Hassebrook on Taxpayers Repaying the Government

August 19, 2014 Leave a comment


“The revelation that Nebraska taxpayers may face another $2.5 million repayment to the federal government because the Department of Health and Human Services’ repeated mismanagement demonstrates the need for a Governor who will take responsibility for the management of state government.

“This is just the latest in a long series of failings in state agencies. The Department of Corrections released dangerous convicts early, costing lives and jeopardizing the safety of all Nebraskans. The state has lost or repaid over $40 million to the federal government due to the mismanagement of the Beatrice State Developmental Center and the privatization of foster care.

“Nebraskans have a right to expect their Governor to run their government in a competent manner. When I am Governor, I will pay attention to state agencies and fulfill my responsibility to make state government work effectively and cost effectively.

“The Governor must be responsible for government – and I will be. The buck will stop at my desk.”

Chuck Hassebrook

Chuck Hassebrook

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Weldon C. Schwarten, 86 of Wakefield NE

August 19, 2014 Leave a comment


Weldon C. Schwarten, 86, of Wakefield, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield. A celebration of Weldon’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield; Pastor Darwin Garton will be officiating. A prayer service will be held at Salem Lutheran Church Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial with military honors from the Wakefield American Legion Post #81 will be in the Wakefield Cemetery following the service. Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Wakefield is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wakefield Community Foundation and Salem Lutheran Church.

Weldon was born on October 4, 1927 in Wakefield, Nebraska, the son of Charles and Anna (Gradert) Schwarten. He was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. Weldon graduated from Wakefield High School in 1945 and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1950 until 1952. On October 1, 1961, he was united in marriage to Betty Stolle at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Concord, Nebraska. To this union four children were born: Teri, Thomas, Timothy and Tricia. Weldon worked in the Wakefield bank for several years until being elected as Dixon County Treasurer. He served two terms as treasurer until his retirement. Along with being a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Weldon was also a member of the Wakefield American Legion Post #81, and the Wakefield Community Club. His hobbies included playing cards, golf, playing pool at the senior center and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and the family vacations they took.

Weldon is survived by his wife Betty of Wakefield, sons: Thomas (Kimberly) Schwarten of Lincoln, NE and Timothy (Beth) Schwarten of Vancouver, WA, daughters: Teri (Roger) Sahs of Stillwater, OK and Tricia (Joe) Rehrs of Syracuse, NE, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother Merle (Mae) Schwarten of Wakefield, NE, nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law Lois Schwarten, nephew Bradley Schwarten and a great niece Megan Schwarten.

Weldon Schwarten

Weldon Schwarten

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Penke Starts Ninth Year Teaching at O-C

August 18, 2014 Leave a comment


 

Kylie Penke in her newly arranged and decorated room at O-C. Photo courtesy of Kylie Penke.

Kylie Penke in her newly arranged and decorated room at O-C. Photo courtesy of Kylie Penke.

“We have really great kids at O-C and that makes my job rewarding,” stated Kylie Penke, a teacher at Oakland-Craig Schools. “I also think we have rock-star administrators, faculty and staff that make this a great school for everyone!”

Kylie is beginning her ninth year teaching at Oakland-Craig. She teaches biology, advanced biology, intro to agriculture, plant science, animal science and ag business in grades 9-12.

She has been busy the last few days in preparation of the first day of school, tomorrow. “There are more changes than usual this year due to the elementary renovation being complete and several teachers being on the move in the high school as well,” Kylie said.

She has a new room and has been working at getting it ready for the new school year. “I am really excited to have more space and storage to properly accommodate teaching science and ag,” Kylie stated.

Education is ever evolving, and providing students with the best education possible is important to teachers. “I have been revising the syllabi to reflect some of the new technologies and policies that I will be using in hopes of keeping parents more in the loop of what is going on in class,” Kylie said. “I have also spent some time working with professors at UNL’s College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources on a new Plant Science course that will mirror a current college course.” Students have the option to take an on-line version of this class. “It will be offered through the Advanced Scholars Program for college credit,” Kylie stated.

Kylie’s inspiration to become a teacher came while working with students during her year of service as a Nebraska FFA State Officer. “I discovered I really enjoyed working with high school students and being with them nearly every day presents an amazing opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives,” Kylie said.

She also thought she had a lot that she could teach students about school and life. “Turns out, they are constantly teaching me!” Kylie stated.

Teaching for nine years, Kylie has had many memorable moments. “Helping students excel in class, athletics and life who have truly worked hard to accomplish their goals is wonderful, Kylie said. “I could name several kids from all walks of life whom accomplish some pretty amazing feats and their satisfaction is priceless.”

