Christensen Attends President Obama’s Historical Visit to Omaha

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


“It was an honor joining members of the Farm Service Agency in welcoming President Obama to the greatest state in the country, Nebraska,” said Graham Christensen.

Graham, who graduated from Oakland-Craig and now resides in Omaha NE, was among hundreds in attendance when President Obama visited Omaha recently.

Graham had seen the President speak one other time in person, but not in Nebraska. “It makes one feel more proud when the President actually shows up in your home state,” Graham stated.

People from all walks of life listened to President Obama’s speech and many were lucky enough to shake his hand and have their picture taken with him. “There was such an amazing feeling in the room as fellow farmers, friends, family and Nebraskans from all over eagerly awaited the arrival of the President,” Graham said. “When President Obama finally arrived, the room became electric, after all, this is the President who stuck with the landowners in denying the KXL Pipeline.”

Other feats Graham attributes to President Obama’s tenure as President are: giving access for health insurance to millions of low-income people, leading policy to expedite the development of renewable energy to combat climate issues while bringing gas prices to a historic low, putting the clamp down on the scrupulous big banks which helped give others equal rights and completely turned around a tanking U.S. economy by stringing together one of the longest stretches of job growth in U.S. history.

“What made this event even more special was that I got to witness history with my parents, Fred and Sandi Christensen, as well as one of my best friends that I played football with in college,” Graham stated. “And also all of the landowners that stood up together against the giant multi-national oil pipeline company, TransCanada in order to protect the rights of every one of us rural folks.”

Working together, despite our party or background in order to better the country after Obama is no longer President was the them of the speech according to Graham. “He apologized for not doing better at eliminating the divisiveness in his Presidency, but stressed to us, as individuals, that we could all do our little part to move our country forward in a more diplomatic fashion,” Graham said. “In order to do this, we must get the party out of politics and focus on what is best for us as ‘one’ people.”

This was President Obama’s first trip to Omaha, and he made the most of it, visiting a teacher who emailed him concerns she has about the future of the country and stopping along the way to shake hands with those lined along the streets hoping for a glimpse of the Leader of the Free World.

“I am grateful for this historical opportunity and will look forward to working with all others that are also willing to throw their lives on the line to make their little communities, state and country better,” Graham stated.

A large crowd was on hand to see President Obama in Omaha recently. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

A large crowd was on hand to see President Obama in Omaha recently. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

Graham Christensen, center, with his parents Fred and Sandi, sharing a historical moment together, seeing President Obama. Photo courtesy of Graham Christensen.

Graham Christensen, center, with his parents Fred and Sandi, sharing a historical moment together, seeing President Obama. Photo courtesy of Graham Christensen.

President Obama arrives to the roar, and picture taking, of a very excited crowd. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

President Obama arrives to the roar, and picture taking, to give a speech to a very excited crowd. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

President Obama among a crowd of thrilled people. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

President Obama speaks to a large crowd in Omaha. Photo Credit/Graham Christensen.

 

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Oakland City Council December Meeting Minutes

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


Minutes of City Council Meeting

City of Oakland, NE

Regular Meeting

 

A meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska was convened in open and public session at 5:30 p.m. on December 21, 2015 at the Oakland Auditorium. This was the regular monthly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ted Beckner. On roll call, Council members Denise Gilliland, Matt Johnson, Greg Mockenhaupt, and Luke Blanc answered present.

Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by the posting of a notice, one of the designated methods for giving notice, as shown by the certification of posting attached to these minutes. Availability of the agenda was communicated in the advance notice and in the notice to the Mayor and City Council.

Mayor Beckner reminded all present of the location of the Open Meeting Laws poster in the back of the Rosen Room and stated that the council would be conducting business in accordance with said law.

The minutes of the November 16th, 2015 meeting were presented. D. Gilliland made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and L. Blanc seconded. All council members voted AYE.

The treasurer’s report for November 2015 were presented and questions answered. M. Johnson made a motion to accept the treasurer report and G. Mockenhaupt seconded. All council voted AYE.

Tim Adams and Dave Henke from JEO were present to discuss Change Order #1 and Final Application for the Water and Sewer project. M. Johnson made a motion to approve Change Order #1 for Group B. D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All council voted AYE.

