Fischer Mourns the Loss of Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm

December 23, 2015 Leave a comment


“Technical Sergeant Joseph Lemm served many years as a member of the New York Police Department and the Air National Guard. His death is a major loss for Nebraska and our nation. My deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time. This tragic loss is a reminder of the grave dangers our service members face around the world, and we keep them in our prayers this holiday season.”

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

 

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Santa Claus Comes to the Oakland Public Library

December 22, 2015 Leave a comment


Santa arrived at the Oakland Library today, visiting all the girls and boys, who were so excited to share their wish lists for Christmas with Santa. They also enjoyed craft time, coloring pictures of Santa while he looked on. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Santa arrived at the Oakland Library today, visiting all the girls and boys, who were so excited to share their wish lists for Christmas with Santa. They also enjoyed craft time, coloring pictures of Santa while he looked on. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Village of Decatur Emergency Meeting Minutes

December 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
December 18, 2015 3:30P.M.

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in an emergency session at 3:30 P.M. at the City Hall on December 18th, 2015. Visitors signing in Georgia Redding, Bob Kellogg, Cheryl Gatewood, attendees not signing in Alta Wolf, Mark Jackson, Kim Brey, Jack Huffman, and Jerry Huffman.

 
1)         The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.
Roll Call: Kellogg-here, Richards-here, Tolby-here

2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes
3)         Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes
4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

All present

 

5)         NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Accept Bolln’s resignation- Board members reviewed Bolln’s letter of

Richards made a motion to accept Bolln’s resignation. 2nd by Tolby Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-           yes, Tolby-yes

 

2) Nominate new Board member for Bolln’s seat-

Kellogg nominated Mark Siecke for Bolln’s seat. Richards made a motion at have Mark Siecke take               Bolln’s seat. 2nd by Tolby Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes

 

6)        APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Kellogg & Tolby

 

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

Tolby 2nd Richards

Roll Call: Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes

 

 

7)         MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

Richards 2nd Kellogg
 

Adjournment Time:   3:34
 

Loretta Kellogg/Chairperson

Ann Chytka /Village Clerk

 

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Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda

December 21, 2015 Leave a comment


 

 

 

REGULAR MEETING

CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA

 

MEETING NOTICE:

            NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska, will be held at 5:30 on Monday December 21th, 2015 at the Municipal Building, 401 North Oakland Avenue in Oakland, Nebraska for the regular monthly meeting.

An agenda for such meeting, kept continuously current is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. Except for items of an emergency nature, the agenda shall not be enlarged later than twenty-four hours before the scheduled commencement of the meeting.

______________________________________________________________________________

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

      I.         CALL TO ORDER

 

A.   Roll Call

B.   Establishment of a Quorum

C.   Reminder of Open Meeting Laws/Poster

D.   Approval of Minutes of November 16th, 2015 meeting

E.    Treasurer’s Report

 

  1. SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

F.    Dave Henke & Tim Adams

G.   Phil Lorenzen- Bonding the Water and Sewer project

H.   Kent Steinmeyer- Street Skid Loader lease update

I.     Patty Plugge- Economic Development Demolition project

 

  • COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS

J.     Police Department

K.   Street Department- Snow removal at Oakland Heights

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

L.    Group B Change No.1

M. Group B Pay Application No. 1 & Final

N.   Group A Pay Application No. 1

O.   Acceptance of J & K Excavating bid for demolition for 100 N Park

    V.         NEW BUSINESS

P.    Resolution of Acceptance of Work.

Q.   Ordinance authorizing issuance of Various Purpose Bonds. Series 2016 to fund Sewer Project Costs and Water System Improvements.

R.   Credit/Debit card machine

S.    Offering Colonial Life benefits

T.   Re-appointment request- Council President, Oakland Street Superintendent, City Attorney, & City Departments

U.   Christmas Party

V.   Request to use Auditorium at no charge on January 16th, 2016 by Chamber of Commerce

 

  VI.         INFORMATION ITEM

W. 2016 Election

 

  • DISCUSSION

X.   Holiday Hours

Y.   Park department, Street department, Water and Sewer department, Library

 

Z.

  • CLOSED SESSION

AA.

