Keep Looking Up!

January 15, 2015 Leave a comment


“Your Lunar Learning Curve; Get Started Observing the Moon” By Gary Fugman

 

Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

Happy New Year!  How about starting 2015 with a fun project that cam be accomplished in just four weeks?  This fun project will teach you much about our nearest neighbor in space, the Moon.  The project is well suited for young or inexperienced observers and develops your visual, binocular and small telescope skills.  Besides, after this experience, you could take your “date” outside on a perfect evening, promise him/her the Moon and stars…and really deliver!
This Friday, January 16 at 7pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, January 17 at 7pm at the Decatur Sears Center, Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) with Pastor Gary Fugman will lead a discussion on completing a one month Astronomical League project to observe the Moon.  We will explain what features on the Moon can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars and a small telescope.  Then the discussion will center on what particular features to observe the third week of January, before 1st quarter Moon, the last week of January, 1st quarter Moon, the first week of February, full Moon, and the second week of February, 3rd quarter Moon.  Lists of lunar craters, seas, mountains and other features will be explained.  Ways to log and sketch your lunar observations will be discussed.  Moon maps will be made available and how to obtain your Astronomical League lunar certificate and pin will be explained.  Plus, you’ll be ready on Saturday, February14 to give your Valentine the Moon and the stars!
Later in the evening the January evening sky will be shown to all on free stars charts.  Weather permitting, Friday we will go to the Cory and Tracie Martin residence 3 miles south of Lyons and Saturday to Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur to observe the night sky through large, astronomical telescopes.  You are invited to bring your binoculars and telescopes as well.  Please dress warmly as winter evenings cool quickly.
For more information on this and future NENAC programs, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953 and Keep Looking Up!
Questions to Consider:
Why are humans so intrigued with the Moon?
When you look up at the Moon, why are some areas white and some areas grey?

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4-H Achievement Event

January 15, 2015 Leave a comment


4-H Leaders Honored for years of service – Sandy Bohannon, Sarah Miller, and Kara Anderson for 5 years, Ann Schlichting 10 years and Joan Bucy 15 years. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H Leaders Honored for years of service – Sandy Bohannon, Sarah Miller, and Kara Anderson for 5 years, Ann Schlichting 10 years and Joan Bucy 15 years. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H Members Completing 4-H Awards Applications: Back Row: Layne Miller, Cody Bachtell, Ashley Bohannon, Leia Farrens and Amelia Schlichting; Front Row: Faith Roscoe, Paul Roscoe, Andrew Schlichting and Caleb Schlichting. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H Members Completing 4-H Awards Applications: Back Row: Layne Miller, Cody Bachtell, Ashley Bohannon, Leia Farrens and Amelia Schlichting; Front Row: Faith Roscoe, Paul Roscoe, Andrew Schlichting and Caleb Schlichting. Photo Courtesy of Mary Loftis.

4-H of the future! First year 4-H members: Hope Roscoe, Linden Anderson, Parke Loftis, Kennedy Pagels, Madeline Pearson and Tate Penke.

4-H of the future! First year 4-H members: Hope Roscoe, Linden Anderson, Parke Loftis, Kennedy Pagels, Madeline Pearson and Tate Penke.

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104th Legislature Convenes on Sad Note

January 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Returning back to work in January started on a sad note in our office and the Capitol.  On January 3rd we learned of the unexpected death of the father of our newly hired Legislative Aide, Tom Venzor. His father was a great man, husband and father who will be dearly missed. At this time, Tom is needed by his family and will be joining us once again in our office when able. We were also saddened to learn on January 8th, a loved, valued and respected Legislative Aide, Chris Keetle unexpectedly passed. As we start this year with heavy hearts and prayers of comfort for these two families, we realize we must move forward in a renewed spirit of hope and promise for the many days ahead.

