Memorial Day Program in Oakland


Many people attended the Memorial Day Service at the Oakland Cemetery, honoring those that have served or are serving in the military, protecting our freedoms. All photos credit of Loren Swanson of Oakland.

Many people attended the Memorial Day Service at the Oakland Cemetery, honoring those that have served or are serving in the military, protecting our freedoms. All photos credit of Loren Swanson of Oakland.

Oakland-109 Oakland-111 Oakland-113 Oakland-114 Oakland-127 Oakland-141 Oakland-143

Purchase Pavers from Burt County Ag Society


The Burt County Ag Society is creating a granite paver patio for the new windmill and grill to set on.

You are invited to use this means to honor, memorialize or just support these projects and the Burt County Ag. Society.

Sizes range from 8”x8”  and 8”x16” to 16”x16”. Pavers need to be ordered by June 5 to be on display for the 2015 fair.

Contact the Burt County Ag Society at 402-685-5540 or the Nebraska Extension Office in Burt County at 402-374-2929 for more details and an order form.

 

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

Gov. Ricketts’ Statement on Death of OPD Officer


Governor Pete Ricketts issued the following statement upon hearing the news about the death of Omaha Police Department Officer Kerrie Orozco:

“Susanne and I send our prayers and deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of Officer Orozco. Today’s tragic news is devastating to the law enforcement community and all Nebraskans. We must all ensure that Officer Orozco’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

 

Happenings at Oakland Heights


By Jill Brink, Activity Assistant

The residents and staff enjoyed all the fun activities last week in celebration of National Nursing Home Week. Thank you to all who had a part in making that week so memorable.

Activities for the week of May 21st to May 27th are: Bible Fellowship, local paper, word games, waffle supper, Let’s Play Ball, crafty cooking , bingo, movie, coffee hour, Lawrence Welk, Church tape, Church Service with United Methodist, sing a long, one on ones, resident council meeting, bingo with Methodist, care plans and reading group. Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day and there are no activities scheduled. 

Waffle supper is Thurs., May 21st at 5:30 p.m.

Volunteers signing in last week were: Betty Hanna, Judy Nelson, Judee Dix, Mary Donovan, Anne Anderson, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Nadine Anderson, Pat Anderson and Sly Rouse.

Guests signing in last week were: Hilda Benne to see Delwin Benne.

Oakland Swim Pool Hours


2015 Oakland Swim Pool Hours : Monday – Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. & 6 – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday Adult Swim 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

2015 Oakland Swim Pool Hours :
Monday – Sunday
1 – 5 p.m. & 6 – 8 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Adult Swim 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Ricketts Congratulates Unicameral for Passing Ricketts Blueprint


Today, Governor Pete Ricketts signed the next biennial budget, claiming victory for Nebraska taxpayers. In his budget recommendation to the Legislature, the Governor sought a reduction in the growth of spending by nearly 50% and included $400 million for the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund. The Legislature met both recommendations. After signing the budget, the Governor made the following statement:

 

“This is a great day for my administration, the Unicameral, and most importantly Nebraska citizens. My top two priorities for this session were to cut the growth of government spending and to provide tax relief to Nebraska families,” Gov. Ricketts said. “I want to congratulate lawmakers for working with my administration to make this a reality. We will provide Nebraska taxpayers with $408 million in property tax relief while cutting the rate of spending growth, and we are still funding essential state government services for the people of this state.”

Governor Ricketts Statement for Senators on Death Penalty Vote


This morning, Governor Pete Ricketts urged senators to listen to their constituents when considering how they vote during the final round of debate on a measure that would repeal the death penalty.

 

“This morning’s debate on the death penalty is significant,” said Governor Ricketts. “No one has traveled the state more than I have in the past 18 months, and everywhere I go there is overwhelming support for keeping the death penalty in Nebraska. Ahead of this morning’s vote, I am reminding senators that a vote for cloture on LB268 is a vote to repeal the death penalty and to give our state’s most heinous criminals more lenient sentences. This isn’t rhetoric. This is reality.”

Swedish Festival Coming to Oakland in June


Valkommen (Welcome) to Oakland, the Swedish Capital of Nebraska.

Oakland is a community rich in Swedish heritage, being named after John Oak, a settler who arrived here in 1855 with many other Swedish families. He is also responsible for the migration of five more Swedish families to the area in 1866.

In honor of this heritage, a Swedish Festival is held bi-annualy, with many festivities during a three-day period in June. This year, the festival will be held Friday, June 19th-Sunday June 21st. Oaklander Karl Lundquist is the chairman for the three-day event. He is being assisted by several other members and organizations of the community.

Below is the current list of events as they stand now. There may be additions as the Festival nears.

Friday, June 19th:

Swedish Coronation at the Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m.

Swedish Tractor Pull to be held downtown at 3rd/4th Street at 7:30 p.m.

 

Saturday, June 20th:

Swede Stampede Fun Run at the park at 8:00 a.m.

Swedish Pancakes at Golden Oaks from 7:00-9:00 a.m.

