Traveling Nebraska and Listening to You


Over the past month, I have been traveling and holding town halls across the state to listen to Nebraskans like you and to share an update on the priorities on which my administration has focused over the first seven months.  Input from the Second House, the people of Nebraska, helps to shape my policy priorities.  These travels have taken me from Falls City to Chadron and Laurel to Ogallala and a number of communities in between.  This is part of my administration’s effort to establish a culture of accountability and transparency in state government.  Holding town halls lets me hear directly from you about your concerns, hopes, and ideas.

 

At the town halls, I have heard from Nebraskans on a vast array of issues ranging from taxes and corrections to mental health and infrastructure needs.  One issue, however, has stood out from all others.  Everywhere I travel, families, ag producers, and business owners say the same thing: property taxes are too high.  This year, we took steps to cut the growth of government by about half and delivered over $400 million in property tax relief, an over 40 percent increase over the previous biennium.  This is a win for taxpayers, but there is more work to be done.  According to the Tax Foundation, Nebraska has the 13th highest property taxes in the nation.  I have heard countless accounts of the impact of high property taxes.  Nebraskans like Gary in Ord have shared their property tax bills with me, and their taxes have skyrocketed dramatically.  In Gary’s case, his taxes went up over 145 percent over eight years on one parcel of land.

 

At many of the town halls, I heard from citizens concerned about the Legislature’s repeal of the death penalty this past session.  Overwhelmingly, Nebraskans want to see capital punishment reinstated and carried out for public safety reasons.  Attendees have asked questions about reforms that are happening in the Corrections Department, and I have been able to share with them an update on some of the great progress Director Scott Frakes is making in his agency.  Later this fall, Director Frakes will be announcing his strategic plan for the agency as he continues to change the culture of Corrections.

 

Another common concern I hear at town halls is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) overreach on many fronts including the Waters of the U.S. Rule, the Clean Power Plan, and the Renewable Fuel Standard.  The EPA continues to act like an unelected fourth branch of government, and the rules they are legislating through regulation are having a very real impact on the lives of Nebraskans.  One woman who attended my Loup City town hall mentioned that the EPA is forcing her to remove a culvert next to her pasture because the culvert in the EPA’s opinion is prohibiting the natural flow of the water through a ditch.

 

A multitude of important issues were raised at the town halls, and my administration continues to listen to concerns and ideas from people like you.  This week I will be holding another town hall in Norfolk.  You can find all the details about the town hall by visiting www.governor.nebraska.gov.  Be sure to watch this website for updates, and for other public events which my office publishes on a weekly basis.  If you are not able to make it to any of the town halls, I hope you will take the time to share your thoughts with me by emailing my office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or calling 402-471-2244.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

Wind Turbines Are Plentiful in Iowa


DSC07117 DSC07118 DSC07119

While traveling in Iowa last Friday, we saw many wind turbines. We are estimating hundreds of them! All photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

While traveling in Iowa last Friday, we saw many wind turbines. We are estimating hundreds of them! All photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Work to Begin on Highway US-75


Weather permitting, concrete pavement repair is scheduled to begin the week of August 31 on Highway US-75 near Dakota City, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads.

The project will begin approximately one mile south of the Junction of Highway N-35 and US-75 and will end at the Junction of Highway US-75 and I-129 (Kingsbury Interchange). Traffic will be maintained with the use of lane closures and 12 foot width restrictions. The anticipated project completion is late September.

Visit the 511 webpage at http://www.511.nebraska.gov or dial 511 or 800-906-9069 to get the most current updates on highway conditions.

Oakland Garden Club Beautifies Oakland City Park


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The beautiful flower beds in the Oakland City Park are thank to the Oakland Garden Club. The members work hard to keep these flower beds a wonderful sight to see all summer long. Photos Credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The beautiful flower beds in the Oakland City Park are thank to the Oakland Garden Club. The members work hard to keep these flower beds a wonderful sight to see all summer long. Photos Credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Market Report


Markets 9:50am

U.S. stocks are getting hammered again this morning as the Chinese market plunges another -8.5%

Dow -663.16
S&P -66.44
NASDAQ -172.90

 

Grain Markets 9:51am

Sept Corn +3 @ $3.68 1/4
Dec Corn +3 @ $3.80 ¼
Sept Beans – 7 @ $8.98 ¼
Nov Beans – 8 @ $8.81

 

Grain markets were hammered overnight on the Chinese news Shanghai index closing down 8.49%, Japans Nikkei is down 4.61%, and the German DAX down 3.73%..  Seeing a rebound at the morning open.  We once again see corn green and the beans red.  Beans taking the brunt of the punishment, now seeing new crop cash prices today with 7 in front early this am.  Closing the overnight down .31 1/4 on beans and -.10 on corn.  The U.S. Dollar index trading down 1.26% and crude down $1.57 at $38.88/barrel.

