UNL Extension Tractor Safety Courses Offered Across Nebraska

May 4, 2015 Leave a comment


By John Wilson

Extension Educator

Nebraska Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June. Any 14- or 15-year-old teen who plans to work on a farm, other than his/her parents’ farm, should plan to attend.

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than their parents or guardian. Certification through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with mechanized equipment.

The most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is overturn from tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs). Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured in the class work. Instilling an attitude of ‘safety first’ is a primary goal of the course where youth have the chance to learn respect for agricultural jobs and the tools involved.

Classes will consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8:00  a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day. The closest session will be held at the fairgrounds in Wayne on Monday and Tuesday, June 15-16. Other dates and locations include:

— May 27-28, Fairgrounds, Kearney

— June 1-2, Fairgrounds, Valentine

— June 5-6, Event Center, Lincoln

— June 8-9, Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering

— June 11-12, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

— June 17-18, College Park, Grand Island

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location’s start date to the Extension Office at the course site. Cost is $60, which includes educational materials, testing, supplies, lunches and breaks. For more information on the training in Wayne, contact Keith Jarvi at 402.584.2234 or kjarvi1@unl.edu.

The first day of class will include intensive classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test that must be completed satisfactorily before students may continue driving tests the next day. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Homework will be assigned to turn in the next day.

The second day will include testing, driving and operating machinery. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course as well as hitching PTO and hydraulic systems.

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Tekamah-Herman School Participates in Continuous Improvement Cycle

May 4, 2015 Leave a comment


By Brandon Lavaley

Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Tekamah-Herman Schools, as every other public school district in Nebraska, participates in a Continuous Improvement Cycle to set goals and make sure we are moving in a positive direction. Every five years, the district entertains an external visitation team to review the Continuous Improvement Process. The district had a measurable goal of improving reading comprehension in all grades and an immeasurable goal of improving communication in and out of the district.

The external team that visited was composed of four public school administrators and one community college representative who was formally in a K-12 public district. This team met with our Continuous Improvement Team and administrators, took tours of our buildings, met with elementary and junior/senior high students, met with some of our teaching staff, had lunch with some of our Board members, and then reported their observations, commendations, and recommendations for our next five-year cycle.

We have many great things going on at Tekamah-Herman Schools that were recognized by the external team. Some of those highlights included: 1) having great students and staff who were proud to be a part of Tekamah-Herman, 2) an outstanding curricular offering for a district of our size, 3) the active participation of our students (extracurricular, i-Help, FBLA, Computer Club, FCCLA, National Honor Society) in the school and community, 4) the Board’s vision in creating the curriculum coordinator position, which has proven to be invaluable, 5) the positive strides taken to prepare students for the digital world with technology, 6) the use of data to guide decisions and improve student learning in the classroom.

While one of the duties of the external team is to help us celebrate our accomplishments (noted above), another is to provide suggestions for improvement in our district. There were two or three minor changes they recommended which can be addressed over the summer concerning staffing and technology, but there was one big one that they spent most of their time on when reporting out to our staff. Facilities. The external team reinforced, as a district, we must reach, challenge, and educate students regardless of what is going on around us. This is absolute fact and something we strive to reach on a daily basis. However, the quote they used several times was “You are doing the best you can with what you have”. This struck me and made me ask, is this fair to our students to just get by when they are competing with so many other students for scholarships, placement in higher level education, and jobs once they leave us?

I think most would agree our facilities are in need of some significant attention, however there is not a clear public majority as to what that should be.

In addition to several facility comments from the team, they stressed the importance of everyone (teachers, administration, Board of Education, and communities) getting on the same page and working toward a common goal for our students. I hope each of you are reading these articles, sharing with those that aren’t, talking about the future of our district, and educating yourself as to the needs of our district. If you have talked with a Board member, please continue to do so. If you have not, please take the time. If an external team can make such strong observations in the span of nine or ten hours in our facilities, it is a pressing need for our students. The Board wants to do what is best for our students and needs public input for that to happen. If we continue to fail bond issues or make incorrect decisions regarding our facilities because of lack of input, that is a severe injustice to our students, current and future.

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

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Jan Cline-Zimmerman May Artist of Month, Open House Sunday

May 1, 2015 Leave a comment


“I am happy to be the first artist to have a show at the Swedish Heritage Center,” stated Jan Cline-Zimmerman.

An open house will be held this Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. honoring Jan and her artwork. “The paintings on display will be Nebraska landscapes in pastel,” Jan said. The event is sponsored by Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D.

