Oakland-Craig Handles Battle-Creek Huge Loss, Next Up State Championship Game!


Oakland-Craig beat Battle Creek last Friday night 27-14 in a game of revenge for the OC Knights. Battle Creek defeated Oakland-Craig earlier in the season. Now, the Knights are headed to the state championship game against David City Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Below are the comments from OC Head Coach Joe Anderson, who was also on the OC Champion football team of 1995.

“Wow!  What a great atmosphere, what a game.  As we pulled up to the stadium at 6:00 the place was already electric. The boys fed off that energy and really came out and threw the first couple punches. This was key, as the last time we played them, they physically beat us up for four quarters.  You could just see the confidence in our guys grow as the game wore on. 

It is easy to come out and play with that fire in the opening minutes, but to sustain it for four quarters like they did,  is tough. Our kids played very physical and stayed discipline on defense. We had to slow down their potent running game, and we did a decent job of that. Defensively it was total team effort, as the guys did a great job of swarming to the football and making plays. 

Offensively we knew it was going to be tough to run right at them. We worked a lot on our passing game, and installed some new wrinkles this week. The guys really executed things well. Cole threw the ball really well, all the receivers  made some great plays, and the line did a great job of giving Cole time. 

The guys really put in a lot of extra time the last couple weeks preparing for each playoff game. They will now be rewarded with a memory they will not forget,” stated OC Head Coach Anderson.

Don’t forget to come out for the community pep rally this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at the OC new gym to cheer on the Knights! Up after that, Championship game!!! Go Knights!!

The excitement was evident as OC took on Battle Creek! All photos credit of Cheri Droescher.

The excitement was evident as OC took on Battle Creek! All photos credit of Cheri Droescher.

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Governor Ricketts Joins Letter to President Obama on Syrian Refugee Resettlement Security Concerns


Today, Governor Pete Ricketts sent a letter with 26 other governors calling for a review of security screening measures before resettling Syrian refugees in the United States.

 

A copy of the letter is attached and is excerpted below.

 

“As governors, we are charged with ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. In order to adequately fulfill this duty, we request that you immediately review the process by which you conduct background checks on all individuals applying for refugee status and address the gaps acknowledged by your director of the FBI.

 

“In the wake of this recent tragedy, and until we can ensure the citizens of our states that an exhaustive review of all security measures has been completed and the necessary changes have been implemented, we respectfully request that you suspend all plans to resettle additional Syrian refugees.”

The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

November 20, 2015

Our country has long served as a welcoming beacon to individuals and families who seek safety and refugee status within the borders of the United States. For years we have been proud to welcome refugees into our communities in their pursuit of a better life and future.

However, we are deeply concerned that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria may have exploited the generosity of the refugee system to carry out Friday’s terrorist attack in Paris. While the tragic event was a direct assault on the European Union’s refugee system, the potential for this situation to arise in the United States is escalated by information revealed by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, James Comey. In testimony before Congress, he admitted to certain inadequacies in the system that would prevent the thorough vetting of the 10,000 refugees your administration has pledged to admit into the United States.

As governors, we are charged with ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. In order to adequately fulfill this duty, we request that you immediately review the process by which you conduct background checks on all individuals applying for refugee status and address the gaps acknowledged by your director of the FBI.

In the wake of this recent tragedy, and until we can ensure the citizens of our states that an exhaustive review of all security measures has been completed and the necessary changes have

been implemented, we respectfully request that you suspend all plans to resettle additional Syrian refugees.

Sincerely,

Governor Robert Bentley Alabama

Governor Douglas A. Ducey Arizona

Governor Asa Hutchinson Arkansas

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter Idaho

Governor Rick Scott Florida

Governor Nathan Deal Georgia

Governor Bruce Rauner Illinois

Governor Terry E. Branstad Iowa

Governor Sam Brownback Kansas

Governor Bobby Jindal Louisiana

Governor Paul R. LePage Maine

Governor Pete Ricketts Nebraska

Governor Brian Sandoval Nevada

Governor Chris Christie New Jersey

Governor Susana Martinez New Mexico

Governor Pat McCrory North Carolina

Governor Jack Dalrymple North Dakota

Governor Nikki Haley South Carolina

Governor John R. Kasich Ohio

Governor Mary Fallin Oklahoma

Governor Greg Abbott Texas

Governor Dennis Daugaard South Dakota

Governor Bill Haslam Tennessee

 

Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes


Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting
November 12th, 2015 4:30P.M.
The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on November 12th, 2015. Visitors signing in Alta Wolf, Georgia Redding, Charlie Redding, Debbie Maryott, Sue and Joe Wewel, Ellen Olson, Deb and Greg Haselhorst, Debbie Krutilek, Bob and Sandra Kellogg, Chelsey Dunning, Jeania McCulloch, Cheryl Gatewood, Susan Houck, LeeAnn Warren, not signing in Steve Bird

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

2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Bolln-yes, Kellogg-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes
3)         Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

  1. A) Correction on the year of the police car purchased from Oakland is 2008.
  2. B) The alley in Block 50 lots 3 and 4 is currently an open alley.

Roll Call: Bolln-Y, Kellogg-Y, Richards -Y, Tolby-Y
4)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
            All Present

5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND OR COMMITTEES
1)         Police: Monthly Report- Police not present

  1. A) Large live trap for Nuisance animals (dogs) Bolln made a motion to purchase the live trap from Bomgaars 2nd by Kellogg Roll call Tolby-y, Richards-y, Bolln-y, Kellogg-y.

 

2)         Lights: Monthly Report- Kellogg reported that we do not have anyone right now over lights.
3)         Water & Sewer: Monthly Report-Richards reported that they had fixed the water problem done at             Wanamaker’s house. They guys will be fixing a water leak up by Alan Frese’s house this week.
4)         Parks: Monthly Report-

  1. A) Income of $2257.55
  2. B) Women’s Bathroom has a pipe that is leaking in one of the shower stalls.

Loretta reported that the bathrooms have been shut down. Richards said that it they have been             winterized for the season.

 

5)         Streets: Monthly Report -Sales tax for July $4741.84.

Bolln reported that he has not heard back from Knife river on when they plan on repairing the roads.

Loretta stated that they were to start tearing down the toll booth. Bolln stated that we will need to do                   something to slow the traffic down at that intersection. Bolln also said that he is going to have the men                 fill in some holes down at Riverview Drive, but that won’t be until next week.

Tolby announced that it had been brought to her attention that we neglected to know the responsibility                         of who was to put the flags out. She said that the Commander of Post 215 was very upset to find out                    that the flags were not taken care of this Wednesday. It has brought about some bad feelings                                   about the fact that we             feel that the Veterans were neglected with not having the flags out. The men did                  get the flags up and they have been taken down. Tolby said the Commander would like the                                     responsibility of the flags. Tolby feels that we owe the Veterans an apology.

Bolln state that it was just overlooked.

Loretta said that she understands why that were discouraged and upset. Kellogg stated that we will put                  and apology note in the paper so that all the veterans will see it.

Tolby stated that the Veterans have taken over the flags and they will put them out on every holidays.

Kellogg apologized again for that we did not mean for this to happen and those guys not be recognized

 

6)        Recycling Report:

A)Recycling hauled to Tekamah 5930 lbs of cardboard, 4800 lbs of newspaper, and 480 lbs of plastic.                             Hauled on 10-14-2015.

  1. B) Clerk would like permission to purchase a sign for the Recycling Center price $20.00. Stating what      all we take.

Richards made a motion that we provide a sign for the Recycling Center 2nd Bolln

Roll Call- Tolby-Y, Richards-Y, Bolln-Y, Kellogg-y

 

6)        OLD BUSINESS
            1) Park Fence-Clerk stated that we still only have the Boden’s estimate of $5600.00 Bolln made a motion that      we go with the Boden’s to put in the cedar fence for $5600. Richard’s 2nd Roll Call- Tolby-Y, Bolln-Y,             Richards-Y, Kellogg-y.

 

2) Family Insurance (was tabled from last meeting) Clerk went over the requirement for having children on the       plan. They are able to be on the plan until they are 25 years of age, they do not have to live with the parents            and they do not have to be a full time student unless you want them insured from age 25-30.

Kellogg said that she averaged the insurance out to 1500 per month. It averages out to 8.92 an hour. She             asked if they wanted to continue providing family insurance. She does know that the village needs to continue          providing insurance for the employees. Bolln stated that we should leave it the way it is through this coverage   year.

