Building deteriorating on Oakland’s Main Street

The condition of the Alpha Land Surveying on Main Street in Oakland, NE is deteriorating. “It has been getting worse for the past seven years,” stated Kathy Sonnenfelt, owner of Nifty Thrifty in Oakland, NE. Nifty Thrifty is right next to Alpha Land Surveying, to the south.

The condition

All pictures are the back of Alpha Land Surveying in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub

of the building has gotten worse over the years. “The roof is collapsing, landing on the floor inside of the building. The gutters aren’t up and when it rains, the rain seeps into our store,” Kathy said.

She has made contact with the owner of the building, Fred Franklin, who had his business there previously. “He hasn’t worked there in a long time. When I bring up the situation, he doesn’t do anything about it,” Kathy stated.

There are other issues Kathy is very concerned about. “Over the last couple of months, his building is pulling bricks out of my building,” Kathy said. That isn’t all.

“There are beehives to the north side. They seem to be congregating. The hive is about six feet long, a foot wide and three inches thick. I would advise people not to get out of their vehicles in back of the building,” Kathy stated. “There are also birds, cats and other critters that go in and out of the building.”

The imminent threat was a fire as the gas was still on to the building. “The gas company came and shut the gas off, taking the meter too.” Kathy said. “The windows have been open for a long time and the air conditioner is always running. On the roof, there is an extension cord laying in water that is plugged in to an outlet.”

Kathy has issued a written complaint to the Oakland City Council. “This could take time as they have a process to go through to get anything done,” Kathy stated.

When Fred Franklin was contacted to comment on his building and his intentions toward resolving the situation, he had this to say: “I have been dealing with my insurance company for the last five months. I finally got a check. I have hired a contractor out of Scribner to take care of the situation.”

Watch for updates on the situation in Kat Country Hub.

Social Speaks: Labor Day

How is everyone spending the long Labor Day weekend?

Cute kids pictures

Kat Country Hub invites you to share pictures of your children and grandchildren! Please email pictures to katcountryhub@gmail.com by Fri., Sept. 6th. Include name, age, parents, grandparents and where they live. Let’s show off the children we are blessed with!

Taking down the bath house

The bath house at the Lyons pool came down this week as construction for the new bath house and pool will soon be underway. The new pool will be open to the public next summer, 2014.

The bath house being taken down. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub

Amanda Brummond, Bancroft-Rosalie class of 2013

Kat Country Hub is pleased to post another story from area 2013 graduates, where they are, and what they hope to co with their future. This is the second story in what has expanded into a four part series. More are welcome!

Amanda Brummond

THE HEAT IS ON!!!

Kat Country Hub Editor and Chief, Denise Gilliland, got a bit warm while picking peaches today. A sprinkler seemed to work just fine! 95 degree heat, with humidity and heat index of over 100, tends to bring out the child in anyone! How are you staying cool?

Denise Gilliland in the sprinkler. Photo Credit/Jeff Gilliland, co-owner Kat Country Hub

Heat advisory

Burt, Thurston and Cuming Counties in Nebraska, are in a heat advisory until Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The humidity is expected to be high, and temperatures will be in the 90’s, with heat indexes expected to be from 100-105.

People are urged to stay inside, in air conditioning and drink plenty of fluids. If you are outside, wear loose, light colored clothing and avoid direct sunlight, and again, drink plenty of fluids.

LDNE 2013 graduates off to next adventure

This is a three part series. Up first is Brenna Wakeley. Kat Country Hub asked her to share her feelings on going off to college, leaving Lyons and what her expectations are for her future. Here is what Brenna submitted to Kat Country Hub.

The time is finally here. It felt so distant 4 years ago starting my freshman year. But now, I’ve begun to pack my dorm room items in storage tubs and stacked them in my room ready to go. I have to admit that I’m sad to leave my family. I’ve spent the last 18 years living with them and now I’ll be on my own. While sharing feelings and tears the last few months, I know they feel the same way. Luckily, Wayne State is only about 45 minutes away. I’m excited to start this new part of my life and be independent.

