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October 14, 2013 Leave a comment
This is an article I had written 16 years ago as the Granddaughter is now 16 and pitching for High School in Wichita. Abe Maly is married and we have a great grandson Maddux who is 8 years old. How time flies. One pic of the old ball field as it looked in the 30’s. When I was chasing foul ball and being a bat boy for the Lyons Town Team. Bill Larsen who built Lyons Ball Park standing at the head of the bull. Photos courtesy of Roy Pounds.
![Lyons%20grandstand[1]](https://katcountryhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lyons20grandstand1.jpg)
October 13, 2013 Leave a comment
The pictures below were taken a mile north, then east of Oakland, east of Roger Johnson’s. All photo credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Harvest pictures.
October 13, 2013 Leave a comment
Pastor Gary and Sharon Fugman of Decatur NE met Marilyn Borst of the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation at a conference in Sioux Falls SD. Pastor Gary and Sharon, both members of the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Homestead Presbytery, had been praying for a new Nebraska connection to Latin America. Marilyn was an answer from God.
The Fugmans followed up on Marilyn’s invitation to join a mission team to Cuba, to “come along side” brothers and sisters in Christ, for Nebraskans and others from GA, WI and CA to witness to their faith in Jesus and put that faith into action in the country of Cuba. Life for Cubans has not been easy for the past 50 years. Communism, the U.S. embargo and the fall of the Soviet Union has left the Cuban people in turmoil. Many of the country’s pre-Castro leaders, political and church leaders, left the country. Still, the Fugmans found Holy Spirit moving and changing lives for Jesus despite economic hardships.
This mission trip for understanding by Pastor Gary, Sharon and others started in Miami. A charter flight, the only way to fly to Cuba, was taken to Havana. They met with Pastor Daniel Izuierdo, General Secertary of the Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba, and discussed the state of the Church on the island. Afterwards they traveled on a non-air conditioned church school bus 2 hours east to the Evagelical Seminary of Matanzas for a 3 day stay and meetings with pastors, faculty and seminary students. Pastors are in short supply in Cuba. Retirement is often not an option. A meeting with Pastor Carlos from Versalles Presbyterian Church was an intriguing time with a 90 year old servant of God. Later in their 10 day mission, the Fugmans and their group moved “inland” Los Palos Presbyterian Church. Their day there was highlighted by afternoon artwork with children fro to town of 8000. That evening worship was conducted by three youth groups that had formed into one choir and dance group. The singing, the dancing, the Spirit there was amazing! Near the end of their mission, the team visited the Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center near Santa Clara. Don’t get you hopes up here for a Holiday Inn style camp. For instance, almost 1000 campers were fed here this summer over an open fire pit. We all left Cuba inspired by what can be done with so little…if you only have faith!
God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are alive and well in Cuba. But we as their brothers and sisters in Christ, we can do so much to help them witness to others in this country slipping from economic depravity into economic opportunity. Pastor Gary and Sharon are offering to share with your church or group more pictures and insights into life and Christian life in Cuba. For more information call them at 349-1953 or email them at fugman@abbnebraska.com. Perhaps God will call you to be the next witness to Him to our neighbors 90 miles to the south!
October 13, 2013 Leave a comment
Camryn Graham, age 5, daughter of Candace Graham of Oakland. Grandparents are Jody Graham Paul of Uehling, Bob Graham of Craig and Karen and Eddie Linnenbrink of West Point.
October 13, 2013 Leave a comment
News Column
John Wilson
Extension Educator
October 11, 2013
Prepare for “Invasion of the Ladybug”
I can’t prove that there’s a direct connection, but it seems like ladybugs start invading our house about the time the neighbors start combining their crops. I ‘ve wondered if they were still out in the fields, but are forced to look for another place to stay once the crops were harvested. If that’s the case, we can expect these unwanted guests in the near future.
John Wilson
Although these insects are called a lot of things, some which I can’t repeat here, the real name is the Multicolored Asian Ladybird Beetle. This ladybug is larger than many of our native species. “Multicolored” refers to the tremendous color variations, but the most common color is deep orange. It is a voracious feeder and was introduced several times in the U.S. as a biological control agent for the control of aphids and other insect pests.
The biggest problem is where this insect chooses to overwinter. In its native habitat in Asia, large numbers congregate and overwinter in cracks and crevices within cliff faces. Since cliffs are not common in the Nebraska landscape, the next best things are tall houses!
They are attracted to tall houses that are often all by themselves in the landscape, often near a grove of trees. This sounds a lot like homes on farmsteads and acreages in rural areas. Since this lady beetle feeds on soybean aphid, which also are native to Asia, rural homes are very susceptible, although folks who live in town are not immune to their invasions.
This ladybug species has a number of other undesirable qualities.
• They secrete a foul-tasting chemical, which makes them unpalatable to their enemies. This secretion can stain fabric and wallpaper.
• Large infestations have a definite odor.
