Hassebrook Challenges Ricketts Claim on Minimum Wage

June 12, 2014 Leave a comment


Yesterday, the Columbus Telegram reported that Pete Ricketts said “many of the Nebraskans receiving the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour are high schoolers who need the entry-level positions to gain work experience and training. This opportunity would be eliminated if employers can’t afford to pay the higher wages.” Chuck Hassebrook has released the following statement, challenging Ricketts’ claim:

“My opponent’s claim characterization of the minimum wage as an issue primarily affecting high schoolers is out of touch. In truth, the proposed increase is critical to thousands of Nebraska families who rely on minimum wage jobs to make ends meet.

“Half of the workforce that makes minimum wage in Nebraska are over the age of 25, which means there are thousands of adult Nebraskans that work in jobs where they are not earning a living wage. People who work hard every day ought to be able to support themselves without needing the help of public assistance programs like food stamps or housing assistance.

“Twenty years ago, the average CEO earned 20 times the average worker. Today, the average CEO makes 275 times the average worker.  At McDonalds, the CEO makes 1,200 times the average worker. We’re in the midst of the largest gap in earnings in history.

“Many studies show that increasing the minimum wage has little or no effect on employment prospects of low wage workers. An increase in wages actually stands to benefit employers through reduced costs associated with employee turnover.

“In fact, in the first four years following the last minimum wage increase the U.S. economy created more jobs than were ever created in any four year period.

“A majority of Nebraskans support increasing the minimum wage, which just goes to show how out of touch Pete is with average, hardworking families. There is no reason that our tax dollars should go to subsidizing businesses that do not pay their workers a living wage.”

Chuck Hassebrook

Chuck Hassebrook

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Stormy?

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


Clouds are building. Is it another stormy evening? Photo Credit for both photos/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Clouds are building. Is it another stormy evening? Photo Credit for both photos/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Social Speaks: School Shooting

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


Another school shooting happened Oregon. Why do you think this is happening?

  • Kathy Peterson for one thing…the instant fame these kids are craving …and they get it whether they live to hear it or not…..also…. many parents are not in tune with their children…..
  • Jerry McManigal In my humble opinion, it’s partly due to the notoriety and fame the shooter gets through the news media.
  • Lacey Dahlgren The attention that these kids are not getting.. Whether it be at home or not. Parents need to make sure they are giving their kids the love and attention they deserve in order to avoid certain situations like these.
  • Kay Gibbs Kommers In my opinion it’s the same reason the prisons are full. “Don’t tell your children NO. Don’t spank your children you will break their spirit Forget they need to be taught right from wrong and learn some respect. It’s all about the world owes me and no one cares about me.
  •  Danita Dahlgren In my opinion, it is a parents job to set the building blocks of how their children view the world, themselves, and others.We must teach them about love and RESPECT, right from wrong, and about morals and values. I think showing your child to find value in themselves may decrease the chances that they want to de-value others.

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USDA Issues June World Supply and Demand Estimates

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


The USDA issued the June version of their World Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) at 11:00am this morning.

 

13/14 WASDE June

Carryout

(mbu)

 Avg Estimate

(mbu)

 May Carryout

(mbu)

 June World Carryout (mmt) Avg Estimate (mmt) May World Carryout (mmt)
Corn 1,146 1,170 1,146 169.1 168.4 168.4
Soybeans 125 127 130 67.2 66.4 67.0
Wheat 593 590 583 186.1 186.2 186.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14/15 WASDE June

Carryout

(mbu)

 Avg Estimate

(mbu)

 May Carryout

(mbu)

 Yield

(bu/acre)
Corn 1,726 1,716 1,726 165.3
Soybeans 325 319 330 45.2
Wheat 574 552 540 42.3

 

 

Corn:

Corn futures posted some gains prior to USDA’s report, but just after its release the market shifted 3 – 4 ½ cents lower, with old crop leading the way. Today’s reaction to the report was neutral however there just seems to be no good news right now for corn, as it continues to grind lower.  No revisions were made to the domestic balance sheet on corn for either crop year. World carryout numbers were near the upper end of expectations on some upward revisions to production. Overall, the numbers were within range.

 

Soybeans:

After trading firmer in overnight trade, Soybean futures were hit with new sellers in reaction to USDA’s Supply & Demand Report.  Beans ended 8 – 17 cents lower, old crop again taking the brunt of it.  The USDA increased soybean crush demand by 5 mbu to effectively lower the carryout by the same amount. No export revisions were made, but will likely occur in subsequent reports due to the pace of soybean exports this year. World numbers were edged slightly higher, but within the range of expectations. No revisions were made to the new crop balance sheet. Like corn, major balance sheet revisions will wait until the June 30th reports.

