Winter Weather Advisory

January 24, 2016 Leave a comment


Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 3 am to 3 PM CST Monday… light freezing drizzle will develop in southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa near or after 3 am. This will continue through the morning hours. A period of some light freezing rain is also possible…especially during the early morning Monday. Light snow will mix in by late morning and a period of light snow is expected into early afternoon.

Ice accumulations are expected to be light…less than a couple hundredths of an inch.

Light snow accumulations are possible…with amounts under one inch expected.

The ice will result in very slippery conditions on sidewalks… roads…and bridges…including during the morning commute on Monday. Precautionary/preparedness actions… A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities…and use caution while driving. The latest Road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

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Final Reminder: Private Pesticide Applicator Training Offered

January 23, 2016 Leave a comment


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

Farmers needing to be certified or recertified to purchase and/or apply restricted use pesticides to land they farm, whether owned or rented, will want to attend the training offered on Wednesday, January 27. Two sessions will be held that day at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the First National Bank Northeast meeting room in Tekamah.

Preregistration is not required, just attend the session that is most convenient for you. If this date does not work, I have a list of when training is offered in surrounding counties or you may go to http://pested.unl.edu/ for a list of all private applicator classes offered across the state.

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Unicameral Votes for Meatpackers Over Family Farmers and Ranchers

January 23, 2016 Leave a comment


Center for Rural Affairs calls advancement of LB176 “unconscionable.”

The Nebraska legislature voted to advance LB 176 from Select File to the bill’s final reading and vote on final passage, which could occur as early as next week. LB 176, introduced by Senator Ken Schilz last session, would rescind Nebraska’s statute prohibiting meatpacking companies from owning and feeding hogs prior to slaughter.

 

Debate over the bill was halted when 33 Senators voted in favor of invoking cloture and ending debate. The bill was advanced from Select File by a vote of 32 to 12.

 

“In a world where packers own all the livestock, what place is there for farmers and ranchers?”

Traci Bruckner. Center for Rural Affairs

 

“There is no other way to see this vote, other than corporate money talked, and too many Senators listened,” said Traci Bruckner, Senior Policy Advocate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Meatpackers want to own hogs because that’s where the profit it. They’d rather someone else did all the work of raising the pigs, stood all the risk, and debt-financed the buildings.”

 

Make no mistake, this was about the bottom-line of meatpacking corporations. This bill offers nothing to family farmers and ranchers, creates no opportunities. In fact, it does the opposite, it slams the door in the face of farmers and ranchers, especially young farmers trying to get started in livestock production, and instead offers them the chance to become virtual serfs to meatpacking companies, Bruckner added.

 

According to Bruckner, arguments by proponents that the bill was needed for reasons of constitutionality, and to address declines in hog production in Nebraska were both completely unfounded. Hog inventories have been on the increase, according to USDA’s quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, and an Attorney General’s formal opinion on LB 176 and the state’s ban on packer ownership stated that the bill does not resolve any constitutional questions, nor does current law regarding packer ownership of livestock “…discriminate against nor unduly burden interstate commerce.”

 

Bruckner went on to applaud the efforts of a core group of Senators that stood in opposition to the meatpacking corporations.

 

“Senator Davis, Senator Bloomfield, Senator Schnoor, Senator Sullivan, Senator Groene, Senator Chambers… these Senators had the courage to stand up for farmer, ranchers and small town Nebraska. And they were heroic in their efforts. Senator Davis, in particular, was a true champion for rural Nebraska and the family farms and ranches that are the backbone of our rural economy,” Bruckner continued.

 

“This legislation is not about helping family farmers, it is not about jobs, nor rebuilding communities. If consolidation and vertical integration created jobs and healthy communities, rural Nebraska would be a paradise today. But in truth, this bill will result in fewer farmers, declining rural population and shrinking small town economic opportunities,” said Traci Bruckner, Senior Policy Advocate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “We believe in a bright future for rural Nebraska, with vibrant small towns surrounded by thriving family farms and ranches. But advancing the cynical vision of LB 176 will only serve to make achieving that future that much more difficult.”
“In a world where packers own all the livestock, what place is there for farmers and ranchers?” Traci Bruckner concluded.

