Burt County Ag Society Receives Check for Fairgrounds

December 2, 2015 Leave a comment


The Burt County Ag Society recently received a check for $2,000 to be used on the new tie out area on the Burt County Fairgrounds.

Presenting the check were Brandy Balzer and Brandon Carda of Farm Credit Services of America in Norfolk.

Pictured are: Ag Society President, Bill Ahrens, Brandy Balzer, Board Treasurer, Norman Johnson and Brandon Carda.

Burt County Ag Society members receiving check from Farm Credit Services. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

Burt County Ag Society members receiving check from Farm Credit Services. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

 

 

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The Last Minute is Now!

December 2, 2015 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

If you’re on Medicare and you’re waiting for the last minute to decide whether or not to change you prescription drug plan, the last minute is NOW!

December 7th is the final day to make any changes for your Medicare prescription or health plan. Unfortunately, if you need any help or have questions, it’s too late for help from me as I need most of those final days to wrap up details on individuals I have already assisted.

There are several ways to make sure you don’t pay too much for your prescription drugs. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). After a few automated button pushes you can get to an operator who will enter your prescriptions into the Medicare Plan Finder. They will then be able to help you decide which plan will save you the most money. They will ask for your Medicare number, but since you initiated the call to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) that should be a safe place to provide this personal information.

If you have a computer (or a child or grandchild who does) you can take care of this process yourself. Just go to the websitewww.medicare.gov and click on “Find Health and Drug Plans” and you’ll be on your way to comparing your prescriptions, selecting which drug store(s) you want to compare with and deciding which of the 23 Medicare prescription drug plans saves you the most money for 2016. If you’d like to try comparing on the Medicare.gov website but would like a little guidance, stop by the Nebraska Extension Office in Burt County for a Step by Step Medicare Comparison Help Sheet or email Sharon at our office atswimer2@unl.edu and we’ll send you a copy to help walk you through the process.

If all else fails, call the UNL Extension office in Burt County at 402-374-2929 and make an appointment for the final personal comparison sessions in Lyons on Monday, November 30 at the Lyons Library or in Tekamah on Tuesday, December 1 at the Chatt Center. Trained volunteers will be working that day to help compare plans that fit your needs and save you money.

Some people already have the least expensive plan for their needs, but unless you compare, you don’t know that for sure. Don’t give up your peace of mind unless you’ve compared and know your current plan will still be the best value next year.

The Medicare Last Minute is NOW…don’t miss this once a year chance to make sure your Medicare prescription or health plan is the best choice for you.

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Alcohol Compliance Rates Backsliding

December 2, 2015 Leave a comment


Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI), is a substance abuse prevention coalition, serving Burt, Cuming, Stanton, and Madison Counties. HCI reports that the rates of alcohol compliance failure for businesses selling alcohol to underage youth has been increasing in the past two years. Alcohol compliance checks are a type of prevention strategy that deters alcohol outlets from selling alcohol to underage youth. The Nebraska State Patrol or local police officials supervise undercover youth who try to buy alcohol; if the attempt is successful, the business is penalized. Compliance rates in 2013 were 96% and they have decreased to 88% in 2015. Selling alcohol to a minor is against the law. Allowing a person who is under the legal age of 21 to buy alcohol not only puts the business at risk, it also puts its staff and our youth at risk.

HCI provides FREE Responsible Beverage Service Training classes to On Premise and Off Premise businesses. This class, TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) is free to all business owners, managers, and staff involved in the sale of alcohol and liquor. TIPS training is designed to help liquor license holders and staff in identifying intoxicated customers, checking ID’s, confidently intervening and resolving troublesome situations. The training is a one-time 3-5 hour class. TIPS training is approved by the Nebraska Liquor Commission and taught by local certified trainers. Persons successfully passing the TIPS training are certified for three years.

Businesses that recently failed the alcohol compliance checks have been contacted by HCI and encouraged to attend a TIPS training. The class is provided free of charge and are scheduled at the convenience of the business. Businesses that recently passed the compliance checks are also invited to attend a TIPS training. It is important that all servers and sellers of alcohol learn how to encourage responsible drinking.

