Kats’ Korner: Has This Country Changed?

August 20, 2014 Leave a comment


This country is changing, or is it? As I watch the events play out from one day to the next in Ferguson, Missouri, I wonder if things have changed.

The National Guard has been sent to assist with the civil unrest in Ferguson, MO. The National Guard has been called up many times over the years for such situations.

One of the most controversial of times was in 1957. Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus called on the troops to block nine black students from attending the Little Rock Central High School. The nine black students were treated very badly by the white students, who spit on them and taunted them when they attended school. It took an action of President Eisenhower to stop such actions. He sent more than 1,000 troops to the school to comply with court-ordered integration.

In a more recent event, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the National Guard was called upon to assist law enforcement in an attempt to prevent crimes occurring after such a horrific act of mother nature. 1.833 deaths were reported from the storm, which created looting and violence in New Orleans. The National Guard was on every block to prevent further criminal actions until all were safe.

There have been many instances over many, many years where an event has caused civil unrest, requiring more agencies to come to the aid of those in need, providing the security necessary so more violence does not occur.

I don’t know if this will help those in Ferguson, MO. I have heard there are people from other communities involved in the protesting. Whether that is true or not, I don’t know.

What will it take to stop this? Those in the charge need to get to the bottom of the situation. I think this is taking too long. Or, they are not releasing all of the facts yet.

We do know the deceased was shot six times. Prior to the shooting, he had apparently stolen cigars from a store and had an apparent altercation with the police officer in question. The victim, according to the autopsy results, had been shot six times.

I find the number six a bit outrageous. Why would a police officer shoot someone six times?

We don’t have all the answers. I hope more information is provided soon. The victim’s family needs closure, and maybe more will happen for them. That is unknown at this time.

But, at the end of the day, has this country changed or not?

 

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Word on the Street: What is or Was Your Favorite Ride at the Fair?

August 1, 2014 Leave a comment


 

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Social Speaks: What Do You Like the Most About the Burt County Fair?

July 23, 2014 Leave a comment


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Choosing Flexibility

July 15, 2014 Leave a comment


By

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (July, 2014)

As I mentioned last month, the State Board of Education is not meeting in July, so this month, the topics are “my choice” and the article focuses on two educational topics that, for me, are very important.

This month I will address accountability and the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA.) In my personal view, these two topics are interwoven and both important to the State Board of Education. In July 2013, I shared with you that I typically try to write articles that are informative and factual, well, watch out for the fireworks…I will now throw some opinions your way. As we know, if we read it on the Internet, or even in a newspaper, it must be true!!

Joe Dejka, a reporter with the Omaha World-Herald, provided an excellent overview of ESEA—now commonly known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The June 23rd OW-H article highlighted a State Board of Education discussion about pursuing an ESEA Flexibility “waiver” from certain federal government requirements. ESEA has an unrealistic goal of requiring all students to be 100 percent proficient in reading and math by 2014 Yes, that would be this year! In my opinion, if the State Board applies for ESEA Flexibility, it should occur only after Nebraskans across the state have an opportunity to voice their views on the issue.

So, before I continue painting the picture of what the Nebraska Department of Education and local schools will have to do to receive ESEA Flexibility, I think it is only fair to point fingers. The United States Congress has a job to do and, in the case of reauthorizing the federal ESEA law, that just has not happened!! I know you are surprised by this lack of action at the federal level!! Because Congress has not reauthorized ESEA—action that should have occurred in 2007–we find ourselves in this very difficult position.

Before I continue, I urge you to contact your Congressional representatives to encourage bipartisan collaboration on the reauthorization of ESEA.

Since reauthorization appears unlikely at this time, let’s look at what Nebraska’s request for ESEA Flexibility would entail. Nebraska would apparently be required to develop and implement a plan that would include: academic content standards that are college and career ready; issue annual report on the state’s college going rate and college credit accumulation rates for all students; establish an accountability system that includes student achievement on assessments, and the identification of focus and priority schools; ensure districts implement teacher and principal evaluation system that connects teacher evaluations to student performance and support systems; and, my favorite—reduce duplication and unnecessary burdens on school districts! The good news: several of the elements required at the federal level are included in the state’s Quality Education Accountability Act. The bad news: many of those elements have not yet been defined and that work will take input from the public and time to put in place.

