Wimpy Wasps

July 26, 2014 Leave a comment


By John Wilson

Extension Educator

I recently made a stop at a business in town and was surprised to see seven large wasps hovering around the edge of the sidewalk. They looked quite intimidating and I noticed several people give them a lot of room as they walked by. Actually that wasn’t necessary because these large wasps are our perennial mid-summer visitor, the cicada killer.

Each year, people will bring large wasps in a variety of containers to the Extension office while the less daring just describe what they see around their homes. The description usually goes something like this… “It’s a large yellow and black wasp that kept buzzing around the same place in the lawn.” or “It’s a huge hornet that keeps coming back and won’t go away.” or my favorite, “It’s the biggest wasp I’ve ever seen and it scares the bejeebers out of me.”

These are all fairly accurate descriptions of the cicada killer. These large black and yellow wasps, up to two inch long, tunnel in disturbed areas, creating soil mounds and cause concern about stings. In spite of their menacing appearance and seemingly aggressive behavior, these wasps only rarely, if ever, sting. As one insect expert described them, they are a wimp in the wasp world. They are not a threat unless stepped on with bare feet or a person tries to hold one in their hands.

These wasps dig a tunnel in the soil about a half inch in diameter. They get their name, cicada killers, by the next step in their life cycle. After digging a tunnel, they find a cicada and sting it which paralyzes the cicada, but does not kill it. Then they drag this cicada into their tunnel and lay an egg on it. When the egg hatches, the cicada provides food for the larva. It will eventually form a pupa and then the adult wasp hatches out next summer.

These soil-nesting insects hone in on what are, to them, major landmarks… a stick or a small stone… and use these to locate their nest. When someone moves into the area, suddenly the landmarks seem different, so the wasps dart around, reassessing their position. The wasps are not aggressive, but it looks that way. In spite of their intimidating appearance, these wasps can and should be ignored.

Although the cicada killers are not a problem, there are other insects that do deserve our attention. These include crickets, boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles and other insects that intentionally or accidentally get into our homes. I’m just starting to see crickets now and the others will be looking for shelter later this summer. This is a good time to spray around the foundation to form a barrier to control them before they get into your home and also to seal up any cracks or crevices where they might actually get it. A little prevention now will go a long way to preventing problems later.

For more information about insects that might be invading your home, contact your local UNL Extension office.

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Village of Decatur Special Meeting Minutes

July 25, 2014 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur

Special Board Meeting
July 24, 2014

4:30 P.M.

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in special session at 4:30 P.M. at the Community Center on July 24, 2014. The guest signing in was Alta Wolf representing the Lyons Mirror Sun.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Jim Nicola.

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Stephanie Warren-yes.

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

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Stephanie Warren-yes.

Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month’s minutes:

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Stephanie Warren-yes.

Excusing Board members not attending:
All members were present.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1. Lawsuit
The Board discussed the lawsuit against the Village. Tammy Maul-Bodlak had emailed the Village Board members and suggested to have two items added to the settlement. The Board members also discussed having the defendants wife’s signature also added to the settlement agreement.
Bolln made a motion to have Jim Nicola sign the settlement with the changes.
Richards seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Warren-yes, Bolln-yes, Richards-yes.

 

2. 2014-2015 Budget
The Board discussed the budget. They will have all the figures ready for the August 14, 2014 Board meeting. There was a change in the health insurance, on the original quote our Police chief was not on there.
The Clerk asked if the Board members would like her to put the Police position on the August agenda, they would like to wait until September. Some of the Board members were concerned about our Chief leaving sooner than Oct. 31, 2014. Nicola and Bolln stated that the Chief would stay until the end of October. This issue will be put on the September 11, 2014 agenda.
There was also discussion on talking to the County Sheriff about taking over the patrolling of Decatur. Three of the Board members do not like the idea. Jim stated that Bob and himself would go talk to the Sheriff about this idea. Bolln stated that they should invite the Sheriff to a Board meeting so that all the Board members could discuss the option. The Sheriff’s department cannot enforce Village ordinances, so there was discussion of hiring someone part time to enforce the Village ordinances.
The Board discussed the Fitness Center. There have been citizens using the fitness center who have no membership. They have been using it when no one is there to monitor it’s usage. Also there was discussion on the children who are using the media center. The Board and ADHOC committee will try to figure out a solution to this problem. There are cameras in the building, we will have to take a look at them.

MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING

Motion Richards 2nd Warren

 

Adjournment Time 4:48 P.M

______________________

Jim Nicola, Chairman
 

________________________
Therese Magill, Village Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Delicious Pies Being Made for the Fair

July 24, 2014 Leave a comment


Jennifer Voskamp and Molly Willing core apples for apple pie during the 4-H Pie Day I. These pies will be enjoyed in the 4-H Kitchen during the Burt County Fair. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

Jennifer Voskamp and Molly Willing core apples for apple pie during the 4-H Pie Day I. These pies will be enjoyed in the 4-H Kitchen during the Burt County Fair.
Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

July 24, 2014 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

It turned out to be a nice weekend, summer has returned. I have one special announcement for this week our Annual Ice Cream Social is this coming Friday July 25th at 7:00 pm. We will be serving Pie, Coffee, and Ice Cream, with entertainment by Ron Schulzkump. So come by, enjoy, and cool off. Next week we will be having the monthly Resident Council meeting on Monday July 28th at 2:30 pm. We would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Laverne Johnson on July 27th and Joan Price on July 31st.

Church Service for Sunday July 27th at 2:30 pm will be given by the St. John Lutheran Church with refreshments served afterwards.

Activities for the week of July 28th to August 2nd are as followed, , Reading with Marilyn, Reminiscing Group, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo w/VFW Aux., Reading Group, Bible Fellowship, Word Games, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Welk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Mary Donovan, Seth Anderson, Dani Moseman, Anne Anderson, Marge Maller, Patty Miller, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Kathy Rennerfeldt, and Sly Rouse.

Guest’s signing the Guest book this past week was:   Ron, Janice, Natalie, Hayden and Ava Rech, Rick, Nora and Keith Eriksen, Stacey, Herb and Regan Kennedy, Kathryn Eriksen, and Mike Gahan to visit Ann Gahan. Also visiting was Kevin and Dawn Anderson to see Iva Anderson, Ron and Mary Plageman here to see Dorothy Larson.

 

 

 

 

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Career Day at UNL

July 22, 2014 Leave a comment


Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?  To help you explore different options for potential careers, you are invited to spend a day looking at a variety of career opportunities programs available at the University of Nebraska.

 

During a daylong tour at the University of Nebraska’s East Campus participants will explore programs in Vet Science, Ag Economics, Landscape Design, Bio-Medical, Hotel & Restaurant Management, and Ag Communications/ Journalism.  There will also be a tour of Memorial Stadium and the training facilities.

 

This is a great opportunity for all area girls and boys ages 14 to 17 and their parents. We will enjoy a nice meal before returning to home.

 

UNL Extension in Cuming County has taken the lead in planning this Career Day at UNL and they have invited any other students and their parent(s) to attend Wednesday, July 30, leaving from the Cuming County Courthouse in West Point at 6:45 a.m. for a fun day at the University.  The cost of the day will be $12.50 per person which will include transportation, lunch and supper.  Please pre-register with the UNL Extension office in Cuming County for the UNL Day by Friday, July 25.  To pre-register contact the Extension Office at 402/372-6006 and make checks payable to Cuming County 4-H Council.

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
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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Your Astronomy to the Next Level

July 22, 2014 Leave a comment


Keep Looking Up! by Pastor Gary Fugman
Bill and Joel with the C11 telescope in Hedges Lost in Space Observatory. Photo Courtesy of Nenacstars.

Bill and Joel with the C11 telescope in Hedges Lost in Space Observatory. Photo Courtesy of Nenacstars.

OK.  So, you look up at the night sky and are familiar with some of the constellations.  Maybe you have come to a NENAC (Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club) meeting or two and have learned more about some of what you see in the night sky.  So, what could help you take your interest in astronomy to the next level?

All are invited to this Friday, July 25 at 9pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, July 26 at 9pm at the Decatur Sears Center to this month’s NENAC.  There Pastor GaryFugman will lead a discussion on the opportunity for you to participate in observing programs for children, new observers and experienced telescope owners alike.  Wow, all this in one evening!  The Astronomical League, a national organization, has an observing activity for everyone interested in astronomy.  Options for joining the Astronomical League will be investigated at NENAC this weekend.  This month’s night sky will also be discussed complete with free star charts.
Then, weather permitting, at 10pm Friday we will travel 3 miles south of Lyons to the Cory and Tracie Martin residence to observe Saturn and deep sky objects through Cory’s powerful telescope.  Saturday, we will travel to the south side of Decatur to observe through Pastor Gary’s powerful telescope.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars or telescope as well.
For more information on this and future NENAC presentations, google “nenacstars” or phone Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953, and Keep Looking Up! 
Questions to Consider:
What would help you to increase your interest in the night sky?
How can you share with others and learn from others’ experience in astronomy?

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Aid Available for Storm Damaged Crops

July 22, 2014 Leave a comment


Funding is available thru the NRCS to producers who experienced crop damage due to severe weather during the 2014 growing season. Interested applicants have until Aug. 15, 2014, to apply.

The Storm Damage Cover Crop Initiative will assist producers with planting cover crops to re-establish vegetative cover lost due to extreme weather conditions such as drought, floods, tornado, hail and high winds.

Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “Nebraska’s producers know that weather in the Great Plains can be extreme, but this year has been especially devastating. In some areas, crops have been totally destroyed, leaving bare ground exposed.”