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Lyons City Council Meeting Minutes

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


LYONS CITY COUNCIL MEETING

January 5, 2016

A regular meeting of the Mayor and Council of the City of Lyons was called to order by Mayor Andrew Fuston at 5:30 P.M., January 5, 2016, at the Lyons City Hall. Present were Council members Steinmeyer, Brink, Wheaton, and Minton.

The Mayor publicly stated to all in attendance that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act was available for review and indicated the location of such copy posted in the room where the meeting was being held.

The meeting was called to order upon motion by Brink, second by Wheaton. Motion carried.

Moved by Wheaton, seconded by Minton to approve the following consent agenda:

  1. Dispense with reading of minutes of meetings held December 1.
  2. Claims as presented.
  3. Treasurer report.

All council members voted YEA.

CLAIMS: C & J AUTO maint 125.00, CHRYSLER CAPITAL police car 651.58, CURB APPEAL serv 2,520.00, ENGELHARDT TV & COMM battery 68.99, FARM AND HOME INSURANCE treasurer bond 125.00, FRICKENSTEIN PUMPING serv 595.00, GALE/CENTAGE LEARNING books 65.41, JACK’S UNIFORMS shoes 89.95, JENSEN PLUMBING & HEATING serv 1,270.20, LORENSEN GRAIN & READY MIX rock, gravel, sand 1,214.96, LYONS MIRROR-SUN publ 121.69, LYONS POSTMASTER box rent 114.00, MARILYN TENNEY reimb 10.00, MIDWEST SERVICE AND SALES maint 1,077.30, PENWORTHY books 64.97, ROBERT RIVERA ins reimb 95.74, T & H ELECTRIC baler setup 1,329.36, VERIZON WIRELESS serv 185.83, AMERICAN BROADBAND serv 516.55, AMERICAN FUNDS SERVICE pension 549.07, BURT COUNTY SHERIFF fees 20.00, RICHARD P COEN JR serv 825.00, DANIEL A SMITH fee 1,000.00, ELECTRONIC CONTRACTING serv 700.17, ELITE COMPUTERS maint 48.00, SYNCHRONY BANK/AMAZON books/suppl 409.40, HOLMQUIST GRAIN & LUMBER suppl 63.43, OFFICE NET serv 80.00, OLSSON ASSOCIATES fees 957.03, JIM BUCK ins reimb 1,250.00, GREGG SIMONSEN ins reimb 505.77, NE DHHS lic renewals 690.00, REGION 4 deposit refund 244.14, DONNA FARRENS deposit refund 162.91, JUDSON GOLKA deposit refund 210.31, COLONIAL RESEARCH CHEMICAL suppl 176.65, WESTERN AREA POWER ADMIN elec 7,059.59, GAS PRODUCTS SALES meters 1,601.00, HD SUPPLY WATERWORKS meters 4,028.06, MIDWEST LABORATORIES testing 163.63, NDEQ – FISCAL SERVICES license 150.00, NEBRASKA PUBLIC HEALTH testing 52.00, NPGA nat gas 26,515.67, NPPD elec 27,835.56, QUALITY PRINTING suppl 284.00, SAVEMORE MARKET suppl 39.22, STEINY’S GENERAL STORE suppl 993.94, ZEE MEDICAL suppl 38.40, BURT COUNTY PUBLIC POWER elec 1,841.40, CENTURYLINK serv 45.86, CITY OF LYONS util 4,968.57, CLARITUS suppl 168.71, CNA AUTO serv 1,311.79, CUMMINS CENTRAL POWER maint 1,089.07, DOUGLAS COUNTY HEALTH testing 10.00, GAS PRODUCTS SALES suppl 230.10, LEAGUE OF NE MUNICIPALITIES workshop 40.00, MAILFINANCE equip lease 327.00, NEBRASKA RURAL WATER ASSOC dues 150.00, OHIO NATIONAL LIFE pension 3,919.20, PENDER IMPLEMENT chain saw 494.13, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ins 388.82, SAPP BROS PETROLEUM propane 20.00, NEBR DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 7,467.08, FEDERATED INSURANCE health ins 13,469.05, RON DABERKOW ins reimb 1,250.00, RAYMOND HAYES ins reimb 911.10, MARY LOU RITTER ins reimb 522.72, PAM STANSBERRY ins reimb 819.50, TERRY UEDING ins reimb 747.75, TOTALFUNDS BY HASLER postage fee 19.99, CITY OF LYONS payroll 25,241.46, EFTPS payroll tax 7,360.04, NEBR DEPT OF REVENUE payroll tax 919.98.

