Social Speaks: What do you Think of the new Roundabout?

December 8, 2015 Leave a comment


I have heard many different opinions about the new roundabout at the junction of highway 32/77. Do you like or dislike it? Why? Do you think there will be less accidents, especially serious ones, because of the roundabout?

Susan Reynolds-Seery Seeing all of the tire marks going over the middle, its a matter of time before someone hits the light pole. And watching the truck drivers go around it, I don’t think I have seen one actually able to not go over the curb. My opinion, there should also be a better or maybe another sign to warn people of the round about, to many people come flying up to it and then slamming on their brakes. But fingers crossed we don’t have accidents. Knock on wood, we haven’t had to respond to one yet.

Rosa Schmidt I love it! I have not seen a truck or car have any issues. I was more apprehensive previously when I never knew for sure if east/west traffic would actually stop at the light. Traffic flows smoothly now.

Jane Olson I love it also. The bricks on the “curb” are designed for the trucks to drive over. The trucks are not supposed to make it all the way around the curb.
Krisa Brown Exactly, it’s designed for trucks to drive over it, that’s how it works.
Susan Reynolds-Seery I didn’t think there was a way they would be able to. But am glad its made that way so they can travel around it. I would hate to see what happens if the curb was higher. Now if some people would learn how to drive around d it and not over it lol I just like going in circles!
Lauri Bundy Canarsky I think it was a good solution. There were certainly too many accidents with just the lights. Leonard commented last night that we had just driven 1200 miles & that was the first one we had encountered.
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen I love it!! I have had someone run the stop light & hit my car head on at that intersection & have had several people pull out in front of me! I found myself almost coming to a stop every time I went through it because I was so paranoid!! I think if anyone comes flying up on it, they are certainly NOT paying enough attention to the road signs. This is not NASCAR, you don’t have to go through it on two wheels! I think it is going to eliminate accidents & slow people down!!
Cheri Johansen I go thru it every day twice a day – I love it! I would always fee like a sitting duck when waiting to turn off 77 onto 32- sitting in the intersection always wondering if people on 32 were going to stop. Now for everyone to be comfortable knowing how to drive thru the round about! I know there are many people that struggle with it!
Mylet Johnson Kutchera I like it as there has been accidents in the past. I had a relative that was killed there he was a young teenager.

Paula Stromquist I love it!!! If there is accidents hopefully they won’t be as serious or fatal!
Andrew Nelson It’s nice except could have had wider entrance into it and the company that decided to put that steel drain on the north west side is real tough on a lot of people tires and gonna cost people some problems
Lori Marr I like it as it slows down the traffic through that intersection.

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Kats’ Korner: Thanksgiving was a True Blessing

December 2, 2015 Leave a comment


I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. The weather may have caused some of you to change your plans, but being safe at home is the most important blessing of all.

Jeff and I picked up our granddaughter Penelope the Tuesday before Thanksgiving so she could stay with us until her parents came for Thanksgiving on Thursday. She just turned a year old on the 21st. She isn’t walking on her own yet, but she holds onto furniture or people and walks. She is a busy girl, crawling all over the house!

Wednesday evening, Jeff and I were in the kitchen with Penelope. She was playing on the floor. She crawled around the corner, into the living room, came back into the kitchen, looked at me and said “yeah” and crawled back into the living room. Then back she came, looked at me and said “yeah” again, only louder this time. I wasn’t sure what she wanted at first. Then I understood. She wanted me to crawl too, following her. So, of course, I did.

But, that wasn’t good enough. She turned around, saw me, but papa wasn’t with us. Back to the kitchen she went! Looked at papa and said “yeah” and crawled back into the living room. Yes, papa got on the kitchen floor and crawled into the living room, behind Penelope and I. She was a happy girl then, laughing while crawling all over the house.

