Happenings at Oakland Heights

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

What a nice weekend for the Trick or Treaters, the residents had a good time at the Halloween party we had for them last Friday, the winner of the outside Halloween display contest was the North Star Volunteers with the Scary Bingo display, the runner up was the Skelton pirate display. We have moved in to a new month and the start of the Holiday Season is quickly approaching. Upcoming events for this week on Thursday November 5th at 2:30 pm we will be serving pumpkin donuts and apple cider. Next week on Monday November 9th the Roscoe Family will come and entertain at 2:30 pm. then on Thursday November 12th Charlie Davis will be here to play the Harmonica at 2:30 pm.

We have a couple of Birthdays coming up on November 4th Muriel Rabe, and on November 14th Pauline Loeffler celebrates her 103rd Birthday.

Church Service for Sunday November 8th at 2:30 pm will be given by the First United Methodist Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday November 10th at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass with Father Paul.

Activities for the week of November 9th to November 14th  are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing A Long, Bingo w/Evang. Free, Bible Fellowship , Crafty cooking, Let’s Play Ball, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donavan, Marge Maller, Patty Miller, Dani Moseman, Di Ruwe, Nadine Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Kathy Rennerfeldt, and Sylvane Rouse.

Guest signing in this week was:   Brendan, Emily, and Cora Plageman to see Dorothy Larson, Chuck and Celia Neitzke to see Wilma Neitzke and Kristie Peters to see Dale and Jeanette Johnson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hunters Enjoy Increased Bird Numbers on Opening Weekend

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


Hunters across the state saw noticeably improved hunting for pheasant and quail on the opening weekend of the season Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Hunters contacted by conservation officers reported more birds than in recent years and generally reported good success.

Southwest Nebraska provided the most consistent hunting in the state. Good numbers of pheasants were seen across the region, particularly in Lincoln, Hayes, Perkins, Dundy, Chase, and Red Willow counties.

Improved quail numbers were consistently reported across the Southeast region, but pheasant hunting success was more variable. Pheasant hunters on public hunting areas in the Rainwater Basins reported seeing good numbers of birds.

The Northeast region saw improved hunting in areas where sufficient grassland cover remained. Successful pheasant hunters were reported in Madison, Knox, Burt, Thurston, Dixon, Pierce, and Antelope counties.

Unharvested crop fields hampered hunters in the Northwest region, but good numbers of pheasants were reported. The highest hunting pressure and success appeared to be in Box Butte County.

Hunting conditions across the state are expected to improve in the coming weeks as the weather cools, more crop fields are harvested, and hunting pressure declines. Additionally, rain prior to opening weekend made travel difficult and many minimum maintenance roads were impassable on opening day. Good habitat conditions prevail across the state, which is good news for birds and hunters alike.

To view the Commission’s full upland game hunting forecast, visit OutdoorNebraska.org, and then click on Hunting, Upland Game, and Forecast. Hunters can find public hunting sites, as well as private sites open to public walk-in hunting, in the Nebraska Public Access Atlas. Go to OutdoorNebraska.org, and then click on Guides.

The pheasant and quail seasons run through Jan. 31, 2016.

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Farming Fits Veterans and Veterans Fit Farming

November 3, 2015 Leave a comment


By Wyatt Fraas, wyattf@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

The Center for Rural Affairs has worked to support and assist beginning farmers and ranchers for over 25 years. And increasingly, beginning farmer and rancher inquiries come from military veterans. They have the same needs as other new farmers: access to land, financing and information. But they also bring new issues: disabilities, returning to civilian life, a drive to help fellow veterans, a powerful sense of wanting to be of service to their country.
The Center’s Veteran Farmers Project was launched to provide information, encouragement, connections, and referrals that help beginning farmers and ranchers access land and financing, identify markets, build business plans, and more.
We also connect veteran-farmers with other veterans; to help retain and rebuild bonds with others who have served in the military and help each other overcome the obstacles of building a farm business and returning to civilian life. We refer veteran-farmers to resource providers who can help with disability services, business advising, finding mentors, gaining production and marketing experience, and other needs.
Farming fits veterans, and veterans fit farming. Many veterans want to return to small town America to raise their families. And we welcome them home.
However, educational opportunities, off-farm jobs, health services, and young peers are in short supply across much of rural and small town America. That makes networks such as those built through the Center’s Veteran Farmers Project, and the infrastructure and public policies we’re working to create, vitally important to our veterans who want to farm and ranch.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

November 3, 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.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Nov. 4: The melody chime group will practice at 9:00 am. Come for coffee at 10:00 am. Bingo will be played at 2:00 pm.

