Judi A. Davis, 72, of South Sioux City Ne Formerly of Walthill NE

March 6, 2016 Leave a comment


Judi A. Davis, 72, of South Sioux City, NE, formerly of Walthill, NE died on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, NE. Memorial services for Judi will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE. Burial will be at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Pender is in charge of the arrangements.

Judi was born on August 13, 1943 in Oakland, NE, the daughter of Walter and Florence (McBroom) Nielsen. After graduating from Walthill High School in 1961, Judi was married to Allan Hattorf. The couple later divorced. She married James Davis and the couple made their home in Germany for several years while Jim was in the military. Returning to Nebraska, Judi worked as a Librarian in Walthill and Bancroft. She enjoyed watching her soap operas, crocheting, cross word puzzles and animals, especially dogs. Judi was an avid reader, but most of all she enjoyed her family.

She is survived by her husband Jim of South Sioux City, NE; daughter Jaimie Hattorf of Sioux City, IA; sons Sean Davis of South Sioux City, NE and Kris Davis of Lincoln, NE; a sister Jeanie (Dennis) Anderson of Polk, NE; brothers Chuck (Janet) Nielsen of Walthill, NE and Dr. Alan “Butch” Nielsen of Nacogdoches, TX; two grandchildren Matt Hattorf and Natalie Hattorf and a great grandson Gabe Hattorf.

Judi was preceded in death by her parents and her ex-husband Allan Hattorf.

Judi Davis

Judi Davis

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Brasch Attends Meeting on Guardianships and Conservatorships

March 5, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Our eighth week of session – Days 30 through 33 of our 60-day session – adjourned on Thursday.

LR35 – debated on Monday of last week – was a Legislative Resolution that called for Nebraska to add its name to the requisite 34 states needed in order to call a convention of the states for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution, the authority for which is granted to the State Legislatures under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. To date, only five states have passed the resolution. The language of the resolution stated that the amendments proposed be limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress. However, as opponents we believed the outcome of such a convention is uncertain and there may be unintended consequences that result from having a convention and proposing amendments. The resolution failed to pass. I voted against the resolution.

LB188 was debated for over four hours. This bill defined who would be considered an innocent third party in vehicular pursuits by law enforcement. LB188 sought to place a definition in statute and narrowly define who would be considered an “innocent third party”. As a compromise, the introducer of the bill removed portions that would have disqualified a person from being considered an innocent third party if they entered a vehicle without coercion and with a reasonable belief that the driver of the vehicle is under the influence of alcoholic liquor or drugs. Also removed was if a person failed to take reasonable steps to persuade the driver to stop the vehicle, they would not be considered an innocent third party. As part of the compromise, the word “immediately” was added to describe the time frame for which a person who engaged in criminal activity in the past may or may not be considered an innocent third party in the vehicular pursuit. For example, if someone did not file their income taxes three years prior to the pursuit, but are in the vehicle being chased by the police, but not for anything they have done – they simply are in the wrong place at the wrong time – then they can still be considered an innocent third party.

However, the opponents wanted another provision in the bill that would have been difficult for law enforcement to engage in future pursuits. And that is, prior to the chase, the law enforcement officer must identify the suspect they are pursuing. The opponents were successful in defeating the bill as it fell two votes short of a cloture vote. I was for this bill.

On Friday I attended a meeting of the Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships. The Chief Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court appointed me to the commission in 2015. The Legislature created the Office of Public Guardian in 2014, which serves as guardians and/or conservators to Nebraskans who are unable to make decisions on their own, and have no private individual or organization to support their decision-making needs. The purpose of the commission is to propose solutions or improvements to help meet the challenges of caring for vulnerable adults and children that can be placed in statute, added to the court rules, and court procedures. The Office of Public Guardian can be appointed by a court when it is determined that guardianship and/or conservatorship is the least restrictive way to meet an individual’s decision-making needs, and there is no one else to serve.

