Lucille K. Wonka November 23, 1923 to June 23 2011

Former Blue Hill resident Lucille Wonka died June 23 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 
Lucille Katheryn Hlavec was the fifth of six children born to  Adolph and Anna (Janda) Hlavec. Sshe was born on November 23, 1923 at Lawrence, Nebraska.
Lucille  married  Willard ( Bill )  Wonka June 3, 1941. 
The couple lived in Blue Hill for many years.  Lucille worked as a bookkeeper for Century Lumber Company.  They had three children. 
Lucille was a member of Trinity Catholic Church and the Alter society. 
She is survived by her three children, Ann Buckner of Elwood, Nebraska   Robert D. Wonka (Nancy) Oakland, Nebraska and Rebecca Kaufman (/Audie) of Albuquerque, New Mexico" a Brother Jack Hlavac of Lawrence, Sisters-in-law Florris Zimmerman of Phoenix, Arizona, Florrine Van Winkle of Denver, Colorado and Barbara Wonka of Grand Island, Nebraska"  8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
she was preceded in death by her parent, her husband, her sisters, Helen Schutte, Frances Dorfler, Mary Maraqua, her brother Edward Hlavac and a son-in-law Daniel Buckner.

http://www.danielsfuneral.com/index.php?page=obituaries

Improve Medicare, Don't End It

By  Senator Ben Nelson
Years ago when I worked at the Nebraska Department of Insurance and we had a choice about whether to try to make a new health care law work or try to undo it and not implement it. We chose the first course.
The law was Medicare, which was created in the 1960s because millions of elderly Americans couldn’t get good enough health coverage from the private market. From Day One, in spite of opposition, we tried to make Medicare work.
We’ve seen Medicare become the lifeline for health insurance for millions of Americans. In our state today, Medicare affords 230,000 Nebraskans longer and more vital lives.
Two Approaches on Medicare
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about Medicare that’s focused not so much on care but on cost. Nebraskans I talk to understand that to cut our national debt, we have to tackle health care spending, including Medicare.
Two approaches have emerged, with the first one reforming how Medicare pays for care in the new health reform law, and the second by changing who pays for seniors’ health insurance in a plan by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan.
The Ryan plan would turn Medicare into a voucher program and end Medicare as we know it.
Voucher Plan Costs Seniors More
The Ryan plan sets up a new system where seniors pick plans offered by private insurance companies. The government would pay “premium support” payments to the insurance companies, not to seniors.
This voucher plan transfers most of seniors’ health care costs from the federal government to the patient. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said seniors “would pay more for their health care than if they participated in traditional Medicare.”
The Ryan plan also cuts services to seniors by eliminating new wellness checkups—which more than 1,700 Nebraskans have already received—and free cancer screenings. It gets rid of new prescription drug coverage which would have 28,000 Nebraska seniors paying $16 million more for medications next year alone. These provisions save lives and reduce health care costs.
Existing Law Streamlines and Saves Money
I think there’s a better way for Nebraska seniors. The existing law cuts government spending by getting rid of Medicare Advantage overpayments. It reduces future Medicare payment increases to hospitals because the government will pay less for the uninsured. They cost insured taxpayers $57 billion a year for the free care they receive at hospitals when they show up sick.
It saves money by changing how Medicare reimburses health care providers so it doesn’t reward them for running lots of tests. Instead, it rewards quality—good care. Medicare also will save money by moving away from paper records toward electronic records, which will deliver more cost-efficient and better care.
The Senate voted down the Ryan plan but there are those who will still push hard for it. Just as I did years ago, I’m going to support ways to make Medicare better and less expensive, not undo it.

Quote of the Day

Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth.
Happiness comes from giving not getting.
If we try hard to bring happiness to others we cannot stop it from coming to us also.”
 Author Unknown

TELEHEALTH DECISION SAVES MONEY AND LIVES IN NEBRASKA

 Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed a decision this week by the Federal Communications Commission that maintains funding for telehealth services at rural hospitals, which will save Nebraskans money and continue their access to high quality health care.
Funding was scheduled to be cut off on June 30th. This week, the FCC decided to continue funding temporarily, while moving ahead with a rulemaking process which proposes to make the funding permanent. That will affect 235 hospitals nationwide, including those in Kearney, Grand Island, Fremont and Norfolk.
“The FCC’s move to continue support for telehealth services at our Nebraska hospitals is good news. Nebraskans shouldn’t have to drive long distances for specialized health care they can receive through telehealth,” said Senator Nelson. “Making support permanent is a common sense way for hospitals to continue offering critical telemedicine and telehealth services to rural patients, their families and their doctors. It saves money, time and lives.”
Last fall, Nelson sent a letter last to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski urging him to maintain funding scheduled to lapse on June 30th for hospitals in Kearney, Grand Island, Fremont and Norfolk.
This week, the FCC adopted an interim rule that allows the 235 rural hospitals nationwide to continue receiving telehealth funding during the process of a Notice for Proposed Rulemaking, in which the agency is proposing to make the funding permanent.
The four Nebraska hospitals affected are:
•Good Samaritan Health Systems in Kearney, Nebraska
•Fremont Area Medical Center in Fremont, Nebraska, which in addition is linked to the University of Nebraska Medical Center
•St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, Nebraska
•Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, Nebraska
“Nebraska health professionals have told me compelling stories of how rural telehealth services allow them to monitor patients remotely and provide specialized services across the state,” said Nelson. “Furthermore, since many rural Nebraska hospitals share statewide telehealth network infrastructure, when one hospital loses funding, they all pay the price.”
Among those Nelson heard from is Bill Brennan, Grants Development Coordinator, Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation.
“This investment in rural healthcare is invaluable,” Brennan wrote. “The Telehealth Network provides the most efficient manner to maintain a comprehensive videoconference network throughout Nebraska. The Telehealth Network is a vital link into rural Nebraska, providing healthcare that not only reduces travel brings specialized medicine to the point of care. In some cases, timely interventions can mean the difference between life and death.”
Renae Kauth, Diabetes Educator/Dietitian at Faith Regional Health Services wrote that the telehealth support is critical to the success of the Nebraska State Telehealth Network (NSTN.)
“Norfolk does not have an endocrinologist, which is very important in the care of diabetic patients,” Kauth wrote. “Faith Regional has a telehealth endocrinology clinic with a doctor from Omaha to help meet the needs of our patients. Without NSTN this would not be possible and our patient would have to make the 3-4 hour trip depending on where they lived. NSTN is very important and beneficial to improving the health of the residents in rural Nebraska. Norfolk is still considered a rural community by many and NSTN is needed to continue providing the residents in Norfolk and surrounding counties quality healthcare.”
Lesley Bollwitt-Maria, manager of grants and special projects at Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, also wrote to Nelson: “If we lose our funding, in essence, we become stranded and so do the end point sites that connect into Good Samaritan. Our access to health care services from across the state is cut off.”
In 2004, the FCC changed the definition of “rural” hospitals that could qualify for Rural Health Care Support funding by reducing the population count a hospital serves from 50,000 to 25,000. Because of this change, the four facilities in Nebraska no longer passed the “rural” definition test and would become ineligible at the end of the month for the funding to deploy broadband for telehealth.
The FCC had granted a temporary extension to these four facilities so that they may continue to receive funding until June 30th. The Nebraska Public Service Commission also had petitioned the FCC to grandfather in these facilities, so that they would receive permanent federal funding.
According to the Public Service Commission, the NSTN allowed for 1,600 clinical consultations of Nebraska healthcare patients. That, in turn, allowed for the patients to forgo the costs and inconvenience of traveling long distances to seek medical consultation from specialist in more urban areas. In addition, the NSTN saved Nebraska hospitals an estimated $1.8 million in travel time and mileage.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann

