A Minute With the Mayor

February 3, 2015 Leave a comment


Happy 2015! Hope the New Year has started off well for you. Hard to believe Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Although the calendar seems to be going by rather quickly, the winter months are usually the slower part of the year for things going on with the city. That means there hasn’t been a whole lot to update you on lately. But because it has been a while since we last spoke, I thought I could bring you up to speed on a couple of things.

The community center is taking shape. We finally have something that you can see from the outside. What do you think of those big, beautiful windows on the east side of the building! You can also see what the front of the building windows are going to look like with the windows to the west of the main entrance. It really gives the community center a modern feel; from the inside and outside. The rest is moving a little slow but progress is being made. The big steel beam is in place where the interior divider wall once stood. It will support the new retractable partition wall that will be installed. The old concrete floor in the fire hall was removed and with new poured level. The new bathrooms and coat room are framed and ready for drywall. The new heating and cooling systems are installed.   We are at that point in construction where you really want to see the finished product now! I can’t wait for all of you to see it.

As it was reported in the newspaper a couple of weeks ago, the city is looking at some funding opportunities so we can keep moving forward with new city projects. Tax Increment Financing or T.I.F. allows a city to take future tax money it would receive from the increase in property evaluation of new construction and lump several years’ worth to use now on certain types of municipal projects. Say someone in town buildings a new building or adds on to an existing building. The tax revenue the city would receive over the next fifteen years from the increased evaluation on that new construction or addition can be bundled into one lump sum. That money can then be used to improve the area around that construction, say infrastructure within an industrial park, or to make improvements within designated parts of town. It is difficult to explain but it is a mechanism we can use to help fund certain projects. We have been working with Burt County Economic Development to develop a plan. More progress on this should be made at the February council meeting.

Not much else is happening. The school is graciously giving some of the old school playground equipment to the city. The plan as of right now is to install it up at Burlington Park by the water tower to give kids some things to do up there. We are having some issues with the sewer plant grinder right now. We have to decide if we can afford to replace it now or wait to budget the amount. We had to do some repair work to one of the emergency generators. Water got in the oil pan and did something bad. I’m not mechanical enough to explain exactly what but it has or is getting fixed now. We are still working on submitting a grant for new lighting on Main Street. We need to gather more technical information before submitting our proposal. Finally I just wanted to say a big “thank you” to the city guys for getting the city streets cleaned off so quickly. It’s tough with all that snow and with the wind blowing. I really appreciate having a city crew does such a good job! That’s it for now. Take care and stay warm. We’ll talk soon.

Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

Fluctuating Markets and Off Topic Thoughts

February 2, 2015 Leave a comment


Markets as of 10:12am 2/2/14

Corn +2 @ 3.72

Beans +2 @ 9.63

 

We start this week with the US dollar a little weaker and the stock market in the red, traders seem uncertain about “deflation” , the overall impact of the surging US Dollar and the meltdown in crude oil.  Especially after the disappointing 4th quarter GDP number released last week.  In the news, U.S oil workers began the largest national strike since 1980 this Sunday, calling 3800 United Steelworkers Union workers to strike, if a full strike is called USW says it could affect as much as 64% of US Fuel production.

 

Last week was quite negative for grains despite solid exports last week.  Some strength comes back into the market this morning, but trade volume is very low which adds to volatility.  This volume could be a combinations of the Midwest shutting down due to the blizzard and  a great Super Bowl game leaving less interested in trading.

 

Corn: 

March corn broke the support line of 3.76 last week which could lead to some added pressure for this week.  New Crop corn (Dec ’15) broke the $4.00 mark on Thursday and Friday, but managed to close above $4.00 both days.  Selling ahead to reduce risk is a sound strategy to capture levels above $4.25 and take some downside risk off the table.  Risk management should be part of any marketing plan to gain any advantage possible.  Ethanol continues to produce despite margins, as stocks continue to rise we may see production slow.  At least until oil prices move back into a range that makes ethanol profitable.

 

Beans:

Seeing pressure from slowing exports, beans lost nearly 12 cents last week.  Seasonally, prices are behaving normally as South American supplies become available.  The next major support line is at 9.20, and the current trend is downward.  Remember, the trend is your friend.

