Keep Looking Up! Get Started Right in Astronomy

February 17, 2015 Leave a comment


By Tom Fitzgerald
Ever look up in the evening and wonder about the night sky?  What is all that cool stuff that you see on a dark night here in Eastern Nebraska?  People of all ages are invited to attend Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) at 7pm this Friday at the Lyons Library and 7pm this Saturday at the Decatur Sears Center.  There you will get a smart start into the universes’ greatest hobby, astronomy!  The evening’s discussion will be led by Tom Fitzgerald, an avid amateur astronomer for over 50 years from Arlington NE.  Bring a pencil, a flashlight and a curious mind and Tom will present your smart start in astronomy in three easy steps.  In six months time, you will be the neighborhood astronomy expert!
Following Tom’s discussion, Astronomical League observing programs will be explained and offered, star charts will freely be distributed to all and a computer tour of the February night sky will whisk you away into the cosmos!  Then weather permitting, Friday we will look through a large astronomical telescope at Bill Hedges’ “Lost in Space Observatory” in Lyons, and Saturday the viewing will be offered at Decatur’s “Fugman Observatory”.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars and or telescopes to NENAC as well.  Please dress warmly as February temperatures can fall quickly after sunset.
For more information on this and future NENAC presentations, google “nenacstars” or call pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953, and as always,
Keep Looking Up!

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4-H Leader Appreciation Event

February 17, 2015 Leave a comment


The Burt County 4-H Council hosted the 4-H  Leader Appreciation Event Sunday evening, February 15 in Oakland.

The group enjoyed a baked potato bar with all the fixings as well as new information on projects, enrollment procedures and making 4-H fun and educational for members and leaders.

The group took on the challenge of banana surgery. The surgery was successful in varying degrees as these leaders cut bananas into 4 pieces and then had to put it back together with a Banana Surgery First Aid Kit.

The activity illustrated an important life lessons showing once harm is done by words or actions it is very difficult, if not impossible to completely repair the damage.

Working together and valuing everyone’s contributions was also part of the activity as well as a good amount of laughter.

 

Renee Stammer and Nicole Hardeman both of Decatur concentrate on getting their banana back together Banana Surgery activity during the 4-H Leader event. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

Renee Stammer and Nicole Hardeman both of Decatur concentrate on getting their banana back together Banana Surgery activity during the 4-H Leader event. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

Tricia Bracht of West Point, with Sarah Miller and Kara Anderson of Lyons concentrate on successfully reassembling their banana during this 4-H leader activity Sunday evening. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

Tricia Bracht of West Point, with Sarah Miller and Kara Anderson of Lyons concentrate on successfully reassembling their banana during this 4-H leader activity Sunday evening. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

New 4-H Leader, Ellen Olson of Decatur and Dennis Fleischman of Tekamah survey the success of their Banana Surgery “patient”. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

New 4-H Leader, Ellen Olson of Decatur and Dennis Fleischman of Tekamah survey the success of their Banana Surgery “patient”.
Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

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Time is Running Out to Sign Up For CSP

February 17, 2015 Leave a comment


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

Time is running out for farmers and ranchers that want to participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) this year. February 27th is the deadline for the 2015 round. Producers should visit their local NRCS office before that date to initiate the application process.

 

The CSP rewards farmers, ranchers, and foresters for maintaining existing conservation practices and for adopting additional practices on cropland, grassland, non-industrial private forestland and tribal lands. The program pays producers for fostering clean water, better soil management, improved habitat, and other natural resource benefits.

 

As part of the CSP application process, applicants work with NRCS field personnel to complete a resource inventory of their land to determine the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant’s conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments. Contracts are awarded to those offering the highest level of environmental benefits, with NRCS working down through the list of eligible applicants until acreage allocated to the particular state runs out.

 

In addition, producers who received a CSP contract in 2011 have the opportunity to renew their contract for another five-year period. Renewal applications must be received by March 31, 2015 to ensure a seamless transition into their next contract without a lapse in payments. Renewal contracts do not compete with new applicants.

 

Potential applicants can call the Center for Rural Affairs Farm Bill helpline by calling (402) 687-2100 or emailing Traci Bruckner at tracib@cfra.org for assistance from Center staff with knowledge about program rules.