  1. Johnson made a motion to pay Application No. 1 ,which included the Change order # 1 that was approved, for $123,850.000 .D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All council members voted AYE.
  2. Johnson made a motion move and pass Resolution 2015-18,ACCEPTANCE OF THE WORK IN SANITARY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 2015-1. D. Gilliland seconded the motion. All council motioned AYE.

Phil Lorenzen, representative from D. A Davidson, discussed authorization of Bonds for the Water and Sewer project.

  1. Gilliland introduced the following Ordinance entited: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION VARIOUS PURPOSE BONDS, SERIES 2016, OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT-TO-EXCEED NINE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($950,000) TO PAY A PORTION OF THE COST OF WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS CONSTITUTING MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT, EXTENSIONS, IMPROVEMENTS AND ENLARGEMENTS OF THE CITY’S EXISTING WATER SYSTEM; TO PAY A PORTION OF THE COST OF IMPROVE­MENTS IN SANITARY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 2015-1; PRESCRIBING THE FORM OF SAID BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY THE SAME AFTER THE APPLICATION OF OTHER FUNDS AVAILABLE THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS ORDINANCE IN PAMPHLET FORM; AND RELATED MATTERS and moved that the statutory rule requiring an ordinance to be fully and distinctly read on three different days be suspended. G. Mockenhaupt seconded the motion to suspend the rules and upon roll call vote, all council members voted AYE. Ordinance 698 was then read by title and G. Mockenhaupt moved for its final passage, which motion was seconded by M. Johnson. All voted AYE.

Kent Steinmeyer present the council with a new skid loader lease agreement. M. Johnson made a motion to approve the new skid loader lease. D. Gilliland seconded the motion.

Patty Plugge, with Burt County Economic Development, was present to describe the details for the new Demolition Project that will be available for the City.

Chief Poland gave the police report and answered any questions the council had.

Bryan Johnson gave the street department report and answered any question the council had.

No action was taken on accepting bids for 100 N Park.

  1. Gilliland made a motion to allow the City office to purchase a debit/credit card reader. G. Mockenhaupt seconded the motion. All council member voted AYE
  2. Mockenhaupt made a motion to add Colonial Life benefits to the City’s benefit package. L. Blanc seconded the motion. All council members voted AYE.

Mayor Beckner announced that it was time for the annual reorganization of the council and asked for nomination for the position of council president. G. Mockenhaupt nominated Denise Gilliland as council president. Mayor Beckner asked for a vote on the nomination of Denise Gilliland for council president. M. Johnson, G. Mockenhaupt, and L. Blanc voted AYE. D. Gilliland abstained.

  1. Johnson made a motion to fill the following boards, standing committees and appointed personnel:

Standing Committee Appointments: Building & Grounds – Luke Blanc,Parks & Recreation – Luke Blanc, Streets & Alleys – Denise Gilliland, Water & Sewer –Matt Johnson, Solid Waste & Recycling – Greg Mockenhaupt, Library – Greg Mockenhaupt

Other Appointments– Northeast Nebraska Solid Waste Coalition – Greg Mockenhaupt

Other Appointments that continue unless otherwise vacated:Clerk/Treasurer – Katie Onken, Municipal Attorney – the firm of Johnson & Mock,Police Chief – Terry Poland, Police Officer – William Findlay, Reserve officers: Jimmy Murphy & John Sparks, Engineer – JEO Consulting Group, Utility Superintendent – Dan Tanksley, Street Supervisor – Bryan Johnson,.Zoning Administrator – Katie Onken, Appoint Margaret Johnson to the Oakland Heights Nursing home board for a term commencing 1/1/2016 for four years.

  1. Johnson made a motion to appoint Julie A Ogden from JEO Consulting Group, Inc, as our Street Superintendent. G. Mockenhaupt seconded the motion. All council members voted AYE.
  2. Mockehaupt made a motiont to appoint Matt Munderholh from Johnson & Mock as the City Attorney. M. Johnson seconded the motion. All council members voted AYE.

Mayor Beckner announced that the Christmas Party will be held on January 30th,2016 at the Oakland Golf Club.