 

Weather – The National Weather Service’s outlook for September calls for below-normal temps across the Corn Belt, with above-normal precipitation expected across western Iowa and the Central Plains, including Nebraska. Equal chances of normal, below- and above-normal precip are expected in eastern Iowa to the East Coast. The forecast should increase concerns about crops that are lagging due to late planting.

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Corn – Really continues its range bound trade, I have mentioned verbally to many producers that I am not as negative on corn.  It just seems corn wants to stay in the $3.50-$4.00 range.  Though if oil continues it downtrend, this could negatively affect ethanol demand right here in our back yard.   On the bullish side, many including Profarmer think the USDA is overstating yields, and the unseasonably cooler temps in our area have some talking early freeze.

 

China extends corn buying spree as imports top 1 million tons, China’s corn imports rose for a fourth month to the highest in at least a decade as a slump in U.S. prices made purchases from overseas more attractive.  http://www.agweb.com/article/china-extends-corn-buying-spree-as-imports-top-1-million-tons-blmg/

 

Beans – Price just continue to fall each week, beans do not seem too afraid to head lower, losing 25 cents last week and another .32 this morning.  Chinese markets provide concerns for U.S. Beans export sales.  We could see a turnaround Tuesday type of event, but longer term I am afraid beans do not offer much for bullish news.

 

Pro-Farmer – On Friday, Pro Farmer announced its national corn and soybean forecasts after touring the U.S. from Ohio to South Dakota last week. Pro Farmer sees 2015 corn yield at 164.3 bushels per acre compared to the current USDA’s August forecast of 168.8 bushels per acre. Pro Farmer’s soybean forecast was lower than the USDA by .4 bushels per acre at 46.5 bushels per acre. Pro Farmer pegged 2015 corn production 363 bushels below the current USDA projection at 13.323 billion bushels. Soybean production is estimated at 3.887 billion bushels.

 

For Fun – With Football season just starting, I realize a diet is not in the future, but rather wings and beer.  Who doesn’t love getting together for the occasional game with friends and enjoy the great game of football.  To start off the season here are 10 facts about the NFL you may not know:

  1. The New England Patriots were almost named the Bay State Patriots.
  2. If you signed up for the Green Bay Packers season ticket waiting list today, you’d have to wait almost 1,000 years to get your tickets.
  3. Wilson, which has been the exclusive maker of NFL footballs since 1941, produces 4,000 balls per day, or one for every Eli Manning interception.
  4. Only the Green Bay Packers has ever won 3 NFL championships in a row (thus disappointing Pat Riley) and never once in the Super Bowl era.
  5. Despite the misnomer that the NFL can only play Sunday, Monday and Thursday, the league has actually played games on every day of the week.
  6. The Super Bowl trophy costs $25,000.
  7. The oldest record in the NFL record book is one of the most famous: Ernie Nevers scored 40 points in a 1929 game, getting six touchdowns and four extra points.
  8. Fred Dryer is the only player with two safeties in one game.
  9. The total audience for the first televised football game in 1939 was 500, about 112,200,500 less than watched last year’s Super Bowl.
  10. In the modern NFL draft, there’s only been one year in which a quarterback hasn’t been selected in the first two rounds.

 

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

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

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

Public Hearing for Waterfowl and Crow Recommendations


The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for the 2015 waterfowl and crow hunting seasons at a meeting on Friday, Aug. 28 in Burwell.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church Parish Center, 757 I St. The public hearing for waterfowl and crow recommendations will begin at 8:45 a.m.

full list of recommendations to be considered by the Commission, as well as other agenda items for the Aug. 28 meeting, is available online.

Carol D. Hovendick, 63, of Tekamah Ne


Carol D. Hovendick, 63 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at her residence.

MEMORIAL GATHERING: Thursday, August 27, 2015 6-8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services Tekamah, with family receiving friends.

MEMORIALS: To the family for designation at a later date.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

 

Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda


 

REGULAR MEETING NOTICE

CITY OF OAKLAND – CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY AUGUST 25TH @ 6:00 P.M.