 

3) Dump- received return to compliance letter. People calling when they need in is working well. Richards             said that it would be good to have a sign stating a phone number for people to call when they need access to             the dump. Loretta stated that we will continue looking for someone to attend the dump on the 1st Saturday of         each month.

 

4) 2007 Crown Victoria- Put out for Bids? Kellogg stated that we talked about this last month but never put a          motion in to send it out for bids. Richards made a motion to put the Silver car out for bids Bolln 2nd Roll call-     Tolby-Y, Richards-Y, Bolln-Y, Kellogg-y

 

5) Burt County Economic Development Corporation- Was tabled from 10-8-2015 meeting. Clerk stated that      she talked with Patty and the Clerk suggested that we table this until January instead of getting in for the last 2   months of this year.

 

7)       NEW BUSINESS

1) Simplex Grinnell- Proposal & Service agreement to perform 5 year maintenance inspection. $1125.00.

Clerk stated that this is to do our 5 year maintenance to stay up to code at city hall with the fire sprinklers.         Richards made a motion that we have Simplex Grinnell do the inspection. Tolby 2nd Roll Call- Bolln-Y,             Richards-Y, Tolby-Y, Kellogg-y

 

2) Steve Bird- Dogs barking behind Green Lantern. Steve came to the table and thinks that the dogs behind             Green Lantern need to be toned down. Also that there is a Chevy pickup that is driving too fast in town and it   is very loud. He also stated that he has seen rats that we may want to trap.

 

3) Sue and Joe Wewel/ Greg and Deb Haselhorst would like permission to split lots 4,5,6 at Riverview edition             into two 1.5 lots. The Wewel’s and Haselhorst’s came to the table. They have an easement in so the                   Wewel’s can use the meter that is on Haselhorst’s property. They are requesting lost 5 be split in half.                Richards made a motion that we allow them to split lot 5 Bolln-2nd, Roll call Tolby-Y, Richard-Y, Bolln-Y,          Kellogg-y.

 

4) Tim Slaughter- Streets- Not present

 

5) Blue Chevy Truck estimates for repairs. Clerk presented 2 estimates for repairs on the Blue Chevy truck.             Lanes repair estimate was $403.98 and Smith Repair was for 275.40 this is to replace water pump, radiator             hose, bypass hose, fuel filter, anti freeze and heater hose and labor. Richards made a motion that we go with             Keith Smith repair for the repairs Tolby 2nd. Roll Call Bolln-Y, Richards-Y, Toby-Y, Kellogg-Y

6) Discuss Seat Vacancy- Kellogg stated that we have had 2 candidates. People who are interested need to be        in by the 20th and we will hold a special meeting on the 30th at 4 pm to nominate 1 person. If that one is not       chosen then the rest will be nominated at the regular meeting on December 10th.

 

7) Chris Wanamaker- Thank you to City Maintenance workers-Not present

 

8) Bulldog Fitness Center open house November 21st from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. They would like to have a             Village employee there to open Memberships. They are asking the Village to donate 3 Family Memberships,             3 Single Memberships, 3 Senior Citizens Memberships and 3 Senior Citizens Couple Memberships and to   promote discount for memberships of 20% on each annual and 10% for monthly memberships. This would      run from November 21st until December 21st.This would promote use of the Center to improve health for the        Community, as well as income for the Village operation of the Center.

Richards made a motion that we do one of each group. Bolln 2nd Roll Call- Tolby-y, Richards-y, Bolln-Y,             Kellogg-Y

8)         CORRESPONDENCE

1) Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District- Providing grants for up to $2,500 for trees. Clerk reported          that this Celebrate Trees provides grant for planting trees on public land such as parks and street right-of            ways.

Richards stated that we need to take all the long needle trees out of the park. He thinks that there are 4-5 of             the pines that need to be removed.

Bolln made a motion that we apply for the grant Papio- Missouri Celebrate Trees program. 2nd by Tolby Roll     call-Richards-y, Bolln-y, Tolby-y, Kellogg-y.

2) Thank you from James Moseman with the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council. Clerk read the thank   you that was received from James Moseman.

9)       ANNOUNCEMENTS

None
10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

1) Claims preapproved by Bolln & Tolby

2) Richards made a Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted, 2nd by Bolln

 

Roll Call: Tolby-Y, Richards-Y, Y Bolln-Y, Kellogg-Y

 

Are there any questions from the audience? Charlie Redding asked if there were any professional dog catcher around the area. And if so maybe they could come into town on Thursday when it seems to be really bad due to trash day. Loretta stated that we could look into it, just for that day. Kellogg states that the dog trap should help us out.

