Dedication of the Oakland-Craig Elementary School Addition

August 19, 2014 4 Comments


All of Oakland-Craig elementary students are finally under one roof, thanks to citizens passing a bond to build a new addition onto the current elementary building.

Sunday, August 17th was the Oakland-Craig Elementary School Dedication and an open house, providing those in attendance with an opportunity to view the new addition.

Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier began the ceremony by welcoming those attending the dedication. He also introduced guests involved in the planning and building of the addition.

Curtis Johnson, a graduate of Oakland-Craig High School, also was the architect from DLR group, in charge of designing the new elementary addition. He spoke at the dedication, thanking everyone involved in making the project a reality. He became a bit teary eyed when speaking of one room, the band room. “I wish Mr. Johnson (Bryan, former band director, deceased) were here to see the band room,” Curtis said.

Curtis then presented Oakland-Craig School Board President Don Wallace with a plaque commemorating the occasion. The plaque will be placed on display at the school.

Don Wallace also spoke after accepting the plaque, thanking everyone, including past and present school board members that sought to make this day possible.

Rachel Wise, President of the Nebraska School Board, spoke to those in attendance, congratulating them for such a great addition to the school in support of a education.

Following the speeches, Don Wallace cut the ribbon, officially dedicating the new addition to the Oakland-Craig Elementary School.

Following the dedication, people toured the building, with assistance from Oakland-Craig Student Council members. Many comments were made on the larger sized classrooms. “This is very nice. I am impressed with what they have done,” stated Jill Johnson.

If you were unable to attend the dedication/open house of the new addition and would like to take a look at it, contact the elementary school.

O-C Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier gives the opening speech, welcoming everyone to the dedication of the elementary school addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier gives the opening speech, welcoming everyone to the dedication of the elementary school 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.

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.

O-C School Board President had the honors of cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C School Board President had the honors of cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Architect for the project, and graduate of Oakland-Craig School, Curtis Johnson, commemorates the event by presenting a plaque to the school. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Architect for the project, and graduate of Oakland-Craig School, Curtis Johnson, commemorates the event by presenting a plaque to the school. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Update on Roundabout at the Junction of Hwy 32/77

August 13, 2014 Leave a comment


The much-anticipated roundabout at the junction of highway77/32, which experienced delays due to weather, is in the beginning stages.

“The crews are grading areas for temporary roads, which will be temporary detours for the traffic while the roundabout is being constructed,” stated Jeff Francis from the Nebraska Department of Roads.

As previously reported by Kat Country Hub, the purpose of the roundabout is to reduce high-speed right angle crashes at the intersection. Over the years, there have been many accidents at the 77/32 Junction, resulting in many injuries, and, unfortunately, some fatalities.

Once the grading in complete, in approximately a month, construction of the roundabout will begin. There are five phases and two stages, which will result in different detours until construction is complete. “Once we have traffic going on the detours, hopefully in mid-September, we will be closing Highway 32 East to Tekamah,” Francis said. “When the time nears, more information will be released.”

A completion date for sometime in November is still anticipated. “This, of course, depends on how the weather cooperates,” Francis stated.

Stay tuned to Kat Country Hub for updates on detours and construction dates as the time approaches.

 

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Nebraska Enterprise Fund Awarded Economic Development Grant

August 10, 2014 Leave a comment


Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) of Oakland Nebraska has been awarded a $25,000 economic development grant. FHLBank, a wholesale financial institution of which First National Bank Northeast is a member, awarded the grant through its Joint Opportunities for Building Success (JOBS) program. JOBS help financial institutions throughout Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma promotes jobs and economic growth in their communities. Roy Miller, President of First National Bank Northeast, stated “I am proud to sponsor the $25,000 grant to the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, as they have had positive impact on many small business entities in our rural area.  It is with combined efforts that business succeed, and the NEF is a good partner in that success.”

The JOBS grant will provide NEF with the opportunity to engage in Board Development exercises to strengthen the governance and supervision of NEF. A portion of the grant will be designated for the development of the strategic plan and key outcomes along with the development and strengthening of the NEF board. The balance of the funding will be designated as loan loss reserve allowing NEF to leverage additional SBA funds and maintain a healthy Loan Loss Reserve fund that supports NEF in the future as it better leverages its existing resources.

