Governor Ricketts’ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Statement

January 19, 2015 Leave a comment


Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which is celebrated on January 19, 2015. Recently, Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring today as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Nebraska. Later today, he will deliver remarks at a lunch presented by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Metropolitan Omaha held in honor of Dr. King.

 

“On this 86th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we remember and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and the work he did to advance the cause of civil rights and freedom,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “As we take time to remember his accomplishments, it is important to remember that the future of Nebraska depends on our ability to pull together and solve common problems. Days such as this one provide an opportunity for new beginnings as we continue to bring all Nebraskans together to grow our state.”

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Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda

January 19, 2015 Leave a comment


PRELIMINARY AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Roll Call
B. Establishment of a Quorum
C. Reminder of Open Meeting Laws/Poster
D. Approval of Minutes of December 15, 2014 meeting
E. Treasurer’s Report: December 2014

II. SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
A. Karl Lundquist- Swedish Festival
B. Mark Olson- Railroad issue

.
III. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A. Condemnation Consultant update – Gary Huse
B. Police Department Report – Dan Jacobs
C. Street Department Report – Bryan Johnson

IV. OLD BUSINESS
A .Resolution 2015-1 selling Lot 1, Block 35 Railroad Addition

V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2015-2 appoints Greg Mockenhaupt to NNSWC board.
B. Oakland Heights New Corporate Authorization Resolution
C. Reappointment of departments
D. Travel request from Brian Johnson to attend water training on Feb. 11th in Wahoo NE.

VI. INFORMATION ITEM
A.
B.
C.
VII. DISCUSSION
A. Board Meeting time change

VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

IX. APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS BILLS AND WARRANTS
A. Approval by motion

X. ADJOURNMENT

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Oakland City Council Meeting Notice

January 19, 2015 Leave a comment


REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA

MEETING NOTICE:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2015, at the Municipal Building, 401 North Oakland Avenue in Oakland, Nebraska for the regular monthly meeting.
An agenda for such meeting, kept continuously current is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. Except for items of an emergency nature, the agenda shall not be enlarged later than twenty-four hours before the scheduled commencement of the meeting.

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A Time for Optimism

January 17, 2015 Leave a comment


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (January, 2015)

Nebraska State Board of Education President Rachel Wise congratulated the school and citizens on their new addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Nebraska State Board of Education President Rachel Wise congratulated the school and citizens on their new addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

As we enter 2015 I find myself being very optimistic about the year ahead as it relates to meeting the educational needs of Nebraska’s children. My optimism begins with the possibility of a vision and leadership for education coming from the federal level for education ― finally!! As I previously mentioned, the primary federal law guiding education is the Elementary and Secondary Education Act or ESEA ― titled No Child Left Behind or NCLB ― when voted into law in 2000. This law should have been reauthorized in 2007. For the past eight years we have been caught between a “rock and a hard spot” with this outdated and, in my opinion, poorly written legislation.

Most parents, community leaders and educators concur: accountability is needed and improved student achievement is needed. While NCLB strengthened the focus on achievement, it set unrealistic student achievement expectations and narrowed the focus on testing, making tests the primary measure for student achievement and accountability. Most states have requested waivers or “flexibility” from the federally-defined accountability system. Nebraska Department of Education staff are currently researching the possibility of a waiver for Nebraska, however, we might not need a waiver. Congress may go to work!! Yes, you read that statement correctly: Congress may go to work on the reauthorization of the ESEA this spring!! Optimistically, reauthorization will once again focus on supporting state and local education efforts! Keep your fingers crossed as we wait to see if this optimism becomes a reality and Congress goes to work!

Two items on the Nebraska State Board of Education agenda January 8th and 9th focused on Rule 11 and Legislative Resolution 517. Rule 11, which sets school district practices and responsibilities for prekindergarten programs, is being revised. During a discussion on those revisions, Board members had several questions and determined an in-depth review by a Board committee was needed before the draft rule goes out for a public hearing. I will write more about these changes in the near future. Legislative Resolution 517 recommends changes in the training and competencies of educational interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing students. This is another important topic that the Board will continue to review and gather input on over the next few weeks.

Finally, it was an honor and privilege to be elected by my peers and to serve as president of the Nebraska State Board of Education for 2015. This will be my second year serving as president, and I am excited to be a part of the leadership team with my colleague Lillie Larsen, who was elected vice president. My colleagues and I will work diligently and passionately with state and local policy makers, educators, parents and students to ensure that Nebraska is at the top of the nation in how we serve and educate our most important and precious resource ― our children.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

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Governor Ricketts Calls on McPherson to Resign

January 16, 2015 Leave a comment


Governor Pete Ricketts called on State Board of Education Member Pat McPherson to resign from the State Board of Education following unacceptable comments that were contained in a post on his blog.

 

“While many Nebraskans disagree with our president on many issues, he is deserving of the same civility and respect we give one another. There is no room for bigotry. I am deeply disappointed and unequivocally condemn these comments,” said Ricketts.