 UNL Extension Educator,

Webster County

June 25, 2011 Edition

Does 4-H desensitize kids to killing? “4-H stands for "Head, heart, hands, health" and apparently a fifth - for "haters."
To many, 4-H Clubs are all about nurturing sweet little calves, adorable children winning ribbons, urban garden patches and proud future farmers grooming prized pigs for show. To others, it's a calculated system for turning the youth of America into cold, unfeeling animal killers.”
Please know that I do not think that, and in fact you better believe that blood really shot from my eyes when I read this orchestrated attack on animal agriculture and particularly the 4-H program. This was the lead-in for a story on CNN yesterday, and boy did I get some emails, calls and texts on my phone. So if nothing else others had the opportunity to see and read what I did. I know that our news media are always looking for sensational stories, but picking on 4-H and other youth programs that work with animals is really hitting below the belt. It does go to show though what I have been preaching for several years. There is a huge disconnect between the rural and urban communities and you better believe the animal agriculture industry has a lot of enemies and they are in very influential places, are loaded with money and power, have the power of media behind them, and we are definitely in their sites.
In defense of CNN this story sprang up from an earlier piece they had done entitled “5@5 - Five reasons to buy from your local 4-H”, which really wasn’t a bad rap on 4-H and the animals that we raise. The response to that original airing is what chilled my blood. It was picked up and shot through the cyber world via blogs, websites, AP, TV, vegan & animal rights sites and even Facebook. The misinformation, vitriol and emotional response gives evidence of why PETA, HSUS and all their friends have found an easy prey for their propaganda and fodder for them to fill their treasure chests even fuller as they continue to move towards the elimination of livestock from the food chain and clamor for animal rights.
I mentioned earlier the disconnect that I have seen growing in the last years as an ag teacher and more recently as an extension educator. I think this CNN story proves that there is that disconnect between rural and urban folks when the local 4-H kids come under fire as being desensitized to the suffering of animals. I know that I, as well as most of my neighbors and friends, believe that 4-H and FFA are wholesome, honest organizations that put valiant efforts out to educate our children. It is real world however, and it is obvious to me that there is apparently more than a few misguided and misinformed souls who think otherwise. To me this is almost sacrilegious.
There is no doubt that the division between agriculture and the rest of society continues to widen. Increasingly fewer and fewer Americans have any ties to a farm or rural life. We used to be just one generation removed from the farm, and there were ties to the land and to the animals that we raise. We now have families that are two, three or more generations removed and as those ties are lost, so is the recognition by the bulk of our society that food comes from some place other than a grocery store. In many respects, it is understandable that some in our modern society are uncomfortable with the facts of food animal production. To one that has not lived the life, or heard about the agrarian life style from their parents or grandparents, I can see where they can be confused and perhaps distressed. More distressing however to me, is that many people are convinced those animals are raised in “factory farms” living their lives in dire conditions of overcrowding, mud and waste infected, confined quarters, fed bucket loads of antibiotics and hormones and even worse, “tortured” prior to slaughter. Of course there are those with their own agendas pushing and prodding the smears.
It is heartrending that unfortunately we have some people that don’t get it, and some of this does happen. There is evidence on the internet, TV, YouTube and of a handful of well-publicized media exposed incidents of animal abuse, some of which probably weren’t staged. I am sure that these incidents have done significant damage to the image of our industry and obviously to 4-H and FFA. Now in order to repair the damage done by a few “bad apples” we have display constant vigilance on the part of every stakeholder – including 4-H and FFA exhibitors – who do it right. Our kids do promote responsible animal husbandry and the cultivation of food resources in a responsible, ethical way. Our goal is now, not to be satisfied and complacent about what we do, and just hope that other people leave us to our chosen path, but to continue to educate those that are misinformed and to make sure that we and the people that surround us are good stewards of these animals, the land on which we live and the water that sustains both.
I can tell you, from almost 40 years in education that these young people are not desensitized, they are the most sensitive, and I might add sensible, people I know when it comes to the care and love of their animals. They fully know and understand nature, and the consequences that come with working with nature and its inhabitants. It is not that our 4-H and FFA kids are de-sensitized...it is they have been educated and have become realists --unlike the detractors, who in my opinion, have no sense of reality. It is hard for me to understand the naivety of people when it comes to where their food and fiber comes from. I cannot comprehend that so many people think that all animals should roam the planet freely without management, and that we should live on ….I guess, “manna” that comes from the heavens.
The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: www.webster.unl.edu/home

Dorwin Carper - December 29, 1945 to June 23, 2011

Ayr resident, Dorwin D. Carper, 65, passed away Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Saturday, June 25, 2011; 10:00 A.M. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Hill with Pastor Dan Cosson officiating. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Churchyard Cemetery, southwest of Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Friday, June 24, 2011; 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society for colon cancer research.
Dorwin was born December 29, 1945 in Hastings, Nebraska to DeVerde & Edna (Bunde) Carper. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Dorwin attended country school in Ayr and then graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1964. He married Cheryl Steffen on November 29, 1970 in Hastings. He served in the National Guard from 1967-1973. Dorwin farmed in the area until 1991, drove a school bus for Blue Hill School for 26 years, and was a driver for S & J Detasseling. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Hill. He loved children, pedal tractors, and garage sales. Dorwin volunteered with the Special Olympics for many years.
Dorwin was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include:
Wife: Cheryl Carper – Ayr, NE
Children & Spouses: Robert Carper – Ayr, NE
Steven & Lindsey Carper – LaVista, NE
Cathleen & Jason Zugmier – Lincoln, NE
Melissa & Christopher Canterberry – Blue Hill, NE
Jaclynn & Brian Geidner – Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren: 8 with a 9th grandchild expected in November

NELSON, COLLEAGUES MEET WITH FEMA HEAD ON MISSOURI RIVER FLOODING

June 22, 2011 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson invited Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate to Nebraska to explain how FEMA will provide repair and recovery aid to individuals and communities impacted by this year’s Missouri River floods.
Senator Nelson made the invitation during a meeting he convened with senators representing the upper Missouri River basin and Fugate to discuss flood issues, such as flood insurance coverage, federal disaster aid and FEMA’s formal designation that, for insurance purposes, the 2011 flood officially began on June 1st.
Senators Mike Johanns of Nebraska, Chuck Grassley of Iowa and John Thune of South Dakota attended the meeting; Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa also was represented.
“I invited the Administrator to Nebraska to see the damage firsthand, and most important to be able to help provide better information to the public,” Senator Nelson said on his weekly conference call with the Nebraska media. “And provide a better understanding of what FEMA can provide for communities and individuals. The Administrator said he’ll do what he can to make that possible.”
Fugate told the senators that early this year FEMA began holding public meetings and using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to get the message out that this would be a year of unprecedented flooding, and that people should buy flood insurance. The outreach resulted in 16,000 more policies being sold this year.
There was a lot of discussion during the meeting in Nelson’s office about FEMA setting June 1st as the formal date of a flood in progress. The date is significant because, by law, individuals must have bought flood insurance 30 days before the start of a flood to be able to file claims for damages from flooding.
“Some of my colleagues are concerned that is an arbitrary date, and it’s something FEMA needs to provide more information about—how that date was determined and how it will impact individuals,” said Nelson. For his part, Nelson called the June 1st date “problematic.”
FEMA officials said that the date was determined by examining flooding occurring on land around the Garrison Dam in North Dakota.
“However, FEMA assures us they’ll look at all the flood damage on an individual basis to determine the exact cause of any potential damage. I know this is a very complicated and complex situation. That’s why I think it would be helpful for the Administrator to come to Nebraska meet with elected officials and the public to work their way through the impact of these decisions,” said Nelson.
Finally, the senators noted that communities along the Missouri have spent large amounts of money for flood protection and inquired about whether federal aid might be available.
FEMA officials said that once a state’s governor issues a formal request for a disaster declaration and the President issues that declaration, communities may qualify for aid. The federal government would pay 75 percent of allowable expenses, 25 percent would be paid by state and local governments.
“The City of Omaha and other communities have spent a lot on flood prevention and could see some federal aid to ease the cost to their budgets. FEMA is aware of the need, and I will monitor the issue going forward,” said Nelson.

Hastings College 2011 Spring Dean’s List

(Hastings, Neb.) – Hastings College has announced the Dean’s List for its spring 2011 semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.7 to 4.0, on a 4.0 scale, and be registered for full-time course work.
Area students who had a 4.0 grade point average were, from Ayr, Alyssa Beman and McKayla Busboom,  From Bladen Sean Danehey, Emily Lovejoy, Jessica Lovejoy and Mark Lutkemeier, from Blue Hill, Jesse Alber, Joseph Shanle and Cameron Trumble and from Lawrence Amber Himmelberg.  
Those with a 3.7 grade point average from Ayr,  Lindsey Sypherd,  from Blue Hill,  Raelene Buschow and from Lawrence, Chad Hastings.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

Quote of the Day

Fathers Day Proclaimation

RAISING a child is a sacred mission, and the man who welcomes this mission and embraces the obligations of fatherhood is someone who truly deserves our recognition and gratitude.  On Father's Day, we honor all men across our country who have affirmed the importance of parenthood by willingly assuming its important responsibilities.

