Growing Trade with Asia

September 27, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Late last week, I returned from my inaugural trade mission to Asia where I visited Japan and China, Nebraska’s two largest trade partners in Asia.  During our travels, the trade delegation met with business executives, potential investors, and public-sector leaders about how we continue to build on our existing relationships with these two countries.  Growing overseas trade relationships is one of the best ways we can continue to grow our state.  With over 95 percent of the global population living outside the United States, it is important to take our message about Nebraska to potential trade partners, investors, and consumers around the world.

 

In Tokyo, I joined several governors in addressing the annual conference of the U.S. Midwest-Japan Association, an organization dedicated to building business relationships between the Midwestern American states and Japanese prefectures.  The conference was a great opportunity to highlight Nebraska’s pro-business climate, hardworking people, and other values Nebraska and Japan share that make our state such an attractive investment for many Japanese companies.

 

While in Japan, members of the trade delegation also met with a wide variety of existing and potential investors.  I visited with some of the 30 Japanese companies that invest in Nebraska including Meikyo Denki, Daitron, Marubeni, Kawasaki, Kewpie, and Itochu.  These companies have helped make Japan our state’s largest direct foreign investor.  These kinds of investments are not only important to Nebraska, but also to Japan’s relationship with the U.S. During his visit to America, Japan’s prime minister highlighted Kawasaki’s plant located in Lincoln to President Obama as an example of the good relationship our countries continue to enjoy.

 

My visit to Tokyo comes on the heels of Lt. Governor Foley’s trip with a delegation of Nebraska ag leaders to Japan.  Japan imports about 20 percent of Nebraska’s beef and 50 percent of our pork.  During my meetings, one of the companies we visited with expressed interest in purchasing even more Nebraska beef.

 

On the second leg of the trade mission in Beijing, I met with top officials from the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Foreign Affairs as well as the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.  In these introductory meetings, I laid out our priorities for moving our relationship forward with China.  One of the biggest hurdles to expanding trade with China is their continued ban on importing beef.  The beef industry is our state’s single largest industry, and China is our state’s fastest-growing trade partner.  Opening the Chinese market to Nebraska’s high quality, safe beef products would be mutually beneficial to both parties.

 

During these meetings, the trade mission delegation shared details about a project that Nebraska companies are working on in Shaanxi Province, in northwestern China, and the Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Industries Demonstration Zone.  This effort will establish a marketing platform and training center for agricultural machinery manufacturers.  The delegation also highlighted the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s ongoing cooperation with Chinese universities through their medical student exchange programs.

 

After two successful trade missions this year, my administration remains committed to leading two missions each year.  As I visit with private and public sector leaders around the globe, those who are familiar with Nebraska tell me that they see Nebraska as a great place to invest.  Others who are just getting to know our state are eager to learn more.  If you have ideas of your own on how we can continue to promote Nebraska around the world, I would like to hear from you.  Please take some time to contact my office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or 402-471-2244.

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Building Brighter Futures

September 27, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

As I travel the state, ag producers, manufacturers, and small business owners tell me that one of their greatest barriers to growing their operations is recruiting the right talent with the right skills.  The center-pivot industry needs irrigation technicians.  Manufacturers face a shortage of welders.  IT companies are looking for a broader pool of developers and programmers.  To address these challenges, we must always be expanding educational opportunities for young Nebraskans and exposing them to the great career possibilities available to them right here in our state. Introducing our young people to these opportunities early on can help them make Nebraska their home as they look for a place to live, work, and raise a family in the coming years.

 

To this end, I announced the creation of the Nebraska Developing Youth Talent Initiative (NDYTI) in my State of the State address earlier this year.  This program will foster partnerships between private industry and public schools that will connect young Nebraskans in 7th and 8th grade to careers in the manufacturing and technology sectors.  Through this initiative, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development is providing grants to two businesses per year in the upcoming school years.  A few days ago, I announced that Flowserve Corporation of Hastings and Hollman Media, LLC of Kearney received the first two grants.

 

Both companies are launching great programs in partnership with their local public school districts.  Flowserve Corporation is the head of a group of businesses in the Hastings area working in collaboration with Hastings Public Schools and Central Community College.  Through their partnership, they are expanding programming that will help create awareness about the kinds of jobs available in the manufacturing industry in the Hastings area and the skills necessary to take those jobs.  With the help of the NDYTI grant, they will be able to reach middle school students with curriculum that includes basic instruction in welding, construction, transportation logistics, and design and engineering.

