W. Kurtz Sears, 83, of Decatur NE

February 3, 2015 Leave a comment


W. KURTZ SEARS, was born March 12, 1931, in rural Decatur, Nebraska, to Willis “Bill” and Loretta “Toots” (Akins) Sears. He passed away Sunday, February 1, 2015 at his home in Decatur, after a short illness.

Kurtz attended school at Elm Creek and Lyons. He graduated from Omaha Technical High School in 1949, and later attended the University of Omaha.

He married Barbara Jean Adams. They lived in Omaha, Nebraska until they moved to the family farm in Elm Creek Valley, southwest of Decatur in 1952. They spent the next 12 years farming and raising their five children.

Kurtz was the owner of Hungry’s bar in Decatur for 35 years, farmed with his sons on the family farm, and owned and operated Floor Maintenance and Paper Supply in Norfolk, Nebraska with his daughter until his death.

Kurtz was an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. He spent 30 years as, and was a current board member of the Nebraska Licensed Beverage Association. He was also a member of both the West Point and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

He liked to fly his plane in his younger years, spend time with family and friends, and travel at a moment’s notice, if he could.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; sister, MaryAnn (Sears) Harral; parents; one granddaughter.

He is survived by three sons, Mike (Debbie) Sears, of Dakota City, NE, Pat (Brenda) Sears, of Decatur, Tim Sears, of Decatur; two daughters, Jackie (Matt) Worley, of Decatur, Cathy (Alan) Hammer, of Wakefield, NE; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, February 6, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur, with Rev. Mark Tomasiewicz, Celebrant.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE:  Thursday, 5-8 p.m., with family present at The Green Lantern in Decatur.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Decatur Museum..

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

W. Kurtz Sears

W. Kurtz Sears

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

February 3, 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. 4: Melody chimes practice today at 9:00. Need volunteers to help recycle birthday cards at 1:30.

Thurs. Feb. 5: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. There will be a golf card game tournament at 1:30.

Fri. Feb. 6: Chair exercise at 10:00. Sign up to play in the pinochle tournament at 1:30. St Joseph Retirement Community will provide the lunch at 3:30.

Sat. Feb. 7: Come to the music jam at 7:00 pm, bring a snack for lunch.

Mon. Feb. 9: Sign up to play hand and foot at 1:30.

Tues. Feb. 10: 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.11: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. We will play Valentine bingo at 2:00.

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Lady Cougars Down Lady Knights in First Round of East Husker Conference

February 3, 2015 Leave a comment


By Clare Wiltse, Sports Contributor 

There was a lot of whooping going on in the locker room after the Lady Cougars picked up a first round win in the East Husker Conference Tournament over Oakland-Craig.  It was a different story the previous night  when the Lady Knights claimed a sixteen point win in a regular season game.

 

The (9-11) Lady Knights won 51-35 on their home court.  On a neutral court at Howells the Lady Cougars raised their record to 12-6 with a 48-43 win.

 

“The girls really wanted this game,” said Coach Haskell.  “After the way we played last night, we were determined to do a better job.  We couldn’t make a shot on Thursday while O-C was hot.  We shot so much better tonight and our defense denied their jump shots tonight.”

 

On Thursday the Knight made seven of ten shots in the first quarter.  Brianne Haskell provided all the Cougar points during the period. Her three pointer gave Northeast their only lead at 5-4.  O-C got the jump on LDNE with a 13-2 run when they made five shots in a row and tacked on two free shots.

 

Mariah Jessen scored early in the second period, but it would be the only basket of the period for Northeast.  Northeast made only one of six shots in the quarter.  They made no trips to the free throw line.  Oakland-Craig took a 27-12 half time lead.

 

Northeast got off to a 8-2 start after half with a trey by Lexie Bacon followed by a deuce and trey from Brianne Haskell.  The Cougars were back to a single digit deficit, 29-20, but their shooting cooled as the managed only a single free shot in the remaining of the period. Seven shots and three tries drew iron as O-C moved to a 39-21 lead at the end of three periods.

 

Northeast managed to outscore O-C by two points in the final stanza.   Two threes by Haskell  and a pair of baskets by Jessen plus an bucket by Abby Peterson  made for 5 for 11 shooting.

 

Brianne Haskell had a game-high 18 points.  Oakland -Craig had three in double figures with Brynn Charling leading with 13 and Shannon Pille adding 11 and Emma Reinert 10.

