REAP Goes to Washington

May 23, 2014 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – The Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project-REAP met in Washington, D.C., this last week during National Small Business Week, an annual event, proclaimed by the President, to recognize and honor the contributions small businesses make to our economy and communities. 

REAP is part of “The Friends of the SBA Microloan Program” a network of seasoned intermediary lenders committed to supporting a strong and effective Microloan Program at the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Friends network provides a venue for intermediary lenders to discuss program operations, share success stories, challenges and best practices. The primary mission of the Friends network is advocacy and participating intermediaries work to keep policy makers in Washington updated on how SBA resources are being used to finance, support and grow small businesses and create jobs in urban and rural communities across the country.  Some of these programs, including REAP, were the original programs chosen to run a pilot microlending program in the U.S. in 1991.

While in Washington D.C. the group had an opportunity to share intermediary lender and small business success stories with Congressional staff at the briefing organized with the House Small Business Committee as well as key staff with the Small Business Administration.  Each program made appointments with elected officials and staff to discuss the importance of small business and alternative lending sources. 

“It’s always good to connect with folks in D.C. and tell the stories of our businesses, share our successes as a program and needed changes to stay current with the economy and the changing needs of our customers,” stated Dena Beck, Senior Project Leader and Loan Specialist with REAP.  “This year was special with the inclusion of a SBA Microloan recipient, Nebraska small business and REAP/Rural Investment Corp-RIC board member Connie Harvey, owner of Efficiency Counts in Hasting, NE.  Our elected officials and SBA program staff often hear from us working out in the field, but when a business talks to them about their journey, struggles and successes, it makes it very real for them.”

According to Harvey, “I gleaned a lot about how advocating in Washington works… and I was really impressed with the caliber of REAP and the other intermediaries that came from all over the United States.  I felt honored and humbled to be given such an opportunity to participate in this process.  One thing that was emphasized by the leadership of the SBA, and demonstrated while talking individually with representatives, is that real-life stories are the most effective means of getting our points across.”

Beck added, “ I was astonished by the statistic of 8,000 small and micro business owner credit applications declined each business day according to the Treasury Secretary, Jacob Lew, June 10, 2013.” 

For pictures of the group visit:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfra/sets/72157644369613318/ (Click on individual pictures for descriptions and captions. )
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfra/14217071856/in/set-72157644369613318
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfra/14053404358/in/set-72157644369613318

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Max Robert Franzluebbers of Emerson, NE

May 23, 2014 Leave a comment


Max Robert Franzluebbers was born into Heaven on Tuesday, May 21, 2014. The beloved son of Andrew and Joani (Paulsen) Franzluebbers of Emerson, NE. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE.

Max is loved by his parents Andrew and Joani, a brother Nathan and a sister Madelyn. Max is also survived by his grandparents Roger and Jo Ann Paulsen of Emerson, NE and Anthony and Connie Franzluebbers of Dodge, NE, a great-grandma Mildred Carlson of Neola, IA and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Max is joined in Heaven by several great-grandparents.

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Seery’s Journey to Help Those When Disaster Strikes

May 22, 2014 1 Comment


“Ever since I was little, I always wanted to find ways of helping people. That is why I became a volunteer firefighter,” stated Susan Seery of rural Oakland.

As time passed, Susan realized she wanted to go beyond being a firefighter. She felt there was much more she could do to help others. “I decided to look into the Red Cross. I always hear about them. They are always on the scene after a disaster strikes,” Susan said. “I then thought to myself, that is another way I could help people out.”

Thus, the next chapter of her life began. “I looked them up, gave them a call and took some classes,” Susan stated.

After taking the required classes, Susan became a member of the Red Cross, responsible for client case work. “This means I would fill out their information and what they lost,” Susan said. “Some clients would receive funds to help replace some of what they lost.”

Her first time helping those in need was after a tornado hit Macy. “The people there were so nice and happy to see us,” Susan stated. “One gentleman gave me a big hug and told me thank you.” He also said he was surprised they were there. “He told me he didn’t think anyone would ever help us out. It broke my heart,” Susan said.

Having heard someone say that, Susan decided she wanted to help people even more. “I decided to become a Volunteer Red Cross Supervisor,” Susan stated. She took several online classes in pursuit of her goal, which she achieved.

Being a Supervisor means she has many more responsibilities when disaster strikes. “I can do mass feedings, help with shelters, damage assessment and much more,” Susan said. “I can also get called out when a home is destroyed by a fire.”

Susan’s next call of duty came after a tornado hit Beaver Crossing. “Pretty much the whole town lost everything. It was the first time I have seen such destruction like that in person,” Susan stated. “In Macy, we weren’t able to go out because everything was blocked off. In Beaver Crossing, we needed to survey the damage.”

Susan’s favorite movie is Twister. “To se a town destroyed in person is devastating. My heart went out to all the people there and the other seven towns that were affected by the storms on Mother’s Day,” Susan said.

Susan is also nationally recognized. “This means if there is a national disaster in another state, I would be deployed for up to two weeks to help with those affected for any type of disaster,” Susan stated. “This includes disasters from flooding to tornadoes.”

