News From Bancroft Senior Center


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. Jan. 20: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee at 9:30 am. Sign up to play 5-handed pinochle at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Jan. 21: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee, 9-11 a.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Jan.22: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. There will be a pinochle tournament at 1:30 p.m., remember to sign up if you want to play.

Mon. Jan. 25: The monthly board meeting is at 10:30 this morning. Sign up if you want to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. Jan. 26: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. The noon meal will be fried chicken. Cards and dominoes will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Jan. 27: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee with us at 10:30 a.m. Would you like to play the golf game at 1:30 p.m., the gals will teach you if you don’t know how to play.

 

Short Session of 104th Legislature Has Convened


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Day one of the Second Session of the 104th Legislature convened on Wednesday, January 6th and ends April 20th – a short, 60 day session. Three of my bills from the first session remain in committee: two offer property tax relief; and the third makes a payment system fairer for those seeking modifications of child custody, support, or parenting time whether the parents are married or unmarried.

 

On day one, I submitted a legislative resolution (LR388) to pay tribute to fallen hero Joseph G. Lemm, who was raised in District 16 and was a 1989 graduate from Beemer High School in West Point. The NYPD detective and staff sergeant in the National Guard passed away on December 21, 2015 from wounds received while serving our country in Afghanistan. We extend condolences to detective Lemm’s family and friends who remain in our thoughts and prayers. The memorial service is Saturday, January 16th at 1:00 p.m. in the Beemer Elementary School gymnasium.

 

On day two, as Vice Chairperson of the Transportation Committee, I was invited to a press conference with Governor Ricketts and our committee. During the press conference announce Governor Ricketts announced one of his 2016 legislative agenda items: the creation of a transportation infrastructure bank. The infrastructure bank will be administered by the Nebraska Department of Roads and will help accelerate Nebraska’s roads construction and repair. Simply stated, $150 million will be phased in through cash reserve transfers. More information can be found here: https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/transportation-initiative-accelerate-roads-projects-unveiled-governor-ricketts-chairman-smith. The Governor’s State of the State will be on NET at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14th. Also on day two, during the Rules Committee hearing, I testified as a proponent for a rule change that would require senators’ votes for each committee chairperson and for the Speaker to be open to the public.

 

On day three, bill introduction continued. Presently, I introduced two new bills. The first bill, LB757, increases the amount of personal property that can be exempted for individuals filing bankruptcy. The statute governing exemptions has not been updated in 17 years. Mandating a larger amount for exemptions allows individuals filing bankruptcy to get back on their feet.

 

The second bill, LB811, was brought to me by the DMV. It eliminates all county numbered license plates in counties over 100,000 people, which are Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy. This bill will provide a savings to the state by cutting down on duplicate plates in those counties; and it will also add efficiency to the DMV by eliminating the confusion caused by the duplicates.
We have a new Legislative Aide in my office, Brett Waite, who has a strong background in the Constitution and the sciences. Katie Wattermann, who is from District 16, remains, thankfully, my Administrative Aide. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or my office via email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov or via phone at 402-471-2728; or stop by Room 1016 if you are at the Capitol. Legislative sessions and committee hearings are broadcast on NET found here: http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government.

Lydia Brasch

Lydia Brasch

 

Stand Up for 77,000 Hard Working Nebraskans


Lyons, NE –  On Tuesday, January 19, 2016, concerned citizens and like-minded organizations, including the Center for Rural Affairs, will hold a press conference in the State Capitol Rotunda to support the Transitional Health Care bill, which will ensure all Nebraskans are able to get the health coverage they need.

 

“Over 77,000 hard-working Nebraskans don’t have access to affordable health insurance,” said John Crabtree with the Center for Rural Affairs. “During the upcoming session, the Legislature will once again have the opportunity and responsibility to ensure all Nebraskans have access to the care they need!”

 

WHAT: Press Conference and Rally

WHEN: Tuesday, January 19th, 12 – ­1pm

WHERE: State Capitol Rotunda

1445 K St, Lincoln, NE 68509

 

Call your Senator and let them know you’ll be there for the press conference, standing in support of 77,000 Nebraskans that deserve access to affordable healthcare,” urged Crabtree. “If you are unable to attend, contact your Senator on January 19th and let them know that you would be there if you could, and urge them to stand with you. It’s time to make sure your elected representatives know that Nebraskans stand with their friends and family members.”

 

According to the Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraskans who would gain coverage under this proposal are currently trapped. More than 70 percent of them are working, but their jobs either provide no health insurance or the insurance provided is not affordable. Their income is too high to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too low to qualify for tax credits at healthcare.gov.

 

For those who are not working, the bill provides for referrals to job training and job placement services, as well as health coverage.

 

According to a University of Nebraska at Kearney study, if no action is taken, Nebraska hospitals will face nearly $500 million in uncompensated care by 2020. These costs fall particularly hard on smaller rural hospitals in our state.

 

The same study showed that if we do expand coverage to these Nebraskans, the move will support nearly 11,000 jobs in the state. In fact, their research found that expanding coverage to these working Nebraskans would actually save the state nearly $70 million over a 5-year period, as other programs funded by the state would no longer be necessary.

 

“As the Legislature takes up this debate in Lincoln, now is your chance to reach out and tell your senator that quality affordable health coverage for all Nebraskans is a smart investment,” concluded Crabtree.

 

Anyone looking for transportation to the event or for more information should contact Lauren Kolojejchick-Kotch at laurenk@cfra.org or 402-687-2103 ext. 1032.

