4-H Rocket Launch

July 18, 2014 Leave a comment


If you’ve ever attended a 4-H Rocket Launch Contest, you probably never experienced a perfect night for it like it was Wednesday, July 16. Calm, comfortably cool and partly cloudy a perfect evening for a rocket launch. And perfect it was. Every 4-H member had their rocket take off on the first attempt! No second or third launch attempts and the stress that goes with them.  Of course the ribbon placing’s also put them in the perfect category and the judges, Dorothy and Caleb Schmidt had to be very picky to select the top two for Champion and Reserve Champion.

Back Row: Brayden Anderson, Lyons; Layne Miller of Lyons; Elise Anderson of Lyons; Michael Bracht of West Point Front row: Caleb Schlichting, Lyons; Miranda Bracht, West Point; Eli Schlichting and Andrew Schlichting, both of Lyons. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

Back Row: Brayden Anderson, Lyons; Layne Miller of Lyons; Elise Anderson of Lyons; Michael Bracht of West Point
Front row: Caleb Schlichting, Lyons; Miranda Bracht, West Point; Eli Schlichting and Andrew Schlichting, both of Lyons.
Photo Credit/Mary Loftis.

Eli Schlichting of Lyons was the only Clover Kid participating in the contest and he garnered a Clover Kid ribbon for his launch.

Champion honors went to Brayden Anderson of Lyons with Reserve Champion going to Caleb Schlichting of Lyons. Also winning purple ribbons were: Layne Miller of Lyons, Elise Anderson, Lyons; Michael Bracht of West Point, Andrew Schlichting of Lyons and Miranda Bracht of West Point.

 

 

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

Filed under Community Tagged with

Village of Decatur Special Meeting Minutes

July 18, 2014 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur

Special Board Meeting
July 17, 2014

4:30 P.M.

The Board of the Village of Decatur met in special session at 4:30 P.M. at the Community Center on July 17, 2014. The guest signing in was Alta Wolf. Guests not signing in were Jaime Bacon with Burt County Insurance and Kay Kellogg with K&H Insurance.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Jim Nicola.

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Stephanie Warren-absent.

Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes.

Approval and/or correction and suspended reading of the previous month’s minutes:

Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Robert Richards-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes.

Excusing Board members not attending:
Stephanie Warren had to work. Richards made a motion to excuse Warren. Tolby seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Bolln-yes, Richards-yes. Tolby-yes.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Health & Life Insurance Bids. All board members reviewed the Insurance bids. Bolln made a motion to accept the BluePride Plus Option 101 Gold Plan health insurance, and life Insurance from Burt County Insurance for a period of one year. Richards seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Bolln-yes, Richards-yes. The employees pay for their own dental and vision insurance, so they can decide who they want to be their policy carrier for this part of insurance.

ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE

Alta Wolf asked why the board went with the policy they chose. Jim Nicola replied it was felt that this was a better policy.
MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING
Motion Bolln 2nd Richards
Adjournment Time 4:33 P.M

_________________

Jim Nicola, Chairman
 

________________________
Joyce McCullock, Village Clerk

 

Filed under Community Tagged with

Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes

July 17, 2014 1 Comment


The Burt County Board of Supervisors met July 8, 2014, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting with the following members present:  Clifford Morrow, Gerald Newill, David Schold, Perry Rogers, Matt Connealy, Greg Brummond and Gene Rollins.

 

The meeting opened at 9:00 A.M. upon motion by Rollins, seconded by Newill, all voting aye.  Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open meeting Act was posted on the wall.

 

Upon motion by Connealy, seconded by Schold, the agenda was approved as amended with the addition of approval for the Chairman to sign the Subgrant Agreement with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement, all voting aye.

 

Visiting the Board were Peggy Smith, Mike Braniff, Abby Surber, Michele Quick, Sarah Freidel, Joni Renshaw, Karen Grass, Marilyn Andersen, Carroll Welte, Robert Richardson, Vincent Treinen, Ed Knott, Jeremiah Penn, Danny Ostransky, Jeremy Cruise, Brady Ray, Jim Avilla and Kevin Petersen.

 

The Board then heard presentations from two technology service providers, Applied Connective Technologies and Right Tech Computer Solutions.  Representatives from both companies then answered questions from the Board as well as officials.