 

Day 1, Wednesday, January 7th, 2015 our First Session of the One Hundred Fourth Legislature convened. I was among 49 State Senators, families, friends, staff and others gathered to participate or witness the traditional swearing in ceremony. Following came the business of the adoption of temporary rules, election of permanent officers, election of a new speaker, oath of officers, election for chairpersons for the committee on committees, executive board, vice-chairperson of the executive board and election of standing committee chairpersons.  Senator Bill Kintner rose to announce he will bring before the Rules Committee a motion to make voting for chairmanships public and not by secret ballot. We were reminded voting for chairmanships has only been by secret ballot since 1976 and public, open ballot prior to that since 1937. I believe in transparency and will support this motion.

 

Following my re-election I announced my bid in late November for the Chairman of Agriculture Committee and knew it was going to be a steep uphill climb as Senator Jerry Johnson, LD 23, announced his bid following session in the Spring of 2014. Although he won by just one vote, I know he is a man of exceptional experience and abilities and be an excellent chairman. Should I have been elected, I would have been the first woman to serve our Unicameral as an Agriculture Chairwoman in its 78 year history. The standing committees I will serve on are the Revenue Committee and Transportation and Telecommunications, on which I will serve as Vice-Chair.

 

Day 2 began with introduction of new bills and adoption of our temporary rules.  The Inaugural Oath of Offices took place in the afternoon, where swearing in took place for many including the Board of Regents, State Board of Education, Public Service Commission, Attorney General-Elect, State Auditor-Elect, State Treasurer, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor-Elect, and the Governor-Elect.

 

It was a great pleasure and honor to be named as one of 5 escorts to lead, at that time, Governor-Elect Pete Ricketts to be sworn in as our new governor. Governor Ricketts’ Inaugural Address was outstanding and his vision for leadership is innovative and inspiring.

 

Day 3 was another day of bill introduction with only 10 days that are allowed for new bill introduction. January 21st is the final day of bill introduction. Once our office is fully staffed we will resume introducing our legislation.

 

The Inaugural Gala took place on Saturday, where Lee and I were greeted by many familiar and dear faces from across our District and State. It was a joyful celebration that will be long remembered by many.

 

In our office Tom Venzor is my Legislative Aide and Katie Wattermann as my Administrative Aide.  Tom is from Schuyler and has an extensive background in various legal work.  Katie is from West Point and knows the district like the back of her hand. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me and my office via email at lbrasch@leg.ne.gov or via phone at 402-471-2728; or stop by Room 1016 if you are at the Capitol.

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

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Doris E. Metzler, 92, of Tekamah NE

January 14, 2015 Leave a comment


DORIS E. METZLER was born October 22, 1922, to Arthur and Edith (Barker) Smith in Yankton, South Dakota. She passed away Monday, January 12, 2015, at the Golden Living Center in Tekamah, Nebraska at the age of 92 years.

Doris graduated from Blair High School in 1940.

On June 5, 1940, Doris was united in marriage to Jimmie M. Metzler, in Fremont, NE.  To this union four children were born: Phyllis, Dee, Jimmie Jr. and Diana.

Doris and Jimmie Sr. farmed southeast of Tekamah and later owned and operated the Tek-Inn and the Lyric Theater in Tekamah for many years.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmie Sr.; son, Jimmie Jr.; grandson, Con Bieck; granddaughter, Celicia Marr; sons-in-law, Bill Bieck and Clark Feuerbacher; two sisters; and one brother.

She is survived by her daughters, Phyllis Bieck of Porter, TX, Dee Feuerbacher of Huntsville, TX, Diana Metzler of Blair, NE; brother, Lawrence D. (Jane) Smith of Zeeland, MI; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

MEMORIAL GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Thursday, January 15, 2015, 11:00 am, Tekamah Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the Chatt Center in Tekamah.

NO VISITATION

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.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

 

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Lady Cougars Win Two

January 14, 2015 Leave a comment


The Lady Cougars won two more games this past week and brought their season’s record to 8-4.  They defeated Wakefield in a road game by the score of 34-31.  They protected their home court with a 53-38 in over Mead.  LDNE is 5-0 at home.  Northeast did suffer a 48-43 loss at Tekamah on Friday.