This FREE training is being made available through grant funding provided to the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department. If you are interested in attending a TIPS training, please contact Kathy Becker at 402-529-2233 or email her at kathy@elvphd.org.

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Making Health Insurance Make Sense

December 2, 2015 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

As a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Counselor, I received this information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) just last week. At the time of our SHIIP training in early October, CMS had not announced the new coverage and deductible prices or plan changes.

Here are “Answers to Some of the Most Commonly Asked Questions about Medicare” from CMS.

 

Q:    Can you explain what the Part A and Part B premiums will be in 2016?

 

A:      For most beneficiaries, the answer is simple:  they will be the same in 2016 as they were in 2015.  That’s because there will be no Social Security cost-of-living increase in 2016 benefits.  As a result, most people will pay the same premium for Part B, as long as the premium is withheld from their Social Security benefit check. That’s about 70% of all people on Medicare. Also, since 99% of beneficiaries get Part A Medicare coverage without a premium (since they or their spouse have at least 40 calendar quarters of Medicare-covered employment during their lives), that won’t change, either.

 

Q:  What about people who don’t qualify for this?  How much will they pay?

A:  Some beneficiaries will not qualify for the rule that keeps their Part B premium unchanged.  These include:  people who do not yet collect Social Security benefits; people who will become  new beneficiaries in 2016;  people who have their Part B premiums paid through a different process, such as Federal retirees; and people who pay an additional premium already, because of their income.  People on both Medicare and Medicaid, whose premiums are paid by their States, are also ineligible for unchanged premiums.  All beneficiaries in those categories will see an increase in their Part B premiums to $121.80 per month (higher for those with income-related surcharges).  These groups together account for about 30% of Medicare’s 52 million beneficiaries.

 

Q:  Are Part A and B deductibles going up, too?  Will some people be exempt from those increases?

 

A:  The Part A deductible for an inpatient hospital admission is going up from $1,260 in 2015 to $1,288 in 2016.  Co-insurance for stays beyond 60 days, and for stays in a skilled nursing facility following an inpatient admission will also increase, by a modest 2.2% in 2016.

The Part B deductible is increasing from $147 in 2015 to $166 in 2016.  This is the first increase in the Part B deductible in 3 years.  These increases will apply to all beneficiaries; those exempt from premium increases will still be subject to the new deductible and co-pay amounts in 2016.

 

For more information about 2016 premiums and deductibles, you can go to www.medicare.gov, or call Medicare any time of day or night, at 1-800-MEDICARE [1-800-633-4227].

 

 

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News from Bancroft Senior Center

December 1, 2015 Leave a comment


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

*If you are 60 years and older and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

Meals on Wheels

*Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day. The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

Our annual Cookie Walk will be Sat., Dec. 5 at the community building. Anyone in the community is welcome to bring cookies, candies or snack items for our cookie walk. We are still collecting items for the raffle; we accept craft items, cash, homemade sweet rolls and pies, etc.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Dec. 2: Melody chime practice at 9:00 a.m. Come for coffee at 10:00 am. Just a reminder to sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Dec. 3: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee in the morning. Board games at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 4: We will have a pinochle and hand & foot tournament at 1:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Retirement Community will bring a snack to go with the coffee at 3:30 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 5: Cookie Walk and Raffle 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Bancroft Community Building on the main level.

Mon Dec. 7: Today is the potluck meal, bring your food and eat with friends. Hand and foot will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. Dec. 8: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Come and have coffee with us. The pitch tournament will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Dec. 9: There will be melody chime practice at 9:00 a.m. Come and play bingo with us at 2:00 p.m.

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

December 1, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend, we are starting a new month this week, and it is a month of many special holiday events here at the Nursing Home.