 

  1. APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS BILLS AND WARRANTS

Approval by motion

  1. ADJOURNMENT

Registered Agenda Speakers

                  The Mayor or Presiding Meeting Officer reserves the right to deny this request, or will call you to the center front podium when your agenda Item is ready to be heard. Presentations, if allowed, may be limited to five (5) minutes per person, with a limit of three (3) individuals speaking per topic position. Please come to the center front podium, and clearly state your name and address for the record and the agenda topic you wish to speak upon in a professional manner.

                  The Mayor and City Council reserve the right to enter into an executive session at any time during the meeting, in accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, even though the closed session may not be indicated on the agenda.

                  It is the intention of the Mayor and City Council to take up the items on the agenda in sequential order. However, the Mayor and City Council reserve the right to take up matters in a different order to accommodate the schedules of the city council members, persons having items on the agenda, and the public

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Today’s Market Report

December 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Markets 12/21/15 10:00am
Dow +82.95
S&P +11.97
Nasdaq +32.90

 

Crude recently hit 11 year lows on this morning as oil companies continue to aggressively stock pile supplies.

 

Grain Markets 12/21/15 9:58am
Mar Corn -3’4 @ $3.71’0
Jan Beans -3’2 @ $8.89’0

 

Commodities in general are negative, and the time of year does exactly help us.  But there is definitely some good news.  Gas prices are now at a 6 year lows averaging 1.955 per gallon nationwide.  This is the first time in six years that the national average has fallen below $2 per gallon.  So the silver lining is the opportunity to hedge your fuel either by using brokerage, or by filling your on farm fuel storage.  By doing so you potentially lock in a savings on a portion of your fuel expenses.

 

Corn/Beans nothing new to add for this partial week.  With Christmas upon us I would expect to see heavily reduced trade volume this week.  Not likely to see any opportunities present themselves until after the first of the year.  We continue in the tight range bound range I seem to mention every week.  Negativity does not seem to shake the markets, however positive news sure could.  So lets wait for the headline.

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For Fun – According to a Gallup poll, Americans plan to spend $830 on Christmas gifts this year on average, up from $720 last year.  Although the average amount all Americans expect to spend is $830, the figure rises to $908 when excluding those who won’t spend anything.   In other words eliminating the people who do not shop for Christmas.

Christmas spending intentions vary greatly by household income. Americans living in households earning $75,000 or more per year plan to spend an average of $1,227 on Christmas gifts this season. This drops to $786 among middle-income earners and to $460 among those earning less than $30,000.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/186620/americans-plan-spending-lot-christmas.aspx

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Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

 

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Santa Claus is Coming to the Oakland Library

December 21, 2015 Leave a comment


Santa Claus is coming to the Oakland Public Library tomorrow, Tues., Dec. 22nd at 10:00 a.m. to visit all the girls and boys! All children are invited to see Santa. Don’t forget to bring your wish lists to share with him!

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Herman Elementary School to Close at End of School Year

December 21, 2015 Leave a comment


By Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

As have been a part of many of my articles, the future of the district is a topic at the forefront of attention for many of our district patrons. At our most recent Board meeting, there was discussion of two pressing issues that directly affect the future of Tekamah-Herman Schools.

The Board of Education took action and unanimously decided that this would be the last year that classes would be held at Herman Elementary School. While it is something that has been discussed many times in recent years, it was still a difficult decision for the Board. The Herman Elementary School has been a wonderful institution for so many teachers and students that have been educated in our district. The closing of the doors does not diminish the significance of the education or memories of any one individual’s time at Herman Elementary. However, with significantly diminishing enrollments and fewer staff members necessary, the Board and Administration felt it was in the best interest of the district to move all of our students and staff members to the Tekamah campus.

The second major area of interest addressed at the regular Board meeting was reporting of the committee meeting between representatives of the Tekamah-Herman and Oakland-Craig Boards of Education. These merger conversations have been taking place, on and off, for at least the past 30 years. At the most recent meeting, the primary focus of the conversation revolved around the programming and curriculum offerings potentially provided by a merged district. The Oakland-Craig Board was to have a Board retreat on Wednesday, December 16th to discuss all of their potential future options. It is the understanding of the Tekamah-Herman Board that Oakland-Craig will make a decision on pursuing a cooperative effort with Tekamah-Herman at the regular January Board meeting. At that time, our district is hopeful that we can move toward meaningful facility improvements for the students of Tekamah-Herman, however they may appear.

