Vote for James Moseman for Republican Delegate at Republican Convention April 6th

April 1, 2016 Leave a comment


Fellow Republicans,

 

The Burt County Republican Convention has been planned for Wednesday, April 6th, 2016 at the Burt County Fairgrounds located in Oakland. The convention will be held in the Bill Larson Building. The convention will begin at 7:00 PM with a pie and ice cream social to follow. Prior to the ice cream social, Republican office holders in the area will speak to share views, ideas, and goals for upcoming elections, as well as to review progress made over the last year.

I wish to remind you that the convention will be appointing a delegate to attend the state convention later this year. I am currently campaigning to be that delegate, and I humbly ask that you attend the convention and consider casting your vote for me.

For the last two years I have been an active member of the Republican Party in many ways. These various experiences have exposed me to new ideas, changing conservatism, and conflicting viewpoints that have allowed me to grow and develop. These experiences include Burt County Campaign Director at Lydia Brasch for Legislature, Campaign Volunteer at Joni Albrecht for Legislature, Campaign Volunteer at Don Bacon for Congress, Campaign Volunteer at Jeff Fortenberry for Congress, Campaign Volunteer at Pete Ricketts for Governor, and Nebraska State Chair at High School Students for Rubio. I have also served in other non-Republican related capacities as well. These include: Nebraska State Director and Great Plains Regional Director at Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council, Founder and soon-to-be Chair of Congressman Fortenberry’s Youth Advisory Council, and serving as a member of the Nebraska Governor’s Youth Advisory Council.

If you would like more information about any of my views, ideas, or qualifications please reach out to me using any of the contact information listed below. I look forward to seeing you at the convention!

 

Sincerely,

 

James D. Moseman

jamesdmoseman@hotmail.com, jamesdmoseman@gmail.com

402-380-4336

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To Consolidate or Not to Consolidate, That is the Question

March 29, 2016 Leave a comment


I have not personally made a decision on how I will vote on Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman Schools consolidating or not. Below is just a brief thought on the subject and how to come to your own decision. Please remember to thank a school board member if you see one from either district. This has been a very difficult task for each of them and they deserve our appreciation.

“I don’t envy the position the local school boards, Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman, are facing. With the prospect of consolidating two schools, or maybe not consolidating, many things are to be taken into account. I don’t doubt that the board members are taking everything into account. This will also be an issue for the voters of each school district. When deciding on how to vote on such an important issue, please take into account BOTH sides of the issue. If need be, go to a meeting. They are open to the public and will provide the information needed to make a decision. Generations of children to come will be affected by the outcome. Their education is what’s important.” Denise Gilliland Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Kats’ Korner: Election Time!

March 14, 2016 Leave a comment


We have all been truly blessed with a beautiful Spring season!

But, never underestimate the powers of old man winter. I can remember many snowstorms in April. We may not be out of the woods yet! I for one am keeping my fingers crossed! One blizzard was enough for me!

—

I know politics isn’t a favorite subject of many, and with the way the presidential campaigning is going, I truly understand.

I remember the first time I voted. I was so excited. I was 18 and honored to be performing my civic duty. I voted for Ronald Reagan. When he won, I was elated! In my opinion, he is one of the best presidents ever.

I am at a loss this election. I honestly can’t say there is one person in the lead that I would consider giving my vote, my trust and faith in running our country. The United States is the Leader of the Free World. Putting one of them in charge terrifies me. I could think of others I would vote for, unfortunately, they aren’t fairing well in the polls. Apparently, shouting negative things and spewing horrible accusations at others is the norm now. What on earth is going on? Where are their morals? Only God knows.

Protesters at rallies is quite scary, and new. It speaks volumes to me. I hope it does to others as well. Let’s all just hope and pray that things work out for the best.

—

On a much lighter note, the primary in May is approaching. In Oakland, there are six people running for two seats on the city council. Two people will be eliminated with four proceeding to the November general election.