 

In Kearney, Hollman Media, LLC will expose more than 1,000 students to careers in IT annually through their partnership with Kearney Public Schools.  In 6th grade, the program will allow students to use existing software to create simple programs of action.  At the 7th grade level, they will facilitate entrepreneurial problem-solving experiences through technology such as LEGO robotics and laser engravers.  By the time they reach 8th grade, students will learn basic software development using applications such as the Android App Maker.  Students can continue to pursue the interests they have developed through their middle school years in a related Kearney High School program.

 

Other schools are taking action, and starting their own programs to provide young Nebraskans with new opportunities and address local workforce needs.  For example, York High School, in conjunction with Reinke Manufacturing and Central Valley Ag, launched a new program that will allow students to earn an irrigation technician, agricultural chemical applicator, or diversified agriculture certificate from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.  All these programs are great examples of how we can help expand educational and career opportunities for the next generation of Nebraskans across our state.  Throughout my administration, I will continue to open up new opportunities for our young people.  If you have questions or ideas of your own, please contact my office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.govor by calling 402-471-2244.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

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Reminder: Lyons Community Center Open House is Today

September 27, 2015 Leave a comment


An open house for the newly remodeled Community Center in Lyons is from 1:30-2:30 p.m. today. Everyone is invited to attend and see the beautifully redone Community Center! Refreshments will also be served.

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

September 24, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

This week we have a few changes to the activity schedule due to a virus our normal volunteer activities have been canceled, but our expectations are that we will resume our normal activity schedule next week.

On Monday September 28th is the monthly resident council meeting at 2:30pm, on Wednesday September 30th is a Puttin on the Ritz dinner at 11:30 am. We also start a new month next week and on Saturday October 3rd is a Nebraska Football Game, times and channels have not been announced yet.

Church Service for Sept.27th at 2:30 pm will be given by First Lutheran Church with a luncheon served afterwards.

Activities for the week of September 28th to October 3rd , are as followed,  Reading with Marilyn, Trivia Day, Sing a Long, Reading Group, Bingo w/VFW, Bible Fellowship, Reading the Local Paper, Word Games, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Nebraska Football, and Saturday morning movie.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ignore Nuisance Insects

September 24, 2015 Leave a comment


John Wilson

John Wilson

It seems like a lot of bugs are bugging a lot of people recently! You may have been annoyed by a swarm of tiny, white winged insects… or you may notice large beetles devouring ripe tomatoes or overripe fruit… or had caterpillars forming large, ugly webs on the tips of branches in trees.

While nuisance insects may be difficult to ignore, waiting for them to move on is often the best course of action. Due to the growing need to protect beneficial insects and pollinators, applying an insecticide to control a nuisance insect is not responsible pesticide use, cost effective, and frequently will not solve the problem.

The little white, flying insects are most likely woolly aphids. Female woolly aphids hatch from overwintering eggs in spring. After one to two generations on a primary host plant, new aphids develop wings and fly to a secondary host.

During summer feeding, woolly aphids appear as fluffy white masses on plant stems or leaves. This generation does not have wings. In late summer, another winged generation is produced. These white winged adults swarm and fly to a primary host plant to lay eggs for overwintering.

Insecticide applications are not needed or recommended at this time. Swarming will stop and the nuisance will end. If woolly aphid control is needed on a specific plant, this needs to be done next season and only if large masses of white woolly aphids are found on a plant.

If you notice large brownish beetles feeding on ripe or overripe fruit, these are likely bumble flower beetles, also known as brown fruit chafer. They are about three-fourths inch long, mottled yellow/brown, and have thick layer of fine hairs on their thorax.

Adult beetles emerge in late summer and feed on rotting fruit, corn, sap, and other plant juices. They sometimes cause damage to flowers. Prompt harvesting ripe fruit and removal of overripe, damaged or rotting fruits will reduce their population. Hand-pick adults and drop into soapy water if feasible. Chemical control is not necessary and cannot be applied to ripening fruit because of safety.

If you see large, ugly webs filled with caterpillars near branch tips of trees; don’t be overly concerned. Insect feeding on tree leaves this late in the season is not very harmful to otherwise healthy, established trees.