  1. Johnson made a motion to allow the Chamber of Commerce to use the auditorium at no charge on Janurary 16th, 2015. D. Gilliland seconded the motion with all council member voting AYE.
  2. Johnson introduced the following Ordinance 696 entited: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA, TO AMEND CITY CODE SECTION 5-317, INCREASING THE FINE FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS; TO REPEAL

CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND SECTIONS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE. and moved that the statutory rule requiring an ordinance to be fully and distinctly read on three different days be suspended. D. Gilliland seconded the motion to suspend the rules and upon roll call vote, all council members voted AYE.

  1. Gilliland introduced the following Ordiance 697 entitled :AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA, TO AMEND PORTIONS OF THE CITY’S EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK PERTAINING TO THE TREATMENT OF CERTAIN OVERTIME HOURS AND PAY FOR EMPLOYEES WHO DO SNOW REMOVAL FOR THE CITY; to repeal conflicting ordinances and sections; to provide an effective date. and moved that the statutory rule requiring an ordinance to be fully and distinctly read on three different days be suspended. G. Mockenhaupt seconded the motion to suspend the rules and upon roll call vote, all council members voted AYE.
  2. Mockenhaupt made a motion to allow Dan Tanksley to attend the League of Municipalities annual conference. M. Johnson seconded the motion, all council members voted AYE.

Mayor Beckner announced that the council was going into executive session in regards to personnel matters. M. Johnson made a motion to enter executive session at 7:30. G. Mockenhaupt seconded the motion. All member voted AYE.

  1. Johnson made a motion to come out of executive session at 7:58 p.m. G. Mockenhaupt seconded the motion. All council members voted AYE.

The bills and warrants were presented to the City Council as follows:

Paper: Oakland Hghts (dent.ins.city) 359.62,Anderson Hardware 377.55,ANDY’S QUIK STOP 427.25, Barco Municipal Products Inc. 209.56,BLACK HILLS ENERGY 238.13,BCBS 19,127.47,Bomgaars Supply Inc. 159.99,Braniff Service 80.00,Burt Co. Sheriff’s Office 30.00,CVA 978.51,Colonial Research 179.20 Data Tech. 3,473.19,DEARBORN 144.53,DHHS DPH 115.00,Egan Supply Company 404.78,Farmer’s Pride 361.94,First Bankcard 241.06,FREMONT ELECTIC INC 1,249.62,Gall’s Inc.222.69,Gene Steffy Chrysler 37,221.00,GRAFIX SHOPPE 1,035.00,HD Supply 2,031.90,Holmquist Lumber 505.26 Ingram Library Services 825.43,INSUREVEST FINANCIAL 500.00,JEO 175.00,Jerri Case 36.64,Johnson & Mock 1,425.00,JONES AUTOMOTIVE 2,937.21, K-C Parts & Repairs 90.80,Lindstrom Repair 100.00,MAXSUR 617.72,Mid Con Systems 645.96,Midwest Lab. 693.50Nebraska Public Health 283.00, Nelson’s Food Pride 98.86, Oakland Independent 79.96,ONE CALL 20.15,PB ELECTRONICS INC 1,505.00,Quality 42.79,R. J. K. Electric 319.50,Railroad Man.176.86,Sargent Drilling 450.00,USA Blue Book 290.83, Verizon Wireless 191.16,WatchGuard 4,820.00,NNSWC 4,132.38,NPPD 7,837.05 Electronic:EFTPS 4,168.05,FIRST NATIONAL BANK- HSA 250.00,Ameritas 927.44, EFTPS 4,057.65,Nebraska Dept.of Revenue 1,108.50,FIRST NATIONAL BANK- HAS 2,280.00,Ameritas 945.43

D. Gilliland made a motion to accept the warrants. M. Johnson seconded the motion and all the council voted AYE.

 

There being no further business to come before the council, the meeting adjourned at 8:00.

 

__________________________________

Ted R. Beckner, Mayor

________________________

Katie K Onken

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Bureau Seeking Comment for Dam Repairs

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking comment regarding an environmental assessment document for the dam at Box Butte State Recreation Area north of Hemingford. Engineers have identified problems with sedimentation through the dam’s toe drain – a perforated pipe that runs along the base of the earthen dam to collect water from the reservoir’s seepage and move it to the downstream side of the embankment.

The bureau prepared the draft to evaluate environmental consequences of undertaking corrective actions to the dam. The goal is to reduce the risk of dam failure and maintain it at satisfactory levels for its variety of uses.

