Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

This week on Thursday January 12 th Charlie Davis will be here to perform at

2:30 pm and on Friday January 13 th is national popcorn day and we will be serving

a variety of popcorn at Happy Hour starting at 2:30 pm. Next week on Wednesday

we will be serving Honey buns and coffee at 2:30 pm in observance of Winnie the

Pooh Day. Then on Thursday January 19 th is Waffle Supper night starting at 5:30

pm. And on Friday January 20 th we will be having a 10-year Staff Anniversary

party for Connie Schneekloth at 2:30 pm. On Saturday January 21 st, the Rusty

Buckets will be here to perform at 2:30 pm.

Church Service for Sunday January 15 th will be given by First United

Methodist Church at 2:30 pm with a luncheon following service. On Monday

January 16 th is communion with First Lutheran Church at 2:30 pm.

Activities for the week of Jan. 16 th to Jan. 21 st are as follows, reading with

Jill, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo the w/Salem, Bible Fellowship,

Word Games, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, and Lawrence

Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary

Donavan, Patty Miller, Marge Maller, Anne Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Sly

Rouse, Nadine Anderson, and Di Ruwe.

Oakland Heights Activity Memory Fund

A memorial was given to the Activity department memory fund in memory of

Arthur Schlichting by Ray Simpson.

Nebraska’s Big Birthday


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Do you know the connection between the last official document signed by President Abraham Lincoln and Nebraska?  It’s a little known fact that the last official document President Lincoln signed right before his death reappointed Nebraska’s territorial Governor.  That document is on display at the Nebraska State Historical Society.  This and other fun facts about Nebraska’s history will be highlighted through one of four new initiatives unveiled ahead of Nebraska’s sesquicentennial birthday.

 

Get ready to celebrate because Nebraska’s big birthday is right around the corner!  On March 1, 2017, we’ll be celebrating 150 years of statehood for the Good Life.  Over the past two years, my wife Susanne has been working with Nebraskans across the state to put together 13 programs and events to help us celebrate all year long.  In their planning, Susanne and her team had three major goals: bridge communities, connect Nebraskans, and enhance state pride.  This week, Susanne and I hosted a launch event for the sesquicentennial at the State Capitol where we unveiled four web-based programs to get the celebration underway.

 

The first program is the Nebraska Impact Initiative, which challenges Nebraskans to volunteer 150 hours or more either as an individual or as part of a group in 2017.   Utilizing an online platform atwww.nebraskaimpact.com, the initiative allows participants to register, discover volunteer opportunities, connect with other Nebraskans, and track progress.  Through the website and social media, the Nebraska150 Celebration will recognize Nebraskans who participate and highlight communities, schools, and non-profit organizations that are impacted.

 

This initiative is a partnership between the Nebraska150 Celebration and ServeNebraska, the state’s commission focused on encouraging service and volunteerism.  This year, Nebraska ranked sixth in the nation for volunteerism, and the commission has set a goal of making Nebraska number one.

 

Second is the Nebraska150 Challenge, an online fitness program that strives to make fitness fun by motivating and assisting Nebraskans to reach the goal of moving 150 miles or more in 2017.  Through an interactive website, www.ne150challenge.com, individuals and groups will register and document miles for walking, running, biking, swimming, kayaking, skateboarding, jump roping, or almost any type of exercise.  An online physical activity converter helps participants easily turn their preferred exercise into miles.  Participants will track their progress and earn virtual badges at certain milestones.

 

Our family is participating in the fitness challenge together.  I regularly ride my bike and Susanne is a runner.  Along with the kids—and even Olive, our family hedgehog—we are logging our miles.  We hope you will do the same!

 

The third program we launched is a series of engaging video shorts on our state’s history called “Now You Know Nebraska.”  Throughout the course of the school year in 2017, Nebraska150 Celebration will release 174 videos, which educators, families, and all Nebraskans can utilize to learn more about our state’s rich history.  Each video will be one to two minutes, and will showcase some of the state’s most compelling, entertaining, and appealing stories and facts.  The videos will be released at www.ne150.org/nowyouknow and via YouTube.

 

Finally, we launched “I Am Nebraska,” an oral history project that invites citizens of all ages to share their Nebraska experience via social media.  Participants can record a short video and upload it to their own Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts under the hashtag “I Am Nebraska” (#IAmNebraska).  The Nebraska150 Celebration will pull together submissions and feature some on its website, www.iamnebraska.com.  Participants can find instructions on how to produce their videos at those sites as well as watch sample videos.