We start off this week on Friday December 4th is our Annual Holiday Bazaar from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm , we have a variety of holiday items to choose from, so come up and do a little Christmas shopping with us. On Sunday December 6th the St. John Lutheran carolers will come up and sing in the dining room at noon. Next week on Monday December 7th is the monthly Volunteer executive meeting at 2:30 pm. On Thursday December 10th Charlie Davis will be here to play his harmonica. Then on Friday December 11th is the Residents Christmas party, dinner with family members at 6:00 pm and the party to follow. On Saturday December 12th the Uehling FFDA will be putting on their Holiday play for the residents at 3:00 pm. We have one resident celebrating a birthday, Janet Kroger on December 7th.

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

Activities for the week of December 7th to December 12th   are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo w/Evang. free, reading group, Bible Fellowship, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donavan, Anne Anderson, Patty Miller, Dani Moseman and Seth Anderson.

Guest signing in this past week was:   Mary Plageman to see Dorothy Larson, and Krista Peters visiting Dale and Janet Johnson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Grain Markets

November 30, 2015 Leave a comment


Grain Markets 11/30/15 @ 11:43am
Dec Corn +6’0 @ $3.65’2
Jan Beans +8’6 @ $8.81’6

A key reversal last Monday sets the technical stage for a potential rally, but fundamentals remain negative, and without headlines to move the market.  However, funds don’t typically care about the fundamentals, just profit.  It makes sense the Thanksgiving holiday kept trade volume at bay until today.

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

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

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

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New Sled Run at Chadron State Park

November 28, 2015 Leave a comment


With the northwestern Nebraska countryside adorned in white the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is encouraging people to grab their sleds and take a downhill ride at one of its state parks.

Chadron State Park has a new sled run for visitors to enjoy. This summer, with winter in mind, staff cleared and mowed an area just north of the park’s highest parking lot. The obstruction-free run, which is near the Soapweed Picnic Shelter just off the paved loop around the park, is about 100 yards long.

“We hope this will provide a safe an enjoyable activity at the park in the upcoming winter months,” said Gregg Galbraith, park superintendent. “Chadron State Park has long been a popular place for sledders but we haven’t really had a place especially designed for it. We expect this new site to be popular.”

Galbraith said the sled run’s location in a “bowl area” will provide some protection from strong north winds. Also, the restroom at the Soapweed Shelter is available for those who need it.

The sledding is free but vehicles entering Chadron State Park must have a 2015 park entry permit. The permits are available online at OutdoorNebraska.org, the park headquarters or from other vendors throughout the state.

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Christmas Tree Selection and Care

November 28, 2015 Leave a comment


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

For many families, once the Thanksgiving leftovers are in the refrigerator, it’s time to start preparing for Christmas. For many, the most prominent part of the holiday display is the Christmas tree. There has been a trend with more people selecting natural trees, but it is important to select a fresh tree.

This reduces the potential for fires, aids in cleanup… and makes it more pleasant for whoever has to crawl under the tree to distribute the gifts found there. OK, the last one is a family tradition and since I have the profile most closely resembling Santa Claus… never mind!

Follow these steps to assure the tree you are buying is fresh:

Gently pull on the needles. They should be tightly attached to the twig.

Shake the tree vigorously or hold the tree several inches off the ground and drop the butt end on a hard surface. If green needles fall from the tree, look further. Dead, brown needles falling from inner parts of the tree may have been shed years ago and are less of a problem.

Other considerations when selecting a tree should include:

Measure the height and width of the space you have available in the room where the tree will be placed. There’s nothing worse than bringing a tree indoors only to find it’s too tall or wide. Take a tape measure with you when selecting your Christmas tree.

Remember to choose a tree for the area where it is to be displayed. For example if the tree is displayed in front of a large window, then all four sides should look as good as possible. If the tree is displayed against a wall, then a tree with three good sides would be okay. A tree with two good sides would work well in a corner. In general, the more perfect a tree, the more expensive it is.

Make sure the base of the tree trunk is straight for six to eight inches so it will fit easily into the stand.

Once you have chosen a fresh Christmas tree, do your best to keep it fresh. A tree can stay fresh and healthy for several weeks if it is well cared for.

If you are not putting the tree up right away, store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and freezing temperatures. Make a fresh one inch cut on the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.