I am running for office and am an incumbent. I was appointed by Mayor Ted Beckner in October of 2013 to fill a vacancy on the council, and have served ever since. I am currently the Oakland City Council President.

I love serving the community of Oakland. I am proud to be of service and consider it an honor to represent the citizens, listening to their concerns and wishes to improve Oakland. I hope to serve another four years. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to call me. I am available at all times and will assist all I can! I would appreciate your vote and especially your faith in me to serve another term. Thank you!

Thought for the Day: Have faith in the system and pray it works out for the best.

Have a great week!

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub. Oakland City Council President.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub. Oakland City Council President.

 

 

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Social Speaks: Thoughts on Daylight Savings Time

March 12, 2016 Leave a comment


What do you think of daylight savings time? Do you like springing forward or do you like falling back an hour? Or would you rather leave the clock alone??

Andrea Marr Ruiz Move to Arizona…we don’t shift time!!! Lol

Paula Stromquist Leave it at daylight savings time!!!

 Edith Gilliland Muller hate the time change live as is.
Jo Marie Brummond I wish they would just leave it alone…just my opinion

 Laura Marr Mittlestadt I’ve lived in two states that didn’t have daylight savings. I always hated that!
 Lesa Anderson Parker It’s the pits when one has to always re-adapt to the time change. So, leave it either or, and leave it at that.
Dee Johnson Love daylight savings time!

David Mallette Leave it as Standard time the way it started out. As the sun moves…..the days will naturally get longer. I dislike daylight savings time.
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I like gaining an hour in the fall, but I hate losing one in the spring!!  It just takes time to adjust!
Roger Donna Andreasen Just leave the clock alone already! If you want “more daylight” get up an hour earlier.

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Kats’ Korner: Snowstorm for the Books!

February 13, 2016 Leave a comment


It was a snowstorm for the books!

People have been comparing it to the storm of 1975. Some say this one was worse, others say differently.

I was only 12. All I remember is piles of snow and endless fun! I lived in Tekamah then. There were over 30 kids in about a five-block radius. Each and every one of us had our sleds out! We went to the top of the hill and sled down the alley. If we were lucky, we could jump the street and go down the next alley. If not, the sled ended up in the street or ditch. We didn’t care. We were having fun.

Those were the days!

I am not twelve anymore. This storm caused me to worry.

My husband works at Craig Cattle and cattle have to be fed, so he has to get to work.

He rode with a couple other guys. They met up with another employee driving a pay loader. He cleared the road so they could get to work.

I was so happy when he got home each day!

I prayed so much during the storm, not just for his safety, but for everyone to be safe and warm at home.

I had other worries as well.

I am on the city council and in charge of the street department.

I knew this was going to be a challenging storm for the city crew.

We initiated a snow emergency Monday in anticipation of the storm. We wanted people to be aware of the impending storm and to keep vehicles off the snow emergency routes. This is so important! Access to the hospital, nursing home, etc. is essential.

The wind was such a problem on Tuesday. No matter how much they tried, the snow kept blowing the roads shut again.

They worked very hard Wednesday, with more than just the snow being a challenge. Trucks were having problems as well. The snow was very heavy and wet, causing trucks to have minor breakdowns. Fortunately, they could be fixed, but it took time, which kept them off the roads while being repaired. The blower also threw a bearing, taking over half of a day to be repaired.

It was a very stressful several days for them.

It was hard on the community as well. We don’t see weather like that everyday.

I hope everyone realizes how hard the city crew worked to clean the streets and make travel safe for all. Until I was on the council, I didn’t realize how difficult this can be, and how hard they work. They are a dedicated group and we are lucky to have them.

I commend all of the city crew and the police department for their efforts in keeping the people of Oakland safe.

If you see any of them around, let them know they are appreciated.

The Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2016 will be one not soon forgotten.

Thought for the Day: Be thankful for each day, a roof over your head, a warm house and food on the table. And a caring community to call home.

