Daylight Savings Time
March 6, 2014 Leave a comment
Don’t forget to set your clocks forward an hour as Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 9th at 2:00 a.m.!!!
Bluejays Handle Cougars
March 5, 2014 Leave a comment
By Clare Wiltse
Sports Contributor
The Cougar’s old nemesis got the best of them in the opening round of the D-3 Sub-districts held at Pender on February 25. The Walthill Blujays used a zone defense to shut down the Maroon as they defeated Northeast 56-46.
“We’ve had trouble with zone defenses all season,” said Coach Lahm. “If we just had a little more size inside it could make a big difference on how we could be able to attack.”
Riecken got the team off to a great start by scoring the first 3 points of the game. He opened with a free-throw and added a field goal on the team’s fourth possession to make it 3-0 for the Cougars.
The Blujays were stymied by three straight turnovers. They finally scored with a lob to Sheldon Sheridan. Once they scored Walthill was able to set up a full court press and the Cougars were rattled into nine first quarter turnovers. Walthill continued to attack the paint as Sheridan scored ten of his team-high 14 points in the first quarter. Northeast only got off three more shots in the period and trailed 11-3.
In the second period the Blujays continued scoring as they completed a 22-0 run to take a 22-3 lead. Northeast finally broke out the offense after Chevy Henneman scored with 3:28 to play in he half. They closed out the half by out scoring Walthill 11-7. Dakota Riecken got two goals and two free throws and Henneman closed out the half with a trey. Walthill led 29-14.
The Cougars chopped into the fifteen point deficit several times in the third period. They opened with a deuce by Riecken and trey by Simpson to pull within ten points.
Turnovers continued to hurt the Northeast cause as Walthill got eight points off of errant Cougar passes. Northeast found themselves down 37-23. A three-pointer by Simpson made it an eleven point game. Riecken scored twice to match the Blujays, but they pulled away with two late scores to have a 46-30 advantage after three quarters.
Walthill went one for five at the start of the fourth quarter. Northeast made a move as Simpson, Henneman and Bishop scored to make it a 48-36 game. A trey by Simpson and basket by Hegy cut the lead to nine with three minutes to play. Walthill scored on their next two trips down the court. Hegy drew a shooting foul with 1:25 to play. His free shots made it 54-43. The Cougars still had hope after Walthill missed on the front end of two one-and-ones, but all they could add is a basket by Bobby Simpson and one free throw by Dakota Riecken.
Dakota Riecken led the Cougars with 16 points and 10 rebounds. This was his sixth double-double of the season. , Bobby Simpson had 13 points. The Cougars finished the season with an 11-11 record. Walthill went 11-9.
LDNE 3 11 16 16 -46
Walthill 11 18 17 10 -56
2pt 3pt FT Rb F TP
Chevy H 2 1 0/0 3 4 7
Alex B 1 0 0/1 6 2 2
Bobby S 2 3 0/0 2 4 13
Taylor F 0 0 0/0 0 1 0
Dakota R 6 0 4/8 10 4 16
Marcus H 2 0 2/2 3 2 6
David B 1 0 0/0 2 0 2
Dylan H 0 0 0/0 0 1 0
Team 14/30 4/19 6/11 25 18 46
Walthill 16//33 4/8 12/20 25 14 56
\
Tracy C. Schmedding, 85 of Winnebago, NE
March 5, 2014 Leave a comment
Tracy C. Schmedding, 85, of Winnebago, Nebraska passed away Monday, March 3, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA. Funeral Mass will be Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Winnebago, NE; Father Tom Bauwens will be officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Winnebago, NE with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill, NE. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home of Pender, NE.
Tracy was born to Charles and Theresia (Rotert) Schmedding on January 12, 1929 on a farm near Emerson, NE. They later moved to a farm in the Walthill/Winnebago area where he first attended a country school until 8th grade and then graduated from Winnebago High School in 1947. At the age of 25, Tracy spent two years in Germany serving in the tank division of the Army. Upon his return, he continued to farm. On June 28, 1959, Tracy married Marilyn Phillips. To this union, three children were born: Stan, Jayne, and Gina.
