Saturday, October 29, 2011

...................STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann,
UNL Extension Educator,
Webster County
October 27, 2011 Edition
It seems that I am always finding things to worry about --and this week is no different. This one however could have huge impacts on crop production and a cheap, safe and effective tool that we use to fight weeds in our crops. I have been telling about the attack on Atrazine for a couple of years now in my private pesticide applicator training classes. I have delivered presentations on how the EPA was once again looking at pulling the license on Atrazine and taking it off the market. I have written previously about the environmentalist campaign against Atrazine and other agro-chemicals, citing supporting material which include thousands of studies, including lengthy reviews by EPA scientific advisory panels itself. All of which have rejected -as spurious- the environmentalists' charges against Atrazine. But that doesn’t seem to matter.
I really didn’t know why the EPA keeps revisiting this issue, but have stumbled on to it this past week. Perhaps some of you have already heard about this particular environmental movement, “Save the Frogs” and how it is working to prevent the looming "amphibian extinction crisis" that they claim is the result of evil pesticide - most notably, Atrazine. They even have National “Save the Frog Day” on April 28, 2012 to help. You can find their group at: http://www.savethefrogs.com/
These groups took their anti-chemical, anti-pesticide message directly to the steps of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year and delivered 10,012 petition signatures received from “Save the Frogs” supporters, and over 50,000 emails from supporters and other groups. This in turn forced a public comment period that started in September and will end November 14, 2011. This to me is ironic, given the fact that the EPA specifically supported the safety of Atrazine on numerous occasions and further, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international scientific bodies have all supported the safety of Atrazine. In fact, the WHO recently increased the tolerable limit of Atrazine in water from 2 parts per billion to 100 ppb. But none of these scientific facts has stopped the conspiracy of anti-pesticide activists and big-business organic marketers from spreading their anti-chemical fiction. The “Save the Frogs” campaign has taken its cause one step further by advising people to choose organic foods and has even linked to a website demonstrating the benefits of eating organic produce. It is called "Frog TV," a YouTube-and-web-based series of videos whose purpose is to show "how chemical pesticides are threatening our health." Aimed in cartoon form at impressionable children, the show features "Triball," a three-eyed mutant frog who raises their fears about "strange things happening in our bodies" due to pesticides. If you don’t believe me go to: http://www.frogtv.com/home/ I think the flavor of the day when I last got on the side was “Mushy Corn” which GMO scientists have created claiming it is a self-digesting corn, a GMO corn that actually eats itself created to make ethanol and could cross pollinate with the corn we like to eat. But the underlying premise is the evils of all agriculture chemicals. Where do they come up with this stuff?
After first terrifying mothers and their kids about pesticides on food, hormones and GMOs the website tells them to do the following: "Flex your financial muscle and choose organic for the best personal and planetary health possible. Why is organic best? No harmful pesticides." It then gives a link to a web site touting the benefits of organic food and blasting commercial farming. If you dig a little deeper, it you find that the Organic Valley Cooperative, one of the largest organic farmer cooperative businesses in the U.S., is responsible for creating the site. Environmentalism or economics, I wonder? I don’t have any problem with organic foods or the people that raise organic, but I do have problems with them tearing down those that use traditional or what I call conventional food production practices and using false science or no science at all to try to eliminate a staple and inexpensive pesticide that is the most tested pesticide on record that still passes all the tests. It’s interesting to note that according to real biologists, the loss of frog species is actually caused by the global spread of a virulent and highly transmissible fungus, which results in the lethal amphibian disease Chytridiomycosis. A major 2007 scientific study on the issue concluded: “In the absence of supportive evidence for alternative theories despite decades of research, it is important for the scientific community and conservation agencies to recognize and manage the threat of Chytridiomycosis to remaining species of frogs.” That is science based, but is never mentioned in the web sites, videos or any of their material. That to me is just wrong. They are blaming agriculture for something that is not even remotely connected to farming or farming practices. Instead of focusing on the real problem leading to frog population decline, these ‘environmental’ groups are promoting their anti-pesticide agendas. Atrazine is one of the most widely used, important crop protection chemicals around and is an extremely valuable herbicide used to increase crop yields dramatically, especially corn. To this day, there have been no reported cases of adverse health effects in humans, animals or the environment as a result of Atrazine use. So I have to say…Give us a break! What can a farmer do? Well, there is something you can do….
The US Environmental Protection Agency is now seeking public comments regarding a potential ban on Atrazine, one of safest and most widely used herbicides in the United States. The call for comments appeared in the September 14th, 2011 Federal Register. You can go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0586-0001 and make comments in support of Atrazine or contact me for another method of supplying your comment. The commenting period ends November 14th, 2011 so please don't delay. Believe me “Save the Frogs” is busy commenting. Ribbit!
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: http://www.webster.unl.edu/me