Cover crops can be an important tool in recovering from severe weather events like Nebraska has been experiencing. When a cover crop of grasses, legumes or small grains is planted, the soil is covered and protected from further damage from wind, water and heat.

Establishing a cover crop now can help protect and prepare the soil for the next growing season.

For more information about the Storm Damage Cover Crop Initiative, visit your local USDA Service Center or http://www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Bancroft Farmers Market

July 21, 2014 Leave a comment


The Bancroft farmers market is held each week on Friday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. located by the community board. All vendors are welcome to sell baked goods, jellies, farm fresh eggs, honey, garden produce etc. No charge to participate in the farmers market. For more information contact Connie at 402-648-3387. If any of the vendors would like to sell on Saturday mornings that would be just fine.

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Bancroft Senior Center News

July 21, 2014 Leave a comment


* The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older 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.

* 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. July 23: Melody chimers practice at 9:00. There will be a pitch tournament at 1:30.

Thurs. July24: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Come and play bingo at 2:00.

Fri. July 25: Join us for chair exercises at 10:00. Sign up to play hand and foot or for the pinochle tournament at 1:30. The farmers market has started; it is located by the bulletin board, selling from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Mon. July 28: Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:15. Monthly board meeting is at 3:30.

Tues. July 29: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. The 5-handed pinochle tournament will start at 1:30

Wed. July 30: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. There will be a pitch tournament at 1:30.

 

 

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Fremont 4-H Fair Results

July 21, 2014 Leave a comment


Many beautiful 4-H exhibits were taken to the Fremont 4-H Fair. These Burt County 4-H members enjoyed seeing their exhibits on display after judging.

 

Cody Bachtell:

Embellished garment – Blue

Wall accessory – Red

Simple accessory – Purple – Gold Medal

Wood Accessory – Red

Flowers – Blue

Miniature Garden – Blue

Walnuts – Purple

Herb – Blue

Wildlife Feeded/Waterer – Purple

 

Ashley Bohannon:

Acrylic Painting – Purple

Ink painted tiles – Blue

Needlework – Red

 

Nick Bohannon:

4-H Scrapbook – Purple

Computer Slideshow – Purple

Computer Build a Website – Purple and Gold Medal

 

Maggie Braniff:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

 

Ryan Braniff:

Needlework – Blue

Ink painted tiles – Purple

 

Brooklyn Brenneis:

Ink painted tiles – Purple

Needlework – Purple

 

Izzy Connealy:

Ink painted tiles – Purple

 

Alex Davis:

Acrylic Painting – Purple

Wall Accessory – Red

Recycled Accessory – Purple

Slicing Cucumbers – Blue

 

Connor Davis: Clover Kid Exhibits:

Acrylic Painting

Tied Fleece Pillow

Tin Punch

Barn Quilt

 

Claire Dlouhy:

Ink painted tiles – Purple

Simple Skirt – Purple

Crochet I – Blue

Crochet II- Purple

 

Elizabeth Dlouhy:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

Needlework – Blue

 

Katheryn Gregerson:

Ink painted tiles – Purple

Needlework – Purple

Reese Hansen:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

 

Rayna Hladky:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

Needlework – Purple

 

Veona Hladky: Clover Kid Exhibits:

Hand Stitched towel

Ink Painted Tiles

 

Brent Miller:

Rocket – Purple – Silver Medal

Child Care – Blue

Woodworking – Purple – Gold

Bird House – Purple

 

 

Heidi Miller:

Acrylic painting – Purple

Barn Playhouse – Purple – Gold Medal

Citizenship – Purple – Gold Medal

Child Care – Blue

Recycled Accessory – Purple

 

Layne Miller:

Rocket – Purple – Gold medal

Wildlife feeder/waterer – Purple

Bird House – Purple – Gold Medal

Sewing for Fun – Purple – Silver Medal

 

Kennedy Pagels:

Ink painted tiles – Red

 

Lacey Petersen:

Wall Accessory – Purple

Needlework – Red

Recycled Accessory – Blue

Quilt Quest – Blue

Pillow – Blue

 

Amelia Schlichting:

Skirted Outfit – Blue

 

Casey Stone:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

Needlework – Red

 

Avry Trotter: Clover Kid Exhibits:

Ink painted coasters

 

Brennan Trotter: Clover Kid Exhibits:

Hand stitched towel

Painted Ink tiles

 

Jenna Voskamp:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

Needlework – Purple

 

Koralynn Voskamp:

Needlework – Blue

Ink painted tiles – Red

 

Anna Wakehouse:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

Needlework – Blue

 

Emma Wakehouse:

Ink painted tiles – Blue

Needlework – Purple

 

Lily Ann Willing: Clover Kid Exhibits:

Hand stitched towel

Ink Painted tiles

Decorated shirt

 

Sheep Showmanship Results

 

Senior Division:

Brent Miller – Purple

 

Intermediate Division:

Rylee Stevenson – Purple

Layne Miller – Purple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
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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