Harvesting Has Begun
October 10, 2014 Leave a comment
Harvesting beans has started. These pictures are by Laurel. All photo credit/Justin Beck.
Medicare Near Miss
October 10, 2014 Leave a comment
Have you ever had a “near miss”? You know, the kind of thing that happens in a blink of an eye that sends your heart beating wildly and sometimes causes goose bumps? According to Wikipedia “A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage – but had the potential to do so. Only a fortunate break in the chain of events prevented an injury, fatality or damage.”
Many of us recently experienced a near miss…whether you knew it or not. Many of you are aware of the work I’ve been doing with the Medicare program for the past 10 years…ever since the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan started.
Since that time I personally have worked with over 1900 people helping them understand the Medicare program and compare all the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans to their particular prescriptions in order to get the best plan to cover their needs for the least money. Over those years I have helped these individuals save over half a million dollars! Additionally though the assistance of other SHIIP volunteers at events I have planned the grand total of savings is almost $660,000!
Despite the huge financial impact being made, the grant funding for the support of UNL Extension offering this program has been declining in recent years. The near miss came about recently when the announcement was made stating Extension personnel would not be working with the Medicare program in 2015.
Those of us in Extension were very upset. This was such an important program showing such valuable impact not only saving people money, but offering peace of mind and education on these complex programs. We set about working to make sure the Extension decision makers knew how very much we were needed in rural Nebraska to help people make intelligent and well informed decisions about their medical and prescription needs. After a few weeks of emails, conversations and support from communities across the state we received notice the decision to pull Extension out of the Medicare program has been reversed!
This was truly a near miss not only for my programming, but for all the people in the state and especially the 3 county area I serve as an Extension and SHIIP Medicare contact.
Now it’s time to make sure you don’t have a near miss experience with your Medicare Prescription Drug or Health Plan. Make an appointment to attend one of the 19 Medicare Open Enrollment events available in Burt, Dodge and Washington Counties before the December 7 enrollment deadline.
These are free – no pressure events and NOTHING will be sold. Just make an appointment for the most convenient time and location on one of the event dates; bring your list of prescription medications and relax and take comfort in knowing you did everything you could to compare and save money on prescriptions for next year. Anyone from any county may attend any of these Open Enrollment Events. I hope to see you there!
In Burt County call UNL Extension in Burt County at 402-374-2929 for an appointment:
October 15 – Wednesday – Tekamah – UNL Extension Office, 111 North 13th Street, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 pm
October 20 – Monday – Tekamah – Orville and Willa Chatt Senior Center – 1124 S. 13th Street, 9:00 am-8:00 pm
October 21 – Tuesday – Decatur –Sears Senior Center – 8th and Broadway, 9:00 am-4:00 p.m.
October 22 – Wednesday – Tekamah – Tekamah-Herman Computer Classroom #106 – 112 N. 13th Street, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
November 3 – Monday – Lyons – Lyons Public Library, 305 Main St., 9:00-Noon.
November 3 – Monday – Decatur – Sears Senior Center, 8th and Broadway, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
November 4 – Tuesday – Oakland -Oakland Public Library, 110 East 3rd Street, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
November 4 – Tuesday – Tekamah – Tekamah-Herman Computer Classroom #106 – 112 N. 13th Street, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
November 5 – Friday – Lyons – Lyons Public Library, 305 Main St., 9:00-Noon.
November 5 – Tuesday – Oakland – Oakland Public Library, 110 East 3rd Street, 1:30-5:00 p.m.
November 7 – Friday – Lyons – Lyons Public Library, 305 Main St., 9:00 a.m.-Noon.
November 10 – Monday – Craig – Craig Fire Hall – 333 Main Street, 8:30 am-4:0 pm
November 20 – Thursday – Tekamah – Orville and Willa Chatt Senior Center – 1124 S. 13th Street,
9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
November 24 – Monday – Tekamah – Orville and Willa Chatt Senior Center – 1124 S. 13th Street,
9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
In Washington County call UNL Extension in Washington County at 402-426-9455 for an appointment.
November 17 – Monday – Blair – Washington County Extension Office, 597 Grant St., 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm
November 18 – Tuesday – Blair – Washington County Extension Office, 597 Grant St. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
In Dodge County Call UNL Extension in Dodge County at 402-727-2775 for an appointment:
October 23 –Thursday– Fremont – Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
October 24 – Friday – Fremont – Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd Street, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
November 6 – Thursday – North Bend – 110 E 13th St. North Bend, NE Heritage Room 1:00-5:00 pm
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
Oakland-Craig Pummels Stanton
October 9, 2014 Leave a comment
Oakland-Craig pummeled Stanton last Friday night, beating them soundly by a score of 44-14.