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Blue Hill Advances in Playoffs

Blue  Hill Bobcats defeated  the Ravenna Bluejays on the Ravenna field during the first game of play offs.  The Bobcats under Head Coach Scott Porter scored 14 points against 7  points scored by the Blue Jays.. Earlier in the season the Ravenna team had defeated the Bobcats by the score of 21 to 8.
.   Blue Hill's first score came with a touch down carried across the goal line by sophmore Mitchell Ruybalid after a hand off from Dakota Hoyt.  The second touch down came as Shane Faimon fell across the goal line with the ball.  A number of penalties plagued the team but the final penalty of the game was against Ravenna.
Blue Hill  has earned the right to play Kearney Catholic stars,  who defeated Thayer Central, next Wednesday November 2nd for a chance to advance further in the state playoffs. 
The Kearney team defeated the Bobcats in regular season play so the team will be anxious to avenge the loss in Wednesdays game.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Lucille Emma Fergus April 17, 1923 to October 25, 2011

Hastings resident, Lucille Emma Fergus, 88, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.
Services will be Saturday, October 29, 2011; 10:00 A.M. at Butler Volland Chapel, Hastings with Father Andrew Heaslip officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. There will be no visitation or viewing. There will be a book signing Friday, October 28, 2011; 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the family.
Lucille was born April 17, 1923 in Webster County southeast of Blue Hill, Nebraska to Frank & Clara (Huppert) Arterburn. She graduated from Cowles High School in 1941. Lucille married Ralph Fergus on November 7, 1943 in Belleville, Kansas; he preceded her in death in 1987. She worked at Sunnyside, Midland Lodge, and in the housekeeping department for Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital and was a member of T.O.P.S.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Fergus; son, Stephen Fergus; infant daughter; two grandchildren, Michelle Fergus and Nicholas Fergus; two sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Schutte and Clara Marie Smidt; and brothers, Lawrence Arterburn, Howard Arterburn, and Gilbert Arterburn.
Survivors include:
Sons: David Fergus – Lawrence, NE
Jerald Fergus – Hastings, NE
Richard Fergus – Hastings, NE
Bryan Fergus – Hastings, NE
Daughters: Mrs. Susan (Stan) Blincow – Hastings, NE
Katherine Fergus – Hastings, NE
Sisters & Brothers: Mrs. Mary Ann Toepher – Blue Hill, NE
Mrs. Norma Forst – Grand Island, NE
Fredrick Arterburn - GA
Grandchildren: 6
Great-Grandchildren: 4
Great-Great-Grandson: 1