While the two areas discussed evoke strong emotions, I think the Board of Education is to be commended for attempting to focus on progress and moving the district forward. It is not a goal of the Board to close a school building or consolidate a district, but those conversations must take place and decisions made in the best interest of our students. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a Board member or myself. Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

 

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Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

December 21, 2015 Leave a comment


OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK

Minutes of the Burt County Board of Supervisors

December 8, 2015

TEKAMAH NE 68061

The Burt County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 in the Boardroom of the Burt County Courthouse in Tekamah, Nebraska, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting. Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by Publication in the Plaindealer, upon a 1st floor bulletin board within the courthouse and on the County’s Website. A copy of the proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk. The following members were present: Cliff Morrow, David Schold, Greg Brummond, Matt Connealy, Perry Rogers, Ted Connealy and Gerald Newill.

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Schold, seconded by Newill, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays-none. Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Rogers, the agenda was approved, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays-none.

Dale Huffman addressed the Board as the interim Burt County Roads Foreman.

The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of Fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for November, were approved upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Newill, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Schold, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.

The following Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $348,380.46 and fund balances were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by T.Connealy, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.

ZONING PERMITS
CO CLERK-FILING & RECORDING FEES
CO CLERK-DOC STAMPS (COUNTY SHARE) CO CLERK-MISC FEES
DISTRICT COURT-FILING FEES
DISTRICT COURT – REFUNDS
DISTRICT COURT-MISC FEES & REVENUE DISTRICT COURT- FEES & COST

250.00 3,134.00 947.90 200.75 409.36 252.50 325.00 10.00

1

December 8, 2015

CO COURT-MISC FEES
CO SHERIFF-SERVICE FEES
CO SHERIFF-MILEAGE & COSTS
TITLE INSPECTIONS
GUN PERMITS
OVERLOAD FINES-25% COUNTY SHARE
INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS
MISC REVENUE- SHERIFF REIMBURSE
MISC REVENUE- LOT SALES
MISC REVENUE- INS PYMTS _COURTHOUSE DAMAGES MISC REVENUE -FEES
HIGHWAY/STREET ALLOCATION
TRANSFER -GENERAL TO ROAD
CO CLERK-PRESERVATION & MODERNIZATION DIVERSION – CUMING CO
INHERITANCE TAX
PLAT BOOK SALES
E911 – Oct. & Nov
COUNTY 911
OVERLOAD FINES-75% STATE SHARE
COUNTY COURT FINES-REGULAR
CRAIG FIRE- GENERAL
DECATUR FIRE- GENERAL
DECATUR FIRE – BOND
LYONS FIRE-GENERAL
LYONS FIRE- BOND
OAKLAND FIRE -GENERAL
OAKLAND FIRE – BOND
PRO-RATE FROM STATE – SEPT

137.00 599.00 531.06 280.00

40.00 231.25 962.29 105.00

20.00 5,135.81 4.00 79,362.22 100,000.00 525.50 25.00 129,471.36 34.00 9,529.74 1,239.00 693.75 6,381.64 486.14 78.69 32.36 974.04 154.28 1.41 0.27 5,816.14

Letter from Nebraska Loess Hills, including their 2015 Annual Report, was noted and placed on file.

John Werner, CEO of the Oakland Mercy Hospital, came to introduce himself to the Board and talk about what the facility offers to Burt County.

Jacob Hurla from 360 Energy Engineers spoke with the Board about the results of a building/utilities study he did for energy efficiency and modernization of the Courthouse. Mr. Hurla explained that the money the County spends on utilities is not enough to offset any upgrades for energy efficiency; with a fairly new boiler and new windows, the Courthouse is in good shape as far as energy efficiency. The only needs found were in the form of modernization of the facility’s lighting and duct work for better heating/cooling. The Board agreed that the building has been and will continue to serve Burt County as the Courthouse and maintenance/modernization is a consideration that needs explored. 360

2 December 8, 2015

Energy Engineers will do a next step assessment for duct work and lighting improvements; the Board agreed to continue on in this process for the betterment of the Courthouse structure. Mr. Hurla will be in touch in a couple of months with more extensive reports.

