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December 14, 2013 Leave a comment
“Read a New Book” Day 13 & 14 :
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” was only half the story, “Longbourn” by Jo Baker entertains you with the other side!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17380041-longbourn
December 14, 2013 Leave a comment
Christmas Music: What is your favorite Christmas song?
December 14, 2013 Leave a comment
By John Wilson
Extension Educator
John Wilson
Putting the Thanksgiving leftovers in the refrigerator often marks the start of the Christmas tree season. Nationally, about 36 million trees will be sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Artificial tree sales increased the past decade, but those sales have leveled off and now there’s a return to having a traditional tree.
A natural Christmas tree is an environmental friendly way to celebrate the holidays. The average artificial Christmas tree has a life span of 6 years before it ends up in a landfill. A live Christmas tree, while used only one season, can become valuable mulch, a winter bird feeder, or even used as a fish habitat after the holidays.
So how do you pick out the perfect tree? The best way to obtain the freshest tree is to harvest it yourself at a local Christmas tree farm. This way you are guaranteed a fresh tree rather than one that may have been harvested several weeks earlier. A list of Nebraska Christmas tree growers is available on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website. If cutting your own tree is not possible, here are some ways to check the freshness of a Christmas tree.
First, give the tree a light but vigorous shake. Only a few interior needles will fall out of a fresh tree. If a pile of brown needles appears on the ground, particularly from the branch tips, it is not fresh. Next, reach into a branch and gently pull the needles through your hand as you move out towards the tip. The needles should bend, but remain firmly attached, as your fingers run across them.
Regardless of whether you buy a tree from a lot or cut it yourself, once you get it home, leave it outside in a shady area while you set up the stand. The choice of a stand is probably the most critical factor in maintaining the freshness of the tree once it’s in your home. The stand should hold one-half to one gallon of water as a new Christmas tree may absorb this much water per day. A good rule-of-thumb is a tree will use one quart of water per day for every inch of trunk diameter at the base. If you have a tree with a 3-inch trunk, it may use about three quarts of water per day.
Make sure you start with a clean stand. Before setting up the tree, wash the inside of the stand with a solution of three tablespoons of bleach in a pint of water. After washing, rinse the stand with fresh water. This will reduce the growth of microorganisms that may also plug up the tree’s pores.
Just before you bring the tree in the house cut off the bottom inch or two of the trunk. This will open the sap-filled pores which transport water into the tree. The base cut should be square, not slanted. The angle makes little difference in the amount of water absorbed and it may expose part of the base to air sooner if the water level runs low. Once the tree is in the stand, add water and then never let the stand become empty. If the stand becomes empty for more than six hours, the tree’s pores plug up. Water uptake will be significantly reduced, the tree will dry out, and the needles will soon begin to fall.
If the tree stand does dry up, there is nothing that can be done other than pull the tree out of the stand and re-cut the base… not a pleasant task once the lights and ornaments are already up. Nothing needs to be added to the water in the stand to improve needle retention. Commercial “tree fresher” products do not significantly increase the life of the tree and the home remedies such as aspirin, sugar, soft drinks and vodka do not work and may be harmful to pets that may drink from the stand.
Finally, place the stand in a spot that receives only indirect sunlight and is not near a heat duct, entry door, or other drafty location. This will reduce water loss from the tree and prolong its freshness.
For more information on Christmas tree selection and care, contact you local UNL Extension office.
December 13, 2013 Leave a comment
December 13, 2013 Leave a comment
JoAnn Darlene Hoeper was born August 24, 1930, in Newton, Kansas, to Arthur Vickery and Helen (Eason). She passed away Monday, Decem
JoAnn Hoeper
ber 9, 2013, at her home in Tekamah surrounded by her family.
She was a loving mother and proud grandparent. JoAnn was a member of the Red Hat Society and the United Methodist Church in Tekamah, Nebraska. She was an avid reader and a beautiful painter. JoAnn loved the Arts and had a passion for theatre, singing, and musicals.
JoAnn was married to Frank Hoeper on July 18, 1953, at Riverdale, North Dakota.
She was a retired machinist from Vickers, in Omaha, Nebraska.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Hoeper, daughter, Crystal Eicke, and son-in-law, Craig Dunn.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Leann Hoeper, Thomas and Shawna Hoeper all of Tekamah; daughters and son-in-law, Forest Dunn of Elk Horn, Iowa, Marcia Louise and Ron Ziarko of Oak Lawn, Illinois; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
MEMORIAL GATHERING: December 21, 2013, Noon – 3 p.m. at her home in Tekamah
MEMORIALS:
Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.
pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com
December 13, 2013 Leave a comment
Keith Colson, 81, of Midland, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Memorial services will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, December 14, 2013 a
Keith Colson
t Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland with Billy Raies, officiating.