Have a great week! Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

 

 

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Word on the Street: Sharing Winter Storm Memories

February 9, 2016 Leave a comment


Other than the current winter storm, what are your other winter storm memories??? What year? How much snow?? Share your memories! I remember the storm of 75….and the fun we had riding our sleds! Carefree and loving it! 

Kathy Peterson 2009 was a biggie as well …it was the first Christmas after Dad passed… Terry came from the south…I came from the north…no one left the farm until we left to go back home…even the bunker silo had drifts over the top and it has 16 foot walls.

Kathy Peterson All of our vehicles were buried….as well they had to dig them out with tractors….

Kathy Peterson The storm of 75 was my senior year… we had a boston terrier named Inky…we walked to the top of the windbreak because the snow was so hard….and she would ride down the hill on one of the round disc sleds …ears flying and a wide grin on that cute little face….that was the year that going up the hill by grandpa petersons (now Uncle Jim’s) that we have a picture of a maintainer going through snow drifts taller than it was

Donnie Dodge 1991 Halloween storm- I was at Midland University. 2 days missed and so much fun. spent days scooping local driveways with buddies.

Kathy Peterson I was in MN during the 1991 storm that is when the Metrodome fell in .Mom and Dad had come up that weekend for a show and when they got back they had no power and drove to Blair for a hotel as Dad had a DR’s appointment in Omaha the next day…..

Teresa Tobin 2009. Blizzard in KC. Of I course I had to work. Was told to pack for three days. First night slept on an army cot second night I got a hotel room courtesy of the hospital. Drove home on the third night only to remember I had to first shovel a foot of snow from the driveway to get my car in the garage. But to my surprise my awesome neighbor did it for me. Memories they last along time.

Teresa Paulson-Faust January 14 1997 when my son was born at Methodist n my parents followed a plow from Irvington exit to Blair n then got home safe. I had a c section n didn’t get to my room till midnight n I came into the hospital at 6 am. Long day it was for everyone.

Teresa Paulson-Faust My parents didn’t leave until they knew I was ok n in my room

Lauri Bundy Canarsky I’m old…too many to list details….Dec.1969. Feb 1972, Jan 1988.

Susan Penke We were married in September of 74. That winter of 75 we lived in a little farm house a mile north of Craig. It was so cold the snow would blow up through the wood floors. We had bales around the house and plastic on the windows. We had a 74 Roadrunner and the snow was up to the windows.

Kris M Feauto I lived in Sioux City the storm of 75. I remember making tunnels throughout the snow in the front yard n playing in the snow for hours. No chance of that happening now.

Linda Carlson I worked at Oakland Heights (nights) the winter of 75. It was the first winter it was open and there was no concrete yet –just heay mud under tons of snow. Pretty interesting getting to work and back home that winter.

 

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Kats’ Korner: Being the Best Me Possible

January 21, 2016 Leave a comment


Dedication, whether it is to your career, yourself, your family, the community you live in, or all of the above, can be very difficult and yet, very rewarding.

Failure only happens when effort ceases to exist.

Just being dedicated isn’t enough. There is work involved. Change may be necessary as well.

I haven’t had a problem being dedicated to my career, my family or Oakland. I take each one of them seriously and aspire to do my best at all times, always keeping in mind that balance is important and happiness of others comes before my own.

In order to achieve this, I have to be more dedicated in one particular area, me. No, I am not being selfish. I am being honest.

Getting older is supposed to make us wiser, which I do believe. I also believe it can make us less ambitious., at least when it comes to exercising.

I enjoy going for walks, weather permitting. But, I don’t enjoy walking on the treadmill. Half an hour seems like eternity. But, I do it anyway.

No matter how much I try, the muffin top refuses to leave.

I wasn’t faithful to my diet over the holidays. Who is? It is quite a challenging time.

I also didn’t exercise for at least three weeks. That is very unlike me. Effort stopped, failure happened.

Not for long.