 

The Tuesday mat was a low scoring affair as both teams had only five point after the first eight minutes.  The Cougars surged to an eight point lead at half, but faltered after intermission as the (3-10) Trojan closed to 22-20.  A twelve point fourth quarter protected the lead.

 

Brianne Haskell led the team with 10 points.  Lexie Bacon and Kelly Wakeley each added nine points.

 

LDNE              5          12        5          12        -34

Wakefield         5          4          11        11        -31

 

2pt       3pt       FT        Rb        TP

Simonsen          2          0          0/0       11        4

Wakeley           2          1          2/2       5          9

Haskell 1          1          5/9       8          10

Collins              1          0          0/0       4          2

Bacon              0          3          0/0       1          9

Peterson           0          0          0/1       7          0

Totals               6-29     5-12     7-12     36        34

 

 

Coach Haskell lamented poor shooting after the loss to Tekamah-Herman on Friday.  “If  some of our shots would have dropped in the first period this would have been a different game.  We had to play catch up the rest of the way.  One thing I admire about these girls is that that don’t give up.  They fought to the end.”

 

After trailing by twelve, 39-27,  the Cougars had a big fourth period and pulled to within five at the buzzer.

 

Brianne Haskell put in 20 points for the Cougars.  Lexie Bacon added 11. Darcey Simonsen also scored 11 before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

 

The  (7-5) Tigers got 24 points from Jessica Fleischman.  This was the second game the Cougars were without Mariah Jessen who sprained an ankle on Monday.  “We missed her plugging up the middle,” said Coach Haskell.  “I’m sure she could have a difference.”

 

 

LDNE              7          9          11        16        -43

Tek-Her           15        11        13        9          -48

 

2pt       3pt       FT        Rb        F          TP

Simonsen          2          0          7/9       5          5          11

Wakeley           0          0          0/0       5          3          0

Haskell 8          0          4/6       7          1          20

Collins              0          0          1/2       1          3          1

Bacon              2          2          1/2       2          3          11

Peterson           0          0          0/0       2          0          0

Totals               12-21   2-16     13-19   22        16        43

T-H                  20        0          8-15     –           17        48

 

The home court was a welcome sight as the Cougars scored 20 points in the first quarter on the way to a 32-22 half time lead over the  (7-3) Mead Raiders.  They finished strong for a 53-38 win.

 

Three Cougars finished in double figures.  Brianne Haskell had 16 points.  Lexie Bacon brought her season’s total to 23 with 3 three-pointers.  She scored 12.  Darcey Simonsen scored 11 and grabbed 7 rebounds.

 

Mead               11        11        8          8          -38

LDNE              20        12        7          14        -53

 

2pt       3pt       FT        Rb        TP

Simonsen          2          0          7/9       7          11

Wakeley           4          0          0/0       3          8

Haskell 2          3          3/4       6          16

Collins              1          0          0/0       0          2

Bacon              1          3          1/2       3          12

  1. Henneman00          0/0       0          0

Jessen              1          0          0/0       1          2

Peterson           1          0          0/0       7          2

Totals               12-28   6-22     11-15   27        53

 

 

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Kats’ Korner: 2014 Blessings, Start 2015

January 14, 2015 Leave a comment


Are you enjoying 2015 so far? I am. I consider every day a blessing, making the most of every moment from the time my eyes open until they close again for a peaceful rest.

2014 brought many blessings to our family. I am blessed to run my own business. I am happy knowing it has grown each and every day. I have made many more friends along the way, making my journey even brighter. I have also enjoyed becoming more and more involved on the Oakland Chamber of Commerce. Helping to promote the community my husband and I live in is very important to me. Oakland has been my home for a good portion of my life. We are fortunate to have many friends here. Small town life is wonderful! Oakland is a thriving community, and it continuing to do so is why I choose to help in any way I can. I want future generations to live here, enjoying the area and all it has to offer as much as I do.