 

Northeast had one bright spot on defense.  Mariah Jessen had 8  shot blocks.  This places her at number five on the Northeast Top Ten.

 

LDNE              10        2          9          14        -35

O-C                 17        10        12        12        -51

 

2pt       3pt       FT        Rb        F          TP

Wakeley           0          0          0/2       1          0          0

Haskell 3          4          0/0       2          3          18

Collins              0          0          0/0       2          1          0

Bacon              0          1          2/3       2          1          5

Jessen              3          0          1/3       5          3          7

Peterson           0          0          0/1       5          2          3

Totals               7-20     5-18     3-8       17        12        35

O-C                 10-39   2-7       7-11     29        10        51

 

It was a different story the next night.  Darcey Simonsen was back in the lineup after a precautionary decision kept her out the night before.  Darcey cleared concussion tests and her defense and rebounding made a big difference in the final results.

 

Northeast bolted to a 7-0 lead with Peterson, Haskell, and Jessen scoring.  In the mean time, the defense forced the Knight to the parameter where they missed four shots and turned the ball over four times.  It took them five minutes to score on a free throw.

 

A bucket by Jessen followed by a trey by Wakeley got a 12-4 lead for Northeast.  A pair of baskets by Bures  made it 12-8 at the quarter.

 

The defense contested every shot by the Knights in the second period.  They made only two of ten shots.  Free throws kept them in the game with six makes out of ten tries.  Mariah Jessen was the target of their attack as she drew her third foul during the period.

 

Northeast extended the lead to five points at the half.  Simonsen scored twice.  Haskell made four free shots.  Peterson had the last three points of the half as LDNE went the lockers leading 23-18.

 

Northeast moved to a nine point lead after intermission, but O-C was going to make a game of it.  They closed on an 8-2 run to make it a three point game, 33-30.

 

Darcey Simonsen started the scoring in the fourth period, but the Knights came back with a lay-in by Bures and a trey by Pille with 4:46 left which tied the game at 35.

 

Brianne Haskell worked her magic in the lane and  put the Cougars back into the lead, but Oakland got a goal from Charling and free throw from Pille to take 38-37 lead with 3:06 to play. Darcey Simonsen was good for two from the stripe as Northeast regained the lead.

 

With 2:37 left Haskell made one of two free shots.  Twenty seconds later Pille popped in a deuce to tie the game, 40-40.  Haskell answered with dagger of a three pointer with 1:54 to play.  The Cougars would never trail after that.

 

The Cougars rebounded a missed free shot on  O-C’s next offensive possession and worked the clock down to under a minute before missing a shot.  Snader connected on a long two point shot ‘and the Knights hoped to cash in by  fouling.  Abby Peterson made two free tries for 45-42 score with 44 seconds to play.  Simonsen and Pille traded points before Lexie Bacon sealed the win  with two free shots with 3 seconds left.

 

It was a team win for the Cougars as they got three players in double figures and six players who scored.  Brianne Haskell led the way with 14while assisting 7 times.  Darcey Simonsen had 11 and Abby Peterson put in a career-best 10 points.

 

On the defensive side Brianne Haskell and Darcy Simonsen  combined to keep the Knights’ top scorer, Brynn Charling six point below her average on 3 for 13 shooting.  O-C made 15 of 45 shots while Northeast made 16 of 39.

 

The Cougars move on to face Howells-Dodge in a quarter final game at Stanton.  The Lady Jaguars took a one point win over Northeast in December.

 

O-C                 8          10        12        13        -43

LDNE              12        11        10        15        -48

 

 

2pt       3pt       FT        Rb        F          TP

Simonsen          4          0          3/7       6          3          11

Wakeley           0          1          0/0       3          4          3

Haskell 3          1          5/6       4          4          14

Collins              0          0          0/0       0          0          0

Bacon              1          0          2/3       4          1          4

Jessen              3          0          0/0       4          4          6

Peterson           3          0          4/7       7          1          10

Totals               14-33   2-6       14-23   28        17        48

O-C                 13-39   2-6       11-22   31        19        43

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A Minute With the Mayor

February 3, 2015 Leave a comment


Happy 2015! Hope the New Year has started off well for you. Hard to believe Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Although the calendar seems to be going by rather quickly, the winter months are usually the slower part of the year for things going on with the city. That means there hasn’t been a whole lot to update you on lately. But because it has been a while since we last spoke, I thought I could bring you up to speed on a couple of things.