Nebraska to Hold Special Session Regarding Oil Pipelines

Gov. Heineman and Unicameral to Seek Solution on Pipeline Siting
(Lincoln, Neb.)  Gov. Dave Heineman announced that he will be calling the Nebraska Unicameral into Special Session to determine if siting legislation can be crafted and passed for pipeline routing in Nebraska. The purpose of the Special Session will be to find a legal and constitutional solution to the siting of oil pipelines within the state.
“The key decision for current pipeline discussions is the permitting decision that will be made by the Obama Administration, which is why I have urged President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to deny the permit,” said Gov. Heineman. “However, I believe Nebraskans are expecting our best efforts to determine if alternatives exist. Therefore, I will be calling a special session of the Nebraska Legislature to have a thoughtful and thorough public discussion about alternative solutions that could impact the route of the pipeline in a legal and constitutional manner.”
Gov. Heineman worked with State Senator Mike Flood of Norfolk, Speaker of the Legislature, to set the starting date of the Special Session for Nov. 1.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

ADVISORY: NELSON TO TALK JOBS, ECONOMY AND SENIOR ISSUES IN HASTINGS SUNDAY

October 21, 2011 – Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson will visit Hastings Sunday afternoon to meet with officials at Chief Ethanol regarding jobs and recently approved trade agreements. He will also visit with officials at Hastings Utilities regarding EPA regulations that may increase electric rates. Senator Nelson also plans to stop by Good Samaritan Village to talk with senior citizens.

The events are open to the news media. The schedule is as follows:

SUNDAY OCTOBER 23, 2011
2:00PM-2:30PM CT  CHIEF ETHANOL
4225 EAST SOUTH STREET
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA
Discussion on jobs, energy, and new trade agreements

2:30PM-2:45PM CT MEDIA AVAILABILITY

3PM- 3:20PM CT HASTINGS UTILITIES
4520 EAST SOUTH STREET
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA

Topic: expenses caused by EPA rules on electricity costs
3:20PM- 3:30PM CT MEDIA AVAILABILITY

3:50PM-4:20PM CT MEETING AT GOOD SAMARITAN SENIOR CENTER
926 EAST E STREET
HASTINGS, NEBRASKA
Topic: Social Security and Medicare

Johanns Opposes Tax Increases, State Bailout

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.)  voted against another bailout for irresponsible state governments. The bill, which failed with bipartisan opposition, was originally part of the President's so-called jobs bill that would have increased taxes to pay for a state government bailout purportedly for teachers and first responders.
"Of course safety, education and jobs are a priority, but there's no evidence the President's new stimulus bill will actually create jobs," said Johanns. "This bill represents a fundamental misunderstanding of how our economy works. What we need to be doing is freeing up job creators' abilities to expand and grow, not weighing them down with more taxes and government spending.
"Treasury department statistics show nearly 80 percent of those who would pay higher taxes under President Obama's new plan are our small businesses – the very folks who create the majority of new jobs in America. Now is not the time to impose permanent tax increases on our job creators to pay for temporary spending programs that failed to work before."

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Bobcats fall to the Stars 14 - 0

Blue Hill Bobcats lost to Kearney Catholic Stars tonight by a score of 14 to 0. Kearney Catholic scored in the first quarter and then was held from scoring again in the game.  Garett Sharp was credited with 13 carries and 34 yards.  Dakota Hoyt completed 5 of 19 passes. Faimon completed 1 of 2 passes. 
One of the most crucial plays of the game was probably a pass interception that Hoyt threw that the stars carried for a 64 yard return seting up one of their two scoring events of the game. The Bobcats finish their regular season with a 5 - 3 record.
 Blue Hill will be facing Ravenna on the Ravenna field in the first game of playoffs  Wednesday, November 2nd. Thursday, October 27th! at 7 pm.

http://www.nsaahome.org/textfile/fbl/c2bracket.pdf.