 

Recommendation:

Due to the current market levels, it is difficult to make a recommendation strategy, it seems the profitable selling window has currently passed us by.  If a producer needs to free up some capital for cash rents, payments, etc.  A great strategy is Extended Price, which frees up 70% of the money, but keeps the producer in the market to participate in potential future rallies or losses just like in the storage bin.

 

Thoughts Off Topic:

Wow the Super Bowl was a nail biter, at least for me, it remained neck and neck as the Patriots and the Seahawks went back and forth until the final seconds of the game where the Seahawks were 2nd down and inches from winning the game, but instead of handing the ball to Lynch over and over to get into the end zone, Wilson tried a pass…..and Malcolm Butler picked him off.  Brady was able to take a knee and run the clock for a Patriots victory.

 

But what’s up with the commercials this year?  I didn’t laugh once and quite frankly felt pretty depressed after a couple.  Especially theNationwide ad on preventable childhood deaths. It opens with a young boy listing several things he’ll never get to do, like ride a bike, get “cooties,” or travel the world with his best friend. “I couldn’t grow up, he says, “because I died from an accident.”  I have learned I shouldn’t say “you throw like a girl” ever again, and I am very excited about taking my kids to see the “Geriatric Terminator” because you know it will be a good movie.  I am not discounting the importance of protecting our children, but I it does not discount that the method used left folks feeling a bit creeped out.  Read more on NBC News “Super Bowl Ads Left Us Creeped Out or Crying”

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

Filed under Community Tagged with , , , ,

Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

January 29, 2015 Leave a comment


OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK January 13, 2015
TEKAMAH NE 68061

The Burt County Board of Supervisors met this date pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting with the following members present: Clifford Morrow, David Schold, Greg Brummond, Matt Connealy, Perry Rogers and Ted Connealy. Absent: Gerald Newill.

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

The first order of business was reorganization. County Clerk Freidel asked for nominations for Chairman of the Board. Brummond motioned to nominate Clifford Morrow, and M.Connealy seconded the motion. Schold moved that the nominations cease and that Morrow be elected Chairman of the Board for 2015. The motion was seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

The next order of business, also part of reorganization, was to appoint a Vice- Chairman. Chairman Morrow asked for nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Board. Schold moved to nominate Matt Connealy, and Brummond seconded the motion. Morrow moved that the nominations cease and that M.Connealy be elected Vice-Chairman of the Board for 2015. The motion was seconded by Schold, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Upon motion by Brummond, seconded by M.Connealy the agenda was approved as amended with the addition of the possible formation of a Road Committee, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for December, as well as the Sheriff’s Quarterly Reports and the Treasurer’s 6 Month Report, were approved upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T. Connealy. Nays – none.

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

The following Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $122,157.44, along with the Fund Balance Report, were approved upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

TOBACCO LICENSE
ZONING PERMITS
CO CLERK-FILING & RECORDING
CO CLERK-DOC STAMPS-COUNTY SHARE CO CLERK-MISC FEES
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
DISTRICT COURT-MISC FEES & REVENUE DISTRICT COURT-FEES & COST
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
CO COURT-MISC FEES
ELECTION REIMBURSEMENT
CO SHERIFF-SERVICE FEES
CO SHERIFF-MILEAGE & COSTS
TITLE INSPECTIONS
GUN PERMITS
CO ATTNY FEES-CHECK COLLECTION OVERLOAD FINES-25% COUNTY SHARE INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS
MISC REVENUE
HIGHWAY/STREET ALLOCATION ROAD-MISC REVENUE
PRESERVATION & MODERNIZATION INHERITANCE TAX
INHERITANCE TAX
911 WIRELESS SERVICE FUND
COUNTY 911 SURCHARGE
OVERLOAD FINES-75% STATE SHARE COUNTY COURT FINES-REGULAR
IN LIEU TAXES-1957 PRIOR

10.00 375.00 1,866.00 1,030.90 285.50 90.00 35.00 10.00 850.00 119.00 1,595.74 565.00 680.32 320.00 35.00 27.00 93.75 1,072.41 36.97 81,562.22 330.81 329.50 13,259.06 6,564.17 4,771.30 832.00 281.25 5,105.00 24.54

Newly Elected County Attorney Francis W. Barron III came before the Board to introduce himself and to offer his services for any needs of the Burt County Board.

