rowen was born May 16th! We are such proud grandparents! It is wonderful being a grandparent. Each one brings us such joy. We are truly blessed.

A week later on May 23rd, our granddaughter Penelope had her adenoids removed and new tubes placed in her ears. She has endured many ear infections and sinus problems, so surgery became a necessity to hopefully relieve her pain. So far, so good! It was difficult to know at the young age of 2 1/2 she would receive an anesthesia. We were all worried, but so relieved, that she didn’t have a reaction and surgery went well.

So, we have been on the go. Jeff had to work two weekends in a row, then when he was off last weekend, we were busy. So, the pool isn’t up yet. This weekend is supposed to be hot and I really wish it was up! But, there will be another day to get it done!

We don’t even have the window air conditioners in yet. That project will be completed tonight. We don’t have a furnace. We have baseboard heat. Window air conditioners are just fine for our house. We put one in the living room and one in the bedroom. We stay cool and that is what counts!

I tend to turn the air conditioners up while we are gone during the day. I am home before Jeff, so I turn them down so the house is cool when Jeff gets home. He is outside most of the day at his job, so he needs to cool off!

My worry is the electric bill. We are on the budget and so far, have a credit. I want to keep it that way! It is tough but I am going to do the best I can to keep the bill down!

I hope all of you stay cool! Most importantly, stay hydrated!

Have a great day and enjoy the heat this weekend, in air conditioning or in a pool!!

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Mosquitos Suck!

June 8, 2017 Leave a comment


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

Many people consider Memorial Day weekend as the official beginning of the outdoor summer season with barbecues, boating, fishing and ball games… or just mowing your lawn or working in your garden. Nothing spoils these outdoor activities quicker than being swarmed by mosquitos. Rains this spring have provided moisture we will need later this summer, but they also can cause problems for anyone working outside. Rain creates ideal sites with standing water for mosquitoes to develop.

To reduce this problem, eliminate mosquito breeding areas that catch and hold water. Check for leaf-clogged gutters, puddles, bird baths, old tires, cans, bottles, lagoons, and children’s wading pools. Drain water from these when practical. Rinse out your bird bath weekly.

Still water in birdbaths, ponds or lagoons may also be treated with Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, in the form of biscuits, available at some garden and hardware stores. The sustained release of the active ingredients of these products may provide up to 30 days control of mosquito larvae. These products specifically attack mosquito larvae and will not harm fish… or birds or other wildlife that drink the water.

Only female mosquitoes possess piercing-sucking mouthparts and require a blood meal to produce viable eggs. Eggs are laid in batches between blood meals. A single female may deposit several hundred eggs in her lifetime. Under favorable conditions, a new generation of mosquitoes can be completed in less than a week.

To keep mosquitoes out of your home, check all doors, windows and window screens, to make sure these are tight and in good repair. Screens should be 1/16th-inch mesh or smaller to prevent mosquito entry into the home. Keep porch lights off as much as possible in the evening. Or, replace traditional white light bulbs with yellow ones to help reduce the attractiveness of your home to mosquitoes and other night-flying insects.

To prevent mosquito bites when working outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and full length pants. Two layers of clothing are more difficult to penetrate by biting mosquitoes. Wearing light-colored clothes will reduce your attractiveness. Work outdoors when it is cooler, or when there is a brisk air movement or strong sunlight. Different species of mosquitoes have specific feeding periods, but many are most active in the early evening hours, generally from 5 to 9 p.m.

But, because female mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale, using an insect repellent while outdoors may be the most important method to prevent mosquito bites. You can use repellents containing DEET. These come under numerous brand labels and many formulations such as lotions, gels, aerosols, creams, and sticks.

Mosquitoes are always a nuisance, but they can also pose a health risk because of their potential to transmit West Nile Virus (WNV). In humans, WNV causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle weakness. WNV can also cause encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain), disorientation, convulsions and paralysis. People over 50 and those with weak immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

For more information on mosquito control, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.

 

 

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Governor Ricketts Proclaims June 19-25 Nebraska Pollinator Week

June 8, 2017 Leave a comment


Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed that June 19-25 is Nebraska Pollinator Week. This special designation reminds Nebraskans of the importance of pollination to ecosystems, businesses, and people’s lives, while acknowledging the creatures that pollinate.

In Nebraska, pollination from the animal kingdom can be credited to species of hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees, beetles and flies.

Lt. Gov. Mike Foley presented the signed proclamation to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologist Melissa Panella on June 7 in a ceremony at the Nebraska Capitol.

“Pollination is critical to our way of life,” Panella said. “Globally, about 1,000 different kinds of plants that humans use for items such as food, spices, medicines and fabrics are pollinated by animals. We can thank pollinators for approximately a third of every bite of food we take because of their role in enabling fertilization of fruits and vegetables. Pollinators also contribute around $20 billion worth of products to the U.S. economy annually. ”

In Nebraska, at least 18 insect pollinator species are identified as at-risk, including the iconic monarch butterfly. Learn more about these species and what you can do to help at outdoornebraska.gov/monarch.