Tracy farmed with his son, Stan, up until the time of his disability. He was also a lifetime member of the National Farmers Organization.
Tracy enjoyed singing and playing the guitar with friends and family and was also a member of a small band. He entertained several crowds at the local county fairs with this brother Ivan. Tracy loved the time spent with his grandkids and great grandkids. Tracy is survived by his wife, Marilyn, son, Stan and wife JoAnn of Walthill, NE, daughter, Jayne and husband Steve of Knoxville, TN, and daughter Gina of North Sioux City, SD, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his
Tracy C. Schmedding
Final Election Filing List
March 4, 2014 Leave a comment
2014 PRIMARY ELECTION – CANDIDATES WHO HAVE FILED
COUNTY OFFICES
SUPERVISOR – DISTRICT 1
Cliff Morrow
SUPERVISOR – DISTRICT 3
Gene Rollins
SUPERVISOR – DISTRICT 5
Gerald E. Newill
SUPERVISOR – DISTRICT 7
Greg Brummond (Democrat)
Paul Chamberlain (Republican)
CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT
Michele R. Quick
COUNTY ASSESSOR
Joni L. Renshaw
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Francis W. Barron III
COUNTY CLERK
Sarah J. Freidel
COUNTY SHERIFF
Robert D. Pickell (Democrat)
James Robert Deemer (Republican)
COUNTY SURVEYOR
Fred M. Franklin
COUNTY TREASURER
Karen S. Grass
SCHOOL BOARDS
TEKAMAH-HERMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT #1
WARD 2
Laurie Elliott
Bill Skinner
Trent J. Leichleiter
WARD 3
Kevin Brenneis
OAKLAND-CRAIG SCHOOL DISTRICT #14
Lyle C. Pille
Pete Thiele
Eric Miller
Aaron Anderson
Brett T. Johnson
LYONS-DECATUR SCHOOL DISTRICT #20
WEST WARD
Caryn Anderson
Jim Vlach
Chad Brehmer
EAST WARD
April Archer
CITY OFFICES
CITY OF LYONS
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Kyle B. Brink
Roger Andersen
Charlie Wheaton
MAYOR
Andrew R. Fuston
CITY OF OAKLAND
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Greg Mockenhaupt
James J. Schrock
Tammy L. Schinck
Gerald L. Benne
MAYOR
Ted R. Beckner
CITY OF TEKAMAH
WARD 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS
Laura L. Meyeres Garcia
Cynthia Petersen
Bob Harms
WARD 2 COUNCIL MEMBERS
Gail L. Twining
MAYOR
Ronald D. Grass
Kelly K. Ducheneaux
TEKAMAH AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Kent Rogert
David Olson
Burt County Board of Supervisors Meeting Minutes
March 4, 2014 Leave a comment
The Burt County Board of Supervisors met February 27, 2014, pursuant to adjournment of their last meeting with the following members present: Cliff 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 Schold, all voting aye. Chairman Morrow informed the public that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was posted on the wall.
Upon motion by Newill, seconded by Rollins, the agenda was approved, all voting aye.
Visiting the Board were Peggy Smith, Mike Braniff, Karen Grass, Katie Novak, Sue Warner, Roger Moderow, JoAnn Bachtell, Cody Bachtell, and Kevin Petersen.
The following claims for February in the amount of $603,535.01, including $99,455.75 for payroll, were read, audited, warrant drawn and checks generated on the respective funds on motion by Schold, seconded by Rogers, all voting aye.