Thurs. Nov. 5: Rolls and coffee served from 9:00 am. until noon. Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. and the walking ex class at 10:45 a.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m. Make reservations for tomorrows meal.

Fri. Nov. 6: The noon meal will be hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, corn and dessert. If you want to play in the pinochle or hand and foot tournament at 1:30 p.m.; you will need to sign up.

Sat. Nov. 7: Music jam at 7:00 pm. Bring something to snack on during break time.

Mon Nov. 9: Need volunteers willing to help make recycled all occasion cards at 1:30 pm.

Tues. Nov. 10: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 am. and walking ex. class at 10:45 am. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 am. Sign up to play hand and foot at 1:30 pm.

Wed. Nov. 11: The melody chime group will practice at 9:00 am. Join us for coffee at 10:00 am. We will play dominoes at 1:30.

 

 

 

 

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Making Government Work for You

November 3, 2015 Leave a comment


Over the past few months, I have often spoken about the importance of helping our state’s most vulnerable citizens.  Because of this focus, my administration has sought ways to make government more customer friendly.  This past week, I joined the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to showcase some of the improvements we have made to ACCESSNebraska, the system many Nebraskans use to access public benefits.  These improvements follow the appointment of a new leadership team at DHHS and a commitment by my office to move the public benefits system forward after hearing about the challenges it faced from Nebraskans across the state.

 

In 2008, the State of Nebraska created the ACCESSNebraska system to change its strategy for the administration of economic assistance and Medicaid programs.  The implementation of the new strategy and changes to the program’s design fell short of expectations, including the level of service provided to its clients.  As I have traveled the state, I have heard stories from Nebraskans who have faced serious challenges, such as long call wait times, while trying to utilize the system.  For instance, long call wait times at the ACCESSNebraska call centers can drain valuable pre-paid phone minutes, making it difficult for clients to navigate the program.

 

Thanks to collaboration between the state’s Chief Operating Officer Felix Davidson and the team at DHHS, ACCESSNebraska has started to move beyond some of these challenges.  Recently, call wait times for the call centers servicing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fell from a two-year average high of 23 minutes and 51 seconds in August 2014 to an average low of 4 minutes and 42 seconds in September 2015.  While we have been able to improve service to our customers, the state has also been able to improve accuracy when it comes to determining who is eligible to receive benefits from the state.  Between October 2014 and April 2015, Nebraska’s SNAP denial accuracy rate rose from 17th-in-the-nation to 8th, and we continue to work to improve this ranking and the program’s integrity.  Consistent with my commitment to hold the line on spending, this has been accomplished without additional appropriations.

 

Nebraskans tell us that improvements to ACCESSNebraska are having a meaningful impact on their lives.  In the past couple of months, the Tiangwa family applied for SNAP benefits, and they were approved and processed the following day.  “This is really important for me and my family,” said Ms. Tiangwa. “I’m so thankful and grateful for the help.”  A DHHS partner who helps clients apply for services thanked the Scottsbluff ACCESSNebraska team for handling her cases efficiently and accurately and added that the team has made a “vast difference for her and her clients.”  These are just a couple of examples of how these changes are making a difference.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

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Consolidation Options Being Discussed

November 2, 2015 Leave a comment


By Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

In March, the Board of Education hired Jerry McCall, with Education Consulting Services, and his decades of experience to assist board members in narrowing a focus to improve our facilities for our students. Through the work with Jerry, the recommendation was made to pursue a consolidated effort first and gauge the interest of other school districts, specifically Oakland-Craig and Lyons-Decatur Northeast. Since reaching out to those districts, it has been relatively quiet over the past several months. Lyons-Decatur Northeast indicated that they were not interested in further conversations at this time, stating that they had a relationship with Bancroft-Rosalie for activities with which they were pleased. Oakland-Craig expressed some interest, but felt they needed to evaluate all of their options.

Last week, committee representatives from Tekamah-Herman, Oakland-Craig, and Jerry McCall met to further discuss the potential of a consolidated effort between the two districts. The specific items discussed, in general terms, were the internal organization of grade levels in a proposed district, the potential site of a new high school, and the size of the building being to be built. These conversations are preliminary, with both Boards seeking additional definitive data from Education Consulting Services before making a commitment.