Please contact me; my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann; or my legislative aide, Brett Waite, with questions or concerns at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 if you are in the Capitol. If you would like to follow the Legislature online you can visit http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government. Live broadcasting is also available on NET2.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

March 4, 2016 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

March has begun.  We have three birthday’s coming up this week Bertha Mellor, Don Haeffner and Karen Brand all on Sunday March 6th. Next week on Monday March 7th is our monthly Volunteer Executive meeting at 2:30 pm. On Tuesday March 8th will be a special Puttin on the Ritz grill out dinner for the residents serving grilled Hot dogs and Hamburgers at 11:30 am. On Thursday March 10th Charlie Davis will be here at 2:30 pm to play the Harmonica.

Church Service for Sunday March 6th at 2:30 pm will be given by the St. John Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday March 8th is Catholic Mass given by Father Paul at 9:30 am.

Activities for the week of March 7th to March 12th are as follows, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Coffee and Conversation, Bingo the w/Evang. Free,   Bible Fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning video, Lawrence Walk and Coffee Hour every day at 3:00 pm.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Dani Moseman, Mary Donovan, Anne Anderson, Patty Miller, Nadine Anderson, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Pat Anderson, and Sly Rouse.

 

 

 

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A Minute with Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston

February 26, 2016 Leave a comment


The Lyons city council meeting was held two weeks late this month due to the snow storm we had at the beginning of the month. It practically took that long for me to dig out of my driveway with all the snow we had! I can’t praise the city crew enough on the outstanding job they did keeping and getting the streets cleared during that storm. They put in a couple of really long days to allow the public the ability to get out and about after the storm. When you have that much snow it makes it hard on everyone. The city’s main objective is to get the streets cleared in those situations. I know there were concerns about being able to get to mailboxes due to the excessive amount of snow but unfortunately the city crew’s focus is again on street clearing. Homeowners are responsible for clearing out in front of their mailboxes and their driveway entrances. It is just the way it has to be in these situations. So again, I want to shout out a big thank you to the street crew for taking such good care of our community.

February was a busy month but it always is. Thoughts begin to turn to warmer days and all the items that need to be accomplished in the coming year. We had a nice discussion regarding the one and six year plan for street improvement during the public hearing. We have some streets around town that need some TLC but like everything else finding the money to do it can be daunting. There are no grants available for fixing streets unfortunately! We will continue to chip away at the fixing areas of concern. Some will require more financial support from property owners than other areas but we will work together to make appropriate improvements. The council continues to have preliminary conversations regarding adding solar power to our electrical output. We are at a point where we need feedback from the community to see if you feel it is something you feel will be beneficial. In the next couple of months, a short survey will be coming your way regarding solar energy that we would like you to take some time to tell us what you think. The idea of utilizing some solar power to supplement the purchase of electrical power through a community solar garden is intriguing to me but ultimately the decision to move forward will be based on community need, desire, project cost and site placement. The council gave approval to add a couple more horseshoe pits down at Brink Park after working through some space issues. Hopefully the horseshoe league continues to grow and become even more popular and bring people down to the park for entertainment. The recycling baler has been repaired and a couple of light plant pumps are being replaced. We continue to talk to the company that built and installed the water tower. We have some long-term maintenance issues with the tank that we need to get cleared up to the council’s satisfaction. A representative from the company will be at our next council meeting to talk about them. We are currently advertising for pool managers and lifeguards for the upcoming pool season. Please get your applications in soon so we can plan accordingly. We also continue the waiting game on the street lighting grant we applied for last fall. At this point in the game we have to say that no news is good news but it sure is tough waiting for the phone to ring. Again, if we receiving the grant, it will fund the majority of the lighting project we would like to do on Main Street. I know I say it often but keep your fingers crossed!