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Governor Ricketts’ Presidents Day Statement

February 16, 2015 Leave a comment


“Today marks the 136th year Americans commemorate Presidents Day to honor the birthday of our first President, George Washington.  February is also the birth month of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.  Let us pause today to remember those who guided our country through times of triumph and adversity.  As members of our nation’s 37th state, Nebraskans can be proud of America’s heritage and leaders.”

 

Governor Pete Ricketts

Governor Pete Ricketts

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

February 16, 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.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Feb. 18: Melody chimes practice today at 9:00. Play any card game you want at 1:30.

Thurs. Feb. 19: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Sign up to play in the pinochle tournament at 1:30.

Fri. Feb. 20: Chair exercise at 10:00. You are invited to the birthday party at 1:30, play cards or work on the puzzle. Lunch is served at 3:30.

Mon. Feb. 23: Join us for coffee at 9:30. Come and play bingo at 2:00.

Tues. Feb. 24: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Wed. Feb. 25: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. The meal for today is liver and onions or meatloaf. Blood pressures start at 11:30. The speaker will be Sheri Dorsey and she will talk on nutrition at 12:20. Cards in the afternoon.

 

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Oakland Heights Valentine’s Day King and Queen

February 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Valentine's Day King and Queen at Oakland Heights are John Decker and Doris Anderson. They were crowned at the Valentine's Day party last Friday afternoon. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Valentine’s Day King and Queen at Oakland Heights are John Decker and Doris Anderson. They were crowned at the Valentine’s Day party last Friday afternoon. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Duane L. Snow, 78, of Blair NE

February 14, 2015 Leave a comment


Duane L. Snow was born March 9, 1936 to Everett and Jessie (Palmer) Snow on a farm southeast of Decatur, Nebraska. He passed away Thursday, February 12, 2015 at CHI Immanuel Medical Center, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 78 years.

Duane and his family moved to a farm northwest of Tekamah, Nebraska. He attended Paddock School, and graduated from Tekamah High School in 1954. He lost a year of school because of his affliction with polio, and much of that time was spent in an Omaha hospital.

His first job was at Quirk and Morris Dehy plant in Tekamah. He also worked as a mechanic for Mayberry’s automotive Repair and Ellis Oil. He later purchased Ellis Oil and operated Duane’s Corner Service for several years. He also worked for Midwest Capitol, in Omaha, as an insurance agent.

He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, and gunsmithing. His faith in Christ and Christian growth were deepened through the love and friendship of his small group at Country Bible Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Deloris (Myrl) Fleischman, Delena (Harold) Williams, Cleo (Bill) Gordon.

He is survived by daughter, Marcie (Dave) Reed, of Blair, NE; son, Darren Snow; special friend, Wanda Blankenbeckler, of Blair; grandchildren, Brittany Reed, of Lincoln, NE, Josh, Ashley, Ella and Kyler Reed, all of Blair, Devon Snow, of Omaha; brother, Lyle (Judy) Snow, of Tekamah, many relatives and friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, February 17, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at the Country Bible Church, Blair, Nebraska.

VISITATION: Monday, 5-7 with family receiving friends at the Country Bible Church in Blair. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to service at the church.

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery

MEMORIALS: To the family

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

Duane Snow

Duane Snow

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

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Jerome Ermil Anderson, 94, of Lyons NE

February 14, 2015 Leave a comment


Jerome Ermil Anderson was born May 13, 1920 to Oscar and Louise (Brohn) Anderson at the home farm North of Lyons, Nebraska. He passed away Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, at the age of 94 years.

Jerome went to the Jefferson Country School for ten years, and graduated from Lyons High School in 1937. He married Lois Nelson on April 18, 1940, at the bride’s parents’ home South of Rosalie, Nebraska. The couple farmed near Lyons for many years, and raised their family; Leila, Jerry, Carol and Tressa.

In 1959, Jerome moved his family into Lyons, where he continued to be involved in farming. The family attended the Divide Center Presbyterian Church for many years. They attended the Presbyterian Church in Lyons since moving to town.

Jerome loved farming, and was known to invent his own farm equipment. He continued to learn throughout his life. He loved to travel, and visited many places his children lived, including Guam, Japan and many Pacific islands. He has been very helpful to members of his community. In later years, Lois and Jerome enjoyed going to the Happy Days Center and living at Evista retirement Village for many years. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister; son, Jerry.