THE tight grasp of a newborn baby's tiny hand curled around a father's finger only  hints at the strength of the bond that will grow in all the seasons of life between father and child.  Caring fathers are not content to merely safeguard their  children's physical well-being, but also seek to foster their spiritual and moral growth, and pass  on their most cherished values.  Mentor, teacher, coach, friend and hero, a father gives his children all that his mind, his hands, and his heart can provide.  No work is too hard no sacrifice too great, if doing so will strengthen, protect, nurture, and instill joy in his child.

FATHERS teach their children to take pride in themselves and their work, to assume responsibility for  their lives and character, and to understand the rewards of sharing with others.  Most important, fathers, whether biological, adoptive, or foster, offer the strong steady  current of love that sustains their sons and daughters through the good times and bad times that all of us face.

OUR nation is blessed that so many Americans cherish the role of fatherhood in our families, for fathers add a crucial stability and strength to our lives.  On Father's day let us honor and give thanks to these men who share with their children no only the precious gifts of life and love, but also their time, attention, and the kind of caring concern that lasts a lifetime.

FOR THESE SIGNIFICANT REASONS, I, JIM GERINGER, Governor of the State of Wyoming, do hereby proclaim June 20th, 1999, to be

"FATHER'S DAY"

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and caused the Great Seal  of the State of Wyoming to be affixed this 17th day of May, 1999.

Norma J. Armstrong 10-22-1926 to 06-21-2011

Hastings resident, Norma J. Armstrong, 84, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at Blue Hill Care Center, Blue Hill, Nebraska.

A memorial Service will be Friday, June 24, 2011; 2:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Rev. Dr. Samuel R. Rathod officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be given to the family.
Norma was born October 22, 1926 in Gering, Nebraska to Henry & Anna (Koch) Adler. She graduated from Hastings High School. She married Pete Armstrong on May 25, 1951; he preceded her in death in 1983. She worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Cornhusker Plant, and Ag-tronics known as Colemans. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was a past member of the Eagles.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete Armstrong; four brothers; and eight sisters.
Survivors include:
Daughters: Jane Canterberry – Hastings, NE
Francine Minehart – Greensboro, NC
Son & Daughter-in-law: Tom & Carol Sorensen – Portland, OR
Grandchildren: 7
Great-Grandchildren: 16
Sister: Evelyn Booze – CA
Numerous Nieces & Nephews

NELSON WELCOMES FEDERAL AID FOR NEBRASKA FLOODING

June 20, 2011 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson said quick action by the President in signing an emergency declaration for areas in Nebraska affected by flooding will help deliver needed aid to address the ongoing natural disaster.
“I’m pleased the President responded quickly to the state’s request for disaster aid. I supported the Governor’s request in a letter to the President because the federal government’s partnership with state and local efforts will help Nebraskans through the severe flooding we’re seeing, and will continue to see for some time,” said Senator Nelson.
In his June 17th letter to the President, Nelson wrote: “I concur with the Governor’s assessment as to the severity of the disaster and the need for federal assistance and do, therefore, urge you to immediately declare a federal disaster in the Nebraska counties impacted by these rising waters and to assign the appropriate federal agencies to support repair and recovery efforts.”
On June 18th, the President signed a Nebraska Emergency Declaration and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts to flooding beginning on June 17th and continuing.
In a statement the White House said: “The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Boyd, Burt, Cass, Cedar, Dakota, Dixon, Douglas, Garden, Knox, Lincoln, Morrill, Nemaha, Otoe, Richardson, Sarpy, Scotts Bluff, Thurston, and Washington. FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.”



The text of Sen. Nelson’s letter to the President follows:



June 17, 2011
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President:
I write today to lend my support to the June 17, 2011, letter from Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, requesting a disaster declaration from the federal government in response to flooding impacting communities along the Missouri and Platte River systems in Nebraska.
The forecast flood levels are the result of record releases of water from reservoirs on the upper Missouri River in Montana and North and South Dakota. The upper Missouri River basin received a year’s worth of rain over the past few weeks; and snow pack runoff into the upper portion of the river is 140 percent of normal, according to the National Weather Service.
Gavins Point Dam, a dam on the South Dakota Nebraska border close to the Missouri River, is now releasing 150,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) – more than double the prior record release of 70,000 cfs in 1997.
To date, the City of Omaha has spent at least $1.5 million to tackle flooding concerns; and those costs are expected to grow, not only in Omaha, but throughout the state, as the water is not expected to subside until mid to late August.

Governor Heineman’s request includes damage beginning on May 24, 2011, covering 17 counties. I concur with the Governor’s assessment as to the severity of the disaster and the need for federal assistance and do, therefore, urge you to immediately declare a federal disaster in the Nebraska counties impacted by these rising waters and to assign the appropriate federal agencies to support repair and recovery efforts.

Mr. President, I appreciate your attention to these concerns and thank you in advance for mobilizing the resources of the federal government to help my home state of Nebraska during this time of disaster. If there is anything that I or my staff can do to be of assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly or the following members of my staff, Erick Lutt at (202) 224 6551 or Dayle Williamson at (402) 441 4600.
Sincerely,
E. Benjamin Nelson
United States Senator

Smith Urges GAO to Issue Overdue Report on Horse Processing

June 21, 2011:

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today sent a letter to the Comptroller General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) urging the agency to issue its overdue report on the 2007 horse processing ban, specifically regarding the ban’s effects on the welfare of horses and the farm economy.

"The economic impact of the horse processing ban is harmful to people across the Third District," Smith said. "Giving processing plants the opportunity to reopen at absolutely no cost to taxpayers would re-establish a multi-billion dollar, revenue-generating, jobs-creating industry and strengthen a struggling horse industry. A great deal of misinformation remains about responsible horse management, so a fair and balanced report from the GAO will provide the opportunity to educate Members of Congress about the adverse impact of this ban before any further votes are taken on the issue."
The study was originally requested more than a year and a half ago by the Senate Appropriations Committee in the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

ALBER, ALBER, ALBER and Kinley on UNL Deans' List/Honor Roll for Spring Semester of the 2010-2011 Academic Year

Four area students attending UNL in Lincoln have been named to the Deans' List/Honor Roll for the spring semester of the 2010-11 academic year.
 Kylie Nicole Kinley from Bladen,  a senior with a major in Arts & Science and English.  Kylie had a 4.0 grade point average.
From  Blue Hill three students are listed on the Dean's List,  Jenna Alber, a senior Business Administration student.  Jenna is the daughter of Roger and Marilyn Alber.  Tessa Alber a senior Business Adminstration, International business major and Tara Alber also majoring in Business administration, international business.  Tessa and Tara each had a 4.0 grade point average. They are the daughters of Duane and Arlene Alber.



.

Reforming Ethanol in a Responsible Way

June 20, 2011
As the second largest ethanol-producing state, Nebraska knows firsthand how ethanol benefits our economy and energy production. About 50 percent of U.S. oil is imported from other countries, many of which do not share our beliefs and values. Nebraska does more than its fair share in easing this dependence through ethanol production, which makes up about 10 percent of our country's gasoline supply. Ethanol helped keep $34 billion of our money at home last year instead of going to other countries for foreign oil. Because of ethanol, studies conclude a gallon of gas was about 89 cents cheaper, saving families an average of $800 annually. Though these benefits are significant, today's fiscal realities require us to rethink our approach to every incentive program, including ethanol, in a thoughtful, measured way that preserves the benefits yet lessens their reliance on taxpayers.
Producing ethanol once required taking tremendous financial risks to build an ethanol plant. The future of ethanol was far from guaranteed, so to support the industry the federal government provided incentives to make these financial risks feasible. Nebraska now employs more than 1,300 employees in 24 ethanol plants, all of whom help to boost our economy and ease our dependence on foreign oil.
I did not support last week's effort in the Senate to virtually walk the industry off a cliff by ending the ethanol tax credit with no warning. This short-sighted measure is simply irresponsible. Yet there's no question we face fiscal realities today that didn't exist when the ethanol industry was young. It's also true that technological advances and increased usage have allowed the industry to mature. It's time, in light of our daunting budget challenges, to carefully weigh the costs of all federal initiatives.
Last week's measure was an amendment to a larger piece of legislation and is still a long way from becoming law. There is ample opportunity to reform ethanol responsibly. One such measure, offered by Senator John Thune of South Dakota, acknowledges the realities of both our ethanol industry and our budget challenges. It would reform the ethanol tax credit in a measured way to allow the industry time to adjust. Yet in doing so, it would encourage investment in blender pumps and cellulosic ethanol. It would also contribute $1 billion to deficit reduction, ensuring that it not only properly reforms ethanol policy but does so in a way that lowers the national debt. This legislation has my support.
A measured approach like this is the right policy for ethanol. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation. It would avoid pulling the rug out from under ethanol producers while also charting a course that allows the industry to continue to help meet our energy needs.