The community center is taking shape. We finally have something that you can see from the outside. What do you think of those big, beautiful windows on the east side of the building! You can also see what the front of the building windows are going to look like with the windows to the west of the main entrance. It really gives the community center a modern feel; from the inside and outside. The rest is moving a little slow but progress is being made. The big steel beam is in place where the interior divider wall once stood. It will support the new retractable partition wall that will be installed. The old concrete floor in the fire hall was removed and with new poured level. The new bathrooms and coat room are framed and ready for drywall. The new heating and cooling systems are installed.   We are at that point in construction where you really want to see the finished product now! I can’t wait for all of you to see it.

As it was reported in the newspaper a couple of weeks ago, the city is looking at some funding opportunities so we can keep moving forward with new city projects. Tax Increment Financing or T.I.F. allows a city to take future tax money it would receive from the increase in property evaluation of new construction and lump several years’ worth to use now on certain types of municipal projects. Say someone in town buildings a new building or adds on to an existing building. The tax revenue the city would receive over the next fifteen years from the increased evaluation on that new construction or addition can be bundled into one lump sum. That money can then be used to improve the area around that construction, say infrastructure within an industrial park, or to make improvements within designated parts of town. It is difficult to explain but it is a mechanism we can use to help fund certain projects. We have been working with Burt County Economic Development to develop a plan. More progress on this should be made at the February council meeting.

Not much else is happening. The school is graciously giving some of the old school playground equipment to the city. The plan as of right now is to install it up at Burlington Park by the water tower to give kids some things to do up there. We are having some issues with the sewer plant grinder right now. We have to decide if we can afford to replace it now or wait to budget the amount. We had to do some repair work to one of the emergency generators. Water got in the oil pan and did something bad. I’m not mechanical enough to explain exactly what but it has or is getting fixed now. We are still working on submitting a grant for new lighting on Main Street. We need to gather more technical information before submitting our proposal. Finally I just wanted to say a big “thank you” to the city guys for getting the city streets cleaned off so quickly. It’s tough with all that snow and with the wind blowing. I really appreciate having a city crew does such a good job! That’s it for now. Take care and stay warm. We’ll talk soon.

Mayor Andy Fuston

Mayor Andy Fuston

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W. Kurtz Sears, 83, of Decatur NE

February 3, 2015 Leave a comment


W. KURTZ SEARS, was born March 12, 1931, in rural Decatur, Nebraska, to Willis “Bill” and Loretta “Toots” (Akins) Sears. He passed away Sunday, February 1, 2015 at his home in Decatur, after a short illness.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, February 6, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur, with Rev. Mark Tomasiewicz, Celebrant.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE:  Thursday, 5-8 p.m., with family present at The Green Lantern in Decatur.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Decatur Museum..

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

W. Kurtz Sears

W. Kurtz Sears

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Filed under Obituaries Tagged with

Syngenta Lawsuit and Water Rights Meeting is Tomorrow

February 2, 2015 Leave a comment


An area informational meeting for corn farmers will be Tuesday, February 3rd at 10am at the Green Lantern in Decatur.  Dave Domina plans to be there to speak on the Syngenta Lawsuit & Water Rights. There are also other meetings on the subject listed below:

February 2, 2015 Hartington VFW Club 7:00 PM
February 3, 2015 Decatur Green Lantern Steak House 10:00 AM
February 5, 2015 Beatrice Aunt Mary’s 10:00 AM
February 5, 2015 Blue Hill Community Center 2:00 PM
February 5, 2015 Holdrege Super 8 7:00 PM
February 6, 2015 Cambridge Community Center 1:30 PM
February 8, 2015 Doniphan Event Center 1:30 PM
February 8, 2015 York Holthus Convention Center 4:00 PM

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Fluctuating Markets and Off Topic Thoughts

February 2, 2015 Leave a comment


Markets as of 10:12am 2/2/14

Corn +2 @ 3.72

Beans +2 @ 9.63

 

We start this week with the US dollar a little weaker and the stock market in the red, traders seem uncertain about “deflation” , the overall impact of the surging US Dollar and the meltdown in crude oil.  Especially after the disappointing 4th quarter GDP number released last week.  In the news, U.S oil workers began the largest national strike since 1980 this Sunday, calling 3800 United Steelworkers Union workers to strike, if a full strike is called USW says it could affect as much as 64% of US Fuel production.

