Fire Prevention Week in Lyons: Theme is Smoke Detectors

October 17, 2014 Leave a comment


A house displays the many things people should not be doing that can cause fires. Jeff Going, Lyons fire department member and a state fire marshall, quizzes this group of kindergartners on what people should not do. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A house displays the many things people should not be doing that can cause fires. Jeff Going, Lyons fire department member and a state fire marshall, quizzes this group of kindergartners on what people should not do. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Lyons-Decatur Northeast students attended Fire Prevention Week at the Lyons Firehall Thursday, receiving an education from the Lyons Fire Department members on what to do in a fire. Jeff Going, a member of the Lyons Fire Department, and is also a State Fire Marshall, demonstrates what not to do inside this house, which he helped to obtain via a grant throughout the state.

Each room of the house displays an error, such as storing lawn mowers and other outside equipment in the basement next to a hot water heater. The students were asked what was wrong in each room and how to correct it.

The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is Smoke Detectors.

Check your smoke detectors regularly!

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Beck Works for Three Generations of Nelson’s, Busy Harvesting

October 17, 2014 Leave a comment


Justin Beck, right, works for the Nelson family of Wayne. They are all busy harvesting now, as are all farmers. From left is Don Nelson, Geoff Nelson, Marvin Nelson, whom is 91 years old and is still combining, and Taylor Nelson is behind Justin. Photo courtesy of Justin Beck.

Justin Beck, right, works for the Nelson family of Wayne. They are all busy harvesting now, as are all farmers. From left is Don Nelson, Geoff Nelson,Don’s son Marvin Nelson, Don’s dad, whom is 91 years old and is still combining, and Taylor Nelson, Don’s son is behind Justin. Photo courtesy of Justin Beck.

Here they are again in the field taking a break. Photo courtesy of Justin Beck.

Here they are again in the field taking a break. Photo courtesy of Justin Beck.

Back to work, combining away! Photo courtesy of Justin Beck.

Back to work, combining away! Photo courtesy of Justin Beck.

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Waste Collection October 25th

October 17, 2014 Leave a comment


Gather up old computers, TV’s, microwaves, and electronic devices, working or not, for the Nebraska Loess Hills Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council’s scrap computer/electronics waste collection.  The collection is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the parking lot south of the Nielsen Center, 200 Anna Stalp Avenue, West Point.  The collection will be one block west of the West Point Community Theater. Residents and businesses in  Burt, Cuming, Dakota, Dodge, Thurston and Washington counties can dispose of up to four computer systems (monitor, tower, printer, keyboard, mouse) AT NO CHARGE.  Dispose of DVD players, VCRs, audio components and other small electronics for NO CHARGE. Disposal of additional computer systems is $5.00 each. The fee to dispose of televisions and microwaves is $5.00 each ($20.00 fee for big screen TVs).

Electronic devices often contain lead, PCBs and other hazardous materials which require special handling. Many landfills will not accept these items. The Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D Council, Lower Elkhorn NRD, the Papio-Missouri River NRD and the City of West Point are sponsoring this event so people can dispose of these items conveniently while protecting our environment.  Funding for the free portion of this event is provided through the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grant Program, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.  For more information contact Jean Schultz at the Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D Council office (402)685-4020 or jschultz@nlhrcd.org.

 

 

Jean Schultz

Program Assistant

Nebraska Loess Hills RC & D Council

P O Box 24

Oakland, NE    68045

402-685-4020

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Exercise and the Treatment of Diabetes

October 17, 2014 Leave a comment


Have you ever thought that someday you might be unable to walk and enjoy the simple pleasures of life?  If so, it is time that you begin to reduce the chance of not being able to perform activities of daily living by beginning an exercise program.  Exercise can be a powerful tool in an individual’s health program and has been shown to improve a person’s quality of life.  Regular exercise can improve your chances of being able to continue to perform those activities that your enjoy.

 

Today exercise is indicated in the treatment of a large number of medical problems and is considered by some as the “wonder drug of our time”.  Evidence suggests, in selected cases, that exercise can be as effective as medical treatment, and in special situations more effective.  Being active protects against heart disease, cancer, stroke and helps the body in controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars.  Exercise can also lessen the effects of arthritis, improve bone strength, reduce falls, and decrease the stress associated with everyday life.