I began doing Zumba about two weeks ago. I started lifting weights, doing more than before. And, Tuesday, I began the 6-pack abs in 6 weeks workout.

I am not delusional. It will take me longer than six weeks. It is very hard. Wednesday morning, I hurt in places I hadn’t hurt in before! But, I did it again! I realize I shouldn’t do it every day. I intend to mix in cardio, weights and continue Zumba as well. I have lost almost an inch around my waist. I haven’t weighed myself. But, more importantly, I feel great! I have more energy that carries me through each day.

I also have been watching my diet. I love fruits and vegetables, so I eat plenty of them. I also add as much protein to my diet as I can. And, most important, I drink lots of water!

The hardest food for me to walk away from is potato chips. I am not a sweets person, but I love chips. As they say, you can’t eat just one.

I could eat the entire bag.

My point is, in order for me to work hard at my career, family and the community I love, Oakland, I have to take very good care of me.

I believe that is true for everyone.

Failure only happens when effort ceases to exist.

Thought for the day: As long as you are moving, you are doing better than the person still sitting on the couch.

Have a great week!

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A Minute With Lyons Mayor, Andy Fuston

January 15, 2016 Leave a comment


Welcome to 2016! It is exciting to think about what the New Year is going to bring you. There are all sorts of possibilities and opportunities that could come knocking. You just have to decide whether you’re going to answer the door or not! The city is the same way. I’m excited to see what opportunities will come knocking on our door this year.

As mayor, I think one of the most important responsibilities of city government is to keep people excited about living in their community. Improvement in the city’s infrastructure is one way to keep folks excited and positive about their town. I believe 2015 definitely hit the mark with the new pool and remodeled city community center. Those two projects created a lot of buzz for and pride in Lyons. The conversion of the old JC building lot into an outdoor theater was another project that, although not solely a “city project” but city property, also ranked right up there as a contributor to the heightened spirit of Lyons.

But that was 2015! I believe we can do the same in 2016.  First we are waiting to hear about the grant proposal we submitted last fall regarding improvements for lighting on Main Street. If the city is awarded the grant, it will provide a much needed boost to the downtown infrastructure. It will certainly help the curb appeal of Main Street as well as increase the illumination quality of the lighting provided now. If awarded, this would consume a big chunk of the city’s energy for the year. These big projects always do. We are however up for the task if it comes to be. I can’t wait to hear what the outcome is going to be.

The city council will continue to keep an open mind moving into 2016. We are currently looking at the possibility of utilizing more solar power technology for the city. We are always looking at ways we can partner with other entities for new housing or businesses.   Much will depend on location and funding but it is an area we’ve been willing to explore.

The city has taken measures to keep Logan Valley Manor from falling into disrepair this winter because we are hopeful good things are in store for that building in 2016. I feel confident Lyons will continue to prosper in 2016. We will continue to prosper because we have creative, innovative and motivated individuals living in and around Lyons who wants to see us grow stronger and more relevant. We are blessed with a wonderful school system that not only cares about the students they are educating but about their place within the fabric of this community. We have a manufacturing business that continues to be an international presence in the world. Our small business community, anchored by a strong banking base and business/farming advocacy group, are adept at creating opportunities for them to be successful. We are a prosperous community in so many ways. The excitement is in the journey. We might not know yet what form that prosperity will takr in 2016 but I can tell you the people of Lyons, including your city government, are going to work hard to make it the best year yet! Take care and I’ll talk to you soon.

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Social Speaks: Thoughts on Local Schools Consolidating

January 13, 2016 Leave a comment


As editor, I wanted to hear what people have to say about local schools, such as Tekamah-Herman, Oakland-Craig, Lyons-Decatur Northeast and Bancroft-Rosalie, possibly consolidating. Below are several very interesting, informed and insightful responses.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen If we have to consolidate, I wish they had done it with Lyons when the option was there! Not real crazy about my kids having to travel out of town.
 Leann Canarsky Jorgensen Not sure how the people of Decatur would have felt about coming to Oakland, Tekamah would be closer.
Amy Wheaton Why if oakland and lyons went together would the school be in oakland?