Keith was born January 24, 1932 in Oakland, NE to Quentin D. and Cleo B. (Stack) Colson. They later moved to South Sioux City, NE where he attended high school, graduating in 1949.
He attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with a Civil Engineering degree. Following graduation, he entered the Army with a ROTC commission of second lieutenant of infantry. He became career Army for 26 years, retiring as a colonel in 1980 from Ft. Leavenworth, KS.
His postings included several places in the United States. His service includes a post with the Army General Staff in Washington, DC. Overseas he served in Panama, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, Korea and 2 tours in Vietnam.
His badges and medals include the Combat Infantry badge, the Parachute badge, the Pathfinder badge, the Ranger tab, and the Army General Staff Badge. His medals include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star for time in combat, the Meritorious Service medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Air medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation medal with 1 oak leaf cluster. Foreign medals included the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
Upon retirement, he and his family moved to Midland, TX where he was employed by Texas Employers Insurance Company as a safety engineer. He later worked for the Bitamin Insurance Company and as the loss prevention manager for the Financial Insurance Company of America.
He married Naomi George, his high school sweetheart, on October 29, 1960 at Ft. Benning, GA. On October 29, 2013 they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
Keith played football for the University of Nebraska and remained an avid Cornhusker alumni. Keith began playing golf in junior high school and remained a dedicated golfer for the rest of his life. He accomplished 2 holes-in-one in his golfing career.
He enjoyed listening to jazz music, studying God’s word, doing crossword puzzles, and playing 42. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Naomi; son, Eric Colson of Waco, TX; daughter, Sandra Cox and son-in-law Dr. Cody Cox of Lubbock, TX; daughter, Debbie Colson Gloden and son-in-law Terryll Gloden of Guymon, OK; and daughter-in-law, Joanne Almon Colson of Gainesville, TX; twelve grandchildren, Quentin, Daniel, Leah, David Keith, Jared, Sarah, and Keri Colson, Ashley, Courtney, and Madisyn Cox, and Hannah and Lainey Gloden; brother-in-law, Leland George and wife Irene of Sioux Falls, SD; and wonderful nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Edna (Salin) George, brother-in-law Bernard George, nephew Randy George, and aunt and uncle Gene and Delores Colson.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE WITH MILITARY HONORS: Tuesday, December 17, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at the Oakland Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice, or thank military servicemen and veterans for their service.
Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.
December 13, 2013 Leave a comment
Christmas Trivia: Everyone’s answers to yesterday’s trivia question were correct. Here is today’s question:
In the movie A Christmas Story, What was Ralphie’s little brother’s name?
Post answers here!
December 13, 2013 Leave a comment
By Clare Wiltse
Sports Contributor
The Cougars took to the road for two EHC contests as they opened the basketball season. They are still looking for a win as the S-S Trojans claimed a 57-52 win on the opening night gamed played on December 5 and on Saturday they loss to powerhouse Bancroft-Rosalie 84-60.
The Cougars will take on D-2 on December 10 against Winside and on Saturday they have another home game with Clarkson/Leigh visiting.
L-D 11 9 8 24 -52
S-S 13 11 14 19 -57
2pt 3pt FT Rb F Pts
Chevy H 0/1 2/8 0/0 1 3 6
Alex B 2/9 0/2 0/2 7 4 4
Bobby S 0/1 3/8 1/2 3 4 10
Taylor F 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 2 0
Dakota R 6/10 0/0 8/14 2 5 20
Marcus H 2/6 0/2 1/6 3 4 5
David B 2/3 0/0 1/2 4 1 5
Montana R 0/0 0/0 2/3 1 0 2
Dylan H 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0
Team 12/31 5/19 13/28 21 20 52
S-S 19/31 2/8 13/28 34 21 57
L-D 15 9 22 14 -60
B-R 19 20 19 26
2pt 3pt FT Rb F Pts
Chevy H 0 2 4/4 2 3 10
Alex B 5 0 0/0 2 1 10
Bobby S 1 2 0/0 1 1 8
Taylor F 0 0 0/0 2 3 0
Dakota R 6 0 9/12 6 2 21
Marcus H 4 0 2/4 4 1 10
David B 0 0 0/0 0 0 0
Alec A 0 0 1/2 0 0 1
Team 16 4 16/22 17 11 60
B-R 19 12 10/15 23 17 84
The Lady Cougars took to the road for their opening week of basketball action,. They had a pair of EHC games against quality teams Scribner-Snyder and Bancroft-Rosalie were coming off of winning seasons and have a majority of their starters back. The Trojans won the opening night game 56-33 as the girls struggled to get their offense going. Two days later the Cougars had plenty of offense in a 61-54 loss to B-R.