CITY AUDITORIUM

______________________________________________________________________________

AGENDA ITEM

 

1.     CALL TO ORDER

  1. Participant Sign-In Sheet Available & Disclosure of Meeting Recording Process Notice Posted
  2. This is an Open Meeting of the Oakland Nebraska Governing Body. The City of Oakland abides by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act in conducting business. A copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is on display in this meeting room as required by Nebraska State Law. Notice of meeting and copies of this agenda have been publically posted prior to the meeting at the Oakland City Hall, Oakland, U.S. Post Office, First National Bank Northeast.
  3. The City Council may vote to go into Executive Closed Session on any agenda item as allowed by Nebraska State Law. The public may re-enter City Council Chambers at any time after Governing Body reconvenes open session

D.   Approval of 7.20.2015 Governing Body Meeting Minutes

E.    Claims & Accounts Payable Report

Motion to Approve Consent Agenda

2.     SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

A.   Dave Henke & Tim Adams-

B.    Bill Hall

3.     OLD BUISNESS

4.     NEW BUSINESS

C.    Campers down at the park/Camping fee

D.   Approve Ordinance Waiver Fees

E.    Invitation of Bid potential approval

5.     COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS

F.    Police department- Terry Poland

 

6.     INFORMATION ITEM

7.     DISCUSSION

8.     CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST IF NECESSARY

  1. ADJOURNMENT

 

Registered Agenda Speakers

All individuals requesting to be Registered Agenda Speakers must fill out a Registered Speaker Card & submit to Clerk. 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.

Submittal of Requests For Future Meeting Items

Individuals who have appropriate items for City Council or City Staff consideration should complete the Comment, Concern & Agenda Request Form available at the City Office from the City Clerk. If the issue can be handled administratively without Council Action, notification will be provided. If the item is scheduled for a City Council Meeting or Workshop, notification of the event date will be given.

 

Burt County 4-H Ag Olympics


The Burt County 4-H Council sponsored the Ag Olympics again at the fair on Monday evening, August 10. Bailey Pelan and Tavis Uhing take their turn at the “Goat Milking Contest.” This consisted of a 5 gallon bucket filled with water with two rubber nipples out of the bottom of the bucket simulating the teats of a goat. The teams raced against each other to see how much “milk” they could get in their team bucket in the time allotted.  Photo Credit/Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant.

The Burt County 4-H Council sponsored the Ag Olympics again at the fair on Monday evening, August 10. Bailey Pelan and Tavis Uhing take their turn at the “Goat Milking Contest.” This consisted of a 5 gallon bucket filled with water with two rubber nipples out of the bottom of the bucket simulating the teats of a goat. The teams raced against each other to see how much “milk” they could get in their team bucket in the time allotted.
Photo Credit/Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant.

Revised Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
August 13, 2015 4:30P.M.
The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on August 13, 2015. Visitors signing in were Nina Mussack, Donnie Warren, Lon Hood, Jim Maryott, Jeania McCulloch, Cheryl Gatewood, Susan Houck, Ellen Olson, Jean Morgan, David Radke with Williams & Co., Cheyanne Jessen with Plaindealer, Ron Nohr with EDM Assoc, Debbie Maryott, Paul Richards. Not signing in, , Bob Kellogg, Betty Sparks, Steve Kellogg.

1)        The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.
Roll Call: Bolln-here, Kellogg-here, Richards-here, Tolby-here, Wolf-here.
2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.
3)         Approval and/or corrections and suspended reading of the previous month’s minutes.

Correction: None to report
Roll Call: Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.
4)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
            All Present

5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND OR COMMITTEES
1) Police Monthly Report- Kellogg reported that Gatto has been accepted to the academy, but are not sure what    month he will attended. Kellogg stated that the village would be paying for his training, and then he will pay the       village back. Gatto reported to the board that July 15th through August 13,2015 there had been 8 traffic citations          issued, 27 warnings issued, Narcotics 1 less than one ounce, and 2 arrests 1-assult and 1 carrying concealed         weapon. Clerk wanted permission to run an ad in the paper for a part-time police officer. Wolf made a motion to      run a part-time ad for the police. 2nd Tolby Roll Call Richards-n, Bolln-n, Kellogg-y, Wolf-y, Tolby-y. Clerk            asked permission to order new warning forms for the police dept. The lowest amount you can order is 1000 at     $358 Tolby made a motion to order forms 2nd Wolf, Richards-y, Bolln-y, Kellogg-y, Tolby-y, Wolf-y. Clerk         stated that she had John Paul’s application. Kellogg stated that we have issues with the cop cars the white one is   up and running but the silver car is not worth much. Kellogg stated that we have an estimate to fix the silver cars     air conditioner for $921.20 at D&M Repair.

The police officers talked about the state of the cars. Sparks stated that the white car was highway worthy.             Richards stated that we have multiple mechanics in town to ask for bids. Clerk will ask for bids to repair the             silver car.

