Marie Vander Veen, 91, of Wakefield NE

October 8, 2015 Leave a comment


Marie Vander Veen, 91, of Wakefield, NE died on Monday, October 5, 2015 at the Wakefield Health Care Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield; Pastor Kelly Johnston will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Wakefield, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Wakefield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Bressler-Munderloh-Smith of Wakefield is in charge of the arrangements.

Marie was born on July 18, 1924 on the family farm near Running Water, SD, the daughter of Peter and Dora (Vander Lei) Dykstra. She attended country school near Running Water and helped her family with the farm. Marie worked at Luekens Bakery in Springfield, SD and Mitchell, SD. She was united in marriage to Pier Vander Veen in March 23, 1954 at the Reformed Church in Springfield, SD. The couple later moved to Nebraska settling in Wakefield. Pier died on April 5, 1980.

She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and collecting stamps. She was a member of the church ladies aid and was well known for her pies, cinnamon rolls, and caramel bars. Most of all she loved the time she was able to spend with her family and attending their events.

Marie is survived by her six sons: Calvin (Kathy) Vander Veen of Wakefield, NE, Bob (Sue) Vander Veen of Wakefield, NE, Lynden Vander Veen of Lincoln, NE, Darrel Vander Veen, Dwight (Pam) Vander Veen and Brent (Val) Vander Veen all of Wakefield. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren and her sisters Jessie Boersma of Springfield, SD and Mabel Luedens of Sioux Falls, SD and brothers Jayson and Darwin Dykstra of Avon, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Pier, brothers: Andrew, Raymond and Donald and sisters: Annie Odens and Ruth Olivier.

Marie Vander Veen

Marie Vander Veen

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Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Offices Closed for Holidays

October 8, 2015 Leave a comment


All Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices will be closed Oct. 12 for Columbus Day and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.

The closures include Game and Parks headquarters in Lincoln, district offices in Norfolk, North Platte and Alliance, service centers in Bassett and Kearney, Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium and the Omaha office.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln will be open on Columbus Day. It will be closed on Veterans Day, which falls on a Wednesday this year. The center is closed on Wednesdays.

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Village of Decatur Meeting Agenda

October 8, 2015 Leave a comment


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA

OCTOBER 8, 2015
4:30 P.M. CITY HALL

 

NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table. The audience must be quiet during the meeting. If you want to ask a question and you are not on the Agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking. If you are on the Agenda the same rule applies.

 

THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE PUBLIC MEETING WHEN CONVENED. MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

 

1)         Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Kellogg

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf

 

2)        Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting received:

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf____

 

3)        Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf____
4)        EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:

 

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf____

 

5)         REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:

 

1)         Police: Monthly Report

 

2)         Lights: Monthly Report
3)         Water & Sewer: Monthly Report
4)         Parks: Monthly Report- Income of $2849.88

 

5)         Streets: Monthly Report -Sales tax for July unknown to early in the month

 

6)        Recycling Report: Cindy Brown bailed all the cardboard. Recycling needs to be hauled to Tekamah.

 

6)        OLD BUSINESS

1) Park Fence

 

2) Burt County Economic Development Corporation

 

3) Dump- We are able to now able to open the dump.

 

7)       NEW BUSINESS

 

1) Family Insurance

 

2) Bicycle Run- October 17th, 2015

 

3) October Halloween Party- Community Club

 

4) Chris Wanamaker- has no water pressure

 

5) Police Car

 

6) Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council/ James Moseman

 

7) Correction of misinformation

 

8) Vandalism questions- Bob Richards

 

9) Tree Trimming over power lines (2 days)

 

10) Work orders

11) Vacating Alley- lots 3 and 4 Block 50 Keith Anderson and Darien Beatty

 

12) Tim Slaughter- Streets

 

8)         CORRESPONDENCE

 

1) Future of Decatur Foundation

 

2) Letter from Omaha

9)       ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

10)       APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:

 

1) Claims preapproved by Bolln, Richards, and Tolby

Denied Claims- Olson Plumbing (Dave Faber) and 500.00 that was paid to Joseph Gatto for his               insurance deductable.

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

 

________________2nd_________________

 

 

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg _____, Richards _____, Tolby _____, Wolf _____

 

Are there any questions from the audience?