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Decatur Bridge Being Painted

June 8, 2017 Leave a comment


The bridge in Decatur, linking Nebraska and Iowa and Decatur to Onawa, was previously a toll bridge. There no longer is a toll. Now it is under construction, being painted. There is only one way traffic, and from my view, it seemed very narrow. We didn’t have the time to go across the bridge. If you intend to cross, be prepared for a long wait at the traffic light, allowing traffic to cross the bridge.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

June 7, 2017 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

There are a few activities going on this week I would like to mention, on Thursday June 8th at 2:30 pm Charlie Davis will be here to play the Harmonica, and we will also be serving out Banana Floats. On Friday June 9th is Happy Hour for the residents at 2:30 pm. Next week on Thursday June 15th is our monthly Waffle Supper at 5:30 pm. and on Saturday June 16th the Rusty Buckets will be here to perform at 2:30 pm. We have a resident celebrating a Birthday next week, Iona Long on June 15th.

Church Service for Sunday June 11th  be given by the Craig/Alder Grove Church at 2:30 pm with a luncheon following service.  On Tuesday June 13th is Catholic Mass at 9:30 am given by Father Paul.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Suzanne Sanderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Di Ruwe, Monroe Johnson, Kristin Johnson, and Cathy Rennerfeldt.

Guest signing in last week was: Brian Goracke and Mary Stuenkel to see Jene Hightree.

 

 

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

June 7, 2017 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 meal is $4.00.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. June 7: No chime practice today. Come in the afternoon to play Skip-Bo at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. June 8: Tai Chi Class at 9:30 a.m. Coffee time is 10:00. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m. Remember to make a meal reservation for Friday.

Fri. June 9: Have you made your meal reservation for the tuna noodle noon meal? Cards will be played in the afternoon.

Mon. June 12: Stop in and have coffee. There will be a pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. June 13: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. Coffee time at 10:00 a.m. Play any type of cards or a board game that you would like at 1:30 p.m. the evening meal will be biscuits and sausage gravy, serving from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m.

Wed. June 14: No chime practice today. Coffee time is at 10:00 a.m. We will play bingo at 1:30 p.m.

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New Medicare Cards Offer Greater Protection

June 7, 2017 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis, SHIP Counselor

New Medicare cards will no longer contain Social Security numbers, to combat fraud and illegal use. This will offer greater protection to more than 57.7 million Americans.

However, these changes may increase the phone calls Medicare beneficiaries receive trying to defraud recipients as unscrupulous people try to get their Medicare number (social security number) before this change takes place. We have all been warned before, but do NOT EVER give your Medicare, Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers to ANYONE who calls. They will make you believe they have all this information but are just “verifying it” with you so you can get your new card. Don’t fall for it, or you may lose your identity, benefits and money. Medicare will not call you – they already have all your information.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is readying a fraud prevention initiative that removes Social Security numbers from Medicare cards to help combat identity theft, and safeguard taxpayer dollars. The new cards will use a unique, randomly-assigned number called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI), to replace the Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) currently used on the Medicare card.

CMS will begin mailing new cards in April 2018 and will meet the congressional deadline for replacing all Medicare cards by April 2019. CMS is kicking off a multi-faceted outreach campaign to help providers get ready for the new MBI.

“We’re taking this step to protect our seniors from fraudulent use of Social Security numbers which can lead to identity theft and illegal use of Medicare benefits,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “We want to be sure that Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers know about these changes well in advance and have the information they need to make a seamless transition.”

Providers and beneficiaries will both be able to use secure look up tools that will support quick access to MBIs when they need them. There will also be a 21-month transition period where providers will be able to use either the MBI or the HICN further easing the transition.

CMS testified recently before the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means Subcommittee on Social Security and U.S. House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform Subcommittee on Information Technology, addressing CMS’s comprehensive plan for the removal of Social Security numbers and transition to MBIs.

Personal identity theft affects a large and growing number of seniors. People age 65 or older are increasingly the victims of this type of crime. Incidents among seniors increased to 2.6 million from 2.1 million between 2012 and 2014, according to the most current statistics from the Department of Justice. Identity theft can take not only an emotional toll on those who experience it, but also a financial one: two-thirds of all identity theft victims reported a direct financial loss. It can also disrupt lives, damage credit ratings and result in inaccuracies in medical records and costly false claims.

Work on this important initiative began many years ago, and was accelerated following passage of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). CMS will assign all Medicare beneficiaries a new, unique MBI number which will contain a combination of numbers and uppercase letters. Beneficiaries will be instructed to safely and securely destroy their current Medicare cards and keep the new MBI confidential. Issuance of the new MBI will not change the benefits a Medicare beneficiary receives.

CMS is committed to a successful transition to the MBI for people with Medicare and for the health care provider community. CMS has a website dedicated to the Social Security Number Removal Initiative (SSNRI) where providers can find the latest information and sign-up for newsletters.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/ssnri/index.html

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