Among the bureau’s three listed alternatives are to, one, take no action and continue monitoring the dam; two, to replace the toe drain on the dam; and, three, to permanently restrict the reservoir to an elevation of 3,995 feet.

The dam at Box Butte Reservoir, which is situated along the Niobrara River, is used for both irrigation and recreation. As of Jan. 11, its elevation was 3,999 feet – just over 60 percent capacity under current guidelines.

Comments will be received through Feb. 12. They may be sent by mail to the Bureau of Reclamation, Attn: Lucas Milheiser; at 1706 W. 3rd St., McCook, NE 69001. Comments may also be submitted through the online comment portal on the project website, http://www.usbr.gov/gp/nkao/nepa/box_butte.html.

The document is also available by hard copy by contacting Milheiser at (308) 345-8323.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

January 19, 2016 Leave a comment


The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

Meals on Wheels

*Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day. The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Jan. 20: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee at 9:30 am. Sign up to play 5-handed pinochle at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Jan. 21: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and walking club at 10:45 a.m. Rolls and coffee, 9-11 a.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Jan.22: Come and have coffee at 9:30 a.m. There will be a pinochle tournament at 1:30 p.m., remember to sign up if you want to play.

Mon. Jan. 25: The monthly board meeting is at 10:30 this morning. Sign up if you want to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Tues. Jan. 26: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. The noon meal will be fried chicken. Cards and dominoes will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Jan. 27: No melody chimes practice today. Come and have coffee with us at 10:30 a.m. Would you like to play the golf game at 1:30 p.m., the gals will teach you if you don’t know how to play.

 

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Winter Weather Advisory for Tomorrow

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment 


MONONA-HARRISON-SHELBY-POTTAWATTAMIE-MILLS-MONTGOMERY-FREMONT-
PAGE-THURSTON-WAYNE-MADISON-STANTON-CUMING-BURT-PLATTE-COLFAX-
DODGE-WASHINGTON-BUTLER-SAUNDERS-DOUGLAS-SARPY-LANCASTER-CASS-
OTOE-JOHNSON-NEMAHA-PAWNEE-RICHARDSON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ONAWA...MAPLETON...MISSOURI VALLEY...

WOODBINE...LOGAN...DUNLAP...HARLAN...COUNCIL BLUFFS...GLENWOOD...

RED OAK...SIDNEY...HAMBURG...TABOR...FARRAGUT...CLARINDA...

SHENANDOAH...PENDER...MACY...WALTHILL...WINNEBAGO...WAYNE...

NORFOLK...STANTON...WEST POINT...WISNER...TEKAMAH...OAKLAND...

LYONS...DECATUR...COLUMBUS...SCHUYLER...FREMONT...BLAIR...

DAVID CITY...WAHOO...ASHLAND...YUTAN...OMAHA...BELLEVUE...

PAPILLION...LA VISTA...LINCOLN...PLATTSMOUTH...NEBRASKA CITY...

TECUMSEH...STERLING...AUBURN...PAWNEE CITY...TABLE ROCK...

FALLS CITY
347 PM CST MON JAN 18 2016

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 6 PM CST
TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN OMAHA/VALLEY HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 6 PM
CST TUESDAY.

* EXPECT SNOW TO DEVELOP AROUND 4 AM TUESDAY AND THEN DIMINISH BY 6
PM TUESDAY.

* THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL RATES WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 6 AM AND NOON 
TUESDAY. 

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED. 

* LOOK FOR REDUCED VISIBILITIES AT TIMES. 

* PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING DURING THE 
MORNING COMMUTE ON TUESDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN
BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.

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Short Session of 104th Legislature Has Convened

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


By Senator Lydia Brasch

Day one of the Second Session of the 104th Legislature convened on Wednesday, January 6th and ends April 20th – a short, 60 day session. Three of my bills from the first session remain in committee: two offer property tax relief; and the third makes a payment system fairer for those seeking modifications of child custody, support, or parenting time whether the parents are married or unmarried.

 

On day one, I submitted a legislative resolution (LR388) to pay tribute to fallen hero Joseph G. Lemm, who was raised in District 16 and was a 1989 graduate from Beemer High School in West Point. The NYPD detective and staff sergeant in the National Guard passed away on December 21, 2015 from wounds received while serving our country in Afghanistan. We extend condolences to detective Lemm’s family and friends who remain in our thoughts and prayers. The memorial service is Saturday, January 16th at 1:00 p.m. in the Beemer Elementary School gymnasium.