Lastly, we received our financial report from the city auditor. It is always fascinating to me to see the breakdown of where our money comes from and where it all goes. The city has two components to it generation and disbursement system; the first is the governmental (or general) side and the other is the proprietary (or utility) side. The general side is where all our tax dollars go and out of that account we pay for the expenses of the community center, police, streets, recycling, landfill, parks, pool and library. The utility side pays for everything utility related.   Due to pool and community center capital costs, we had to transfer money from the utility fund to cover on-going expenses as we waited for our grant and tax money to come in. Thank goodness we have the ability to do that to help us cash flow these kinds of big money projects. Once we get the money owed to us we transfer the money back to the utility fund and make it all right with the world. I can tell your life isn’t getting any less expensive but we continue to be good stewards of our tax and utility dollars.

Lastly, I just wanted to mention that you have to the 1st of March to sign-up to run for public office.   So if you have a desire to run, please do so. Every two years you have the opportunity to help shape the future of your city government. This election year is no exception. The Lyons city government needs more good people to lead it into the future! Don’t be afraid to take the leap. It is very rewarding so sign-up today. Enjoy the warming weather! Take care and talk to you soon.

Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

February 26, 2016 Leave a comment


 

Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

It was a nice party for Wilma Neitzke that was held last Friday for her 103rd Birthday. Next week on Monday February 29th at 2:30 is the monthly Resident council meeting and we also start the month of March; it will be a busy month as March holds two holidays St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.

Church Service for Sunday February 28th at 2:30 pm will be given by the First Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Wednesday March 2nd is communion with Pastor Hoden at 1:00 pm.

Activities for the week of February 29th to March 5th are as follows, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Trivia Day, Bingo the w/WOW, reading group, Bible Fellowship, crafts, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning video, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Dani Moseman, Mary Donovan, Anne Anderson, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Pat Anderson, and Sly Rouse.

Activity Memorial Fund

A memorial was given in memory of Virginia Simpson by Jim and Judy Nelson.

 

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Ditch Diets Forever with Mindful Eating

February 24, 2016 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

Dieting is a multi-billion dollar market.  Even if you don’t think that you need to lose weight, you may be swayed by the plethora of magazine stories devoted to weight loss to the TV shows highlighting biggest weight loss or losers. But the problem with dieting is that it can promote an obsession with food and weight, feelings of failure, guilt and deprivation.  This can lead to a endless cycle of dieting, throwing in the towel and eating anything, dieting again and so on.  If you want to lose weight but would rather ditch diets forever, it may be time to try mindful eating.

 

The same is true for people with diabetes where self-management of the disease can lead to frustrations and feelings of wanting to throw in the towel and just eat whatever makes you feel good at that point.  You may find that the environment in your home is also causing temptations to eat too much or eat foods that may cause issues for your blood sugar control.

 

Mindful eating teaches you that food is nourishment and eating should be enjoyed but we shouldn’t use food to cope with life’s stressors.  Some have called food a cheap emotional cure-all. If you are feeling anxious or stressed chomping your way through a bag of chips may temporarily decrease your anxiety, or if you are bored and lonely, you might turn to food for comfort.

 

How do you start eating mindfully?  How do you make you home and eating habits slim by design?  Join us for the March 14 session of Control Diabetes for Life to learn how mindful eating and slim by design can be key in your efforts of self-management of diabetes.

 

Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, have had diabetes for many years, or are a family member or friend intent on learning as much as you can about the serious disease of diabetes and its life threatening complications we invite you to participate in the March 14 session of “Control of Diabetes for Life”. The theme for the March session is Ready, Set, Go! Diabetes Self-Management a New Look.

 

“Control Your Diabetes for Life” is a program that will help you take charge of your life and learn to control diabetes and get up-to-date information related to controlling diabetes.  The program will take place on Monday, March 14. Through the two-way interactive distance education you will have the opportunity to discuss questions you have with the teaching team of Stacie Petersen, B.S.N. and Certified Diabetes Educator; Deborah Willcox, R.D.,L.M.N.T., of Franciscan Care Services in West Point; and Debra Schroeder, UNL Extension Educator in Cuming County.  Guest speaker for this session will be Terry Nelson, D.P.T., also with Franciscan Care Services.

 

Topics included during the March 14 session are: “Nutrition for Your Eyes”, “Are You Sitting Too Much?”, “What’s New for Diabetes Self-Management”, and “Is Your Home Slim by Design?”