 

“I respect the will of the people, but as additional information about the frequency of these bigoted comments on the blog has become available, it is clear that this controversy will hinder the State Board of Education from accomplishing its goals. Pat should tender his resignation and allow the Board to get back to work on its goal of improving achievement outcomes for all students.”

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Don’t Stress the Dress

January 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Prom night is an important event during high school. Teenage girls wear glamorous dresses, with all of the accessories, dancing the night away.

Prom night can also come with an expensive price tag.

In steps Don’t Stress the Dress. Shara Johnson of Oakland began Don’t Stress the Dress in Oakland six years ago, allowing area high school girls the opportunity to select a dress from many that have been donated by individuals, to wear to prom, free of charge.

“We are in the middle of a dress drive currently. We are getting many back from Tekamah, Oakland and Lyons,” Shara said. “We get about 30-40% back each year from the girls that wore them the year before.”

Girls attend from many area communities. “They come from Oakland, Lyons and Tekamah. But, some also come from Scribner, Fremont and Arlington,” Shara stated.

To make the dress more glamorous, there are other items provided. “We do have shoes, but that is not the main focus. If shoes are needed, we can get them,” Shara said. “Many girls also leave with accessories to go with the dress.”

Shara is currently taking appointments for the dress fitting on Sun., February 8th from noon-8:00 p.m. “We always cap off at 100 girls, but we do have a few openings left,” Shara stated. “Those interested can email me at dontstressthedress@gmail.com.”

Don’t Stress the Dress is located above the bank in Oakland, NE on Main Street. If you have a dress you wish to donate, please contact Shara at the above email address for further information.

Beautiful girls in their glamorous dresses from Don't Stress the Dress. Photos Courtesy of Shara Johnson/Don't Stress the Dress.

Beautiful girls in their glamorous dresses from Don’t Stress the Dress. Photos Courtesy of Shara Johnson/Don’t Stress the Dress.

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Farm Bill and Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease Meeting

January 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Farm Bill Meeting AND Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease Meeting – Friday, January 23

By John Wilson, Extension Educator

Two of the most discussed topics in crop production, the new Farm Bill and Cash Leases, will be covered at two separate meetings on Friday, January 23. Both programs will be held at the Central Valley Ag East Hub three miles north of Oakland or three miles south of Lyons on Highway 77, then 1/4 mile west on County Road O.

 

Morning (9:00 a.m. – noon): FARM BILL MEETING

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), have been teaming up to provide educational meetings about the 2014 Farm Bill. All farm operators and land owners are invited and encouraged to attend.

FSA will inform participants about the sign-up process for the Farm Bill including the documentation needed and the deadlines for sign-up. Nebraska Extension will provide information about the decisions that will need to be made for base acre reallocation, yield updates, and for the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) vs. Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program selection.

It will be helpful to attend to get insight on the options everyone has with the 2014 Farm Bill. Farm operators and land owners will have three main steps to signing up.

  • One is to review their current base acre allocations which is occurring at this time.
  • Secondly, a decision about re-allocation of base acres will need to be made.
  • Finally, the program selection will involve the ARC or PLC program.

ARC is the revenue safety net program similar to the recent ACRE program and PLC is the price safety net program. With ARC, the options will be an Individual ARC coverage vs. a County ARC coverage. With PLC, the available Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) will be discussed. Decisions made for this Farm Bill in 2015 will be final for the duration of the Bill.

 

Noon – 12:45 p.m.: LUNCH (Important – Please RSVP!)

After the morning meeting, a complimentary lunch will be provided by Central Valley Ag. Those wanting to leave after lunch may do so, or they may stick around for the afternoon program. Those coming in for the cash lease program only are invited to join us at noon for lunch and then attend the afternoon program.

☞ To assist us in planning for how many to expect for lunch, please call or email Julie Hall at 402.374.1920, extension 2, orjulie.hall@ne.usda.gov or John Wilson at 402.374.2929 or jwilson3@unl.edu by Tuesday, January 20. If your plans change at the last minute, don’t let that prevent you from attending. This is to just give us a rough idea of how many will be attending!

 

Afternoon (12:45 – 3:00 p.m.): LANDLORD/TENANT CASH LEASE MEETING

Arriving at a fair cash rental rate is difficult when land and commodity prices are stable. However, throw in volatility for either of these variables… or for production costs… and the challenge just got even greater. Cash rental rates are probably one of the most cussed and discussed topics in crop production.

This program will help landlords and tenants establish and maintain a positive farm leasing relationship and deal with the volatility of their cash rental rates. Landlords try to be loyal to their tenants, yet want a fair return for the land asset. Tenants want to be sure to stay in business, yet feel the pressure of bidding to keep the land base that they have been farming.

Topics for discussion include: lease communication – determining appropriate information sharing for both the tenant and landlord, variable cash rental arrangements, and review of current land values and cash rental rates. It is very helpful if both the tenant and landlord can attend together.

Putting together the right lease isn’t about what is being discussed at the coffee shop, or what a university survey of cash lease rates says; it is about what fits both the landlord and tenant for their circumstance and situation. Attending this presentation will provide a set of ideas to work from as those specifics are discussed.