“Our execution early in both halves really was the difference in the game. We were able to jump to a big lead early in the first half, however penalties in the 2nd quarter really took away our momentum,” said Head Coach Joe Anderson. “We challenged the kids to come out with that same energy the 2nd half, and they answered that with two quick TD’s to put the game away.”
Oakland-Craig is celebrating Homecoming this week, but due to Laurel-Concord-Coleridge canceling the rest of their football season, reportedly due to injuries, the King and Queen of Homecoming were crowned at a volleyball game earlier this week, which has never happened in the history of football here.
“This bye week will allow us some time to heal some bumps and bruises, and will also allow us to get back and work on some fundamentals and clean up some of our mistakes,” stated Anderson.
OC’s Zach Ahrens takes on a Stanton player. Photo Credit/Cheri Droescher.
The OC Knights have an exuberant crowd cheering for them. Photo Credit/Cheri Droescher.
Evan Reinert takes down Stanton players on this run. Photo Credit/Cheri Droescher.
Bryce Uhing is on the run! Photo Credit/Cheri Droescher.
OC’s student body section shows their pride in the Knights! Photo Credit/Cheri Droescher.
Justin Smith is headed for a tackle! Photo Credit/Cheri Droescher.
Oakland-Craig Students Participate in Fire Prevention Week
October 9, 2014 Leave a comment
Oakland Fire and Rescue members took Oakland-Craig school children for rides on the fire trucks, educated them on fire safety and let them spray water at the fire hall, among other things, in honor of Fire Prevention Week.
Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief of Kat Country Hub took all the pictures.
O-C students enjoyed Fire Prevention week, courtesy of Oakland Fire and Rescue. All photos/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Glenn E. Murphy, 91, of Walthill NE
October 9, 2014 Leave a comment
Glenn E. Murphy, 91, of Walthill, NE passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Legacy Gardens in Pender, NE.
Funeral services are pending with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.
Harvest Season Reminders
October 9, 2014 Leave a comment
By John Wilson, Extension Educator
Haulers Reminded Proper Permits Needed During Harvest Season
With the arrival of harvest season, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Carrier Enforcement Division would like to remind haulers to obtain the proper permits and make sure their equipment has been inspected and is safe for use.
Haulers are reminded that the Seasonal Harvest Permit or farmer issued statement are not valid on any part of the Interstate System, to include I-129 in Dakota County and I-180 in Lancaster County. The Seasonal Harvest Permit, as well as the issued statement of origin and destination by a farmer, allows a vehicle transporting seasonally harvested products to exceed the legal weight limitations by 15%, from the field to storage or market.
Such loads may still obtain Conditional Interstate Use Permits to exceed the 80,000 pound maximum on the Interstate System, but all axles and groups of axles must remain legal. This would include no more than 20,000 pounds on any single axle, and no more than 34,000 pounds on any true tandem.
The NSP Carrier Enforcement Division also encourages owners and haulers to ensure their equipment is properly maintained. “Braking component violations are the most common problem we discover during commercial motor vehicle inspections,” said Captain Gerry Krolikowski, Carrier Enforcement Division Commander. “Having a properly functioning brake system is critical to the safety of everyone on the roadway and we encourage owners to assure these items are thoroughly inspected.”
Individuals with questions on this topic are asked to contact the Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement Division office in Lincoln during regular business hours, Monday-Friday at 402.471.0105.
Store Grain Management
The key management actions are the same as always, although there may be a little more leeway in storage times/shelf life.
- Uniform drying and cooling
- Adequate aeration (0.1 + cfm/bu)
- Cooling cycle every 10-15 degree change of outside air versus grain
- Get below 40degrees F as fast as possible
- Take out the center core of fines immediately
- Regular inspection, temperature monitoring
- Temperature change is important (3 degrees increase in two weeks without aeration being run is significant)
- Stay within temperature-moisture guidelines even if we are on the high end this year
Safe Grain Storage Periods
The following chart shows the safe storage period (in months) for corn and soybeans at different moisture content and grain temperatures. Remember, if not properly aerated, the grain temperature can be considerably higher than the outside air temperature.
Coal-to-Clean in Southeast Nebraska
October 9, 2014 Leave a comment
Lyons, Nebraska – Wind advocates in Hallam, Nebraska, population 213, got some good news this week. Volkswind USA Inc., an international wind developer, applied for special use permits from Lancaster and Gage counties to build 54 wind turbines near this Southeast Nebraska community.