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters. Recipes for diabetic appropriate foods will be shared to help you with food management goals.

 

Participants have the opportunity to attend from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Tekamah Herman Public High School.

 

Participants are asked to pre-register for Control Diabetes for Life by calling the Nebraska Extension Office in Burt County 402/374-2929. Please register by Friday, March 12, so the proper number of handouts may be prepared. School food service staff may earn two hours of continuing education credit for attending.

This program is offered free-of-charge by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Franciscan Care Service of West Point and the schools hosting the presentation. These sessions are designed to supplement the education that you receive from your local diabetes education team and not a substitute for diabetes classes through your local health care providers.

Control your diabetes for life!  Start by attending the March 14 distance education program.  Call 402-374-2929 today to register!

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Senator Brasch Introduces Bill Involving Motor Collisions with Livestock

February 24, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Our seventh week of session – Days 26 through 29 of our 60-day session – adjourned on Friday.

The Legislature did not convene on Monday in honor of Washington’s Birthday, a United States federal holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of February. Officially started as a way to honor the birthday of George Washington, it has been used in many states as a day to remember all of our United States Presidents.

On Tuesday the Legislature convened and I introduced LB811 and LB929 which were on Consent Calendar for General File. Consent Calendar is a way to get noncontroversial bills through the debate process quickly. The bills selected for Consent Calendar can sometimes be technical in nature, such as LB929, or they may make small changes to statutes that help clarify language and reduce waste in certain agencies, thereby saving the state money, which is the case with LB811.

LR26CA was a constitutional amendment proposed by Senator Larson that would have lowered the age requirement (to 18) to hold any public office in Nebraska. It was defeated Thursday on Select File. I voted with those who were also opposed to the bill.

On Wednesday I introduced LB1037 to the Revenue Committee. The intent of LB1037 is to solve the increasing valuation problem specific to farm sites and farm home sites due to non-agricultural, housing developments around farmsteads. LB1037 redefines agricultural and horticultural land to mean a parcel of land that excludes buildings or enclosed structures located on the parcel, which is primarily used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. Agricultural or horticultural purposes would also now include farm sites and farm home sites lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership or management with other agricultural and horticultural land. The effect of the bill would be that the land that the home sits on would also be valued at 75% of its market value, but the home itself would still be valued as residential – which is 100% of its market value. Senator Bill Kintner, from Sarpy County, chose LB1037 as his priority bill.

On Friday I introduced LB890 to the Judiciary Committee. This bill deals with civil action lawsuits involving motor collisions with livestock. Defendants in these cases – usually the owners of livestock – are oftentimes put into an indefensible position in court cases because plaintiffs – usually the drivers of the motor vehicles – are not required to provide evidence of negligence by the defendant. Under a certain legal doctrine, even if there is no evidence of negligence provided by the plaintiff, the Nebraska Supreme Court decided that in these cases negligence by the defendant can simply be assumed and they can then be held liable if the judge or jury decide it to be so. However, this relieves the driver from assuming any responsibility for not driving carefully, and also assumes no other outside party was an influence in the case. There are times when the livestock owner was negligent and should be held accountable, but if no evidence exists that they were negligent, then their negligence should not be assumed. To put the livestock owners on an even playing field in these lawsuits, LB890 would have required the plaintiff to provide specific acts of negligence by the defendant. I appreciate that several citizens who are livestock producers and some who are not, took time out of their busy workweek to come testify as proponents. Their support for the bill was much appreciated. There were only two opponent testifiers: the Nebraska Trial Attorneys Association and the Nebraska Trucking Association.

Please contact me; my administrative aide, Katie Wattermann; or my legislative aide, Brett Waite, with questions or concerns at (402) 471-2728 or by email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov; or stop by Room 1016 if you are in the Capitol. If you would like to follow the Legislature online you can visit http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government. Live broadcasting is also available on NET2.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

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Free Workshop to Focus on Spring Turkey Hunting

February 24, 2016 Leave a comment


LINCOLN – Learn all aspects of spring turkey hunting at a workshop hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The free workshop will be held in five locations across the state and is designed for individuals with limited experience who want to expand their knowledge of turkey hunting. Topics will include strategies, equipment, turkey biology and ways to increase a hunter’s confidence and success.

