2016 Precision Ag Workshops: Get More Value From Your Data

January 23, 2016 Leave a comment


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

Learn how to extract more information from your precision agriculture data at the 2016 Nebraska Extension Precision Ag Data Management workshops this January.  Presentations and hands-on exercises will cover

> yield data quality,

> geospatial data collection,

> multi-layer analysis, and

> imagery analysis.

The workshop will begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m. and sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, January 25-26, at the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk. Two all-day workshops will be held.

The first day, Session One, will address intermediate ag data management topics, while the second day, Session Two, will address more advanced ag data management. Individuals can register for one or both days. Cost is $75 for one day or $130 for both. Registration includes printed learning guides, a jump drive with workshop tutorials attendees can reference at home, and data.

Session One: Intermediate Ag Data Management Topics

> Working with as-applied data, tracking product locations and rates

> Creating templates to speed up the data import process

> Terrain analysis diagnostic opportunities and working with LiDAR data

> Georeferenced soil sample data input and prescription map development options

> Setting up on farm research trials with precision ag data – case study from Project SENSE: Crop Canopy Sensors for In-Season Nitrogen Management

Session Two: Advanced Ag Data Management

> Generating maps from georeferenced soil samples:  Map interpolation strategies

> Improving Yield Monitor Data Accuracy with Yield Editor Software from USDA

> Multi-layer geospatial analysis to determine hybrid performance across changing landscapes

> Imagery analysis using data from active and passive sensors

On-line preregistration is required and class size is limited to 20 to facilitate the hands-on training. To register online, visit the program website at http://agronomy.unl.edu/precisionag.

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Winter is a Great Time to View Bald Eagles

January 23, 2016 Leave a comment


LINCOLN – Get out of the house this winter and spend some time viewing Nebraska’s bald eagles. They can be seen year-round across the state, but winter and early spring are the best times to see numbers of eagles.

In the winter, there often are concentrations of bald eagles feeding on fish and sick or wounded waterfowl at reservoirs that have some open water. Favored sites include Sutherland Reservoir near Sutherland, Harlan County Reservoir near Alma, and below Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, S.D. Lake Ogallala and Lake McConaughy near Ogallala also are top viewing sites, and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District  has a viewing building near the dam spillway. The power and irrigation district also has a viewing site at its J-2 power plant near Lexington. More information on that facility is at cnppid.com.

Take binoculars, a spotting scope or a camera, but do not approach or disturb any eagles as they are protected by federal law. For more information about bald eagles in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

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New Arrival of 2015: Patrick James Punke

January 22, 2016 Leave a comment


Patrick James Punke was born October 5th, 2015 to Ryan and Kayla Punke. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 21 inches long. His grandparents are Lisa and Ricky Logeman and Taz and Laura McCulloch. Great-grandparents are Butch and Betty Sparks, Paul and Rosemary Kai and Laverne (Logie) Logeman.

Patrick James Punke

Patrick James Punke

 

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Health Department Seeks Public Input

January 22, 2016 Leave a comment


{Wisner} The Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (ELVPHD), in partnership with the hospitals in their service area, is conducting a survey to capture the public’s input regarding health issues important to individuals and families. The survey is for adults who live in Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton counties. Your input will help identify the key health needs throughout the four-county service area and will help guide activities and plans in the future. Please take advantage of this opportunity to share your views and to help improve current programs and define priorities for the future.

The survey takes no more than 25-30 minutes to complete. As a thank you for taking the time to complete the survey, participants may enter the drawing to win one of four $200 grocery gift certificates at the end of the survey. The online survey can be taken at: www.elvphd.org or a paper copy of the survey can be requested by calling 1-877-379-4400. The survey is also available in Spanish.

For more information please contact the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department at (877) 379-4400.

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February Outdoor Calendar

January 22, 2016 Leave a comment


LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in February:

Feb. 1, 5 – Hunt Safe Session, Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River State Park (SP), Louisville, 5:30 p.m., 402-234-2217

Feb. 2 – Big game public informational meeting, Bridgeport, Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St., 7 p.m.

Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 – First Steps Pistol, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 2, 16 – Ladies Day at the Range, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30-8 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 3 – Big game public informational meeting, Chadron, Chadron State College, Student Center, Scottsbluff Room, 1000 Main St., 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 – Big game public informational meeting, Wahoo, Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, 511 Commercial Park Road

Feb. 6 – Hiking Marathon, Ponca SP, Ponca, 8 a.m., 402-755-2284

Feb. 6 – Birds and Binoculars, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 9 a.m., 402-944-2523

Feb. 6 – Critters Corner, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 2 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 6-7 – Super Bowl Sunday Mini-Lodge Package, Ponca SP, Ponca, 402-755-2284

Feb. 6, 13 – Explore Archery, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10:30 a.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 7 – Shootout at Salt Creek, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10 a.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 7 – Cowboy Poetry and Music, Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park (SHP), Merriman, 308-684-3428

Feb. 9 – White-fronted goose hunting season closes

Feb. 9 – Dark goose hunting season closes in East, Platte River, Panhandle and Niobrara units

Feb. 9 – Statewide light goose hunting season closes

Feb. 10 – Light Goose Conservation Order hunting begins

Feb. 11-14 – Valentine’s Special, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

Feb. 11, 25 – Wild Game Recipes, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 12-14 – Valentine’s Day Dinner, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

Feb. 13 – Hiking Marathon, Ponca SP, Ponca, 8 a.m., 402-755-2284

Feb. 13 – Raging Bull Adventure Race, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

Feb. 13 – Pheasants Forever State Habitat Meeting, Kearney, 8 a.m., 308-850-8395

Feb. 13 – Volunteer Fishing Instructor Training, Rock Creek Station SHP, Fairbury, 10 a.m., 402-729-5777

Feb. 13-14 – Valentine’s Dinner, Platte River SP, Louisville, 5 p.m., 402-234-2217

Feb. 13-14 – Birds and Breakfast hike and identification workshop, Ponca SP, Ponca, 402-755-2284

Feb. 20 – Hiking Marathon, Ponca SP, Ponca, 8 a.m., 402-755-2284

Feb. 24 – Introduction to Gun Safety and Technique for Young Shooters, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 5:30 p.m., 402-471-6141

Feb. 25 – 28 – Omaha Boat, Sport and Travel Show, CenturyLink Center, Omaha, 402-341-1500

Feb. 26 – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting, Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel, 3097 County Road O, Tekamah

Feb. 29 – Cottontail and jackrabbit hunting seasons close

Feb. 29 – Bobcat, raccoon, Virginia opossum, long-tailed weasel, mink, red fox, gray fox and badger hunting and trapping seasons close

Contact Game and Parks at 402-471-0641 or visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more information. Visit HuntSafeNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and BoatSafeNebraska.org for a list of boating safety classes.

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Senator Brasch Introduces Three Bills in First Full Week of Session

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

The first full week of our 60 day session concluded on January 15. I introduced three more bills: LB890, LB891, and LB929. LB890 clarifies that in any civil action resulting from a collision of a motor vehicle with any livestock on a public highway, the plaintiff — most likely the driver — cannot claim negligence by the defendant – most likely the owner of the escaped livestock — only from the fact of escaped livestock. The plaintiff must provide evidence of specific acts of negligence. LB891 requires the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to post accurate and up-to-date information about Down syndrome on its website. The bill also requires health care facilities and practitioners, upon receipt of a test indicating a high likelihood or definite presence of Down syndrome, to provide the information to the parents. LB929 adopts and updates references to certain federal provisions relating to transportation. The bill was brought to me by the Carrier Enforcement Division of the Nebraska State Patrol since I am on the Transportation Committee.

On Tuesday we debated LB47. As originally drafted, it required applicants for driver’s licenses or identification cards to answer the question of whether to place their name on the Donor Registry. They could respond with “yes”, “no”, or “choose not to answer”. It was amended so applicants will not be denied their driver’s licenses or identification cards if they leave that section blank. I supported the bill as originally drafted and as amended. The bill advanced to Select File (second round of debate).

On Wednesday and Thursday LB619, a carryover bill from last session, was debated. This bill attempted to legalize draw poker and community card poker by redefining them as games of skill rather than games of chance. Last session, a request was made to the Attorney General’s office for his opinion on the constitutionality of this bill since the Nebraska Constitution prohibits the Legislature from authorizing games of chance. In the opinion the AG stated that the Nebraska Supreme Court has already ruled draw poker to be a game predominated by chance and was therefore unconstitutional; and the authorization of community card games would likely be found to be an improper attempt by the Legislature to authorize games of chance expressly prohibited by the Nebraska Constitution. I oppose expanding gambling in Nebraska and expressed my opposition to LB619 on the floor of the Legislature. The bill was defeated.

On Thursday Governor Ricketts gave his State of State address. I was honored to be one of five chosen senators to escort Governor Ricketts from his office to the chamber. The full address can be found here: https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/governor-ricketts-state-state-address.

On Thursday and Friday LB113 was debated. This bill allows county jails to charge a $10 copayment to inmates who have a self-initiated, non-emergency visit to a health care provider. The bill provides exemptions from the copayment including treatment for a chronic illness, emergency care of any kind, and staff-initiated care. I am going to support the bill, but I do have concerns. The body adjourned without coming to a vote.

