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March 21, 2015 Leave a comment
Starting Monday March 23rd, bring your own bag up to a large brown grocery bag size to the Itty Bitty Shoppe in Oakland and whatever books fit in the bag are yours for $2.00. This will run through April 15th. Cookbooks will not be included with this.
March 19, 2015 Leave a comment
Roger Lindstrom. Photo courtesy of Roger Lindstrom.
“I loved growing up in Oakland. Growing up on a farm was awesome,” stated Roger Lindstrom. “Driving go carts and riding horses was great.”
Roger is a 1981 graduate of Oakland-Craig High School. His parents are Bob (deceased) and Marlene Lindstrom. He has two brothers, Dan (Deb) Lindstrom of Omaha and Scott (Val) Lindstrom of rural Oakland. He also has one son, Drew, 29. “I remember I missed the bus and Scott threw me his car keys. I was 13 and drove to school. I thought I was cool,” Roger said. “People in the city wouldn’t understand our way of living.”
Roger went to country school until he began his eighth grade year, then he went to Craig to school for one year then went to high school in Oakland. “I loved country school. I was the only one in my grade, which made it hard to cheat” Roger stated.
He participated in sports during his high school career, notably football, taking him to Lincoln and a football career playing for the Huskers. “I was there for five years and redshirted my first year. As a sophomore I lettered and made the travelling team,” Roger said. “I played the wingback position. I was third in line. Irving Fryar was first.” Roger’s junior year, he suffered through many different injuries. “I got hurt a lot. I had a hip pointer and ankle and knee injuries. I didn’t play much that year, so I didn’t letter,” Roger stated. His knee bothers him to this day. “I am going in for my third surgery next week. I hope this is the last time,” Roger said.
He enjoyed a much better season his senior year. “I was a starter for the team as a senior and lettered for the second time,” Roger stated.
He graduated in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. “I moved to Omaha after graduation. I got a real estate license and worked for a company for about a year and a half. I then went to work for a computer company for six months,” Roger said. He shared an apartment with friends, one being Mike Cull, who also was a 1981 O-C graduate. “Mike had a steady girlfriend and I thought he would be moving out soon. Another friend and I decided to leave Omaha and go to Cape Cod for the summer,” Roger stated. They sold all they had, cleaned out their bank accounts and proceeded on with their adventure. “I remember my dad telling me that I was crazy to do this, but I went anyway,” Roger said. “We held different jobs during the summer. I worked for a landscaper and also poured cement. We spent a lot of time at Martha’s Vineyard too.”
Roger’s next destination was Phoenix, AZ and he still resides there. Roger and a friend of his discussed going into the spraying business together. “He backed out, deciding he wanted a steady paycheck. I decided to do it alone. I had already committed to some equipment and other things,” Roger stated.
In January of 1988, Roger started the spraying business, 4 EVERGREEN Desert Weed Control. “The spraying business was a natural fit for me. It is kind of like farming,” Roger said. Getting a new business off of the ground is not an easy task. “I went door to door trying to get customers. To get them and keep them you do what you say you are going to do,” Roger stated. “Dad told me once that bad news travels fast and good news travels slower. He is right about that.”
His business is thriving now, employing five to ten people, one of them being his son Drew, depending on the time of year. “The busy time is from mid December until May or so,” Roger said. “We spray lawns and landscapes for weeds, etc. during this time. We also spray thousands of olive trees a year. They stain sidewalks and driveways when they ripen and fall off the tree. They also ruin carpets if tracked into the house.”
The spraying business isn’t the only one Roger owns. “I purchased the Moon Valley Grill six years ago,” Roger stated. “I had a partner for the first two years, then bought him out.”
Many people in Phoenix are Husker fans and go to Moon Valley Grill to watch them play. “It is all red on game day. You would think you were in Lincoln,” Roger said.
Owning and operating his own business has been a challenge, but he faced it and is now a successful businessperson. “I am glad I did this when I was young and dumb. If I would have analyzed everything, I probably would have been too scared to do it.” Roger stated. “I have been lucky.”
He always makes time to come home. “I love coming back to Oakland.”
Phoenix Husker fans at Moon Valley Grill on Husker game day. Photo Courtesy of Roger Lindstrom.
