Gearing Up for the Big Fight

January 5, 2016 Leave a comment


By Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Crop insurance is an important and necessary component of an effective farm safety net. However, it is a very complex program that will work more effectively with much-needed, commonsense reforms.
Under current law, we are subsidizing crop insurance at an average rate of 62% on every acre without limit regardless of farm size or wealth. We have an issue with that. Our tax dollars – the public trust – subsidize the largest operators no matter how big they get.
To be certain, crop insurance is a valuable and necessary tool for farmers. Fundamentally, we believe in government helping family-scale farmers manage risk. But, we think there ought to be a limit.
One federal study points to a single farming corporation that insured crops across eight counties and raked in $1.3 million in taxpayer subsidies in just one year. In turn, the largest and wealthiest farms use their premium subsidies to bid land away from smaller farmers and beginning farmers.
We are working to develop policy reforms that cap subsidies, create opportunity for beginners and diversified farmers, and link meaningful stewardship practices to enrollment in the program. The nation’s largest farms must carry their fair share of the cost of doing business, like any other economic sector.
This will be a tough fight. We don’t expect to win easily. But for over 42 years we’ve been fighting for family farmers and ranchers. We’re not backing down when it comes to crop insurance reform.

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Robert Schlichter, 88, of Emerson NE

January 5, 2016 Leave a comment


Robert “Bob” E. Schlichter, 88, of Emerson, NE, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. As per Bob’s wishes, his body will be donated to the Anatomical Gift Program. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE; with Vicar Rebecca Truland and Father Roger Kutzner officiating. Memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE.

Bob was born on December 20, 1927 in Topeka, KS, the son of Duane and Roberta (Cummings) Schlichter. In 1944, he graduated from Topeka High School. On September 26, 1946, Robert joined the United States Army. After his discharge in 1948, he attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE. On June 19, 1949, Bob was united in marriage to Alyce Jean Nielsen at Fremont, NE. Bob received his B.A. from Midland Lutheran College in 1950, his Master of Sacred Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 1954 and post graduate studies from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. In 1954, Bob was ordained into the United Lutheran Church in America at First Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS. He worked in several churches during his career including: Chicago Heights, IL, Kansas City, MO, Lees Summit, MO, Tekamah, NE and Portage, WI. He also worked for the Nebraska Synod developing programs, working as a fund raiser and with churches overseas.

He was a member of several community organizations including: Tekamah Industrial Development Corp., Consumers Cooperative Association of Kansas City, MO, Wisconsin Community Leader’s Workshop and Town and Country Commission in Madison, WI, and Rotary Club. He served on many boards and organizations over the years: Portage Ministerial Association, Christian Community Service Agency, Miami Beach community Health Clinic, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Punta Gorda Business and Community Alliance, Cultural Center of Charlotte County and as a Liaison for Habitat for Humanity International.

Bob is survived by his wife, Alyce Jean Schlichter; children Rev. Gretchen (Nels) Ritola of Emerson, NE, Geoffrey (Peggie) Schlichter of Martinez, GA, Alison Dzwonkowski of Cape Coral, FL, Norman (Debbie) Anderson of Jonesville, MI; fourteen grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Kenneth and sister, Imgogene Brunnert.

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A Winter Wonderland

January 4, 2016 Leave a comment


A bird's nest can be seen to the right in this bush with frost all on it and all the branches. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A bird’s nest can be seen to the right in this bush with frost all on it and all the branches. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The trees were sparkling with frost, creating a beautiful sight. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The trees were sparkling with frost, creating a beautiful sight. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The frost created a winter wonderland today in Nebraska. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The frost created a winter wonderland today in Nebraska. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The buses and tree alongside the Methodist Church in Oakland were gorgeous, covered with frost. The frost also was blowing around, creating a beautiful scene. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The buses and tree alongside the Methodist Church in Oakland were gorgeous, covered with frost. The frost also was blowing around, creating a beautiful scene. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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January Outdoor Calendar

January 4, 2016 Leave a comment


Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Explore Archery class, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10:30 a.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 3 – Shootout at Salt Creek, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 10 a.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 3 – Introduction to Competitive Archery, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 2 p.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 5 – Duck and coot hunting seasons close in Zone 3, Low Plains and High Plains Units

Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 – Best Shot Rifle Marksmanship for ages 10-16 class, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 5, 19 – Ladies Day at the Range, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30-8 p.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 6-27 – Duck and coot hunting seasons in Zones 2 and 3, High Plains Unit

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Explore Hunting class, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 5:30 p.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Explore Archery class, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 – .22 Pistol League for ages 12-up, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 7 p.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 9 – Discover Ice Fishing, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 1-4 p.m., 402-944-2523

Jan. 9 – National Archery in the Schools Coaching Seminar, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln 2 p.m., 402-471-6141

Jan. 11 – First day of spring turkey hunting permit sales

Jan. 14 – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meeting, Lincoln

Jan. 15 – Youth, Landowner, Season Choice and River Antlerless, and Gifford Point WMA deer hunting seasons close

Jan. 15 – Dark goose hunting season closes in North Central Unit

Jan. 15-16 – Women’s Wellness Weekend, Ponca SP, Ponca, 402-755-2284

Jan. 16 – Discover Ice Fishing, Yanney Heritage Park, Kearney, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jan. 19 – Special Public Health Hazard Order crow hunting closes

Jan. 20 – Crow hunting season opens statewide

Jan. 23 – Cold Days, Warm Hearts and Family Fun, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 3-6 p.m., 402-944-2523

Jan. 23 – Archery Fun Shoot, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, noon, 402-471-6141

Jan. 30-Feb. 9 – White-fronted goose hunting season

Jan. 31 – Hunting seasons close for November late doe/fawn antelope, fall turkey, pheasant, quail, partridge, grouse and squirrel

Contact Game and Parks at 402-471-0641 or visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more information. Visit HuntSafeNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and BoatSafeNebraska.org for a list of boating safety classes.

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Check on Ice Conditions Before Discover Ice Fishing Clinic

January 4, 2016 Leave a comment


The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will post a notice Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. if ice conditions are deemed unsafe for an upcoming Discover Ice Fishing clinic.

The clinic is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s CenturyLink Lake from 1 – 4 p.m.

Six inches of ice is required to conduct this free clinic. Ice conditions will be determined Jan. 6. If necessary, a cancellation notice will be posted by 4 p.m. at OutdoorNebraska.org. Anglers also may check Nebraska Game and Parks’ Family Fishing page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/familyfishingnebraska or call 402-471-0641 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event would not be rescheduled.

This clinic is designed to give families and ice anglers of all skill levels guidance on techniques, equipment, bait and safety. Loaner equipment will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Hot cocoa will be served.

A park entry permit is required at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, located near Ashland. All fishing regulations apply.

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Village of Decatur Special Meeting Minutes

January 4, 2016 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur Special Meeting
December 29th, 2015 4:00P.M.
The Board of the Village of Decatur met in a special meeting at 4:00 P.M. at the City Hall on December 29th, 2015. Visitor not signing in Alta Wolf

1)        The meeting was called to order by Chairman Loretta Kellogg.
Roll Call: Kellogg-here, Richards-here, Tolby-here

2)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
            All Present

3)         Nominate for Vacant seat (3 year term)- Tolby nominated Cheryl Gatewood for the vacant seat

Roll Call: Kellogg-y, Richards-y, Tolby-y

4)        Oath of Office for any new board member(s)Mark Siecke read aloud

OATH OF OFFICE

I, Mark Siecke, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Nebraska, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or for purpose of evasion; and that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of Board of Trustees according to law, and to the best of my ability. And I do further swear that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such time as I am in this position I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence, so help me God.

Signed Mark Siecke

Subscribed and sworn by the above named Mark Siecke before me this 29th day of December, 2015. Witness my hand and official seal.

Ann Chytka

Officer administering oath

5)         REORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD

 

Richards stated that he is planning on resigning. Siecke asked for timeline and Richards said by the January meeting.

 

Kellogg adjourned the meeting at 4:08 pm. Kellogg turned the meeting over to Clerk Ann Chytka.