 

At the end of the year, highlights from the submissions will be shared with the Nebraska State Historical Society for preservation.  I’ve recorded my own video, which you can watch by visitingwww.facebook.com/GovernorPeteRicketts orwww.twitter.com/GovRicketts.

 

Susanne and I invite you to join our family in participating in these challenges and activities.  This is just the beginning of the celebration—there is a lot more in the works!  This anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the entire state to come together to celebrate how much the Good Life has grown over the last century and a half.  Throughout 2017, follow updates on the sesquicentennial celebration by visiting www.ne150.org.

 

As always, you are welcome to contact my office by emailingpete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244.  In the New Year, my administration will continue our efforts to help Nebraska grow and thrive as the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.  We value your feedback!

 

Just Say No to Norovirus!


Barf Bucket Food Safety Training for Child Care Providers

 

You may have heard of Norovirus.  You may have experienced Norovirus. You should know you do not want to experience Norovirus twice!

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. Those who contact this nasty bug may experience gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). This leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Some people may get severely dehydrated, especially young children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.

Norovirus is commonly known as suffering from “food poisoning” or the “stomach flu”.  Noroviruses can cause food poisoning, as can other germs and chemicals. Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza). Though they may share some symptoms, the flu is actually a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

It only takes a very small amount of the norovirus particles to make you sick and it can spread easily and quickly in enclosed places such as day care centers, nursing homes, schools, and cruise ships.

Norovirus can stay on objects and surfaces and still infect people for days or weeks. It can survive disinfectants, making it hard to get rid of. It is important to clean up bodily fluids safely to avoid spreading illness especially in a child care setting.

Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Department of Education CACFP Program will be offering a “Barf Bucket” Training for Child Care Providers on Wednesday, January 25, at the Burt County Extension Office, Courthouse, in Tekamah; Thursday, January 26, at the Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 West 23rd Street, Fremont; Monday, January 30, at the Colfax County Extension Office, 466 Road 10, Schuyler; and Tuesday, January 31, at the Stanton County Extension Office, 302 6th Street, Stanton. All people that work with children in groups such as churches, libraries, afterschool programs, etc. are invited to attend the training and learn how to use the barf bucket and supplies properly

The “Barf Bucket” Body Fluid Cleanup Kit training includes information on how to use the bucket appropriately, and how to train your staff to utilize it.  Each child care center/home will receive one bucket which contains items that, when used properly, limit the spread of infectious disease. This information is designed to train all staff on the correct use of the cleanup kit. The class is offered to centers, in-home child care and pre-schools. A center may choose to bring more than one person but only one bucket will be given per center/program.

This training is designed to teach all child care staff and people working with children in group settings on the importance of the proper way to clean up bodily fluids to avoid spreading disease. Cost is $10 per person.

For more information on how to register for this child care provider training, contact Debra Schroeder, Nebraska Extension in Cuming County, at 402/372-6006 or dschroeder1@unl.edu.  Registrations are due by January 24, 2017.

 

SOURCE:  Debra E Schroeder, Extension Educator

RELEASE DATE:  January 2, 2017

Listening to You


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

As a U.S. senator, my job is to work for the people of Nebraska. To do that job well, I need to know your concerns and views. And that means listening.

 

Listening conveys respect. It affirms value. It also directs how I go about meeting the needs of Nebraska families through the important work of constituent service. 

 

This can mean anything from answering questions about legislation to advocating a Nebraskan’s cause with a federal agency. Constituent service sometimes means casting a vote for a bill. Other times, it requires voting against a harmful measure or regulation. But no matter the circumstances, constituent service always means listening.

 

I am proud to listen, and act, on your behalf. As one year ends and another begins, I’d like to share some numbers about the actions my office has taken for Nebraskans this past year.

 

In 2016, I drove 8,364 miles across Nebraska. Along the way, I met families from all over our state. Whether hosting community coffees or touring small businesses, I heard directly their concerns and ideas for making our country freer, safer, stronger, and more prosperous. My dedicated staff also held 93 mobile “office hours” events across our state to ensure Nebraska voices were heard.

 

When a constituent shares a problem they have with the federal bureaucracy, my staff will investigate to see if there is a way to help. When that happens, a case file is opened. My office opened 793 new case files this year. I am proud to report we also closed 793 case files. These cases covered a wide range of issues, from education, labor, and law enforcement to health care, disaster relief, and agriculture, to name only a few. More than 30 percent of these were undertaken on behalf of veterans or members of our military.