 

For individuals with diabetes regular exercise has been shown to lower their blood glucose levels, and can decrease blood glucose for several hours following exercise.   Decreasing your blood sugars by 1% can reduces your chance of heart attacks by 15-20%.  Uncontrolled diabetes can decrease your life expectancy by 8-10 years.  Participating in a regular exercise program can improve your quality of life and improve your life expectancy.

 

If you have just been diagnosed and wonder how you’ll get in shape, or if you have had diabetes for a long time but still want to be more active, there is no time like the present.  Don’t use diabetes as an excuse to not exercise.  Use it as an excuse to exercise!

 

During the November 10 session of “Control Diabetes for Life” we invite you to learn for about how exercise can change your life.  The program will help you get started with your exercise program by providing instructions on  who can exercise, general rules about exercise, what type of exercise should you perform , how much exercise is enough, how often you should perform of an exercise program and how you can get started.   The goal of exercise is to improve a person’s quality of life by decreasing the presence and the effects of disease. Set a goal to take control of your diabetes.  Feel better and stay healthy for years to come by exercising and lowering your blood glucose level.

The program “Control of Diabetes for Life” will be held on Monday November 10 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Tekamah Herman High School.

“Control Diabetes for Life”, is a program to help participants learn to control diabetes and delay the onset of complications. The program is a joint project, sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Franciscan Care Services of West Point and cooperating schools, and is offered free-of-charge.

Participants are asked to pre-register for “Control Your Diabetes for Life” by calling the Burt County Extension office at 402-374-2929. Please register by Friday November 7, 2014 so the proper number of handouts may be prepared. Nebraska School Food Service Association has approved this session for two hours of continuing education credits for food service staff for attending.

Control of your diabetes for life! Start by attending the November 10 distance education program. Call today to register!

 

 

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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Senator Brasch Encourages Young Readers to Write For Letters About Literature

October 16, 2014 Leave a comment


District 16 State Senator Lydia Brasch wants to encourage young readers in grades 4-12 to write a personal letter to an author for the Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a national reading and writing promotion program. Stressing the importance of practicing their reading and writing skills, Senator Brasch said, “This contest is a fun and creative way to encourage students to read and write. I hope all aspiring authors will consider entering this contest.” Senator Brasch added, “Many classes visit our office at the Capitol every year, and I have learned first-hand how very creative our students are. This will be a wonderful way to let their creativity and brilliance be recognized.”

 

Letters can be addressed to any author from any genre explaining how that author’s work changed the student’s view of the world. Prizes will be awarded on both the state and national levels. A panel of judges from Nebraska Center for the Book will then select the state winners, who will be honored in a proclamation-signing ceremony at the State Capitol during National Library Week in April 2015. Winning letters will be displayed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln.

 

State winners will also receive state prizes and advance to the national competition where a panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select one National Winner per competition level (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-12). Winners will receive a $1,000 cash award, to be announced May 2015. The judges will also select one National Honor winner on each competition level to receive a $200 cash award.

 

Submissions from grades 9-12 must be postmarked by December 15, 2013 and submissions from grades 4-8 by January 15, 2014.

 

Nebraska-specific information (including letters from Nebraska winners of past contests) is available at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html. For more information contact Mary Jo Ryan, maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov, 402-471-3434, or 800-307-2665.

District 16 State Senator Lydia Brasch wants to encourage young readers in grades 4-12 to write a personal letter to an author for the Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a national reading and writing promotion program. Stressing the importance of practicing their reading and writing skills, Senator Brasch said, “This contest is a fun and creative way to encourage students to read and write. I hope all aspiring authors will consider entering this contest.” Senator Brasch added, “Many classes visit our office at the Capitol every year, and I have learned first-hand how very creative our students are. This will be a wonderful way to let their creativity and brilliance be recognized.”

 

Letters can be addressed to any author from any genre explaining how that author’s work changed the student’s view of the world. Prizes will be awarded on both the state and national levels. A panel of judges from Nebraska Center for the Book will then select the state winners, who will be honored in a proclamation-signing ceremony at the State Capitol during National Library Week in April 2015. Winning letters will be displayed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln.

