Crafts and Story time at Lyons Public Library
October 23, 2014 Leave a comment
This group of kids had a great time at the library making a farmer and hearing a story. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Fire Prevention Week Posters Made by LDNE Elementary
October 23, 2014 Leave a comment
LDNE elementary students made posters recognizing fire prevention week and checking smoke alarms. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Farmers, Ranchers and Agricultural Leaders Support Hassebrook
October 22, 2014 Leave a comment
Chuck Hassebrook is setting the record straight on his positions on agriculture and environment.
“My opponent’s ads are flatly untrue. The truth is this: I’ve spent my whole life fighting for family farms and ranches, small businesses, and small town and rural Nebraska. I oppose and have spoken out vigorously against the EPA’s proposed Waters of the U.S. rule, and my record shows that I have helped many farmers and ranchers overcome burdensome regulations.
“I support lowering ag land valuation to reduce property tax burdens, but I am being criticized by a group funded by an Indiana oil baron for saying state property tax credits should benefit family farmers and ranchers, rather than big investors like him and Ted Turner.
“I support and have always supported agriculture exports and opposed export restrictions. I have a long track record as an advocate for hardworking farmers and ranchers, small business, and growing the economy of small town and rural Nebraska.
“The only person who has something to prove here is Pete Ricketts, who knows next to nothing about agriculture. He spent his career at his billionaire father’s Wall Street firm, not on the Main Streets of our communities,” said Hassebrook.
Much of Ricketts so called “plan for agriculture” simply states his support for existing programs that Hassebrook initiated, including the University of Nebraska’s Rural Futures Institute, Nebraska Value-Added Agriculture Program and tax incentives for beginners like the Nebraska Advantage Microenterprise Tax Credit and the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit.
Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders are quick to defend Hassebrook. More than 130 of them, many of whom are Republicans, are part of the “Farmers and Ranchers for Hassebrook” group that has been an integral part of Hassebrook’s campaign.
In a statement released earlier today, NEBFARMPAC, the political arm of the Nebraska Farmers Union, endorsed Hassebrook. NEBFARMPAC Secretary John Hansen said, “Chuck Hassebrook is the person who knows and understands agriculture. He has our back. Given the many challenges rural Nebraskans face in the days ahead, our state needs a champion for our state’s largest single industry, production agriculture.”
“I am proud to have the support of so many of the farmers and ranchers that are a vital part of our state’s economy, and an important part of my campaign. While we may not agree on every political issue, they know they can count on me to stand up for them and fight for the future of Nebraska’s smallest towns and rural communities, agro and renewable energy industries, and family farmers and ranchers by working to lower property taxes and expand their markets,” said Hassebrook.
Omaha Fire Fighters Endorse Hassebrook
October 22, 2014 Leave a comment
Omaha Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 385, have endorsed Chuck Hassebrook for Governor.
“Omaha Fire Fighters chose to endorse Chuck Hassebrook because we’re confident that he will make public safety his number one priority. The men and women on the front lines of delivering emergency services need to know that Nebraska’ leader has their back. We know we can count on Chuck, and strongly believe he will make an excellent Governor,” said IAFF President Steve LeClair.
Chuck Hassebrook said, “I deeply appreciate the support of the men and women that protect our lives and property. I am honored to stand with them.”
Yesterday, Hassebrook also received the support of the Omaha Police Officers Association (OPOA) and the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police, representing more than 750 peace officers in Omaha and hundreds more across the state.
IAFF Local 385 represents 364 fire fighters and paramedics in the City of Omaha.
Hassebrook has also received the support of former Omaha and Lincoln Mayors, fourteen state Senators, the AFL-CIO, and Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA), along with early support from Dick Holland, Susie Buffett, and Warren Buffett.
Hassebrook served on the University of Nebraska Board Of Regents for 18 years, and spent 36 years working for rural communities at the Center for Rural Affairs, a national rural advocacy and development organization based in Lyons, where he has assisted over 10,000 rural Nebraska small businesses.