Quad County Community Organizations Active in Disaster to Conduct Exercise

The Quad County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) will be sponsoring a free community exercise and information session which will be centered on a simulated disaster scenario in Webster County. The exercise will be held on Tuesday, June 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Community Center in Red Cloud. Dinner will be provided
The presentation is made possible by a mini-grant recently awarded to the Quad County COAD by the South Heartland District Health Department. The health department along with other members, including the American Red Cross, will facilitate the presentation.
This important exercise will allow the local agencies, organizations and businesses in the community to practice strategies for collaboration before a real disaster occurs. Participants will be able to evaluate their preparedness to serve residents during and after a disaster and learn how a COAD can assist with communication and coordination between members during and after disasters.
This will also be a great opportunity to build relationships with other professionals dedicated to serving the diverse communities of Webster County.
The Quad County COAD is a local group of public, private, volunteer and nonprofit organizations with the focus of assuring the most complete recovery for the citizens of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties following a disaster. Additional events are planned for Adams and Nuckolls counties in July.
For more information or to register to attend, contact Alison Ficociello at 308-995-3190 or visit http://www.quadcoad.org/.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann,

UNL Extension Educator,

 Webster County

June 17, 2011 Edition

I have always liked the science part of agriculture, so I just naturally gravitate many times to reading articles that deal with science and in particular if they are concerning any form of agriculture, and especially animal agriculture. I was not disappointed this past week as I found a lot of scientific reading. I have to admit though that what I am going to write about this week could be called “weird science”. Keep reading and you will see why.

Are you ready for this? Chinese scientists have successfully genetically modified cows to produce human breast milk. My first reaction was OMG! (I learned that acronym on Facebook). According to the overview, the cow's milk is exactly the same as authentic human breast milk, with the same antibacterial and immune-boosting qualities. You may recall Dolly, the cloned sheep – this event is very similar to that only on a bigger scale. Around 300 milk cows at China's Agricultural University in Beijing were created by the embryo transfer (ET) methodology. Now that is not remarkable, but the creation of the embryos is. These embryos were unique in that they had been inserted with human genes and then cloned, a process very similar to the one which created Dolly. The embryos were then implanted into surrogate cows, who carried them to a normal pregnancy, labor and delivery. The resulting mature cows are now producing milk.
The milk is still undergoing safety testing but if it passes these tests, then with Government permission the milk could be sold to consumers within three years. It is thought the milk will be marketed as a healthier alternative to cow's milk. From what I understand it is reported that the milk is sweeter and stronger than normal cow’s milk. It seems that this was developed along with other experiments involving making cows immune to Mad Cow Disease, and helping beef cattle produce more nutritious milk.
Of course many people are concerned about the ethical concerns with this project. When asked about this a spokesperson for the college made an interesting statement and I quote: "There are 1.5 billion people in the World who don't get enough to eat. It's our duty to develop science and technology, not to hold it back. We need to feed people first, before we consider ideals and convictions." It should be noted that China has embraced the idea of genetically modified food; while Europe has mainly rejected the idea. I would put the USA somewhere in between. It may interest you that in China, modified potatoes, tomatoes, cooking oil and papayas are already available, alongside insect-resistant corn and rice for livestock. They can say what they want, but somehow that is a little creepy to me.
Now the next weird science bid of information may even top the first one. I hope you are sitting down on this one. Japanese scientists have found a way to create artificial meat from sewage containing human feces. That’s right – I guess you could call this a “poop burger’ or perhaps an “excrement steak” – I’ll let you name it. Now this really reads like something from a science fiction novel, and a really absurd notion at that. I would agree, and in fact I can’t seem to hold back that gag reflex, but Japanese scientists have actually discovered a way to create edible steaks from human feces.
Leave it to the Japanese. Mitsuyuki Ikeda, a researcher from the Okayama Laboratory, has developed steaks based on proteins from human excrement. According to the scientific article, the city of Tokyo approached the scientist because of an overabundance of sewage mud. That would be plausible given the population density in that city and the country for that matter. They asked him to explore the possible uses of the sewage and Ikeda found that the mud contained a great deal of protein because of all the bacteria. The researchers at the lab then extracted those proteins, combined them with a reaction enhancer and put it in an exploder which created the artificial steak. The “meat” is 63% proteins, 25% carbohydrates, 3% lipids and 9% minerals. The researchers color the “fabricated” – ok I will say it “poop meat”- red with food coloring and then enhance the flavor with soy protein. The “enhanced flavor” kind of got to me. Initial tests have people saying it even tastes like beef. I really didn’t want to report that, but I suppose the secret is out already.
It may interest you that in the scientific briefs on this research they noted that “the meatpacking industry causes 18 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions, mostly due to the release of methane from animals.” They also noted that livestock also consume huge amounts of resources and space in efforts to feed ourselves. They also made mention of the controversy over cruelty to animals. They must be reading or listening to the plethora of information that is coming out of animal rights, Vegan, and/or extreme environmentalist groups that are constantly bombarding the livestock industry.

This recycled “poop burger” is not only being suggested to help the future problem of feeding the anticipated spike in human population, but to also reduce waste and emissions. The scientists hope to eventually price it the same as actual meat, but right now the “excrement steaks” are ten to twenty times the current price of steaks. The researchers understand the psychological barriers that need to be surmounted knowing that your food is made from human feces, but they hope that once the research is complete, people will be able to overlook that ugly detail in favor of perks like environmental responsibility, cost and the fact that the meat will have fewer calories. Oh gosh – that works for me! How much beer, humanized cow milk or other appropriate beverage would it take to wash that grilled “steak” down? To me, a rose is a rose… no matter the color! If nothing else – some food for thought! OK, I will stop with that.

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: www.webster.unl.edu/home

Tailgate Party to Honor Joel Wagoner

The Blue Hill Athletic Booster Club is sponsoring a TAILGATE PARTY on Monday, June 20th at 6:30 PM at the Blue Hill High School in honor of Joel Wagoner. Joel was the Blue Hill  school video-graph-er for many many years for all events, sports, concerts, etc.  and he will be dearly missed. Come help celebrate his retirement!"

Campbell Road Rally

Saturday July 9th will be the 33rd annual Campbell Road Rally.
Its a big year for Campbell. Its Campbell's Quasquicentennial!!   Yes!  Campbell has been around for 125 years!!
So of course Campbell is throwing a big bash all road rally weekend long!   The theme for this years celebration is "Life's a Beach!"  So people attending the celebration are invited to bring along their beach chair, swimsuits, leis, beach towels and other beach items to enjoy a full weekend of fun in the sun.  The fun starts Friday the 8th and runs through the 10th
Events for the week end will include mud volleyball, classic car show, parade, beard contests, ice cream social, baseball game, a gun raffel, tractor drive, and of course the ever popular Campbell road rally
The Campbell Improvement Association is also bringing  back the McKennzie River Band.
The same rocking band from last year!
To find out more info, get cool quasicentennial memorabilia, and to find out where to register for mud volleyball check out http://www.campbellne.com/.
 

Bladen 125th Anniversary Celebration Saturday June 18

Bladen, Nebraska will have a celebration to commerate the 125th anniversary of the village's founding Saturday June 18.  Numerous events have been planned  It willl begina at 8 AM with a 5 K walk/run.
1. 5K Walk/Run - 8:00 AM Registration/8:30 AM Start @ Fairgrounds
2. Archery Competition - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Fairgrounds (all ages and experience - targets will be provided)
3. Shine and Show - 1:00 PM Registration/1:30 PM Start @ Band Mothers Park Main Street (All Types of Vehicles Welcome)
4. Parade "Bladen Through The Years" - 3:00 PM Registration/5:00 PM Start @ Fairgrounds
5. BBQ (Pony Express Smokehouse Cafe) - 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM @ Fairgrounds
6. Dance (The Nedwrecks) - 8:00 PM - Midnight @ Fairgrounds
7. Beer Garden (Bladen Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departments) @ Fairgrounds
8. Kids Games - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Fairgrounds
Registration forms for the events are available.  Contact Debbie (Riley) Skrdlant.
***In case of rain, BBQ and Dance will be held in the 4-H Building.