A Parade at 10:00 a.m. to begin at the north end of Oakland Ave. (Main St.) by Case’s and end at 2nd Street, the corner of Nifty Thrifty and Creative Connections.

A craft show will be held at the Vet’s Building from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

An Art Show will be held at the Rosen Room from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

There will be music throughout the day, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

A live band will play (The Seen) from 8:30-10:00 a.m. at the stage located between 3rd and 4th Street on Main Street.

There will be various entertainment throughout the day at the Swedish Heritage Center.

Sunday, June 21st:

Worship Service will be held at the Oakland Park at 10:00 a.m. with a Chamber luncheon to follow.

Please stay tuned to Kat Country Hub for further updates as the event nears.

Unknown Unknown

 

 

 

 

Keep Looking Up!


“Giant Jupiter and Its Amazing Moons”
By Gary Fugman
You walk outside at dusk this evening. In the west, in the clear, spring, night sky, you see a bright, steady object low in the northwest and a similarly bright, steady object halfway up in the sky.  These two objects outshine all the twinkling stars that are beginning to appear.  These steady, bright beacons are the planets Venus and Jupiter.  Venus is a “twin” to Earth in size and structure.  But Jupiter!  Jupiter is something else altogether!  It is a giant planet with an amazing system of moons!
People of all ages are invited to Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) Friday, May 22 at 9pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, May 23 at 9pm at the Decatur Sears Center.  There Pastor Gary Fugman will lead you on an amazing tour to the giant planet Jupiter and its many moons.  Computerized images of Jupiter will illustrate the tour.  A free star chart will be given to you so you can find Jupiter on your own this spring.
Also, in May and June, $5 annual dues will be collected for you to join the Astronomical League.  The Astronomical League in a national astronomy organization that provides to members night sky observing projects for people ages 10 to 100+.  One of these could be your next science fair project!  Participation in 2015-16 Astronomical League observing programs will be offered to you at this weekends’ NENAC meetings and again June 19 & 20.
Then, weather permitting, we will go on Friday to Bill Hedges’ “Lost In Space” Observatory in Lyons and on Saturday to Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur to see giant Jupiter and its moon for real!  Other deep space objects from your star chart will also be observed through these large astronomical telescopes.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars or telescope to the observing sessions as well.
For more information on this and future NENAC events, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953, and Keep Looking Up!

Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
May 14, 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 May 14, 2015. Visitors signing in were Don Light, Amy Soll representing CFRA & Burt Co Broncos, Jason Troutman representing Decatur VFD, Jolene Stevens representing Decatur VFD, Brantley Vavra representing Decatur VFD, Dale Wolf representing Lyons Mirror Sun, Joe Zink representing Plaindealer, Wyatt Fraas representing Center for Rural Affairs, Norma Farrens representing Community Club, Kay Kellogg, Dan and Konnie Small, Not signing in Joyce McCullock, Theresa Sparks, Bobbie Sparks
1)         The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.
Roll Call: Bolln-here, Kellogg-here, Richards-Absent, Tolby-here, Wolf-here.
2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Bolln-Yes, Kellogg-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, Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes.

4)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
            Bolln made motion to excuse Richards from the meeting seconded by Kellogg- Roll call Tolby yes, Wolf yes, Bolln yes, Kellogg yes.
5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND OR COMMITTEES
1) Police Monthly Report-Kellogg reported that she that one applicant has not returned her phone calls. And she will be talking with Bob Pickell.

2) Lights Monthly Report- Wolf reported everything is as scheduled.
3) Water & Sewer Monthly Report- Bolln stated that we are waiting to receive a proposal from Lee to fix the tank.
4) Parks Monthly Report – Tolby reported income of $600.27 for April.

5) Streets Monthly Report –   Bolln reported they got something done on one of the streets and will get to the others. It will get taken care of.

6) Recycling- Nothing to report

6)         OLD BUSINESS
           None

7)         NEW BUSINESS
           1) Ann Chytka- 90 day probation period up. At 4:32 Bolln motioned that the go into executive session Kellogg seconded Roll Call Tolby yes, Kellogg yes, Wolf yes, Bolln yes. They came out of executive session at 3:41 motion by Wolf seconded by Bolln, Roll Call Kellogg yes, Tolby yes, Wolf yes, Bolln yes. Wolf made a motion to give Ann a dollar and hour raise. Tolby seconded Roll call Kellogg yes, Bolln yes, Wolf yes, Tolby yes. Kellogg stated that they will review the wage at the end of the year.

2) Commercial Insurance quote- Kay Kellogg states that she just got the quote for insurance. The figures are about the same. She will bring a copy down for the Board to review. And that she will have this extended to June 15th. So we will have a board meeting.

3) Don Light- Clean up days. His concern is the placement of the dumpsters. Don stated that in years past the containers were left there until Monday. Kellogg advised him that the containers will be removed on Saturday the day of cleanup. Bolln stated that the metal will be stored down by the shed.