Glen Matthew and Gage Duane Schrawyer

Glen Matthew and Gage Duane Schrawyer, triplet brothers were born Ocober 8, 2011 at the Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska. Glen died October 8th, and Gage departed this life October 9th.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 24, 2011 with interment at the Greenwood Cemetery in Franklin, Nebraska with the Rev. Joel Rathbun officiating.
Surviving are their parents, Matthew and Melissa Schrawyer of Blue Hill, Nebraska; their triplet brother, Weston; grandparents, Keith and Mary Ann Schrawyer of Red Cloud; Salley McDougal of Irving, Texas and Lavetta and Galyn Johnson of Rising City, Nebraska; and their great grandparents, Arlie Schrawyer of Red Cloud, and Phyllis Stoetzel of Joplin, Missouri.
Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970

...................STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
 UNL Extension Educator,
 Webster County
October 20, 2011 Edition
Oh my goodness, where do I start this week. There is so much going on. I think it prudent to start with wishing all of the kids, wearing the good old Blue and Gold, the very best as they attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. I believe this is the 84th National FFA Convention, and they expect more than 55,000 people to be in attendance. I looked at the program and it is, like usual, an outstanding array of speakers, workshops, tours, career booths and everything that makes for a great opportunity for these young people that have an interest in agriculture. It is nice to see that they now provide live streaming and television coverage of the convention. The televised convention is accessible real time via computers, iPads, iPhones, Android and BlackBerry mobile devices by going directly to: http://www.ihigh.com/. A schedule for both internet and RFD-TV coverage can be found by going to the following site: https://www.ffa.org/Events/NationalFFAConvention/Highlights/Pages/default.aspx.
I always looked forward to taking my students to National Convention even with all the work and responsibility that it brought. I still hear from former students how they enjoyed the experience and how they remembered those trips and the camaraderie with fellow students from not only their school but from across the state and nation. All but the last two National Conventions that I attended, as an FFA member myself or as an advisor, were in Kansas City - and what great memories those were! I see that the theme for this year’s convention is “I Believe”. I think that is very fitting as one of the first things my freshmen did each year was to learn and recite the FFA Creed, which of course started out with “I believe”, and in today’s world we have to believe, and even more importantly that our young people believe - that the future is bright in agriculture, and in fact it is probably brighter than it has ever been. But we have some challenges.
As I regress to a former time in my life, I think back to the power of the words in that FFA Creed. Let me throw out some of the key phrases as I remember them. “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds, achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.--- I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.--- I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.---In being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.---I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.” We have always been based on tradition in producing and marketing the product of our toil. We are the original environmentalists. We are the original care takers. We efficiently feed the world.
I think this is part of the reason that I am so concerned about outside influences who think they know better how to care for our animals and how to work our land then we do. They try to intimidate and govern people to do their bidding and to adhere to their agenda--and not to the traditions and best management practices that are innately instilled in all of the young people that I had the opportunity to work with. Those young people are now influential and productive members of society, many of them working in the agriculture industry in some form or other. In my years of teaching, I always encouraged my students to speak out, to stand up for what they thought was right, to utilize their upbringing and stand on their integrity. They knew what was fundamentally right and wrong, and knew the values of hard work and husbandry of the land and the animals upon that land. I really believe that those students embodied the very words and intent of that FFA Creed.
It initially angered and then saddened me to see that one of our state’s farm based organizations invited the Humane Society of the United States to come to our state and help enable this animal rights group, whose full intent is to cripple or destroy the animal agriculture industry. HSUS has done this by getting their foot in the door in other states, especially those that have a ballot initiative – which Nebraska does have. They have had profound negative effects on animal agriculture in those states that have succumbed to the HSUS lobbying, bullying, and intimidation, all in the quest to force their agenda on those that do not believe in their way, which is a Vegan life style. Unfortunately the Nebraska Farmers Union is the vehicle by which this extreme group has pushed its “well financed” foot in the door, even if many of their members don’t agree.
Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS, has said that “HSUS doesn’t have, at this time, an animal agriculture ballot initiative designed for Nebraska.” I don’t trust him or the HSUS, but maybe he isn’t lying….he now has lackeys right here in Nebraska that seem intent to do his bidding. This has worried me for several years, ever since I have been watching them and what they are doing in our fellow agricultural states. That worry is coming to fruition. I firmly believe that the “fox is now being welcomed into the chicken house” – by our own people. Now more than ever we have to be proactive and be ready to defend those “best traditions of our national life, and then exert a positive influence in our homes and communities which will stand solid for our part for the inspiring task of protecting our livelihood and the very life blood of our state.
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: http://www.webster.unl.edu/me

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Quote of the Day

‎"There's a great deal of talk about loyalty from the bottom to the top. Loyalty from the top down is even more necessary and is much less prevalent. One of the most frequently noted characteristics of great men who have remained great is loyalty to their subordinates."