Chytka asked for a nomination for a temporary Chairman.
Tolby made a motion that Richards be temporary Chairman 2nd by Siecke

Roll Call Kellogg-y, Richards-y, Tolby-y, Siecke-y
Richards took over the meeting and asks for a nomination for Chairman for the 2016 year.
Tolby made a motion that Kellogg be Chairman for 2016 2nd by Siecke

Roll call- Richards-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

Kellogg said thank you and she will try and do the best she can for this town.

Kellogg reopened the meeting at 4:10 PM so we could do annual appointments.
6)         ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS

Chairman: Loretta Kellogg,

Vice Chairman: Richards made a motion to have Mark Siecke as Vice Chairman 2nd by Kellogg, Roll call Tolby-y, Siecke-y, Richards-y, Kellogg-y

Head of Employees: All Board Members

Head of Police: Chairman

Head of Parks & Recreation: Margaret Tolby

Light Commissioner: Loretta Kellogg (temporary)

Street Commissioner: Mark Siecke

Sewer & Water Commissioner: Robert Richards

Community Center & Buildings: Chairman and Board

Police Chief: Justin Smith                                                               

Village Clerk: Ann Chytka

Utilities Supervisor: Larry McCullock

Street Superintendent: Peggy Smith

Village Attorney(s): Matt Munderloh The Village received a letter from Matt requesting that we reappoint him to serve as the Village attorney. And Francis W Barron III

Village Engineering Firm: JEO- The Village received a letter asking that they retain them as their engineering firm.
and Buell, Winter, Mousel & Associates

Zoning Inspector: Jimmy Phelps

Civil Defense Directors: Dan Magill & Jim Maryott

Flood Plain Administrator: Dan Magill

Safety Committee: Department Heads, Chairman & Vice Chairman

Review of current rate of pay for employees- new hires will be reviewed at their 90 days. Siecke said we will have wages stay the same.

Tree Board: (3 year term)
Dennis Klatt
Charlotte Mulinix
John Mussack

Tom Farrens

Park Board: (1 year term)
Larry Kellogg
Peggy Haeffner
Harold Dean Hayes
Charlotte Mulinix
Kay Kellogg,
Darien Haeffner
John Maryott
Health Board: (1 year term)
Chief of Police
Chairman
Joyce Cornwell

Planning Commission: (3 year term)

Peggy Smith
Don Warren
Gwen Menard-Tippery
Mary Jane Hayes
Jack Quinn
Vacant

Vacant
Therese Magill

 

Board of Adjustment/Variance Board: Village Board

 

ADHOC Committee: (2 year term)
Carol Kellogg
Jackie Anderson
Joan Hightree
Betty Tyndall
Bob Richards

Loretta Kellogg
Janice Larsen
Fran Tramp
Matt Connealy
Judy Connealy

Housing Rehabilitation Board: 3 Year term

Janey Seymour           12-18

Jeania McCullock       12-18

Therese Magill            12-18

Renee Stammer           12-18

Beth Phelps                12-16

 

Persons authorized to sign all checks from the Village of Decatur’s Checking & Savings Accts: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Village Clerk

 

Village Banking Institution: First Nebraska Bank
Commercial Insurance Agent: Continental Insurance- KH Insurance

 

Employee Insurance Agent: United Health Care -Jaime Bacon- Burt County Insurance

 

Village Power Supplier: Burt County Public Power District. Clerk stated that she received an increase letter from Burt County Public Power and the increase will be 1.16%

Legal Newspaper: Lyons Mirror Sun – Curt Hineline sent a letter stating the greatly appreciate our recognition of the Lyons Mirror-Sun as our legal newspaper and they look forward to continuing to provide service in 2016.

 

Approval of the following Checking, Savings, Money Market, and CD accounts

 

Checking Accounts:             (as of December 18, 2015)

General Contingency Fund                 .05%

Utility Fund                                        .05%

Payroll Account                                  0%

Rehabilitation Account                       .05%

Utility Money Market                                   .05%

Reserve Money Market                     .05%

City Hall Savings                                .08%

C D’s:

Sewer Savings -12 month                   .2500%

Water Construction -15 month          .2500%

Light Savings -12 month                   .2500%

Pumper Savings-15 month                  .3000%

Loans

Renovations                                        3.50%
Tractor                                                            3.50%

Broadway Bridge                                3.50%

 

All agreed on the appointments

 

Clerk mentioned that the January 14th meeting will be held on the 2nd Tuesday in January.

