It is Never Too Late!


On Sunday, also Mother’s Day, it will be one year since I graduated from college. I was 50, but never gave up on my dream. To all of the graduates everywhere, never lose your vision, never give up hope. Believe in yourself! If you don’t, nobody else will! God Bless all of you!

Denise Gilliland, future Editor and Chief of Kat Country Hub. Thanks to the photography at Northeast Community College!

Denise Gilliland, future Editor and Chief of Kat Country Hub. Thanks to the photography at Northeast Community College!

Throw Back Thursday


Jeannine Geraets and Denise Gilliland riding a bicycle built for two in the Burt County Fair Parade. Photo Courtesy of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Jeannine Geraets and Denise Gilliland riding a bicycle built for two in the Burt County Fair Parade. Photo Courtesy of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Oakland-Craig Against Cancer


The Oakland-Craig Student Council has put together a Relay For Life Team to walk in the Burt County Relay on June 20th at the Lyons-Decatur Northeast track from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. They have been running a money drive contest, Coins for a Cure, to see which teacher will get a pie in their face. The results were revealed on Wed., April 16th at the Oakland-Craig Elementary Gymnasium. Each teacher had a bucket in their classroom to place coins in. They raised a total of $300. “The Oakland-Craig Agains

O-C Student Council members:  right to left Seniors Heath Stromquist Emily Weitzenkamp  Juniors Ashleigh Carr Joel Johnson Cameron Kiner Josh King Heather Riedy Bryce Uhing  Sophomores Cole Mitchell James Moseman Brianne Peterson Conner Thiele. Photo Credit/ Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Student Council members: right to left
Seniors
Heath Stromquist
Emily Weitzenkamp
Juniors
Ashleigh Carr
Joel Johnson
Cameron Kiner
Josh King
Heather Riedy
Bryce Uhing
Sophomores
Cole Mitchell
James Moseman
Brianne Peterson
Conner Thiele. Photo Credit/ Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Student Council: Seniors Faith Gatewood Shelby Hinman Kameron Shelley Heath Stromquist Emily Weitzenkamp   Juniors Ashleigh Carr Joel Johnson Cameron Kiner Josh King Heather Riedy Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Student Council: Seniors
Faith Gatewood
Shelby Hinman
Kameron Shelley
Heath Stromquist
Emily Weitzenkamp
Juniors
Ashleigh Carr
Joel Johnson
Cameron Kiner
Josh King
Heather Riedy
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Student Council and Teachers: from Left to right  People standing: Hannah Brudigam (in white coat) Conner Thiele Joel Johnson Heath Stromquist Cole Mitchell Emily Weitzenkamp Brianne Peterson Shelby Hinman Cameron Kiner James Moseman Jesse Wallerstedt People in the chairs Sandy Pearson Mike Selk Bonnie Kreikemeier Tara Miller Aaron Meyer Thomas Glinski Nicco Salvador Kris Reinert Elyce Josephson Chris Long Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Student Council and Teachers: from Left to right
People standing:
Hannah Brudigam (in white coat)
Conner Thiele
Joel Johnson
Heath Stromquist
Cole Mitchell
Emily Weitzenkamp
Brianne Peterson
Shelby Hinman
Cameron Kiner
James Moseman
Jesse Wallerstedt
People in the chairs
Sandy Pearson
Mike Selk
Bonnie Kreikemeier
Tara Miller
Aaron Meyer
Thomas Glinski
Nicco Salvador
Kris Reinert
Elyce Josephson
Chris Long
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

from Left to right  People standing: Hannah Brudigam (in white coat) Conner Thiele Joel Johnson Heath Stromquist Cole Mitchell Emily Weitzenkamp Brianne Peterson Shelby Hinman Cameron Kiner James Moseman Jesse Wallerstedt People in the chairs Sandy Pearson Mike Selk Bonnie Kreikemeier Tara Miller Aaron Meyer Thomas Glinski Nicco Salvador Kris Reinert Elyce Josephson Chris Long Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

from Left to right
People standing:
Hannah Brudigam (in white coat)
Conner Thiele
Joel Johnson
Heath Stromquist
Cole Mitchell
Emily Weitzenkamp
Brianne Peterson
Shelby Hinman
Cameron Kiner
James Moseman
Jesse Wallerstedt
People in the chairs
Sandy Pearson
Mike Selk
Bonnie Kreikemeier
Tara Miller
Aaron Meyer
Thomas Glinski
Nicco Salvador
Kris Reinert
Elyce Josephson
Chris Long
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Pie in the face time: Student Council members had fun putting a pie in the face of Annie Magnusson, Sandy Pearson, Mile Selk and Bonnie Kreikemeier. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Pie in the face time: Student Council members had fun putting a pie in the face of Annie Magnusson, Sandy Pearson, Mile Selk and Bonnie Kreikemeier. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