Not only is Kylie entering her ninth year of teaching, this will also be her ninth year coaching cross country. “Cross Country has been so positive for myself and the runners. I couldn’t imagine life without it,” Kylie stated. “I am especially excited for the 2014 season because I think this is going to be a very big year with all of the talent and hard work I have already witnessed.”

Kylie doesn’t just coach cross country, she runs too. “Although I never catch the kids, I do run during most practices. It started as a selfish way to stay in shape, but I have learned that the kids really appreciate me “suffering” with them,” Kylie said. “It motivates them to do more. I guess if these old bones can do it, they should be able to do it too!”

Kylie and her husband, Jason, are the parents of two boys. Tate is five and Tye is three. “Tate is pumped about starting kindergarten and Tye is excited about the cool toilet he gets to sit on at preschool,” Kylie stated. Her and Jason will be hands on, assisting the boys with homework. “We will be doing plenty of reading in the evenings,” Kylie said.

To those considering the education field, Kylie has some advice to share. “I can’t count on two hands how many people have told me they wish they would have become a teacher,” Kylie stated. “The summers are wonderful, but most teachers are still working/teaching/coaching throughout the break so hopefully you have other reasons for going into education. It is an extremely rewarding field that is very family friendly. There truly is no other job I would rather have!”

 

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Dry Weather Stress

August 18, 2014 Leave a comment


By John Wilson

John Wilson

John Wilson

Our wet spring turned into a dry summer. At least we haven’t had extreme heat to make matters worse. Lawns, gardens and ornamentals are starting to show signs of our dry weather. Lawns starting to turn brown and wilting plants are the most visible signs. Low yields and poor quality vegetables are additional signs of heat stress.

Brown lawns are becoming a more common sight. Kentucky bluegrass has the ability to go dormant during summer to protect itself from heat and drought. This is what is happening when bluegrass lawns are turning brown… the grass is dormant, not dead.

To conserve water on turfgrass, it is fine to allow bluegrass lawns to go dormant. To keep them alive so they recover when cooler temperatures return, you should apply about a half inch of water every week or two, as needed, if you don’t get it from precipitation.

Fescue lawns are another story. You need to water them enough to keep them green… not golf course green… but at least a light green. Unlike bluegrass, fescue does not go dormant. If it turns brown, it enters a state which we call permanent dormancy… which is another way of saying it died and you will need to reseed the brown areas later this summer.

Ornamental plants and vegetables wilting during the heat of the day are also signs of plants protecting themselves from heat and drought. As long as the soil is moist and the plants only wilt during the day and then recover in the evenings, they are fine.

When plants wilt, you automatically assume they need water. In most cases they do, but check to see the soil is dry before watering. Larger leaved plants, like cucumbers, wilt during the heat of the day even when the soil is moist. This is the plant’s way of reducing the amount of water lost from leaves during the day. They do not need additional water… in fact too much water can injure them more than if you don’t water them at all.

Less obvious signs of heat and drought stress are bitter cucumbers, tomatoes with leathery brown bottoms, missing kernels in sweet corn ears, potato plants turning brown, poor fruit set, and the list could go on and on.

Most cucumber plants contain a bitter compound. When plants are stressed from heat, too little moisture, or poor fertility… bitterness in cucumbers is more prominent. Cucumber varieties listed as bitter-free or burpless are less likely to develop bitterness.

Bitterness is often limited to the stem end of the cucumber and the skin. Cutting off these portions will remove most of the bitterness. If the stress is severe, some cucumbers will be bitter all the way through and are best discarded. Even when pickled, they will remain bitter tasting.

When the bottom of a tomato fruit turns brown, this is blossom-end rot. It is caused by a lack of calcium in the fruit and peppers, squash and watermelon also can be affected. This deficiency is not due to a lack of calcium in the soil. It is result of factors that slow growth, such as heat or drought stress. To reduce blossom end rot, use mulch around plants, maintain uniform soil moisture and avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen.

If hot, dry conditions occur during pollination of sweet corn then pollination is often reduced. The results are sweet corn ears that do not develop kernels to the ear tip or have missing kernels throughout the ear. This sweet corn can still be eaten. Tomatoes with end rot can also be eaten if the brown portion is removed.

Some potatoes are turning brown due to hot air and soil temperatures. Once plants begin to die, harvest the potatoes. Even if there are not many potatoes or the tubers are small, once the plant dies tubers stop developing. If left in the ground, they are likely to rot.

For more information on watering your lawn or garden, contact your local UNL Extension office.

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Hassebrook to Participate in Debates

August 18, 2014 Leave a comment


Democratic candidate for Governor of Nebraska, Chuck Hassebrook, has confirmed that he will participate in at least three debates for the upcoming election.

Last week, Hassebrook announced that he had contacted his opponent, Pete Ricketts, to plan a series of debates and town halls all over the state. Ricketts declined to participate, stating that his campaign’s calendar was already full.