- General George S. Patton, Jr

Monday, October 17, 2011

Darlene A. Skrdlant 08/19/1926 to 10/15/ 2011

Blue Hill resident Darlene A. Skrdlant 85, died Saturday October 15, 2011 at Blue Hill Care Center in Blue Hill. 
Services are 10:30am Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Bladen with Rev. Steve Marsh officiating.  Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery , south of Bladen.  Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church.  A memorial has been established.
Darlene Artus Chaplin Haller was born on August 19, 1926 She attended school in Bladen and graduated from high school there.  She began her teaching career the following fall at Harmony and took summer classes, night classes and correspondence courses, as she continued to teach the rural schools in Webster County. 
She married Glen Skrdlant of Bladen, Nebraska on June 8, 1947. They lived on a farm a mile south of Bladen and later moved to the farm three miles south and a half mile west of Bladen where they would spend the rest of their lives. She taught at Five star and Catherton school before she quit teaching when their son Kelly was born in 1951.
Besides her role as a farm wife and mother, she continued her education, eventually received a Bachelors degree and two Masters degrees from Kearney State College.  She returned to teaching in 1962 and taught first and second grades in Bladen and Silver Lake Schools for 31 years.
Darlene loved gardening and tending her flowers.  She was creative and artistic and enjoyed painting, etching, and other art forms.
She and her husband enjoyed traveling to Husker games and made many bowl trips.  Darlene retired from teaching after her husband's death in 1997.  In January of 2002, she moved to the Blue Hill Care Center and spent the remainder of her years in the fog of Alzheimer Disease.
She is survived by one son, Kelly of Bladen, one grandson, Riley and his wife Debbie of Bladen, one granddaughter  Ashley Skrdlant of  Denver Colorado.  one great grandson, Lanham Skrdlant ; three brothers-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.  

Glen Skrdlant

Friday, Sept. 26, 1997
Rural Bladen resident Glen Skrdlant, 74, died Friday, Sept. 26, 1997, at Community Care of Blue Hill.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at United Methodist Church in Bladen with the Rev. Baldeo Singh officiating. Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery south of Bladen with military rites provided by American Legion Shirley Post No. 176 of Blue Hill. Merten-Butler Mortuary of Blue Hill is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Skrdlant was born July 7, 1923, to Joseph and Stella (Koertner) Skrdlant on a farm west of Bladen. He attended Harmony and Five Star schools in the Bladen area. He graduated from Bladen High School in 1940. He farmed near Bladen. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He became staff sergeant while serving in combat in the European Theater with Company H, 11th Regiment of the Fifth Division from 1944-46. He returned to Bladen. He worked for Hubert's Truck Service. On June 8, 1947, he married Darlene Haller in Bladen and returned to farming.
He was a member of Bladen United Methodist Church. He served on the Bladen Board of Education and Webster County Fair Board.
Survivors are his wife; one son, Kelly of Bladen; two sisters, Clara Skrdlant of Blue Hill and Esther Bartley of Abilene, Kan.; four brothers, Edward of Bladen, Norman of Hastings, Irvin of Doniphan and Harold of San Antonio, Texas; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sisters.
A memorial fund has been established.

Rodney E. Hartman 4-18-1938 to 10-17-2011

Rodney E. Hartman
 Rodney E. Hartman, 73, of Blue Hill died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, at his home.