| ADAM TRIPP | ATTY FEES |
1,950.00 |
| AFLAC | INS |
644.08 |
| AMERICAN BROADBAND | TELE |
784.78 |
| ANDERSON HARDWARE | SUPPLIES/PARTS |
105.33 |
| ANDY’S QUICK SHOP | FUEL |
52.75 |
| ARBY’S BODY SHOP | PARTS/LABOR |
160.00 |
| AS CENTRAL SERV | AS/400 COSTS |
232.60 |
| AS CENTRAL SERV, OCIO | TELETYPE |
350.00 |
| AT&T | TELE |
55.27 |
| AVIS R. ANDREWS | ATTY FEES |
2,049.00 |
| BAUER BILT | TIRES/REPAIRS |
5,036.58 |
| BILL J PICKELL | REPAIRS |
105.96 |
| BLACK HILLS ENERGY | HEATING FUEL |
775.87 |
| BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD | INS |
61,422.35 |
| BOMGAARS | SUPPLIES |
1,669.32 |
| BRAD BRINK | 2014 LAWN CARE |
1,634.00 |
| BRANIFF SERV | FUEL |
2,553.39 |
| BREHMER MFG | PARTS/PRODUCT |
373.22 |
| BUDDIES MINI MART | FUEL |
157.14 |
| BURT CO CLERK | POSTAGE |
8.32 |
| BURT CO COURT | NON-WAIV |
163.00 |
| BURT CO EXT SERV | REGISTRATION |
75.00 |
| BURT CO PUBLIC POWER DIST | RADIO TOWER |
296.94 |
| BURT CO SHERIFF | FUEL/SUPPLY |
196.57 |
| CARROLL WELTE | MEAL/MILE/FUEL |
136.56 |
| CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERV | MOTOR GRADER |
21,679.14 |
| CENTRAL UNITED LIFE | INS |
10.25 |
| CENTRAL VALLEY AG | FUEL |
220.43 |
| CENTURYLINK | TELE |
637.80 |
| CITY CLERK | WATER BILL |
25.73 |
| CITY OF LYONS | UTILITIES |
369.20 |
| CITY OF TEKAMAH | WATER BILL |
84.00 |
| CIVIL SOLUTIONS | ENGINEERING |
1,575.00 |
| CLIENT-SERVER TECHNOLOGY | MONTHLY/SUPPLY |
1,555.00 |
| CLIFFORD L MORROW | MILE |
259.84 |
| CNA AUTO SERV | PARTS/SUPPLY |
4.98 |
| COMPLETE SECURITY | PERS SERV |
300.00 |
| CONSTELLATION NEW ENERGY | HEATING FUEL |
1,265.86 |
| CREDIT MGT SERV | GARNISHMENT |
312.78 |
| CUBBY’S | FUEL |
1,176.03 |
| DAVID SCHOLD | MILE |
255.36 |
| DEARBORN NATL LIFE INS | INS |
36.70 |
| DECATUR EXPRESS | FUEL |
1,353.44 |
| DEL PETERSON & ASSOC | PARTS |
4,472.45 |
| DIXON CONSTRUCTION | CULVERTS |
210,457.49 |
| DODGE CO COURT | CERT COPY |
1.75 |
| EMMETT HENNIG | LABOR |
60.00 |
| ENGELHARDT | RADIO REPAIR |
13.00 |
| FARMERS PRIDE | FUEL |
1,772.86 |
| FIRST CONCORD | INS |
525.00 |
| FIRST NATL BANK NE | FED TAXES |
32,951.80 |
| FIRST NATL BANK NE | BOX RENTAL |
50.00 |
| FORNOFF & SCHUTT | ATTY FEES |
660.00 |
| FRANCES FRENCH | PRIOR SERV |
11.00 |
| FRANCIS BARRON III | DUES |
345.00 |
| FRED FRANKLIN | EQUIP/DUES/ROOM |
1,466.23 |
| FREMONT SANITATION | GARBAGE |
106.28 |
| GENE R ROLLINS | MILE |
240.24 |
| GERALD E NEWILL | MILE |
288.96 |
| GLADYS NELSON | COURT REPORTER |
197.25 |
| GREGORY J BRUMMOND | MILE |
275.52 |
| HOLIDAY INN | LODGING |
1,117.35 |
| ILA DAVIS | PRIOR SERV |
18.00 |
| INCLUSION SOLUTIONS | VOTING SCREENS |
198.00 |
| IOWA OFFICE SUPPLY | SUPPLIES |
232.30 |
| JAMES L DEVENING | TRASH REMOVAL |
235.00 |
| JAN RASMUSSEN | MILE |
36.40 |
| JAY W JOHNSON | MILE |
211.68 |
| JEO CONSULTING | ENGINEERING |
6,433.40 |
| JOHN WILSON | PARKING/SUPPLY |
10.02 |