Details about the debates are below:

WHAT: Debate at Nebraska State Fair
WHEN: Monday, September 1, 2014, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Heartland Events Center (Grand Island)
WHO: Open to the public
NOTES: Hosted by the Omaha World-Herald, moderated by Mike’l Severe. The debate will stream on the World-Herald’s website.

WHAT: NET Debate
WHEN: Thursday, October 2, 2014, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: NET Studio (Lincoln)
WHO: Limited seats available
NOTES: A limited number of tickets are available from each campaign. The debate will air live on NET TV and radio, and will be available on NET’s website.

WHAT: Press Club Debate
WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2014, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Press Club (Omaha)
WHO: Limited seats available
NOTES: The debate will be sponsored by the Omaha Press Club, the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha, and WOWT. WOWT will tape the debate and air it the same day during prime time. About 200 tickets are available for $15 each, which includes lunch.

Questions about the debates or the Hassebrook campaign should be directed to Meg Mandy, Communications Director, at meg@chuckhassebrook.com or (619) 288-3823.

Chuck Hassebrook

Chuck Hassebrook

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4-H Shooting Sports Archers/Targe Shredders

August 18, 2014 Leave a comment


These 4-H Shooting Sports archers, mainly from the Target Shredders 4-H Club, take aim during the 4-H Archery contest during the Burt County fair.

This week they and their parents and 4-H leaders will aim to raise funds needed to continue and grow their Shooting Sports program when

they provide the lunch stand at the Lee Valley Consignment Auction on Thursday, August 21

Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

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Bancroft Senior Center News

August 18, 2014 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.

 

Farmers Market

The Bancroft farmers market is held each week on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. located by the community bulletin board. All vendors are welcome to sell baked goods, jellies, farm fresh eggs, honey, garden produce etc. No charge to participate in the farmers market. For more information contact Connie at 402-648-3387.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Aug. 20: Melody chimers practice at 9:00. Golf card tournament at 1:30.

Thurs. Aug. 21: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. We will play chicken foot dominoes starting at 1:30.

Fri. Aug. 22: Join us for chair exercises at 10:00.The farmers market is happening by the community bulletin board; selling from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. today and Sat. at the same time. All vendors are welcome to come sell that day. The pool players go to the Wisner Center for a pool tournament. The pinochle tournament is at 1:30.

Mon. Aug.25: The pitch tournament is at 1:15. The monthly board meeting is at 3:30.

Tues. Aug. 26: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Bingo will be played at 2:00.

Wed. Aug. 20: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Sign up for 5-handed pinochle at 1:30.

 

 

 

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Grain Market Update

August 18, 2014 Leave a comment


Corn +2 @ 3.67 ¾

New Corn +1 @ 3.78

 

Beans unchanged @ 10.52

 

Corn

  • Weather – Can the weather get much better across the Corn Belt?  75 degree weather and good rainfall in mid-August
  • USDA report is behind us and the next focal point is Septembers Quarterly Stocks report.  Supply appears to continue increasing while demand remains strong.
  • Funds – The funds do not seem to be doing much of anything, but waiting to see.  Still currently holding a net long position, and the market continues to chop, not knowing whether to move up or down.  If the funds decide to exit, corn could continue to fall.  However, Friday’s close gave some bullish news giving us a few cents to the upside.  These short term rallies might be an opportunity for producers to make a sale or two.  It sure seems the sellers are quick to react and take back those rallies.  There just does not seem to be enough buyers to continue any upward momentum.
  • Basis – Keep a close eye on basis in your area, basis remains fairly steady.  It is likely area consumers such as ethanol plants are supporting the basis levels.  However, once they build an adequate supply we may see basis aggressively slip downward.  If a producer sees a basis level they like, LOCK IT IN.  I suspect the downside risk for basis is one to be concerned about.

 

Beans

  • Production – Weather plays a major part in final production, however with the mild temperatures and adequate rainfall, it’s hard not to see the bean crop is getting larger.  What is the long term price risk here?  Brazil will be planting in a few weeks and there is already talk of them planting 5-6% more.  Beans continue to show signs of weakness in the trade.  Any signs of rally might warrant a sale opportunity at a profitable level.

 

Pro Farmer tour

2014 Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour Schedule

 

Eastern Tour stops:

Sunday, Aug. 17 – Columbus, Ohio

Monday, Aug. 18 – Fishers, Ind.

Tuesday, Aug. 19 – Bloomington, Ill.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Coralville, Iowa

Thursday, Aug. 21 – Rochester, Minn.

 

 

Western Tour stops:

Sunday, Aug. 17 – Sioux Falls, S.D.

Monday, Aug. 18 – Grand Island, Neb.

Tuesday, Aug. 19 – Nebraska City, Neb.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Spencer, Iowa

Thursday, Aug. 21 – Rochester, Minn.