Council Member Wheaton introduced Ordinance 723: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING PROVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF LYONS, BURT COUNTY, NEBRASKA, PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTNG OF ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION STANDARDS, (ALSO KNOWN AS NET METERING), STANDARDS FOR INTERCONNECTION, PROCEDURES, AGREEMENTS, CHARGES AND FEES BY ADDING SECTION 3-918 TO 3-921, and moved for the suspension of the statutory rule requiring reading on three separate days, seconded by Minton. Upon roll call vote, YEA: Steinmeyer, Brink, Minton, & Wheaton. NAY: None. The motion to suspend the rules, concurred by all Council members was declared suspended.

Ordinance No. 723 was read by title, and Council member Steinmeyer moved for passage of the ordinance, seconded by Council member Brink. Upon roll call vote, YEA: Steinmeyer, Brink, Minton, & Wheaton. NAY: None. The motion to adopt Ordinance No. 723, by a majority of all Council members, was declared passed and adopted. The Mayor, in the presence of the Council, signed the ordinance, and the Clerk attested the passage and adoption of said ordinance by affixing her signature. Publication of said ordinance is in pamphlet form. The Lyons City Office has a true, correct, and complete copy of Ordinance No. 723.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 P.M., upon motion by Steinmeyer, seconded by Minton. Motion carried.

Mary Lou Ritter, CMC, City Clerk

A complete text of the minutes are on file in the office of the City Clerk, 335 Main Street, during regular business hours.

 

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Beast Feast Huge Success!!

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


The Beast Feast, (Wild Game Feed) held in Oakland over the weekend was a huge success! “We had 200-250 attend,” stated Co-Chamber of Commerce President David Deemer.

The event was held as a fundraiser for Oakland’s 150th celebration to be held in 2018. “With the support of Oakland and our surrounding communities, we made a great step towards obtaining that goal,” Deemer said.

Kim Helzer along with Chamber members and a group from Arlington worked together to provide those attending a wonderful meal. “We have been doing this in Arlington for 11 or 12 years now,” stated Mike Lowe, one of the group members from Arlington who helped in cooking the meal. “It has been a great fundraiser, benefiting many areas of our community.”

The food was an experiment for some. “My favorite was the elk meatballs. They were delicious,” stated Judy Nelson.

Donna Preston had so many delicacies on her plate she wasn’t sure what she was eating. “It is all so delicious, it doesn’t matter,” Donna said.

The success of this event belongs to many individuals. “The Oakland Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Kim Helzer and all of her friends for making this such a successful event,” Deemer stated. “The Oakland Chamber looks forward to possibly doing it again next year! Thanks to everyone who donated towards our 150th celebration.”

A large crowd attends the first annual Beast Feast in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A large crowd attends the first annual Beast Feast in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Sue Beckner, Co-Oakland of Chamber Commerce President thanks the crowd for attending the beast feast! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Sue Beckner, Co-Oakland of Chamber Commerce President thanks the crowd for attending the beast feast! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
January 12th, 2016 4:30P.M.