I am very lucky and blessed to be married to a wonderful man. He is the best. He also works hard, but when you love your job as he does, it doesn’t seem so hard. He has always been an outdoors guy, growing up on a farm. He likes working where he feels like what he does matters and helps others. This job does just that. I am very proud of him!

The most important blessings in our family are two new granddaughters, Charli and Penelope. They are adorable. Yes, I am prejudice, but I can be! Holding them and looking into their pretty eyes is seeing the future. I wonder what they will grow up to be. I love being a grandma. I am glad they are so close so we can see them often. Every moment with them is priceless. When I leave them, I am already looking forward to seeing them again. I take many pictures so I have the memories on our wall, computer, phones, anywhere I can put a picture!

Life can be very hard. Not all of 2014 was wonderful. A good friend of mine fell ill and nearly lost her life. To see her smile now, working hard to be completely recovered, is a joy to me, and especially, to her family. We rang in the New Year together, as we always do, eating a meal together at our house, laughing and carrying on. I couldn’t imagine beginning the year any other way!

Now off to 2015! I have goals, not resolutions. I believe in goals, but a resolution to me is trivial. I am expanding my horizons, taking on a couple more challenges. I need more hours in the day! I work every day, morning to evening, sometimes late into the evening, striving to attain my goals. I get one chance at life and I intend to do my best! That is why I chose to be self-employed! I needed more of a challenge! It has definitely defined me!

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2015!

 

 

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Blessed Births of 2014

January 13, 2015 Leave a comment


Kinley Eileen Tejkl was born on May 16, 2014 to John and Cally (Frahm) Tejkl of Howells, NE.Her grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Kinley Eileen Tejkl was born on May 16, 2014 to John and Cally (Frahm) Tejkl of Howells, NE.Her grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Luke Michael Addante was born October 13, 2014 to Tim and Jenny (Frahm) Andante of Austin, TX. Grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Luke Michael Addante was born October 13, 2014 to Tim and Jenny (Frahm) Andante of Austin, TX. Grandparents are Jeff and Sandy Frahm of Oakland, NE.

Grant Taylor Brankenhoff was born August 2nd, 2014 to Brittany (Sznajder-Murray) and Brad Brakenhoff. He weighed 9 lbs and 1 ounce. His grandparents are Helen Murray, Jim Sznajder and Ron and Sheryl Brakenhoff. His great-grandparents are Bill and May Taylor of Oakland, NE.

Grant Taylor Brankenhoff was born August 2nd, 2014 to Brittany (Sznajder-Murray) and Brad Brakenhoff. He weighed 9 lbs and 1 ounce. His grandparents are Helen Murray, Jim Sznajder and Ron and Sheryl Brakenhoff. His great-grandparents are Bill and May Taylor of Oakland, NE.

Penelope Chi Tran was born November 21st, 2014 to Whitney (Storie) and Tri Tran of Norfolk, NE. She weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE, Nam and Anh Tran of Wakefield, NE and Terry and Tammy Storie of Lakeland, FL. Her great-grandmother is Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE.

Penelope Chi Tran was born November 21st, 2014 to Whitney (Storie) and Tri Tran of Norfolk, NE. She weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces and was 21 inches long. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE, Nam and Anh Tran of Wakefield, NE and Terry and Tammy Storie of Lakeland, FL. Her great-grandmother is Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE.

Lane David McElroy was born November 12, 2014 to Brandy and Jarrod McElroy of Lyons, NE. He weighed 9lbs10.5oz. His grandparents David & Patty Denton of Craig, NE and Larry & Karolyn McElroy of Lyons, NE. His great-grandparents are Fern Denton of Fremont, NE and Carol Barger of Tekamah, NE. His great-great-grandmother Ruby Hayes of Tekamah, NE.