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 available as well on NET2.

Keeping the Good Life growing in Nebraska,

Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

Just a reminder this Thursday January 21st is our monthly waffle supper at 5:30 pm. Next week on Monday January 25th at 2:30 pm is the Resident Council meeting then on Tuesday January 26th is national Chocolate cake day and we will be serving different varieties of Chocolate cake to the residents at 2:30 pm. On the Thursday January 28th is the General Store for the residents from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. And on Friday January 29th we will be celebrating Helen Jeans Nelson’s 100th Birthday serving cake and coffee at 3:00 pm. We have a couple other residents celebrating birthdays next week Delores Carlson on January 27th, Lillian Muller on the 28th.

Church Service for Sunday January 24th at 2:30 pm will be given by the Salem Covenant Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday January 26th at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass with Father Paul.

Activities for the week of January 25th to January 30th are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing A Long, Coffee and Conversation, Bingo w/Staff, Reading Group, Bible fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Ed Hanna, Mary Donavan, Anne Anderson, Dani Moseman, Di Ruwe, Nadine Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Seth Anderson, and Sylvane Rouse.

 

 

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A Prosperous Nebraska

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

Recently, President Obama made his first official visit to Nebraska as president. At the Baxter Arena at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the president highlighted our state’s healthy economy, saying Nebraska’s current unemployment rate is below 3 percent.

 

In addition to Nebraska’s low unemployment rate, our state is a leader in job creation. Nebraska businesses and local communities are the driving force behind creating new jobs, with 40,000 of those new jobs in the Omaha metro area alone.

 

This is real economic growth and Nebraskans should be proud. While I am pleased to see the president tout Nebraska’s successes, these achievements are not the result of his policies. Rather, they are due to the hard work of our citizens and the fiscally-conservative policies we enact.

 

Hard work and personal responsibility are core values that are ingrained in our daily lives. Our economic strength is also derived from wise decisions made at the state level. Many of these sound policies were put in place when I served in the Nebraska Legislature. Each year, reckless federal spending has grown our national debt to nearly $19 trillion. But in Nebraska, our legislators are forced to spend responsibly and balance the budget. This is not by accident. Balancing Nebraska’s budget is mandated by our state’s constitution, and, unlike other states, our constitution does not allow extensive borrowing and debt.

 

Although smart policies are a large part of Nebraska’s success, our agriculture industry give us a unique economic advantage. In Nebraska, one in four jobs are tied to agriculture. Our farmers, livestock producers, and business owners are the best in world. They are known for utilizing their knowledge and skills to grow the economy and ensure our state’s number one industry continues to help Nebraska’s economy thrive. In 2013, Nebraska’s $6.6 billion in agricultural exports provided $8.1 billion in additional economic activity.

 

Nebraska is a prime example of how wise policies can enable unique industries in states across the country to flourish. In the U.S. Senate, I am working to bring this Nebraska common sense to the federal level.

 

Our citizens and agriculture producers rely on America’s roads, highways, bridges, and railroads to bring their products to market. Strong infrastructure is an essential component for a flourishing economy. That is why I was pleased to work on the multi-year highway bill that was signed into law last month. This important legislation will bring $1.5 billion to Nebraska over the next five years, enabling critical infrastructure projects to move forward. This influx of resources will make our roads safer and more efficient, and it will lead to stronger communities and new jobs in our state.

 

In addition to strengthening existing industries in Nebraska, our healthy business environment is encouraging many innovative companies to develop in our state. CNBC ranked Nebraska seventh in its “America’s Top States for Business 2015” scorecard. I have visited many of these Nebraska businesses, which ensure that technological advancements are benefiting consumers and industries across the country and around the globe.

 

To help these businesses keep pace with the innovations that are changing the world, I have been working hard in the Senate to see that federal regulations are appropriate for today’s world. On that front, two bills I introduced, the E-Label Act and E-Warranty Act, have been signed into law. These important measures ease regulatory requirements on manufacturers by allowing them to post their warranty and labeling information online. This common-sense change provides businesses with more options and lower overhead costs, which results in lower prices for consumers.

 

The Nebraska way works. It’s now time to apply these principles on a national scale. As your Senator, I will continue to reach across the aisle to work with my colleagues on policies that sustain a prosperous Nebraska and a stronger America.

 

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

 

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The Long Game on Property Taxes

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Last week, I delivered my second State of the State address to the Unicameral, and then I went on the road for 10 statewide stops to talk directly with Nebraskans in South Sioux City, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, North Platte, Sidney, Scottsbluff, Alliance, Valentine, and Fremont.  Not surprisingly, property taxes were the top issue again, but this time there is an increased sense of urgency to see progress.