2) Lights Monthly Report- Wolf stated there has been nothing brought to her attention. Clerk stated that they will          be reading meters next week.

3) Water & Sewer Monthly Report- Richards reported that Judy Anderson’s water leak had been fixed.

4) Parks Monthly Report – Tolby reported income of $3,928.86 for July. Clerk presented a picture of an             accident that happened while maintenance guys were mowing. The cost to repair the broken RV window is             $2228.00. Our deductible is $2,000. Clerk asked the board if they wanted to file a claim   with insurance or pay      out of pocket. Bolln made a motion to pay out of pocket instead of filing a claim 2nd by Tolby roll call Wolf-y,           Kellogg-y, Richard y, Bolln-y Tolby-y.

Tolby talked about the tree as you go down the park- she stated that it has a disease.

5) Streets Monthly Report –Bolln reported no problems Streets: Monthly Report -Sales tax for May $3,711.81.     Kellogg said that the road up by Skips has a hole and the rock is just going down the hole.

  1. A) Stop Sign @ Broadway & 13th- Clerk stated that this sign has been missing since it was hit in Wolf stated that the lady that hit it was suppose to pay for it. Gatto will need to get a copy of the       accident report from the Sherriff.

B)Weight limit sign on Broadway Bridge-Kellogg stated people are still confused because of the weight             limit sign is still up. She thought that this was taken care of. Kellogg stated that we need one weight limit for the     bridge.

Wolf wanted to know who takes care of the road down by Richards old house Richard replied the city. Wolf says        that it is very bumpy and needs to be grated. Kellogg states that it will be looked at.
6) Recycling- Reported an income in July $243.96 that was taken months ago. Walt said that they hauled 2 loads    in August

6)        OLD BUSINESS

1) The Dump Clean-up- Clerk stated that we have a bid from Cooney for hauling the ash was $7100.00 and that      we are in the process of finding a place that will take it. Clerk stated that she would be filing for an extension         with EPA.   Wolf suggested that we purchase a new lock for the dump so prohibited things are not put in there.   Clerk stated she will get a new lock and order a new sign.

2) Water Filter- Clerk stated that we are still running on 3 pumps to repair them would cost $91,000. Richards          stated that we do not have the finances for the repairs.

3) Nuisance Tickets- Tall grass/ Unattended lawn-Kellogg stated that we have already sent one letter out and we             will send another letter out giving them 5 days to become compliant also stating that they can be fined $100 to   $500. If they don’t respond a nuisance ticket will be issued. Wolf made a motion that we send a follow-up        letter to the letter that             has already gone on the nuisance properties that are weedy and grassy and warn them that     they will be liable or fined within so many days. 2nd Tolby Roll Call Richards-y, Bolln-y, Kellogg-y, Wolf-y,      Tolby-y

4) Kathy Stone’s Property- Kellogg stated that this is the one on the north side of the bank. Matt wants us to get   volunteers to do the clean-up. Wolf asked whose insurance would be used if Nieco’s wall was damaged. Kellogg            stated that Matt has a waiver for the volunteers to sign. Kellogg stated that all of us need to get busy on this. Bolln stated it would have been done before but it was stopped. Kellogg stated that we were told not to clean up            at that time. Richards stated that he was working on his own capacity not for the village. Wolf stated that          Richards should of signed a waiver. Wolf asked if Nieco has been contacted, Kellogg stated that he is too busy.    Kellogg stated all volunteers need to sign the waiver.

 

7)         NEW BUSINESS
            1) Silver Car- previously discussed during police report.

2) Ron Nohr / EDM Associates Inc River frontage lots for Scott and Randy Olson. Ron Nohr came to the table. He stated that they did the sub-division for Larry Roger. Nohr stated that he has been hired by Scott and Randy             Olson to sub-divide the last strip just south east of the Rogers last lot. The city does not have a sub-division    regulations. What they are proposing to do is to divide that property into 7 or 8 lots. This is a pre-plat and he is   here asking if they can go forward. Wolf asked what type of house is going to go there. Nohr said that they will be similar to the ones that Larry did. No mobile homes will be placed on those light. Kellogg stated that from         previous boards there was something with the sewer. Richards said that we would have to have an engineer.         Richards stated that there should be a stipulation that each lot be stubbed into water and sewer. Wolf asked if this        was in the city limits. Richards stated no. Discussion about the sewer, lights and water continued. Kellogg     asked if we needed more information. Nohr thinks that our sewer and water has the capacity. They will be    using the same lift station. Nohr asked for approval of the pre plat. Richards made a motion to approve this    pre-plat 2nd Bolln roll call Tolby-y, Wolf-y, Kellogg-y, Richards-y Bolln-y. The Village will annex after it             the homes are built.

