Swedish Heritage Center to Host Humanities Speaker Daniel Draper

June 3, 2016 Leave a comment


OAKLAND SWEDISH CENTER TO HOST NEBRASKA

HUMANITIES SPEAKER

“DANIEL FREEMAN, FIRST HOMESTEADER’

– Historical Re-enactor Darrel Draper will portray Daniel Freeman, America’s first

Homesteader,  in a unique “edu-taining” (educational  + entertaining) costumed program  at

2:30PM ,SATURDAY JUNE4TH at the  OaKIand SWEDISH HERITAGE CENTER ON US HWY

77  in OAKLAND,NE. The 45 minute prog ram is free and open  to the  public.

Daniel Freeman  (1826-‘1908) lived most  of his  life on the Western Frontier  of America.

As  a doctor,  Civil War Officer, coroner, and County Sheriff, Freeman had many unique

experiences while living  in America’s first homestead under the  1863 Homestead Act Draper

will describe  life as  a pioneer  and the changes that Nebraska  and America were going through

in the 19’Century in this  costun’red presentation that gives audience members insight into his

life, family,  and frontier  legacy.

Darrel Draper has been described  by audience members  as “an awesome and

absolutely wonderful performer” who  is able  to t.ansport listeners back  in time  to the era of  his

characters. His humorous delivery, sound research, knowledge of history,  and the use of

interactive audience part;cipation have delighted audiences aged I to 80  He is one of the

most requested speakers  in the Nebraska Humanities Council’s Speakers Bureau Program, the

largest of  its type  in the nation.

Draper’s performance is sponsored  by the OAKLAND SWEDISH HERITAGE CENTER

and is made possible with help from a grant frorn the NEBRASM HUIVIANIIIES COUNCIL,

HUMANITIES.

 

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Growing Overseas Trade

June 2, 2016 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

With over 95 percent of the world’s population living outside the borders of the United States, growing overseas trade is one of the best ways we can grow Nebraska.  Last year, I led two overseas trade missions—one to the European Union and one to Asia, including Japan and China—to reach potential customers for Nebraska’s exports.  These were successful missions which helped to strengthen trade relationships with several countries.  Companies we met with during those trips have announced new projects, and are growing their investment in Nebraska.

 

To continue to build on our relationships, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced a few days ago that we would be leading a trade mission to China this fall.  From November 9th through the 15th, we will meet with investors and host events in Xi’an, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to strengthen Nebraska’s relationships with our state’s fourth largest trading partner.

 

DED and NDA worked with me to build the itinerary for the fall trade mission.  During the trip, my agencies and trade mission members will join me in participating in the 23rd China Yangling Agricultural Hi-Tech Fair while in Yangling.   Yangling is located in Shaanxi Province just outside the city of Xi’an.  The fair offers roughly 1.7 million square feet of exhibition space and is expected to draw 1.6 million visitors over five days, making it China’s premier agricultural fair.

 

Shanghai is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas with a population of 24 million.  It is also a leading international business center, consumer market, and key entry port into China.  That’s why Nebraska established a trade office in Shanghai in 2013 to help our businesses make key connections and work with Chinese companies seeking opportunities in the U.S. and globally.  The trade office will play a pivotal part with planning and facilitating the trade delegation’s visit.

 

Our final stop on the trade mission will be Hong Kong, one of the largest importers of Nebraska beef and a key market for other Nebraska products.  The city also is an important gateway for business throughout East Asia.  In 2015, Hong Kong by itself was Nebraska’s sixth largest export market, accounting for $234 million in goods purchased from our state with approximately 80 percent being exported food products.  Since beef is Nebraska’s number one commodity, this visit to Hong Kong is a great opportunity to build on our success in this market.

 

China’s growing economy offers nearly boundless opportunities for Nebraska ag producers, manufacturers, and other businesses.  This trade mission will help Nebraska businesses build on our existing relationships.  It will also give us an opportunity to advocate for expanding and opening up new markets.  While Hong Kong imports Nebraska beef, China still prohibits the purchase of beef products from the United States.  On this trip, I will continue to advocate for reopening the beef trade between China and the United States, so Nebraska’s ranchers and beef industry have even more opportunities to market and sell their beef products.

 

Nebraska businesses and ag producers who do business in China, or those that are hoping to enter this market, should contact DED or NDA to express their interest in joining the trade mission.  Space is limited.  Company officials interested in participating in the trade mission should contact Cobus Block at 402-480-5806 or cobus.block@nebraska.gov or Stan Garbacz at 402-471-2341 or stan.garbacz@nebraska.gov to express their interest soon.

