Northeast Nebraska's dependable news source
February 13, 2014 Leave a comment
Valentine’s Trivia: The answer to who was the company to make conversation hearts is Necco. Today’s question is: Who is Mickey Mouse’s valentine?
Post your answers here! One day til the big day!!!
February 9, 2014 Leave a comment
Valentine’s Day Trivia: The correct answer to the last question, which fruit is also known as the love apple was tomato. Many of you got the right answer. Today’s question is: Conversation hearts were first made by what company?
Post your answers here!
February 7, 2014 Leave a comment
Every day throughout the year seems to have a designation of one type or another. Some are very important, some are silly and some to be self-serving. Today’s may be the latter. See what you think.
Today is Send a Card to a Friend Day. I wonder who came up with that idea?
February 6, 2014 Leave a comment
Mayor Andy Fuston
Last week we visited about two important events that would have major implications for Lyons in 2014. The first was the local elections and the second was the potential school merger. I have given both a good deal of thought over the past several weeks. I feel now is as good a time as any to share my heart with you on each subject.
The one keeping me awake the most lately is whether or not to run for a third term as mayor of this wonderful community. I have really enjoyed the past seven years serving as mayor. I actually can’t believe we are nearing the end of my second term already. With that being said, I have struggled with the decision of running again because life just seems to be getting busier and busier. I wanted to make sure I was able to devote enough time and energy to help the community continue moving forward. I believe I can. Therefore I have decided to put my hat in the ring one more time. The council has done some amazing things and I feel I have more to contribute to the cause as mayor. If I’m blessed to be elected for another term, I will give all that I can to Lyons and support initiatives to best position us for the future.
Now, on to the one taking a great deal of space in my mind and heart–the school consolidation talks. First, I think it is important to acknowledge that our school board does a wonderful, amazing job. Their jobs are hard enough, but when you throw in possible consolidation talks it becomes even harder. It’s a courageous thing they are doing by opening up a conversation about what the future could possibly look like for Lyons Decatur Northeast. I have to also say as a school board, their jobs are to direct the district to do what they feel is best for the district and the children of that district. I believe their hearts are paved with nothing but good intentions and applaud them for caring enough to look at these hard choices.
As mayor, I believe my job is to advocate for Lyons and its future. I believe that I would not be doing my job if I sat quietly on the sidelines while this issue ran its course. That being said, I have grave concerns about what the loss of our high school would mean for the future of Lyons. I believe a loss of this magnitude would have a devastating effect on our ability to attract new families to our community, would have a negative impact on our economy and would threaten even our ability to maintain and keep an elementary school in town. We all have seen the effects our neighboring communities have experienced with the loss of their schools. Lyons, as a small, rural community, strives every day to maintain what it has built. The loss of our high school would make what is a challenge today a struggle to survive tomorrow. I believe we have worked too hard, sacrificed too much and reinvested in ourselves too greatly to not work to keep our school district intact. I understand our enrollment numbers present the district with a real challenge. But I believe we can take other steps to shore up our school district rather than eliminate it altogether. This issue is not just a school district issue–it is a community issue. The school is a major piece of the fabric of our community. Without it, even part of it, a hole so large will be created that I’m not sure we could ever repair it. I, as mayor, see no upside to this possible consolidation for the community of Lyons.
That being said, we as community members have an obligation and responsibility to help maintain a vibrant school system. We have to put energy and resources into creating a community that is attractive to new families with children. A two-million dollar investment in a new community pool tells me this community understands that. It is willing to commit to the future of this community. There are people in this community dreaming big about housing opportunities, business expansions and new businesses opportunities. The people of Lyons are committed to our future and the future of Lyons-Decatur Northeast. I believe the school board is, too. But we will struggle even more to turn those dreams into realities without a local K-12 school system. We as community members must continue to work together to strengthen our community so our school district can stay strong as well.
Finally, I understand my views on the consolidation talks could have a direct impact on my chances to be re-elected in November. I can live with that. I’m falling on the side of keeping our district intact and doing baby steps, if needed, (co-opting sports, teacher sharing, administration sharing, on-line classes, etc.) to keep it viable instead of taking the full plunge into consolidation. I know there will be roadblocks along the way but this board is very capable to maneuver through them. I see it being what is best for the community as a whole. In the end, I understand the pebble is important but it is the ripples it causes in the water that have lasting effects. We have to be very aware of the ripples a consolidated school system will have on the future of this town. I, for one, am not seeing ripples as much as I’m seeing a possible tsunami. Enough for now. Thanks for listening and for your understanding. Take care and talk to you soon.
February 5, 2014 2 Comments
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!
February 3, 2014 1 Comment
There is one commercial from last night’s super bowl game that has caused a stir. What did you think of the Coke commercial and the singing of America the Beautiful in a multi-cultural version?
January 28, 2014 Leave a comment
I have been hearing people voice concerns over high heat bills this winter. Is your heating/electricity/gas bill higher than normal. Are there any of you that use propane? Is your bill high? I heard propane has gone up too.
January 28, 2014 Leave a comment
Valentine”s Day Trivia: Who was the first television couple to share a bed on air (instead of twin beds)?
January 24, 2014 1 Comment
Everywhere I go, people ask me what I think about the school merger. The truth of the matter is, I haven’t made a decision one way or the other.
I would first like to commend all of the school board members involved in this very serious situation.
It can’t be easy. There are so many issues involved, and above all, so many people.
The number one concern, in my opinion, is what is best for the children. They should be the main focus.
Do we need to merge? I believe at some point, yes we will. Schools haven’t received as much financial aid from the state as they had in the past. This could cause more problems in the future. One thing to understand is, one school districts finances are different from another’s.
One question that has been asked of me is how this will affect everyone’s taxes. I do not have a definite answer. I recommend contacting a school board member for an answer to that question. I know this has been of concern to many.
People in the Oakland-Craig School District have voiced many concerns because of the district adding onto the elementary school. A bond was previously voted in to do so before the schools merging became an issue, which raised taxes. Many people are concerned about this happening again.
I understand your concerns. The best advice I have is to contact your school board members with your concerns, attend school board meetings and the public meetings in the future.
If it were on the ballot today, how would you vote? I am still undecided.
I will decide as time passes and more information becomes available. I trust in the school board members to do what is right for the children. That is their job and I believe they all are taking it very seriously.
——————————————-Kats’ Korner———————————————-
I am sure everyone can recall a winter worse than this one, but can you recall one with more bizarre weather?
Last Sunday was just beautiful. How unusual is it to have 60-degree weather in January? People were out soaking it in, enjoying the day.
It was a good thing too, because the wind and cold came back. It is so odd to have so many very cold, windy days, along with bursts of snow that looked like a blizzard! At least the snow only lasted a few minutes.
I wonder what will happen on ground hogs day? I hope spring will be coming soon!
—————————————–Kats’ Korner————————————————
This has been a very busy month. I have had many things come up unexpectedly. I am trying to get my life balanced better as issues with city council come up and take time. I love every minute of it and it is a great learning experience.
I am hoping to get my feet firmly placed on the ground in the next week or so, as I believe things will be more settled down. At least, that is my hope!!
Have a great day.
Let us remember, each day is a gift. Never wish it to hurry up!
Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Kat Country Hub 
Recent Comments