 

 

 

10)       MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING          

_______________2nd________________

Adjournment Time:

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Fire Hydrants Being Flushed in Oakland Next Week

October 7, 2015 1 Comment


Fire Hydrants will be flushed in Oakland on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 13th and 14th. Please avoid washing white clothing until your water runs clear.

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Roland Lee Shafer Jr., 90, of Tekamah NE

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


ROLAND LEE SHAFER JR., 90 years, of Tekamah, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at his home in rural Tekamah.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, October 10, 2015, 3:00 pm, at the United Methodist Church in Tekamah

BURIAL WITH MILITARY HONORS: Tekamah Cemetery

VISITATION:  Saturday, one hour prior to service at the church.

MEMORIALS: To the family for designation at a later time.

Roland Shafer

Roland Shafer Jr. 

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

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Gary Rosenboom, 77, of Oakland NE

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


GARY ROSENBOOM, 77 years, of Oakland, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Sunday, October 11, 2015, 2:30 pm, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.

VISITATION: Saturday, 6-8 pm with family receiving friends at Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

BURIAL: Oakland Cemetery.

MEMORIALS: To the family for designation at a later time.

Gary Rosenboom

Gary Rosenboom

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

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Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK

Minutes of the Burt County Board of Supervisors

September 30, 2015

TEKAMAH NE 68061

The Burt County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 in the Boardroom of the Burt County Courthouse in Tekamah, Nebraska, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting. Notice of the meeting was given in advance thereof by Publication in the Plaindealer, upon a 1st floor bulletin board within the courthouse and on the County’s Website. A copy of the proof of publication is on file in the office of the County Clerk. The following members were present: Cliff Morrow, David Schold, Greg Brummond, Matt Connealy, Perry Rogers, Ted Connealy and Gerald Newill.

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Newill, seconded by Schold, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays-none. Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Schold, the agenda was approved, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays-none.

The following claims for September in the amount of $980,772.39 including $103,917.99 for payroll, were read, audited, warrant drawn and checks generated on the respective funds on motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Rogers, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none. $300,000.00 of this total reflects a transfer from the General Fund to the Road Fund.

ADVANCED CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE AFLAC
ALBIN LAW OFFICE
AMANDA BARRON LAW

AMERICAN BROADBAND ANDERSON HARDWARE ANDY’S QUICK SHOP ANN FLOOD

APPLIED CONNECTIVE TECH ARBY’S BODY SHOP
AS CENTRAL SERVICES
AS CENTRAL SERVICES, OCIO AT&T

BILL J PICKELL
BLACK HILLS ENERGY

MEDICAL 2.50 INSURANCE 820.23

1

September 30, 2015

MENTAL HEALTH ATTY FEES
ATTY FEES SUPPLIES

FUEL
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
PARTS
AS/400 COSTS TELETYPE PHONE
TIRES
UTILITIES

713.10

802.50 1,320.26 119.38 261.78 50.00 850.00 225.00 221.60 350.00 55.64 184.94 127.60

BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD BOMGAARS
BOONE COUNTY
BRANIFF SERVICE BREHMER MFG INC

BURT CO CLERK
BURT CO COURT
BURT CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK BURT CO EXTENSION
BURT CO PUBLIC POWER DIST
BURT CO SHERIFF
BURT CO TREASURER
BURT CO TREASURER
CARROLL WELTE
CATHY FARBER
CENTRAL UNITED LIFE INS CENTURYLINK
CITY CLERK
CITY OF LYONS
CITY OF TEKAMAH
CLEANING MART
CLIFF MORROW
CREDIT MANAGEMENT SERVICES CUBBY’S
D’MOORE PIZZA
DAKOTA CO CORRECTIONAL FACILITY DASH MEDICAL GLOVES
DAVID SCHOLD
DEARBORN NATL LIFE INS
DECATUR EXPRESS
DORIS ANDERSON ESTATE
EADIE GIBBS
ENGELHARDT COMMUNICATIONS ERNIE GLUP PIPE SALES
FARMERS PRIDE
FIRST CONCORD BENEFITS
FIRST NAT’L BANK-NE-EFPTS FRANCES FRENCH
FRANK KREJCI
FRED MYTTY
FREMONT SANITATION
GERALD NEWILL
GLADYS NELSON
GREAT PLAINS COMM