 

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Market Report

June 2, 2016 Leave a comment


Dow -86.87
S&P -3.98
Nasdaq +6.00

The Dow industrials and S&P 500 fell this morning, with major indexes still on track to end the month higher despite mounting expectations for a U.S. interest rate increase.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 84 points, or 0.5%, to 17789. The S&P 500 lost 0.2% and the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 0.1%.   That left the Dow industrials on pace to finish the month 0.1% higher, while the S&P 500 was headed toward a 1.4% May gain.

Some analysts said the monthly gains for major indexes since their climb off February’s lows was an encouraging sign for equities markets, given new concerns about increased interest rates and other global uncertainty.  Expectations for the Fed to announce an interest-rate increase this summer have risen dramatically since the start of the month, while the dollar has gained for four consecutive weeks.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/european-stocks-steady-as-investors-look-to-upcoming-key-events-1464681623

 July Corn -7’0 @ $4.05’6

New Corn -4’2 @ $4.09’2
July Beans -5’2 @ $10.81’2
New Beans -0’2 @ $10.56’0

 

Corn:

The corn made some gains recently hitting $4.13 on the July board Friday and touching it again last night during the evening trade.  Happy to see the corn finally getting some attention reaching levels we haven’t seen since October ‘15.  Basis continues to suffer as the board rallies and those producers that locked in basis levels have seen the benefit.  Looking forward we are needing to price these basis contracts and we seem to be getting some opportunities.  Be sure to place offers, we don’t want to miss out on a bounce.

I am enjoying seeing the grain prices upward move, however I remain realistic, keeping in mind if U.S. weather cooperates we could easily see a corn crop upwards of 14 billion bushels and domestic ending stocks of 2.2 billion bushels or more.  I guess the moral of the story is manage your risk and hope for it to go higher.

image001

Beans: 

July beans remain fairly range bound since the bounce May 10th, but the stretch to $10.98 last week was promising.  We can always hope to shoot past $11, which would provide some real potential from a technical perspective.  However there are discussions regarding the switch to beans from corn, which is not necessarily bullish news for the beans.  I don’t anticipate the funds care much about that however.  It seems for now political risk, the US Dollar, and oil prices seem to have more impact than the actual crop does.  So where do we go from here?  Do markets continue to rally or do beans settle down?  No one knows.  As a producer it is wise to reduce risk at profitable levels.  Understanding it is very easy to kick yourself when prices go higher but from a risk management perspective it’s the right move and fits the longer-term goals of a profitable operation.

image002

So let’s talk about weather into the summer.  Should we be concerned?  The Weather Channel says the trend of warmer-than-average temperatures overall during summer months the last several years is expected to continue.  Well-above-average temperatures are expected this summer from the West Coast into the northern Plains, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

The only area where cooler-than-average temperatures are expected this summer will be across much of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, again, owing partially to the soaked ground from a spring of heavy rainfall.

image004

 

“We expect that the full La Niña forcing will not be in place by June, but will come roaring into play by July and, especially, August,” Crawford said. “We expect a strongly ‘back-loaded’ summer with the heat continuing into September.”

Typically, La Niña summers feature hotter temperatures from the central U.S. into the Northeast.

Crawford notes that during previous years where rapid changes from El Niño to La Niña occurred, the worst of the summer heat was focused from the northern Plains to the Great Lakes states.

Another factor to consider regarding temperatures this summer are sea-surface temperatures in the western North Atlantic, which are forecast to be warmer than any time over the past five years. That often results in warmer temperatures in the eastern U.S.

image005

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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Santee Sioux Nation Art Show and Community Market Launching June 4th

June 2, 2016 Leave a comment


The Santee Sioux Nation Art Show and Community Market will launch Saturday, June 4 outside the Ohiya Casino and Resort on highway 12, just east of Niobrara, NE on the Santee Sioux Reservation. The Community Market will be held again on July 2 and continue every Saturday after that featuring homemade and handmade products.

 

Along with fresh, locally grown produce, much more will be available. You’ll find fresh baked goods including Amish goods, Indian tacos and other prepared foods, jams and jellies, and hand-made Native American arts, designs, and crafts. Authentic Native American buffalo bone carvings, inlaid jewelry, and bead work from various artists will be available for purchase. Native American beaders will also offer live demonstrations on how to make their fine jewelry.

 

“Beadwork is eye-straining, time consuming work that takes experience and skill in achieving the finished product,” said Veronica Erenberg, Project Manager with the Center for Rural Affairs. “The demonstrations will offer an insight into what goes into a beadwork piece and why it is worth more that one thinks.”