I got up and grabbed my camera while her and papa crawled into the kitchen. It wasn’t long and Penelope came into the living room with papa right on her heels! She was crawling as fast as she could, giggling along the way. They did that several times before papa was worn out and had to get up off the floor. I think that was the hardest part! I was laughing too, while taking the pictures. I have to say, hardwood floors do hurt the knees!

I do believe nana and papa have spoiled her, but that is what grandparents are for!

We were also so grateful that our daughter Whitney and her husband Tri decided to come to our house later Wednesday night. With a winter storm moving in for Thanksgiving, travelling was a concern.

Thanksgiving was a wonderful day. The weather wasn’t good, but we were all warm and safe in our house. We ate a lot, watched movies and football, talked a lot, and played cards. That used to be a tradition at family gatherings. It hasn’t happened for years, but we brought the tradition back this year. We played several games of pitch before calling it a night.

They left Friday morning and, thankfully, got home safely.

We had a wonderful time.

It was a true blessing to have three generations together for Thanksgiving.

It is a blessing to be together any day.

Penelope and papa crawling and a selfie with nana. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Penelope and papa crawling and a selfie with nana. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Thought for the day: Be thankful for each day you are given.

Have a great week!!

 

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Social Speaks: What is Your Favorite Christmas Show?

December 1, 2015 Leave a comment


It is that time of year…..Christmas shows! What is your favorite Christmas TV show?

Paula Stromquist I love the oldies….WHITE CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY INN

Paula Stromquist Alan’s is CHRISTMAS VACATION
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen Elf, a Christmas Story & Christmas Vacation…I like the funnies!!

 Dan Tierney It’s a Wonderful Life.
Lauri Bundy Canarsky I could watch White Christmas in July.
Suzanna Boyle Anderson I like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, A Charlie Brown Christmas and I like An American Girl Movie Samantha’ Holiday I think it’s called.

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Social Speaks: Do You Shop on Thanksgiving? Should Stores be Open?

November 24, 2015 Leave a comment


Do any of you shop on Thanksgiving?? What are your thoughts on shopping on Thanksgiving? Should stores be open??

Abby Simonsen I do not shop on Thanksgiving. I feel like the stores should not be open to give families time to gather.

Tiffany Raabe Nope! Family holiday
Jennifer Dolezal I think Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all you are Thankful for, your family friends etc. I think the whole “Black Friday” craze takes from that…

Brandy K. McElroy nope!!!!! wouldn’t even think of it!!! retail stores need to get real!!!

Janet Bericic nope, sometimes the day after, but NOT on Thanksgiving.

Krisa Brown Not on Thanksgiving, sometimes the day after though.
Debbie Krutilek I will shop online, but not going out to fight the crowds. I realize somebody has to be on the job for online orders too, but at least I don’t have to see the poor person working on this Holiday when they should be home spending it with family
Peggy Louise Jensen No and no.

Teresa Tobin Did it once. Won’t do it again!
Leann Canarsky Jorgensen We used to shop on Black Friday, but since they have started the sales so early on Thursday, we don’t even bother any more. It used to just be a fun girls day for us. Last year, there were some boots at Younkers that I wanted, so Jim stopped & I ran in, got two pair, some pillows & a few things, but had we not been right there in Omaha, I would not have gone. I think the stores should wait until Friday morning to open to allow their employees time with their families.

Brenda Pearson I agree Peg, NO & NO

Angie Maxwell I’ve been in the past, wasn’t planning on going this year, but there’s a camera that’s like $350 off regular price that Cody and Haley want. Soooooo…….. I’m going, only to Best Buy and only for the camera.

Donnie V Lass Nope. But i work at Macy’s warehouse so i have to work.
Jane Olson It’s a holiday, the stores should be closed.
Bobette Toalson I shop like the crazy woman that I am on Black Friday, but Thanksgiving should be shared with family and friends and thanking God for our abundant blessings. Shopping on Thanksgiving? Absolutely not!