Peggy Smith, Highway Superintendent reported to the Board that she spoke to Tory Penny with regards to the Burt County Weed Superintendent position; Tory expressed his interest in the job. After discussions of the Weeds and Signs jobs, the Board agreed it most effective to combine the two positions into one. M.Connealy made a motion to hire Tory Penny with a $3.00/hr. increase, Brummond seconded the motion, the Board had further discussions of the pay. M.Connealy amended his motion to hire Tory Penny with a $2.00/hr. increase with a probationary period and then a pay increase would be revisited after a satisfactory probabationary period, Brummond seconded the amended motion, roll call vote followed: Ayes-Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays- none. Tory will be offered the job.

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy , the Board authorized Chairman Morrow to sign the Certification of County Highway Superintendent, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays – none.

At 10:07 A.M. Highway Superintendent Peggy Smith opened bids for Motor Graders. NMC was the only company to submit bids. The following bids were for Model 12M3 AWDs with 5 year warranty.

1) $170,900.00 2) $167,900.00 3) $161,000.00

*above bids are trade in costs, Burt Co will trade in three 2010 140M graders. M.Connealy moved to accept the bids for all 3 Motor Graders for a total of $499,800.00 after trade-ins, T.Connealy seconded, Discussions about pricing followed before roll call vote was taken as follows: Ayes- M.Connealy, T.Connealy, Newill and Morrow. Nays- Schold, Brummond and Rogers.

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting adjourned at 10:55 A.M. until 9:00 A.M., December 31, 2015.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

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

3 December 8, 2015

4 December 8, 2015

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Village of Decatur Emergency Meeting Agenda

December 18, 2015 Leave a comment


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING AGENDA

December 18th, 2015
3:30 P.M. CITY HALL

 

NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table. The audience must be quiet during the meeting. If you want to ask a question and you are not on the Agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking. If you are on the Agenda the same rule applies.

 

THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE PUBLIC MEETING WHEN CONVENED. MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A COPY OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT IS LOCATED ON THE NORTH WALL.

 

1)         Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

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

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

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

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

Roll Call: Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

5)         NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Accept Bolln’s resignation

 

2) Nominate new Board member for Bolln’s seat

 

6)        APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Kellogg & Tolby

 

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

________________2nd_________________

 

 

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____

 

 

7)         MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

_______________2nd________________
 

Adjournment Time:

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Christmas Concert at Lyons Library Saturday

December 17, 2015 Leave a comment


By Gary Fugman
The joy of Christmas is magnified when we gather together to celebrate.  You are invited to gather together this Saturday, December 19 at 1pm at the Lyons Library.  There the Burt County Brass Quintet and the Bancroft Melody Chimers will present the finale in a series of three area Christmas concerts.  This Saturday in Lyons sounds of Christmas like “Joy to the World”, “Go Tell It on the Mountain”, “Silent Night”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and a peculiar “Most of the Twelve Days of Christmas” will ring through the library.  A reception for all will be held after the concert.
Playing in the Burt County Brass Quintet are Gary Fugman and Jim Groth, trumpets, Lisa Mutzenberger, French horn, Jess Watson, trombone and Viktor Sundleaf, tuba.  Members of the Bancroft Melody Chimers are Connie Bargman, Ruthann Bargman, Janice Daberkow, Sharon Fugman, Ken Headlee, Rachael Macklin, Brenda Trotter, Peggy Renz, and Nicole Sachs.  You can preview this Saturday’s Christmas concert by going online to News Channel Nebraska-Video-Christmas Concert in Bancroft.
Magnify the joy of Christmas this Saturday at 1pm at the Lyons Library with the Burt County Brass Quintet and Bancroft Melody Chimers!
Burt County Brass Quintet and Bancroft Melody Chimers. Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

Burt County Brass Quintet and Bancroft Melody Chimers. Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

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