 

 

For further 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

 
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Women Caring for Land Workshop

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – Women who own or manage farm or ranch land in Northeast Nebraska and Southeast South Dakota are invited to participate in a  Women Caring for the Land discussion about soil health, farm conservation options, and available resources. The free program will take place on Friday, June 13 at the Library Room in the Education Building of Ponca State Park, 8090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE.


“Women landowners now own or co-own approximately half of Midwest and Great Plains farm and ranch land, and often want to do more to conserve their land and resources. However, many are unsure exactly how to reach their conservation goals and what resources are available to help them. Women Caring for the Land can help,” said Virginia Meyer, with the Center for Rural Affairs.


According to Meyer, Women Caring for the Land offers a peer-to-peer, informal discussion format to allow women landowners to talk about their individual land stewardship goals, facilitated by women conservation experts who can share resources available such as USDA cost-share programs, state loans, and other tools.


The meeting will begin with registration and resource sharing at 8:30 a.m.  A free lunch will be provided, and during an afternoon field tour participants will travel to a nearby location to watch a demonstration of soil testing. The tests will measure for soil structure and stability and infiltration.


Meyer suggests participants wear appropriate clothing and footwear/attire as walking a short distance will be required for the field tour.  The group will return to the Education Building for dessert and wrap-up, with the meeting ending by 3 p.m.


Maintaining healthy soil is the key to productivity and environmental health for farmland. Women landowners who attend this meeting will learn to assess and improve the health of their soils through cover crops, no-till and strip-till, and other conservation practices.


Meyer also pointed out that all interested women are welcome to these discussions, including owners, operators and inheritors of farmland, regardless of their degree of knowledge regarding conservation.


Event Location Details:

Friday, June 13, 2014

8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Library Room in the Education Building of Ponca State Park

8090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE.


To ensure enough food is provided, interested participants should  RSVP by June 10th to Virginia Meyer at the Center for Rural Affairs – (402) 687-2100 or virginiam@cfra.org. For more information about this program, visitwww.womencaringfortheland.org or call 641-430-2540.


This session of Women Caring for the Land is sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs in partnership with the Women, Food and Agriculture Network, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The series is funded by a grant from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant Program.

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Dollar Store is Taking Shape

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


The Dollar Store going up in Oakland now has walls! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The Dollar Store going up in Oakland now has walls! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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4-H Adventure Day Camp

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant

UNL Extension in Burt and Cuming County joined together to host the 4-H Adventure Day Camp in Neligh Park in West Point Thursday, June 5.

34 Campers had the opportunity to get a taste of what a true 4-H camp can be during this day camp experience. Ten teen counselors from both counties helped supervise the campers, assisted with workshops, played games and in general, made the camp memorable for the participants. Behind the scenes the Cuming County Adventure Day Camp Committee worked to provide meals, snacks and help with activities.

Adventures awaiting the campers included workshops on:

Electrical Safety, presented by Nikki White of the Cuming County Public Power District;

Leaf Printing presented by UNL Extension Assistant, Kelli Lechtenberg;

Building a Bird House and Wildlife Tracks sessions led by UNL Extension Educator, Debra Schroeder and Sarah Herzinger.

Food Science Activities and making Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag sessions led by UNL Extension Assistant, Mary Loftis;

Introduction to Entomology presented by Erin Ingram and Ivy Orellano of the UNL Department of Entomology and canoeing which was led by Cory Krause, Conservation Officer of the Nebraska Game and Parks.

It was a full day of fun and education for everyone involved and hopefully the campers will decide to attend one of the many multiple day camps offered at the Nebraska 4-H Camps near Gretna and Halsey, NE. If you’d like more information on these camps (4-H membership is not a requirement to attend) please call the UNL Extension Office at 402-374-2929 or go to the Nebraska 4-H Camp website at: http://4h.unl.edu/4hcamps

Part of the Food Science workshop at the Adventure Day Camp found these 4-H members experiencing inertia and gravity. Madison Mandel, Reese Hansen and Sami Linder watching the eggs experience gravity and drop safely in the glass of water after they provided the unbalanced force to change inertia (hitting) the pie tin and toilet paper tube out from underneath them. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant.