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

RESOLUTION #2015-01

BE IT RESOLVED that the County Treasurer be authorized to deposit funds in excess of the capital and surplus in any depository designated for county funds, provided such depository furnish the proper securities as provided by law, and that the Treasurer be and she hereby is, authorized to invest surplus funds, if there be any, in United States Treasury bills or certificates of deposit in the following financial institutions: First Nebraska Bank, Decatur, First National Bank Northeast, Tekamah, and Washington County Bank, Tekamah.

DATED this 13th day of January, 2015, at Tekamah, Nebraska.

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

SUPERVISORS

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

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, the Board appointed Peggy Smith as Burt County Highway Superintendent for 2015, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Also part of reorganization for 2015, upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, the Board approved the following board committee appointments, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Clifford Morrow

Gerald Newill

Ted Connealy

Greg Brummond

Matt Connealy

Perry Rogers

Elkhorn- Logan Valley Public Health Dept

Region IV
Heartland of Nebraska Board

Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership (NENCAP) Burt County Economic Development Board

Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Services – alternate Burt County Economic Development Board Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District

North Star & Region IV Services
Region 5/6 Homeland Security
Northeast Nebraska Waste Coalition-alternate

Nebraska Loess Hills RC & D Council Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Services

David Schold N.E. Nebraska Area Agency on Aging
N.E. Nebraska Waste Coalition, Advisory & Governing Board

All of the Burt County Supervisors are on the Burt County Weed Board.

Upon motion by Schold, seconded by Brummond, the Board approved special designated liquor licenses for Ronnie’s Bar at St Patrick’s Catholic Church for Lenten fish fry dinners on February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20 and March 27, 2015, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Upon motion by T.Connealy, seconded by Schold, the Board approved an annual cost of living raise based on the Midwest Economic Consumer Prices available January 16, not to exceed 3%, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Highway Superintendent Smith discussed the 1 and 6 Year Road Plan with the Board. Allen Soll came before the Board to visit with Smith and the Board to request to keep Airport Road in the County Road Plans.

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Schold, the Board authorized Chairman Morrow to sign the Burt County Weed Control Authority Activities and Information Report, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers and T.Connealy. Nays – none.

Board Member T.Connealy briefly reported information on the lease of a tractor for the possible replacement of an existing County Tractor.

Discussions followed regarding the possible formation of a Road Committee, no action was taken at this time.

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Board adjourned at 10:20 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. January 30, 2015.

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

SUPERVISORS

Filed under Community Tagged with , , ,

Happenings at Oakland Heights

January 29, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

Hope everyone had a nice weekend, this week I would like to mention the Snowman party for the residents on Thursday January 29th at 2:30 pm. Next week is a new month so we start with our monthly volunteer executive meeting on Monday February 2nd at 2:30pm. We also have a resident celebrating a birthday on February 3rd Happy Birthday to Jeanette Johnson.

Church Service for Sunday February 1st at 2:30 pm will be given by the Craig – Alder Grove Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Wednesday February 4th at 1:00 pm is Communion with Pastor Hoden.

Activities for the week of February 2nd  to February 7th are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Coffee and Conversation, Crafts, Bingo w/ WOW, Bible Fellowship, Word Games, Friday Bingo, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Bonnie Fleischman, Betty Hanna, Mary Donavon, Patty Miller, Mary Pearson, Pat Anderson, Heather Silvey, and Anne Anderson.

Guest sign in last week were: Tom and Lizzie Larson to visit Dorothy Larson. Trudie Craven and Beth Kieldgaurd to visit Lillian Mueller, also visiting was Kris Peters.

 

 

 

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

Nebraskans Speak on Wind

January 29, 2015 Leave a comment


Cortland, Nebraska – Approximately 100 residents from Cortland, Hallam and surrounding communities and from as far away as Gretna and Nebraska City met at the Cortland Community Center last night, Tuesday, January 27th to discuss the proposed development of a wind farm in the area and other related issues at a Wind Information Forum hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and Lancaster County Farmers Union.

 

Participants heard from a panel of Nebraskans who have first-hand experience with wind development, and were able to ask questions and discuss their hopes for and concerns about wind energy development in the area.
“Everyone in and around communities impacted by wind energy development deserves an opportunity to ask questions and have their voices heard,” said Virginia Meyer, Rural Organizer for the Center for Rural Affairs. “We’ve heard from people in the community, who will be directly impacted by the proposed wind project, that they haven’t had a chance to engage in a public conversation on the project.”