The committees asked for further clarification from Mr. McCall on potential educational programming for the proposed district and ideas of participation from Northeast Community College with career education and certification opportunities in a district of the proposed size. The committees are supportive of doing what is in the best interest of students. If education can be enhanced and facilities improved through consolidation, Tekamah-Herman representatives would certainly be interested in such an effort. The facility issues in our district are not improving and must be addressed in the near future. The Board members are attempting to make the best decision possible to address as many needs as possible.

The Board of Education at Tekamah-Herman wishes to be as transparent as possible with any potential election for the use of tax dollars. The members have spent countless hours interviewing, researching, and evaluating options. While this isn’t the only option available for the district, this is clearly the best option that must be investigated to its fullest, in the minds of the Board and representatives hired to guide the Board. Please feel free to communicate with your representatives about this and future issues.

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

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Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October 30, 2015 Leave a comment


October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, which is sponsored by the ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. There are humane societies throughout the country in need of people to adopt a dog, providing a permanent and loving home to a dog in need.

Kay and Ron Kommers of Oakland have adopted several dogs from humane societies over the years. “If Ron sees a picture of a dog, or a dog in a cage, he tells me to go get it,” Kay said. Their dogs are Duchess, an Italian Greyhound, Bella, greyhound terrier mix, Daisy and Lil Bit are Chihuahua’s, Ren, also a Chihuahua was adopted via Craig’s list, Marvin, a Brussels Griff On whom they received from another person in Oakland, and Yoda, also a Chihuahua.

When Kay and Ron first began adopting dogs, the cost was $107-127, which included shots, being neutered or spaying and boarding. “The costs have gone up quite a bit since then,” stated Kay. “Some now charge over $200.”

It is estimated that 1.4 million dogs are adopted each year. Unfortunately, there are many dogs that aren’t blessed with a loving family, and are euthanized. The amount is staggering, 1.2 million a year. The ASPCA hopes to lessen this number during the month of October, and every month realistically, putting the need for loving pet owners in the spotlight.

Oaklander Kathy Peterson has also recued many dogs over the years, eight to date. She currently owns two dogs, Chammie, a Pom and Chi, and Harley, a Chi Terrier. “I adopted a shelter basically because I had just lost a rescue,” said Kathy. She was very heartbroken over her loss, and wasn’t sure she was ready to adopt again. “But after a week of no pitter patter of puppy paws, I needed the comforting noise if I could only find the right one,” Kathy stated. She found her rescue dog in with seven other dogs. “He was cowering in the kennel, his back pushed so far back against the back of the kennel that you could barely reach him” Kathy said. Needless to say, she adopted him. This dog was an Australian Shepherd she adopted when she lived in Minnesota. “Most of my dogs have been true rescues, dogs that were on their own or that I assisted in removing from dangerous circumstances,” Kathy stated.

Whitney (Storie) Tran, formerly of Oakland, now of Omaha, has also adopted dogs, three as of now. “I have always believed in rescuing a dog before buying a dog,” Whitney said. The first dog she adopted, Sox, was a mixed breed dog and recently passed away. The two she currently owns are Lili, a miniature Schnauzer and Tyson, a Chihuahua/pug mix. She had the same requirements adopting a dog as the others did. “The process is much lengthier now. They require two interviews and a lot of paperwork. We had the paperwork, but no interviews,” Whitney stated.

There are other requirements when adopting a dog. “You have to keep their shots up to day and report abnormalities or illnesses to the shelter,” Whitney said.

Adopting a dog is rescuing them from being euthanized. “When you adopt a dog from a shelter, you are rescuing them. However, if you find a dog and take them in when a home can’t be found, I consider that rescuing,” Whitney stated.

That is one thing that all three agree on, as they have done both, adopted from a shelter and taken in a dog from someone else due to varying circumstances.

“To me, a rescue is a dog that has been left in a situation where it is in danger. Some shelter dogs are rescues, but many have been loved and circumstances within the family unit changed the ability to care for the animal properly,” Kathy said. She only recommends adopting if you are ready to take on the responsibility of another permanent family member. “The shelter animals need “forever” homes, anything less is unfair to them,” Kathy stated.

“The shelter animals need “forever” homes, anything less is unfair to them,” Kathy stated.

It is estimated that 37%-47% of households in the United States have a dog. Please consider becoming a dog owner and rescuing one, or more, from your local humane society.