These are fall webworm and they are feeding on leaves that will soon die and drop from trees anyway. The loss of some foliage is not harmful enough to warrant a pesticide application that will also kill beneficial insects.

If webworms are on a stressed or newly planted tree, reduce feeding by knocking the nest out of the tree with a rake, broom or by hand. If the webbed nest is too high in the tree to do this safely, try using a nozzle on a garden how to break up the web. If you choose to ignore fall webworm on established trees, birds are likely to provide some caterpillar control for you.

Other nuisance insects are the ones that make their way into homes as cold weather arrives. These usually include flies, crickets, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles. For these insects, tight fighting windows and doors, screens in good repair, and caulking of cracks and conduits is the best means to reduce the number of insects accidentally finding their way indoors.

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Medicaid Myth Buster #1

September 24, 2015 Leave a comment


By Jon Bailey, Guest Writer

During debates over expanding Medicaid to uninsured, low-income families, expansion opponents argued it doesn’t provide quality healthcare coverage, and low-income residents would be better off uninsured.
Reports of organizations such as The Buckeye Institute (from Ohio, which has expanded its Medicaid program) make such claims. They have been repeated across the nation by anti-Affordable Care Act and anti-Medicaid expansion politicians and groups.
These arguments are nonsensical. Myriad economic and health benefits accompany health insurance. These are well documented in Center for Rural Affairs’ reports. To deny people those benefits and the security and well-being they bring and then tell them they are better off is absurd and immoral.
It’s also dishonest, as the Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey shows. The 2014 survey found that Medicaid outperforms private health insurance in many respects. All measures show those receiving Medicaid are significantly better off than those without health insurance.
Medicaid is not a perfect source of healthcare coverage. Provider reimbursements are low, which makes many providers less likely to accept Medicaid patients. Physicians in rural areas, however, are more likely to participate in the Medicaid program and accept all or new Medicaid patients. Research shows practicing in a rural area is one of the factors associated with higher physician Medicaid participation.
Medicaid services are also susceptible to state budget cuts, private insurance is not. But to say Medicaid is not worthy health insurance and that low-income individuals and families and people with disabilities are better off being uninsured is simply false.
Jon M. Bailey is a rural policy and research expert and former Center for Rural Affairs Policy and Research Director. Contact him at jonmbailey1@gmail.com.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

September 23, 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. Sept. 23: Melody chimers will practice 9:00 am. Join us for coffee at 10:00 am. Sign up to play in the 5-handed pinochle game at 1:30 pm.

Thurs. Sept. 24: Rolls and coffee served from 9:00 am. until noon. Tai Chi class at 9:30 am. and the walking ex class at 10:45 am. There will be a pitch tournament at 1:30 pm.

Fri. Sept. 25: The Farmers Market is open today from 9:00 – 11:00 am. There is a pinochle and hand & foot tournament at 1:30 pm.

Mon .Sept. 28: Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:00 pm. The monthly board meeting is at 3:30 pm.

Tues. Sept. 29: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 am. and walking ex. class at 10:45 am. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 am. We will play the golf game at 1:30 pm.

Wed. Sept. 30: The melody chime group will play at Colonial Haven at 2:00 pm. Join us for coffee at 10:00 am. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 pm.

 

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Outdoor October Calendar

September 23, 2015 Leave a comment


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

Oct. 1 – Crow hunting season opens statewide

Oct. 1-31 – Paddlefish snagging season

Oct. 2-4 – Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop, Nebraska National Forest, Halsey

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 – Explore Archery, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 4:30 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 3 – Cowboy Trail dedication, Rushville American Legion Club, 206 Sprague St., 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 – Dark goose hunting season opens in North Central Unit

Oct. 3 – Light goose hunting regular season opens

Oct. 3 – White-fronted goose hunting season opens

Oct. 3 – Duck and coot hunting seasons open in Zones 2 and 4

Oct. 3-4 – Youth waterfowl hunting season in Zone 1

Oct. 3-4 – Living History Weekend, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP), Fort Calhoun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 402-468-5611

Oct. 3-4 – Historic Firearms Display, Fort Hartsuff SHP, Burwell, 308-346-4715

Oct. 3-4, 23-24 – Pioneer Longrifle Rendezvous, Indian Cave State Park (SP), Shubert, 402-883-2575

Oct. 3-5 – Autumn Harvest Art Show, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