Discover Ice Fishing On-Ice Clinic at Kearney’s Yanney Lake Canceled


The Discover Ice Fishing on-ice clinic scheduled for Jan. 16 at Kearney’s Yanney Lake has been canceled because of a lack of safe ice. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will not reschedule the clinic.

Still scheduled is the Nebraska Fish and Game Association’s classroom clinic at Yanney Heritage Park’s Environmental Resource Center, 2020 W. 11th St., from 8 a.m. – noon. Registration is requested. Email Harold Fankhauser at harold@nefga.org to sign up.

Cold Day, Warm Hearts Event at Mahoney State Park


Bring the family to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland for the Cold Day, Warm Hearts and Family Fun event on Jan. 23.

This event from 3 – 6 p.m. at Owen Marina will include archery and ice fishing, if conditions allow. Learn how to build an outdoor shelter, as well as get information on outdoor survival. Children will make winter crafts and roast hot dogs and s’mores over a bonfire.

Meals and s’mores kits will be available for a small fee. A park entry permit is required.

Dorothy Larson Celebrates 104th Birthday at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

It was a nice Birthday party last week for Dorothy Larson our oldest resident at the nursing home she turned 104. Next week on Tuesday January 19th we will try and go to Golden Oaks for their potluck dinner at noon, weather permitting. On Thursday January 21st is the monthly Waffle Supper at 5:30 pm.

Church Service for Sunday January 17th at 2:30 pm will be given by the St. John Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Monday January 18th is communion by the Frist United Lutheran church.

Activities for the week of January 18th   to January 22nd   are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo the w/Salem, Reading group, Bible Fellowship, Word Games, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning video, and Lawrence Walk

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Patty Miller, Anne Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Di Ruwi, Nadine Anderson, Pat Anderson, Sly Rouse, and Seth Anderson.

Guest signing in last week was Mary Plageman to see Dorothy Larson.

Dorothy Larson celebrates her 104th birthday. Photo Courtesy of Oakland Heights.

Dorothy Larson celebrates her 104th birthday. Photo Courtesy of Oakland Heights.

 

USDA Report


Prices are higher. USDA lowered US 2015 corn and soybean crop. USDA also dropped US 2015/16

soybean carryout

 

SH is up 14 cents and near 8.75

CH is up 5 cents and near 3.57

WH is up 6 cents and near 4.76

 

 

2015 US crop production (Million Bushels, Except Cotton in Thousand Bales)

2014       2015                   Ave Trade         Trade

Crop               Final       USDA      USDA   Estimate           Range

Corn             14,216    13,654    13,601    13,646    13,525 – 13,770

Soybeans       3,927       3,981     3,930       3,981      3,926 – 4,043

All Cotton    16,319     13,031    12,940        NA             NA – NA

2016 US winter wheat seedings (Thousand Acres)

Ave Trade         Trade

Class                 2015       USDA        Estimate           Range

HRW               28,978     26.50         28,810    27,576 – 29,592

SRW                  7,087        6.70           7,144      6,400 – 8,539

White                3,396        3.40           3,366      3,250 – 3,500

All Winter       39,461      36.60       39,320    38,250 – 40,796

Dec. 1, 2015 grain and soybean stocks (Million Bushels)

Ave Trade         Trade

Crop        Dec. 1, 2014  USDA      Estimate         Range

Corn              11,211    11,216       11,237  11,073 – 11,440

Soybeans        2,528      2,715         2,720     2,590 – 2,850

Wheat             1,530      1,738         1,698      1,670 – 1,732

US 2015/16 ending stocks (Million Bushels, Except Cotton in Million Bales)

USDA      USDA       Ave Trade         Trade

Crop          December January      Estimate           Range

Corn               1,785     1,802           1,785        1,642 – 1,860

Soybeans          465        440              468            430 – 492

Wheat               911        941              919           891 – 941

Cotton              3.00       3.10               NA             NA – NA

 

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

Caregiver Support Group to Meet at Bancroft Senior Center


The monthly Caregiver Support Group will meet at the Bancroft Senior Center, Monday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. A video may be shown or topics that would be of interest the caregiver will be presented at the meeting.

The personal information, shared at the meeting by the caregivers, is kept confidential if you are a caregiver; this invitation is for you to attend.

 

 

Annual Public Meeting at Bancroft Senior Center


The Annual Public Meeting will be held Friday, January 15 at 1:30 p.m. The manager will talk about all of the services that the center will provide during this coming fiscal year. All who attend will have an opportunity to give their ideas for new activities that they would like to see implemented at the center. All of the services the senior center provides help to generate money for the center; it is very important that people make use of these services.

 

News From Bancroft Senior Center


* 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. Jan. 13: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee at 9:30 am. The post holiday dinner is today at noon, bring a vegetable, salads or dessert. Cards and dominoes will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Jan. 14: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee, 9-11 a.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Jan.15: The public hearing meeting is today at 1:30 p.m. Cards will be played after the meeting. Lunch will be served at 3:45 p.m.

Mon. Jan. 18: The caregiver support group meets at 2:00 p.m. All caregivers are encouraged to attend.

Tues. Jan. 19: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Come and have coffee with us at 10:00 this morning. We will play bingo at 2:00 p.m.

Wed. Jan. 20: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee at 10:30 a.m. Sign up to play 5-handed pinochle or hand and foot at 1:30 p.m.