Kathryn “Kay” Larson, 90, of Lyons NE


Kathryn “Kay” Larson, 90 years, of Lyons, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at the Hooper Care Center in Hooper, Nebraska.

Funeral Service is pending with Pelan Funeral Services.

Kats’ Korner: Memorable First Day of School and Consolidation


Consolidation of Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman Schools is a hot topic in each community.

There are many inaccurate accounts of the situation being stated from each town involved. I heard someone so upset stating Tekamah-Herman were coming to Oakland-Craig to school. I have heard others say the students from each school will not get along. This came from parents. I certainly hope parents aren’t encouraging their children to be unaccepting of other children.I find this so disappointing.

The bottom line is: ALL of us are responsible to do what is best for the children, for their education and their future. We owe it to them. They are the citizens of tomorrow, our future leaders.

I recently walked through the Burt County Fair Parade, as President of the Oakland City Council. I had many friends and family walk through with me, showing my dedication to Oakland and the community. I am running for election in November. I wanted to see people first-hand and let them know how much I care for each and every one of them.

At the end of the parade, I had a person whom I had never met, ask me what my position was on the school consolidation issue. I was quite surprised by the question, but I knew my answer immediately. I kindly told her that at this point, I was undecided. I want to take more time to review each side of the issue before making a definite decision. I also told her I think this has to be so difficult for every person on both sides of the proposal.

Since then, I have given in a great deal of thought. I do believe at some point in time, school consolidation will happen for both schools. This will be determined on the amount of state aid available to schools and how well a school can manage based upon their budget. I hope and pray that each district puts education for each student on the front burner.

If each school can provide the best of education for each child without consolidation, then I am for that. But, if that is not a possibility, then consolidation is a must.

I also want to share a memory of my own. I grew up in Tekamah. I went attended Tekamah-Herman schools through my Freshman year. Then, we moved to Oakland. I began my Sophomore year at Oakland-Craig Schools. Those that remember both schools in the year of 1978, you will remember how competitive they were in sports. They were huge rivals back then.

I was terrified to start school in Oakland-Craig. I need not worry so much. I was welcomed and made many friends whom I am still friends with today.

I also stayed friends with my Tekamah-Herman class and the teachers and staff there. I am invited back to every class reunion and just attended our 35 year reunion. I also attended my 35 year O-C class reunion the same day. It is a juggling act, but I want to see everyone! They are a big part of my life.

Basically, I went through my own school consolidation and all went fine.

If the voters approve a consolidation, I don’t worry about students getting along. I know both districts have good, caring people and each of them will come together for the sake of the children.

The children are what is most important. 

 

 

Duane F. Ahlers, 77, of Rosalie NE


Duane F. Ahlers, 77, of Rosalie, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, NE. Funeral services will be Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rosalie, NE with Pastor Robert Johnson officiating. The visitation will be Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will be in the Bancroft Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft.

Duane was born March 9, 1939 to Alfred and Mable (Soll) Ahlers on a farm north of Walthill. He was baptized April 16, 1939 and confirmed June 6, 1954 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rosalie. In May of 1957, Duane graduated from Rosalie High School. After high school, Duane enrolled in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Parris Island, SC. After returning from the service, Duane married Norma Kinning on June 7, 1964. The couple had two children, Jeffrey and Jami.

Duane farmed from 1961 until 1994, and worked at Blue Ox from 1994 until 2007. He was a member of the VFW, mayor and Rosalie Town Board member, Immanuel Lutheran Church Board, Rural Fire Board, Old Settlers Committee, Rosalie Fire Department, Rosalie Rescue Squad, and was a former Mason. Duane loved playing cards, learning everything he could about NASA, and watching Bizarre Foods, saying he could see the world without leaving his couch.

Duane is survived by his son, Jeffrey Ahlers of Sioux City, IA; daughter, Jami (Richard) Mohl of Bancroft, NE and grandsons, Stuart Mohl of Thornton, CO and Ryley Mohl of Bancroft, NE; companion, Carmen Russman of Rosalie, NE; sister, Carol (Mylon) Beutler of Bancroft, NE; brother, Larry (Diane) Ahlers of Rosalie, NE, Dennis (Betsy) Ahlers of Burnsville, MN, Gary (Naomi) Ahlers of Lincoln, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by Carmen’s family; Scott (Rhonda) Russman of Farnam, NE, Terri (Todd) Alberts of St. Paul, NE, Mark Russman of Wisner, NE, Mike (Melinda) Russman of Farnam, NE, Tyler (Teresa Block) Russman of Davison, MI, 15 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and Carmen’s daughter-in-law, Shelly Russman.