Diane Thomas-Greckel Nope, nor do I do the “Black Friday” thing, too much stress.

Hillary Tuttle I used to do black friday but since they started opening up Thursday afternoon and night, I won’t go. It’s ridiculous. It’s just a big competition between stores for most sales.

Joel Fredrickson well…. i dont think any retail store can FORCE an employee to work a holiday. when i worked retail we could choose. got paid extra even. and we were always busy! still had plenty of time to spend with family.
Lauri Bundy Canarsky Thanksgiving is for family. We used to shop Black Fri, but it’s gotten so crazy, they take all fun out of it & we don’t do that anymore. I’ve found all the “bargains” are online & prefer shopping from my chair.
 Patti McCool Never been that impressed with the “deals”
Monica Potter No I dont. I feel that they should be closed

Peggy Robinson Peterson Nope I take time for family smash can wait

Laura Leonard Nope… this is family time
Nancy Bring Keifer Well lots of people have to work in nursings home and hospital and special needs homes!! Who thinks of them???? They are not home with their family but another family they hold close to their hearts!!! Also all the people who help with homeless vets and homeless people!! Got to love them!!! I did this for many years!!!
James Dahlgren My feelings are should be with family and friends, I feel sometimes the consumers are wearing themselves out trying to get a good deal ,and are only buying crap . My opinion .

 Lori Voyles Peterson sometimes you dont have a choice about being home with family. My daughters and I work in a nursing home and we can’t always be home on a holiday. I love seeing the faces of the residents so it is worth it being there for them.
Alisa Uhing Thank you to those employed at hospitals and nursing homes. Spending time with your second family in the holidays is rewarding too. But to the retail stores open to get “that extra dollar”…BOO!!! I tried Black Friday once 10 years ago. Oh My Goodness. Haven’t gone out of my way too early in the morning to do that again. And thanksgiving day that’s ridiculous. But as long as others go in they’ll continue to open each year…again I say…BOO!

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Word on the Street: What was on the Menu for the First Thanksgiving?

November 19, 2015 Leave a comment


What do you think was really on the menu for the First Thanksgiving??

Kay Gibbs Kommers Some kind of Roots dug out of the ground. Maybe corn .. (Maze).

 Peggy Louise Jensen Wild turkey, squash, berries, pumpkin pie.
 Holly Hurrell Deer fish cranberries nuts.

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Prayers to Victims and Families of Paris Attacks

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


By Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub

Every morning, I have the same ritual. I get up early, make coffee and watch the news. I don’t recall a morning where there hasn’t been a shooting in Omaha, usually more than one.

I don’t like saying this, but I feel immune to such news. I expect to hear it.

But, what happened is Paris is a different story.

This group of terrorists targeted people out enjoying an evening in Paris, the majority attending a concert. Safety has taken on an entirely different meaning.

Hearing victims accounts of the attack sent chills through me. I have to admit, I have been glued to television reports since this happened.

I am thrilled that France stepped up and went after ISIS. The United States and Russia have joined forces as well. I have one question: Why didn’t this happen sooner?

The members of this terrorist group have absolutely no regard for human life. Anyone watching the news knows the evil they are capable of.

Our own President seemed happy with “containing” them. But, crippling them hadn’t happened, obviously.

There is no safe soil on this planet at this point. Let us never forget 9-11. This group has mentioned several places on their hit list, including several in the United States.

I will go on record saying I back the Governors in the United States who have stood up and said they don’t want refugees coming into their states.

One of the terrorists in the attack in Paris travelled with the refugees.

The safety of our citizens needs to be the top priority. As I said, let us never forget 9-11. Some of those pilots trained here and, unfortunately, one US official was concerned about the training of these individuals on our soil, but nobody checked into them, memo was not paid attention to and the rest is a horrible history.

This is an unusual war, not against a country, but a group. I hope and pray they are destroyed. If not, it is not a matter of if an attack will happen, but when will it happen and where.