INSURANCE 58,763.94 SUPPLIES 1,266.00 WORKSHOP 144.99 FUEL 1,232.60 STEEL PRODUCTS 690.19 POSTAGE 26.85 NON-WAIVE 335.00 COURT FEES 67.00 WORKSHOP 75.00 RADIO TOWER 361.95 SUPPLIES/FUEL 160.38 FUND TRANSFER 300,000.00 TAXES 16.00

471.14 48.00 10.25

739.13 26.83 151.63 369.91 586.64 119.60 447.48 506.74 87.90 250.00 SUPPLIES 60.90 MILEAGE 36.80 LIFE INSURANCE 31.46 FUEL 2,606.60 GRAVEL/BORROW 1,734.60 EXTENSION 136.00 REPAIR/LABOR 563.09 CULVERTS 1,908.50 FUEL 3,294.62 INSURANCE 490.00

2

September 30, 2015

MEAL/MILE/ETC ELECTION
LIFE INSURANCE SERVICE UTILITIES UTILITIES UTILITIES SUPPLIES MILEAGE GARNISHMENT FUEL

MEETING
BD PRISONERS

34,262.95 11.00 4,144.00 1,744.90 GARBAGE 121.26 MILEAGE/MEETING 133.40 COURT FEES 104.25 REPAIRS 337.44

FEDERAL TAXES PRIOR SERVICE

EASEMENT ETC BUDGET MAKING

GREG BRUMMOND
HEARTLAND FIRE PROTECTION CO HOPKINS LAW OFFICE
ILA DAVIS
IOWA OFFICE SUPPLY
JAMES G EGLEY
JAMES L DEVENING
JAN RASMUSSEN
JAY JOHNSON
JEANICE BOWERS
JOHN WILSON
JOHNSON & MOCK
JONI RENSHAW
K B’S MINI MART
KARR TUCKPOINTING
KATHLEEN A LAUGHLIN
KEITH SMITH
KELLY RYAN
KUENY & BEGLEY
LARRY J GREGERSON
LINDA ROGERS
LINDSEY KREIFELS
LINDY GLASS
LYDICK CUSTOM LAWN CARE
MADISON CO SHERIFF
MARLENE KAEDING
MARNELL LAVALEY
MARTIN MARIETTA
MARY E. ROGERS
MARY LOFTIS
MASSMUTUAL
MATT CONNEALY
MEL’S SMALL ENGINE
MEMORIAL COMM HOSPITAL
MERCY MEDICAL SERVICES
MICHAEL D SULLIVAN
MID-AMERICAN BENEFITS
MIDWEST SERVICE AND SALES CO MIDWEST SERVICE CO
MIPS INC
NACO
NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS NE ASSN OF PROFESSIONAL VETERANS NE HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM

MILEAGE 63.25

3

September 30, 2015

108.50 915.00 18.00 303.39 75.00 235.00 82.80 289.23 37.66 57.31 172.50 556.38 FUEL 1,014.07 BUILDING RESTORE 23,370.00 GARNISHMENT 325.00 LABOR/PARTS 59.83 PARTS 47.55 ATTY FEES 2,325.00 EASEMENT ETC 8,584.00 ELECTION 16.00 ELECTION 16.00 WINDOWS 19,440.00 SPRINKLERS 517.50 MENTAL HEALTH 5,023.15 ELECTION 16.00 ELECTION 16.00 GRAVEL/BORROW 11,232.70 ELECTION 32.00 MEAL/MILE 398.51 RETIREMENT 200.00 MILEAGE/MEETING 120.75 REPAIRS 53.00 TESTING 41.60 MEDICAL 209.85