 

Erenberg adds, “Not only is the Community Market an opportunity for Santee gardeners to sell extra produce, but we also welcome beaders, arts & crafts persons, bakers, and other community members to sell homemade and handmade items.”  Erenberg said she sees the market as an element of economic development and as a way to promote Santee art and artisans. “There are so many arts and crafts people who don’t get the exposure they deserve,” Erenberg said. “ This is a new avenue for them. This is promoting economic development.”

 

Learn about several of the artists here and here.

 

WHAT: Santee Sioux Nation Art Show and Community Market 2016

 

WHERE: Ohiya Casino and Resort located in Niobrara, Nebraska on the Santee Sioux Reservation

53142 Highway 12

Niobrara, NE

 

WHEN: Saturday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 

Setup time starts at 10:45 a.m. Tables and tents are available on a first come first serve basis. Vendors are encouraged to bring their own. 

 

Market will take place again on July 2nd and continue to take place every Saturday through October.

 

Everyone involved in the Market looks forward to adding new food and craft vendors throughout the season.

 

The Public Market is part of the Santee Garden and Market Project, a joint effort between the Center for Rural Affairs and the Nebraska Indian Community College. Working together and building on grassroots interest and support, the project is bringing fresh foods and economic opportunity to Santee. The market is a result of a series of garden and market trainings happening throughout the year. Project organizers have been training the gardeners to grow food for home consumption and any extra produce can be sold at the Public Market.

 

“The market was launched in 2012 with 16 vendors and over 600 customers. There is ample opportunity for vendors to make a nice income every Saturday throughout the summer especially with all the tourists and casino-goers,” commented Erenberg.

 

All vendors are welcome. Free booth space for vendors and some tables and tents provided. Contact our Market Manager: Kristine Flyinghawk at (402) 404-6950 to sign up for a booth or for more information.
For more information visit www.cfra.org/santee

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Nebraska’s Beginning Farm and Ranch Opportunity Tour Set to Launch

June 2, 2016 Leave a comment


The Center for Rural Affairs is offering a free summer series of Latino Beginning Farmer and Rancher tours in Nebraska City, Martell, Grand Island, and Lincoln, Nebraska. The first session will be held on Saturday June 11, with the last session on October 22, 2016.

 

“These tours are a great opportunity for people who are either interested in starting a small farm or who already have a farm, to learn from an existing farmer,” commented Kirstin Bailey, Project Organizer, Center for Rural Affairs. “We will be seeing farms that have been in business for just a few years and hear from the owners about their operation. It is a chance to learn from expert presenters and network with other farmers and those interested in farming. We are excited about the different topics we have this year!”

 

Participants can pick and choose which farm tours work best for them to attend, based on their location. All tours will be presented or interpreted in Spanish.

 

Transportation to the tour sites will be provided. Participants can meet at Community Action, 210 O St, Lincoln, NE at 9:00 a.m for a ride.

 

What: Multi-session summer series of Latino Beginning Farmer & Rancher Workshops and Farm Tours

 

When and Where: 

June 11th, 2016 – Basic Orchard Management, Union Orchard, Nebraska City, NE

 

July 30th, 2016 – Soil Health and Cover Crops,  Jones Produce, Crete, NE

July 30th, 2016 – Small Scale Farming,  Robinette Farms, Martell NE

 

September 17th, 2016  – Tools for Vegetable Farming, 26th St Farm, Hastings, NE

September 17th, 2016 – Poultry Management, Prairie Pride Poultry, Grand Island, NE

 

October 22nd, 2016  – Walk Behind Tractor Options and Alternative Soil Amendments, Prairie Pines, Lincoln NE

 

For more information or to register, contact Lucia Schulz at lucias@cfra.org or (402) 750-5727.  Additional information can be found here: http://www.cfra.org/latino-beg-farmer-workshops.

 

The Center for Rural Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Provider, and Employer.

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Swedish Festival Begins Tomorrow in Oakland

June 2, 2016 Leave a comment


Swedish Festival

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Lloyd P. Keller, 75, of Phoenix AZ Formerly of Hooper NE

June 2, 2016 Leave a comment


Lloyd P. Keller, 75, of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Hooper, NE, passed away May 27, 2016 at The Villa in Mesa, AZ.  Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 4th, at 11 a.m. at Our Redeemer Church in Hooper.  Pastor Joel Schroeder will officiate the service.  Interment with Military Honors will be in the Hooper Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Online condolences may be left at http://www.marcysvoboda.com.  Svoboda Funeral Home in Wahoo is in charge of arrangements.