 

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4-H Achievement Event

January 15, 2015 Leave a comment


4-H Leaders Honored for years of service – Sandy Bohannon, Sarah Miller, and Kara Anderson for 5 years, Ann Schlichting 10 years and Joan Bucy 15 years. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H Leaders Honored for years of service – Sandy Bohannon, Sarah Miller, and Kara Anderson for 5 years, Ann Schlichting 10 years and Joan Bucy 15 years. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H Members Completing 4-H Awards Applications: Back Row: Layne Miller, Cody Bachtell, Ashley Bohannon, Leia Farrens and Amelia Schlichting; Front Row: Faith Roscoe, Paul Roscoe, Andrew Schlichting and Caleb Schlichting. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H Members Completing 4-H Awards Applications: Back Row: Layne Miller, Cody Bachtell, Ashley Bohannon, Leia Farrens and Amelia Schlichting; Front Row: Faith Roscoe, Paul Roscoe, Andrew Schlichting and Caleb Schlichting. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H of the future! First year 4-H members: Hope Roscoe, Linden Anderson, Parke Loftis, Kennedy Pagels, Madeline Pearson and Tate Penke.

4-H of the future! First year 4-H members: Hope Roscoe, Linden Anderson, Parke Loftis, Kennedy Pagels, Madeline Pearson and Tate Penke.

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Blessed Births of 2014

January 13, 2015 Leave a comment


Kinley Eileen Tejkl was born on May 16, 2014 to John and Cally (Frahm) Tejkl of Howells, NE.Her grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Kinley Eileen Tejkl was born on May 16, 2014 to John and Cally (Frahm) Tejkl of Howells, NE.Her grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Luke Michael Addante was born October 13, 2014 to Tim and Jenny (Frahm) Andante of Austin, TX. Grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Luke Michael Addante was born October 13, 2014 to Tim and Jenny (Frahm) Andante of Austin, TX. Grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Grant Taylor Brankenhoff was born August 2nd, 2014 to Brittany (Sznajder-Murray) and Brad Brakenhoff. He weighed 9 lbs and 1 ounce. His grandparents are Helen Murray, Jim Sznajder and Ron and Sheryl Brakenhoff. His great-grandparents are Bill and May Taylor of Oakland, NE.

Grant Taylor Brankenhoff was born August 2nd, 2014 to Brittany (Sznajder-Murray) and Brad Brakenhoff. He weighed 9 lbs and 1 ounce. His grandparents are Helen Murray, Jim Sznajder and Ron and Sheryl Brakenhoff. His great-grandparents are Bill and May Taylor of Oakland, NE.

Penelope Chi Tran was born November 21st, 2014 to Whitney (Storie) and Tri Tran of Norfolk, NE. She weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE, Nam and Anh Tran of Wakefield, NE and Terry and Tammy Storie of Lakeland, FL. Her great-grandmother is Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE.

Penelope Chi Tran was born November 21st, 2014 to Whitney (Storie) and Tri Tran of Norfolk, NE. She weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces and was 21 inches long. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE, Nam and Anh Tran of Wakefield, NE and Terry and Tammy Storie of Lakeland, FL. Her great-grandmother is Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE.

Lane David McElroy was born November 12, 2014 to Brandy and Jarrod McElroy of Lyons, NE. He weighed 9lbs10.5oz. His grandparents David & Patty Denton of Craig, NE and Larry & Karolyn McElroy of Lyons, NE. His great-grandparents are Fern Denton of Fremont, NE and Carol Barger of Tekamah, NE. His great-great-grandmother Ruby Hayes of Tekamah, NE.

Lane David McElroy was
born November 12, 2014 to Brandy and Jarrod McElroy of Lyons, NE. He weighed 9lbs10.5oz.
His grandparents are David & Patty Denton of Craig, NE and Larry & Karolyn McElroy of Lyons, NE.
His great-grandparents are Fern Denton of Fremont, NE and Carol Barger of Tekamah, NE. His
great-great-grandmother is Ruby Hayes of Tekamah, NE.

Charli Kinlie Mai Beck was born on October 28th, 2014 to Justin Beck and Thu Tran. She weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE and Roger and Rosalyn Beck of Lawton, IA. Her great-grandmothers are Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE and Junavae Beck of Tekamah, NE.

Charli Kinlie Mai Beck was born on October 28th, 2014 to Justin Beck and Thu Tran. She weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE and Roger and Rosalyn Beck of Lawton, IA. Her great-grandmothers are Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE and Junavae Beck of Tekamah, NE.

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Governor Ricketts Comments on Keystone XL Decision

January 9, 2015 Leave a comment


Lincoln – This morning, Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement after the Nebraska Supreme Court announced their decision to uphold the state law used to route Keystone XL through Nebraska:

 

“Today’s decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court clears the way for approval of the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. It has been demonstrated that it will be the safest pipeline ever built and that it will bring good-paying jobs and property tax revenue to Nebraska’s counties. I urge Congress and President Obama to move swiftly to give final approval to this important project.”

 

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