Some readers may think one solution would be to just not take any federal education funds. For many schools, federal funding is a very important part of their budget, and it would be very difficult for local school districts or the state to make up for the loss of those federal dollars. If the State Board does nothing–like the U.S. Congress–our schools will be in a very difficult situation. What is the State Board of Education to do? Research options, become informed and get input from Nebraskans. ESEA Flexibility will not happen overnight and not without input from the public. In my opinion, we need to urge the U.S. Congress to work to reauthorize ESEA. In reality—my reality—we need to explore the feasibility of requesting an ESEA Flexibility waiver from certain federal requirements.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

 

 

 

 

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Public Opinion on Lyons Pool Not Opening

July 8, 2014 1 Comment


What are your thoughts on the new pool in Lyons, NE not opening this summer? The elevation on the lazy river is wrong and water can’t reach the end. The lazy river has to be torn up and re-poured. Thoughts?

Jennifer Marr: I go to Lyons pool and with it not opening my siblings and I don’t like it. Summer is suppose to be about swimming and fun but haven’t gone swimming this year with the pool being closed this year.

Abby Simonsen: What is even more sad then the kids not getting to swim is the people who were hired to work for the summer but they kept getting start date pushed back. I understand that the city had to find employees but now those people didn’t get to work a day and now have made no money this summer. My niece is one of the life guards.

Cindy Schorn: I think whomever made the mistake should compensate the people who were hired.

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Lyons Pool Won’t Be Open This Summer

July 7, 2014 Leave a comment


Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

By Andy Fuston, Lyons Mayor

 

Well, I have some bad news. Some of you have probably already heard but the swimming pool will not be opening this summer. We were hopeful that we would be able to open by the 4th of July weekend but that dream quickly disappeared upon hearing the news that the contractor got the elevation of the lazy river wrong and the engineers and contractor didn’t catch it until two weeks ago. The water level will not reach all the way to the end of the lazy river and the skimmer that recirculates the water. Consequently, the only way to fix the problem is to tear out the whole lazy river and re-pour it. That will take the rest of the swimming season. It needs to be repaired right away because it wouldn’t pass the state health inspection otherwise. So we are literally up a lazy river without a paddle at this point.

I can’t express to you how disappointed I and the rest of the council are that this has happened. I know you share in the disappointment as well. It hurts that much more because we were so close to the end of the project. But we want it done right so we must move forward. I’m confident that when the project is all said and done we will have the best pool around. We will just be waiting until next year before we really can enjoy it. I can assure you that the city is not responsible for the extra expense it will take to tear up the concrete and pour the new river. The city will not pay any more than what we are contractually obligated to pay. So to all the kids out there who were really looking forward to free swimming the rest of the summer, I apologize. It just wasn’t meant to be I guess. Please tell them to hang in there one more school year and prepare for a great time in the pool next year.

On to happier news. Could we have not asked for a better 4th of July! The weather was perfect. Thursday night was a hoot with the Bubble soccer at the school. If you missed it, you missed a really fun time. The firemen’s’ dance was also well attended. On Friday, the park was full of people playing horseshoes, eating delightful goodies, competing in volleyball, tractor pulling and fishing tournaments and just walking around enjoying the sights and sounds of the day. The day was topped off by a spectacular fireworks display that seems to always get better year after year. This was my twentieth year being involved with the Lyons Community Club and the 4th of July festival. There was a time when I was really nervous about our ability to pull off such a large event. Not anymore! We have a great mix of “seasoned” members and new blood that are pulling off some great events. Not many communities our size could be as successful, I believe, as we have been sponsoring events like Bicycles Riders Across Nebraska and the 4th of July Celebration in such a short period of time. Throw in the Relay for Life which involved many of the same volunteers and that is three big events in a thirty day span of time. Thank the Community Club for that. I’m excited about the future of entertainment in Lyons with these folks in charge. You should be too! So thank you Community Club for all your hard work and effort in pulling off another great 4th of July Celebration!