Quote of the Day

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character,
give him power.” ~ Abraham Lincoln (1809—1865)

Quote of the Day

Our flag means all that our fathers meant in the Revolutionary War. It means all that the Declaration of Independence meant. It means justice. It means liberty. It means happiness.... Every color means liberty. Every thread means liberty. Every star and stripe means liberty. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Blue Hill Class of 1991 - Twenty years Later

Back row: Jamey Jameson, Tim Hafer, Ron Lyon, Todd Hargis, Steve Carper, Bill Feely, Chris Kohmetscher, T.J. Jameson Front row: Diane (Harrifeld) Karr, Amber (Hartman) Stoner, Paul Stoner, Matt Moorman, Chad Shepard, Jason Kranau, Pam (Kort) Schwab, Charlotte (Brooks) Merritt


The Class of 1991 recently held a class reunion in Blue Hill.

Photography Contest deadline is June 18th.

Lincoln, Neb., June 7th, 2011 — The deadline to enter the University of Nebraska State Museum's third-annual Wildlife and Nature Photo Contest is June 18.
Amateur photographers who are Nebraska residents age 18 or older are invited to submit their striking photos of wildlife and natural settings taken anywhere in the world. All entries will be showcased in the museum July 1 through Labor Day as part of a special exhibit. This contest is part of a year-long celebration of the museum's 140th anniversary.
Images may show animal behavior, plant life, natural landscapes, portraits of wildlife in a natural habitat and people interacting with nature. Images of pets, domestic animals, or captive animals photographed in zoos or game farms will not qualify for entry. All entries must be original photographs taken by the contestant.
The contest includes six categories: Mammals; Birds; Other Wildlife (includes reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, etc.); Nature and People (people interacting with nature); Landscapes and Skyscapes; and Plant Life (native plants in natural settings; garden plants and annuals are not eligible).
Participants may submit a maximum of two entries per category. A separate entry form is required for all photographs submitted. Photography will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, artistic merit and overall impact. All photos must be received by no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 18.
For official rules and an entry form, visit museum.unl.edu.
Mail or deliver photography to: University of Nebraska State Museum, Re: Wildlife and Nature Photo Contest, 307 Morrill Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0388. Contestants hand-delivering their entries will receive half-price museum admission.

UNL Offer free admission to Morrill Hall on Thursdays for the Summer

Lincoln, Neb., June 8th, 2011  --The University of Nebraska State Museum will offer free admission to Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus, on Thursday nights throughout the summer.
June 9 through Aug. 25, the public may visit the museum free of charge from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays only. Regular admission to Mueller Planetarium fulldome shows will apply.
After Aug. 25, Morrill Hall will continue to be open until 8 p.m. Thursdays, but beginning Sept. 1, regular admission will be charged.
Mueller Planetarium, located inside the museum, will feature the new National Geographic fulldome show, "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure," at 7 p.m. Thursdays. The fulldome schedule is subject to change. For the current schedule and previews, visit the planetarium's website, www.spacelaser.com.
Established in 1871, the University of Nebraska State Museum is celebrating its 140th anniversary with special promotions and educational events throughout the year. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Regular museum admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. Parking is free. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Planetarium tickets are sold at the museum's front gate the day of the show. For further information, telephone the museum at (402) 472-2642 or visit www.museum.unl.edu. For more information on Mueller Planetarium, visit www.spacelaser.com.

Larry Eugene Sanford 9/20/1940 to 6/08/2011

Larry Eugene Sanford, the son of Dorothy (Woods) and Gerald Sanford, was born September 20, 1940 at Ayr, Nebraska. He departed this life on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Blue Hill Care Center in Blue Hill, Nebraska.

He was baptized and was a member of the Ayr Methodist Church. He received his formal education attending the Ayr School through the eighth grade and graduated with the class of 1958 from Blue Hill High School. After graduation he joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 on what was called at the time, "the kiddie cruise." He served on a radar ship in California for three years and was honorably discharged in 1961.
Larry began his career with Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph Co. in Hastings in the fall of 1961. He continued his education with college correspondence courses during the first years of his employment. He began with the company on the construction crew and retired as plant manager in 1997 after 36 years.
He became a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Blue Hill, where he married Diane Borwege on April 6, 1963. To this union three children were born, Larry Lane, Paige Renae and Justin Scott.
 Larry served many years on the Ayr Village Board and Ayr School Board. He was a past council member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hastings Saddle Club and was a 4-H Leader. He was a member of the Blue Hill American Legion Post #176.
He lived most of his life in his childhood home in Ayr.
Larry was an avid fisherman and also loved hunting and camping. He taught his children to fish and hunt, and the love of the outdoors. He was extremely proud of his children and supported them in their endeavors and accomplishments.
He spent many hours jogging with his dog to Crystal Lake.
 He was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsey and moved to Blue Hill Care Center in 2009.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Diane of Ayr; children and spouses, Lane and Pam Sanford of Eaton, Colorado; Paige and Jonathan Felt, and Justin and Sara Sanford all of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Alexandra, Abigail and Zachary Sanford, Jack and Kate Felt, Jeremiah and Joel Sanford; his mother Dorothy Sanford of Lincoln; sisters and spouses, Judy and Glen Johnson of Lincoln, Nebraska; Glenda and Stanley Ruhter of Prosser, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Mike Smith of Elm Creek; mother-in-law, LaVona Borwege of Red Cloud; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon Burgess of Red Cloud; Larry and Bonna Vance of Inavale; Leonard and Colleen Kucera of Deweese; Scott and Sonja Borwege of Miltonvale, Kansas, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding him in death were his father, Gerald Sanford, sister Barbara Smith, father-in-law Norbert Borwege, brother-in-law Derald Burgess and his grandparents.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, 10:00 a.m., June 11, 2011 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Blue Hill with Pastor Dan Cosson officiating. Serving as honorary casket bearers are the members of the Blue Hill class of 1958 who stayed close for 53 years. Providing music will be Joan Classen as organist and a very close family friend, Randy Kort, soloist. Inurnment with military graveside honors will be at the Blue Valley Cemetery at Ayr.
Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970
http://www.wmsfh.com/

Rep. Smith's Office to Hold Mobile Office in Webster County

June 10, 2011

Washington, D.C. - Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will be able to meet with a representative of Congressman Smith's Grand Island office for a "mobile office" on Tuesday, June 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (C.D.T.) in Red Cloud.
A "mobile office" allows constituents to meet directly with one of Smith’s staff members about federal issues and take advantage of the constituent services available through his office, such as assisting individuals with challenges they face while working with a federal agency, ordering flags flown over the U.S. Capitol, and booking tours in Washington, D.C.
Smith, who has offices in Grand Island and Scottsbluff, will provide his mobile office and a staff member on Tuesday, June 21 at the following location:
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (C.D.T.): Webster County Courthouse – District Health Office, 621 North Cedar, Red Cloud

Quote of the Day

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.