Hassebrook Releases New Ads
October 22, 2014 Leave a comment
Chuck Hassebrook has released two new television ads this week.
“Pinched Pennies” (View here: http://youtu.be/BBOi0r35O24)
Hassebrook: “Unlike Pete Rickets, I wasn’t born into a rich family. We didn’t have a lot growing up on the farm – so we pinched pennies and worked together with neighbors to get things done. And I drew on that experience in working with Republicans and Democrats to help small business and create jobs. I fought to make college affordable so every Nebraskan has a chance to get ahead. You know, big corporations and CEO’s have politicians who’ll pass tax breaks for them. We need someone who’ll fight for middle class families – and that’s what I’ll do as Governor.”
“Crime” (View here: http://youtu.be/88L17_tJR1c)
Announcer: “Violent criminals are being released from prison on ‘good time’ to prey on our communities. Pete Ricketts might tell you that he’ll be tough on crime, but he’s said he wouldn’t use his authority under the law to protect Nebraskans.”
Hassebrook: “I’m Chuck Hassebrook. On day one, I will act to stop the early release of dangerous criminals. As Governor, the buck will stop at my desk to protect public safety. Because violent criminals belong in prison, not on our streets.”
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Meg Mandy
Communications Director
Chuck Hassebrook for Governor
(m) 619.288.3823
@vote4chuck l #1Nebraska l #NEGov l #ReDefeatPete
Fire Prevention Week in Lyons
October 20, 2014 Leave a comment
Jeff Going, a member of the Lyons Fire Department, demonstrates the things not to do in a house to this group of kindergartners. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Lyons Fire and Rescue member Angela Whitley quizzes this group of kindergartners on what to do in case of a fire in the house. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Jesse Raabe, left, a member of the Lyons Fire Department, shows the kids what a fireman looks like in his gear. Angela Whitley, right, describes the gear to them and what it does to protect the fireman. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Tobin Teaches Poverty Stricken in Guatemala
October 15, 2014 Leave a comment
“I love children and feel very strongly that every child should have the best education they can possibly have,” stated Jessica Tobin of Des Moines, IA. She has been to Guatemala twice, teaching English for those that were victims of abuse. “I fell in love with the country and teaching English,” Jessica said. “It was then that I decided to teach En
Jessica provided the pictures from her classroom in Guatemala. Congratulations to her and her desire to teach those in need. What a happy looking group of children!
glish after college. I got my TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification my senior year of college and started looking for jobs shortly after.”
She graduated from the University of Iowa in May of 2013 with a degree in International Relations, Certificate in Nonprofit Management and a Spanish Minor.
She began working in Guatemala for a nonprofit organization based out of the UK called the Education for the Children Foundation. “The Foundation runs a school called El Proyecto Escuela la Esperanza (school of hope). I taught first grade English and art to grades K-3. The children that attend the school come from extreme poverty,” Jessica stated.
The school she worked at began a bilingual program as well. “Students received half their studies in English and half in Spanish. There are many benefits to learning another language,” Jessica said. “Learning English is particularly important in Guatemala because of the amount of business they do with the United States and because their area is very dependent on the tourism industry.”
The school provides more than an education. “Students receive three nutritious meals a day, clean water, counseling, health care and more,” Jessica stated. “We make frequent home visits to make sure everything is going well at home.”
Her trip to Guatemala was a completely independent trip. “I found the job online, much like how people find jobs. When I accepted the position, I had to move to Guatemala,” Jessica said. “I did not know anyone before moving there but I was able to make friends and found an apartment with two other English teachers, one from Boston and the other from Kentucky.”
Jessica also received an education while in Guatemala. “I wanted to improve my Spanish and what better place to do that than Guatemala,” Jessica stated. “I also think that having international experience is very important for the field of work I want to get into.”