 

This meeting emphasized the importance of community involvement and input. We’ve seen wind bring significant benefits to rural communities but we know it must be developed and sited in a way that works for the community, Meyer added. Attendees shared their siting concerns and came away with ideas about how to ensure developers site projects in ways that work for the entire local community.

 

Several attendees asked why their area had been chosen for potential wind development. Members of the panel noted that the Cortland area was outside of the central flyway, meaning it would have less impact on migrating birds. They also noted that there was already existing transmission infrastructure in the area that new wind generation could connect to.

 

According to Meyer, professionals from multiple fields were at the forum to address questions and share ideas.  Panelists included Ross Knott, president and CEO of Petersburg State Bank in Petersburg, Nebraska, Caroline Jezierski, Nebraska Wind Energy and Wildlife Project Coordinator at the University of Nebraska School of Natural Resources, and David Vavra, Chairman of the Saline County Wind Association.

 

“Many Nebraskans have questions about wind development, covering issues such property taxes, economic development, impacts on wildlife and payments to landowners,” concluded Meyer. “This forum provided participants the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by knowledgeable experts.”

 

And a theme highlighted by the panelists and community members was the importance of the community coming together and working with each other to decide what is best for all of them, concluded Meyer.

 

For more information contact Virginia Meyer at the Center for Rural Affairs (402) 687-2103 ext. 1014 or email virginiam@cfra.org.
Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfra/sets/72157650532810305/

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

News From Bancroft Senior Center

January 28, 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:

Thurs. Jan. 29: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Remember to sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Fri. Jan. 30: Chair exercise at 10:00. Sign up to play in the pinochle tournament at 1:30.

Mon. Feb. 2: Plan on joining us for potluck dinner at noon; we will be serving chili and chicken noodle soup, please bring a salad or a dessert. You can play cards or work on a puzzle after lunch.

Tues. Feb. 3: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Wed. Feb. 4: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Come and play in the golf game tournament at 1:30.

 

 

Filed under Community Tagged with , , , ,

Puppies Were the Theme during Story Time at Oakland Public Library

January 27, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Library Director Rosa Schmidt reads a book about puppies to Laityn Johnson, from left, Rachel Gatewood, Hilary Ray and Blaise Hartwell. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Oakland Library Director Rosa Schmidt reads a book about puppies to Laityn Johnson, from left, Rachel Gatewood, Hilary Ray and Blaise Hartwell. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Sutton Hartwell enjoys watching the kids enjoy story time at the Oakland library. Soon, she will be participating. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Sutton Hartwell enjoys watching the kids enjoy story time at the Oakland library. Soon, she will be participating. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Blaise Hartwell proudly displays the puppy he made during craft time at the Oakland library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Blaise Hartwell proudly displays the puppy he made during craft time at the Oakland library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Blaise Hartwell shows what his puppy does at the Oakland Public Library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Blaise Hartwell shows what his puppy does at the Oakland Public Library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Making a puppy was fun for Hilary Ray at the Oakland library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Making a puppy was fun for Hilary Ray at the Oakland library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Laityn Johnson has a cute puppy to show off at the Oakland Library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Laityn Johnson has a cute puppy to show off at the Oakland Library. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Filed under Community, Photo Gallery Tagged with , ,

Village of Decatur Special Meeting Minutes

January 26, 2015 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur                                                                                

Special Board Meeting
January 22, 2015

4:30 P.M.

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in special session at 4:30 P.M. at the Community Center on January 22, 2015. The guests signing in were Ellen Olson, Betty Wiseman, Don Warren, Dave Radke (Williams & Company), and Charlie Redding. Guest not signing in was Dale Wolf.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Loretta Kellogg-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Alta Wolf-yes.

Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Loretta Kellogg-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Alta Wolf-yes.

Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month’s minutes:

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Loretta Kellogg-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Alta Wolf-yes.

Excusing Board members not attending:
All members were present.

 

NEW BUSINESS

  1. Presentation of Audit Report- Dave Radke (the Village auditor) reviewed the 2013-2014 report with the board members. The audit report is available for inspection at the clerk’s office.

 

  1. Budget to Actual Comparison – Dave stated that overall if we look at our whole Village; I think at this point, our first quarter; we have done a good job at keeping our expenses down and our revenues coming in. The goal is to build some of the cash balances back. He feels six months of reserve should be kept on hand. Dave will continue to give quarterly reports. Carol Kellogg representing the Sears Operational Committee discussed some concerns with Dave.