Oct. 4 – Muzzleloader antelope hunting season closes

Oct. 4 – Shootout at Salt Creek, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10 a.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 – Living History, Arbor Lodge SHP, Nebraska City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 402-873-7222

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Best Shots Rifle Marksmanship for ages 10-16, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 6, 20 – Ladies Day at the Range, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30-8 p.m., 402-471-5662

Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 – .22 Pistol League, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 7 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 9 – Trick or Treat at the Town, Indian Cave SP, Shubert, 7-9 p.m., 402-883-2575

Oct. 9-18 – German Short Hair Dog Trials, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford, 308-665-2900

Oct. 10 – Howl in the Hills Night Hike, Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering, 7 p.m., 308-436-3777

Oct. 10 – Duck and coot hunting seasons open in Zone 1

Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 – Hunter Sight-In Weekend, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., noon-6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 10, 17 – Hallowfest, Ponca SP, Ponca, 7-10 p.m., 402-755-2284

Oct. 10, 17, 24 – Halloween Decorating and Costume Contests, Indian Cave SP, Shubert, 402-883-2575

Oct. 10, 16, 17, 22, 24 – Haunted Hollow Hayrack Rides, Indian Cave SP, Shubert, 7-9:30 p.m., 402-883-2575

Oct. 10-25 – Firearm antelope hunting season

Oct. 11 – Family Rendezvous, Platte River SP, Louisville, 402-234-2217

Oct. 12 – Columbus Day, Game and Parks offices closed; Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center is open

Oct. 12, 19, 26 – First Steps Pistol, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 15 – Introduction to trapping workshop, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 17 – Living History, Rock Creek Station SHP, Fairbury, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 402-729-5777

Oct. 17 – Pumpkin Carvers, Calamus State Recreation Area (SRA), Burwell, 308-346-5666

Oct. 17-18 – Youth waterfowl hunting season in Zone 3

Oct. 21 – Upland game hunting workshop, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 22 – Waterfowl hunting workshop, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 22-24, 29-30 – Haunted Barn, Buffalo Bill Ranch SHP, North Platte, 6 p.m., 308-535-8035

Oct. 22, 29 – Explore Archery, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 4:30 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 23 – Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners meeting, Fairbury

Oct. 24 – Duck and coot hunting seasons open in Zone 3

Oct. 24-25 – DeSoto October muzzleloader deer season

Oct. 24-25 – Youth pheasant, quail and partridge hunting season

Oct. 25 – Archery and firearm bull elk hunting seasons close

Oct. 25 – Private land and public land antlerless elk hunting seasons close

Oct. 27 – Deer hunting workshop, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Oct. 28 – Deer hunting workshop, Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, Gretna, 6 p.m., 402-471-6144

Oct. 28 – Dark goose hunting season opens in East, Platte River, Panhandle and Niobrara Units

Oct. 29 – Deer hunting workshop, Chadron State College, Chadron, 6 p.m., 402-471-5662

Oct. 30 – Deer hunting workshop, NGPC District Office, North Platte, 6 p.m., 402-471-5662

Oct. 30 – Dove (all species) hunting season closes

Oct. 31 – Eurasian collared-dove only hunting season opens

Oct. 31 – Pheasant, quail and partridge hunting seasons open

Oct. 31 – Raccoon and Virginia opossum hunting seasons close

Oct. 31 – Bullfrog season closes

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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Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

September 22, 2015 Leave a comment


OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK

Minutes of the Burt County Board of Supervisors

September 8, 2015

TEKAMAH NE 68061

The Burt County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in the Boardroom of the Burt County Courthouse in Tekamah, Nebraska, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting. Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by Publication in the Plaindealer, upon a 1st floor bulletin board within the courthouse and on the County’s Website. A copy of the proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk. The following members were present: Cliff Morrow, David Schold, Greg Brummond, Matt Connealy, Perry Rogers, Ted Connealy and Gerald Newill.

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Newill, seconded by Schold, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays-none. Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.

Upon motion by Rogers, seconded by T.Connealy, the agenda was approved, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays-none.