More pies in the face: OC teachers: Aaron Meyer Thomas Glinski Nicco Salvador Kris Reinert Elyce Josephson Chris Long Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

More pies in the face: OC teachers: Aaron Meyer
Thomas Glinski
Nicco Salvador
Kris Reinert
Elyce Josephson
Chris Long
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

t Cancer Team has raised $1235 so far, including a $200 anonymous donation if all of the teachers agreed to get a pie in the face,” stated Oakland-Craig Guidance Counselor Annie Magnusson.

Oakland-Craig Guidance Counselor Annie Magnusson begins the Oakland-Craig Against Cancer program at O-C School. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Oakland-Craig Guidance Counselor Annie Magnusson begins the Oakland-Craig Against Cancer program at O-C School. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Flash Back Friday


Denise Gilliland with her children, Whitney and Justin.

Denise, Whitney and Justin, December 1991. Photo Courtesy of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise, Whitney and Justin, December 1991. Photo Courtesy of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Kat’s Korner: It is a Beautiful Day!


Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

I am writing this while enjoying the sunshine streaming in through the windows. It is so nice to have a sunny day with the temperature above freezing, or at least above zero!

I have spent most of this day catching up on house cleaning and laundry. I have fallen behind lately.

As like many of you, I haven’t felt too well lately. I had a touch of the flu. I have also had a cold.

I feel much better today. I do believe the sunshine and warmth is helping.

We should all count our blessings though. The bitter cold days we have endured are nothing in comparison to what those in the south and east of us have had to deal with.

The snow and ice seem to be endless for them. I am hoping there is an end in sight for them as enough is enough!

Spring is just around the corner. I can’t wait to see green grass and flowers in bloom again!

————————————————Kats’ Korner——————————————–

I had to sign us up for health insurance the other day.

It took all day for me to do so. Not because it is a bad thing, as many people insist it is, but because I had many questions to ask and much research to do.

Negativity is very annoying to me. I find it shocking how people are so eager to see the bad in things while ignoring the good.

There isn’t one person that can positively say the Affordable Care Act is bad or a failure.

It is like anything else, only time will tell.

Instead of saying negative things, have faith that it will all work out for the best.

———————————————–Kats’ Korner—————————————–

What is your favorite Spring/Summer outdoor activity?

I have several. I love to go for a walk. I enjoy walking in different areas when I can, taking in the views from all over the countryside.

We take our dog Tucker to the Logan during the summer. He loves jumping in and cooling off.

I also like to jog and walk in the park. Outside activity is fun and energizing!

What I enjoy the most is lounging on the deck or patio, sipping on tea, reading a book, or grilling and enjoying the evening with Jeff.

I am getting more anxious for warm, outdoor weather the more I write this!

I am going outside now to soak in some sun and get Vitamin D!

Until next time, enjoy the sunshine, and when all else fails, make your own sunshine! Smile!

Kats’ Korner: Loving Life


Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

It is cold outside.

I should be a reporter. Oh wait, I am!

I am feeling the way others in the Midwest are right now. It isn’t the snow, or even the cold.

It is those making it into the drama it is not.

I have lived in Nebraska for the majority of my life. Snow, ice, wind, rain, cold, severe summer storms and possible tornadoes are what I call home.

I have been amused by those that are portraying the most recent snow as much larger than it is. I laughed at those standing outside during a newscast stating how awful the roads were as vehicles drove speedily by.

All the while I wondered, where are these people from, Florida?

This is by far not the worst winter I have ever seen. I am hoping it won’t be either. I want to live long enough to have more “terrible” winters to talk about to my grandkids.