    3. Appoint a Village Clerk – Kellogg made a motion to go into an executive meeting for a few minutes. Wolf seconded the motion. Roll Call: Tolby-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Wolf-yes. Time 5:10 pm. Richards made a motion to come out of executive session. Bolln seconded the motion. Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes. Time 5:17 pm. Wolf made a motion that we hire Ann Chytka at $12.00 an hour to start; with a possible raise in three months. Kellogg seconded the motion. Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Tolby-yes, Richards-yes, Wolf-yes, Bolln-yes. Ann does not need the employee insurance provided through the Village; she has her own. Ann will start Monday January 26, 2015

Chairman Kellogg asked if there were any questions from the audience. Charlie Redding asked about the police ad in the paper that states 100% paid family insurance. He wanted to know if the Village paid for the whole family because some places only pay for just the employee. The Village does not have a retirement plan so the 100% paid family insurance is offered.

MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING
Motion Wolf 2nd Kellogg
Adjournment Time 5:22 P.M

_____________________

Loretta Kellogg,
Chairman
_________________
Joyce McCullock,
Assistant Village Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under Community Tagged with ,

Open House to Honor Leora Russman’s 100th Birthday

January 24, 2015 Leave a comment


An open house to honor Leora Russman of Bancroft on her 100th birthday will be held on Sunday, February 8th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bancroft Senior Center. No gifts please.

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

Open Winter Injury

January 23, 2015 Leave a comment


John Wilson

John Wilson

By John Wilson, Extension Educator

We are in a very similar situation to where we were about this time last winter. While most of us are enjoying the lack of snow and wondering how long it will last, many plants in our landscape are suffering because of the “nice” winter. A winter with little precipitation and no snow cover increases the risk of winter dessication injury to plants.

Many of you may remember this from last year when perennials and woody ornamentals failed to green up in the spring. Evergreen trees and shrubs are most susceptible, but lawns and perennials can also be injured. Tender and marginally hardy plants were hardest hit.

When there is little snow cover, questions about the need to water during winter rise. While winter watering can be done IF the ground is not frozen and air temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to understand winter watering, even rainfall or melting snow, can also cause plant injury.

For example on lawns and herbaceous perennials, plant crowns absorb moisture and rehydrate. If a rapid drop to freezing temperatures occurs soon after, water taken up by the plant crown freezes. Ice crystals that form then damage or rupture plant cells, and possibly cause death.  This is known as crown hydration injury. It sometimes occurs naturally in late winter when snow is melting, or when an early spring rain is followed quickly by freezing temperatures.

If you would decide to irrigate when soils are not frozen and air temperatures are above 40 degrees, be sure to apply water about mid-day so it has time to percolate into soil before freezing occurs night. Avoid excess watering so it does not pool around plant stems.

If you decide to do winter watering, evergreen trees and shrubs should be a priority. Evergreens are most susceptible to winter drying and more costly to replace if severely injured or killed.

While all plants continue to lose moisture during winter, evergreens lose more moisture due to their foliage being green all year. It is not uncommon for evergreens to turn light brown after spring arrives.

The most common cause of spring browning is winter drying, not cold temperatures. The evergreens Arborvitae and Japanese Yew are most likely to sustain winter dessication injury. Any evergreen grown in a high wind area, near pavement, or on the south side of a home is also more susceptible.

Correct summer and fall watering is most important in preventing winter dessication on evergreens. Water could be applied during winter if dry conditions persist. Again, only water when the soil is not frozen, air temperatures are above 40 degrees F, and at mid-day so water soaks into soil and does not pool and freeze around plant crowns at night.

For valuable plants growing in exposed location, a physical barrier made of burlap, weed barrier fabric, or snow fencing can still be put into place to provide protection. Anti-transpirant sprays could also be applied according to the label. Mid to late winter is often when the majority injury due to dessication occurs.

If evergreens turn brown, owners wonder about plant survival. If only the foliage dies, the plant should leaf out again in spring if buds are viable. If woody tissue is killed, that portion of the plant will not recover. When injury occurs, wait until late May before pruning or removing winter injured evergreens to allow time for regrowth.

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

← Older posts

Newer posts →