Services were at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blue Hill with the Very Revs. James Schrader and Valerian Bartek officiating. Burial was at Blue Hill Catholic Cemetery.
Rodney was born April 18, 1938, at Blue Hill to Albert and Mildred (Johnson) Hartman.
He graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1956.
 He took basic training at Fort Ord, Calif., and served in the Army National Guard from 1960 to 1965.
September 9, 1958  Rodney Hartman and Doris Witte were married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blue Hill.

From 1957 to 1977, he worked as a lineman and foreman for South Central Public Power in the Blue Hill and Nelson area. From 1977 to 1994, he was employed as a serviceman for Glenwood Telephone Co.
He was an avid outdoorsman, gardener and poker player. He also had been a boxing coach and gun safety instructor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lonnie.
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Judy Mullen and her husband, Sean, of Kearney and Susan Danehey of Blue Hill; sons, Douglas of Omaha and Tim and his wife, Elysha, of Kearney; brother, Richard Hartman and his wife, Jo, of Blue Hill; sister, Kathy Donscheski and her husband, Dallas, of Elba; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mary Witte and Walt and Lavera Witte, all of Blue Hill, Joan and Ed Rempe of Superior, Laura Witte, Richard and Pam Witte, Marie and Russ Paulsen and Robert Witte, all of Hastings, and Al and Kathy Witte of Champaign, Ill.; nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to Republican Valley Trap Club or Mary Lanning Hospice.

Quote of the Day

“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”


Vince Lombardi quotes (American Football Coach, national symbol of single-minded determination to win.1913-1970)

Friday, October 14, 2011

On 10/14/11 ASAAP (The Area Substance & Alcohol Abuse Prevention) presented a stipend check to Blue Hill Schools for drug and alcohol prevention. Pictured are Mr. Joe'l Ruybalid Blue Hill Schools Superintendent receiving the check from Pam Schwab ASAAP'S Webster County Coordinator.

Blue Hill 8 Ravenna 21

The Blue Hill Bobcat put up a good fight but went down to the Ravenna Blue jays team by a score of 21 to 8 on the Blue Hill home field Friday night.
Shane Faimon led Blue Hill with 110 yards on 19 carries.  Dakota Hoyt was 10 for 24 passing for 75 yards.  Blake Bunner had 12 tackles.
 Blue Hill has a 5-2 record now.   Next week Blue Hill will play at Kearney Central Catholic.

....STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann,
UNL Extension Educator,
Webster County