Siecke made a motion to have the January meeting on the 2nd Tuesday January 12th at 4:30 instead of January 14th. 2nd by Tolby Roll call- Richards-y, Kellogg-y, Siecke-y, Tolby-y

7)        MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING

Richards 2nd Siecke

ADJOURNMENT TIME 4:38 P.M.

 

Loretta Kellogg/Chairperson

Ann Chytka /Village Clerk

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Kats’ Korner: Life and all of the Challenges

January 4, 2016 Leave a comment


katcountryhub's avatarKat Country Hub

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…

View original post 348 more words

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Robert “Bob” Schlichter, 88 of Emerson NE

January 4, 2016 Leave a comment


Robert “Bob” E. Schlichter, 88, of Emerson, NE, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. As per Bob’s wishes, his body will be donated to the Anatomical Gift Program. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE; with Vicar Rebecca Truland and Father Roger Kutzner officiating. Memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE.

Bob was born on December 20, 1927 in Topeka, KS, the son of Duane and Roberta (Cummings) Schlichter. In 1944, he graduated from Topeka High School. On September 26, 1946, Robert joined the United States Army. After his discharge in 1948, he attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE. On June 19, 1949, Bob was united in marriage to Alyce Jean Nielsen at Fremont, NE. Bob received his B.A. from Midland Lutheran College in 1950, his Master of Sacred Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 1954 and post graduate studies from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. In 1954, Bob was ordained into the United Lutheran Church in America at First Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS. He worked in several churches during his career including: Chicago Heights, IL, Kansas City, MO, Lees Summit, MO, Tekamah, NE and Portage, WI. He also worked for the Nebraska Synod developing programs, working as a fund raiser and with churches overseas.

He was a member of several community organizations including: Tekamah Industrial Development Corp., Consumers Cooperative Association of Kansas City, MO, Wisconsin Community Leader’s Workshop and Town and Country Commission in Madison, WI, and Rotary Club. He served on many boards and organizations over the years: Portage Ministerial Association, Christian Community Service Agency, Miami Beach community Health Clinic, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Punta Gorda Business and Community Alliance, Cultural Center of Charlotte County and as a Liaison for Habitat for Humanity International.

Bob is survived by his children Rev. Gretchen (Nels) Ritola of Emerson, NE, Geoffrey (Peggie) Schlichter of Martinez, GA, Alison Dzwonkowski of Cape Coral, FL, Norman (Debbie) Anderson of Jonesville, MI, fourteen grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Kenneth and a sister Imgogene Brunnert.

Robert Schlichter

Robert Schlichter

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Larry W. Mutum Sr., 78 of Blair NE

January 4, 2016 Leave a comment


Larry W. Mutum Sr., 78 years, of Blair, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair.

Larry William Mutum Sr. was born to John E. & Margarett (Llewellyn) Mutum on May 26, 1937 on a farm outside of Walnut, Iowa.

He entered into rest January 2, 2016 at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska.

At the age of one Larry’s family moved to Omaha, where he later attended Omaha Public Schools.

When Larry turned 14 he started working for his father.  He became a heavy equipment operator and helped to build up Omaha.   On January 23, 1990 he married Linda Norton and the couple made their home in Blair.
Larry enjoyed time with his grandchildren, great grand children and his dogs.  Larry loved to go to coffee, watch Nascar and to mow the yard on his riding lawn mower.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Brother, Lee Mutum; Sister, Alice Brown; & sons, Larry Jr & Jerry Mutum.

Larry is survived by his wife Linda; son, Dan Mutum & Family of Lyons, NE; sisters, Mary Collins of Kansas & Shirley (Ron) Garrett of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Dan Norton of Lyons, NE; 5 Grandchildren, 9 Great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Visitation is Thurs., Jan. 7th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland. A prayer service is at 7:00 p.m.

Burial is in the Craig Cemetery in Craig NE.

Larry Mutum Sr.

Larry Mutum Sr.

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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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