The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of Fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for August were approved upon motion by Schold, seconded by M.Connealy, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

The following Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $680,736.45 and fund balances were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Newill, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

ZONING PERMITS
AIRLINE TAX FROM STATE
CO CLERK-FILING & RECORDING FEES
CO CLERK-DOC STAMPS (COUNTY SHARE) CO CLERK-MISC FEES
ADVERTISING LIQUOR LICENSE
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
DISTRICT COURT – REFUNDS
DISTRICT COURT-MISC FEES & REVENUE DISTRICT COURT-FEES & COST
CO COURT-MISC FEES

550.00 1,900.61 5,177.00 4,567.54

231.44 15.00 105.00 16.00 219.00 32.45 17.00

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September 8, 2015

CO SHERIFF-SERVICE FEES
CO SHERIFF-MILEAGE & COSTS
TITLE INSPECTIONS
GUN PERMITS
FINGER PRINT CHARGES
CO ATTNY FEES-CHECK COLLECTION OVERLOAD FINES-25% COUNTY SHARE INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS MISCELLANEAOUS REVENUE HIGHWAY/STREET ALLOCATION
SALES OF VEHICLES
MISC REVENUE
TRANSFER -GENERAL TO ROAD
CO CLERK-PRESERVATION & MODERNIZATION DIVERSION – CUMING CO
STOP PROGRAM
INHERITANCE TAX
INHERITANCE TAX
INHERITANCE TAX
INHERITANCE TAX
PLAT BOOK SALES
COUNTY 911
OVERLOAD FINES-75% STATE SHARE
COUNTY COURT FINES-REGULAR
COUNTY COURT BOND FORFEITURES
LIQUOR LICENSE
DECATUR FIRE- GENERAL
DECATUR FIRE – BOND
TEKAMAH CITY -GENERAL
CARLINE TAX FROM STATE
HOUSING AUTHORITY

587.00 629.06 400.00

30.00

40.00 210.00 231.25 267.49

20.00 79,719.03 1,980.00 964.00 500,000.00 827.50 75.00 100.00 25,149.62 1,357.67 18,487.65 23,844.04 68.00 1,304.00 693.75 4,886.00 448.00 300.00 23.95 9.84 78.00 2,066.40 3,108.16

Chairman Morrow declared a Public Hearing open at 9:16 A.M., for the purpose of the 2015-2016 Budget Hearing.
Fred Mytty of Mytty PC Consulting was present to answer questions. There was no public comment. Morrow thanked Fred for his great work on the budget. At 9:21 A.M. Chairman closed the hearing, and the board returned to regular session.

Motion was made by M.Connealy, seconded by Schold, to accept and approve the 2015-2016 Budget as presented, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none

Board Member Schold offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

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September 8, 2015

RESOLUTION #2015-20

WHEREAS, a proposed budget for fiscal year 2015-2016, prepared by the budget making authority, was transmitted to the County Board on the 8th day of September, 2015, at 9:15 A.M.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Burt County Board of Supervisors as follows:

Section 1. That the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, as categorically evidenced by the budget document is, and the same hereby is adopted as the budget for Burt County, Nebraska for said fiscal year.

Section 2. That the offices, departments, activities and institutions hereby named are hereby authorized to expend the amounts hereby appropriated to them during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.

Section 3. That the income necessary to finance the appropriations made and expenditures authorized shall be provided out of the unencumbered cash balance in each fund, and tax requirements for each fund.

AND WHEREAS, the following is also set: 2014-2015 Property Tax Request: $4,423,236.00 2015-2016 Property Tax Request: $4,651,348.00 2014-2015 Tax Rate: 0.28919
Proposed 2015-2016 Tax Rate: 0.25111
Accepted 2015-2016 Tax Rate: 0.25111

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Burt County Board of Supervisors that the above be approved.

DATED this 8th day of September, 2015 at Tekamah, Nebraska.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL CLIFFORD MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Board Member Brummond seconded the motion, and the Chairman declared it adopted, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

Board Member Newill offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

RESOLUTION #2015-21

WHEREAS, the Burt County Budget as adopted September 8, 2015, incorporates certain transfers of monies between funds and

WHEREAS, these transfers enable a stable tax base and adequate cash flow in existing funds.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BURT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS THAT the Clerk and Treasurer are hereby authorized to transfer $542,000.00 from the Inheritance Fund to the General Fund to lower property taxes.

