Prayers to Victims and Families of Paris Attacks

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


By Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub

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

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

But, what happened is Paris is a different story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers to everyone.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

 

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Governor Ricketts Comments on TransCanada’s Decision to Withdraw Keystone XL Application

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


Today, Governor Ricketts issued the following statement regarding the announcement that TransCanada filed a motion to dismiss without prejudice their application for approval of the Keystone XL pipeline route with the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC):

 

“My administration continues to support TransCanada’s goal of building the final leg of Keystone XL, and I encourage them to reapply with the PSC, when appropriate, so that Nebraska can receive the benefit of the jobs and tax revenue that will come from the project.”

 

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Curtis A. Graff, 93, of Dalhart TX, Formerly of Bancroft NE

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


Curtis A. Graff, age 93, of Dalhart, Texas, formerly of Bancroft, Nebraska passed away at his home in Dalhart Texas on Sunday, November 15, 2015.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Dalhart Texas.  Interment will be in Bancroft NE, at a later date.  Memorials may be made to: Central United Methodist Church Building Fund – 517 Rock Island, Dalhart, TX  79022.  Online condolences may be left for the family at wwwhorizonfuneral.com.  Horizon Funeral Home in Dalhart, Texas is in charge of arrangements.

Curtis A. Graff was born to R.C (Chester) and Ida (Hanson) Graff on June 7, 1922 near Bancroft, Nebraska.  Curt was a graduate of Bancroft High.  He attended the University of Nebraska, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  Upon returning home Curt farmed the family homestead which was settled by his grandfather.  Curt was a true cattleman.  Over the years he raised Purebred Red Poll, Aberdeen Angus and commercial cattle, along with a small feedlot enterprise.

On December 2, 1949 Curtis married Evelyn Noreen Brown at her family home, near Tilden, Ne.

Curt was a humble man with an un-wavering Christian faith and strong conviction.  He was an active member of the community serving on many boards including the Bancroft school board, Presbyterian Church Session, Extension Board, President of the Cuming County Feeders Assoc., helped to bring the Armour Packing Plant to West Point, Ne, and was active with the 4-H program.  Curt and Evelyn were honored twice as the Farm Family of the Week by WOW-TV in Omaha, NE. Curtis was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

In 1979 Curt and Evelyn followed their pioneer spirit and moved with their 2 youngest children to Dalhart TX to farm.  Upon “retiring” from farming in 1994, Curt ranched for 17 years running summer yearlings at ranches in Wyoming and Colorado.  With a heavy heart he held his last round up in 2011, at the age of 89.

Survivors include his wife Evelyn of nearly 66 years; children Chuck (Nancy) Graff of Ogallala, NE; Dixie Fischer of Lincoln, NE; Jean (Pat) Schilckbernd of West Point, NE; Bill (Karen) Graff of Dalhart, TX; and Kari (Greg)Goebel of Fort Worth, TX; 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; brother Lyle Graff (Camilla) of Laverne, MN, sister-in-laws Lois Hale and Ann Butterfield of Norfolk, NE, and many nieces and nephews who will miss his thoughtful words of guidance as well as fun tales.

Preceding him in death were his parents; infant son Jay Graff; brother Orin Graff; and sister Marian Macklin.

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A Minute with the Lyons Mayor

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


A Minute with the Mayor

November 2015

Welcome to back to standard daylight time! Hopefully you are used to it being dark by 6pm. It’s certainly not the easiest thing to get used too. I’m ready for bed by 9pm!

The November council meeting was a fairly light one thus I was home in time to be in bed by nine! Our top agenda item was approval of the city’s health insurance plan. After looking at our options, the council decided to change plans that will actually save the city over thirty thousand dollars this coming year. Health care costs, as everyone knows, continues to rise and the city isn’t immune to the squeeze those increased premiums puts on the city’s budget. The council is working to find a balance between the city’s responsibility to its employees and fiscal responsibility to the tax payer. We will continue to evaluate our healthcare coverage to make sure we are meeting employee needs and getting the entire bang for our buck that we can.