| JOHNSON & MOCK | ATTY FEES |
4,098.75 |
| JONI L. RENSHAW | MILE |
105.84 |
| K B’S MINI MART | FUEL |
834.66 |
| K-C PARTS | PARTS/SUPPLIES |
69.26 |
| LYNN PEAVEY CO | SUPPLIES |
61.50 |
| LYONS MIRROR-SUN | SUBSCRIPTION |
37.00 |
| M. SCOTT VANDER SCHAAF | ATTY FEES |
1,218.00 |
| MAINELLI, WAGNER & ASSOC | ENGINEERING |
2,007.50 |
| MARTIN MARIETTA | GRAVEL/BORROW |
28,082.68 |
| MARY LOFTIS | MEAL/MILE/SUP |
85.69 |
| MASSMUTUAL | ADD’L RETIRE |
200.00 |
| MATHESON TRIGAS | WELDING SUPPLY |
584.16 |
| MATTHEW BENDER | BOOK |
65.08 |
| MATTHEW CONNEALY | MILE |
42.56 |
| MEMORIAL COM HOSPITAL | TESTING |
52.80 |
| MICHAEL G BRANIFF | LIGHTS/TOOLS |
815.22 |
| MICHELE QUICK | MEAL/PARKING |
38.93 |
| MID-AMERICAN BENEFITS | SERVICES/FUNDING |
5,367.50 |
| MIDWEST SERV & SALES | SIGNS |
13,304.25 |
| MIDWEST SERV | FUEL/SUPPLIES |
5,864.27 |
| MIPS | SERVICES |
2,772.19 |
| NACO PLANNING & ZONING | DUES |
30.00 |
| NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT | ADD’L RETIREMENT |
1,320.00 |
| NE HEALTH & HUMAN SERV | INSTITUTIONS |
117.00 |
| NEBR CHILD SUPPORT PMT CTR | CHILD SUPPORT |
1,224.17 |
| NEBR PUBLIC HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL | BLOOD TEST |
105.00 |
| NEBR PUBLIC POWER DIST | ELECTRICITY |
1,130.69 |
| NICHOLAS E. WURTH LAW | ATTY FEES |
1,492.50 |
| NORTHEAST ASSESSORS’ ASSOC | DUES |
25.00 |
| NORTHEAST NEBR JUVENILE SERV | 2014 ANNUAL FEE |
9,389.19 |
| NORTHEAST NEBR TELEPHONE | TELE |
228.06 |
| O’KEEFE ELEVATOR | ELEVATOR |
252.23 |
| OAKLAND INDEPENDENT | SUB/PUBLISHING |
229.81 |
| OFFICE OF ELEVATOR SAFETY STANDARDS | ELEVATOR INSP |
140.00 |
| OFFICE WAREHOUSE | SUPPLIES |
321.42 |
| PELAN FUNERAL SERV | AUTOPSY |
630.00 |
| PENNY A. WARREN | MILE |
31.36 |
| PERRY ROGERS | MILE |
126.00 |
| PEST-TROL | PEST CONTROL |
38.00 |
| PHYSICIANS LABORATORY | AUTOPSY |
900.00 |
| PLAINDEALER PUBLISHING | SUB/NOTICES |
79.05 |
| QUALITY PRINTING | SUPPLIES |
1,278.00 |
| RETIREMENT PLANS DIV OF AMERITAS | RETIRE |
16,110.33 |
| RICK ECKLEY | PARTS/LABOR |
1,423.54 |
| SAPP BROS | TANK RENT |
1.06 |
| SAUNDERS CO DEPT OF CORRECTIONS | BD PRISONERS |
225.00 |
| SAVE MORE | SUPPLIES |
451.90 |
| SCOTTS BLUFF CO DETENTION | BD PRISONERS |
1,680.00 |
| SHAMBURG AUTO | PARTS/SUPPLIES |
656.57 |
| SHARON WIMER | MILE |
33.60 |
| STAMP FULFILLMENT SERV | POSTAGE |
4.40 |
| STATE TAX COMMISSIONER | STATE TAXES |
4,050.88 |
| STEINY’S GENERAL STORE | SUPPLIES |
61.26 |
| STEVE CASS | FURNACE |
3,769.92 |
| TEAM LABORATORY CHEMICAL | SUPPLIES |
376.50 |
| TEKAMAH FORD-LINCOLN MERCURY | PARTS/LABOR |
468.90 |
| TOTAL TOOL SUPPLY | TOOLS |
389.00 |
| TRI-STATE COMMUNICATIONS | RENT/EQUIP |
1,279.90 |
| U S CELLULAR | TELE |
60.71 |
| VERIZON WIRELESS | CELL PHONES |
213.10 |
| VILLAGE OF DECATUR | UTILITIES |
434.19 |
| WASHINGTON CO CLERK | 2ND QTR FEES |
1,442.28 |
| WASHINGTON CO SHERIFF | BD PRISONERS |