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I always thought it would be ideal to have one half way between on hwy 77.

Amy Wheaton I’m so glad my kids are out of school…small towns are disappearing…and so are the schools. Sad to say!

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I wasn’t meaning that it would be in Oakland, I was meaning that it would be further for Decatur if they merged & went half way??? Wouldn’t it be ideal to meet half way than to choose towns? Would you expect it to be in Lyons?

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I’m hoping my kids are out of school before anything like this happens, but we still have 9 years left in school! I hate to see any small town school close….we love our school & the convenience of it being a few blocks from home!

Amy Wheaton No not at all! I thought that’s what you meant since you stated you didn’t want your kids to have to travel!
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I would be much more comfortable going 3 1/2 miles on hwy 77 than I would going 7 miles on 32 if we had to consolidate with T-H. That highway just stinks in the winter! Or even worse, out into the country!

Cara Schulzkump Raabe I’m so glad that my daughter graduates this year. But I still worry about all the kids. In a perfect world, right?

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen In a perfect world, every one will be happy!! Sadly, that will never happen! We need to keep the best interests of our kids & their education in mind & stop worrying about sports! 

Krisa Brown The towns of Decatur, Craig, and soon to be closed Herman have already lost their schools. So those families along with all the country people have been driving or riding the bus for decades. I understand that no town wants to lose their school house, but things change whether we want them to or not. I think people need to look at community on a larger scale than just their own town. The local small town rivalries are gone. No one has to agree, this is just my opinion.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I just don’t agree with putting more kids on the road…..

Krisa Brown Logan View has been doing it for years.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I realize that, & I see what your point is, I just think if they consolidate with T-H, I would probably choose to put my kids in The L-D school instead…..just my choice. Hwy 32 is a terrible road. When we lived in Uehling, we drove our kids to school in Oakland, instead of Logan View & when we lived out by Craig, we chose O-C over T-H ( yes, whoever owned that house chose the T-H school district for less taxes when they were given the choice). I guess any way you look at it, no one will be happy, but I as a parent, have the option to open enroll. I am not opposed to my kids traveling a short distance, but I also need to consider their safety.

Sarah Gramke Completely against. We are a strong school, and doing well financially. There is no “need” for consolidation. There is a need for more classes to be added, but with technology, distance learning with community schools would solve that. If we consolidate we will be a small B school, and not that winning is everything but we will not compete with other big schools, will not get playing time, and will have to try out for everything. Also hwy 32 would be a horrible road to commute on for our kids. I could go on and on with other reasons why its not a good idea. If you look at all of the facts, the negatives of consolidation definitely outnumber the positives. Hope the community members who are against consolidation continue to attend meetings and speak up for what is best for our kids, and our community as a whole.
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen Amen!!!! I cannot imagine my kids traveling on hwy 32 or out in the country to Bertha!! No thanks!! I love our school!!

Kris M Feauto Wow I think that would be a really bad idea.

Teresa Tobin I know I’m not from O-C but just a question to think about. Financially you may be doing great now- what about 10-20 years from now is O-C growing? Are young couples staying in town and raising their kids? I know I’ve seen small town schools here in MO. That did not consolidate and were forced too 5-10 years later cause they didn’t have enough kids! Just a thought!

Sarah Gramke Oakland-Craig is growing. Young people are staying or returning.

Cherry Hanak Why don’t they just build a new high school building , and tear down that old ugly one.

Kristi Bacon How many of u r paying land taxes in the Oakland school district. We have two farms in this district. We can not afford to pay anymore. We r at almost a 100 dollar an acre. OC needs to forget about building n look at other options

Jasmine Haeffner Helzer What should have been done is a school at Bertha. I could care less about sports as that is not what is going to pay the bills when these kids get older. Education is first and foremost. The outlook for rural communities are to hopefully sustain and the likely hood of growth is small. When looking at the numbers there is no tax benefit for a Tekamah-Oakland consolidation all we can hope for is better education.