When you bring the tree indoors, make another fresh one inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water. A rule of thumb is a tree will use one quart of water each day for every inch of diameter of the trunk.

Be sure to keep the water level about the base of the tree. If the base dries out resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. Commercially prepared mixes; aspirin; sugar and other additives added to the water are not necessary and may be detrimental.

If it’s a nuisance to water a Christmas tree once it’s decorated with a tree skirt and surrounded by presents, here’s an easy solution. Buy a funnel and a 3 to 4 foot length of vinyl tubing to slip over the end of the funnel. Fasten the funnel/tube with a twist-ties or twine in an out-of-the-way but reachable part of the tree. Extend the tubing down the tree trunk and into the tree stand reservoir. Now you can water the tree through the funnel without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt or its ornaments.

Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, TVs, radiators, and air ducts. Never use lighted candles or have open flames near your Christmas tree. Check all Christmas tree lights for worn electrical cords. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Unplug tree lights at night or plug them into a timer.

Following these guidelines on selecting and caring for your Christmas tree helps ensure a safe and happy holiday. But once the holidays are past, here are a couple final suggestions.

Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees if properly cared for will last at least five weeks before drying out.

Recycle your tree after Christmas. Many communities will pick up trees and turn them into chips. You might put the tree in your backyard and place bread and suet among the branches for the birds.

For more information on Christmas tree selection and care, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.

John Wilson

John Wilson

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Celebrate Holidays at Nebraska State Parks

November 28, 2015 Leave a comment


State parks and historical parks throughout Nebraska are planning traditional winter events for the entire family.

Called “Winterfest,” this statewide series of events is intended to help families rekindle old holiday traditions and create new ones, while showcasing the beauty of Nebraska during the winter. Many parks offer discounted lodging in conjunction with Winterfest events, offering families a chance to spend affordable, uninterrupted time together during a busy time of year.

The Winterfest schedule is:

— Christmas in the Woods, Ponca State Park (SP), Ponca, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 19 – There will be crafts, cookie decorating, education, lighted hayrack rides, and a snowman-building contest.

— Archery on Fire, Platte River SP, Louisville, Dec. 5 – Try archery and other shooting skills and crafts.

— Light Up the Fort, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, Dec. 5 – Help decorate the fort’s historic buildings.

— Classic Christmas, Mahoney SP, Ashland, Dec. 12 – Visit Santa and have your photo taken with him. Take a lighted hayrack ride, enjoy crafts and decorate cookies and ornaments.

— Archery on Fire, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, Dec. 12 – Try archery and other shooting skills and crafts.

— Christmas Bird Count, Indian Cave SP, Shubert, Dec. 14 – Help identify and record bird sightings before enjoying a chili feed.

— Christmas at the Cody’s, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (SHP), North Platte, Dec. 19-22 – Tour the decorated mansion, take a hayrack ride, taste cider and cookies, listen to live music, and visit Santa.

— Christmas at the Bowring, Arthur Bowring Ranch SHP, Merriman, Dec. 19 – Enjoy a rib eye steak dinner and live music.

— First Day Hike, Ponca SP, Ponca, Jan. 1 – Take a guided or unguided hike on the park’s 22 miles of trails.

— First Day Hike, Platte River SP, Louisville, Jan. 1 – Come along on a guided walk through the woods.

— Yule Log Quest, Platte River SP, Louisville, Jan. 2 – Kids will find crafts and a kindling hunt. After the Yule Log Quest, enjoy a bonfire and lighted hayrack ride.

— Cold Day, Warm Hearts and Family Fun, Mahoney SP, Ashland, Jan. 23 – Learn winter wilderness survival and enjoy fishing and birding.

— Valentine’s Special, Mahoney SP, Ashland, Feb. 12-15 – Enjoy a romantic getaway in a cabin or lodge room at a special rate.

— Special Valentine’s Weekend Dining, Platte River SP, Louisville, Feb. 13-14 – Enjoy a special Valentine’s menu at Walter Scott Jr. Lodge.

A complete list of events and details is available OutdoorNebraska.org/parks.asp.

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