With lots of birds, a long season and plentiful and affordable permits – including $5 permits for youth – Nebraska offers the best turkey hunting opportunities in the United States and is a great place for new hunters to get started.

All workshops begin at 6 p.m. The schedule is:

— March 9 – North Platte, Nebraska Game and Parks district office, 301 E. State Farm Road

— March 11 – Ogallala, Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area Visitor Center, 1450 Neb. Highway 61 N.

— March 22 – Chadron, Chadron State College, Burkhiser Technology Complex, Room 231

— April 4 – Lincoln, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St.

— April 7 – Gretna, Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Highway 31

Space is limited. To register, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/workshops.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

February 23, 2016 Leave a comment


Bancroft Senior Center News by Connie Bargeman

* 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.

*The soup dinner fund raiser will be Sunday, Feb. 28 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Feb. 24: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee at 10:15 a.m. We will play dominoes or 65 card game at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Feb. 25: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee, 9-11 a.m. Chair exercise class at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Feb. 26: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. Sign up to play in the pinochle tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Mon. Feb. 29: Chair exercise class at 1:00 p.m. there will be a pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. March 1: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 a.m. Come play the golf game at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. March 2: We will have melody chimes practice at 9:00 a.m. Coffee times at 10:15 a.m. Come and play Rummikub (it is played like rummy) or dominoes at 1:30 p.m.

 

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Melting Snow

February 20, 2016 Leave a comment


       By John Wilson, Extension Educator

Earlier this month it was snow, snow, snow, now it is melt, melt, melt. Melting snow puts moisture in the soil profile that benefits crops and ornamentals next summer, but it may also cause problems. Seepage or leakage problems most often occur in the basement or crawl spaces when snow and ice are melting and when frost is beginning to leave the ground. It can also occur during heavy rains.

Seepage is the movement of groundwater through pores in the basement walls. It may appear as a damp spot in an isolated area or in many spots. Leakage is the movement of groundwater through the wall. Entry for leakage is water moving through cracks or joints in the wall while seepage is water moving through pores in the wall material.

In order for either of these conditions to happen the soil near the basement foundation wall must be very wet or saturated. There is usually a weak spot where water infiltration can occur. The problem can occur following a drought or extremely dry conditions and the soil next to the foundation has pulled away leaving cracks that will fill with water as the snow melts. It is important to keep the area around down spouts clean so water can run away from the foundation as it melts from the roof and gutters.

If you have a problem of water getting into your home it is necessary to clean it up immediately so mold doesn’t have a chance to develop. First, try to locate the source of the problem and correct the problem as much as possible at the time.

Next, start the cleanup process. If there is a large amount of water it may be necessary to use a wet-dry vac or get professional help in cleaning it up. For small leaks you may be able to absorb the water with large towels or place a towel where the leak is to catch the water. Dry the area with fans. Hard surfaces will be easier and faster to dry and clean than porous or carpeted areas. If you have had problems with water in the past, be sure to check the areas often during this melting time.

Areas to check even if you haven’t had problems before would be window wells, corners, behind and under furniture or items against the walls. Also check closets and storage rooms in the basement.

Check around the outside of your home. Clean snow off patios, decks and other areas where it may collect. Clean the area around the down spouts so they can drain and provide a way for water to run away from the house. If soil has settled creating a low area along the foundation, you may need to add soil later this spring so water naturally drains away from rather than towards the foundation.

If you have a lot of ice and snow on the roof, watch for water leaking through the ceiling or inside the walls due to an ice dam and causing damage in the attic or already coming through to the ceiling.

Remember, summer will be here soon and we’ll appreciate the moisture then that are making a muddy mess now and wish for some of the cooler weather we’ve had in late winter and early spring.

John Wilson

John Wilson

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