He is survived by his wife, Lois, of Oakland; daughters, Leila Keiper and Tressa Wagner; son, Carol Anderson, all living in Arizona; sisters, Betty Bjornberg and Nelda Hursh; brother, Derwin Anderson; 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at 10:30 am, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lyons

VISITATION: Tuesday, 5-7 pm at Pelan Funeral Services in Lyons. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

BURIAL: Lyons Cemetery

MEMORIALS: To the family

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

Jerome Anderson

Jerome Anderson

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

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Clover Stars 4-H Snow Sculpture

February 14, 2015 Leave a comment


You had to look fast in order to fully appreciate the efforts put into this 4-H Snow Sculpture by the Clover Stars 4-H Club members. Vandals hit it just hours after it was completed on the courthouse lawn and it was hit again by the next morning. Even though it was just snow, it's a sad testament to the lack of respect displayed by others. Justifiably proud of their creative efforts were: Riley, Coraline , Mady, Alex and Connor Davis. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

You had to look fast in order to fully appreciate the efforts put into this 4-H Snow Sculpture by the Clover Stars 4-H Club members.
Vandals hit it just hours after it was completed on the courthouse lawn and it was hit again by the next morning.
Even though it was just snow, it’s a sad testament to the lack of respect displayed by others.
Justifiably proud of their creative efforts were: Riley, Coraline , Mady, Alex and Connor Davis.
Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

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Nebraska 4-H Month

February 14, 2015 Leave a comment


CELEBRATE NEBRASKA 4-H MONTH AT THE OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSUEM

In celebration of Nebraska 4-H Month, the Omaha Children’s Museum is sponsoring a “4-H APPRECIATION DAY” on February 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ALL Nebraska 4-H members, parents and volunteers are invited to enjoy FREE admission for the general exhibits plus the special ag literacy exhibit “Once Upon a Farm” at the Omaha Children’s Museum on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is an $11 value per person! The OCM just asks that 4-H members, parents and volunteers wear 4-H shirts (with a 4-H clover) as their proof of 4-H membership for FREE admission. In addition to the FREE admission, the OCM is offering a discounted membership to Nebraska 4-H families.

The Omaha Children’s Museum is located at 500 South 20th Street, Omaha, NE 68102. For more information about the Omaha Children’s Museum and the special exhibit, go to: http://www.ocm.org/

This opportunity is being offered because Nebraska Extension took part in the development of the special exhibit “Once Upon a Farm”. The special exhibit will be on display until April 12. What a great club or family outing!

 

HEY WRESTLING FANS . . . When you come to cheer on your favorite athletes at the 2015 NSAA State Wrestling Championship in Omaha, take a moment and bring the youngest fans to the museum. The Omaha Children’s Museum is less than two miles away from the CenturyLink Center and should take less than five minutes to get there. When you pack your favorite team shirt, don’t forget to pack your 4-H shirt too!

 

Promotion/Community Service Opportunity for 4-H Clubs/Members

Master’s Hand is having their annual “Spring Fling” on April 4th at their business south of Tekamah. They are inviting any 4-H Club or member to set up a table the promote 4-H, do a little hands on project with the kids attending, or show some project(s) you have done in 4-H. Give it some thought and see what you might come up with…maybe a mini judging contest, or a small animal to show, or decorating a jar or something. I’m sure you’ve got lots of good ideas. Just call Suzie at Master’s Hand 402-374-2003 to request space.

                                                    

2015 Special Garden Project – White Satin Carrot 

4-H’ers enrolled in the Special Garden Project will:

Receive a ‘packet’ of White Satin Carrot seed (one packet per youth) in early March.

Receive a newsletter about: planting & growing carrots, carrot problems & insects, exhibiting carrots, and harvesting, storing & using carrots.

Be able to enter this unique vegetable at County and State Fair.

Call the Extension office at 402-374-2929 to sign up for a packet of seeds. Only 15 packets were ordered so don’t miss out!

 

Snow/Snowless Sculptures

I’ve seen two club’s efforts in this creative contest this week, although vandalism and warm weather cut their promotional life shorter than expected. However the fun of creating something together cannot be undone by someone’s thoughtless destruction.

I encourage every 4-H member and club to show their pride in the 4-H program and create a monument to celebrate it…no matter how long it may survive! The 4-H program will survive and we challenge you to create some type of 4-H promotion to celebrate that fact…especially with February being Nebraska 4-H Month and Burt County 4-H Week February 22-28th!

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

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