INSPECTION ATTY FEES
PRIOR SERVICE COPIER
MENTAL HEALTH TRASH

MILEAGE MILEAGE MILEAGE MEAL/MILE ATTY FEES MEAL/MILE

50.00 5,352.50 9,261.40 5,121.65 3,097.81 95.00 1,500.00 DUES 100.00 LODGING 186.00

MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE CULVERTS
FUEL

SERVICE WORKSHOPS RETIREMENT

NEBR CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT CTR NEBR PUBLIC HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL NEBRASKA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT NEBRASKA WORKFORCE DEV
NICHOLAS E. WURTH LAW OFFICE
NMC
NORTHEAST NEBR TELEPHONE CO
NSA & POAN CONFERENCE FUND
NSG
O’KEEFE ELEVATOR CO INC
OAKLAND MERCY HOSPITAL
OFFICE SYSTEMS COMPANY
OFFICE WAREHOUSE
OFFICENET
PEGGY SMITH
PELAN FUNERAL SERVICES
PENDER MEDICAL CLINIC
PENNY A. WARREN
PERRY ROGERS
PEST-TROL
PHYSICIANS LABORATORY PC PLAINDEALER PUBLISHING CO
QUALITY INN & SUITES
QUALITY PRINTING & OFFICE SUPP
RDO TRUCK CENTERS
RESERVE ACCOUNT
RETIREMENT PLANS DIV. OF AMERITAS ROSALIE J. GREGERSON
SAPP BROS PETROLEUM INC
SARAH FREIDEL
SAVE MORE MARKET
SCHENKELBERG IMPLEMENT CO
SEALS & SERVICE INC
SHAMBURG AUTO SUPPLY
SIOUX SALES COMPANY
STALP GRAVEL CO
STAMP FULFILLMENT SERVICES
STATE TAX COMMISSIONER
STEINY’S GENERAL STORE
STEVE CASS
TEAM LABORATORY CHEMICAL CORP TEKAMAH POST OFFICE
TED CONNEALY
THRASHER

CHILD SUPPORT LABS ELECTRICITY UNEMPLOYMENT ATTY FEES PARTS/RENT/ETC PHONE SCHOOLING CHEMICAL ELEVATOR

4

September 30, 2015

1,224.17 105.00 1,309.14 2,398.94 915.00 4,976.11 229.26 120.00 4,400.00 258.18 60.00 253.20 184.14 58.50 97.17 1,260.00 1,051.44 468.10 63.25 38.00 610.00 518.82 345.00 1,019.05 324.01 5,000.00 RETIREMENT 16,979.99 EASEMENT ETC 1,480.00 FUEL 3,505.20 MILEAGE 108.68 SUPPLIES 486.84 PARTS 166.34 PARTS 32.34 PARTS/SUPPLIES 1,114.43 SUPPLIES 509.45 GRAVEL/BORROW 71,968.13 SUPPLIES 288.55 STATE TAXES 4,238.12 SUPPLIES/ETC 1,332.31 AIR CONDITION 13,800.00 SUPPLIES 273.23 POSTAGE 193.00 MILEAGE 36.23 BRIDGES 35,935.00

LABS CONTRACT SUPPLIES SERVICE MILEAGE AUTOPSY MEDICAL MILE/MEAL MEETING/MILE PEST CONTROL AUTOPSY PUBLISHING WORKSHOPS SUPPLIES PARTS/TOOLS POSTAGE

THURSTON CO SHERIFF
TOM FARRENS
TRI-STATE COMMUNICATIONS INC VALORIE OLSON
VERIZON WIRELESS
VILLAGE OF DECATUR WASHINGTON CO COURT WASHINGTON NATL INS WESTERN ENGINEERING CO INC WPCI

BD PRISONERS 5,550.00 EROSION 1,500.00 TOWER RENT 158.50 MENTAL HEALTH 50.00 PHONE 195.44 UTILITIES 79.91 TRANSCRIPT 2.75 INSURANCE 16.15 RD PATCHING 163,997.99 TESTING 51.00

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Newill, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

The Burt County Agricultural Society’s 2015-2016 budget report was noted and placed on file.

Ray Peterson and Vic Jensen, representing Silvercreek Township, came before the Board to discuss a road closure request they had received from a land owner in Silvercreek. The land owner owns the land on both sides of County Road 25 from K to L, he is requesting the road be closed. Schold made a motion to hold a public hearing for the road closure, Brummond seconded the motion, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays –none.

At 10:00 A.M. the following sealed Bids for County Road C were opened:

TCW (Lincoln)
Cedar Valley Corp. (Waterloo, IA) Knife River (Sioux City)
A & R Construction (Plainview) Luxa Construction (Blair)

$3,044,736.00 $2,392,955.77 $2,487,979.97 $1,992,663.12 $2,267,131.27

5/15/16-10/15/16 5/15/16-10/15/16 May–Oct. 2016 July-Oct. 2016 6/1/16-10/14/16

Peggy Smith, Burt Co Road Superintendent and Jeff Wagner from Mainelli Wagner & Associates Inc., engineers for the project, reviewed the bids and recommended the low bid from A & R Construction. Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by Schold, the Board accepted the Bid for $1,992,663.12 from A & R Construction out of Plainview, NE. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes -Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Roger, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays –none.