 

Shortly after 10:00 Highway Superintendent Peggy Smith opened the following bids for three new trucks for the Road Department:

 

I-State           Cornhusker         Mack         Omaha Truck   NMC Cat

#1-148,729.94     135,994.00     122,483.00     132,263.00     143,469.00

#2-139,455.00     129,476.00     119,482.00     126,761.00     132,481.98

#3-191,025.00     191,290.00     191,779.00     190,559.00     201,521.63

479,209.94     456,760.00     433,744.00     449,583.00     477,472.61

 

All of the bids include trade-ins on all three trucks.

 

Upon motion by Connealy, seconded by Schold, the Board accepted the low bid from Mack in the amount of $433,744.00, all voting aye.

 

Board Member Schold offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:

 

RESOLUTION #2014-16

 

 

          WHEREAS there is a balance of $35,069.29 in the E-911 account;

 

AND WHEREAS the Burt County Board of Supervisors has earmarked this monies for the purchase of new equipment and upgrades to the 911 system;

 

AND WHEREAS this is in compliance with rules and regulations set forth by the Public Service Commission.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Burt County Board of Supervisors that the $35,069.29 in the E-911 account be earmarked for the purchase of new equipment and upgrades to the 911 system.

 

DATED the 8th day of July, 2014.

 

ATTEST:MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE     CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN

BURT COUNTY CLERK           BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

 

Board Member Rollins seconded the motion, and the Chairman declared it adopted, all voting aye.

 

At 11:00 A.M. the Board went out of their regular meeting and into Board of Equalization.  After the Board of Equalization meeting and lunch, the Board reconvened in regular session at 1:15 P.M.

 

Motion was made by Schold to accept Applied Connective Technologies as the County’s technology service provider for the next year, beginning August 1, 2014.  Motion was seconded by Brummond, all voting aye.

The County Clerk Report of Fees, the County Court Report of Fines, the District Court Fee Report and the Zoning Report for June as well as the Sheriff’s Quarterly Reports and the Treasurer’s Six-Month Report were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Schold, all voting aye.

 

The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Connealy, all voting aye.

 

Miscellaneous Receipts in the amount of $508,294.29 were approved upon motion by Connealy, seconded by Newill, all voting aye.

 

Upon motion by Connealy, seconded by Schold, Chairman Morrow signed the Subgrant Agreement between the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement and Burt County, all voting aye.

 

At 1:20 P.M. the Board reviewed the budget requests for the 2014-2015 fiscal year and met with officials to discuss their budgets.

 

There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Board adjourned at 3:50 P.M. until 9:00 A.M. July 30, 2014.

 

ATTEST:  MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE     CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN

BURT COUNTY CLERK         BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS

 

 

These minutes are not part of the official record and are not yet approved and may be corrected.  A copy of the approved official minutes is available to the public at the Clerk’s Office.

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE OF THE BURT COUNTY CLERK

July 8, 2014

TEKAMAH NE 68061

 

The Burt County Board of Equalization met this date as called by the Chairman with all members present:  Clifford Morrow, Gerald Newill, Dave Schold, Perry Rogers, Matt Connealy, Greg Brummond and Gene Rollins.

 

The Board convened at 11:00 A.M. to consider Property Valuation Protests.

 

Visiting the Board were Joni Renshaw, Dan Magill and Pamela Thomsen.

 

Assessor Joni Renshaw presented documentation of assessment practices and procedures and asked that it be made a part of each session of the County Board of Equalization and a part of the record of each protest by reference for the proceedings.

 

After meeting with Pamela Thomsen, representing East Meadows Sr. Apartments, the Board considered the following protests from the people who did not choose to appear: Dale Hansen (3), Donald Gingles, Lloyd Lindquist, Larry S. Jackson, Gerald R. Paulsen (2), Ann M. Loftis, Doug and Diane Schlickbernd, Tony and Janet Mathis, and Judy C. Davis.

 

Hearings were held and recorded, with final decisions to be made on July 22, 2014.

 

The meeting adjourned at 11:57 A.M. until July 22, 2014 at 9:00 A.M.

 

ATTEST: MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE    CLIFFORD MORROW, CHAIRMAN

BURT COUNTY CLERK        BURT COUNTY BOARD OF

EQUALIZATION

 

 

These minutes are not part of the official record and are not yet approved and may be corrected.  A copy of the approved official minutes is available to the public at the Clerk’s Office.