October 14, 2011 Edition
One cannot help but notice the noon this week. I have heard several people comment on how beautiful it is – yet alone the weather. I overheard a couple of people commenting on this must be the Harvest Moon. Now I don’t even pretend to be an expert on the moon, or signs of the moon and I never could do the moon walk, but I was pretty certain that the Harvest Moon was last month. Now it makes perfect sense since we are right in the heart of harvest season, but those that know me will know that I had to go look it up to make certain. I don’t often say – I told you so---but in this case I was right.
The beautiful bright fall night brought to you compliments of Mother Nature is actually called “Hunter’s Moon”. I haven’t been hunting in several years, but I think it isn’t too far from the beginning of hunting season. The Hunter's Moon was so named many years ago because it provided plenty of moonlight which was ideal for hunters shooting migrating birds in Northern and Western Europe. That makes sense since a lot of our ancestors in this part of the country came from there.
The name is also said to have been used by Native Americans as they tracked and killed their prey by autumn moonlight, stockpiling food for the winter ahead. Given the history of the Pawnee and Sioux tribes that frequented our land this explanation works for me too. I cannot help but let my mind picture a small band of warriors, with bows and arrows in hand, sneaking up on some deer which are highlighted by this Hunters moon. Gosh, with all of these deer running through the country it wouldn’t hurt to bring back some of that history.
I know that this moon seems extra bright and to have rather different characteristics than usual. Some think the Hunter’s and Harvest Moons are the biggest full moons of the year. But not so with this week’s Hunter’s Moon, which is actually the smallest and farthest full moon of 2011. Interesting to me is that the farthest and closest full moons recur in regular cycles. The closest full moon comes seven lunar months – or the seventh full moon – after this farthest full moon (Hunter’s Moon). Then the farthest full moon comes seven lunar months after the closest full moon. I have some homework for you. Mark on your calendar my prediction. Seven full moons after this week’s full moon, the closest full moon of the cycle will fall on May 6, 2012. On that date, the full moon will be closer than 222,000 miles, thus making it the “biggest” moon. Then seven full moons after, it’ll be the farthest or “smallest” full moon all over again on November 28, 2012.
All full moons have their own special characteristics, based primarily on the whereabouts of the ecliptic in the sky at the time of year that they are visible. The full moons of September, October and November, as seen from the northern hemisphere, correspond to the full moons of March, April and May as seen from the southern hemisphere—are all well known in the folklore of the sky. The Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon are both special because the time of moonrise between successive evenings is shorter than usual. The moon rises approximately 30 minutes later, from one night to the next for several evenings around the full Hunter's or Harvest Moons. Thus there is no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise, around the time of these full moons. In times past, this feature of these autumn moons was said to help hunters tracking their prey (or, in the case of the Harvest Moon, farmers working in the fields). They could continue tracking their prey (or bringing in their crops) by moonlight even when the sun had gone down. Hence the name Hunter's (or Harvest) Moon. Some old timers called it the Blood or Sanquine Moon (for obvious reasons).
Now here comes the scientific explanation. The reason for the shorter-than-usual rising time between successive moon rises around the time of the Harvest and Hunter's Moon is that the orbit of the Moon makes a narrow angle with respect to the horizon in the evening in autumn, leading the Moon to higher positions in the sky each successive day. The Hunter's Moon appears in either October or November, but usually in October. Traditionally, it was a feast day in parts of northern and western Europe and among some Native American tribes, called simply the Feast of the Hunter's Moon, though the celebration had largely died out by the 20th century – darn! I think we ought to bring that tradition back!
In myth and folklore, the full moon of each month is given a name. Of course I couldn’t stop with just the Harvest and Hunter’s Moon, I had to see what all the month’s folklore names were. There are many variations but I chose to use the Farmers' Almanac version, and they are as follows: January – Wolf moon; February – Snow moon; March – Worm moon; April – Pink moon; May – Flower moon; June – Strawberry moon; July – Thunder moon (I have heard some people call this Buck moon); August – Sturgeon moon; September – Harvest moon; October – Hunter's moon; November – Beaver moon; and December – Cold moon. You can find more on this at: http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/
I have always heard reference to a Blue moon. In fact I remember my grandparents would say “Once in a Blue Moon” and I really didn’t know what that meant, but figured it must not be very often. When is that? The Blue moon is actually the third full moon in a season with four full moons. Until recently it was commonly misunderstood that the second full moon in a month was the blue moon, but I guess we all now know that was in error. What is interesting is that it was the media’s fault. The interpretation of a blue moon as the second full moon of the month was erroneously reported in a magazine dating back to 1946 and then perpetuated by other media. So I guess I have been wrong all of my life on when the “Blue Moon” existed. OK, I will admit it. I didn’t even know that it was either one. Now that song is in my head!!
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: http://www.webster.unl.edu/me

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Quote of the Day

"Go the extra mile, it's never crowded."   Wayne Dyer

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Donald R. Burge 03/16/1917 to 10/09/2011