 

10)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

Richards 2nd Bolln
Adjournment Time: 5:20
Kellogg asked for everyone to wait a minute, wait guys.   Continues questions from the audience.
Alta Wolf asked what the final decision on the flags? Kellogg stated that the Veterans will be putting them up. Tolby said Paul Richards will be putting them up.

 

Alta asked what would happen to the dogs that are caught in the trap? Kellogg stated that they will be taken to Red Barn. Bolln added that it will cost the individual so much to get them out.

 

Cheryl Gatewood asked about the junk properties? Kellogg stated that it takes so many steps to get something done. Kellogg stated that she said that we are trying to work with HHS to deem them livable or not. Kellogg stated that it does take a long time.

 

Loretta Kellogg/Chairperson

Ann Chytka /Village Clerk

 

4-H Planning Meeting


The annual 4-H Planning meeting will be held on Monday evening, November 30 at the First National Bank meeting room in Tekamah beginning at 7:00 p.m. Plans will be made and ideas shared for 4-H activities throughout the year and for county fair. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Future of Herman Elementary School Concern of Tekamah-Herman School Board


By Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

While there are certainly many issues being discussed concerning the Tekamah-Herman Schools district, one change seems eminent at this time. At the most recent Board of Education meeting, the disposition of education at Herman Elementary was discussed. This is a topic that has been discussed repeatedly over the course of at least the past five years as the district planned for the future.

Based on projections for next school year, there are expected to be 12 students across three grade levels (4th, 5th, and 6th) that would attend Herman Elementary. In all reality, this number of students is not enough for which two full-time teachers should be responsible and too wide of a grade span for one teacher to take on that role. Additionally, the opportunities for social growth of students is limited by the small student body attending and the staff members are placed in a difficult position when it comes to professional growth and support. The Board is now faced with a difficult decision regarding the future of Herman Elementary. The choice is either putting a significant sum of money into the Herman Elementary, reconfiguring grades and students to be served, and altering the district or closing Herman Elementary, serving all students in the district in Tekamah, and making a short-term commitment to housing the preschool students in a modular until a permanent plan and structure can be put in place.

The pending decision is not one that is taken lightly by the Board and certainly one that has been debated countless times by members, either individually or as a group. Herman Elementary has been a wonderful institution for so many of our students when the student numbers were different. The experience of a small school with one-on-one teacher attention is a benefit for some of our students. However, the district has reached a crossroads with the Herman Elementary and decisions must be made very soon. By making these decisions, the Board gives ample opportunity for students and parents to plan for a transition for the next school year. As always, please feel free to contact a Board member or stop in to my office if you have any questions or concerns about your school district.

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

Brandon Lavaley, Tekamah-Herman Superintendent

 

Fischer Teams-Up with Red Cross for 2015 Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign


U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s office is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help Nebraskans send holiday wishes and appreciation to members of the military, their families, and our veterans. This is the third year Senator Fischer’s office has coordinated the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign with the Red Cross. Senator Fischer released the following statement encouraging Nebraskans to participate:

 

“The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is a simple way for Nebraskans to share their holiday cheer, along with their gratitude, to the men and women of our military. I hope the people of Nebraska will join me in sending greetings to the dedicated members of our armed services around the world, their families, and our veterans.”

 

The Holiday Mail for Heroes program collects cards and messages to send to our military men and women serving both abroad and in our local communities. Nebraskans who wish to participate can make or purchase a card to sign, and mail them to Senator Fischer’s Omaha office. In order to guarantee delivery, cards must be received by December 6, 2015.  They can be dropped off at, or mailed to, the following address:

 

Office of Senator Deb Fischer

11819 Miracle Hills Drive

Suite 205

Omaha, NE 68145

 

In addition to your homemade cards, Senator Fischer and the Red Cross have created a card specifically for Nebraskans that can be printed and signed at home. You can download cards through Senator Fischer’s website by clicking here.

 

To ensure holiday cards can be quickly screened and mailed, the Red Cross asks participants to follow the guidelines listed below:

 

  • Ensure that all cards are signed.