 

Lloyd was born on September 7, 1940 to parents Marvin and Margaret (Jordan) Keller in Hooper. He graduated from Hooper High School in 1958 and later attended Midland Lutheran College. He enlisted in the United States Army serving in the Army Security Agency from 1962 to 1968. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Lloyd lived in Maryland, Fremont, NE, Omaha, NE, and Arizona. He worked at many different occupations including the Fremont Post Office, Valmont IT department, Quality Assurance at National Marketing Services, and telemarketing at different locations.

He enjoyed baking cakes, his plants, wind chimes, and collecting elephant figurines. He was a member of Our Redeemer Church in Hooper and the American Legion.

He was survived by his brother, Marlin Keller; nephew, Tim and Laura Keller; nieces, Rhonda and Tim Vanderford, and Ann Keller; great nephews, Brian Hoback, Nathan, Trevor, and Jared Vanderford, and Bryson Keller; great niece, Miranda Keller; many cousins; and his dog Gypsy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Teresa Keller-Hoback; and sister-in-law, Judy Keller.

Lloyd Keller

Lloyd Keller

 

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Irene Joy Nordstrom, 71, of Tekamah NE

June 2, 2016 Leave a comment


Irene Joy Nordstrom was born to Gerald Kenneth and Ethel Lena (Clyde) McIntosh on February 23, 1945 in Blair, Nebraska. She passed away May 30, 2016, at CHI Health Immanuel in Omaha, Nebraska, after a month-long battle due to complications from surgery.

She attended a rural school in her early years and graduated from Tekamah High School in 1963. Arnold “Arnie” Nordstrom, Jr. and Irene were united in marriage on May 3, 1964. Born to this union were three daughters. Irene and Arnie were empty-nesters for just a few years before they became the legal guardians of 3 very young children. They continued to generously open their doors to several other family members in times of need. They were very close to their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene worked as the office manager off and on for all the years they owned a local TV and appliance store. She had a deep abiding love for Jesus Christ and a driving desire to serve the Lord. One of Irene’s greatest joys was teaching songs to children during her community’s Vacation Bible School and at Sunday School. She helped with MOP’s as a teacher and also taught piano lessons. Over the last several years, Irene has volunteered to manage the Tekamah Food Pantry. She loved her Bible Study groups too. She was well-known for her bright smile and her talkative warmth. She had a real gift for encouraging others. She was a loving soul, full of orneriness with a twinkle in her eye.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, George Metzler, Sr; sisters, Geraldine Metzler and Gale Macdonald; brother, Gerald McIntosh; sister-in-law, Ulrike McIntosh; niece, Amber Wood; nephew Tatum McIntosh; her double cousin, Walter McIntosh.

Survivors include her husband, Arnold; daughters and sons-in-laws, Laura (Daniel) Kelley of Waco, NE, Brenda (Mark) Nelson of Elkhorn, NE, Trina (Warren) Wetzel of Tekamah; their guardian children, Faith Teneyck, Michael Metzler, Holly (Mike) Martin, all of Tekamah; eight grandchildren, Jacqueline, Nicole, Weston, Nicholas, Gregory, Jessica, Gavin and Jordan; two step-grandchildren, Kevin and Erin; four honorary grandchildren, Brayten, Mark, Jacob and Joseph, five great grandchildren, Lacey, Benjamin, Brialynn, Adrian and Maddelynn; step-mother, Erna Hawley of Tekamah; sisters, Sherry Kocher of Elkhorn, Jeanette Brooks of Cozad, NE and Debi (Darrel) Boyce of Herman, NE; brothers, George McIntosh of Lincoln and George (Sonny) Metzler, Jr. of Tekamah; many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Thurs., June 2nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah. Family will be receiving friends.

The Funeral Service is Fri., June 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial is in the Tekamah Cemetery.

Memorials suggested to the family for designation at a later time.

Irene Nordstrom

Irene Nordstrom

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Irene J. Nordstrom, 71, of Tekamah NE

June 1, 2016 Leave a comment


Irene J. Nordstrom, 71 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska, passed away Monday, May 30, 2016 at CHI Health Immanuel in Omaha, Nebraska.

Visitation will be held on Thurs., June 2nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Tekamah with family receiving friends.

The Funeral Service is Fri., June 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah.

Burial is in the Tekamah Cemetery.

Memorials suggested to the family for designation at a later time.

Pelan Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

 

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Swedish Festival in Oakland this Weekend

May 31, 2016 Leave a comment


Swedish Festival tr

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