DATED this 8th day of September 2015, at Tekamah, Nebraska.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL BURT COUNTY CLERK

CLIFFORD L MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

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September 8, 2015

SUPERVISORS

Board Member M.Connealy seconded the motion, and the Chairman declared it adopted, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

Motion was made by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, to increase restricted funds spending authority by 2.5%, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none

Motion was made by Schold, seconded by Rogers, to increase restricted funds spending authority by an additional 1%, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

Larry and Donette Jackson were in attendance to ask questions about various road projects that were discussed at previous meetings that they could not attend. They also inquired about the LB 65 Townships process. The board thanked them for coming and for their interest in Burt County business.

Brad Slaughter from Ameritas Investment Corp. presented the Board with their latest Bonds options. He gave great information and the Board thanked him for coming and for the update. After discussions, the Board decided to take no action on the callable Bonds at this time.

Road Superintendent Peggy Smith discussed with the Board various road needs and projects. She reported that she would have a bid coming in for CR. C; at this point in time, the project is being planned out in order to fall within the next two budget years.

A reminder was given for the coming meetings:
Sept. 16 @ Norfolk, NE – Transportation Committee Hearing. They’re encouraging County Board Members to attend.
Sept. 18 @ Schuyler, NE – NACO Northeast District Meeting

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting adjourned at 10:25 A.M. until September 30, 2015.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OFSUPERVISORS

These minutes are not the official record and may be corrected. A copy of the approved official minutes is available to the public at the Clerk’s Office.

4 September 8, 2015

5 September 8, 2015

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Growing Trade with Asia

September 22, 2015 Leave a comment


Late last week, I returned from my inaugural trade mission to Asia where I visited Japan and China, Nebraska’s two largest trade partners in Asia.  During our travels, the trade delegation met with business executives, potential investors, and public-sector leaders about how we continue to build on our existing relationships with these two countries.  Growing overseas trade relationships is one of the best ways we can continue to grow our state.  With over 95 percent of the global population living outside the United States, it is important to take our message about Nebraska to potential trade partners, investors, and consumers around the world.

 

In Tokyo, I joined several governors in addressing the annual conference of the U.S. Midwest-Japan Association, an organization dedicated to building business relationships between the Midwestern American states and Japanese prefectures.  The conference was a great opportunity to highlight Nebraska’s pro-business climate, hardworking people, and other values Nebraska and Japan share that make our state such an attractive investment for many Japanese companies.

 

While in Japan, members of the trade delegation also met with a wide variety of existing and potential investors.  I visited with some of the 30 Japanese companies that invest in Nebraska including Meikyo Denki, Daitron, Marubeni, Kawasaki, Kewpie, and Itochu.  These companies have helped make Japan our state’s largest direct foreign investor.  These kinds of investments are not only important to Nebraska, but also to Japan’s relationship with the U.S. During his visit to America, Japan’s prime minister highlighted Kawasaki’s plant located in Lincoln to President Obama as an example of the good relationship our countries continue to enjoy.

 

My visit to Tokyo comes on the heels of Lt. Governor Foley’s trip with a delegation of Nebraska ag leaders to Japan.  Japan imports about 20 percent of Nebraska’s beef and 50 percent of our pork.  During my meetings, one of the companies we visited with expressed interest in purchasing even more Nebraska beef.

 

On the second leg of the trade mission in Beijing, I met with top officials from the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Foreign Affairs as well as the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.  In these introductory meetings, I laid out our priorities for moving our relationship forward with China.  One of the biggest hurdles to expanding trade with China is their continued ban on importing beef.  The beef industry is our state’s single largest industry, and China is our state’s fastest-growing trade partner.  Opening the Chinese market to Nebraska’s high quality, safe beef products would be mutually beneficial to both parties.

 

During these meetings, the trade mission delegation shared details about a project that Nebraska companies are working on in Shaanxi Province, in northwestern China, and the Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Industries Demonstration Zone.  This effort will establish a marketing platform and training center for agricultural machinery manufacturers.  The delegation also highlighted the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s ongoing cooperation with Chinese universities through their medical student exchange programs.

 

After two successful trade missions this year, my administration remains committed to leading two missions each year.  As I visit with private and public sector leaders around the globe, those who are familiar with Nebraska tell me that they see Nebraska as a great place to invest.  Others who are just getting to know our state are eager to learn more.  If you have ideas of your own on how we can continue to promote Nebraska around the world, I would like to hear from you.  Please take some time to contact my office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or 402-471-2244.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

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