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on January 12th, 2016. Visitors signing in Patty Plugge, Peggy Smith, Tim Slaughter, Chelsey Dunning, Justin Smith, Nico Hardeman, Jason Troutman, Robert Mayo, Not signing in Alta Wolf, Mark Jackson, Brantley Vavra

 

1)         Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

 

Roll Call: Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

2)        Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting received:

 

Roll Call: Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

3)        Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

 

Roll Call: Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

All present

5)        OATH OF OFFICE: Kellogg asked Cheryl Gatewood to come to the table.

Cheryl Gatewood read I, Cheryl Gatewood, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or for purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of Board of Trustees according to law, and to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence, so help me God.

Subscribed and sworn by the above named Cheryl Gatewood before me this 12th day of January, 2016. Witness my hand and official seal.

Signed Cheryl Gatewood

Witnessed by Ann M. Chytka

Kellogg welcomed her to the Village Board of Decatur

 

6)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

 

1)         Police: Monthly Report- Justin Smith came to the table. He stated that we are having speeding coming off the bridge. He has had a couple of suggestions about how to slow traffic down going across the bridge. One would be to have a cop car parked down by the road it will be manned some of the time and unmanned other times. Another option would be to have a speed sign to let people know what their speed is. Siecke asked if we could borrow the counties radar speed trailer. Smith will do some checking on that. Or we could purchase a standard Radar Enforced signs. The estimate for the solar radar speed sign is $3,595.00.

Officer Smith reported 4 new criminal cases, 11 warnings most from coming over the bridge, and 1 citation given since the 1st of the year.

Officer Smith also stated that he made a demand letter to Joseph Gatto Jr. for the return of $1,395.00 in equipment that belongs to Decatur.

Officer Smith said that we are continuing to deal with the stray dogs. He stated that there is a signup sheet at the village office to have the live dog trap in a residents yard if they are having problems with stray dogs.

5 houses have been deemed condemned by the health board.

2 grants have been worked since November. Click it or Ticket and a DUI grant.

Kellogg appreciates all the work that Officer Smith has done in the last couple months.

 

Gatewood made a motion to purchase 2 Radar Enforced signs 2nd by Tolby Roll-call- Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y, Tolby-y.

 

2)         Lights: Monthly Report Kellogg reported one turned off and one turned back on.   no problems have been reported.
3)         Water & Sewer: Clerk presented the Laynes estimate for fixing the well. Kellogg    signed the proposal. Kellogg asked if the tests for water and sewer had been done.      Chytka stated water went out today and sewer will be sent tomorrow.
4)         Parks: Monthly Report- Tolby report no income from the park. The tree committee will be meeting to discuss placement of the tree’s from the Celebrate   trees grant. Kellogg stated once the weather gets nice we will be revisiting the         dock.

 

5)         Streets: Monthly Report -October’s city sales tax $3068.88.

Street repairs- Siecke wanted to thank the members of the community that                                    stepped up to help with the snow removal the last time.

 

6)        Recycling Report:

  1. A) Income received of $217.12 from October’s cardboard hauled. We have recycling that needs to be hauled to Tekamah.

 

7)        OLD BUSINESS

1) A)Knife River sent an email stating that they would like to do the patching on our                             streets next spring. Clerk reported that on the October 10th we had decided which                              roads would be patched. 10th St: Broadway- 4th Ave. going with 4: 330 square                            yards $13,438.40 and 7th St North of Bridge $7055.16. totaling $20493.56.

Gatewood asked if we had someone to write grants to help pay for the repairs.                             Kellogg said that we are still looking for grant writers.

 

2) David Malloy- Question about taps on main line- Not present

 

3) Patty Plugge- Economic Development Corporation- To explain the Demo Grant           available. Plugge reported that they have $75,000 to distribute. They are giving 2 grants   to each community. The grant cycle runs January-March 31st. They grant will match      50% of the demo cost.

 

4) Kay Kellogg- Relay for Life Clerk reported that they just want to make sure that the   lights at the all field and the port-a-potties will be available. Kellogg said that this was   ok’d last month. This will take place during River Front Days.