There are 43 days until spring. Is someone going to complain then about the rain, the heat coming too early, or any other issue with the weather?

Just remember, it is ours to enjoy each day.

Why dislike it? It is what it is and I wouldn’t change one moment!

——————————————-Kats’ Korner————————————————-

I have learned many things on my “new” adventure.

First of all, I adore what I do. I love writing articles. I am always in search of an interesting focus. I also enjoy the humorous ones as well as human-interest stories. I don’t worry about how I write as I study each day on more writing concepts. I believe in learning beyond the college education I am blessed to have. I intend to learn every day of my life. I am not being graded as I was in school/college. I am, however, being graded by myself.

I am learning more and more each day about taking pictures as well. I have been doing a great deal of research on the subject. Photography is amazing to me, and a constant pursuit in my life.

I am considering taking additional classes to broaden my horizons.

As long as I am living, I intend to learn.

—————————————Kats’ Korner———————————————-

What are your hobbies? I have many. Finding time for them is quite a challenge.

I have been putting some time aside each day to enjoy a hobby of choice.

This time of year, hobbies mostly include inside activities.

I love to crochet. I am on my fifth scarf. I made three from one pattern, a ruffle pattern. I made one infinity scarf and now I am working on a wrap. I also have four orders for the ruffle pattern.

I will make those next, then I am going to find something new.

I also love to read. Or, have someone read to me. I check out audiobooks from the Oakland Public Library. I enjoy a walk, listening to a book. With it being cold outside, I listen to the book and crochet. It is wonderful to enjoy to hobbies at one time!

I have many other hobbies. I had a professor ask me if I had ever considered writing a book. I haven’t. I know I am not that good of a writer. He encouraged me to pick a topic and work on it.

What he didn’t know was, I had started writing about my life as a child. It won’t be a book, but it may be a short story, or something for my eyes only.

Regardless, I enjoy writing.

Above all, I enjoy all of you. Let me know if I can be of any service to you. Thank you for sharing your lives with mine.

Until next time, enjoy each and every day!

God Bless!

Denise’s Tidbits


Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

There are many intriguing and appealing news stories, locally, nationally and in other countries that I find fascinating every day. I am not talking about crime. It is nearly impossible to turn on the television and not hear of another shooting, robbery, etc. that occurred anywhere.

I am not going to be focusing on crime. I am taking a different spin on news. I want to share some of my thoughts on different stories. I am going to be brief, as I hope my audience will also think about the issues I address. Please, feel free to comment to anything you see as relevance. I don’t pretend to know everything, as I am aware that I don’t. I have an opinion, as everyone else has. Sharing opinions, negatively and positively, is what makes the world go round! I am choosing to only address a few items of interest to begin with. To be honest, this is an idea that just popped into my head yesterday. I am hoping it catches on, whether verbally, or at least through a thought process.

Here is my first week of tidbits:

1. I am concerned that technology could be causing unemployment. I will use Walmart for an example. They now have self-checkout lanes. I don’t care to use them. As a friend of mine said, “Why should we do their job?” This is in reference to Walmart employees. I agree. We shop and have the option, if we so choose, to check ourselves out. There should be a discount included for shoppers having to do the job of a Walmart employee. Who doesn’t think technology will be the root of more unemployment?

2. What are your thoughts on anti-bacterial soap? The FDA is now stating there isn’t any evidence that anti-bacterial soap works better than regular soap and water in preventing the spread of germs. The FDA is also concerned about some ingredients in anti-bacterial soaps that could pose health risks. Have anti-bacterial soaps been a scam all of this time?

3. Why do we care about the first lady’s (Michelle Obama) 50th birthday? It must be a slow news day to report this extensively on just a birthday.

4. How do you feel about Oakland-Craig, Tekamah-Herman and Lyons-Decatur Schools consolidating? Nearly everywhere I go, someone voices a concern to me about it. I will be honest, 99% of those I have talked to are opposed to this happening. How do you feel?

5. How would you feel if Nebraska legalized marijuana? I am not going to voice my entire opinion on this subject. I am against this. I was brought up to believe it is wrong and I still believe it is wrong. Thoughts?

That is all for this week!

If you have something to discuss, just let me know and I will be happy to post it!!! Discussion is the heart of a healthy, caring community~