 

Last year, my office recovered $210,527 for Nebraskans. This amount included Social Security payments, IRS refunds, or VA benefits that were mistakenly denied by the federal government. I am relieved to know these funds have been restored; I am frustrated that such errors occurred in the first place. Bringing greater accountability to the federal bureaucracies will remain among my top priorities in 2017. 

 

In this past year of listening, I have often heard the same concerns over and over. Nebraskans want their government to do a few things exceptionally well. They want it to defend us from danger and behave responsibly with our money. Nebraskans also desire government to be disciplined. In particular, they are frustrated by its bureaucrats and their reams of rules and regulations. Too often, government makes simple tasks unnecessarily complicated.

 

As Nebraska’s U.S. senator, I have the opportunity, and the obligation, to carry your concerns to Washington and work to find solutions. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you, and I am humbled by your trust.

 

Thank you for taking part in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

This Day in History


AMERICAN REVOLUTION
1796
Congress accepts Colors of the French Republic »
AUTOMOTIVE
1996
GM announces its electric car »
CIVIL WAR
1863
Confederate General Roger Hanson dies »
COLD WAR
1950
The God That Failed published »
CRIME
1964
Boston Strangler strikes again »
DISASTER
1990
Trains collide in Pakistan »
GENERAL INTEREST
1896
Utah enters the Union »
1974
President Nixon refuses to hand over tapes »
1987
Segovia begins final U.S. tour »
1995
104th Congress under Republican control »
HOLLYWOOD
2003
National Society of Film Critics honors The Pianist »
LITERARY
1785
Jacob Grimm is born »
1965
Poet T.S. Eliot dies in London »
MUSIC
1964
Bobby Vinton tops the pop charts with the last #1 single of the pre-Beatles era »
OLD WEST
1847
Colt sells his first revolvers to the U.S. government »
PRESIDENTIAL
1965
L.B.J. envisions a Great Society in his State of the Union address »
SPORTS
2006
Vince Young leads Texas over USC in the Rose Bowl »
VIETNAM WAR
1965
Johnson reaffirms commitment to South Vietnam »
1974
Thieu announces war has resumed »
WORLD WAR I
1913
Alfred von Schlieffen dies »
WORLD WAR II
1944
United States begins supplying guerrilla forces 

Veterinary Feed Directive and Meeting Reminder


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

News From Bancroft Senior Center


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.

Making Government Work


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!

News From Bancroft Senior Center


Bancroft Senior Center News by Connie Bargmann

*If you are 60+ and need information on programs designed to help keep you 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. 7: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee time at 10:00 a.m. Sign

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

Thurs. Dec. 8: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. Serving rolls and coffee from 9 – 11 a.m.

Walking ex. at 10:30 a.m. FROG ex. that will help improve your balance 1:00 p.m. Come

and play the card game called golf at 1:30 p.m. Make your reservation for the noon meal

tomorrow by 5:00 p.m. today.

Fri. Dec. 9: Join us for coffee at 9:00 a.m. Come and have dinner with us at noon, we will

be having porcupine meatballs with scalloped potatoes. Cards and games will be played

in the afternoon.

Mon. Dec.12: Come and do the FROG balance ex. at 1:00 p.m. the pitch tournament will

be at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. Dec. 13: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. Coffee time at 10:00 a.m. and walking exercises

at 10:30 p.m. Sign up to play hand and foot at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Dec. 14: No chime practice today. Coffee time at 9:00 a.m. We will play Christmas

bingo at 2:00 p.m.

Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

We have a fun week coming up this week, on Thursday December 8 th

Charlie Davis will be here to play the harmonica at 2:30 pm. On Friday December

9 th is our Annual Christmas Dinner and Party, for Residents and invited Family

members, dinner starting at 6:00 pm followed by entertainment with Wayne Miller

and Santa Claus making an appearance. Next week on Thursday December 15th is

the monthly general store for residents from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. It is going to be a

Christmas store event for the residents to do some Christmas shopping.

Church Service for Sunday December 11 th will be given by Salem Covenant

Church at 2:30 pm with a luncheon following service. On Tuesday December 13 th

is Catholic Mass by Father Paul at 9:30 am.

Activities for the week of December 12th to December 17th are as follows,

reading with Jill, Manicures, Reminiscing Group, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo

the w/Ev. Free, Bible Fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, crafty cooking, Friday Bingo

and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary

Donavan, Anne Anderson, Dani Moseman, Pat Anderson, Nadine Anderson,

Bonnie Fleischman, Di Ruwe, and Sly Rouse.