God Bless the victims and their families of the senseless terrorist attack in Paris.

Prayers to everyone.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

 

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Kats’ Korner: Is Consolidation What’s Best for the Students?

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


There are certain aspects of a small town a person can identify with, whether it is the culture, a historical location, certain events held throughout the year or simply how well the community is maintained.

Most small towns, such as Oakland, Lyons and Tekamah, share a common structure that educates our children, a school.

For quite some time now, local school boards have been faced with the daunting task of whether to consolidate or build a new school.

Personally, I don’t envy those trying to do what is in the best interests of the districts they serve. I do, however, admire them for the many extra hours they have devoted to this issue.

State aid seems to be at the root of the problem, or lack thereof. There has been a significant decrease for all three school districts in Burt County since 2014/15. Tekamah-Herman received $13,219.79 less than last year, Oakland-Craig took a large loss of $67,721.01 and Lyons-Decatur Northeast also took a huge loss of $53,106.59.

The decrease in state aid undoubtedly hurts a school, which has a trickle down effect, hurting teachers and students.

In my opinion, every child deserves the best education possible. If this means consolidating with another school so this can be accomplished, so be it.

I will go on record and say that I don’t want this to happen. I don’t want any community to lose their high school. If this happens, I hope each community can keep their elementary schools. At this point, only consolidating high schools is being considered.

There will be many more discussions on this matter in the future. The outcome may be decided by voting yes or no on next November’s ballot.

Please stay informed on the issue. School board meetings are always open to the public.

Remember, a child’s future is at stake.

 

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Kats’ Korner: Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October 16, 2015 Leave a comment


October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

I have interviewed some people who have adopted dogs from shelters, rescuing dogs in need of a good home. The story will appear in my paper next week.

We have adopted one dog from a shelter. Actually, our daughter Whitney did. She adopted Sox from the Dodge County Humane Society in Fremont many years ago. He passed away this past July after living a very good, long life. He was a great dog, always loyal and loved kids! It was hard to lose him. Pets are family. Unfortunately, they don’t live forever, no matter how much we want them to.

I am glad so many people adopt dogs, even if it isn’t from a shelter. Sometimes people can’t take care of their dog for whatever reason and need to find a new home for him or her. To me, that is also rescuing a dog.

If you or someone you know wants a dog to love, please look into adopting one from your local shelter.

Providing a home for a dog, having endless love and companionship, is one of the greatest gifts you can have, for you and the dog.

I know I can’t imagine not having a dog. We now have a rat terrier, Shiloh. We didn’t rescue him from a shelter though. My sister had puppies that needed a home. There were three left and she was trying to find them good homes. Our dog Sox had passed away and I felt so empty without him. I decided to take one of the puppies. I felt like it was meant to be.

He is a great puppy, always on the go! He is a true blessing!

Thought for the Day: Happiness is having a dog!

Have a great week!

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Open for Business

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Building a climate in Nebraska that inspires entrepreneurialism and encourages our businesses to expand is one of the keys to growing our state and creating high quality jobs.  In recent years, Nebraska has received high marks for our business-friendly atmosphere, favorable regulatory environment, and cost of doing business from respected news outlets like Forbes and CNBC.  From connecting aspiring software developers and irrigation technicians with great career opportunities to bringing down the time it takes to deliver an air quality permit and other regulatory barriers, my administration is focused on finding new ways to building on these successes and improving these rankings.

 

While our state has built a great reputation as a place to do business, the events of this past week are a healthy reminder why the State of Nebraska and communities throughout our state must continually look for new ways to attract new businesses and retain existing ones.  ConAgra’s decision to move their world headquarters as a part of a larger restructuring to turn their company around demonstrates the importance of ensuring that our tax rates and business tax incentive programs remain competitive.  The Tax Foundation ranks Nebraska 29th in their Business Tax Climate index.  While this ranking has improved in recent years, there is still more work to be done.