Motion was made by Schold, to approve an ‘addition’ to the annual liquor license for L-Ten, LLC/Pheasant Bonanza. The approval is needed due to the change in size of the new lodge. The motion passed with a second by Newill, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

5 September 30, 2015

Motion was made by Rogers, seconded by Schold, to allow Chairman Morrow to sign the Certification of Cost Allocation Plan from Maximus, with roll call vote as follows: Ayes – Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Rogers, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays – none.

Delinquent tax list from the Burt Co Treasurer (pursuant to 77-1918) was noted and placed on file.

Upon motion by M.Connealy, seconded by T.Connealy, Chairman Morrow signed two agreements with Nebraska Dept of Roads concerning land survey corners for highway improvement projects in Burt County. (1) Hwy 32 from West Point running East approx. 11 miles & (2) Hwy 51 from US 9-Hwy 77. Roll call vote as follows: Ayes –Morrow, Schold, Brummond, M.Connealy, Roger, T.Connealy and Newill. Nays –none.

The Board discussed the Visitors Committee that needs to be set up for the Burt County Lodging Tax. There are still not enough volunteers who have come forward to sit on the committee. We will revisit the committee nominations at the next Board meeting.

The Burt County Board has decided to change their policy for health insurance benefits. The Board agreed to have a resolution ready to vote on for the Oct. 13 meeting. Specific policy changes will come into effect in January 2016 (if such resolution is passed.)

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the meeting adjourned at 10:40 A.M. until October 13, 2015.

ATTEST: SARAH J. FREIDEL CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OFSUPERVISORS

These minutes are not the official record and may be corrected. A copy of the approved official minutes is available to the public at the Clerk’s Office.

6 September 30, 2015

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Open for Business

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


By Governor Pete Ricketts

Building a climate in Nebraska that inspires entrepreneurialism and encourages our businesses to expand is one of the keys to growing our state and creating high quality jobs.  In recent years, Nebraska has received high marks for our business-friendly atmosphere, favorable regulatory environment, and cost of doing business from respected news outlets like Forbes and CNBC.  From connecting aspiring software developers and irrigation technicians with great career opportunities to bringing down the time it takes to deliver an air quality permit and other regulatory barriers, my administration is focused on finding new ways to building on these successes and improving these rankings.

 

While our state has built a great reputation as a place to do business, the events of this past week are a healthy reminder why the State of Nebraska and communities throughout our state must continually look for new ways to attract new businesses and retain existing ones.  ConAgra’s decision to move their world headquarters as a part of a larger restructuring to turn their company around demonstrates the importance of ensuring that our tax rates and business tax incentive programs remain competitive.  The Tax Foundation ranks Nebraska 29th in their Business Tax Climate index.  While this ranking has improved in recent years, there is still more work to be done.

 

Nebraska’s pioneer spirit has fueled our state’s growth over the years through tough circumstances, and it continues to do so today.  In spite of the events of last week, our state remains open for business and is in a great position to continue to grow and flourish in the coming years.  Nebraska has four Fortune 500 companies and ten Fortune 1000 companies – an unusually high number for the size of our state.  In agriculture, our state’s number one industry, we are a national leader.  We are the number one state for cattle on feed, the number two ethanol producer, and third in corn production.  The nearly 2,000 manufacturing facilities in our second largest industry segment employ almost 100,000 Nebraskans with an average annual wage of about $50,000.

 

From our people’s perspective, Nebraska is by any account the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family.  Our low unemployment rate led Fortune Magazine to name Lincoln and Omaha as the top two best cities in which to find a job in 2015.  CNBC ranks Nebraska eighth best for lowest cost of living.  Our high school graduation rate is the second highest in the nation, and our students have the highest average ACT score for states that test over 80 percent of their students.  Our great education system and the incredible work ethic of Nebraskans have forged a world-class workforce.  My personal experience confirms this: My family’s business has hired thousands of Nebraskans, I know that when you hire a Nebraskan you hire someone who is well-educated, is loyal, and has a great work ethic.