Lane David McElroy was
born November 12, 2014 to Brandy and Jarrod McElroy of Lyons, NE. He weighed 9lbs10.5oz.
His grandparents are David & Patty Denton of Craig, NE and Larry & Karolyn McElroy of Lyons, NE.
His great-grandparents are Fern Denton of Fremont, NE and Carol Barger of Tekamah, NE. His
great-great-grandmother is Ruby Hayes of Tekamah, NE.

Charli Kinlie Mai Beck was born on October 28th, 2014 to Justin Beck and Thu Tran. She weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE and Roger and Rosalyn Beck of Lawton, IA. Her great-grandmothers are Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE and Junavae Beck of Tekamah, NE.

Charli Kinlie Mai Beck was born on October 28th, 2014 to Justin Beck and Thu Tran. She weighed 8 pounds 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. Her grandparents are Denise and Jeff Gilliland of Oakland, NE and Roger and Rosalyn Beck of Lawton, IA. Her great-grandmothers are Pauline Marr of Oakland, NE and Junavae Beck of Tekamah, NE.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

January 13, 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. Jan. 14: No chime practice today. Sign up to play 5-handed pinochle 1:30.

Thurs. Jan. 15: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Sign up to play pitch at 1:30.

Fri. Jan.16: We will have our annual public hearing meeting today at 1:30; we will start playing cards after meeting. Come at 3:30 and have lunch with those who are celebrating their birthdays this month.

Mon. Jan.19: The caregiver support group meets at 2:00; if you are a caregiver please join us.

Tues. Jan.20: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Wed. Jan. 21: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Our post holiday Christmas dinner is today at 12:00. If you attend please bring either a vegetable, salad or a dessert. The meat and potatoes will be provided. We will play cards and board games after lunch.

 

 

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Conservation Stewardship Program Improvements Needed

January 13, 2015 Leave a comment


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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments on recent changes to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The program, the most significant leap in conservation policy in a decade, was designed to reward top-notch conservation already on the ground, as well as incentivize the integration of new and innovative conservation systems that protect and enhance the quality of our soil, water and air.

However, without crucial changes, the program will fail to yield those intended results. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) must base producers’ ranking and payments solely on environmental benefits and outcomes. They consistently overemphasize the importance of additional or new conservation activities while failing to adequately support conservation practices and systems farmers and ranchers are currently employing, which misses the mark by supporting late adopters of improved conservation systems over those who have historically placed conservation at the core of their operations.

NRCS must also ensure payment limitations are real. By statute, CSP contracts are limited to $40,000 per fiscal year and $200,000 from fiscal year 2014 through 2018.  But the rule doubles the statutory limit for joint operations. Worse, the rule fails to require that beneficiaries be active farmers, and allows farms to have multiple contracts despite the statutory stipulation that the entire farm must be enrolled in the CSP contract. These loopholes allow certain operations to rack up contracts far in excess of the statutory limit and gives them a competitive advantage over small and mid-sized farmers.

Visit: http://www.cfra.org/node/5411 to make public comments.

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John W. Falatko, 85, of Bancroft NE

January 13, 2015 Leave a comment


John W. Falatko, 85, of Bancroft, NE, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. A memorial visitation will be Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements are under the direction of Munerloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE.

John was born November 15, 1929 in Lakewood, OH to George and Gerdina (Garrells) Falatko. He graduated in 1945 in Peoria, IL. Shortly after graduation, John entered into the Army where he served with the Military Police in Japan where he helped with the War Crime Trials. On July 24, 1954 he married Georgia Gibson in Peoria, IL. The couple had four children.

John enjoyed being outside fishing and camping. He was a lifetime St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife; Georgia Falatko of Bancroft, NE, sons; George (Debbie) Falatko of Littleton, CO, John Falatko II of Creve Coeur, IL, Andrew (Deann) Falatko of Washington, IL, daughter; Luree (Michael) Surrells of Bancroft, NE, sisters; Marion Miller of Peoria, IL, Shirley Deiter of Peoria, IL, Patricia Kessler of Marquette Hieghts, IL, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.

John Falatko

John Falatko

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