Susan was very moved by the disaster and how devastating a tornado can be to everyone in its path. “ After I got home that night, I hugged my kids and told them that I love them very much as I do every day,” Susan said. “But, I hugged them a little tighter, knowing things can change in an instant.”

 

Tornado strikes Battle Creek. All Photos/Credit of Susan Seery of the Red Cross and rural Oakland resident.

Tornado strikes Battle Creek. All Photos/Credit of Susan Seery of the Red Cross and rural Oakland resident.

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Susan Seery, Volunteer Red Cross Supervisor. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

Susan Seery, Volunteer Red Cross Supervisor. Photo Courtesy of Susan Seery.

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Final Story Time of the Year at Oakland Public Library

May 22, 2014 Leave a comment


By Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. All photos are the credit of Rosa Schmidt. 

At today’s Storytime, after reading our stories and gluing our flower gardens…pony rides for all!1526688_716536735073629_6196216626370696215_n 10295698_716466305080672_5651966064089152075_n 10308321_716536791740290_6149417005043066385_n 10310667_716536518406984_5311346134065591853_n 10360337_716536631740306_7958582617512119909_n 10363131_716466091747360_1650100240985390577_n

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Wilderness Escape Vacation Bible School

May 21, 2014 Leave a comment


Bethany Lutheran Church, First UNITED METHODIST Church, Memorial United Methodist Church, and First Presbyterian Church, Invite Families to wilderness escape VBS (Vacation Bible School)

Lyons, Ne

A summer family event called “Wilderness Escape: Where God Guides and Provides” will be hosted at First Presbyterian Church from May 27th to May 30th. Families step back in time at Wilderness Escape, exploring some of the adventures faced by Moses and the Israelites. Kids and adults participate at the Israelite Camp, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into Bible-times snacks, visit Moses, and collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God’s Word. Plus, everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes at Celebration—a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved.

 

Kids and adults at Wilderness Escape VBS will join together to support the local food pantry.

 

Wilderness Escape will run from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM each day. For more information, call (after 5PM) or text (anytime) Shelly Richling at (402) 987-4203.VBS CommunityFlyer 20174

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School’s Out! Let the 4-H Specialty Camp Fun Begin

May 21, 2014 Leave a comment


School’s out! Let the 4-H Specialty Camp Fun Begin!

 

Sign up today for two of Burt County’s popular 4-H camp!

Razzle Dazzle Robotics camp is geared for youth ages 8-12 who want to design, build and program NXT Mindstorm Robots. The workshop enhances youth critical thinking and problem solving skills using science, engineering and math concepts. Razzle Dazzle Robotics will be held next Tuesday, May 27 through Friday, May 30 from 9:00-Noon at the Tekamah City Auditorium. The workshop fee is $20.00 Registration deadline for this workshop is this Friday, May 23 at 4:30 p.m.

 

Making Money Camp is geared for youth ages 10-14 who want to create products and services and run their own business in the future. This workshop enhances youth entrepreneurial thinking and skills using business and marketing principles. The Making Money Camp will be held June 19-20 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Burt County Fairgrounds in Oakland. The workshop fee is $25 and the registration deadline is June 16th.

 

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

Mary Loftis

Mary Loftis

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

May 21, 2014 Leave a comment


Mother's Day Tea at Oakland Heights. Photos courtesy of Oakland Heights.

Mother’s Day Tea at Oakland Heights. Photos courtesy of Oakland Heights.

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We had a great time last week with the Residents for National Nursing Home Week. A week of parties, I would like to thank Pat Anderson, Nadine Anderson, and Robin Johnson for volunteering to help for the Mother’s Day Tea also the rest of the nursing home staff that joined in on the fun for the Hula Hoop contest and Ball Tournament. We also had a nice turnout for the Waffle Supper last Thursday night it is so nice to have such great volunteers who come every month to assist with the supper.

Next week is Memorial Day on Monday May 26th, and we have a Birthday this week Cathy Huff celebrates her birthday on May 31st.

Church Service for Sunday May25th at 2:30 pm will be given by the   First Evang. Lutheran Church with refreshments served afterwards.

Activities for the week of May 26th to May 31st are as followed, ,Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo w/Methodist, Bible Fellowship, Reading Group, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Welk

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

Guest’s signing the Guest book this past week was:   Mary Plageman, Tom Larson, and Diane Lux to see Dorothy Larson. Also visiting was Brian and Travis Goracke to see Marvin Lang. And other visitors who came last week were Reame, Rick, and Ryan Shepherd

 

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Third Annual Select Band Tour

May 21, 2014 Leave a comment


By Jessie Mutum, LDNE Music Student

This year we had 5th and 6th graders participate in the 3rd annual Select Band Tour. What the select kid did that got so many stickers from Mr. Mayo, was an assembly at the school, then went to eat at Hot Stuff in Oakland. Then we went around Lyons to the Logan Valley Manor and Happy Days Senior Center and had a little concert. Thank you to all the kids that played. C

From left in way back row is Maggie White, Emma Nelson, Rusty Hardemen, and Reid Preston. From Left in second row is Cassidy Mentink, Kassandria Prieto, Seth Totten, Chad Christoferson, Ryan Payton, and Brennan Fergison. From left third row is Zach Heggy, Mason Lami, Derek Peterson, and Braden Anderson. And very front row is Kisha Kraft.