Jessica isn’t sure where the future will take her, but she does have ideals. “I think graduate school is in my future. I would like to work for a nonprofit focused on international issues,” Jessica said. “I am interested in immigration/refugee services and education oriented nonprofits.”
Her optimism is amazing, and hopefully contagious by all. “I have a long life and career ahead of me. I am sure I will dabble in this and that,” Jessica stated.
She is the daughter of Phil Tobin, a Tekamah-Herman graduate, and Jill (Rogert) Tobin. Her grandparents are Dave and Mary Ellen Tobin of Tekamah.
Summit Lake Receives Nielsen Foundation Grant
October 13, 2014 Leave a comment
Summit Lake Recreation Area will be adding new shower houses, bathrooms that will also serve as a storm shelter and a handicapped accessible fishing pier with a cover over it, thanks to a $166,00 grand from the Don Nielsen Foundation.
“I was so thrilled,” stated Patty Plugge of the Burt County Economic Development Corporation.
Patty worked with a committee formed from of volunteers from Leadership Burt County and Recreation Preservation Association in improving Summit Lake. They initially sought to raise money, when the news of this grant came through.
Previous improvements to the area were new camper pads and electricity to all of the camper pads. “This is the second year of having the new camper pads. We previously had eleven, now we have thirty,” Patty said. “This makes a huge difference in the number of campers during the summer. We have more people coming to Summit Lake from all over.”
The new improvements to the area will start this fall, but most of the work will be done in the spring. “The project is set to be finished by Memorial Day,” Patty stated.
The group contacted Nebraska Game and Parks to do the construction. Former Oaklander Jim Swenson is the Parks Division Administrator for the entire state of Nebraska and will be working on the construction at Summit Lake. “The bathrooms are purchased already made. The footings will be put in and the bathroom will be ready to be placed,” Patty said. “An engineer will be hired to do testing, etc. for the pier.
Patty and the Leadership Burt County and Recreation Preservation Association will be sitting down to discuss improvements at Pelican Point. “We haven’t done much there yet due to the flooding. We will also be talking to Nebraska Game and Parks about Pelican Point and what can be done there,” Patty stated.
The grant from the Don Nielsen foundation is greatly appreciated by everyone involved in improving Summit Lake. “We thank them for their generous donation to us. They wanted to help because they felt like it was a good fit with their mission to help communities and the general public,” Patty said.
The Nielsen Foundation awarded a $166,000 grant last week for improvements
to Summit Lake State Recreation Area. Those who marked the occasion include,
from left, Burt County Economic Development Director, Patty Plugge, Nielsen
representative, Clarence Mock, Game & Parks Division Administrator, Jim
Swenson, Tekamah Community Foundation member, Sarah Chatt, and Burt County
Recreation Preservation Association members Becky Anderson and Trent Olsen.
Katie Novak/Burt County Plaindealer
Hassebrook Addresses Omaha World-Herald Story
October 11, 2014 Leave a comment
Chuck Hassebrook, Democratic candidate for Governor of Nerbaska, has released the following statement regarding the Omaha World-Herald’s latest story (10/11/14) on the Department of Corrections and Director Kenney:
“As Governor, I will crack down on problems in the Department of Corrections, and appoint a Director who will follow the law, on Day One.
“No one is above the law, and if I had been the one present at the meeting where Governor Heineman and Attorney General Jon Bruning learned of the Director’s illegal program, I would have taken action immediately.
“I would also use my authority under the law to take away every day of automatically granted good time from offenders who demonstrate from their behavior in prison that they are a threat to our communities.”
Next Week’s City of Oakland Office Hours
October 10, 2014 Leave a comment
OFFICE HOURS OCT 13 – 17
MON 13TH OPEN 8-12
TUE 14TH OPEN 1-4:30
WED 15TH OPEN 8-12 & 1-4:30
THU 16TH OPEN 8-12 & 1-4:30
CLOSED FRIDAY OCT 17
Kat Country Hub 
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