Part of the Food Science workshop at the Adventure Day Camp found these 4-H members experiencing inertia and gravity. Madison Mandel, Reese Hansen and Sami Linder watching the eggs experience gravity and drop safely in the glass of water after they provided the unbalanced force to change inertia (hitting) the pie tin and toilet paper tube out from underneath them. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant.

Alex Davis of Tekamah gets help from Jordan Fullner as she makes a bird house at the 4-H Adventure Camp. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant.

Alex Davis of Tekamah gets help from Jordan Fullner as she makes a bird house at the 4-H Adventure Camp.
Photo Credit/Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant.

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Midwest Prime Real Estate for Wind

June 11, 2014 Leave a comment


By Lu Nelson, lucasn@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Wind energy is thriving, especially in the Midwest. Known for it’s huge agricultural potential, Midwestern states also have some of the best potential for wind power, making the region prime real estate for wind energy development. But one of the biggest roadblocks for wind energy is the ability to connect new energy sources to the electric grid.

The Midwest Transmission Project is one transmission project in the region that seeks to remove that roadblock, improving the grid and allowing for greater renewable energy development. The project is a partnership between Omaha Public Power District and Kansas City Power and Light, and will run from a substation near Nebraska City to one just outside Sibley, Missouri.

A major part of the transmission development process is public outreach, usually in the form of several rounds of open house meetings and public hearings, all of which are required for regulatory approval. One thing that makes the Midwest Transmission Project special, though, is that OPPD decided to not stop there with outreach. During the design and development of the project’s route, OPPD met with landowners on their property along the proposed route and asked each of them for their input.

OPPD has provided a prime example for utilities in Nebraska and other states when it comes to developing new transmission. Instead of just meeting with landowners, it’s important to really form a relationship with them, using their knowledge of the local area and expertise to help drive the development process.

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Community Pride After the Storm

June 10, 2014 Leave a comment


A week ago today, a storm hit many areas of northeast Nebraska, causing a great deal of damage to homes, vehicles and fields in the area. Many people were in their basements, wondering what was coming their way.

“Tom, our daughter Hannah, and I were huddled in the basement,” stated Kristie Jensen of Craig, NE. “I was talking to our son Dylan on my cell phone. He asked how we were and before I could answer, I lost service.”

Jensen’s house was hit pretty hard. “We placed a tarpIMG_7603 IMG_7599 IMG_7594 IMG_7580 IMG_7579 IMG_7574 IMG_7555 IMG_7548

Tom and Kristie Jensen's son, Dylan, is pulling tree branches down the street from their house. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Tom and Kristie Jensen’s son, Dylan, is pulling tree branches down the street from their house. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Part of some type of building ended up in this damaged tree by Jensen's in Craig, NE. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Part of some type of building ended up in this damaged tree by Jensen’s in Craig, NE. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Building damage in Craig. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Building damage in Craig. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Lots of hail, debris, car on wrong side of road, semi on it's side, road covered with hail and leaves, etc. was what Kristi Dahlgren drove through yesterday on her way home from Fremont. All photos are the credit of Kristi Dahlgren.

Lots of hail, debris, car on wrong side of road, semi on it’s side, road covered with hail and leaves, etc. was what Kristi Dahlgren drove through yesterday on her way home from Fremont. All photos are the credit of Kristi Dahlgren.

over the picture window. It is double paned and only the outside pane broke,” Kristie said. Their is also some structural damage to a corner of the house. “We can’t open one of the doors to the house,: Kristie stated. Hail damage was also very visible on the outside of their house.

That wasn’t all that happened to their home. A building from across the street blew into their yard, causing quite a mess. One of their vehicles parked outside was also damaged in the storm.

Many other homes were damaged by trees and strong winds.

Uehling also suffered extensive damage to many homes. The damage was different there, as it appears the strong wind seemed to change direction, damaging different sides of homes, taking out windows and stripping leaves right off of the trees.

Many farmers lost their crops or are waiting to see if some of them will come back from the hail. Some are attempting to replant, with the hopes of salvaging something from this ordeal.

The citizens of Craig and Uehling didn’t let the storm get them down. Equipment was brought in to help in the clean up. People were smiling and waving to those coming to assist them.

The community pride was a sight to behold.

 

 

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Kindergarten Graduation at Lyons-Decatur Northeast

June 10, 2014 Leave a comment


The Kindergarten class at LDNE is all smiles on graduation day! Photos courtesy of LDNE.

The Kindergarten class at LDNE is all smiles on graduation day! Photos courtesy of LDNE.

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