 

Whitney and Tyson.

Whitney and Tyson.

Whitney and Lili

Whitney and Lili

Kathy's dogs Chammie and Harley

Kathy’s dogs Chammie and Harley

Kay and Ron's dog Ren

Kay and Ron’s dog Ren

Kay and Ron's dog Duchess

Kay and Ron’s dog Duchess

Kay and Ron's dog Daisy.

Kay and Ron’s dog Daisy.

Kay and Ron's dog Bella

Kay and Ron’s dog Bella

Kay and Ron's dog Lil Bit

Kay and Ron’s dog Lil Bit

Kay and Ron's dog Marvin.

Kay and Ron’s dog Marvin.

Kay and Ron's dog Yoda.

Kay and Ron’s dog Yoda.

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

October 29, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

We have a fun week coming up, we have finished decorating outside in front of the building for a Halloween display contest, there are four teams consisting of Oakland Heights employees and North Star Volunteers. This week we have several fun activities, on Thursday the O-C Kindergarteners will come and sing for us at 2:00 pm. Then on Friday is the residents Halloween Party at 2:30 pm. And then on Saturday October 31st Halloween the residents will be handing out candy for any Trick or Treaters that would like to stop by. And don’t forget to set your clocks back this coming weekend.

Next week is the beginning of a new month and we start off on Monday November 2nd with the monthly volunteer executive meeting at 2:30. On Thursday November 5th at 2:30 pm we will be having special pumpkin treats and cider.

Church Service for November 1st at 2:30 pm will be given by Craig/Alder Grove Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Wednesday November 4th is communion with Pastor Hoden.

Activities for the week of November 2nd to November 7th , are as followed,  Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Trivia day, Sing a Long, , Bingo w/WOW, Bible Fellowship, Reading the Local Paper, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Nebraska Football, and Saturday morning movie.

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

 

 

 

 

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Prospects Look Good for Pheasant Season

October 29, 2015 Leave a comment


Upland game hunters across Nebraska will have improved prospects during this year’s pheasant season, which opens Oct. 31. Pheasant numbers are 55 percent higher than last year.

Nebraska’s weather has been kind to the state’s upland game this year. The state has experienced relatively mild winters recently, which has aided over-winter survival of pheasants. The more pheasants – particularly hens – that survive the winter, the larger the breeding stock is for the breeding season.

The favorable spring weather this year allowed pheasant populations to increase in relatively short order. Rainfall this past spring appears to not have occurred during the sensitive phases of the nesting and brood-rearing periods; chicks during the first week or so of life cannot regulate their own body temperatures and have low survival if they become wet and catch a chill.

The timely spring rainfall also produced abundant vegetation, which in turn produced abundant insects. The insects provide chicks with food they need to grow and develop into healthy adult birds. Having adequate nutrition during development can result in healthier adult birds and possibly increase their survival through the winter. The vegetation also provided ample habitat for nesting and for brood-rearing, which had been lacking.

Surveys this year have indicated that pheasant abundance was higher in all regions of the state compared to 2014. The southwest and Panhandle regions should offer the best hunting opportunities this year, but better opportunities should be available statewide.

The season runs through Jan. 31, 2016. The entire state is open to pheasant hunting, although no hunting is allowed on state refuges and sanctuaries. Only rooster pheasants may be harvested. The daily bag limit is three and the possession limit is 12.

Quail season dates are the same as for pheasant. Surveys have indicated increases in abundance of quail compared to 2014 across almost all of the quail’s range. Habitat conditions were excellent for production and brood-rearing across the state. The southeast and south central parts of the state should offer the best opportunities this year, but there will be good opportunities throughout quail range.

To view the full report, visit OutdoorNebraska.org, and then click on Hunting, Upland Game, and Forecast. Hunters can find public hunting sites as well as private sites open to public walk-in hunting in the Nebraska Public Access Atlas. Go to OutdoorNebraska.org, and then click on Guides.

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Harvest Season is in Full Swing

October 29, 2015 Leave a comment


Ron Keogh, along with all the farmers, have been very busy during harvest season, bringing in their crops. Thank a farmer, they work tirelessly to provide us with the food we eat every day. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Ron Keogh, along with all the farmers, have been very busy during harvest season, bringing in their crops. Thank a farmer, they work tirelessly to provide us with the food we eat every day. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

DSC07688 DSC07689

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