—Mark Twain

Governor Visits Hayneedle, Inc. to Highlight Opportunities of New Angel Investment Tax Credit

Businesses have access to new development tools via Talent & Innovation Initiative
(Omaha, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today visited Hayneedle, Inc. an Omaha-based online company to highlight opportunities for Nebraska businesses to benefit from new tools created to help businesses harness technology and research in expanding their workforce.
Passed during this year’s legislative session, the four-part the Talent & Innovation Initiative was developed to enhance momentum in Nebraska’s fastest growing industries and others positioned to integrate new technologies.
“The Talent and Innovation Initiative is targeted to help build Nebraska’s innovation economy,” Gov. Heineman said. “We are reaching out to let Nebraska communities from border to border know about the new opportunities available. We want to develop business opportunities in industries positioned for growth in Nebraska, and we want to attract new, technology-focused companies to our state.”
The Talent & Innovation Initiative was created to advance business innovation and strengthen workforce recruitment in Nebraska. It increases internship opportunities for college students, promotes business innovation, invests in new sites and buildings for commercial development, and encourages investment in Nebraska’s high-tech and start-up businesses.
The Angel Investment Tax Credit encourages investment in high-tech and other startup enterprises in Nebraska by providing refundable state income tax credits to qualified investors of early-stage companies. Capped at $3 million annually, the program requires a minimum investment of $25,000 for individuals and $50,000 for investment funds. Eligible businesses will have fewer than 25 employees with the majority based in Nebraska.
Gov. Heineman said, “We created the Angel Investment Tax Credit to match potential investors with new, innovative companies in a position to grow and in need of the resources to make it happen. Angel investors provide the early start-up capital that is critical to a company like Hayneedle. They help start-up companies secure the investment they need to grow faster. What sets Nebraska’s Angel Investment Tax Credit apart is that it is refundable and accessible to a wide range of industries.”
Qualified businesses, investors and investment groups will have to be certified by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and will be processed on a first come, first approved basis. The Nebraska Department of Revenue will process annual refunds for approved companies demonstrating their investments. Additional information will be available in August, ahead of the program’s Sept. 1 implementation.
InternNebraska creates new internship opportunities for college and university students in partnership with Nebraska businesses, giving 500 to 750 college students an opportunity to gain job experience. It provides a 40 percent match in urban areas and a 60 percent match in rural areas for an eligible business that create up to 10 new student internship opportunities. Students must be enrolled full-time at a college or university, and be a junior or senior or be in their second year at a community college. Eligible internships must pay at least minimum wage and can range from 12 week to year-long programs. Applications are being accepted from businesses creating summer internships and those planning for fall 2011 and spring 2012 internships.
Funded with $1.5 million a year in job training funds, awards will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional information is available at www.InternNE.com. Questions can be directed to Allison Hatch at (402) 471-3368 or allison.hatch@nebraska.gov.
Other Talent & Innovation measures include a new:
•Business Innovation fund, available starting in October, will help businesses develop and introduce new technologies to their business model. It will provide competitive grants for businesses to work with Nebraska research institutions on prototype development, commercialization and applied research projects. Funding will also be available to help expand small business and entrepreneur outreach efforts.
•Site & Building Development funding will help the state partner with local communities to provide resources that create ready-to-go industrial and commercial sites for expanding businesses. Projects can assist with demolition, new construction and rehabilitation. State funding will be focused on land and infrastructure costs with 40 percent of funding dedicated to projects outside Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties. The program will be available starting Oct. 1.
Eligibility for some programs may be limited to companies in targeted industries, including: agricultural machinery, food processing, renewable energy, biosciences, health sciences, precision metals manufacturing, transportation-warehousing and logistics, research and development, hospitality and tourism, business management, financial services, and computer and software service providers.

Johanns Supports Effort to Require EPA to Consider Costs of Regulations

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today pressed to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider the costs of its proposed regulations before enacting them. Johanns signed onto an amendment identical to a bill he introduced in March with Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Jim Inhofe (R-Okla). The bill would require a comprehensive analysis of the total economic impact of the agency's rules on jobs; retail electricity rates and gasoline prices; power plant closures; state and local governments; small businesses; electric reliability; and energy-intensive manufacturers.

"It's time to force EPA back to reality by requiring the agency to consider the costly, job-killing impact of their outlandish regulations," Johanns said. "An interagency review of all EPA proposals is the only way for Americans to know exactly how they will impact our job creators and the economy. If EPA is going to continue expanding its regulations, it needs to be honest about the lasting effects on our country's economy."

Today's effort is filed as an amendment to the bill currently being considered in the Senate, the Economic Development Administration Reauthorization Act. The amendment would require a committee comprised of agency heads to analyze the economic and energy impacts of EPA regulatory proposals.

The amendment would not constrain EPA's regulatory power; it would only serve to make the costs and impacts more transparent. Sens. Johanns and Inhofe in March introduced identical legislation, entitled the Comprehensive Assessment of Regulations on the Economy (CARE) Act.

F. Keith Albers 1-31-1925 to 6-8-2011

Frederick Keith Albers, the son of Nettie (Gowden) and Leonard Albers, was born January 31, 1925 at Crab Orchard, Nebraska. He departed this life on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska at the age of 86 years, 4 months and 7 days.

Keith graduated from the Tecumseh High School with the class of 1941 and earned his Bachelor's Degree at Peru State Teacher's College. A veteran of World War II, Keith enlisted in the United States Navy on November 2, 1942. He attended officer's training school at Plattsburg, New York in 1943 and served until war's end, being discharged as a Lt. JG on August 27, 1946.

He was united in marriage with Zola Mahoney in August 1947 at Tecumseh. Three sons were born to this union. In 1947, they moved to Cozad, Nebraska where Keith was employed as the high school math and science teacher for four years. He then entered the insurance business with Banker's Life of Des Moines in 1951. Keith and Zola enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. In 1970, he began his employment with First Security Bank at Holdrege, and in 1972, moved to Red Cloud to work with the Peoples-Webster County Bank where he served until his retirement in 1988.
Keith and Zola continued to travel extensively, He possessed numerous activities and interests, including fishing, gardening, golfing, following the stock market and the Nebraska Huskers. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, serving on the administrative board, the finance board and with the United Methodist Men. He was a member of the Lions Club and a past president of the Willa Cather Foundation. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and cherished the time they spent together.
Keith's character and personality were pervaded by his fair-minded attitude, and an abundance of tolerance and generosity. He was happiest when he was around people and was always ready with a good-natured gesture and smile. If you had a problem - Keith had a problem. He was deeply concerned for those he knew and was always ready to help.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister, Freda; and a sister-in-law Glena and husband Jack Williams.
Surviving are his wife, Zola Albers of Red Cloud; three sons, Barry Albers and wife Barbara of Lincoln, Nebraska; Bryan Albers and wife Betsy of Ralston, Nebraska and Daniel Albers of Blue Springs, Nebraska, and three grandchildren, Amy, Paul and Becky Albers.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, 10:00 a.m., June 16, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Richard Fairbanks officiating. Interment with military graveside honors will be at the Tecumseh Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.

Visitation will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud.

Williams Funeral Home

241 West 4th Avenue

Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970

Tel: 402-746-2500
http://www.wmsfh.com/

Quote of the Day

What I like about camping is you can get really dirty. Either you're all by yourself, so no one else sees you, or everyone you're with is just as dirty as you are, so nobody cares. ~Anonymous former Boy Scout, quoted in Highs! Over 150 Ways to Feel Really, Really Good Without Alcohol or Other Drugs by Alex J. Packer

Garrett Schroeder on List

Doane Athletics Announces 2010-11 GPAC Scholar-Athletes

Crete, NE - The Doane College Athletic Department is pleased to announce that 134 student-athletes have received the Pflieger/Olson GPAC Scholar-Athlete honor for the 2010-11 academic school year. To receive the honor, a student-athlete must hold a 3.30 grade point average and be a contributing member of their varsity team. Garrett Schroeder Blue Hill alumni has been recognized, for his contribution to the Doane football team.

Emily Harrifeld to Receive Hastings College Scholarship

Emily Harrifeld of Blue Hill has received an academic scholarship to Hastings College for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Hastings College offers several different academic scholarships that award academic excellence at multiple levels.

Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

SIMPLE THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A wise man once sat in the audience & cracked a joke.
All laughed like crazy.
After a moment, he cracked the same joke again and a little less people  laughed this time.
 When there was no  laughter in the crowd, he smiled  and said, "When you can't laugh on the same joke again & again,  then why do you keep crying over the same thing over and over  again

City Wide Garage Sale June 11 2011

Webster County Food Panty and the KOLN- KGIN can-care-a--van are accepting donations at the Gary Thompson Agency parking lot from 8 am until 1 p.m. They will be accepting non-perishable food items, paper products, toiletries, cleaning products and cash donations are also welcome.  The Gary Thompson agency is located at 314 Willson (Highway 281 and Cass Street). 

Junior Girl Scout Troop 664 will be in the city building on Gage Street from 8 am until 2 pm.  In addition to serving a lunch and having a bake sale they will have a variety of other items for sale including mens, womens and children's clothing, household items and lots of  misc. items.  The proceeds raised by the junior girl scout troup will go to fund community service projects. 

