Winter Weather Advisory


A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Northeast Nebraska beginning at 6:00 a.m. Saturday (tomorrow), March 1st until 6:00 a.m. Sunday, March 2nd.

Light snow will spread into the area Saturday morning and continue into the evening. Snowfall of four to six inches is possible. Travel may become hazardous.

Bitter cold temperatures will also be over the area, resulting in dangerous wind chills.

Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Use caution while driving.

Farm to School Summit Coming to West Point


Do you want to learn more about Farm to School opportunities in Nebraska?  Join The Center for Rural Affairs along with the Nebraska Department of Education, the Nebraska Food Cooperative and Nebraska Farmers Union for a Farm to School Summit on the afternoon of March 18 in West Point, Nebraska.

Farm to School Summit
1:00 – 4:30pm
Tuesday, March 18
Nielsen Community Center
West Point, NE
*Please register before March 10 at www.cfra.org/farm-to-school

This informative, hands-on workshop will bring together cross-sector stakeholders (schools, growers/producers, and community members) and small to mid-sized producers, school districts, and community members will find this Summit informational and actionable.

Three breakout tracks will be held that will set your farm, school, or community on the garden path to plot out the feasibility, identify barriers and opportunities, and develop an action plan. Implementing a farm to school program is not a “one size fits all!”

For more info visit our Farm to School website or contact me at carylg@cfra.org or on my
cell (308) 850-6041 or office (308) 357-1000

“Custer in Nebraska” Coming to the Neihardt Center


At 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 9th, author and historian Jeff Barnes will present his newest presentation, “Custer in Nebraska: The Royal Buffalo Hunt of 1872.” Lt. Colonel George A. Custer was one of the best-known so-called Indian fighters of the 19th century, but four years before the epic Battle at the Little Big Horn (June 1876), he conducted a group of other stellar names on one of the last large-scale buffalo hunts on the Great Plains. In that group were the notorious Gen. Phil Sheridan, legendary William F. Cody, and Grand Duke Alexis of Russia. Using newspaper accounts and photographs, Barnes will narrate the trip across Nebraska, beginning with the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha.

Jeff Barnes is a former newspaper reporter and editor, now a freelance writer of historical focus. His other books include: “Forts of the Northern Plains” and “The Great Plains Guide to Buffalo Bill.” Barnes is a popular speaker for Humanities Nebraska; another presentation is “Buffalo Bill’s Nebraska.”

The program is free and open to the public, and a reception follows the program. Barnes’ books will be available for sale and signing.

4-H Mindstormers Robotics Team Competes at State


The Burt County 4-H Mindstormers Robotics Team competed in the State 4-H First LEGO League (FLL) robotics competition on Saturday, February 22 at the SAC Museum near Ashland.

Team members are: Amelia & Caleb Schlichting of Lyons; Jacob Unwin, of Oakland; Michael Bracht of West Point; and Lucas Niewohner of

The Burt County Mindstormers 4-H Robotics team competed recently at the state First LEGO League competition at the SAC Museum near Ashland. Showing off their LEGO robot and lots of proud smiles are: front row: Lucas Niewohner, Caleb Schlichting, Michael Bracht, Jacob Unwin and Amelia Schlichting. In the back row are their team coaches: Scott Niewohner and Tricia Bracht. Photo Credit/Michelle Niewohner.

The Burt County Mindstormers 4-H Robotics team competed recently at the state First LEGO League competition at the SAC Museum near Ashland.
Showing off their LEGO robot and lots of proud smiles are: front row: Lucas Niewohner, Caleb Schlichting, Michael Bracht, Jacob Unwin and Amelia Schlichting. In the back row are their team coaches: Scott Niewohner and Tricia Bracht. Photo Credit/Michelle Niewohner.

 

4-H Mindstormers Robotics members are: Lucas Niewohner, Caleb Schlichting, Amelia Schlichtung, Jacob Unwin and Michael Bracht. Photo Credit/Rosa Schmidt.

4-H Mindstormers Robotics members are: Lucas Niewohner, Caleb Schlichting, Amelia Schlichtung, Jacob Unwin and Michael Bracht. Photo Credit/Rosa Schmidt.

Herman. Their coaches are Tricia Bracht and Scott Niewohner. This is the first year the group has entered competition and to go to state is quite an accomplishment.

The Burt County team was in first place through the first round of the Robot Game portion of competition, however there are three rounds and only the highest score out of the three rounds is counted. During this competition the team programs their robot to do it’s “disaster rescue.” The theme for this year’s competition was “Nature’s Fury”. The Mindstormers chose a tornado as the natural disaster they wanted their robot to address. These young robotic engineers ended up in 5th place out of 44 teams in the Robot Game competition.

The other three parts of the contest are judged by two judges including: project solutions, core values and robot design. Only the top three teams are recognized in these parts of the competition. The Burt County team did not place that high in these judging area so they remain unaware of how well they compared.

The top two teams from the state competition go on to nationals either in California or Toronto, Canada. Unfortunately the Burt County Mindstormers won’t be packing their bags or getting a passport to continue their robotics experience, but they still have plans in the works.