4 EVERGREEN Desert Weed Control business sign. Photo courtesy of Roger Lindstrom.
March 19, 2015 Leave a comment
This focused workshop is Saturday, March 21, 2015 in Fort Calhoun at St John the Baptist Catholic Church from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. You’ll learn how to grow in the fall, winter and spring. Cost is $60.00/ couple or single; Lunch is included. Topics include:
Greenhouse construction and types; Soil, Seed and Germination;
Crop Maintenance and Harvesting; Your Packaging and Delivery day
For more information or to sign up now, 402-659-2752 Neverendingharvest2010@gmail
March 19, 2015 Leave a comment
Governor Pete Ricketts
All across America, producers, consumers, and educators are participating in National Ag Week from March 16th-21st. Here in Nebraska, the celebration recognizes many faces within our number one industry. Whether it’s a farm family’s decades-long success or the creativity of future ag leaders, those who contribute to agriculture in Nebraska come from many backgrounds.
During National Ag Week, I’m working with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to promote the ag industry, which contributes up to $23 billion dollars annually to Nebraska’s economy. On Monday, I visited Omaha, Broken Bow, North Platte, and Seward to recognize the success of our state’s many agribusinesses. Nebraska’s Ag Director Greg Ibach, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson, and chair of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, Senator Jerry Johnson, joined me on the tour.
This month, I have teamed up with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to publish its annual magazine, “Nebraska Agriculture and You.” This issue includes success stories from Nebraska’s poultry, honey, popcorn, and potato businesses. The magazine’s 2015 “featured family” highlights a dairy farm in northeast Nebraska, which spans 44 years and 2 generations. Mike and Joy Malena share ownership of their operation, near Leigh, with their 3 grown children and their children’s spouses. The family produces and sells 120,000 pounds of milk, per day, and also farms more than 2,000 acres of corn and alfalfa. The Malena Family’s story exemplifies the pride, loyalty, and hard work many Nebraskans can relate to when sharing the success of an agribusiness with a new generation. Readers may request magazines by calling 800-422-6692. A digital copy of the magazine is also available on the NE Dept. of Ag website, at www.nda.nebraska.gov.
National Ag Week also celebrates some of our state’s youngest ag visionaries, with a Nebraska Department of Agriculture-sponsored poster contest. This year, Nebraska’s elementary-aged students portrayed “a day on the farm” in their drawings, and I am honored to help judge the contest.
Keeping our youth inspired and informed about agriculture starts with education. Members of Nebraska’s Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) are college-age students who advocate agriculture on behalf of our state’s youngest residents. NAYC members promote the industry to elementary students, and also introduce high school juniors and seniors to ag-related leaders and programs, through the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). A few weeks ago, both groups participated in their first-ever “Youth in Agriculture” meeting at my Governor’s Ag Conference in Kearney. Close to 100 students met, and more joined via the internet, to hear stories from several recent college graduates, now working within Nebraska’s ag industry. NAYC Counselors Trent Mastny and Johnny Ference moderated the event, and hope to return to their home communities to work in agriculture. Both are great examples of up-and-coming talent within our state. After graduation, Trent plans on gaining outside agribusiness experience to help his family farm in Howells, and Johnny is already working to establish his own seed corn and agronomy services business in Ord.
I’ve long said that Nebraska’s number one resource is our people. Preparing our next generation of ag leaders is more important than ever, to keep Nebraska growing so we can continue to feed the world. As your Governor, I am proud of our state’s top industry and efforts by young Nebraskans to promote agriculture. We must also take time to thank our state’s many ag producers, who are working every day to Grow Nebraska.
As agriculture continues to grow, my administration welcomes new ideas from each and every one of you across our great state.
As always, you are welcome to contact my office at (402) 471-2244, or by email, atpete.ricketts@nebraska.gov.
March 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Members of Craig’s Fire and Rescue Departments announce their 82nd annual dance will take place this Saturday, March 21st.
The event will be held from 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. at the Craig gym.
The cost is $8 per person. Music will be by Silver Moon.
No Minors allowed. Cash bar. Doors open at 8:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to attend and support the Craig Fire and Rescue Departments!