 

Last week was quite negative for grains despite solid exports last week.  Some strength comes back into the market this morning, but trade volume is very low which adds to volatility.  This volume could be a combinations of the Midwest shutting down due to the blizzard and  a great Super Bowl game leaving less interested in trading.

 

Corn: 

March corn broke the support line of 3.76 last week which could lead to some added pressure for this week.  New Crop corn (Dec ’15) broke the $4.00 mark on Thursday and Friday, but managed to close above $4.00 both days.  Selling ahead to reduce risk is a sound strategy to capture levels above $4.25 and take some downside risk off the table.  Risk management should be part of any marketing plan to gain any advantage possible.  Ethanol continues to produce despite margins, as stocks continue to rise we may see production slow.  At least until oil prices move back into a range that makes ethanol profitable.

 

Beans:

Seeing pressure from slowing exports, beans lost nearly 12 cents last week.  Seasonally, prices are behaving normally as South American supplies become available.  The next major support line is at 9.20, and the current trend is downward.  Remember, the trend is your friend.

 

Recommendation:

Due to the current market levels, it is difficult to make a recommendation strategy, it seems the profitable selling window has currently passed us by.  If a producer needs to free up some capital for cash rents, payments, etc.  A great strategy is Extended Price, which frees up 70% of the money, but keeps the producer in the market to participate in potential future rallies or losses just like in the storage bin.

 

Thoughts Off Topic:

Wow the Super Bowl was a nail biter, at least for me, it remained neck and neck as the Patriots and the Seahawks went back and forth until the final seconds of the game where the Seahawks were 2nd down and inches from winning the game, but instead of handing the ball to Lynch over and over to get into the end zone, Wilson tried a pass…..and Malcolm Butler picked him off.  Brady was able to take a knee and run the clock for a Patriots victory.

 

But what’s up with the commercials this year?  I didn’t laugh once and quite frankly felt pretty depressed after a couple.  Especially theNationwide ad on preventable childhood deaths. It opens with a young boy listing several things he’ll never get to do, like ride a bike, get “cooties,” or travel the world with his best friend. “I couldn’t grow up, he says, “because I died from an accident.”  I have learned I shouldn’t say “you throw like a girl” ever again, and I am very excited about taking my kids to see the “Geriatric Terminator” because you know it will be a good movie.  I am not discounting the importance of protecting our children, but I it does not discount that the method used left folks feeling a bit creeped out.  Read more on NBC News “Super Bowl Ads Left Us Creeped Out or Crying”

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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Redesigning Medicaid in Nebraska

February 2, 2015 Leave a comment


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

Nebraska’s failure to participate in the new Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act has, for two years, allowed low-income, working Nebraskans to fall into a health care coverage gap that has left them economically and medically vulnerable. At least 54,000 of our friends, family members and neighbors do not qualify for Medicaid, cannot afford private insurance, and have incomes too low to qualify for tax credits in the new health insurance marketplace. Yes, you read that right… with incomes too low to qualify for coverage in the healthcare exchange.

 

The Medicaid Redesign Act, LB 472, would help redesign Nebraska’s Medicaid program, creating a Nebraska-specific plan for better, more cost-effective health coverage while also closing the coverage gap and providing coverage to working Nebraskans with low incomes who cannot afford insurance under the current system.

 

LB 472 sets out a framework to redesign Medicaid and close the coverage gap, providing the Governor and Department of Health and Human Services broad latitude to design and implement a plan for Nebraska.

 

Moreover, through 2016, 100% of the cost will be covered by the federal government. The federal share will then gradually settle to 90% in 2020 where it will then remain. And most enrollees would be required to contribute up to two percent of their income to the cost of their coverage.

 

The Medicaid Redesign Act – LB 472 – is a responsible, commonsense Nebraska solution to closing the health care coverage gap. Let’s get this done.

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Work Continues at Lyons Community Center

February 2, 2015 Leave a comment


The Lyons Community Center is coming along, with hope of it being completed this spring. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The Lyons Community Center is coming along, with hope of it being completed this spring. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

DSC06348 DSC06349 DSC06350 DSC06351

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Lyons City Council Meeting Agenda

February 2, 2015 Leave a comment


 

A Copy of the “Open Meetings Act” Has Been Posted on the Bulletin Board on the North Side in the Council Chambers.