We have a plan for the south road at Brink Park to secure it. We are going to rework and pack the bank. We will then add concrete rip rap along the shore line of the lagoon to stabilize the bank. This should help prevent anymore eroding from occurring long that drive in that area. We were still having some water leaking above a couple of big windows in the community center. We had the roof guys out and we hope they’ve fixed the areas on the roof that had been leaking. Our new baler should be here the first week in December. It will help us be more versatile with our recycling efforts. We are still waiting on the $87,000 reimbursement from the grant we were awarded.   All the “Ts” are crossed and the “Is” are dotted so that money should be coming sometime soon.

I know there are a lot of questions and concerns swirling around Logan Valley Manor.  There is still a lot of legal wrangling going on between the owners and creditors. Not sure when all of that will be cleared up. Until that time, not much that can be done about its future. The city council did decide to turn the electrical and heat on to make sure we don’t have ruptured pipes over the winter. I am optimistic that good things are in store for Logan Valley Manor. We just want to make sure the weather doesn’t make things worth there.

Burt County passed a 2% lodging tax which will affect the camp ground. Rates were adjusted slightly to help cover that tax increase. On a good note, we finally got the final reimbursement from the $375,000 community center grant. The $187,500 will help replenish the city coffers that were spent on the project to begin with. Good news indeed. We continue to wait to hear on the street lighting grant we applied for. We are hopeful we will hear from them by the end of the year.

If you missed the grand opening of the Main Street Theater, you missed a really fun evening. It’s just amazing to me when the front of that building comes slowly down to the sidewalk and street. What a feat of ingenuity! Looking at the building you would never know there wasn’t a building behind it. Bill Hedges movie on the history of Lyons that premiered was exceptional. I thought I was watching a PBS special. Looking at where Lyons has been and how it came to be what it is today inspired me to keep working to make Lyons a better place. It made me realize that the people of Lyons may come and go but the spirit of what Lyons is continues throughout the generations. Thanks to everyone who has made these projects possible. You’ve helped make Lyons an even cooler place to live!

Finally on a personal note, I just want to give a shout out to my dad, Ron, who turned 75 on November 17th! I know my wife and my mother won’t give him all the credit for making me who I am today but he sure deserves a lot of it! I have been so blessed to have been raised by a man who cares so deeply for his family. I couldn’t have asked for a better dad to mentor, counsel, teach, and advise me throughout my life. I am proud to be called Ron Fuston’s son! Happy Birthday dad! Here’s to many, many more!

That’s all I have for now. Enjoy the crisp fall weather. Good luck getting all those leaves raked up! I know I’ll need it. Take care and talk to you soon.

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Expanding Online Services

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

In a recent weeks, I have shared with you some of the good news about how my administration is working to make state government more customer-friendly while protecting your taxpayer dollars.  Whether we are answering the phones at ACCESSNebraska in a timely manner or finding new ways to save money by using technology, we are committed to running government more like a business.  As we have pursued this goal, my administration has looked for opportunities to offer more services through the internet.  In an era where you can pay your cable bill from your phone or check the news online, Nebraskans should be able to access government services through their mobile device or at their desktop.

 

Last week, I joined the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) to announce that Nebraskans can now apply for storm water permits online at http://deq.ne.gov.  Additionally in the coming weeks, the agency will launch an online application for a new general air construction permit, which it recently created.  Previously, businesses had to submit applications for similar projects.  With this new permit, businesses will no longer need to submit duplicative applications for comparable projects.  Applicants will be able to answer a few questions online to qualify for the permit if they fall within a specified range of environmental constraints.

 

With these changes, the agency is able to provide faster service with the same level of environmental protection.  Additionally, these changes will not only cut down turnaround time from weeks or months to just a couple of days, but they will also allow the department to focus staffing resources towards accelerating more complex permits and resolving compliance issues.  For the businesses seeking permits from the department, these changes cut red tape so that they receive their permits more quickly.  As one industry leader in pointed out, putting permits online and reducing turnaround is not only important to businesses as they work to deliver projects on time, but it also helps businesses as they recruit millennials who have been raised in a digital world.

 

These changes at the NDEQ are also indicative of a fresh direction for the department since the appointment of their new Director Jim Macy.  After taking office earlier this year, Director Macy began to examine how the agency could do a better job of delivering services to its customers in a timely manner while still achieving their goal of protecting Nebraska’s clear air and clean water.  His focus on timeliness and communication have started to make a difference, and people are beginning to notice.  One of the department’s clients, Piyush Srivastav, recently shared this testimonial: “In recent years, my office worked with permit applications that were taking years to process with long periods of time where we saw no sign of progress.  Since Director Macy arrived, that has changed, and the Department has opened up lines of communication.”