11,330.00 |
| WASHINGTON CO SHERIFF-MEDICAL | MED-PRISONERS |
54.78 |
| WASHINGTON NATL INS | INS |
33.75 |
| WELDON PARTS | PARTS |
26.75 |
| WINDSTREAM | TELE |
209.07 |
Upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Brummond, the Board authorized Chairman Morrow to sign a contract with Knife River Midwest LLC for County Road 3 in the amount of $704,549.80, all voting aye.
Highway Superintendent Peggy Smith presented an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Roads for the inspection and any necessary load re-rating of all fracture critical bridges in Burt County due for inspection in 2014, at an estimated cost of $3,000.00 for the Chairman to sign. The County pays just 20 per cent of the $3,000.00, or $600.00.
Board member Connealy offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION #2014-05
SIGNING OF A PROGRAM AGREEMENT
FOR 2014 FRACTURE CRITICAL BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
Whereas: the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) is developing a transportation project, on the behalf of the county, for which it intends to obtain Federal funds;
Whereas: Burt County as a sub-recipient of Federal-Aid funding is charged with the responsibility of expending said funds in accordance with Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines applicable to the funding of the Federal-aid project;
Whereas: Burt County and the NDOR wish to enter into a Program Agreement to provide for fracture critical bridge inspection and load re-rating (if necessary) services for the Federal-aid project.
Be it Resolved: by the Board of Supervisors of Burt County, Nebraska that:
Cliff Morrow, Chair of the Burt County Board of Supervisors is hereby authorized to sign the attached Program Agreement between Burt County and the NDOR.
Project No. STP-NBIS(99)
Control No. 00886
Project Name: 2014 Statewide Fracture Critical Bridge Inspections
Adopted this 27th day of February, 2014 at Tekamah, Nebraska.
The Board of Supervisors of Burt County, Nebraska:
Clifford L. Morrow Perry Rogers
Gene Rollins David Schold
Greg Brummond Gerald Newell
Matt Connealy
Attest: Marjorie R. Shumake
Burt County Clerk
Board Member Schold seconded the motion, and the Chairman declared it adopted, all voting aye.
After listening to comments from Roger Moderow, motion was made by Connealy, seconded by Newill, to decline extending the concrete on the CVA road past the feet in the current plan, all voting aye.
At 10:07 A.M. the Board went into Board of Equalization for the Motor Vehicle Exemption Hearing. County Treasurer Karen Grass stated that the three exemptions were renewals and had her recommendation. As there were no objections or comments, the Board went back into regular session at 10:09 A.M.
Upon motion by Brummond, seconded by Connealy, the following Applications for Exemption from Motor Vehicle Tax were approved, all voting aye.