 

FHLBank Topeka is one of 12 wholesale banks nationwide that provide liquidity and various programs that help community financial institutions meet the residential housing finance and economic development needs of their communities. FHLBank Topeka awarded nearly $1 million in JOBS funding in 2014 and serves more than 790 members throughout Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

 

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Burt County Fair Shooting Sports Competition Results

August 1, 2014 Leave a comment


Burt County Fair Shooting Sports Competition Results
Name Town Exh # Prone Standing Sitting Kneeling Total Ribbon Medal
BB GUN – 8-9 Years Old
Lacey Petersen Tekamah 102 84 64 83 79 310 Purple Gold
Kaden Frahm Lyons 103 85 69 81 74 309 Purple Silver
Tate Simonsen Lyons 104 63 59 53 57 232 Blue Bronze
Kaiden Bunn Lyons 101 62 41 51 48 202 Blue
BB GUN – 10-11 Years Old
Zach Petersen Tekamah 203 61 62 69 73 265 Purple Gold
Austin Stammer Craig 202 77 46 68 71 262 Purple Silver
BB GUN – 12-13 Years Old
Brandi Simonsen Lyons 201 59 68 65 63 255 Purple Gold
Name Town Exh # Prone Standing Kneeling Total Ribbon Medal
Air Rifle – 11-12 years old
Brandi Simonsen Lyons 501 51 27 47 125 Purple Gold
Zach Petersen Tekamah 503 42 17 54 113 Purple Silver
Austin Stammer Craig 502 49 27 19 95 Blue Bronze
Air Rifle – 15-18 years old
Thomas Hennig Tekamah 601 94 74 97 265 Purple Gold
Paige Stammer Craig 602 34 32 30 96 Blue Silver
Name Town Exh # Test Round 1 Round 2 Total Ribbon Medal
Trap – 12-13 years old
Weston Zolck Herman 101 36 21 18 75 Purple Gold
Trap – 16-18 years old
Nick Bohannon Tekamah 201 42 18 19 79 Purple Gold
Paige Stammer Craig 202 26 15 10 51 Blue Silver

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Tractor Driving Results From Burt County Fair

August 1, 2014 Leave a comment


tractor-summary scoresheet 2014

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Wisner to Hold Journey2Recovery Benefit

July 31, 2014 Leave a comment


I want to let the NCMA and NMCA members know that August 23rd will be the date when the Journey2Recovery Benefit will be held in Wisner.  The purpose of the event is to raise funds to help people in Northeast Nebraska whose homes and businesses were seriously impacted by the tornadoes and storms that tore through the region in mid June.

 

What started out as being an auction to raise some funds grew into this event that will feature food and refreshments, live music, and an auction of 100 or more items.  I am attaching a list of auction items received to date.

 

The event will begin early that afternoon and go on until roughly 11:00 PM.  6 regional bands will perform before headliner Daryle Singletary takes the stage for the main event performance.  The bands include:  Cactus Flats, Jason Earl, Badd Combination, Belles & Whistles, skreTTa eTc, and the Punching Pumpkins.  Country and rock will be the main courses, along with burgers, hot dogs, cold drinks, and some great auction items.

 

Advance tickets at $15 each will go on sale on Friday, August 1st, through www.fuseweekly.com, or you can pick them up in person currently at the Ralston Arena or at Citizens State Bank and Pinnacle Bank in Wisner.  Tickets on the day of the event will be $20.  Children 12 and under will be admitted free.  The event will be held at Wisner River Park the week after the Thunder By the River tractor pull.

 

As our Facebook page says, this is where Nebraska Rebuilds Nebraska.  I hope that many of you can join us for some or all of the day on August 23rd.

 

Thank you for allowing me to share this with each of you.

 

Al Vacanti

City of Wisner

(308) 430-3904 – cell phone

JOURNEY2RECOVERY BENEFIT AUCTION ITEMS

Dinner for 8 with Governor Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Ganem at the Governor’s Mansion

2-night stay at Wisner Haus (Courtesy of Dave and Cindy Goeller)

Limited edition pencil sketches signed by George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush and artist Michael Reagan

Abby Jensen framed photograph

Amber Shane 20”x24” framed metal print

“Big Macs” – open edition print from Greg Garrett

“Prairie Rockets” – limited edition print from Greg Garrett

“The Great Escape” – limited edition print from Greg Garrett

Jason Jilg photograph

“Wheel of Fortune” package – Pat & Vanna signed photos, signed wedge, t-shirt & passes for 4 to taping

“Dennis the Menace” original illustration from Ron Ferdinand

“Miranda Lambert Platinum” CD autographed by Miranda Lambert

“Kansas” package – photo and “Dust In the Wind” commemorative book signed by band + cap & CD

Box of 14 Amber Shane photo greeting cards

“Memnoch the Devil” – signed by Anne Rice

“Interview With the Vampire” – signed by Anne Rice

“The Wolves of Midwinter” – signed by Anne Rice

“Your Heart Belongs to Me” – signed by Dean Koontz

Clayton Anderson (“Nebraska’s Astronaut”) – 2 signed photos

Gary Sinise autographed photo

Tim Allen autographed photo and “Last Man Standing” script

2 t-shirts & CDs from Billy McGuigan

Sports Items

Golf for 4 + carts at Dismal River Golf Club (good through October, 2015)

4 tickets, parking passes to Kansas Speedway in October

2 Club Level tickets – Nebraska vs. Illinois on September 27th – (Courtesy 1st National Bank)

2 tickets to September 12th Ameritas Challenge NU Volleyball game (Courtesy Ameritas)