 

This is the just the beginning for NDEQ.  The agency continues to pursue additional initiatives to streamline other permitting processes as they work to make their services more customer-friendly and timely, and other agencies are doing the same.  As you interact with state agencies, I hope you will take the time to share some of your experiences with my office by calling 402-471-2244 or emailing pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov. Your feedback and experiences are helpful as we endeavor to better serve the people of Nebraska.

 

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Give Thanks for Rural Health

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Thursday, November 19th is National Rural Health Day. On the Thursday before Thanksgiving each year, rural Americans give thanks for our health and the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other providers that help keep us that way. In truth, most rural and small town Americans are thankful for our health, healthcare providers and the hospitals, clinics and other businesses where they work most other days as well.
Small town America faces unique healthcare challenges. Rural Americans are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured than our counterparts in urban centers, in part because rural Americans are more likely to be self-employed or working for an employer that does not offer health insurance benefits. This makes the expansion of Medicaid coverage so vitally important to working families in rural and small town America who don’t make enough money to qualify to receive subsidies for healthcare coverage in the new health insurance marketplaces (exchanges).
Moreover, access to healthcare can be a challenge in many small towns that lack a hospital or clinic.  Increasing the ranks of those with adequate coverage through Medicaid expansion and the exchanges is one answer, but ingenuity must be another. As we celebrate National Rural Health Day, we should continue to look for new ways to expand rural healthcare access through telemedicine; new provider roles for physician’s assistants, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners; and different hospital and clinic ownership models including cooperatives, community ownership, and ownership of clinics and healthcare practices by medical service providers other than physicians.

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Patricia L. Fendrick, 74, of Pender NE

November 18, 2015 Leave a comment


Patricia L. Fendrick, 74, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Legacy Garden Living Center in Pender.

Funeral services are pending with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

November 17, 2015 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.

Our annual Cookie Walk will be Sat., Dec. 3 at the community building. Anyone in the community is welcome to bring cookies, candies or snack items for our cookie walk. We are still collecting items for the raffle; we accept craft items, cash, homemade sweet rolls and pies, Bancroft Bucks, sets of dish towels, etc.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Nov.18: The melody chime group will practice at 9:00 a.m. Come for coffee at 10:00 am. The golf card game will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Nov.19: Rolls and coffee served from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. and the walking club at 10:45 a.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Nov.20: The monthly birthday party begins at 1:30 p.m., playing pitch, hand and foot and/or dominoes. The fire drill will take place before the activities begin and lunch is served about 3:30 p.m.

Mon Nov. 23: Sign up for the pitch tournament that begins at 1:00 p.m. The monthly board meeting is at 3:30 p.m. Remember to make your reservation for lunch tomorrow.

Tues. Nov. 24: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:45 a.m. The blood pressure clinic will begin at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be chicken noodle, chili or potato soup, sandwich and dessert. Barb Fancher will give a nutrition presentation at 12:30 p.m. Cards will be played at 1:30 p.m.

Wed. Nov. 25: No melody chimes practice today. Bingo will be played at 2:00 p.m.

Thurs. Nov. 26: Happy Thanksgiving. Center is closed today.

 

 

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Market Report

November 17, 2015 Leave a comment


Markets 11/16/15 12:02pm

Dow +100.31
S&P +11.42
Nasdaq +10.73

I am sure you heard of the terrible attacks in Paris killing at least 129 people.  After an initial wobble, financial markets mainly shrugged off the effects of Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris, underscoring how investors increasingly look beyond these type of events, so it seems.

Grain Markets 11/16/15 12:08pm

Dec Corn +0’6 @ $3.59’0
Jan Beans +2’0 @ $8.57’2

 

With harvest pretty much wrapped up we have little news from the U.S. that can change the markets now.  We know what we have, weather is now not much concern.  Oil continues to grind lower and the US dollar keeps creeping up.  The odds keep stacking against grains.

 

Corn lower on the open despite good exports, good news and the markets doesn’t seem to care.  Corn has not given us too much excitement by way of headlines and with little change from the USDA the only thing to look forward to is a weather story out of South America or some sort of geopolitical event.  As I mentioned in a text last week the tight trade range has got me nervous.  I suspect we will continue to grind lower (lower highs/lower lows) until we receive some sort of positive news.  I think $3.50 in the cards, possibly breaking through and heading toward $3.40.  I hope we find some support or a headline before we head lower.  I will add if oil prices continue to stay low, it pressures ethanol demand.