 

State winners will also receive state prizes and advance to the national competition where a panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select one National Winner per competition level (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-12). Winners will receive a $1,000 cash award, to be announced May 2015. The judges will also select one National Honor winner on each competition level to receive a $200 cash award.

 

Submissions from grades 9-12 must be postmarked by December 15, 2013 and submissions from grades 4-8 by January 15, 2014.

 

Nebraska-specific information (including letters from Nebraska winners of past contests) is available at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/LAL.html. For more information contact Mary Jo Ryan, maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov, 402-471-3434, or 800-307-2665.

Senator Lydia Brasch

Senator Lydia Brasch

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Cyndy M. Heng, 74, of Tekamah NE

October 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Cyndy M. Heng, 74 years, of Tekamah, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Monday, October 20, 2014, 10:00 am St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Tekamah, NE.  Rev. Mark Tomasiewicz, Celebrant

VISITATION: Sunday, 5:30 – 7 pm with family receiving friends. VIGIL SERVICE at 7:00 pm all at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery

MEMORIALS: To the family with memorials to be designated at a later date.

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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Kats’ Korner: Enjoy Each Day

October 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Time seems to fly by! We have two granddaughters on the way, both due within the next month. I have been busy crocheting baby blankets and doing other odds and ends when I have the time.

I have had a great deal on my plate lately. I love being extra busy, especially with grandchildren.

The one thing I have learned over the last few weeks is to budget my time, even more so than before. I work on my paper every day, sometimes very early in the morning or late at night so I can accomplish other tasks throughout the day.

I spend about an hour a day doing extra things at home, whether it be “spring” cleaning that, to me, needs done year round, crocheting, working outside, or any other items on my list.

I am also an avid person when it comes to exercise. I dedicate at least an hour a day to walking, lifting weights, yoga, anything to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise is a wonderful way to get motivated. I have so much energy afterwards I can hardly contain myself!

I enjoy every moment of every day. I can’t tell you how many miles I have walked around Oakland, especially in the park.

Yesterday was particularly wonderful. I walked to the park, taking in the changing fall colors nature has to offer. I also saw many Halloween decorations people placed outside their homes.

I remember a time when I loved decorating outside for Halloween and Christmas. My sister Angie was great at decorating her yard for Halloween, placing in contests when she lived in Oakland. She is very creative, having an artistic knack about her.

I don’t have the flare now to decorate outside, but if you saw inside my house, you would be quite surprised, especially at Christmas.

We don’t have a big house, so decorating is a challenge. I have already rearranged furniture in preparation of the Christmas season.

I fill every space of the house with Christmas cheer! I especially enjoy the many snow globes my daughter Whitney has given me over the years. I also love snowmen and Santa decorations, along with Rudolph….well, you get the picture!

I don’t decorate until after Thanksgiving. I believe in taking one holiday at a time, being thankful for another holiday, day and year.

This holiday season, Jeff and I have much to be thankful for. We have two grandchildren, Grayce and Grayhm, and two more on the way.

Nana and Papa can’t wait to spoil them all this holiday season and every moment we possibly can!

We are just waiting for the phone to ring!

 

 

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Throw Back Thursday

October 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Kat Country Hub Editor and Chief Denise Gilliland with her two month old daughter Whitney in July of 1989. Photo Courtesy of Denise Gilliland.

Kat Country Hub Editor and Chief Denise Gilliland with her two month old daughter Whitney in July of 1989. Photo Courtesy of Denise Gilliland.

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Brakenhoff’s Welcome First Child

October 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Brad and Brittany (Sznajder-Murray) of Columbus, Ohio welcomed the birth of their first child, a son, Grant Taylor Brakenhoff on August 2nd 2014.

Grant’s grandmother is Helen Murray of Lincoln, NE, formerly of Oakland, NE. His great-grandparents are Bill and May Taylor of Oakland, NE.

Brittany is a 2007 graduate of Oakland-Craig High School.

Grant Taylor Brakenhoff

Grant Taylor Brakenhoff

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Weather Cooperates for Harvest

October 16, 2014 Leave a comment


The weather is cooperating so the farmers can keep harvesting. Photo Credit/Justin Beck.

The weather is cooperating so the farmers can keep harvesting. Photo Credit/Justin Beck.

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