Faith Family Baptist Church
Center for Rural Affairs
Orville & Willa Chatt Senior Citizen Center
Sue Warner, representative from Blue Cross & Blue Shield visited with the Board, answering questions regarding the Affordable Care Act and how it would impact Burt County.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved upon motion by Schold, seconded by Rogers, all voting aye.
Board Member Newill offered the following resolution and moved for its adoption:
RESOLUTION #2014-04
WHEREAS, the Road Fund is in need of funds to operate.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Burt County Board of Supervisors that $300,000.00 be transferred from the General Fund to the Road Fund per the Burt County budget document for fiscal year 2013-2014.
DATED this 27th day of January, 2014, at Tekamah, Nebraska.
ATTEST: MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE CLIFF MORROW, CHAIRMAN
BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS
Board Member Connealy seconded the motion, and the Chairman declared it adopted, all voting aye.
Upon motion by Rogers, seconded by Schold, the Board decided to offer only cremation for county burials to avoid raising the cost, all voting aye.
There being no further business to come before the Board at this time, the Board adjourned at 11:00 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. March 11, 2014.
ATTEST: MARJORIE R. SHUMAKE CLIFFORD L. MORROW, CHAIRMAN
BURT COUNTY CLERK BURT COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS
Leonard Virgil Patterson, 70 of Craig, NE
March 4, 2014 Leave a comment
Leonard Patterson
LEONARD VIRGIL PATTERSON was born August 26, 1943 in Craig, Nebraska, to Virgil and Ruth (Monson) Patterson. He passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Arbor Manor in Fremont, Nebraska, at the age of 70 years. Leonard chose to donate his body for medical research.
Leonard was baptized and confirmed in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tekamah, Nebraska. He graduated from Tekamah High School in 1961. Leonard worked several jobs around the Craig area before enlisting in the U. S. Army on April 30, 1964. He saw active duty in Vietnam and was honorably discharged April 28, 1967. Leonard was very proud of the years he served his country. He was a member of the Craig American Legion Post No. 127.
Leonard married Phyllis Bartling and to this union two sons, Brian and James were born.
Leonard spent most of his adult life driving his truck across the United States from coast to coast and had many tales to tell about his travels.
On April 4, 1992, Leonard married Teri Krueger. They made their home in the Craig area.
Leonard enjoyed fishing, gardening and visiting with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-and father-in-law, and brother, Carroll Pearson.
Survivors include his wife, Teri; sons, Brian Patterson of Fremont, NE, James Patterson of Sioux Falls, SD; stepson, Jack Martin of Harlan, IA; sister, LaVonne (Pearson) Shodeen and her husband, Ken, of Colorado Springs, CO; sister-in-law, Mary Alice Pearson of Oakland, NE; five grandchildren, Kali, Mia, Mason, Alicia and Cassie; two great grandchildren, Berlin and Easton; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, March 7, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion Post No. 127 and No. 46, Ryan VFW Post No. 5543,
BURIAL: Craig Cemetery at a later date
NO VISITATION
MEMORIALS: To the Family
Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.
Judith Vraspir, 54 of Emerson, NE
March 4, 2014 Leave a comment
Judith Vraspir
Judith Vraspir, 54, of Emerson, Nebraska passed away Saturday, March 1, 2014 at her home in Emerson, Nebraska surrounded by her family. Memorial services will be Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, NE; Father Gerald Leise will be officiating. The visitation will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2014 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, NE. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Emerson, NE. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home of Emerson, NE.
Judi was born in Sioux City, Iowa on April 11, 1959, the daughter of Dennis and Marjorie (Nichols) Hassler. On October 15, 1976, Judi was united in marriage to Gene Vraspir at Elk Point, SD. To this union five children were born: Gina, Edwin, Sara, Jonathan and Rebecca.
In addition to raising her five children, Judi was a caring, thoughtful, and dedicated wife, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Her warm heart, sense of humor, and silly phrases brought smiles to our faces and laughter to our hearts. Judi held many jobs in her lifetime, but the ones she loved the most centered around caregiving. She had an incredible eye for decorating and loved making her house a home for every season. Judi was selfless and dedicated her life to raising her children and loving her husband. Her life was enriched with her two grandsons, Gavin and Reggie. Judi passed away in her home, with her husband and five children present.