2 tickets NU Basketball – Big 10 game t/b/d (Courtesy Ameritas)

4 tickets to Tri-City Storm USHL hockey game + 2 rooms at Microtel Kearney

Golf for 4 + carts at Omaha Country Club

Golf for 4 + carts at Indian Trails – Beemer

Bo Pelini autographed poster

Fishing trip for 1 to …

I day fish/hunt package to western Nebraska (Courtesy Andy Elder)

Eric Crouch signed “Go Big Red” wood plaque (Courtesy Bill Dunn)

“Hurry Hurry Omaha” t-shirt signed by Peyton Manning

Huskers Legends autographed football (40-50 signatures) (Courtesy Jerry Murtaugh)

Huskers football signed by Jeff Kinney & Jerry Tagge (Courtesy Al & Anne Vacanti)

Huskers mini-helmet signed by Jeff Kinney & Jerry Tagge (Courtesy Al & Anne Vacanti)

Jose Canseco autographed bat (Courtesy Sports For Kids Foundation)

Andre Dawson autographed baseball (Courtesy Sports For Kids Foundation)

Tony Perez autographed baseball (Courtesy Sports For Kids Foundation)

Warren Spahn autographed framed photo (Courtesy Al & Anne Vacanti)

Franco Harris autographed framed photo (Courtesy Al & Anne Vacanti)

Bob Feller autographed framed photo (Courtesy Al & Anne Vacanti)

Billy Williams autographed framed photo (Courtesy Al & Anne Vacanti)

Commemorative 1970 National Champions poster (Courtesy Jerry Murtaugh)

2 pair Adidas golf shoes (Courtesy Omaha Country Club)

TaylorMade driver (Courtesy Omaha Country Club)

Tony Oliva autographed Minnesota Twins legends photo

John Calipari autographed photo

“Getting a W in the Game of Life” – book signed by Dick Vitale

“Fabulous 50 Players and Moments in College Basketball” – signed by Dick Vitale

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Leadership Burt County Taking Applications

July 30, 2014 Leave a comment


Are you interested in sharpening your leadership skills? Would you like to know how to work with different personality types, and learn more about what makes our economy tick? Applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming year’s Leadership Burt County Class. The nine-month class begins on Oct. 7th, and is held the first Tuesday of each month through May, from 9am – 3:30pm. Locations for class vary throughout the county each month.

 

This will be the fifth year of Leadership Burt County, which is sponsored by UNL Extension and Burt County Economic Development Corporation. To apply, or to recommend someone, please contact Burt County EDC at burtcoedec@abbnebraska.com. Maximum class size is twelve, so get your applications in early!

 

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Oakland City Office Closed

July 25, 2014 Leave a comment


The Oakland City Office will be closed today (Friday July 25) for staff training. Please drop any water payments in the outside drop box. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you!

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Going, Going, GONE

July 24, 2014 2 Comments


The Oakland City Council has made many efforts with Jeremy Crimmins, owner of three homes in Oakland that were taken down today. He has had several years to bring the properties up to code, failing to do so every time. Recently, the Oakland City Council hired a Condemnation person, Gary Huse. He is a qualified person in the field of construction, leading to his abilities in condemnation, meaning properties that are in severe disarray.

It is a detriment to those living in the area to have such disheveled properties in the neighborhood. Not only is it an eyesore, but it brings down property value to those owning property in the area. Selling a home in an area such as this would be nearly impossible.

At the end of the day, improvements were made. Those driving by gave a thumbs up and were all smiles to see the beginning of improvements, which will, hopefully, lead to many more improvements soon!

Down go condemned properties! All photos Credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Down go condemned properties! All photos Credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Roundabout Construction Scheduled to Begin on Monday

July 23, 2014 1 Comment


There is a new start date for construction of the roundabout at Highway 77/32 junction. It was originally scheduled to begin on July 7th. “The contractor requested a short delay in the starting of the project due to rain delays on other projects they were working on this spring. The new start date will be July 28th,” stated Kevin Domogalla of the Nebraska Department of Roads.

The purpose of the roundabout is to reduce high speed right angle crashes at the intersection. There are five phases in constructing the roundabout and two stages, resulting in detours that may cause some travellers a longer distance in reaching their destination.

There will be 75 working days allowed for the contractor to finish the project. “Jeff Francis, our Project Manager, will be meeting with the contractor in the next few days to discuss their work schedule,” Domogalla said. “He will have a better idea after his meeting on what the first orders of business will be on the 28th”.

Anticipate delays and detours at the beginning of the week. Kat Country Hub will keep you informed of any scheduling changes

 

The junction of Highway 77/32 will soon take on a new look with the construction of a roundabout. Both Photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The junction of Highway 77/32 will soon take on a new look with the construction of a roundabout. Both Photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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