While the official First LEGO League competition is now finished for the year, the Mindstormers have entered their solutions for their tornado disaster situation in the “FLL Global Innovation Award” competition. According to the award website many FLL teams have had the innovative solutions they created through the FLL project lead to some amazing opportunities. These include local and national media coverage, meeting government leaders and seeing their invention be patented and brought to the market. For some, their inventions have changed lives.

I expect great things from this young Burt County group…maybe not this year, but certainly in the near future. They are an extremely talented group of 4-H members who hit the ground running their first year in the FLL robotics competition. Hat’s off to the 4-H Mindstormers and their coaches for a job well done!

 

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

 

Visa/Mastercard Fraud


This is a heads up for everyone regarding the latest in Visa fraud. Royal Bank received this communication about the newest scam. This is happening in the Midwest right now and moving across the country.

This one is pretty slick, since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.

 

This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard telephone Credit Card Scam works, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself.

 

The scam works like this:

Person calling says – ‘This is (name) and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460, your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?’ When you say ‘No’, the caller continues with, ‘Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching, and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address). Is that correct?’ You say ‘yes’.

The caller continues – ‘I will be starting a Fraud Investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. ‘Do you need me to read it again?’

 

Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works – The caller then says, ‘I need to verify you are in possession of your card’. He’ll ask you to ‘turn your card over and look for some numbers’. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the last 3 are the Security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the last 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say, ‘That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?’

 

After you say no, the caller then thanks you and states, ‘Don’t hesitate to call back if you do’, and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the card number. A person who received this call called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. They were glad they did as the REAL VISA Security Department told them it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to their card. They made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing a new number.What the Scammer wants is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them. Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or Master Card directly for verification of their conversation.

 

The real VISA told them that they will never ask for anything on the card, as they already know the information, since they issued the card! If you give the Scammer your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you’re receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you’ll see charges for purchases you didn’t make, and by then it’s almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

 

If you get a call, don’t let them finish. Hang up! Then file a police report. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily!Spread the word to everyone you know as it appears to be a very active scam, and evidently quite successful.

 

 

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

Mary Loftis

Mary Loftis

Court Overturns LB1161


Nebraska Farmers Union Says Court Decision to Overturn LB1161
is an Enormous Victory for Landowner Rights and Due Process
 
Lincoln, NE – Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) is extremely pleased with today’s court decision ruling LB 1161 unconstitutional, and is proud of our landowners, members, and the legal team.  This court decision affirms our initial suspicions that we clearly voiced at every step of the process with the Nebraska Legislature about the constitutionality of circumventing the siting and routing process that had already been approved in the 2011 Special Session LB1.  We said this was special use legislation, that it was unconstitutional, and lacked the appropriate safeguards and process for the use of eminent domain.
 
This is an enormous victory for our landowners, for the protection of private property rights relative to the proper use of eminent domain, for due process, and for the legal system.  Landowner attorney David Domina and his legal team did an outstanding job, as did our landowners Susan Straka, Susan Dunavan, and Randy Thompson.
 
TransCanada’s arrogance once again appropriately bit them.  The President cannot approve a pipeline that does not have an approved route through the State of Nebraska.
 
The entire TransCanada process in Nebraska has been a process of unending shortcuts.  TransCanada took a shortcut over the Sandhills and the Ogallala Aquifer which was problematic.  They then took a shortcut in due process in the Nebraska Legislature.  And in both cases these shortcuts led to a dead end.  This ruling is a perfect example of what happens when you take procedural shortcuts and violate our constitution.
 
Nebraska Farmers Union is a general farm organization with more than 6,000 farm and ranch family members dedicated to protecting and enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers, and their rural communities.  Since 1913, Nebraska Farmers Union has helped organize over 445 cooperatives.
 
 
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Graham P. Christensen
Public Affairs Director
Nebraska Farmers Union
402-476-8815 (Office)
402-217-5217 (Cell)
facebook: Nebraska Farmers Union
@grahamchristen

Center for Rural Affairs Presents Citizenship Award


Lyons, NE –  The Center for Rural Affairs presented its 2013 Citizenship Award to Dr. Amanda McKinney, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist practicing in Beatrice, Nebraska. She was honored at a special awards banquet February 10 at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, Nebraska. The Citizenship Award is given annually to an individual or individuals who actively participate in the democratic process for creating public policy, and who work closely with the Center for Rural Affairs to advance public policies that strengthen family farms, ranches and rural communities.

“I firmly believe that all humans have the right to clean air, clean water, healthy food, basic medical care and a habitable planet,” stated Dr. Amanda McKinney. “Because I believe these things, it would be wrong for me to sit idly by. So, I speak out hoping that others will listen. For me, it is what I can do to be an active member of the human community.”

According to Virginia Meyer with Center for Rural Affairs, Dr. McKinney is a strong supporter of the Center for Rural Affairs, speaking in support of improvements to rural health care. She wrote letters to the editor in support of expanding the Medicaid program in our state and creating an effective health insurance exchange. She also authored newspaper guest opinions in collaboration with Center staff on health care issues. In addition to health care, Dr. McKinney is passionate about the environment and developing our wind resources. She attended gatherings organized by the Center for Rural Affairs on wind development and beginning farmer and rancher issues.