From left in way back row is Maggie White, Emma Nelson, Rusty Hardemen, and Reid Preston.
From Left in second row is Cassidy Mentink, Kassandria Prieto, Seth Totten, Chad Christoferson, Ryan Payton, and Brennan Fergison.
From left third row is Zach Heggy, Mason Lami, Derek Peterson, and Braden Anderson.
And very front row is Kisha Kraft.

an’t wait till next year!

 

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Ruth M. Mattes, 93 of Allen, NE

May 21, 2014 Leave a comment


Ruth M. Mattes, 93, of Allen, NE passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 at Hillcrest Care Center in Laurel, NE. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 23, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsburg, NE; with Pastor William Bertrand officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Eastview Cemetery in Allen, NE. Arrangements are under the direction of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE.

Ruth Marie (Kubik) Mattes was born on April 2, 1921 in Pender, Nebraska, the daughter of Frank and Emma (Zvacek) Kubik. Ruth attended schools in Thurston County and graduated in 1939 from Emerson High School. After graduation she attended Normal School and taught rural school in Thurston and Dixon Counties for five years.

On December 23, 1944, she was united in marriage to Francis Mattes at Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsburg, NE. They were blessed with three children, Douglas, Linn and Trudy. The couple farmed in Dixon County for all their married life. The retired into Allen, NE in 1991. Ruth was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School for many years. She was a longtime member of the Waterbury Homemakers Club. Francis passed away on November 19, 2004. Ruth moved to Hillcrest Assisted Living in Laurel, NE and resided there for five years. The past six months she was a resident of Hillcrest Care Center in Laurel.

Ruth is survived by her son Douglas (Pamela) of Omaha, NE, daughter Trudy (Charles) Peters, of Dixon, NE, a daughter-in-law Rita (Gordon) Kleihauer of Akron, IA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Chad Mattes, Lynn Mattes, Amy (Jon) Heithold, Daniel (Melissa) Peters, Andy Mattes, Travis Mattes, Katie (Eric) Stewart and Angie (Michael) Urwiler, three step grandchildren: Carol, Michael and Laura Kleihauer, three great-grandchildren: Gage and Reece Heithold and Evey Peters. Two sisters Ann Bottger of Emerson, NE and Sue Newell of South Sioux City, NE, three sisters-in-law: Rachel Kubik of Emerson, NE, Janice Kubik of Emerson, NE and Joanne Kubik of Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Francis, son Linn, sister Lill Bonderson, nine brothers: Fritz, John, Mike, Ted, Ed, Bill, Les, Pat and Kenny Kubik.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Chad Mattes, Jon Heithold, Daniel Peters, Andy Mattes, Travis Mattes, Eric Stewart, Michael Urwiler and Gage Heithold.

 

 

Ruth Mattes

Ruth Mattes

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Hassebrook Within Seven Points in Governor’s Race

May 21, 2014 Leave a comment


Omaha, NE – A Rasmussen poll released on Sunday that shows Chuck Hassebrook is within seven points of Republican opponent, Pete Ricketts.

The poll was conducted on May 14th and May 15th and surveyed 750 likely voters. Of those surveyed:

·         50% were men and 50% were women. Women were underrepresented in results by 2% — of the total registered voters in Nebraska, 52% are women, and 48% are men.

·         48% were Republicans, 28% were Democrats, and 24% were unaffiliated with either party.

Survey results show that 47% of those surveyed supported Ricketts, while 40% supported Hassebrook. This single-digit lead is well under the double-digit registration advantage that Republicans hold – 50% of registered voters in Nebraska are Republicans, while 30% are Democrats.

Additionally, among those surveyed 41% viewed Ricketts unfavorably, nearly twice that of Hassebrook (25%). Finally, only 6% were unsure or didn’t know Ricketts, which is nearly six times fewer than Hassebrook (35%). This shows that there is a much greater likelihood for Hassebrook to gain favorable ground with voters than Ricketts, who has run multiple campaigns and has already polarized voters.

This initial poll is important for a few reasons. The survey was conducted on the first two days after a brutal Republican primary battle that dominated the airwaves for months. Ricketts and outside groups spent millions of dollars promoting his campaign and attacking his opponents, and won by the least number of votes in 100 years, while Hassebrook, who ran unopposed, did not spend any money on television or radio ads before the primary election. Ricketts has previously run in a high profile race, voters have examined him, and even after his most recent campaign he has not gained any ground.

The results of the Rasmussen poll indicate that voters have made up their minds about Ricketts – not favorably – and therefore may be open to supporting another candidate that is not affiliated with their own registered party.

Chuck Hassebrook

Chuck Hassebrook

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