 

  • Use generic salutations, such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program.

 

  • Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters.

 

  • Do not include email or home addresses on the cards. The program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

 

  • Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos. These items will be removed during the reviewing process.

 

  • Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter, which can aggravate the health issues of ill and injured warriors.

 

  • If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place the cards in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope. All envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.

 

 

Patricia Lou (Kai) Fendrick, 74, of Pender NE


Patricia Lou (Kai) Fendrick, 74, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2015 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender; with Pastor Miles Ruch officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home.

Pat was born February 10, 1941 to Art and Florence (Cook) Kai at Wayne Jameson Hospital in Wayne, Nebraska. On January 3, 1960, she married Robert James Fendrick in Pender, NE. To this union three children were born: Pamela, Rhonda and Kevin. Pat worked in several different places in Pender: Pool Manager, Ray’s Tap and Grill, Pender High School and at the Pender Care Center. Bob died on August 27, 2015. She was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Pat enjoyed cross stitching, embroidery and watching her grandchildren compete in sporting events. Most of all she enjoyed being a babysitter for her grandchildren.

Patricia is survived by her daughters, Pamela (Mark) Buchholz of Omaha, NE, Rhonda (Rodney) Heise of Pender, NE; son, Kevin (Michelle) Fendrick of Pender; sisters, Marilyn Leonard, Bonnie (Raymond) Prokop, Ardyce Surber and Joyce Giese; sisters-in-law, Betty Meister, Marlene Abendroth; brothers-in-law, Harold (Darlene) Fendrick, and Tony (Pamela) Fendrick, Dale Vavra; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Fendrick; parents; brothers-in-law, Robert Leonard, Norman Surber and Leroy Giese, Frank Fendrick; parents-in-law, Anton and Wavia Fendrick; sister-in-law, Twila Vavra.

Mabel E. (Harbison) Johnson, 96, of Laurel NE


Mable E. (Harbison) Johnson, 96, of Laurel, NE, passed away Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Hillcrest Care Center in Laurel, NE. Funeral services will be Monday, November 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord, NE; Pastor Sarah Ruch will be officiating. The visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Laurel Cemetery. Memorials may be directed Concordia Lutheran Church Arrangements are under the direction of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE.

Mable was born September 10, 1919 to Everett and Minnie (Smith) Harbison in Circle, MT. She grew up in rural Bloomfield, NE and graduated from Bloomfield High School. Mable attended Wayne State College and received a teaching degree. She taught in Knox and Cedar counties in rural schools. Mable married Albert Johnson on September 24, 1949 at the Methodist Church in Wasau, NE and the couple had three children. She was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church. Mable loved reading, gardening, and caring for her family.

She is survived by Arnold Johnson of Laurel, NE, LaVerle (Nancy) Johnson of Laurel, NE, and Doug Johnson; 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Mable is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Albert, and sister-in-law, Esther Johnson.

Mabel Johnson

Mabel Johnson

Kenneth Hartwig, 82, of Pender NE


Kenneth Hartwig, 82, of Pender, NE, passed away Thursday, November 19, 2015 in Sioux City, Iowa.

Memorial services are pending with Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Winter Storm Warning


MONONA-HARRISON-SHELBY-THURSTON-WAYNE-CUMING-BURT-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ONAWA...MAPLETON...MISSOURI VALLEY...

WOODBINE...LOGAN...DUNLAP...HARLAN...PENDER...MACY...WALTHILL...

WINNEBAGO...WAYNE...WEST POINT...WISNER...TEKAMAH...OAKLAND...

LYONS...DECATUR
721 AM CST FRI NOV 20 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 3 AM CST SATURDAY...

* TIMING...RAIN AND SNOW WILL DEVELOP BY MID TO LATE AFTERNOON 
AND BECOME ALL SNOW BY LATE AFTERNOON. SNOW WILL CONTINUE 
THROUGH THE EVENING AND END AFTER MIDNIGHT. 

* ACCUMULATIONS...5 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED.

* MAIN IMPACT...VISIBILITIES WILL DROP TO LESS THAN A HALF MILE 
AT TIMES. WINDS WILL INCREASE THIS EVENING CREATING AREAS OF 
BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. TRAVEL WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY 
IMPACTED...ESPECIALLY DURING THE EVENING AND OVERNIGHT. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...

SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO
POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.