 

Nebraska’s pioneer spirit has fueled our state’s growth over the years through tough circumstances, and it continues to do so today.  In spite of the events of last week, our state remains open for business and is in a great position to continue to grow and flourish in the coming years.  Nebraska has four Fortune 500 companies and ten Fortune 1000 companies – an unusually high number for the size of our state.  In agriculture, our state’s number one industry, we are a national leader.  We are the number one state for cattle on feed, the number two ethanol producer, and third in corn production.  The nearly 2,000 manufacturing facilities in our second largest industry segment employ almost 100,000 Nebraskans with an average annual wage of about $50,000.

 

From our people’s perspective, Nebraska is by any account the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.  Our low unemployment rate led Fortune Magazine to name Lincoln and Omaha as the top two best cities in which to find a job in 2015.  CNBC ranks Nebraska eighth best for lowest cost of living.  Our high school graduation rate is the second highest in the nation, and our students have the highest average ACT score for states that test over 80 percent of their students.  Our great education system and the incredible work ethic of Nebraskans have forged a world-class workforce.  My personal experience confirms this: My family’s business has hired thousands of Nebraskans, I know that when you hire a Nebraskan you hire someone who is well-educated, is loyal, and has a great work ethic.

 

As our state continues to move forward, Nebraska must continually seek new ways to market our state both nationally and globally.  We need to market our state to make sure potential employers and customers are aware of the competitive advantages that we enjoy here in Nebraska.  As a start, I have already led two international trade missions to Europe and Asia to promote Nebraska’s businesses overseas and to encourage additional investment in our state.  This is only a beginning, and we will continue to raise national and global awareness about what Nebraska has to offer.  In the coming days and months, I hope that you will join me in delivering the good news about Nebraska’s business-friendly culture to the people you know everywhere.  As always, if you have any questions please email pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call my office at 402-471-2244.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

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Think Pink

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

The color pink. We see it around Valentine’s Day in the hues of budding flowers at springtime and on the walls of nurseries in households across the country. But the color pink is never more evident, or powerful, than during the month of October.

 

Each year, the nation pauses during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to recognize those who courageously fight this tragic disease. We also remember lives lost, empower survivors, and recommit to, one day, beating this disease once and for all.

 

Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, friends, and men and women alike have all been touched by breast cancer. Breastcancer.org lays out the facts. Roughly one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of this disease diagnosed among American women.

 

Today, there are more than 2.8 million American women who have been touched by a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. That’s about one and a half times the population of Nebraska.

 

The numbers are daunting. But behind these statistics are so many brave women, and their family and friends, who are devoted to caring for them.

 

Like many of you, I have people in my own life who have suffered from this disease. Their grace, strength, and dignity during the toughest of times is truly an inspiration.

 

We are all thankful for the countless groups and organizations that dedicate their time, energy, and resources to fighting cancer this month and year-round. The leadership they display is a driving force that not only grows public awareness, but also increases educational resources to help women catch and treat the disease early.

 

The single best way to fight breast cancer is early detection. For that reason, public awareness makes a difference. Take television journalist Amy Robach for example. After receiving a mammogram live on Good Morning America, she received her own shocking breast cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, she fought hard and is now in remission. Her story moved many and illuminated the importance of regular checkups.

 

As women across the country tackle this deadly disease, it is crucial that Americans with breast cancer have the information they need to make informed decisions. In the Senate, I am a cosponsor of the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act. This bipartisan bill would help women facing invasive breast cancer surgery better understand the current treatment options.

 

But where there is tragedy, there is also hope. Breast cancer rates have decreased since 1989 due in large part to increased awareness, advances in treatment, and early detection. These improvements renew our faith that there will be a day when cancer is a memory instead of a threat.

 

This month, when you see pink ribbons on suit lapels or the bright pink cleats on the football field, remember this color is a symbol of solidarity for all those who battle this disease.

 

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

 

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