 

 

For more information contact:

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

Risk Management Consultant

Central Valley Ag – ProEdge

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

Office: 402-685-5613

Cell: 402-380-9855

 

__________ Information from ESET Endpoint Antivirus,

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Dedication/Open House for New Addition at O-C Elementary

August 17, 2014 Leave a comment


Today from 1:30-5:30 p.m. is a dedication/open house for the new addition of the Oakland-Craig Elementary School. Tours of the new addition will be given during the four hours. Refreshments will be provided in the elementary commons area. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

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Senator Brasch and 26 Other Senators Send Letter to EPA

August 17, 2014 Leave a comment


Senator Lydia Brasch, District 16, submitted a letter last week to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to convey strong opposition to the proposed definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). Signed by 26 other Nebraska State Senators, the letter criticizes the broad scope of the new rule and urges the EPA and Corps to work cooperatively with Nebraska’s state and local agencies.

 

Emphasizing concerns expressed by landowners, especially those involved in agriculture, Senator Brasch said, “The proposed definition poses a very serious threat to our individual property rights because all waters, from farm ponds to streams, in Nebraska could be subject to federal control. Farmers, ranchers, and other landowners could see increased federal government regulations over portions of their land.”

 

 

The Honorable Gina McCarthy                                                   The Honorable John M. McHugh

Administrator                                                                                                                      Secretary

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency                                                     Department of the Army

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW                                                           The Pentagon, Room 3E700

Washington, D.C. 20460                                                                             Washington, D.C. 20310

RE: Opposition to Proposed Definition of “Waters of the United States”

Dear Administrator McCarthy and Secretary McHugh:

As Members of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, we write you in opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

We are especially concerned about the effect this rulemaking will have on our farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in the state of Nebraska. Under the new definition, streams, farm ponds, and irrigation ditches, among other waters, could be considered “waters of the United States.” This brings the potential for cumbersome oversight and convoluted permitting processes.

Essentially a catch-all provision for waters that do not otherwise meet the broad scope of definitions listed in the rule, the “other waters” provision gives us great trepidation. Under this category, any and all waters showing a “significant nexus” to traditional navigable waters will be federally controlled. This is a tenuous regulatory interpretation of the CWA that gives the federal government virtually limitless control of currently state-controlled waters. Not only does this irreconcilably supersede the clear intent of Congress, but it undermines the Supreme Court decisions in SWANCC and Rapanos, which determined that the EPA and the Corps do not have limitless authority over water.

We share the concerns of the Western Governors’ Association: “[W]e are concerned that this rulemaking was developed without sufficient consultation with the states and that the rulemaking could impinge upon state authority in water management.”

The authority of the individual states to manage the water located within their boundaries is unambiguously recognized in the CWA. Section 101(g) of the Act establishes this right and the duty of federal agencies to work cooperatively with state and local agencies:

It is the policy of Congress that the authority of each State to allocate quantities of water within its jurisdiction shall not be superseded, abrogated or otherwise impaired by this Act. It is the further policy of Congress that nothing in this Act shall be construed to supersede or abrogate rights to quantities of water which have been established by any State. Federal agencies shall co-operate with State and local agencies to develop comprehensive solutions to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution in concert with programs for managing water resources.

The proposed rule undermines this specific, express charge by Congress because it does not allow states to maintain their sovereignty with regard to water management, opting instead for a one-size-fits-all determination by federal agencies.

It is our hope that federal agencies will work cooperatively with Nebraska and other states to harmoniously address environmental concerns, state sovereignty, and individual landowner rights. According to the Western Governors’ Association, in its letter dated March 25, that cooperative relationship was not established during the rulemaking process. Therefore, we urge you to include Nebraska’s state and local leaders, as well as state and local leaders nationwide, in this rulemaking process.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to future collaboration with you.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Lydia Brasch

District #16

Kate Sullivan

District #41

 

Tom Carlson

District #38

 

Mark Christensen

District #44

 

Colby Coash

District #27

 

Al Davis

District #43

 

Annette Dubas

District #34

 

Tommy Garrett

District #3

 

Tom Hansen

District #42

 

John Harms

District #48

 

Charlie Janssen

District #15

 

Jerry Johnson

District #23

 

Bill Kintner

District #2

 

Bob Krist

District #10

 

Beau McCoy

District #39

 

John Murante

District #49

 

John Nelson

District #6

Pete Pirsch

District #4

 

Jim Scheer

District #19

 

Paul Schumacher

District #22

 

Les Seiler

District #33

 

Jim Smith

District #14

 

Norm Wallman

District #30

 

Dan Watermeier

District #1

 

Galen Hadley

District #37

 

Mike Gloor

District #35

 

Kathy Campbell

District #25

###

Senator Brasch

Senator Brasch

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