Jan began pastel and landscape paintings after her family moved to Nebraska in 1998. One of her paintings, titled Abandon, was drawn from a 3×5 picture she took of a house while living in Verdigre Nebraska. “The picture was before digital photography, so it was much smaller to draw from,” Jan stated.

The Logan Valley Artists, which Jan is a member of, held a competition recently in which one of Jan’s paintings earned Best of Show. “Best of Show and first place entries go to the state show which will be held in Columbus in June,” Jan said.

Jan can also make prints of a painting or produce the painting on canvas or have it photographically reproduced in many shapes, sizes and styles.

She also owns a business in Oakland, Creative Connections, which has been on Oakland’s Main Street for eight years. She teaches music and art classes, sharing her joy and passion with many others in the area. “I am also currently working on an album,” Jan stated. Her album will focus on her spirituality, sharing songs she has written on scripture. She has also performed in the group, Troubadour, entertaining at many area local events.

Dala horse and T-shirt painting classes are being planned over the summer as well as a jewelry making class.

Jan’s shop features many handmade jewelry items made from beads, seeds and stones of all shapes, sizes and colors. “I appreciate the dedication these individuals have to their craft. What they make is unique and beautiful,” Jan said.

Everyone is invited to attend the open house in Jan’s honor Sunday at the Swedish Heritage Center. There is also a free will donation meal being served from 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Jan Cline-Zimmerman, May Artist of the Month, holding her Best of Show Painting "Last Dance," one of the paintings being featured at an open house in honor on Sunday. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Jan Cline-Zimmerman, May Artist of the Month, holding her Best of Show Painting “Last Dance,” one of the paintings being featured at an open house in honor on Sunday. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

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Free Dump Day May 16th in Oakland

April 30, 2015 Leave a comment


free dump day

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ATV/UTV Permits Due By May 1, 2015 in Oakland NE

April 29, 2015 Leave a comment


ATV/UTV permits are due for new/renewal by May 1, 2015. The cost is $75. After May 1, 2015 an additional $25 fee will be assessed. Please stop by the Oakland City Office to renew your permit.

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Prom Walk Through at Oakland Heights

April 29, 2015 Leave a comment


Prom walk through at Oakland Heights. All Photos Credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Prom walk through at Oakland Heights. All Photos Credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

DSC06506 DSC06510 DSC06513 DSC06516

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Open House for Artist of the Month Sunday at Swedish Heritage Center

April 29, 2015 Leave a comment


By Julie Johnson, contributor 
First of all, I would like to thank all those supporters of our last event. The Nebraska Department of Humanities program featuring Darrel Draper portraying “Peter Sarpy” was so interesting and entertaining. I am embarrassed to say how much history I learned that day from his presentation. It was great to have Mr. Selk encourage the Oakland-Craig 8th graders to attend. It’s a great program; The Nebraska Department of Humanities with so many possibilities of entertainers with such a wide variety of subjects. Thanks also to all of those people who supported and enjoyed our breakfast Sunday brunch.
Sunday , May 3rd we would like to invite you back for a ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, buns and Ostakaka for dessert. Our time of serving will be 11:00 till 1:00 at the Swedish Heritage Center in Oakland. Please mark your calendar for this Sunday dinner. A free will donation will be taken.
Along with our dinner we are excited about our new monthly Artist of the Month program. This is a continuation of the RC & D’s past program a few years ago. Jan Zimmerman, owner of Creative Connections, will be featuring her artwork. Jan will be present on Sunday from 11:00 till 3:00 for an open house. Please come visit the Swedish Heritage Center and enjoy Jan’s beautiful paintings.
Jan’s artwork will be on display for the month of May. If you know of or are an artist interested in having your collection displayed please give Julie a call to book the Artist of the Month at 402-685-5652. The welcome “OPEN” flag is out and flying. Please feel free to stop in and visit Tom and the Swedish Heritage Center.
Need a quaint place for a reunion, meeting, birthday party or just a fun get together? We’d love to have you utilize the Swedish Heritage Center. Rent is a free will donation. Give Julie a call to book at Nelson’s Food Pride 402-685-5652. We can even offer you a Swedish meal or any other dessert or meal ideas.
Driving by??? check out the beautiful gardens, they are coming back to life , just like the Swedish Heritage Center.
Did your receive your donation letter in the mail? Please don’t push it aside. We are not subsidized in any way so we do need your donations and support..

