Kats’ Korner: Is Consolidation What’s Best for the Students?

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


There are certain aspects of a small town a person can identify with, whether it is the culture, a historical location, certain events held throughout the year or simply how well the community is maintained.

Most small towns, such as Oakland, Lyons and Tekamah, share a common structure that educates our children, a school.

For quite some time now, local school boards have been faced with the daunting task of whether to consolidate or build a new school.

Personally, I don’t envy those trying to do what is in the best interests of the districts they serve. I do, however, admire them for the many extra hours they have devoted to this issue.

State aid seems to be at the root of the problem, or lack thereof. There has been a significant decrease for all three school districts in Burt County since 2014/15. Tekamah-Herman received $13,219.79 less than last year, Oakland-Craig took a large loss of $67,721.01 and Lyons-Decatur Northeast also took a huge loss of $53,106.59.

The decrease in state aid undoubtedly hurts a school, which has a trickle down effect, hurting teachers and students.

In my opinion, every child deserves the best education possible. If this means consolidating with another school so this can be accomplished, so be it.

I will go on record and say that I don’t want this to happen. I don’t want any community to lose their high school. If this happens, I hope each community can keep their elementary schools. At this point, only consolidating high schools is being considered.

There will be many more discussions on this matter in the future. The outcome may be decided by voting yes or no on next November’s ballot.

Please stay informed on the issue. School board meetings are always open to the public.

Remember, a child’s future is at stake.

 

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Lyons-Decatur Loses Close One in First Round of Playoffs

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


By Clare Wiltse, Sports Contributor

Lyons-Decatur journeyed to Nuckolls county next to the Kansas border for their first round game in the NSAA Class D-2 playoffs.   Their opponent was Lawrence-Nelson.  The Cougars and Raiders locked up in a defensive first half before the host pulled away for a 38-22 win.

The teams traded touchdowns in the first period.  Lawrence-Nelson scored with a 5 yard run by Gavyn Buschkoetter.  Northeast countered with a 37 yard pass play from Montana Riecken to Tyler Kroger.

The second period proved to be a scoreless, but the Raider defense had to  rise to the occasion to stop the Cougars in the red zone twice.

Lawrence -Nelson started the second half with as ten play drive.  The marched 42 yards with Buschkoetter finishing it off with a 3 yard.  The double extra point pass play made it 16-8.

Lyons-Decatur NE advanced the ball all the way into the Raider red zone on the ensuing drive, but Lawrence-Nelson stopped yet a 3rd drive at the Raider four yard line.

On the very next play, Gavyn Buschkoetter took a handoff into the heart of the Cougar line, appeared to be stopped, then pulled off a Tommy Fraiser type bowl game run, escaping from the pile to sprint 76 yards for a touchdown. That stretched the Raider lead to 24-8 with 5:08 left in the 3rd quarter.

Marcus Hegy brought the Cougars to within ten points as he scored with 2:09 left in the quarter.  The 24-14 score would be as close as the Cougars would get.  Penalties and a swarming Raider defense would limit the Cougars chances to get any closer in the fourth period.

L-N would stretch their lead to 38-14 with scores on a 13 yard pass and a 9 yard run in the fourth period.  Northeast would get the final points on a Hegy 1 yard run.

Gavyn Buschkoetter was the sparkler for the ground oriented Lawrence-Nelson (8-1) Raiders. The slippery, hard pounding junior ran for 195 yards on 27 carries and 3 TDs. He also was in on 21 tackles on defense.

Marcus Hegy closed out his career with 138 yards rushing on 31 carries.  Montana  Riecken got 66 yards on the ground and passed for 157 on 10 completions on 15 attempts. . Glue handed junior Jon Christensen caught four Riecken passes for 82 yards, and all were  tough circus type catches.

Marcus Hegy and Jayden Vetick, the two senior players closed out their year with a strong showing. Besides leading the rushing attack, Hegy  had 13 tackle and TFL.  Vetick had 6 tackles to go along with 3 receptions and 35 yards on offense.

For the LDNE  they will put away their Maroon, Gold, and White uniforms for the last time.  Next season will be a new name, new colors and a new mascot.  They  finish the year with a 5-4 record.

Lawrence-Nelson advances to the quarterfinals of the D-2 playoffs and will pack the bags and prepare for the long journey to Wynot.

LDNE 8 0 6 8 -22
L-N 8 0 16 14 -26

1st quarter

Gavyn Buschkoetter 5 Yard TD Run 0-8
run Good

Riecken to Kroger 37 Yard TD Pass 8-8
Riecken to Vetick Good

2nd Quarter

No Scoring

3rd Quarter

Buschkoetter 3 Yard TD Run 8-16
Pass Good

Buschkoetter 76 TD Run 8-14
run good

Hegy 1 Yard TD run 14-24
no good

4th Quarter

Biltoft to Miller  13 Yard TD 14-30
no good run

Byers  9 Yard TD 38-14
Pass Good

Hegy 1 Yard TD Run 38-22
Hegy Run good

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Trick or Treat on Oakland’s Main Street

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


Approximately 250 kids dressed up in all types of costumes to trick or treat on Oakland's Main Street. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Approximately 250 kids dressed up in all types of costumes to trick or treat on Oakland’s Main Street. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Oakland-Craig Blasts Omaha Brownell-Talbot in First Round of Playoffs

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


The Oakland-Craig Knights took on Omaha Brownell-Talbot last Friday in the first round of football playoffs. O-C easily handled Brownell-Talbot, defeating them 40-7.