 

On day two, as Vice Chairperson of the Transportation Committee, I was invited to a press conference with Governor Ricketts and our committee. During the press conference announce Governor Ricketts announced one of his 2016 legislative agenda items: the creation of a transportation infrastructure bank. The infrastructure bank will be administered by the Nebraska Department of Roads and will help accelerate Nebraska’s roads construction and repair. Simply stated, $150 million will be phased in through cash reserve transfers. More information can be found here: https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/transportation-initiative-accelerate-roads-projects-unveiled-governor-ricketts-chairman-smith. The Governor’s State of the State will be on NET at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14th. Also on day two, during the Rules Committee hearing, I testified as a proponent for a rule change that would require senators’ votes for each committee chairperson and for the Speaker to be open to the public.

 

On day three, bill introduction continued. Presently, I introduced two new bills. The first bill, LB757, increases the amount of personal property that can be exempted for individuals filing bankruptcy. The statute governing exemptions has not been updated in 17 years. Mandating a larger amount for exemptions allows individuals filing bankruptcy to get back on their feet.

 

The second bill, LB811, was brought to me by the DMV. It eliminates all county numbered license plates in counties over 100,000 people, which are Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy. This bill will provide a savings to the state by cutting down on duplicate plates in those counties; and it will also add efficiency to the DMV by eliminating the confusion caused by the duplicates.
We have a new Legislative Aide in my office, Brett Waite, who has a strong background in the Constitution and the sciences. Katie Wattermann, who is from District 16, remains, thankfully, my Administrative Aide. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or my office via email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov or via phone at 402-471-2728; or stop by Room 1016 if you are at the Capitol. Legislative sessions and committee hearings are broadcast on NET found here: http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/live-demand-state-government.

Lydia Brasch

Lydia Brasch

 

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License Dogs Now Before Fee Goes Up!

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


Don’t forget, dog licenses are still only $10 through the end of January. Fee goes up to $35 February 1st,  so stop in the Oakland City Office today!

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Oakland City Council Meeting Agenda

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


REGULAR MEETING

CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF OAKLAND, NEBRASKA

 

MEETING NOTICE:

            NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Oakland, Nebraska, will be held at 5:30 on Monday January 18, 2015 at the Municipal Building, 401 North Oakland Avenue in Oakland, Nebraska for the regular monthly meeting.

An agenda for such meeting, kept continuously current is available for public inspection at the office of the City Clerk. Except for items of an emergency nature, the agenda shall not be enlarged later than twenty-four hours before the scheduled commencement of the meeting.

______________________________________________________________________________

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

      I.         CALL TO ORDER

 

A.   Roll Call

B.   Establishment of a Quorum

C.   Reminder of Open Meeting Laws/Poster

D.   Approval of Minutes of December 21st, 2015 meeting

E.    Treasurer’s Report

 

  1. SCHEDULED CITIZENS AND VISITORS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL

 

  • COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS

F.    Police Department

G.   Library- Rosa Schmidt and Audrey Unwin- Engineered design for new Library

H.   Park department, Street department, Water and Sewer department, Library

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

    V.         NEW BUSINESS

I.     Zoning- Oakland City Park

J.     Hiring of new Water and Sewer operator

K.   Travel request for Katie Onken IIMC Clerk Conference May 22,2016-May 26, 2016 in Omaha

 

  VI.         INFORMATION ITEM

 

  • DISCUSSION

 

                 

  • CLOSED SESSION

 

  1. APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS BILLS AND WARRANTS

Approval by motion

  1. ADJOURNMENT

Registered Agenda Speakers

                  The Mayor or Presiding Meeting Officer reserves the right to deny this request, or will call you to the center front podium when your agenda Item is ready to be heard. Presentations, if allowed, may be limited to five (5) minutes per person, with a limit of three (3) individuals speaking per topic position. Please come to the center front podium, and clearly state your name and address for the record and the agenda topic you wish to speak upon in a professional manner.

                  The Mayor and City Council reserve the right to enter into an executive session at any time during the meeting, in accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, even though the closed session may not be indicated on the agenda.