Judi is survived by her husband Gene of Emerson, NE, children Gina (Garner) Sukup of Seward, NE, Edwin Vraspir (Lindsay Martin) of Fort Collins, CO, Jonathan (Cathryn) Vraspir of Nassau, Bahamas, Sara Vraspir (Travis Koopman) of Emerson, NE and Rebecca Vraspir (Daniel Langley) of Douglas, WY, and two grandchildren Gavin and Reggie Sukup; Sisters: Rita (Bob) Christian of Sioux City, IA, Cynthia Rohde of Emerson, NE, Angie (Jim) Gabel of South Sioux City, NE, Ginger (Rod) of Wakefield, NE, Christina (Marty) Habrock of Lincoln, NE and Carla (Mike) Clay of Wakefield, NE; Brothers: Pat Hassler of Hubbard, NE, Mick (Connie) Hassler of Emerson, NE, Rod (Christy) Hassler of Marshalltown, IA, Dennis Jr. (Donna) Hassler of Hubbard, NE and Ted (Nancy) Hassler of Big Lake, MN. She is also survived by her father-in-law Glen Doupnik of Pender, NE and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Marjorie Hassler, sisters Teresa and Seina Hassler, a brother-in-law John Rohde, father-in-law Edwin Vraspir and mother-in-law Leona Doupnik.
Tracy C. Schmedding, 85 of Winnebago, NE
March 4, 2014 Leave a comment
Tracy C. Schmedding, 85, of Winnebago, Nebraska passed away Monday, March 3, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Funeral services are pending with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.
Put People Above Politics
March 4, 2014 Leave a comment
| By Jon Bailey, jonb@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs |
| Debate over LB 887, the Wellness in Nebraska Act, promises to be a major issue facing the Nebraska Legislature. LB 887 would expand Medicaid to an estimated 54,000 people through a combination of private health insurance and wellness incentives.
Despite providing needed private health benefits to a population that is in the coverage gap – uninsured, ineligible for insurance marketplace tax credits because their incomes are too low, and without employer-sponsored insurance – some still object to LB 887. Their arguments have boiled down to two concerns; anything else is pure partisan politics: What does LB 887 cost? The truly independent Legislative Fiscal Office states that LB 887 will cost the state $64 million over six years, less than $11 million per year, or about 0.02 percent of total state revenue for the next budget period. An amendment to the bill may reduce costs to less than $20 million over six years, meaning, at most, it will cost each Nebraskan about 2 cents per day. An analysis paid for by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) says the state costs will be about double the Legislative Fiscal Office estimate, over $128 million. However, that’s based on an enrollment assumption that is deeply flawed and has never occurred in the history of programs such as LB 887. The NDHHS analysis also neglects estimated savings of about $60 million per year from state programs no longer needed if LB 887 were adopted. What if the federal government reneges on its commitment? Currently, the federal government will pay all the expense of LB 887 for the next two years and gradually reduce its share to 90 percent in 2020 and thereafter. Some claim this legal promise is not sustainable despite a declining federal budget deficit. However, LB 887 must be reconsidered and re-approved by the Legislature if the federal share of the Medicaid expansion ever falls below 90 percent. This should take care of that concern. In changing his vote to support LB 887, Sen. Mike Gloor of Grand Island said LB 887 would make dramatic improvements in the health care system in Nebraska. Isn’t two cents per day worth it to improve our health care delivery system, provide needed health care coverage for our friends and neighbors, and save lives? It is truly time to put people before politics. |
National Anthem Day
March 3, 2014 Leave a comment
Today is National Anthem Day. Please remember how great of a country we are privileged to live in. The crisis with Russia is a reminder. Let us pray all goes well and war is not needed. What a beautiful song, thanks to Francis Scott Key, written Sept. 20, 1814.
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Kat Country Hub 
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