Finally just a quick update on the auditorium. Progress is being made but it is taking time. The first phase only involved the big room and since we received our $375,000 grant we have made some changes in phase two that affects phase one. Our goal is to have phase two out for bid by the end of July/first part of August. We have an end date in mind for the entire project but I’m learning that those dates are usually moving targets so I don’t want to speculate too much at this early stage. I do think you are going to be excited about the new look of the auditorium (from here on in I’m going to try and start referring to it as the community center because that is really what it is going to be when complete). When we get the final rendering that will be used for the bidding process, we will get it out for all to see. In the meantime, we can all watch Steiny’s new building go up on Main Street and Brehmer Manufacturing’s expanding for a second time in as many years! Talk about fantastic news. All we need now is a new owner of the Branding Iron and Lyons would be cooking with gas! It will happen. I am keeping the faith. How could we not with all these other wonderful things happening to our little community! Take care and we’ll talk to you again real soon.

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Kats’ Korner: The Stormy Spring

June 23, 2014 Leave a comment


This has been a spring to remember. Not fondly though.

Many people have lost their homes, possessions and jobs due to the wrath of Mother Nature.

We know tornadoes and flooding happens. We endured a flood in 2011 that did much destruction.

Tornadoes happen all over the country. Until they hit close to home, I doubt many give people give them too much thought.

The day Craig, Uehling, Blair and other areas were hit with severe weather was a memorable day as well.

It was the first bad storm in the area. My mom and I were sitting at my house, worried about what may be coming our way. It did storm hard, pounding rain and wind, but small hail here. The only damage in Oakland was a few trees down in the park and some branches elsewhere in town. We were lucky. As the storm passed, it intensified and did damage in the other areas I mentioned.

I have to admit, I was scared. The clouds looked very ominous, dark and green. I was glad mom was here.

Jeff works at Craig Cattle Company and was caught in the storm in Craig driving home. He had to stop because he couldn’t see in the pouring rain. I am just grateful he was able to get home safely.

I kept having a feeling that day. I thought we were going to be in for a miserable spring. I listen a great deal to the weather and have learned a bit about fronts. When the front was just to the north of us last week, storm predictions started occurring. What I learned is storms erupt along fronts. I am sure that is common knowledge, but I had never paid attention before. I watched the radar throughout the day. I started paying more attention as the storm developed by Stanton. It was getting larger and larger as time went on. It was quite alarming. As it began to take shape, one could tell, this was not going to be good.

It was so hard to believe that Pilger was hit by twin tornadoes! I was in shock. It wasn’t just Pilger that was hit. The tornadoes kept going, destroying homes, farms, anything in its path, all the way to Wakefield!

The pictures were shocking. I felt so guilty for being safe. I knew if the front had been further south, maybe Oakland or any other community, would have been destroyed.

Losing everything in the blink of an eye would have to be so upsetting! I just can’t imagine!

It is wonderful to see everyone stepping up and assisting all of those in need! Nebraskans are so loyal and caring about their neighbors. My prayers have been and will continue to be with all of the victims of the storms. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Life is precious, and can change, or be lost in a heartbeat.

We have all seen that in the last couple of weeks.

 

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Social Speaks: School Shooting

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


Another school shooting happened Oregon. Why do you think this is happening?

  • Kathy Peterson for one thing…the instant fame these kids are craving …and they get it whether they live to hear it or not…..also…. many parents are not in tune with their children…..
  • Jerry McManigal In my humble opinion, it’s partly due to the notoriety and fame the shooter gets through the news media.
  • Lacey Dahlgren The attention that these kids are not getting.. Whether it be at home or not. Parents need to make sure they are giving their kids the love and attention they deserve in order to avoid certain situations like these.
  • Kay Gibbs Kommers In my opinion it’s the same reason the prisons are full. “Don’t tell your children NO. Don’t spank your children you will break their spirit Forget they need to be taught right from wrong and learn some respect. It’s all about the world owes me and no one cares about me.
  •  Danita Dahlgren In my opinion, it is a parents job to set the building blocks of how their children view the world, themselves, and others.We must teach them about love and RESPECT, right from wrong, and about morals and values. I think showing your child to find value in themselves may decrease the chances that they want to de-value others.

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A Minute With The Mayor

June 2, 2014 Leave a comment


Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

I’ve been thinking recently about first impressions. It is said that first impressions are lasting impressions. I believe that. I think you really only get one chance to make that first impression. Whether positive or negative, it will always be there. Now, can someone’s impression be changed over time – sure it can. But isn’t it easier to start out with a positive first impression than a negative one? A positive first impression starts you out on the right foot. You can quickly build on that impression with more positive experiences. It can also provide you with more time to correct negative perceptions that might follow the initial impression. On the other hand, a negative first impression starts you off in a hole. It can take even longer to positively change a negative impression into a positive one. That is why first impressions are lasting impressions. Because they set the expectation for everything at comes next.