David Mallette I always thought a merger with LV when the opportunity was there. Good highway to travel…already a new building in existance….I don’t feel a new building for the town and tax payers is the way to go. Oakland will always be my home town, but 10 years from now who knows what young families will be in town to support a new building.

David Mallette When it comes to sports…the BEST athletes make the teams…yes you have to try out and either make a team or your don’t.

Cherry Hanak I don’t even live there , just saying , how many years can people talk about this , nothing ever happens, just saying, again
Susan Reynolds-Seery Living 5 miles out of town is bad enough. My kids ride the bus, so no I don’t drive them, but just recently they got stuck in the snow and was almost 45 minutes late to school. I couldn’t imagine them having to travel farther. I hope they graduate before this goes down or we might be going to West Point and I don’t want to take my kids from their friends, but their safety is more important.

Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I agree Susan!! I’m hoping this will be years down the road & my kids are out of school too! If everyone would stop complaining about this school or that school & worry about their education, it would be a small miracle! No one wants their kids to travel, but if they have to, wouldn’t the shorter, safer route be best? 
Susan Reynolds-Seery Yes definitely! It’s not the first time they have gotten stuck either. I worry about them every time they go out. We have a great bus driver and I trust him, it’s the weather and roads I don’t trust. I hope in the end it works best for the kids.

Abby Simonsen As a young child I rode the bus from 7 am till right up till school time every morning. Back in the day when we had snow on the ground from Halloween till the end of March. I have so many fun memories of this free time with other kids. Weather you travel two miles or ten, getting the education required to succeed in this wildly changing world is what is important. Sports teaches discipline to fight and succeed when you are out in the big bad world. Consolidation only makes sense if the dollars it takes to run an education establishment are being spent efficiently.

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Kats’ Korner: Life and all of the Challenges

January 2, 2016 1 Comment


The holidays are over and it is time to get back to reality.

It is such a busy time of the year and also a blessed time of the year.

I enjoyed each and every moment with family and friends. It is a magical time of the year. I did more baking this year than I have in a while. There is nothing better than baking Christmas goodies while Christmas songs are playing throughout the house.

I have one wish: To carry the magical feeling of Christmas with me each and every day. I wish the same for everyone.

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I have broken so many over the years I decided to take a different approach.

I am going to give each and every day the best I have. Loving and cherishing each moment, even the bad.

I remember saying to my Aunt how I wished this day would hurry up and end. She pointed out that I shouldn’t wish time away because I can’t have it back. She also said wishing a day or hurry is wishing life away.

There is something to be said about learning from others older and wiser than me. She definitely got through to me. I don’t wish anything away, especially time.

I do have one wish for all of you: A happy and healthy 2016 living each moment to the fullest!

Kats’ Korner

I am also looking forward to a year serving the citizens of Oakland. I cherish serving on the Oakland City Council. In December of each year, the council reorganizes. This consists of each council member being appointed as the head of a department and the election of the council president.

I will be serving as the head of the street department, a position I held last year as well. I have to say, I am thrilled to do so again as I have more projects I want to oversee in the upcoming year.

I was also shocked, to put it mildly, to be nominated and elected as the Council President. I have to say at first, I was a bit nervous, but more than that, honored. I take serving on the Council very seriously, wanting the best for the citizens of Oakland.

Kats’ Korner

This is my last year on the Council unless I decide to run for election. I have until February 16th to file the paperwork if I choose to run for office.

After discussing this with Jeff and some dear friends, whom are all very supportive and encouraging, the decision has been made. I will be running for election.

I hope to serve the community and citizens of Oakland for an additional four years. It is the most challenging and fulfilling experience I have ever had.

I am a believer in giving back to the community I call home.

I have much more giving to do.

Thought for the day: Enjoy life. Soak up every minute!

Have a great week!

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