 

As our state continues to move forward, Nebraska must continually seek new ways to market our state both nationally and globally.  We need to market our state to make sure potential employers and customers are aware of the competitive advantages that we enjoy here in Nebraska.  As a start, I have already led two international trade missions to Europe and Asia to promote Nebraska’s businesses overseas and to encourage additional investment in our state.  This is only a beginning, and we will continue to raise national and global awareness about what Nebraska has to offer.  In the coming days and months, I hope that you will join me in delivering the good news about Nebraska’s business-friendly culture to the people you know everywhere.  As always, if you have any questions please email pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call my office at 402-471-2244.

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

 

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Think Pink

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

The color pink. We see it around Valentine’s Day in the hues of budding flowers at springtime and on the walls of nurseries in households across the country. But the color pink is never more evident, or powerful, than during the month of October.

 

Each year, the nation pauses during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to recognize those who courageously fight this tragic disease. We also remember lives lost, empower survivors, and recommit to, one day, beating this disease once and for all.

 

Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, friends, and men and women alike have all been touched by breast cancer. Breastcancer.org lays out the facts. Roughly one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of this disease diagnosed among American women.

 

Today, there are more than 2.8 million American women who have been touched by a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. That’s about one and a half times the population of Nebraska.

 

The numbers are daunting. But behind these statistics are so many brave women, and their family and friends, who are devoted to caring for them.

 

Like many of you, I have people in my own life who have suffered from this disease. Their grace, strength, and dignity during the toughest of times is truly an inspiration.

 

We are all thankful for the countless groups and organizations that dedicate their time, energy, and resources to fighting cancer this month and year-round. The leadership they display is a driving force that not only grows public awareness, but also increases educational resources to help women catch and treat the disease early.

 

The single best way to fight breast cancer is early detection. For that reason, public awareness makes a difference. Take television journalist Amy Robach for example. After receiving a mammogram live on Good Morning America, she received her own shocking breast cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, she fought hard and is now in remission. Her story moved many and illuminated the importance of regular checkups.

 

As women across the country tackle this deadly disease, it is crucial that Americans with breast cancer have the information they need to make informed decisions. In the Senate, I am a cosponsor of the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act. This bipartisan bill would help women facing invasive breast cancer surgery better understand the current treatment options.

 

But where there is tragedy, there is also hope. Breast cancer rates have decreased since 1989 due in large part to increased awareness, advances in treatment, and early detection. These improvements renew our faith that there will be a day when cancer is a memory instead of a threat.

 

This month, when you see pink ribbons on suit lapels or the bright pink cleats on the football field, remember this color is a symbol of solidarity for all those who battle this disease.

 

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

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

October 7, 2015 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

This week on Thursday October 8th at 2:30 pm Charlie Davis will be here to play his harmonica. Next week on Tuesday October 13 at 2:30 PM we will be serving a fall treat, Apple Cider and pumpkin Donuts. Then on Thursday October 15th is the monthly Waffle Supper, serving from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

We have a few residents celebrating their birthday this week and next, Joan Pullen on October 10th, Margaret Benne on the 15th and Marcella Hennig on the 17th.

Church Service for October 11 at 2:30 pm will be given by Salem Covenant Church with a luncheon served afterwards. On Tuesday at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass given by Father Paul, and on Wednesday October 14th is communion with Pastor Hoden at 1:00 pm.

Activities for the week of October 12th to October 17th, are as followed,  Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Trivia, Sing a Long, Coffee an Conversation, Bingo w/Evang. Free, Bible Fellowship, Reading the Local Paper, Crafts, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Nebraska Football, and Saturday morning movie.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Marilyn Baker, Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna,   Mary Donavon, Marge Maller, Dani Moseman, Nadine Anderson , Di Ruwe, Lola Bridgeford, and Sly Rouse.

Guests’ signing in the guest book last week was: Lynn Goracke and Janelle Van Scoy to see Dale and Jeanette Johnson. Also visiting was Erica and Andrea Marburger, Gene and Naoma Quist.

Activity Memorial Fund

A Memorial was given in memory of Betty Krutilek by Ray and Virginia Simpson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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