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Update on Progress of Roundabout at 32/77 Junction

April 28, 2015 Leave a comment


The projected closing of highway 32 east towards Tekamah while construction of the roundabout at the junction of 32/77 has been delayed.

“The contractor is still trying to stabilize the subgrade. It looks like the closure will not happen until early next week,” stated highway project manager Jeff Francis.

Stay tuned to Kat Country Hub for continued updates.

 

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Golden Oaks Rummage Sale and Hot Dog Fundraiser

April 28, 2015 Leave a comment


Golden Oaks Senior Center in Oakland NE will be having their annual rummage sale Thurs., April 30th from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and on Fri., May 1st from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Their Wimmers hot dog bar fundraiser is on Thurs., April 30th from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

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Market Report

April 27, 2015 Leave a comment


Markets

4/27/15 @ 9.35am
Dow +69.40
S&P +6.68
Nasdaq +23.30

U.S. Stocks opened high again this morning pushing the Nasdaq and S&P yet further into record territory. The Dow rising 51 points. Despite many bears talking of the end of the rally, it continues to trend higher yet. It seems the old bull is not yet ready to die.

Grain Markets

4/27/15 @ 9:36am
Corn-1 ¾ @ 3.62 ¾
Beans +6 ¾ @ 9.76 ½

Weather: Colder weather shifts north as the jet stream lifts northward and warming up the Midwest into the upper 70’s and 80’s. East Hub area starting in the low 70’s today and steadily working up to the 80’s by Friday. First chance of rain comes on Friday evening with only a 20% chance. Also a 50% of thunderstorms on Saturday evening.

Corn: Corn trades down to lows not seen in 6 months, breaking through resistance of $3.75, a low set on March 18th, 2015. The next major support line of $3.60 may be the stopping point for this negativity. It seem planting has been progressing well, and the weather forecast looks promising for planting. As I drive the country side it seems most farmers are progressing nicely in the fields, which should keep a lid on any potential rallies. Planting progress report comes out this afternoon and the trade is looking for close to 25%. Some demand concerns exist with the spreading of the bird flu virus, and some back pedaling from China regarding U.S DDG imports. However, as mentioned last week, the funds are holding a short position, which may provide some upside as a short covering rally. Problem is that we don’t know where this rally starts from……it seems to be headed towards $3.60 and the funds are continuing to add short positions. Any rallies are likely to be cause by a short covering.

Beans: There’s also still some rumblings about the trucker strike in Brazil and more talk of a potential strike in Argentina by the end of the week. Brazilian truckers upheld their strike into the end of last week, but participation continued to wane overall—the number of highway blockages were reduced from 17 to 11 on Friday. The problem is global soy supplies are building and there is continued talk that if weather cooperates, we could see U.S. ending stocks push above 500 million bushels.

For Fun
Summer Jobs!
Tis the summer season as parents of teenagers begin talking about summer jobs. Talks of de-tasseling corn, working construction, making pizzas, and even hiring “close up” folks to paint the house. This is the proving grounds for the real world…..How work ethic is established. These jobs can be tough, but this is motivation for these kids to aspire to become something great. Learn what it means to love what you do, or even HATE IT! But at least feel a sense of accomplishment when finished. To learn a new skill, or why corn needs a tassel removed. But most importantly feel what it’s like to experience the fruits of your labor. To save some money for the car they have been dreaming of, spend a little on their longtime girlfriend of 2 months, and donate some of it to a charity they believe in. This is the experience that makes the boy a man (or the girl a woman).

De-tasseling corn is hot, sweaty, tough work for a teen. My oldest son is ready to go, he wants to make some cash, despite the horror stories he has been told. So here are 5 things students say they love and 5 things students hate:

Love:
1. Looking good! Getting a tan and muscle tone
2. Wildlife
3. Making big bucks, including the bonus at the end!
4. Making friends
5. Learning lifelong values (former de-tassel’rs have stories)

Hate:
1. Mud, corn rash, humidity
2. Wet and cold in the am, hot and humid afternoon
3. Bugs/Aphids (feel like they are on you)
4. Waking up early and wear and tear on body
5. Wet shoes and socks (losing a shoe)
Read in detail here: http://www.agriculture.com/crops/corn/detasseling-5-things-to-love-5-we-hate_136-sl44305

Greg Mockenhaupt
ProEdge Risk Management Consultant
P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

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1007 County Road O
Oakland, NE 68045
http://www.cvacoop.com

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