The St. Paul's Lutheran Youth group will be attempting to raise funds to use for their mission trip next summer. They will have Misc. items and bake sale items at the parsonage garage and on the lawn at the parsonage at 306 Gage street.  They will be there from 8 am until 1 pm.  (The St. Pauls youth group's garage sale will be moved to 501 W Lancaster (John and Pam Schwab home)


Trinity Lutheran Youth Group will be serving lunch at the church in the 300 block of Pine Street.  The menue includes sloppy joes, hamburgers, polish dogs and hot dogs.  They will also have cinnamon rolls.  Their garage sale items includes clothing, odds and ends and knick knacks.  They will be ready to start at 8 am and continue until  ??

Proceeds from the Multi family garage sale at 602 W. maple,  sponsored by Lorri Kohmetscher and Pat Myers and others will go to the American Cancer Society -relay for life.  They will be serving lunch and have bake sale items.  Misc. items include pictures, kitchen items, household items, decor, holiday decor, toys, toy box, baby equipment, Ab lounger, TV's, AB lounger, teenage boys clothes, teenage girl clothes ( sizes 5-7 and smaller), women's clothing in various sizes.   Boy's clothing in sizes 6 to 10. 

Marilyn Alber will have a multi family sale at 809 South Liberty, on the east side of the football field.  They will be open for sales at 9 am until 2 pm.  Items for sale include '74 Ford wrecker truck antique scale, toys, weight bench, crib set, infant bouncer, car seat, swing & exersaucer, toddler bed rains, shoes, girls and boys clothing, sizes 0 to 6 electric typewriter, maternity clothing, teen clothing, misc. womens clothing, tractor tire for sand pile, new Sega Gensis game system, home decor and Misc.

With a Garage sale starting at 10 am.  Larene Dahlsten located east of town at 2408 Road 1625 (east of the golf course)  has for sale an ATV Kawasaki Bayou 300 4x4 with good tires and in excellent condition.  She also has a 6 volt fencer and and old approx. 50 Bu. mcCormic grain bin, bale hatchets and tools, basketball hoop, chimena fire pit, picture dishes, nice men's shirts, Khakis size 36x32 (Bugle boy and Tommy Hilfiger), jewelry, and lots of Misc.

Bargain hunters looking for antiques will want to check the sales of Linda Wengler and Pat amd Ray Cook.  Linda, who is located at 510 N. Willson, which is just across highway 281 from the Blue Hill Motel will open her doors for her sale at 8;30 am and expects to be done by 1:30.  Some of the antiques she is offering for sale include butter churns, post cards, vintage cloth, old books, piano rolls, records, old tools, old toys, 1950's toys, old soda shop dishes as well as other dishes.  She has baby items, bassinet, infant bath tub, bouncer, swings stroller.  She  has a glider rocker and scroll saw and electric fire place with heater.  She also has janette Oke books. 

Pat and Ray Cook, 305 West Seward have antique dishes, bottles, jewelry, collectable dolls horse stand telephone, antique (american) adding machine, old toys, .  they also have Music CD's and lots of Misc.  They will  have Ice cold pop on hand for sale to  thirsty shoppers.

A group has gathered items together in the bus barn and will begin their sale early on Friday evening beginning at 4 p.m. and staying until 8 pm.  They will open again Saturday morning at 8 am.  There you could find old pictures, Boyds Bears figurines, cookie jars, porcelain dolls, Nebraska Husker items, 10 cent comic books, Western movies, Louis\L'amour books, Nascar collectibles, Hot wheels, tools, fishing gear, Budweiser steins,  John Deere and International Harvestor items, old toys and more.  The Bus barn is located at the corner of E. railway and Saline.

A Large multi family sale will begin at 7:30 am and continue until 2pm at 206 W. Cass  Piel Family.  A bunk bed is for sale there.  They also are putting up for sale a Wurlitzer Spinet Piano that was orginally from the Trinity Lutheran Church.  They have small bicycles with training wheels and a girls bicycle, a wagon.  They have a Showtime Rotisserie and a glass-top electric range in limited working condition.  Older model working TV's,, a 10,000 BTU window air conditioner, small drop leaf table and chairs, cookbooks, children clothing, some twin boys clothing, christmas trees, dishes glassware and other household items and misc. will be available.

At 402  Cherry Street Tonya Smith will be offering items for sale beginning at 8am.  She expects to end her sale by 3 pm.  Items listed here are a Troy built industrial size lawn mower, full loft bed and desk, name brand boy clothing in sizes 8 to 16.  Lots of jeans, name brand girls clothes as well as home interior items, toys, household misc and decor.

Looking for a book to read this summer?  Joe and Joline Hafer at 405 Saline are advertising books for all ages, all genres- great summer reading.  They also have an old speed queen wringer washing machine, a sewing machine and cabinet and lots of misc.  They plan to be some of the first places to shop as they are beginning at 7:30 and plan to be done at 2:30.

The building at the corner of Webster and Nemaha is where the Skrdlant Multi family group will be setting up ready to go at 8 am until 2 pm.  They have a treadmill, school desk, toys, 1-10 size women's clothing,,,,,, kitchen items, snowmen, fishing and boating accessories, as well as a patio table and chairs.

Also on Nemaha street at 201 W Nemaha is the Leona Ruhs multi family sale starting at 8 am until 2 pm.  Curtains, furniture, linens, ceiling lights, bird feeders, homemade doilies, a new smoke-n-grill, fruit jars, freeer boses misc. Antiques, school desks and more.

For a big screen TV check out the sale of the Alex Buschow multi family at 913 .W. Lancaster between the hours of 8 am and 2pm.  You also  might be interested in metal lawn chairs, a school desk, house decorations, bedding, infant girl clothes, teen girl clothes or women's large scrubs. 

Brad and Tonna Gilbert, 302 W. Gage Street  9 am to 2 pm. are offering a 8mm video camera, a mineral lamp, decorating items, old windows, toys and lots of misc.

Jerry and Ruth Koepke at 310 S Hickory (west end of seward St.)  beginning at 8 am to 1 pm. offering planters, decorative shelves and new dell printer and other items.

Sarah Weddingfeld and Leslie Lemke are having a garage sale at Sarahs home at 317 N. Webster.  They are early birds beginning at 5 pm until 7 pm on Friday and again Saturday from 8 to 12.  They have designer handbags, household items, new avon jewelry, end tables, dresser, women's clothing, misses to plus crafts, kids clothes, home decor, comforter set, small appliances, rubber stamps & stamping supplies, PS 2 Rockband, PS2 games & controllers,s audio bookds, something for everyone.  They say NO EARLY  SALES.

Kay Jordening and Mindy Faimon are also selling PS and PS2 games at 102 Landcaster from 8 am to 12 pm. Other items they have listed at this multi family sale are christmas decor, men's, women's and juniors clothing.  women's shoes, home decor, baseball cards, a Chocolate fountain, nursing uniforms, shelves and a lot more.  They invite you to come and see.

Amy Peirce, 506 Cherry Street  8 am to 5 pm.  Large variety of clean and fairly new kitchen household and outdoor items.  Various old jars and antique pieces. 

Stacy Strasburg 1002 W. Seward 8 am to 2 pm.  boys, womens and juniors clothing.  Buckle brand Jeans 28-30  Shirts M/L  household items, christmas tree, kitchen table decorations and books.

Downtown on main street  560 W. Gage Street a Multi family sale will be held by Nicole Mackin & friends.  Beginnning at 8 am until 5;30  Clothing for men and women, maternity clothing, baby girl clothes, baby blankets toys and other items.  china,  blankets. lawn chair, fan, chair cushions, men's 3 speed bike hunting wear, coffee table, etc.

Jacki Rains 209 N. Webster 8 am  Snow blower, misc. craft supplies, misc holiday decorations clothing  XL and XXL men's shirts chain link and gate panels 6 foot high,  pictures

Alice Corner 206 N. Payne 7:30 until 3 p.m. Crocks, small TV, telephone, fire place set, tools, slacks and tops, nisc and more.

Alicia Kathman 310 Ash.  8 am to 2 pm.  nearly new young boys clothes/shoes/jackets, kids books, kids DVDs, toys, leap frog toy, women's uniform scrubs, women's clothes, men's jackets, protable DVD player, home decor, small furniture, torso track exerciser and many more items.