LDNE 2013 graduate Brenna Wakeley.

With 16 credit hours, I know that Wayne State is going to keep me busy. I’ve decided to take Biology, Computers, Algebra, Psychology, and Spanish. Lyons-Decatur has done a great job preparing me for these classes. I plan to take full advantage to all Wayne State offers. Intermurals, the rec, and other social activities will keep me occupied. I’m excited to decorate my room, meet new friends, and start this new journey. The time to leave is here whether I like it or not so I might as well make the most of it. This is supposed to be the best time of my life and I plan to enjoy every minute of it.

Lyons Police Report

Lyons Police Report

July 2013

Mileage: 1,592

Fuel: 88.05

Citations: 6

Unlicensed vehicle: 5

Careless Driving: 1

Correctional: 6

Brake light on: 1

Head light violation: 3

Taillight: 1

Warnings: 10

Careless driving: 2

Failure to use turn signal: 1

Stop Sign: 2

Speeding: 5

Calls: 58

Civil dispute: 5

Prowler: 3

Dog at large: 8

Man passed out on sidewalk with pants down: 1

911 hang-up: 2

Client left the home: 1

Trouble with son and he ran from home: 4

Vehicle reckless driving: 4

Theft: 5

Call for service: 7

Assault: 1

Criminal mischief: 1

Drunk female in street: 1

Accident: 2

Harassment: 1

Loud fireworks: 6

Skinny dippers in pool: 1

Complaint on rabbits: 5

Assisted Thurston County: 1

Man holding female hostage under blanket in car going south on hwy 77

Assisted State Patrol: 1

Pursuit in west end of Cuming County

Assisted Oakland Police: 3

Traffic Control

Arrest: 2

Assisted Lyons Rescue: 2

Arrests: 1

Domestic assault

Received assistance from:

Nebraska State Patrol: 1

Burt County Sheriff: 1

Oakland P.D.: 1

Car searches: 4

Lyons Police Department Chief:

James P. Buck

Keno is coming soon to Lyons

Mike Fillipi, owner of the Branding Iron.
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Kat Country Hub.

Keno is coming to Lyons, specifically the Branding Iron. Mike Fillipi, owner of the Branding Iron since November of 2012, approached the city council a few months ago with the idea of Keno being allowed at his establishment. Upon a vote of the citizens of Lyons, Keno was approved with 235 voting for it and 60 against keno.

Mike had a few reasons for wanting Keno at his establishment. “People go to Fremont and Sloan to play it. I want to keep some money in Lyons,” Mike said. “It will also help bring in more business.”

The city will also benefit financially from the Branding Iron having Keno. “It is mandated by the state, so I am not sure yet what percentage of the profits the city receives,” Mike stated.

There is quite a bit to do before Keno will be available at the Branding Iron. “The city council has to sign some things. I have to buy the equipment for it, TV’s, the scanner that picks the numbers, etc.,” Mike said.

Keno will be located in the bar area of the Branding Iron. “I don’t want the people in the dining area to be distracted by it. But, they can also go in the bar area to play keno if they want to,” Mike stated.

Keno is a game based on numbers the customer has chosen and the numbers that are drawn, a lottery type of game, but not very costly. Numbers are drawn every five minutes, but may be changed to every three minutes. “People can come in, and play the game,” Mike said.

Employees also have to be trained to play the game. “A person has to be trained to enter the correct numbers, and other things. There is a training class for it. I am not going to have everyone trained. There is a less chance for errors then,” Mike stated.

Mike lives in Pender. He bought the business from Dan and Diane Bacon last November. “They had good food and good service. We have a good business going now too, and many regulars.” Mike said.

He is looking forward to the arrival of Keno. “I just hope it goes good for Lyons,” Mike stated.