March 18, 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. March 18: Melody chimers will play at the senior center and the nursing home in Wisner at 12:45 and 2:00 respectively. We will play 5-handed pinochle at 1:30.
Thurs. March 19: Stop in for fresh baked cinnamon rolls and coffee for $2.00 starting at 9:00 a.m. Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex class at 10:30. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30.
Fri. March 20: Join us for our monthly birthday party starting at 1:30, we play pitch and hand and foot. Lunch is served at 3:30. Sign up for the chicken dinner being served on March 24.
Mon. March 23: Join us for coffee at 9:30. Sign up to play hand and foot at 1:30 pm. The monthly board meeting is at 3:30 p.m.
Tues. March 24: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Join us for the chicken dinner at noon. Cards will be played after lunch.
Wed. March 25: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00. If you want to make the ladder necklace bring a scissors and ruler, remember to sign up before today so that Mary has adequate supplies.
March 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Lyons, NE – One week remains to register for the Nebraska Farm to School Regional Conference, taking place March 24 in Beatrice. The conference, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and USDA Food and Nutrition Service, will bring together cross-sector stakeholders (schools, growers/producers, and community members) to learn about one another’s Farm to School programs, how to get started, learn new ideas and opportunities, as well as how to move their existing programs forward.
“This conference will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity for educators, food-service directors and other community leaders to discover ways to serve fresh, nutritious food to students by making connections to others who are working through the same challenges they face,” said Sandra Renner, Farm to School Coordinator at the Center for Rural Affairs. “This conference will feature Nebraska’s nation-leading work to establish Farm to School programs, especially among smaller, rural school districts. The stories of Nebraska Farm to School efforts demonstrate that school districts, both large and small, that have courage, imagination and commitment to fresh, more nutritious school meals can make a local Farm to School program successful.”
What: Farm to School Regional Conference
When: Tuesday, March 24, 2015
9:30 a.m – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Southeast Community College – Kennedy Center
4771 W. Scott Rd
Beatrice, Nebraska
This working Farm to School Regional Conference will show school personnel how they can provide healthy, fresh, local food to students. Panelists and facilitators will share the successes of local and national farm to school programs, how schools can connect with local food sources, what farmers need to have in place to sell to schools, how to build a Farm to School team, as well as involving interested community members and parents in their school district or community. The conference is designed for food service directors, principals, teachers, parents, farmers, ranchers, business owners, and interested community members.
Dr. John Skretta, Superintendent, Norris Public Schools in Firth, NE will give the opening keynote. Norris has a successful Farm to School program and has a garden, greenhouse and successful partnerships with local producers.
The conference will consist of breakout sessions for food service professionals, farmers, school staff wishing to form a successful team and panel session sharing from successful rural schools. A replicable local foods school lunch will be served and in the afternoon, a live food prep demonstration is planned by an experienced food service director and demonstrated with SCC students in the food service/culinary program, followed by a tasting.
Visit: http://files.cfra.org/pdf/F2S-Beatrice-Agenda.pdf to view the conference agenda.
According to Renner, participants will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with folks from all sectors of Farm to School. Food service professionals, food producers (farmers/ranchers, growers, processors), and community members (parents, students, and school administrators) from the region will be able to converse and make connections.
To register for the conference or for more information on Farm to School, visit http://www.cfra.org/events/farm-school-regional-conference or contact Sandra Renner at sandrar@cfra.org; or Phone: (402) 687-2103 ext. 1020.
March 18, 2015 Leave a comment
Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
March 12, 2015
4:30P.M.
The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on March 12, 2015. Visitors signing in were Ellen Olson, Jimmy Phelps, Joe Zink, James Phelps, Judy Connealy, Matt Connealy, and Harold Hayes not signing in was Ayden Chytka.
1) The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.
Roll Call: Bolln-here, Kellogg-here, Richards-here, Tolby-here, Wolf-here.
2) Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Bolln-Yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.
3) Approval and/or corrections and suspended reading of the previous month’s minutes.
Correction: Loretta Kellogg would visit with Bob Pickell not Bob Hadcock about the snow mobile incident.
Roll Call: Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.
4) EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
All present
5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND OR COMMITTEES
1) Police Monthly Report-None
2) Lights Monthly Report- The 3 energy efficient lights were donated by Gary and Sharon Fugman and the Village workers installed them.