Governor Ricketts Announces Burt County as a Livestock Friendly County


Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Burt County had become the newest county in the state to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC) through a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

 

“Burt County has a rich history in agriculture, and the livestock industry generates millions of dollars in income for the county’s farm and ranch families,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “By seeking the Livestock Friendly County designation, the county is sending the message that they want to continue to grow both their county and the state through livestock development.”

 

Created in 2003 by the Nebraska Legislature, the LFC program is designed to recognize counties in the state that support the expansion of the livestock industry.  In 2014, livestock receipts in the state comprised over half of the almost $25 billion of Nebraska’s total on-farm receipts.  The LFC designation gives counties an extra promotional tool to encourage expansion of current livestock operations and attract new businesses that spur local economies.

 

“Adding new or expanding existing livestock operations can offer opportunities for family members in Burt County to return back to the family operation,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach.  “Livestock development will also increase local demand for the large stocks of corn, soybeans and grain sorghum produced by Burt County farmers.”

 

With the addition of Burt County, there are now 37 counties designated as Livestock Friendly through the state program.

 

Counties wishing to apply for the LFC designation must hold a public hearing and the county board must pass a resolution to apply for the designation.  Then a completed application must be submitted to NDA.  Local producers or groups can encourage county officials to apply.

 

Additional information about the Livestock Friendly County program is available on the NDA website at www.nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.

Governor Pete Ricketts attended the Burt County Fair designating Burt County Livestock Friendly. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Governor Pete Ricketts attended the Burt County Fair designating Burt County Livestock Friendly. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Dave Schold of the Burt County Board of Supervisors spoke on behalf of Burt County being Livestock Friendly.

Dave Schold of the Burt County Board of Supervisors spoke on behalf of Burt County being Livestock Friendly.

Nebraska Senator Lydia Brasch attended the event honoring Burt County's Livestock Friendly appointment. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Nebraska Senator Lydia Brasch attended the event honoring Burt County’s Livestock Friendly appointment. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

David Pearson of the Burt County Fair Board shared in the enthusiasm of Burt County joining other counties in Nebraska as Livestock Friendly. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

David Pearson of the Burt County Fair Board shared in the enthusiasm of Burt County joining other counties in Nebraska as Livestock Friendly. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Caregiver Support Group to Meet at Bancroft Senior Center


The monthly Caregiver Support Group will meet at the Bancroft Senior Center, Monday, August 15 at 2:00 p.m. We discuss a variety of topics at these meetings.

The personal information shared by the caregivers, during the meeting, is kept confidential. All caregivers are invited to attend.

Build Your Own Hamburger Fundraiser at Bancroft Senior Center


The Bancroft senior center will be having a Build your own Hamburger, picnic style fund raiser including a salad bar and an ice cream sundae bar on Sunday, August 28, serving from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m.

We invite you to come and show your support for the 60 plus population in our community and surrounding areas. We provide many services they need and we want to continue to do so.

News From Bancroft Senior Center


Bancroft Senior Center News by Connie Bargmann

*If you are 60+ and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648. There are no membership fees or attendance requirements and new faces are always welcome.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

Meals on Wheels

*Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day. The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Aug. 17: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 a.m. Sign up to play 5-handed pinochle at 1:30 p.m.

Thurs. Aug. 18: Tai Chi class at 9:30 a.m. and walking club at 10:40 a.m. Rolls and coffee from 9-11 a.m. FROG exercise class at 1:00 p.m. Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Aug. 19: Come and help the birthday honorees celebrate their birthdays at 1:30 p.m.; they will play pitch and hand & foot. Lunch is served at 3:30 p.m.

Mon. Aug. 22: FROG exercises at 12:45 and pitch tournament at 1:30 p.m. Make your reservation for the pork loin dinner tomorrow.

Tues. Aug. 23: Tai Chi class is at 9:30 a.m. Stop in for coffee at 10:00 a.m. Walking exercises 10:40 a.m. The meal for today is pork loin, potatoes, coleslaw and cake.

Wed. Aug 24: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 p.m. Coffee time 10:15 a.m. Join us at 1:30 for cards.

Duane F. Ahlers, 77


Duane F. Ahlers, 77, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center.

Funeral services are pending with Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home.

Stuffed Animal Prizes From the Burt County Fair Brings a Big Smile


Penelope Tran loves her stuffed animal prizes from the games at the Burt County Fair. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Penelope Tran loves her stuffed animal prizes from the games at the Burt County Fair. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Tuff-bilt Tractors Manufacturing, Inc.


20160707_124341