“The guys did a great job of coming out and setting the tone. We were able to score on our first three possessions and that really got us off to a good start,” Joe Anderson, OC Head Football Coach stated. “OBT really loaded the box and tried to stop our running game, we were able to connect on some shots down the field that softened them up, which allowed us to get our running game going.”

This Friday night, Oakland-Craig takes on Gibbon at 6:30 p.m. in Gibbon.

“This week we will need a great week of preparation. Gibbon has big physical line (average 260 pounds) and potential all-state caliber kids at the QB, RB, and WR positions. The boys are excited for the challenge, and we are looking forward to the road trip out there,” Anderson said.

Go Knights!!

OC handles OBT in first round of playoffs. Photo Credit for both photosCheri Droescher.

OC handles OBT in first round of playoffs. Photo Credit for both photosCheri Droescher.

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News by Nancy Silvey

What a nice weekend for the Trick or Treaters, the residents had a good time at the Halloween party we had for them last Friday, the winner of the outside Halloween display contest was the North Star Volunteers with the Scary Bingo display, the runner up was the Skelton pirate display. We have moved in to a new month and the start of the Holiday Season is quickly approaching. Upcoming events for this week on Thursday November 5th at 2:30 pm we will be serving pumpkin donuts and apple cider. Next week on Monday November 9th the Roscoe Family will come and entertain at 2:30 pm. then on Thursday November 12th Charlie Davis will be here to play the Harmonica at 2:30 pm.

We have a couple of Birthdays coming up on November 4th Muriel Rabe, and on November 14th Pauline Loeffler celebrates her 103rd Birthday.

Church Service for Sunday November 8th at 2:30 pm will be given by the First United Methodist Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday November 10th at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass with Father Paul.

Activities for the week of November 9th to November 14th  are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing A Long, Bingo w/Evang. Free, Bible Fellowship , Crafty cooking, Let’s Play Ball, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donavan, Marge Maller, Patty Miller, Dani Moseman, Di Ruwe, Nadine Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Kathy Rennerfeldt, and Sylvane Rouse.

Guest signing in this week was:   Brendan, Emily, and Cora Plageman to see Dorothy Larson, Chuck and Celia Neitzke to see Wilma Neitzke and Kristie Peters to see Dale and Jeanette Johnson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Veteran’s Day Closings

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


The Burt County Courthouse will be closed Wed., Nov. 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day.

First National Bank Northeast will be closed Wed., Nov. 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day.

The Oakland City Office will be closed Wed., Nov. 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day.

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Upcoming Reminders

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


The Oakland City Council is having a special meeting on Mon., Nov. 9th at 5:30 p.m. at the Rosen Room. The regular meeting of the Oakland City Council is Mon., Nov. 16th at 5:30 at the Rosen Room. Both meetings are open to the public.

The Oakland-Craig Board of Education will meet Mon., Nov. 9th at 8:00 p.m. at the Oakland-Craig Elementary School in the Board meeting room. The meeting is open to the public.

The Oakland Chamber of Commerce will meet Tues., Nov. 10th at noon in the Rosen Room.

The Veteran’s Day Program is Wed., Nov. 11th at the Oakland-Craig Elementary Gymnasium at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will follow, also at the gym.

 

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Early School Dismissal for OC Students

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland-Craig elementary students will dismiss at 1:20 p.m. on Friday Nov. 5th followed by secondary students dismissing at 1:30 p.m.

The early dismissal is to allow students to attend the state football playoff game in Gibbon, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

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Hunters Enjoy Increased Bird Numbers on Opening Weekend

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


Hunters across the state saw noticeably improved hunting for pheasant and quail on the opening weekend of the season Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Hunters contacted by conservation officers reported more birds than in recent years and generally reported good success.

Southwest Nebraska provided the most consistent hunting in the state. Good numbers of pheasants were seen across the region, particularly in Lincoln, Hayes, Perkins, Dundy, Chase, and Red Willow counties.

Improved quail numbers were consistently reported across the Southeast region, but pheasant hunting success was more variable. Pheasant hunters on public hunting areas in the Rainwater Basins reported seeing good numbers of birds.

The Northeast region saw improved hunting in areas where sufficient grassland cover remained. Successful pheasant hunters were reported in Madison, Knox, Burt, Thurston, Dixon, Pierce, and Antelope counties.

Unharvested crop fields hampered hunters in the Northwest region, but good numbers of pheasants were reported. The highest hunting pressure and success appeared to be in Box Butte County.

Hunting conditions across the state are expected to improve in the coming weeks as the weather cools, more crop fields are harvested, and hunting pressure declines. Additionally, rain prior to opening weekend made travel difficult and many minimum maintenance roads were impassable on opening day. Good habitat conditions prevail across the state, which is good news for birds and hunters alike.

To view the Commission’s full upland game hunting forecast, visit OutdoorNebraska.org, and then click on Hunting, Upland Game, and Forecast. Hunters can find public hunting sites, as well as private sites open to public walk-in hunting, in the Nebraska Public Access Atlas. Go to OutdoorNebraska.org, and then click on Guides.

The pheasant and quail seasons run through Jan. 31, 2016.

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Work to Begin in Decatur

November 5, 2015 Leave a comment


Weather permitting, the Decatur toll booth removal project will begin the week of November 9, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads.

The toll booth is located on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River bridge at Decatur. Traffic will be maintained with the use of flaggers and an 11-foot width restriction. The anticipated project completion is late November.

Visit the 511 webpage at http://www.511.nebraska.gov or dial 511 or 800-906-9069 to get the most current updates on highway conditions.

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