3) Water & Sewer Monthly Report- There was a leak at the at one of the fill tanks at the water treatment both are now up and running that and a water pipe on 10th that broke was also fixed.
4) Parks Monthly Report –No income but since it is getting nice we will need to get it cleaned up and ready for the summer. The mowing should start very shortly.
5) Streets Monthly Report –Holes are getting worse.
6) Recycling- No income, Jason Troutman hauled some of the recycling to Tekamah, and the card board should be dried out and we are trying to coordinate a time to get that hauled to Tekamah within the next week
6) OLD BUSINESS
1) Police Applications- On going as the phone # on one of the applications was disconnected
2) Hansen Pest Control-Richards will meet with Hansen Pest Control to go over the area streets that need to be fogged.
Bolln motioned that we accept the contract at $600.00 per month Wolf 2nd Roll call-Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby- yes, Bolln- yes, Wolf- yes.
7) NEW BUSINESS
1) Comp time for Employees-Kellogg stated that we need to table this, so she can talk with the Village attorney. She thinks that the employees need to be paid for their overtime at 1 1/2 rate and not receive comp time.
2) Zoning Commissioner Jimmy Phelps presented to the board stating he was interested in becoming the zoning commissioner. He stated that we would leave his number with the clerk and will check in. Kellogg motioned that we accept Jimmy Phelps as Zoning Commissioner Wolf 2nd Roll call Tolby- yes, Richards- yes, Bolln- yes, Kellogg- yes, Wolf- Yes.
3) Fire Dept. Liquor License for Fireman’s Diner April 11th, 2015. Harold Hayes Jr. represented the Fire Dept. Bolln made a motion that we allow the Fire Dept to have a liquor license for the Fireman’s Dance April 11th Richards 2nd the motion roll call-Kellogg-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes, Bolln-yes, Richards-yes.
4) Road limit weight James Phelps- James asked the Board if there could be a weight limit put on the road west of the Catholic Church. Motion was made that they check into this matter and possibly draw up a resolution Wolf 2nd Kellogg Roll call- Tolby-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes, Wolf- yes, Kellogg- yes.
5) The Board member discussed the fees from last year and Kellogg stated that the Clerk Ann Chytka is reviewing prices and that it may be cheaper to go with someone else.
Richards motioned that we make May 16th, 2015 the cleanup day for The Village residents Bolln 2nd. Roll call Kellogg-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes.
Wolf motioned to table who we are going to have provided the dumpsters Kellogg 2nd. Roll call Tolby-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes, Wolf-yes, Kellogg-yes.
8) CORRESPONDENCE
1) Papio-Missouri River NRD Urban Cost Share Programs- Kellogg motioned to table this Bolln 2nd. Roll call Tolby-yes, Richards- Yes, Wolf-yes, Kellogg-yes, Bolln-yes.
9) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS OF THE CLAIMS:
1) Claims preapproved by Wolf and Tolby
2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted
Richards 2nd Kellogg
Roll Call: Tolby-yes, Bolln-yes, Wolf-yes, Richards-yes, Kellogg- yes
Are there any questions from the audience?
Judy Conneally came up and explained how the Future of Decatur Foundation and the Sears Center funding is handled. They are non-profit and she was just here to answer questions.
9) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
Bolln 2nd Richards
ADJOURNMENT TIME 5:11 P.M.
__________________________________
Loretta Kellogg, Chairman
______________________________
Ann Chytka, Village Clerk
March 17, 2015 Leave a comment
The children at story time want to wish everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day. They made quite the craft today in spirit of the holiday! Pictured, from left are: Laityn Johnson, Hilary Ray, Josie Peterson, Brylee Ahrens, Blaise Hartwell, Sabrina Rost, Avery Christensen and Paxton Miller. Not pictured is Celeste Rost, she was shy. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
March 17, 2015 Leave a comment
Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Library Director, read a book about St. Patrick’s Day to the children at story time. Pictured are, from left: Laityn Johnson, Hilary Ray, Josie Peterson, Brylee Ahrens, Celeste Rost, Sabrina Rost, Avery Christensen, Paxton Miller and Blaise Hartwell. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Kat Country Hub 
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