The Cougars take on Winside and Clarkson/Leigh in home games this week. Coach Cronin noted that Winside will be the last D-2 opponent for several weeks as D-1 and C-2 opposition fills the schedule
L-D 6 3 13 11 -33
S-S 14 13 15 14 -56
2pt 3pt FT TP
Madie R 0 0 3/4 3
Darcey S 1 0 2/2 4
Brianne H 2 2 4/6 14
Haley B 1 1 2/4 7
Tessie C 1 0 0/0 2
Vanessa P 0 0 2/4 2
Abby P 0 0 1/2 1
Team 5 3 14/20 33
L-D 16 12 13 13 -54
B-R 14 16 20 11 -61
2pt 3pt FT Rb F TP
Madie R 0 2 0/1 2 5 6
Darcey S 1 0 3/6 3 1 11
Kelly W 1 0 0/0 2 0 2
Brianne H 3 0 2/4 4 4 8
Haley 2 0 2/5 3 5 6
Tessie C 3 0 0/3 5 1 6
Lexie 0 0 0/0 1 0 0
Vanessa P 3 0 4/7 1 2 10
Abby P 3 0 1/5 10 1 7
Team 18 2 12/31 31 19 54
B-R 29 0 3/9 32 22 61
December 13, 2013 Leave a comment
Wayne F. Frey, 92, of Emerson, Nebraska passed away on Friday, December 13, 2013 at Heritage of Emerson in Emerson, Nebraska. Funeral services for Wayne will be held Monday, December 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson; with Pastor Gretchen Ritola officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 15, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 8:00 p.m. all at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson. Burial with military honors will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson. Memorial may be directed to St. Luke Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE.
Wayne was born January 28, 1921 in rural Thurston, Nebraska the son of Harvey H. and Adella A. (Kai) Frey. He attended school in the Thurston area, and was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s in Emerson. He married Tillie Barg on February 26, 1941 at St. Luke’s. To this union two daughters were born: Bonnie and Linda. Wayne served in the U.S. Army during WW II from 1943 until 1946, and was part of the Normandy invasion of France. The couple farmed northeast of Emerson for 54 years.
Wayne was a member of the Emerson Legion Post 60 for 67 years and served as a Commander for many years, he also belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles of South Sioux City; NE. Wayne owned and operated a business in Emerson, Wayne’s Clothing and Shoe Repair. He was also employed at the Village of Emerson and Heritage of Emerson. Tillie died March 25, 1993. The couple made many friends while enjoying dancing several times a week.
Wayne’s hobby was farming and working with the many teams of horses and driving them in parades and taking his grandchildren and friends on bobsled and hayrack rides. Wayne owned horses from the time he was 12 years old, until the last 2 years of his life.
He is survived by his two daughters; Bonnie (Marv) Pallas of Emerson, NE and Linda (Marlowe) Langmack of Emerson, NE, six grandchildren; Theresa Wagner of Papillion, NE, Kathy (James) Ostrand of Emerson, NE, Scott (Stacey) Langmack of Columbus, NE, Dean Pallas of Emerson, NE, Brenda (Justin) Mueller of Cortland, NE, and Tim Langmack of Emerson, NE, thirteen great grandchildren; Alex, Nicky, Addison Wagner, Austin and Nolan Ostrand, Brittany and Tyler Pallas, Morgan, Blake, Cole and Kallie Langmack, Brayson and Reed Mueller, his very special friend Lauris Dudgeon, two brothers, Carol (Sylvia) Frey of Fremont, NE and Larry (Linda) Frey of Fremont, NE, many nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Tillie, a brother Delmar, and sisters Luella and Jeanine.
December 13, 2013 Leave a comment
What was your favorite Christmas present as a child? Mine was a red rider sled I got when I was about six or so. Had some great sleigh rides on that!
Kat Country Hub 
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