 

5) Tim Slaughter- Streets: Slaughter came to the table stated that the amount of taxes that are accumulated in that .4 miles. is $40,200. He said that people were getting stuck down         at the end of the circle and the street needs to be repaired.   Kellogg reported that we are    working on the streets. Siecke stated that we will be discussing the 1 and 6 year road           plan.

 

 

8)        NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Justin Smith- Speed sign for road coming off the bridge. Discussed up in police             report.

 

2) Liquor license for Fireman’s Ball Feb. 6th: Jason Troutman and Brantley Vavra came    to the table and asked for permission for Liquor License for the fireman’s ball. Gatewood        made a motion to let them have a liquor license for the Ball on February 6th. 2nd Siecke    roll call, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Gatewood-y, Siecke-y.

 

3) Rob Mayo Sanitation- Curbside recycling-Rob Mayo came to the table and would like             to know if we would be interested in curbside recycling. They would provide the     containers. The only thing that they would not take is Styrofoam. He said that this         would be free of charge until November when the contract is due to renew. Gatewood        and Kellogg discussed that we need community feed back to see if anyone would be             interested in the curbside service. It is possible for the people to have recycling as an        option on the utility bill. The charge will be between $1-$5. Kellogg tabled recycling   until next month.

 

4) Nico Hardeman- Nico came to the table he said that he wants to talk about the property           clean up. Nico asked about the property up by the church. Siecke asked if we could get a     status on the Stone property. Kellogg said that we can have volunteers go and clean it up             if they sign a waiver.

 

5) Peggy Smith- Discuss 1 & 6 year Road Plan- Peggy came to the table the board            discussed the 1 & 6 year plan. Peggy will add the street patch work that Knife River will        do to the list. We will hold the public hearing on February 11th at 4:30 for the 1 & 6       year plan.

 

6) Discuss hiring of a city crew worker- Siecke made a motion to put an ad for a full-        time maintenance worker who is 21 years of age, working towards water and sewer        certificate. Valid divers license, and high school diploma or equivalent. Competitive           wage. 2nd Gatewood

Roll call- Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Gatewood-y

 

9)         CORRESPONDENCE

Robert Richards resigned as of 1/11/2016. Siecke made a motion to accept Robert Richards resignation 2nd by Gatewood Roll call- Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y,    Gatewood-y.

A list will be available in the Clerk’s office for those interested in filling the vacant seat.     The cutoff date for the list will be January 27th.

 

Don Freese and Joyce McCullock have resigned from the planning commission.
 

10)       ANNOUNCEMENTS

The public meeting for the 1 & 6 year road plan will be held at 4:30 on Thursday   February 11th at 4:30 with regular board meeting to follow.

 

11)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Siecke & Tolby

 

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

Siecke 2nd Tolby

 

Roll Call: Gatewood-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

 

12)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

Gatewood 2nd Siecke

 

Adjournment Time:     6:22
______________________________

Loretta Kellogg Chairman

__________________________

Ann M Chytka Clerk

 

 

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Commission Seeks Information on Bald Eagle Found Shot

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking information related to the apparent shooting of a bald eagle in northeastern Nebraska.

A citizen found the dead eagle on Jan. 17 in Cedar County, approximately 3 miles southeast of Yankton, S.D. The eagle appeared to have been shot on the day it was found. Two rooster pheasants and two hen pheasants were found with the eagle. Rooster pheasants are in season through Jan. 31, but it is illegal to harvest hen pheasants.

Bald eagles are protected by the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), which prohibits the take, possession, sale, purchase, barter, offer to sell, transport, export or import of any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless allowed by permit. “Take” includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb. Maximum penalties for violating BGEPA can be as high as a $250,000 fine and imprisonment for up to two years.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Commission Conservation Officer Jeff Jones at 402-762-5022 or Nebraska Wildlife Crime Stoppers at 1-800-742-7627.  The caller can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.