• They have been reported to be an asthma trigger in some sensitive individuals.
• They will bite. It isn’t particularly painful, but it is annoying.
Because these ladybugs congregate in enormous masses, the sheer numbers of these beetles can be very frustrating for homeowners. These tips may be helpful:
First, try to minimize entry points:
• Locate entry points and seal cracks and crevices with caulk to prevent entry.
• Make sure window screens and doors are tight-fitting. Use weather stripping if needed.
• Concentrate initial efforts on the south and west sides of structures.
Once beetles are inside, the following suggestions may be helpful:
• Do not swat or smash lady beetles. Their body fluids can stain draperies and wall coverings.
• Using insecticides inside the home will not prevent other beetles from coming inside and has limited effectiveness unless sprayed directly on beetles.
• Vacuuming lady beetles is as effective as insecticides and is the recommended strategy.
If you are using a vacuum cleaner, these lady beetles get sucked into the interior part of the vacuum cleaner and their secretions will cause the vacuum cleaner to smell every time it is used. To prevent this, put a knee-high nylon stocking into the hose wand to capture the beetles before they are sucked into the vacuum cleaner body. Insert the stocking into a connection joint in the wand so it forms a bag inside the hose and a portion of the stocking folds over the outside of the wand to secure it in place when the wand is put back together. After sucking up the beetles, remove the stocking and dispose of the beetles.
For more information on lady beetle control, contact your local UNL Extension office.
October 13, 2013 Leave a comment
Village Board of Decatur Regular Meeting October 10, 2013
5:00 P.M.
The Board of the Village of Decatur met in regular session at 5:00 P.M. at the Community Center on October 10, 2013. Guest signing in Alta Wolf. Guests not sign in were Tammy Maul-Bodlak, Brian McFarland.
1) The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Nicola.
Roll Call: Walt Bolln-here, Jim Nicola-here, Bob Richards-here, Margaret Tolby-here Stephanie Warren- absent.
2) Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting were received:
Roll Call: Walt Bolln-here, Jim Nicola-here, Bob Richards-here, Margaret Tolby-here, Stephanie Warren- absent.
3) Approval and/or corrections and suspended reading of the previous months minutes.
Roll Call: Walt Bolln-here, Jim Nicola-here, Bob Richards-here, Margaret Tolby-here, Stephanie Warren- absent.
4) EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING MEETING:
Stephanie had to work.
Bolln made a motion to excuse Warren from the meeting. Richards seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Bolln-yes, Richards-yes.
5) REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND OR COMMITTEES
1) Police: Monthly Report
Chief McFarland came to the table and explained to the Board members that they do not have a
standard police report from the Sleuth system, because we have upgraded to the State program. The cost for this program is $13.00 a month compared to the &1,200.00 a year that we were paying for Sleuth. There have been a few bumps with the new program but they are being worked on and should be taken care in the next week.
Lost the donated computer in the police office during the power outage last weekend. Brian still has the old one that he will hook up and switch the hard drives. Bolln asked if that computer had any protection. Brian stated that the computer was hooked directly in the outlet.
Highway safety grants will be coming up again on Thanksgiving and Christmas, Brian will be applying for those grants.
He has been having trouble with a few of the ATV’s pushing the time limits, going out before daylight and riding after dark. He stated that this is a Village ordinance and a State Statute and that any officer coming into town can enforce this.
He had several weed complaints this month. The complaint on 11th Street was taken to the County Attorney and according to the ordinance there was not enough evidence for the weeds hanging on the neighbors property. Brian stated there is nothing that can be done on that complaint. One of the other properties did get mowed very quickly, and the others did make an effort.
A. Adopt Policy Prohibiting Racial Profiling in Accordance with State Statute 20-504.
Brian included a letter that came from the State of Nebraska which stated that the department has to develop a policy against racial profiling. He obtained a policy that was written by Hall County (where Brian started), they did not have Section A-20. He took elements from the entire policy manual they had and put it into one policy for Decatur. This is what he would like to send into the State for our policy. The clerk will send the policy to our Village attorney. Brian informed the Board that he would like to adopt the whole Hall County Policy manual in the future.
2) Lights: Monthly Report
There was a outage on October 6. Part of the outage was REA and part was some fuses that were blown from the surge. Richards stated that we had low voltage, there is really no protection for when this occurs.
A. Data Tech Training in LeMars on October 23. Updates on Obama care, utility billing and General Ledger.
Therese stated that Joyce and myself were not going to attend, but then found out there were a lot of updates for utility billing. She asked if they could go. The cost is $170.00 for both to go.
Richards made a motion to allow Joyce and Therese to go to the training in LeMars. Tolby seconded the
motion.
Roll Call: Bolln-yes, Nicola-yes, Richards-yes, Tolby-yes.