 

 

Filed under Community Tagged with ,

Dollar General Store is Open

July 17, 2014 Leave a comment


Dollar General Store opened its doors last evening. Several people, including myself, were on hand to see the new store and make purchases! Both photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Dollar General Store opened its doors last evening. Several people, including myself, were on hand to see the new store and make purchases! Both photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

IMG_8027

Filed under News, Photo Gallery Tagged with , ,

Happenings at Oakland Heights

July 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

We have come to the middle of the month and with that comes our monthly Waffle Supper this Thursday July 17th at 5:30 pm and on Saturday July 19th the Rusty Buckets will be here to sing at 2:30pm. Next week we will be having a Puttin on the Ritz Grill out for the Residents at 11:30 on Tuesday July 22nd and we have a special event on Friday July 25th at 7:00 pm it is our annual funder raiser Ice Cream Social for the Activity Department, we will have entertainment with Ron Schulzkamp, the funds raised help pay for outings for the Residents, seasonal decorations, entertainment, crafts, etc. So come down and enjoy in some ice cream, pie, coffee and entertainment.

We would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Betty Krutilek she celebrates her birthday on July 21st.

Church Service for Sunday July20th at 2:30 pm will be given by the First Lutheran Church with refreshments served afterwards. On Tuesday July 22nd at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass given by Father Paul.

Activities for the week of July21st to July 26th,   are as followed, , Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Reminiscing Group, Game Day, Sing a Long, Crafts, Bingo w/Methodist,   Bible Fellowship, Word Games, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, and Lawrence Welk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Marge Maller, Patty Miller, Mary Donovan, Seth Anderson, Dani Moseman, Anne Anderson, Betty Hanna, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Mary Alice Pearson, Ruth Wallerstedt and Sly Rouse.

 

 

 

Filed under Uncategorized Tagged with , ,

Ricketts Comments on Border Situation

July 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Nebraska Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Pete Ricketts today commented on the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and news reports indicating 200 children who entered the country illegally have been sent to Nebraska.

 

“What we’re seeing now are the real-life consequences of an unsecured border and unilateral presidential action that’s motivated more by politics than sound policy,” Ricketts said.   “The federal government needs to work with the states immediately to ensure children’s safety and safe return back home to their families.”

 

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman said Friday that federal officials have refused his request for information regarding the identity of the children and where they may have been placed.

Filed under Community Tagged with ,

Village of Decatur Meeting Minutes

July 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Village Board of Decatur
Regular Meeting
July 10, 2014
4:30 P.M.
The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 4:30 P.M. at the City Hall on July 10, 2014.

Guests signing in were Alta Wolf, Adele Phillips, Kay Kellogg , Debbie Sorenson, Steve Shonkwiler, Scott Johnson, and Nico Hardeman. Guest not signing in was Misti Johnson.
1)         The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Nicola.
Roll Call: Walt Bolln -here, Jim Nicola-here, Bob Richards-absent, Margaret Tolby-here, Stephanie Warren-here
2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Stephanie Warren-yes
3)         Approval and/or corrections and suspended reading of the previous month’s minutes.
Roll Call: Walt Bolln-yes, Jim Nicola-yes, Margaret Tolby-yes, Stephanie Warren-yes
4)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
Bob Richards was not present.
Bolln made a motion to excuse Richards. Warren seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Bolln-yes, Warren-yes.

5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND OR COMMITTEES

1) Police – The board reviewed the monthly police report. Bolln stated that something needed to be done with dogs.
2) Lights – Bolln reported that some new poles need to be set, but NREA has been busy due to recent storms.
3) Water & Sewer- There were several water leaks in the past month that had to be fixed.