Margaret Zimmerman Multi family 405 N. Sycamoe 8 am to 5 pm.  Clothing big/tall men women, kids, scrubs; oak wall phone milk bottles abbotts milk crate, basketball backboard and hoop, avon bottles, books, port-a-pot, antiques collectibles, and many misc. items.

Paul and Teresa Zimmerman, 502 W. Nemaha 7:30 until??  Phoenix 3 wheeler with Kawasaki engine, gun rack, duck and goose decoys, decoy line, 1990 chevy split bench seat, chevy hub caps, Ford 4x4 hubcaps, assorted rims, 1986 chevy Camaro with extra parts, 1984 Chevy camaro, Elkay Luster tone stainless sink brand new.  80 gallon fish aquarium, vintage bicycle pumps, weight bench, weights and belt, farrowing crate, antiques, horse related items, men's and women's clothes and much more.

Charles Hewitt, 209 N. Pine 8 am to 2 pm Canning jars ( quarts and pints) vacuum cleaner, tools, lawn mowers, preasure washer, walkers, Christms lights, household items, sewing items, many, many, more items. 

Kendra Boyd, multi family, 3 miles North of Blue Hill  (2 miles west on Blue Hill road and 3/4 miles North on Osage)  8 am to 3 pm.  Lots of name brand kids clothes (Infant to 6X) kids shoes, maternity clothes, adult clothes, casual and dress, youth boys, clothes, baby stroller, scrubs, lawn and garden items, hoome decor, dining room table & chairs, many more items - to many to mention.

City Wide Garage Sale June 11 2011

The Need to Address Our Debt

On June 2, 2011 Moody’s Investors Services, a credit rating agency for government entities, issued a serious warning about the government’s credit standing. Moody’s cautioned its next rating for the U.S. will "depend on the outcome of the negotiations on deficit reduction. A credible agreement on substantial deficit reduction would support a continued stable outlook; lack of such an agreement could prompt Moody's to change its outlook to negative."

This announcement came on the heels of Standard and Poor's, another credit rating agency, downgrading the outlook for the U.S. credit rating because Washington appeared to have no plan to reign in budget deficits and debt. Still yet, President Obama, Treasury Secretary Geithner, and more than 100 Congressional Democrats called for an unconditional, or "clean," increase in the U.S. debt limit. That is, with no spending reductions.
Fortunately, two days before Moody’s issued its warning the U.S. House of Representatives defeated a resolution to increase the debt limit without any spending cuts attached, and did so with a clear bipartisan majority.

Erskine Bowles, who chaired President Obama’s Fiscal Commission and served as Chief of Staff to President Clinton, has said the era of debt denial is over. This vote declared to the American people and to the credit rating agencies business as usual in Washington is over. Not only is the era of debt denial over, but so is Washington’s out-of-control spending.

It is time to be honest about our deficits and debts. At more than $14 trillion, our debt is as large as the entire U.S. economy and is putting the American Dream at risk for future generations. It has become a hindrance to economic growth – costing one million jobs at a time when the unemployment rate has not been this high for this length of time since the Great Depression.

Failing to act and address our debt head-on would be similar to actually defaulting on our debt. In both cases, the U.S. government would experience a significant downgrade in its credit rating, which increases interest rates making payments for things like a car and home loans more expensive. It also would cause an unprecedented mark sell-off, crashing the stock market, with a cascading effect on everything from pensions and 401ks to gas and groceries. And, it would make an already shaky economy even worse – leading to less job creation.

The greatest threat to the U.S. economy would be guaranteed by simply increasing the debt limit without cutting a penny of spending. Research by international experts clearly demonstrates spending reforms, not tax increases, are the most effective path to fiscal consolidation. This vote made clear deficit reduction must and will be part of any bill to increase the debt limit. Defeating a "clean" increase puts us on a path which Nebraskans deserve – a strong, reliable, and financially secure America for the future.

For more information about spending cuts, the latest developments from Congress, or to sign up for my e-mail newsletter, please visit my website at www.adriansmith.house.gov.

Talent and Innovation Initiative

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

One of the most important accomplishments of the recently concluded 2011 legislative session was the passage of several bills focused on creating new momentum for developing and attracting businesses rooted in technology and innovation.

The Legislature gave unanimous support to four proposals that I proposed as part of our Talent & Innovation Initiative. This package – including the Nebraska Internship program, the Business Innovation Act, the Site & Building Development Fund, and the Angel Investment Tax Credit – was developed based on recommendations made in a comprehensive review of Nebraska’s economic climate. The 2010 Battelle study focused on developing more highly-specialized career and business opportunities in our state through investments in technology and innovation.
The Nebraska Internship program creates new internship opportunities for 500 to 750 college and university students to gain job experience working with companies across the state. Funded with $1.5 million a year in job training funds, awards will be made to companies creating new internships on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program went into effect on June 1.
Nebraska is the only state in the nation with a program like this. By partnering with Nebraska businesses, we want to connect students with opportunities to gain work experience, particularly in high-skill sectors, to help retain more students after graduation.
The Business Innovation Act provides funding to help businesses develop new technologies that lead to quality job opportunities across our state. Competitive grants will provide funding and technical assistance for research at Nebraska institutions, new product development and testing, and help expand small business and entrepreneur outreach efforts.
A new Site & Building Development fund will help increase industrial and commercial sites available and ready for business development. Most businesses are looking for sites that can be customized to fit their needs, rather than properties where they are starting from scratch. Communities will match state funding, with a focus on securing land and helping with infrastructure costs. Forty percent of the funding is set aside for projects in non-metro areas.
Finally, creating an Angel Investment Tax Credit encourages investment in high-tech and other startup Nebraska enterprises by helping attract private funding starting with the current tax year. Eligible small businesses must have fewer than 25 employees. Many states offer similar tax credits and what sets Nebraska’s apart is that it is refundable and available to a wide range of industries. That combination makes Nebraska’s Angel Investment Tax Credit one of the most competitive in the nation.
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is preparing to implement these programs. Applications for companies creating internship opportunities are available now. Grants and funding opportunities to stimulate business innovation and development of commercial and industrial sites will be rolled out over the next several months.
The Talent & Innovation Initiative is about making investments today that will develop new career opportunities in innovative and technologically-advanced sectors. It puts a laser-like focus on growing Nebraska’s innovation economy. With this initiative, Nebraska has a strong and coordinated strategy in place to advance business recruitment and development.

Tom Carlson - Legislative newsletter

June 2nd, 2011

Senator Tom Carlson-District 38

May 26, 2011
On this 87th day of the One Hundred Second Legislature, we adjourned Sine Die, meaning without a date to reconvene. We finished our work three days early this year. The Ag Committee, which I chair, and the Business and Labor Committee and the Natural Resources Committee, of which I am a member, did significant work this session.
The reform of the Commission on Industrial Relations was one of the most significant as it changes the state’s collective bargaining system for the first time since 1969. The Governor has stated he will sign the bill.
Nebraska law prevents public unions, which cover approximately 43,000 workers, from striking. In exchange, it requires public employers to bargain with unions and disputes must go to the CIR. As I have indicated to you in past reports, my goal as a member of the committee was to insure predictability, reliability, and similarity of communities when the CIR was called in to solve an impasse. LB 397 was in the works for a year. I believe the reform is meaningful, comprehensive, and substantial.
An issue before the Natural Resources Committee that caused much discussion was LB 629, the Keystone XL pipeline bill. Under the amended bill, a pipeline company would be responsible for restoring areas where the line is constructed or operated. Costs to restore could include clean up of any spill and rehabilitation of real and personal property, natural resources, wildlife and vegetation.
Redistricting was another required, but difficult issue for the body this session. Districts are to follow county lines whenever possible and form districts that are compact and contiguous. The new districts become effective upon the Governor’s signature, which was anticipated without delay
There are many changes to legislative districts as a result of redistricting. Unfortunately, District 49, now served by Senator Louden, will move to the west Omaha area. Other rural districts have increased geographically because of the population shift to eastern Nebraska. This is a critical concern for rural Nebraska, and we must try to come up with and implement a plan to encourage new people to move the rural Nebraska to really enjoy “the good life.”
Margo and I look forward to our summer visits to district senior centers, parades, and other community special occasions. We encourage you to contact us with your concerns and your ideas for solutions to our rural challenges. Remember, our budget is balanced, taxes were not increased, and we have the possibility of rebuilding our cash reserve over the next several years.
This is my last weekly column until the legislature resumes in January of 2012.