 

LYONS CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

February 3, 2015 – 5:30 P.M.

 

The City Council reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time as deemed appropriate and in accordance with State Statute.

 

  1. ROUTINE BUSINESS

 

  1. Meeting called to order.

 

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  1. Mayor Fuston to open a Public Hearing to consider objections to automatic renewals for a Class D Liquor License for KB’s Mini-Mart.

 

  1. Mayor Fuston to open a Public Hearing to consider objections to automatic renewals for a Class D Liquor License for Save More Market.

 

 

    III. CONSENT AGENDA

Recommended Action: Approval of Consent Agenda

NOTE: All items are automatically approved when the Consent Agenda is approved unless moved to the Regular Agenda by the request of any single Council member.

  1. Dispense with reading of minutes of meeting held January 6.
  2. Claims as presented.
  3. Treasurer report.
  4. Clerk’s Report of Mayoral Action of January 6 meeting: Resolution No. 2015-1 – One & Six Year Plan was signed. Resolution No. 2015-2 – To call the Water Bonds for payment was signed. Ordinance No. 717- AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2015, OF THE CITY OF LYONS, NEBRASKA, IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($360,000) TO REFUND CERTAIN OUTSTANDING BONDS OF THE CITY; PRESCRIBING THE FORM OF SAID BONDS; PROVIDING FOR A SINKING FUND AND FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF TAXES TO PAY SAID BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF THE BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE DELIVERY OF THE BONDS TO THE PURCHASER; PROVIDING FOR THE DISPOSITION OF THE BOND PROCEEDS AND ORDERING THE ORDINANCE PUBLISHED IN PAMPHLET FORM was signed and published.

 

Motion and second to approve the Consent Agenda/Tabulation of Vote.

 

 

  1. REGULAR AGENDA / NEW BUSINESS

Consideration and Action:

 

 

  1. Chad Kehrt of Olsson Associates – Update on the Lyons Community Center Project.
    1. Approve/not approve Pay Request #4 for $96,763.50 to Fauss Construction on Phase 2 of Lyons Community Center.
  1. Motion and second from Council Members.
  2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Approve/not approve drawdown #8 (Final) for CDBG funds of $916.34 for Admin fees to NENEDD.
    1. Motion and second from Council Members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

 

LYONS CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

February 3, 2015 – 5:30 P.M.

 

 

  1. Approve/not approve United States Department of Energy, Western Area Power Administration Contract No. 14-UGPR-5005: Assignment of Specific Rights, Duties, and Obligations of the City of Lyons, Nebraska’s Firm Electric Service Contract to Nebraska Public Power District.
    1. Motion and second from Council Members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Accept/not accept the 2013/2014 Audited Financial Report.
    1. Motion and second from Council Members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Police report by Chief Buck.

 

  1. Library & Grant reports by Mike Heavrin.

 

  1. Utilities report.
  1. Auditorium front doors.
  2. School playground equipment.
  3. Sewer plant grinder.
  4. Engine No. 3.
  5. Diamond St sewer service.
  6. ACES proposal on Main St lighting.

 

  1. Clerk’s Report.
  1. Income Statement – General.
  2. Income Statement – Utility.
  3. Budget Reports – General and Utility.
  4. Will advertise for pool managers and lifeguards in February.
  5. Discuss revising Community Center rates and agreement.

 

  1. Consider to approve/not approve Class D Liquor License renewal for KB’s Mini-Mart.
    1. Motion and second from Council members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Consider to approve/not approve Class D Liquor License renewal for Save More Market.
    1. Motion and second from Council members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Discuss updating the Blight Study to include area of 1st to 3rd of Main St and area north of Main St to city limits between the old railroad tracks and 2nd St; area east of current railroad tracks to Highway 77 and from Lincoln St north to city limits.
    1. Motion and second from Council Members.
    2. Tabulation of votes.

 

  1. Discuss plan for TIF.

 

  1. Reschedule the March 3, 2015 Council Meeting.

 

  1. Executive Session – Personnel Review of Chief Jim Buck & Pam Stansberry.

 

  1. Motion and second by Council members to adjourn the meeting.
  2. Tabulation of vote.

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