4) Parks – Tolby reported an income of $7021.57 for the month.
A. July 12th playground equipment – Kay Kellogg had talked to some people, and they wondered if the 12th of July would work with the city guys to put the playground equipment up. It was felt that another week would be needed to get things organized. Saturday July 19th was the date set to install the playground equipment at Beck Park. In other matters Warren reported that it was caving off by the outhouses at the campground. She was told that it was just the sand caving off due to the rains and it wouldn’t make it as far as the outhouses. The clerk also reported that it was brought to her attention that the Village police officer had been harassing the campers. She stated that it was just hear say and didn’t know if it was true or not. He supposedly told the campers that if they have their beer or whatever in a cooler cup or something they are fine, but they can’t have a six pack or something setting on the table or they will get a ticket. Bolln stated that it has been like that for over twenty years. It was that way when he used to camp there. A sign is posted at the park prohibiting alcohol use. There was discussion about people not being bothered at other parks if they had their alcohol exposed, as long as they are not causing trouble. The clerk stated that she didn’t want the Village to lose their campers if they are not causing any trouble.
5) Streets-
A. Jane Farber – West 10th St. Jane called and asked to have her name taken off the agenda. Jim Nicola told the board that he had talked with Jane about the issue.
B. Marina entrance – The tube that goes across the road entrance into the marina is in need of repair. It was discussed by the board, and since this is private property the Village is not liable for the repairs.
6) Recycling- No income.
A. Nebraska State Recycling Association membership. The Village chose not to make a donation to this organization.
6) OLD BUSINESS
1. Sparks trial begins July 17th. Nicola made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the Sparks trial. Warren seconded the motion. Roll Call: Tolby-yes, Bolln-yes, Nicola-yes, Warren-yes. Time 4:32 p.m. Bolln made a motion to come out of executive session. Tolby seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Warren-yes, Bolln -yes, Tolby-yes. Time 4:46 p.m.

7) NEW BUSINESS
1. Health Insurance & Life Insurance Bids. Misti Johnson from Burt County Insurance Agency and Kay Kellogg from K&H Insurance explained their proposals to the board. Bolln made a motion to table this for a week. Tolby seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Warren-yes, Bolln-yes, Tolby-yes. Warren made a motion for a special meeting next Thursday July 17th at 4:30 p.m. Bolln seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Warren-yes, Bolln-yes.

2. Shonkwilers permission to serve alcohol at wedding reception on August 16, 2014. Bolln made a motion to allow them to have alcohol on the 16th of Aug. at the City Hall. Warren seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Bolln-yes, Warren-yes.
3. Contract with 4-H Group- Bolln made a motion to renew the contract with the 4-H group. Tolby seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Warren-yes, Bolln-yes, Tolby-yes.

4. ATV & UTV License renewal- The new stickers have been ordered. There will not be a day designated for license renewal this year. Renewal can be done at the Clerk’s office Monday through Friday during the regular business hours. Everyone that purchased a sticker last year was sent a letter reminding them to renew. Signs will also be made and placed at local businesses advertising the renewal.

5. Burgess Lease Agreement. Bolln made a motion to renew Burgess Lease Agreement. Warren seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Warren-yes, Bolln-yes .

6. Adele Phillips – Center for Rural Affairs. Adele had spoke with the Village board members at the March 2014 board meeting about a grant application that was being submitted involving the communities of Macy, Decatur, Lyons, and Oakland. She has been informed that they were awarded the grant. There will be news articles about it in the Lyons Mirror Sun, Oakland Independent, and Burt County Plaindealer papers. The grant has $200,000 in value and a lot of intangible benefits as well. It will support the location of a public art works in Decatur. What this means for Decatur is there will be a person at Center for Rural Affairs (Adele Phillips) dedicated to you, promoting local filtering creativity in this area and there is funding for a part time temporary position specifically in Decatur. Job applications will be made available at the Sears Center, Museum, and Clerk’s office in Decatur. The council will be regularly updated on the project.

7. Nico Hardeman – Property clean- up. Nico told the board that he wanted to burn the home but couldn’t because he has to have it checked for asbestos. He is waiting on this inspection before he can do anything. He then asked the board when they were going to clean up the property on main street by his building. Nicola explained to him that this property is not owned by the Village, and the Village has tried many times to correct this problem. They have even had an attorney involved. The Village will continue trying to find a way to get the property on main street cleaned up.

8. Jim Maryott – Siren hooked up with Sheriff’s office. There used to be a way to blow the siren at the toll house, but the toll house has closed. There are two other locations it can be blown from. They are the City Shop and the Fire hall. If the maintenance office is closed and the firemen are all out, there is no one to blow the siren for warnings. The surrounding towns in Burt county are able to have their sirens blown from the sheriff’s office in Tekamah. It was suggested to split the cost of being connected through the sheriff’s office between the Village, Rural Board, and Fire Dept.