 

Many Nebraskans continue to be concerned about their options as property taxes continue to rise.  For example, Mary Lou in North Platte showed me this year’s property tax bill.  In 2015, her taxes went up almost 36 percent year over year on top of a 20 percent increase from 2014.  If property taxes continue to increase at this pace, families like Mary Lou’s may be forced to sell land their family homesteaded generations ago—just to pay their tax bill.

 

This isn’t just a rural or agricultural issue.  Valuations are on the rise for commercial and residential property as well.  Many Nebraska taxpayers are on fixed income and have no ability to manage fast-paced valuation increases.  In some cases, the American Dream of owning a home is becoming more difficult for hardworking families.  Statewide property valuations from 2003-2013 increased by about 77 percent.  With ag land values rising even more rapidly than residential, property taxes on farmers and ranchers during the same time period increased by 137 percent.

 

As a point of reference, property taxes make up about 40 percent of total taxes paid in Nebraska, while sales and income taxes combined come out to over 50 percent.

 

Property tax valuations are based on a three-year rolling average of a property’s actual value.  The rolling average is an attempt to prevent dramatic increases based on an isolated economic event.  Practically, this also means that if values rise rapidly for a couple years, and then level out or fall, the annually assessed valuation may still increase during years three, four, and five until the highest values are removed from the average.  While we all feel the pinch of increased property taxes, ag  producers, who are seeing a down trend in commodity prices, are still experiencing a significant increase in property taxes each year.  This reality has families like Mary Lou’s facing the possibility of literally losing their family farm.  The economic pressure experienced by the ag industry, which represents 25 percent of the Nebraska economy, impacts all of us.

 

Property taxes have been a major focus of my policy initiatives since I’ve had the honor of serving as your Governor.  Last year, we were able to provide $408 million in direct dollar-for-dollar property tax relief to Nebraskans through the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, an over 45 percent increase from previous budgets.  While it was important to provide immediate relief, we must do more.

 

It is a challenge for state officials to take on the property tax problem directly because property taxes are imposed and collected by your local government including cities, counties, school districts, natural resource districts, community colleges, and educational service units.  State officials are limited to determining the parameters for local collection.

 

This year, I’ve worked with Revenue Committee Chairman Mike Gloor and Education Committee Chairwoman Kate Sullivan to propose a property tax relief package to make structural changes and begin to provide long-term relief through fiscal restraint.  Our bill will tighten spending and levy limits and limit the statewide aggregate growth of agricultural property valuations to three percent.

 

The $408 million in direct tax relief in the budget the Legislature and I agreed upon is significant, but property tax relief continues to be a priority because we can do more.  My property tax relief package encourages fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in local government, while maintaining local control over budgeting decisions.

 

We are working on your behalf at the state level, but we need your help at the local level.  Here are a few suggestions for how you can help support property tax relief for your community:

 

Consider attending budget meetings for local government and share your property tax bill, urge fiscal restraint in budgeting, and look for ways to achieve tax relief by lowering the levy.  You can find information about how to contact local government by visiting some of these websites:

 

 

You may also contact your state senator to urge them to support the property tax package introduced at my request by Chairwoman Sullivan and Chairman Gloor.  You can find their contact information at www.NebraskaLegislature.gov.

 

If you have any questions about how property taxes are levied or the tax relief package we are working on this legislative session, please contact my office by emailingpete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244.  I look forward to hearing from you!

 

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Bureau Seeking Comment for Dam Repairs

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking comment regarding an environmental assessment document for the dam at Box Butte State Recreation Area north of Hemingford. Engineers have identified problems with sedimentation through the dam’s toe drain – a perforated pipe that runs along the base of the earthen dam to collect water from the reservoir’s seepage and move it to the downstream side of the embankment.

The bureau prepared the draft to evaluate environmental consequences of undertaking corrective actions to the dam. The goal is to reduce the risk of dam failure and maintain it at satisfactory levels for its variety of uses.

Among the bureau’s three listed alternatives are to, one, take no action and continue monitoring the dam; two, to replace the toe drain on the dam; and, three, to permanently restrict the reservoir to an elevation of 3,995 feet.

The dam at Box Butte Reservoir, which is situated along the Niobrara River, is used for both irrigation and recreation. As of Jan. 11, its elevation was 3,999 feet – just over 60 percent capacity under current guidelines.

Comments will be received through Feb. 12. They may be sent by mail to the Bureau of Reclamation, Attn: Lucas Milheiser; at 1706 W. 3rd St., McCook, NE 69001. Comments may also be submitted through the online comment portal on the project website, http://www.usbr.gov/gp/nkao/nepa/box_butte.html.

The document is also available by hard copy by contacting Milheiser at (308) 345-8323.

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