                  It is the intention of the Mayor and City Council to take up the items on the agenda in sequential order. However, the Mayor and City Council reserve the right to take up matters in a different order to accommodate the schedules of the city council members, persons having items on the agenda, and the public

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Esther M. Watkins, 83, of Hubbard NE

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


Esther M. Watkins, 83, of Hubbard, Nebraska died on Friday, January 15, 2016 at Regency Square Nursing Home in South Sioux City, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 10:30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, Father Gerald Leise will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, NE. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Emerson, NE. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Emerson is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Siouxland, Queen of Peace and Ella Watkins Fund.

Esther was born on July 6, 1932 in Emerson, NE, the daughter of Thomas and Lena (Hoeck) Belt. Esther was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. After graduating from High School in Emerson, she was united in marriage to Charles Watkins on December 29, 1951 in Emerson, NE. The couple made their home in Hubbard, raising their children. Esther enjoyed embroidering, making quilts, stamp and coin collecting, and traveling throughout the United States. She was crazy about baseball games, a 4-H leader, softball coach and enjoyed working with her flowers and watching the birds and squirrels. Most of all she cherished the time spent with her family.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, an officer of the Legion Auxiliary, Harty McNally in Jackson, NE for 25 years, a Senior Homemaker and won the Good Neighbor Award in 1984.

Esther is survived by her children; sons: Daniel & Sue of Suquamish, WA , William of North Sioux City, SD, James & Donell of Hubbard, NE. daughters: Kathleen Straube of Lincoln, NE, Barb Hoyt of Sioux City, IA, Patty & Todd Anderson of Doniphan, NE, Sharon & Jim Harral of Hubbard, NE, Joann & Dean Peters of Omaha, NE, Pam & Randy Colwell of South Sioux City, NE, Lisa & Bill Reppert of Pender, NE. She is also survived by her 29 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, infant sons Charles L. and Ronald A. Watkins, grandchildren: Joseph Harral and Alicia Anderson and a great granddaughter Sabrina Beck, 3 brothers and 2 sisters and an infant brother.

Esther Watkins

Esther Watkins

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Iola B. Hargens, 95, of Hooper NE

January 18, 2016 Leave a comment


Iola B. Hargens age 95, of Hooper
Died Saturday January 16, 2016 at the Hooper Care Center

Iola was born September 17, 1920 in Primrose, Nebraska to Wesley and Maude ‘Pryer’ Stigile. She grew up there until moving to Hooper in 1935. Iola graduated from Hooper High School in 1937. She went to Nebraska Wesleyan and the Bryan School of Nursing, graduating in 1942 with RN and BSN degrees. She was married to William C. Hargens on December 20, 1942 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hooper. After their marriage she was head of Pediatric Nursing in Norfolk, Virginia while Bill was stationed there during WWII. The couple’s daughter Joan was born at Chelsea Naval Hospital near Boston. The family returned to Hooper where Bill worked at the bank and their son Joel was born. During the time Iola was raising her family, she also worked as a home health nurse and as the school nurse at Logan View Schools for 15 years.

Iola was a very active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper and loved God very much, read the bible and found comfort and peace in faithful prayer. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter in Hooper as well as the American Legion Auxiliary and several bridge clubs. She loved to read and collect antiques, but her favorite thing was spending time with her family especially her grand and great grandchildren.

Survivors:
Daughter – Joan (Rev. Ron) Nelson of Fremont
Son – Joel (Carol) Hargens of Hooper
Grandchildren – Pamela Sue (Jim) Hollis, Catherine Ann (Bradley) Edmondson, Michael Alan (Sage) Nelson, Lee (Brenda) Nelson, Mary Jo (B.J.) Reynolds, Ruth Ann (Jason) Horvatich.
10 great grandchildren
Sister – Lois Youngerman of Wayne
Sisters-in-law – Illa Stalp of West Point
Jeanine Tillman of Fremont

Iola was preceded in death by her husband Bill in December of 1997.

The funeral will be 10:30am Wednesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. The Rev. Joel Schroeder will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hooper Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church and Hooper Care Center. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at Ludvigsen’s Hooper Funeral Chapel.

Online guestbook at http://www.hooper-scribner.com

Iola Hargens

Iola Hargens

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