“Dr. McKinney has been a tremendous advocate for rural Nebraska and for those that call rural Nebraska home. She has stepped beyond her medical practice to advocate for rural people and for rural communities. It is that caring commitment to rural America and going the extra mile to advocate for rural that defines our Citizenship Award. Rural America depends on citizens like Dr. McKinney to do what they can to make rural communities stronger. That is our mission and we are proud to honor Dr. McKinney and all she has done,” said Jon Bailey, Director of the Rural Public Policy Program at the Center for Rural Affairs.

 

One New Election Filing


The only new filing for this area as of today is: Tammy Schinck of Oakland has filed for Oakland City Council.

Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting


The Burt County Board of Supervisors met February 11, 2014, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting with the following members present:  Clifford Morrow, GeraldNewill, David Schold, Perry Rogers, Matt Connealy, Greg Brummond and Gene Rollins.

 

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Newill, seconded by Rollins, all voting aye.  Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.

 

Upon motion by Rollins, seconded by Brummond, the agenda was approved, all voting aye.

 

Visiting the Board were Peggy Smith, Mike Braniff, Dan Smith, Katie Novak, Joe Zink, Lloyd Olson, Earl Miller, Shirley Jack, Ray Petersen, Harriet Shafer, Vic Jensen, MarlysJensen and Nico Hardeman.

 

The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of Fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for January were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Connealy, all voting aye.

 

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Brummond, all voting aye.

 

Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $577,419.73 were approved upon motion by Schold, seconded by Newill, all voting aye.

 

Highway Superintendent Peggy Smith brought the Board up to date on the progress on the drainage analysis on County Road P.

 

Chairman Morrow reported to the Board that the amount the County currently pays for burials of $1,650.00 is not covering the cost that the funeral home incurs for a county burial.  Many counties only offer cremation, and if Burt County chooses to go to cremation only, it would not be necessary to raise the cost of county burials.  This issue will be on the agenda for the February 27, 2014 meeting, and the Board will vote on limiting county burials to cremation at that time.

 

The possibility of naming Arizona Cemetery and Silver Creek Cemetery as Pioneer Cemeteries was discussed.  Ray Petersen was in attendance, representing the Tekamah Cemetery District, and stated that the District would be willing to mow the two cemeteries, thereby eliminating the need for the County to declare them abandoned and maintain them.  Lloyd Olson spoke for the Arizona Cemetery, stating that they would be satisfied if the Tekamah Cemetery District would mow the Arizona Cemetery and would not pursue having it considered an abandoned cemetery.  Phyllis Rieken, who submitted the petition for the Silver Creek Cemetery, was not in attendance.  The Board considered the issue settled.  If the Silver Creek Cemetery representatives are not content with the agreement wherein the Tekamah Cemetery Board agrees to mow their cemetery, they will have to approach the Board again at a later date.

 

Nico Hardeman was in attendance with questions regarding when the County would hard surface County Road V near Hardsteel, citing the repair costs he has incurred due to dust from the road.  The cost and durability of pavement and asphalt were discussed, as well as the possibility of getting asphalt from the same company that will be resurfacing Highway 75 at a reduced rate.  This project is on the 1 and 6 Year Road Plan, and the possibility of borrowing from the Inheritance Tax Fund in order to move it up to this year was also discussed. Highway Superintendent Smith said part of the engineering has already been done and she will ask for the rest to be completed before the Board makes a final decision.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Board adjourned at 10:43 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. February 27, 2014.

 

ATTEST: MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE  CLIFFORD L. MOPRROW, CHAIRMAN

BURT COUNTY CLERK       BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

 

These minutes are not part of the official record and are not yet approved and may be corrected.  A copy of the approved official minutes is available to the public at the Clerk’s Office.

 

Colon Cancer Screening Kits Available


For Immediate Release

February 11, 2014

Contact: Matt Punelli – matt@elvphd.org

Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department

 

Free Colon Cancer Screening Kits Available

Colon cancer is preventable and treatable if discovered early, so now is the time to think about getting screened. Over 90% of colorectal cancer cases are found in adults aged 50 and over, which is why yearly screenings are important if you are over 50. Treatment is most effective when colon cancer is detected early, and screening can even prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancer. The Elkhorn Logan Valley Colon Cancer Prevention Coalition has free Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits available at area locations.

 

Kit locations in Cuming County:

  • Shopko Pharmacy in West Point
  • Tom’s Rexall in West Point
  • Dinklage Medical Clinic in West Point
  • Cuming County Extension Office
  • Wisner Pharmacy
  • Wisner Family Practice
  • Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department

 

Kit locations in Burt County:

  • Tekamah Mercy Medical Clinic
  • Wragge Pharmacy in Tekamah
  • Lyons Public Library
  • Oakland Public Library

 

For more information about the free FOBT kits please contact the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department at (402) 529-2233.

 

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