3) Wendy Phillips- July Sewer Problems @212 E 9th- Not in audience
4) Dave Radke- Budget to Comparison- Dave came to the table. He went over the quarterly reports with the board members. He stated that it is that time to work on next year’s budget as it is due in September. Wolf asked how we are doing- Radke stated that we are in better shape this year.
5) Joyce McCullock- Resignation as Assistant Clerk/Janitor- Kellogg stated everyone had a copy. This entails us         finding someone to cleans Sears Center, City Hall, park restrooms. Tolby made a motion to accept her resignation             2nd by Richards roll call- Bolln-y, Wolf-y, Kellogg-y, Tolby-y, Richards-y. Tolby made a motion to run an ad for           cleaning the Sears Center, City Hall, and park restrooms. 2nd by Wolf roll call- Richards-y, Bolln-y, Kellogg-y,         Tolby-y, Wolf-y

Richards made a motion to run an ad in the paper for a part-time clerk 2nd by Wolf roll call- Tolby-y, Bolln-y            Kellogg-y Richards-y, Wolf-y

 

6) Fencing @ Beck Park Kellogg stated the fencing around the park needs to be replaced. Bolln stated it now     comes in 10 foot sections. Kellogg asked board members what they wanted to do? Wolf made a motion for the       secretary to call the different lumber company and get prices and bring it back before the board for the September       meeting 2nd Tolby, Richards-y, Bolln-y, Kellogg-y, Wolf-y, Tolby-y.

 

7) October Pumpkin Fest- Kellogg stated that this isn’t an issue as they are going to stay at Blue Lake.

 

8) Mowing Bids for N. Park, Beck’s Park, & Weed eating- Kellogg stated that the men have said that they want    help mowing and weed eating North park, ball park, and camp ground. Kellogg stated that this would need to be    tabled until next month.

 

9) Nina Mussack – ad for police officer. Nina came to the table. She looked back at the ad’s and there was no ad   run for a part-time police. This was due to the clerk not completing that task. Nina just thinks it was done wrong.            Wolf apologized to the chair that she did not word the motion back in June correctly. Bolln questioned       Kellogg            about the police officer’s hours. Kellogg stated that they need to agree on Joseph’s salary. Kellogg stated that he             will be on a salary and then it won’t   matter how many hours he will work in a day. Kellogg stated that the            money he has received already will go into that salary. Bolln made a motion that we give Gatto $30,000 per year until he is certified 2nd Richards roll call Wolf- y, Kellogg-y, Tolby-y, Richards-y, Bolln-y. Then clerk asked if        they were going to discuss Sparks hourly wage. Wolf made a motion that we hire a part-time police at $14.00 per             hour 2nd by Richards roll call Bolln-y, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Wolf-y, Richards-y.

 

10) Melvin Wildman resignation- Kellogg stated that Melvin is going to resign from being the gate keeper at the       dump. Richards made a motion that we accept Melvin Wildman’s resignation 2nd by Bolln Roll-call Wolf-y,         Tolby-y, Kellogg-y, Richards-y, Bolln-y. Clerk will run an ad for 2 days a month to open the dump.

 

11) Survey Don Warren- Don came to the table and said that back in Spring the residents received surveys about   concerns the town. He asked what the purpose of the surveys, Kellogg stated so we could get feedback from the       community. He stated that he seen nothing been changed. The streets, abandoned home, and the park. He is             concerned that the streets need to be sealed up before winter hits. The hand rail still needs to be put up down at           the dock. He is concerned with the new dock with the floats are in the center and need to be moved to the   outside. Kellogg stated it takes time. Don stated we have got to get something done.

 

8)        CORRESPONDENCE

Clerk had been in contact with a used book seller who had found a picture on Decatur’s graduating class of 1912    along with their commencement program. The clerk will be giving this to the museum.

 

9)       ANNOUNCEMENTS
            ATV/UTV stickers have came in. The fee is $10.00. Must have current insurance card at time of purchase.
         The sign for the dock has been ordered.

10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

1) Claims preapproved by Wolf and Tolby

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

Richards 2nd Bolln

Roll Call: Wolf-Y, Kellogg-Y, Tolby-Y, Richards-Y, Bolln-Y,

Are there any questions from the audience? Nina asked if the village is paying for academy Kellogg stated yes      and he will pay us back.

11)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          
Richards 2nd Bolln
Adjournment Time:   6:10 pm
Loretta Kellogg/Chairperson

Ann Chytka /Village Clerk