4) Norma Farrens- Riverfront Days. Norma stated that she was representing the Community Club and the Museum. She has 5 things she would like to go over. She stated that the museum will be holding their festival again and will need electrical, run a traffic stop between 10th and 11th street, she also stated that she would like to use the porta potties. The festival will be on Saturday after the parade. The 2nd thing the Community Club is in need of a new sound system. She asked if the Village would like to help pay for the sound system it could be used at the meetings also. Wolf stated that she would vote to pay half if it would enable the citizens to hear what is said at the table. Norma will work on getting a quote and then will get back to us. The 3rd thing is she has the publicity for Riverfront days and the play. She asked that the Village provide the copies for them. Kellogg states that would take a lot of ink. Norma states they would be black and white. Kellogg asked what other board members thought. Norma states that this is how we get people in. Kellogg states that we will pass on this.   Kellogg states that we are working with budget crunching and since going to help with speaker system Norma asked how much we charge for copies. Ann stated .25 Wolf asked how our payment for ink. Ann asked Joyce to come to the table. Joyce stated that it uses toner and that it is billed quarterly. Joe Zink stated that he would print the pamphlets and play copies. The last thing is they are Norma states that they are having a 5k run and her concern is when she was driving around there are some places that look really bad. And she doesn’t want the people to see that. She wonders what can be done to clean up the area to make the town look at its best. Kellogg states that we are working on it.

5) Fire Dept. Liquor License for Riverfront Days Fish Fry, June 19,2015. Jason Troutman asked that the Fire Department be allowed to serve alcohol at the fish fry on June 19, 2015. Bolln made a motion to let the Fire Department serve alcohol at the fish fry on June 19, 2015 seconded by Wolf roll call- Kellogg yes, Tolby yes, Bolln yes, Wolf yes.

6) Fire Dept.- Mowing of grass at Fire Hall. Jason Troutman and Brantley Vavra represented the Fire Dept. and asked the Board why they are no longer mowing the Fire Hall grass. Kellogg states that it should be the Fire Dept responsibility to mow the yards. Vavra asked that the board take it to a vote. Alta made a Motion for the City to mow the large lot across the street from Fire Hall. Tolby 2nd Roll call- Kellogg yes, Bolln no, Wolf yes, Tolby yes. Kellogg then states we will take care of the one across the street.

7) Bridge Signs- Bolln states leave the weight limit signs in place along with a No Trucks sign. Ann states that the verbiage from the attorney states cars and pickups only. We can order the signs and sign the resolution at the next meeting.

8) Amy Soll- Center for Rural Affairs-Amy introduced Wyatt Fraas who presented a new art project of placing a trolley on the property that would be donated to the village by Dan and Konnie Small. The trolley would be used as a story telling place. Alta asked who was going to maintain this place. Amy states that CFRA will for the first year. Wyatt states that there would need to be a host entity. He says maybe the Museum or the city would be able to be the host. Bolln brought up maybe using a old ferry as the project. Kellogg made a motion to have Dan and Konnie donate their land to the city and there will be a plaque for Walter Small placed at the park along with a bell. The bell will be given to the city as is. Bolln 2nd roll call Wolf yes, Tolby yes, Kellogg yes, Bolln yes.

Kellogg made another motion the location of the art project something other than the trolley car will be at Small park. 2nd by Bolln Roll call Tolby yes, Bolln yes, Kellogg yes, Wolf yes.

Kellogg asks that Wyatt come back with more ideas. She states if this is a community art project then the community needs to be involved.

9)Amy Soll- Burt County Broncos Amy Soll states that the bleachers at the arena are in disrepair and is wanting permission to fix the bleachers up. They will do the best they can. Amy also wanted to know if they could put a couple of obstacles for the horses by the bleachers. Kellogg stated that we have some Boy Scouts coming and asked if they could help with this project. Kellogg made a motion to allow the Burt County Broncos to put obstacles when the Boy Scouts come though. 2nd by Bolln Roll call Tolby yes, Wolf yes, Bolln yes, Kellogg yes.

10) Run down properties- Kellogg states we need to take each property that has this going on and send them an ordinance. The first step is to send them a letter along with the ordinance. Bolln states that we will come up with the list and give it to the Clerk. Alta states that we need to get the Housing and Health Boards active.

8)         CORRESPONDENCE

None

9)         ANNOUNCEMENTS

1)Clean up day is Saturday May 16, 2015. Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Bolln states that since it is over at 12 there will be no meal. Kellogg stated that for the employees overtime will be granted.

10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS OF THE CLAIMS:
                        1) Claims preapproved by Wolf and Tolby
2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted- Bolln 2nd Kellogg. Roll Call: Tolby-yes, Wolf-yes, Bolln-yes, Kellogg- yes
Are there any questions from the audience? None
11)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING           Kellogg 2nd Bolln

ADJOURNMENT TIME 6:30 P.M.

 

 

 

__________________________________

Loretta Kellogg, Chairman

 

 

 

______________________________

Ann Chytka, Village Clerk