9. Charlie Davis – Water & mud in his basement & garage due to water from Sears Center. The heavy rains are causing runoff from the parking lot. The Village is working on a berm to slow down the running water.

10. Della Kellogg – Weeds, dogs, cats and permits. Not present.

8) CORRESPONDENCE

9) ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. 12.84 tons of refuse was collected on cleanup day.

10) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS OF THE CLAIMS:

1) Claims preapproved by Nicola and Bolln

2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted

Tolby 2nd Warren
Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Bolln-yes, Tolby-yes, Warren-yes.

Any questions from the audience?

11)      MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING

Bolln 2nd Warren

ADJOURNMENT TIME: 5:34 P.M.

Jim Nicola
Chairman
Joyce McCullock

Village Clerk

 

 

Filed under Community Tagged with , ,

Sun Setting on Beautiful Day

July 15, 2014 1 Comment


A beautiful July sunset. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A beautiful July sunset. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

IMG_8024 IMG_8025

Filed under Community, Photo Gallery Tagged with ,

Sign Says Coming Soon: Tomorrow?

July 15, 2014 Leave a comment


Oakland's new business: Dollar Store. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Oakland’s new business: Dollar Store. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Filed under News, Photo Gallery Tagged with , ,

Choosing Flexibility

July 15, 2014 Leave a comment


By

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise

Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education (July, 2014)

As I mentioned last month, the State Board of Education is not meeting in July, so this month, the topics are “my choice” and the article focuses on two educational topics that, for me, are very important.

This month I will address accountability and the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA.) In my personal view, these two topics are interwoven and both important to the State Board of Education. In July 2013, I shared with you that I typically try to write articles that are informative and factual, well, watch out for the fireworks…I will now throw some opinions your way. As we know, if we read it on the Internet, or even in a newspaper, it must be true!!

Joe Dejka, a reporter with the Omaha World-Herald, provided an excellent overview of ESEA—now commonly known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The June 23rd OW-H article highlighted a State Board of Education discussion about pursuing an ESEA Flexibility “waiver” from certain federal government requirements. ESEA has an unrealistic goal of requiring all students to be 100 percent proficient in reading and math by 2014 Yes, that would be this year! In my opinion, if the State Board applies for ESEA Flexibility, it should occur only after Nebraskans across the state have an opportunity to voice their views on the issue.

So, before I continue painting the picture of what the Nebraska Department of Education and local schools will have to do to receive ESEA Flexibility, I think it is only fair to point fingers. The United States Congress has a job to do and, in the case of reauthorizing the federal ESEA law, that just has not happened!! I know you are surprised by this lack of action at the federal level!! Because Congress has not reauthorized ESEA—action that should have occurred in 2007–we find ourselves in this very difficult position.

Before I continue, I urge you to contact your Congressional representatives to encourage bipartisan collaboration on the reauthorization of ESEA.

Since reauthorization appears unlikely at this time, let’s look at what Nebraska’s request for ESEA Flexibility would entail. Nebraska would apparently be required to develop and implement a plan that would include: academic content standards that are college and career ready; issue annual report on the state’s college going rate and college credit accumulation rates for all students; establish an accountability system that includes student achievement on assessments, and the identification of focus and priority schools; ensure districts implement teacher and principal evaluation system that connects teacher evaluations to student performance and support systems; and, my favorite—reduce duplication and unnecessary burdens on school districts! The good news: several of the elements required at the federal level are included in the state’s Quality Education Accountability Act. The bad news: many of those elements have not yet been defined and that work will take input from the public and time to put in place.

Some readers may think one solution would be to just not take any federal education funds. For many schools, federal funding is a very important part of their budget, and it would be very difficult for local school districts or the state to make up for the loss of those federal dollars. If the State Board does nothing–like the U.S. Congress–our schools will be in a very difficult situation. What is the State Board of Education to do? Research options, become informed and get input from Nebraskans. ESEA Flexibility will not happen overnight and not without input from the public. In my opinion, we need to urge the U.S. Congress to work to reauthorize ESEA. In reality—my reality—we need to explore the feasibility of requesting an ESEA Flexibility waiver from certain federal requirements.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

 

 

 

 

Filed under Opinion Tagged with , ,

← Older posts

Newer posts →