 

Beans the focus is now South American Production and demand from China.  Also hoping for a weather story out of South America to boost our opportunities for a sale.  The strength in the US dollar is going to remain a variable in export sales.

 

Exports

EXPORTERS SELL 952,500 METRIC TONNES OF CORN FOR DELIVERY TO MEXICO DURING THE 2015/2016 MARKETING YEAR- USDA

EXPORTERS SELL 487,680 METRIC TONNES OF CORN FOR DELIVERY TO MEXICO FOR 2016/2017 DELIVERY- USDA

EXPORTERS SELL 180,000 METRIC TONNES OF SOYBEANS FOR DELIVERY TO CHINA FOR 2015/2016 DELIVERY- USDA

 

Strategy:  When you opt to sell cash grain, it is always an option to buy a call to participate in upside potential.  This in effect puts in a floor with upside.

 

For Fun: So you may recall I mentioned previously that Ferrari (Ticker “RACE”) went public.  For the early adopters it hasn’t fared well.  Opening up at $60 a share, now grinding down to a low of $48.83, the luxury car maker has received a $40 price target from Evercore.  None of this means anything to me, and I don’t know any farmers with a Ferrari, but for $40 my two boys might just get a share for Christmas, why?  Well it’s just cool to own Ferrari, that’s why.

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Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

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

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

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Unprovoked Dangers

November 17, 2015 Leave a comment


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

Recently the world witnessed unimaginable terror and the threat Islamic terrorism poses to free and open societies. As the events in Paris have united the world in grief, so too must the world unite with resolve. Those responsible for planning and coordinating this horrific assault on innocent civilians must be held to account. The messages of hate and radicalism that underpin these attacks demand a global response and the strengthening of our national defenses.

 

This tragedy underscores the fact that we live in a dangerous world. ISIL continues to murder innocent people, Putin is positioning himself as a power broker in the Middle East, and Iran is doubling down on bad ambitions. The threats to America are very real, and they continue to grow. During this time of global turmoil, we are now facing unprovoked dangers at home.

 

This month, reports began circulating about President Obama’s intention to circumvent Congress and unilaterally transfer dangerous terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to our homeland.

 

The Pentagon is allegedly preparing a new report that will outline the options for closing Guantanamo and transferring the facility’s remaining 112 detainees to the United States. As of now, federal or military prisons in Kansas, South Carolina, and Colorado appear to be the administration’s top locations of choice.

 

Congress has made it clear that Guantanamo should remain open. The most recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets the policy and priorities for our military, included language regarding Guantanamo. Specifically, the provision would directly prohibit the transfer of detainees to this country by banning any funds from being used to prepare U.S. facilities to house detainees. This bipartisan bill already passed both the House and Senate by veto-proof majorities, and President Obama is expected to sign it. Any action by the president to close Guantanamo would violate both the law and the will of the American people as expressed by their representatives in Congress.

 

Supporters of closing Guantanamo argue that the facility is an easy recruiting tool for barbaric terrorist groups like ISIL. I disagree. Simply relocating terrorists to a different prison will not stop extremists who recruit terrorists by poisoning vulnerable minds with ideologies of hate and violence.

 

The top priority of the federal government is to provide for the common defense. Unfortunately, it appears that this administration would rather fulfill a political promise than ensure the safety and security of the American people.

 

As we have seen all too often, executive orders from the president have resulted in long, drawn-out battles in federal court. For example, President Obama’s actions on immigration following the 2014 election have faced multiple legal setbacks. Additionally, the implementation of the administration’s “water’s of the United States” rule, which would expand federal control over water across the country, was recently blocked by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. If the president acts in an unconstitutional manner regarding the transfer of Guantanamo detainees, his actions will likely face similar scrutiny in court.

 

As your voice in the U.S. Senate, I will continue to focus on my most important duty: protecting our country from all threats. I join all Nebraskans in our deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of France as they grieve and persevere through this tragedy. In the days and weeks ahead, I hope the people of France will take comfort in the prayers and aid of the American people. We are in this together.

 

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

 

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