As a community we’ve been working on our first impressions. The new pool, some relative new buildings and homes dot our landscape as a community. However, I will be the first to admit that Lyons’ first impression is hampered by age. The entrance into Lyons from the highway is non-descript. Main Street is a bumpy ride. We have some houses, buildings and lots that need some TLC. We are not unlike most small rural communities when it comes to issues like this and that’s ok. We are making progress which is different from some of those same communities. We are a work in progress and I’m proud to be able to say that. Because progress is the key.

I bring this up because Lyons has a great opportunity in showcase that progress on June 13th. BRAN (Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska) will be spending the last night of their journey in our little community. Folks, we are talking over seven hundred people plus coming to spend the day and night in Lyons.   That’s like three quarters of the total population of our community!   They will be walking around town, eating in our restaurants and at our food vendor locations. They will be at the school, down at the park, walking and riding up and down Main Street and everywhere in-between. Think about the first impression we are going to be making on all these people as a community.

The town infrastructure will help us some but not enough to “wow” anybody. It is a reality that we must live with. But there is something that can be done to really make a great and lasting first impression: WE show those seven hundred plus people just how friendly, kind and helpful Lyons really is. WE can go out of our way to be hospitable and friendly. WE can open our hearts and treat them like family. WE can mingle and ask what we can do to make their brief stay with us the best it possibly can be. WE can join them for lunch and supper, eating with them at all the great locations around town that will be set up for meals. PLEASE feel free to join in the fun and partake in what is going on that day and next morning. Lots of people have been organizing for months to pull this off. The Lyons Community Club has taken this challenge and run with it. Different organizations around town have stepped up to the plate to offer meals (yes they are all fundraisers for those organizations but they didn’t have to do it). Vendors are coming in to sell their wares. What we need now is community participation. So consider yourselves all invited to this giant outdoor celebration of a 470 mile journey. I hope you decide to participate.

We have a great opportunity to make a great first impression here. Lyons will be on display to people who might have never even heard of Lyons before. Let’s do the very best we can to make a positive first impression. Make sure yards are mowed and weeds are pulled. Be nice to strangers. Better yet turn those strangers into friends! Be an active participant in the day’s festivities. This this a great chance for us to make a positive and lasting first impression.   I know we can do it. We’ve had lots of practice and have succeeded many times at it in the past. Let’s just not let our guard down with this one. Let’s hit this one out of the ballpark! Thanks in advance for all your efforts. Talk to you soon.

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Social Speaks: The Veteran’s Hospital Issue

May 30, 2014 Leave a comment


What are your thoughts on the Veteran’s Hospital issue? The waiting list, those that presumably died while waiting, and how it has been handled?

  • Jeannene Schutt I wonder where Nebraska VA hospital fall in all of this. Tim’s dad always used them and never had a bad experience. They went above and beyond IMO.
  • Mona Tanksley I always think if the military wants the best care for the Vets they would allow them to have treatment in their local facilities to eliminate the delay and the travel which for some can be a real problem.
  •  Kay Gibbs Kommers I agree it’s a mess. My veteran has never been able to get any care or help. They said his records burned up in a fire years ago. Even tho he has his discharge papers etc etc. he gets Nothing. He was in the Vietnam War. So extremely sad for the ones in life threatening situations!!
  •  Helen Taylor Murray That is so messed up Kay! I’d keep pursuing it. I also know there is inconsistency in VA hospitals in different states. My Dad has had ok treatment in Omaha, but like Mona said, Why do they have to go so far for a doctor. They should be able to get treatment anywhere. Brittany’s Grandpa Sznajder needed heart surgery in Florida and they had him on hold. His wife whipped him out of there so fast and got him into another hospital for the surgery. He would have died before his time if she hadn’t acted on her own. Our veterans and military deserve way better than they get!Vicki Miller Gilliland Sounds like Obama Care to me. Waiting lists????

  • Teresa Tobin Well if the 41 Republicans that filibustered the bill last year would have voted yes to adding 26 more VA facilities and increasing availability of care maybe we wouldn’t be in this mess now! Just my 2 cents!

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