Therese will ask if one of the guys could be in the office for that day. 3) Water & Sewer: Monthly Report
A. Larry and Nick received their Competent Person for Excavation and Trenching Training.
B. Two & Ten Year Water Plan.
The Board members looked this over. The Village has completed one part of the plan by getting a generator at the water plant.
Tolby made a motion to approve the Two & Ten Year Water Plan. Richards seconded the motion. Roll Call: Bolln-yes, Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Richards-yes.
4) Parks: Monthly Report- Income of $1,502.54
A. Northeast NE. travel guide ad
The Board members really like the pictures in the ad this year.
6) NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss Litigation for John Sparks and appoint someone for the mediation.
Nicola made a motion to go into executive session. Bolln seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Richards-yes, Tolby-yes, Nicola-yes, Bolln-yes.
Time:5:16 PM
Richards made a motion to come out of executive session. Bolln seconded the motion.
Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes.
5:50 PM
Bolln made a motion to appoint Bob Richards to attend the mediation. Tolby seconded the motion. Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes, Tolby-yes.
7) CORRESPONDENCE
1. Proposed map for Village and State Right-of-Way.
Each Board member received a copy of the map showing what the Village and State right-of-way will be when the bridge no longer requires toll.
8) APPROPRIATIONS AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CLAIMS: 1) Claims preapproved by Bolln and Tolby
2) Motion to Approve the Claims as Submitted
Richards 2nd Bolln
Roll Call: Nicola-yes, Tolby-yes, Richards-yes, Bolln-yes
Are there any questions from the audience?
Alta Wolf asked what would be Mr. Richards task at the mediation?
He will be there just to listen, and bring any information back to the Village Board. 9) MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
Richards 2nd Bolln Adjournment Time: 5:56 PM
_______________________________ Jim Nicola
Chairman
_______________________________ ATTEST: Therese Magill
Village Clerk
October 13, 2013 Leave a comment
NPPD District 11 Director Fred Christensen Extremely Disappointed with No Vote On Wind
1740 County Road P • Lyons, NE 68038
For Immediate Release
October 11, 2013
Lyons, Nebraska – Today the NPPD Board of Directors voted 6-3 against purchasing more wind energy. District 11 Director and Burt County Farmer Fred Christensen, who represents the counties of Burt, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Thurston, Wayne, and parts of Washington County, was one of the three votes supporting expanding Nebraska’s wind energy development.
“I am extremely disappointed today in the NPPD Board’s vote against adding more wind energy at this time. We had an opportunity to lock in historically low electrical rates for the next 20 years with very little risk, and we chose to do the opposite. However as disappointing as this vote is I will continue to support and work for homegrown energy sources on behalf of my district,” said Director Fred Christensen.
Christensen said that all polls over the last decade, including NPPD’s own polls, show between 75-90% support level in Nebraska for wind energy. In District 11 Christensen said he has continually received support from constituents that want to develop their homegrown energy resources for various reasons. These reasons include establishing new tax revenues, local jobs, landowner payments, new local investment opportunities, local debt financing, and protection from rising fossil fuel costs.
“Our rural areas desperately need these new revenues created by local energy resources. As members of the public it is crucial that we continue to weigh in so Nebraska-based energy resources become a standard part of energy production for public power. In fact, public power was designed so that the people of Nebraska can create energy and reap the economic rewards in our home communities,” stated Director Christensen.
Despite the fact wind energy prices have been dropping, the price of wind energy will likely go up next year with the expiration of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) at the end of 2013. This means without a Renewable Energy Standard in place it more difficult for Nebraska communities to develop their wind resources.
“I just want to see our prized public power structure function up to its full-potential, while maintaining its credibility with our customer-owners. We missed an opportunity to lock in historically low rates for the next 20 years while harvesting our homegrown wind resource,” said Director Christensen.
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Graham Christensen
October 12, 2013 Leave a comment
Full Definition of SPORTSMANSHIP as defined in the Webster Dictionary
Conduct (as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.
The owners and editor of this publication wish to remind those participating in sporting events of the definition of sportsmanship, as seen above.
It is our stance that this also applies to life in general. Participation in sports, or other activities, is a life-learning tool. To learn how to lose gracefully and congratulate the winners is an admirable quality, which will also assist when those individuals are on their own, dealing with the day-to-day challenges life has to offer.
As adults, and role models of the future leaders of this country, responsibility lies with you. People learn by example. If they are witness to a bad example, negative consequences will result.
Demonstrating a good example is of the upmost importance.
Children learn what they live, and if allowed to mistreat people, this will continue throughout their lives.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” is a quote used by many, such as Hillary Rodham Clinton.
A village failing is not acceptable.
October 11, 2013 Leave a comment
Bancroft-Rosalie’s Homecoming Queen is Paige Rasch and King is Andre Berg. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
October 11, 2013 Leave a comment
Homecoming royalty. Andre Berg, Alexis Vogt, Caleb Hanson, Kaylee Wheaton, Preston Peters and Paige Rasch. I apologize if names are spelled wrong. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
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