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Fischer Statement on Obama’s Veto of WOTUS Repeal

January 20, 2016 Leave a comment


WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement this morning regarding President Obama’s veto of legislation to repeal the WOTUS rule last night:

“The bill the president vetoed would have stopped a rule that threatens the economic security of countless Nebraska families. Nebraskans value clean water. They also work hard to preserve and protect this critical natural resource. While the courts explore the legality of this rule, I will continue the fight to protect Nebraskans from this unnecessary federal intervention.”

 

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New Arrival in 2015: Emersen Donald Andersen

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


Emersen Donald Andersen born October 23rd 2015 at 5:44 am weighing 6lbs 15oz and 20inches long. Parents are Kaleb and Luryn Andersen of Oakland NE.

Grandparents are Kent and Brenda Andersen of Oakland NE and Marty and Jean Peterson of Lyons NE. Great Grandparents are Don and Patsy Andersen of Fremont NE, Ben and Linda Murray of Oakland NE, Larry and Kathleen Peterson of Elkhorn NE and Pete Schmidt of Oakland NE.

Emersen Donald Andersen

Emersen Donald Andersen

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Christensen Attends President Obama’s Historical Visit to Omaha

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


“It was an honor joining members of the Farm Service Agency in welcoming President Obama to the greatest state in the country, Nebraska,” said Graham Christensen.

Graham, who graduated from Oakland-Craig and now resides in Omaha NE, was among hundreds in attendance when President Obama visited Omaha recently.

Graham had seen the President speak one other time in person, but not in Nebraska. “It makes one feel more proud when the President actually shows up in your home state,” Graham stated.

People from all walks of life listened to President Obama’s speech and many were lucky enough to shake his hand and have their picture taken with him. “There was such an amazing feeling in the room as fellow farmers, friends, family and Nebraskans from all over eagerly awaited the arrival of the President,” Graham said. “When President Obama finally arrived, the room became electric, after all, this is the President who stuck with the landowners in denying the KXL Pipeline.”

Other feats Graham attributes to President Obama’s tenure as President are: giving access for health insurance to millions of low-income people, leading policy to expedite the development of renewable energy to combat climate issues while bringing gas prices to a historic low, putting the clamp down on the scrupulous big banks which helped give others equal rights and completely turned around a tanking U.S. economy by stringing together one of the longest stretches of job growth in U.S. history.

“What made this event even more special was that I got to witness history with my parents, Fred and Sandi Christensen, as well as one of my best friends that I played football with in college,” Graham stated. “And also all of the landowners that stood up together against the giant multi-national oil pipeline company, TransCanada in order to protect the rights of every one of us rural folks.”

Working together, despite our party or background in order to better the country after Obama is no longer President was the them of the speech according to Graham. “He apologized for not doing better at eliminating the divisiveness in his Presidency, but stressed to us, as individuals, that we could all do our little part to move our country forward in a more diplomatic fashion,” Graham said. “In order to do this, we must get the party out of politics and focus on what is best for us as ‘one’ people.”

This was President Obama’s first trip to Omaha, and he made the most of it, visiting a teacher who emailed him concerns she has about the future of the country and stopping along the way to shake hands with those lined along the streets hoping for a glimpse of the Leader of the Free World.

“I am grateful for this historical opportunity and will look forward to working with all others that are also willing to throw their lives on the line to make their little communities, state and country better,” Graham stated.

A large crowd was on hand to see President Obama in Omaha recently. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

A large crowd was on hand to see President Obama in Omaha recently. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

Graham Christensen, center, with his parents Fred and Sandi, sharing a historical moment together, seeing President Obama. Photo courtesy of Graham Christensen.

Graham Christensen, center, with his parents Fred and Sandi, sharing a historical moment together, seeing President Obama. Photo courtesy of Graham Christensen.

President Obama arrives to the roar, and picture taking, of a very excited crowd. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

President Obama arrives to the roar, and picture taking, to give a speech to a very excited crowd. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

President Obama among a crowd of thrilled people. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

President Obama speaks to a large crowd in Omaha. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

 

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