“The Center for Rural Affairs is excited for Hallam, and encouraged about Volkswind USA’s announcement,” said Virginia Meyer, Rural Organizer at the Center for Rural Affairs. “We continue to encourage the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and Lincoln Electric System to take advantage of the economic, environmental and health benefits of wind. And this proposed Volkswind USA wind farm is an important step in Southeast Nebraska’s transition from coal to clean energy.”
According to Meyer, a recent NPPD study found that phasing out the Sheldon Station Coal Plant and increasing wind energy in the area will save customers money. Moreover, the Hallam area is well positioned to reap the benefits of wind development. The town is home to Sheldon Station, an aging coal fired power plant. Hallam’s proximity to Lincoln and Omaha and access to transmission lines make it an excellent choice for renewable energy development.
A recent Lincoln Journal Star article (Developer plans 11,000-acre Nebraska wind farm, September 29) reported that Volkswind believes the wind farm will provide more than 200 jobs during the construction period, additional full-time operating jobs and about $700,000 in total property tax benefits annually to both counties. Volkswind is submitting proposals to Lincoln Electric System (LES), the public power entity serving Lincoln, NE, which is looking to add up to 100 megawatts of wind energy to their energy portfolio.
“While wind provides jobs, property tax benefits and payments to landowners, Sheldon Station contributes to air and water pollution in the Hallam area, preventing area families from enjoying clean air, water, hunting and fishing,” noted Meyer. “Sheldon Station also has 147 reported Clean Water Act violations, the fourth most in the nation. Pollution from Sheldon Station dirties the air, soil, and water; posing a real threat to the health and happiness of area families.”
Sheldon Station is owned and operated by the Nebraska Public Power District, the public power entity that serves most rural parts of Nebraska. Lincoln Electric Systems contracts for about one-quarter of the Sheldon Station’s energy output.
Village of Decatur Meeting Agenda
October 9, 2014 Leave a comment
VILLAGE OF DECATUR
REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA
October 9, 2014
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 Richards
Roll Call: Bolln _____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Warren _____
2) Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting received:
Roll Call: Bolln _____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Warren _____
3) Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.
Roll Call: Bolln _____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Warren _____
4) EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE MEETING:
Roll Call: Bolln _____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Warren _____
5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND OR COMMITTEES:
1) Police: Monthly Report
A. Dennis Klatt and Tim Slaughter-Police
B. Advertise for Police position
2) Lights: Monthly Report
3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report
4) Parks: Monthly Report
- Income of $1,520.37
5) Streets: Monthly Report
6) Recycling Report-No income. Recycling was hauled to Tekamah.
6) OLD BUSINESS
- Adele Phillips (Center for Rural Affairs) here to discuss toll house
7) NEW BUSINESS
- Possibility of raising prices of copies, laminating and liquor license fees.
- Garbage bids, raising price on utility bills for cleanup day, currently $.65 per month.
- Chevy Henneman-School project, placing of a second dock at Beck park boat ramp.
- Employee Hours
8) CORRESPONDENCE
8) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS:
1) Claims preapproved by Bolln, Richards and Tolby
2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted
________________2nd_________________
Roll Call: Bolln _____, Richards _____, Tolby _____, Warren ______
Are there any questions from the audience?
9) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
_______________2nd________________
Adjournment Time:
Lyons-Decatur Northeast Celebrates Homecoming Week
October 8, 2014 Leave a comment
Lyons-Decatur Northeast Students Celebrated Spirit week and Homecoming last week. All Photos Credit of Pat Sharp.
Law Enforcement Organizations Endorse Ricketts
October 8, 2014 Leave a comment
The Nebraska State Troopers Association, the Nebraska Conservation Officers, and the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council today endorsed Pete Ricketts’ bid for governor.
“It is an honor today to be able to announce the support of the State Troopers Association of Nebraska and the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council for Pete Ricketts as Governor,” said Brian Petersen, President of the State Troopers Association of Nebraska and the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council which includes troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol and Conservation Officers from Nebraska Game and Parks. “Mr. Ricketts has taken time to study the issues related to state law enforcement and what makes a law-enforcement officer most effective in best serving the citizens of the state.”
“One of the primary missions of state government is to protect the safety of our citizens,” Ricketts said. “Nebraska’s State Troopers and Conservation Officers do that each and every day, putting their own safety at risk. They deserve our support.”
At a press conference today with Peterson in Omaha, Ricketts outlined his support for the protection of officers’ collective bargaining rights, pension plans, and technology and equipment needs. He also committed to establishing open lines of communication with the groups and ensuring them a seat at the table in state policy discussions.
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