Campbell resident Donald R. Burge, 94, died Sunday October 9, 2011, at Grandview Manor Nuresing Home in Campbell.
Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill with the Rev. Joshua Lowe officiating.  Burial will be at Blue Hill Cemetery in Blue Hill.  Visitation was Wednesday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill, and one hour prior to services at the Church Thursday.
Memorials can be directed to Asera Care, Kearney, Neberaska.
Donald was born on March 16, 1917 to Arthur and Carrie LaDuska (Hempstead) Burge at Bladen, Nebraska.  He lived in the Bladen area, and was a farmer and carpenter by trade, until retiring and mmoving to Alma, Nebraska.
He was an avid fisherman and bowler and his greatest joy was being with his family.   He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Blue Hill, Nebraska.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Edna who lives in Campbell, Nebraska, his daughter Sharon (Ronald) Kreutzer, of Kearney, Nebraska, his son Robert (Patricia) of Kearney, Nebraska, his daughter in law, Linda Burge, of Norton, Kansas and one sister Wilma (Leo) Whittier of Granada Hills, California, seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dennis; five brothers and four sisters.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Quote of the Day

"What are the things that you can’t see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love...They’re the guiding lights of a life."

-Jimmy Carter; 39th U.S. President

Monday, October 10, 2011

Rural Post Offices are Critical to the Third District


Congressman Adrian Smith
 Oct 7, 2011
Issues: Budget,
Rural Development
The U.S. Postal Service is an integral part of American life, especially in rural communities. In rural areas like the Third District, residents rely on the USPS for the delivery of prescription drugs, retail purchases, business mail, and cards from loved ones. In fact, you are likely reading this column in a newspaper delivered through the mail.
Despite being a vital part of American history and culture, the USPS is struggling to stay financially solvent and risks facing bankruptcy. Citing a $3.1 billion shortfall in the second quarter of the year, the USPS recently released a list of 3,600 post offices to study for potential closure, which included many rural facilities. It is clear the USPS must take drastic steps to fix its budget deficit, but it is unreasonable to put the brunt of this responsibility on rural customers. Understanding the importance of rural post offices to communities in the Third District, I have continued to work to prevent the USPS from balancing its budget at the expense of rural customers.
In April of this year, I, along with my colleagues from Nebraska, sent a letter to the Postmaster General of the USPS urging the agency to account for the impact on local communities when considering the closing or consolidation of a rural mail facility. My office also has contacted more than 1,300 individuals in the communities with post offices under review, and co-hosted a Congressional Rural Caucus briefing to draw attention to the benefits of rural post offices and the need for USPS to look elsewhere for cost-savings.
H.R. 1351, a piece of legislation supported by postal labor unions, recently has gained a great deal of attention. I have expressed a number of concerns with this legislation. In reality, this measure does nothing to address rural post office closures. Instead, the bill changes existing law to allow the USPS to receive up to $75 billion in bailout funding from a civil service retirement account. This account is used not only for postal service retirees, but also for military retirees.
Even USPS officials admit H.R. 1351 does not resolve issues the organization faces in the coming years. As we in Nebraska know, short-term fixes often create long-term problems. For instance, this year alone members of two postal labor unions will receive raises totaling more than $270 million. Closing all 3,600 post offices on the recently released study list will save only $200 million – not even enough to cover union pay increases this year. The Postal Service expects a $238 billion shortfall by 2020, so even cutting a $75 billion bailout check directly from the Treasury will not make it solvent.
Long-term, structural reforms are the best solution to put the USPS on a path to fiscal sustainability. These reforms include asking postal employees to pay the same for health benefits as the rest of the federal workforce, allowing for advertisement sales on postal vehicles, or shifting to mailbox on the curb delivery, which could save as much as $100 per house annually.
When the Postal Service originally was created it was charged with a mission to serve all communities – both urban and rural – with prompt, reliable, and efficient services. It is important the USPS upholds this original mission while at the same time fixing its bottom line. As this issue continues to be debated and considered, I will keep working to ensure rural communities have a seat at the table.

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Saturday, October 8, 2011

Fires Plague Blue Hill area

A fire at the Keith Waechter farm was the latest of a number of fires in the Blue Hill area.  Waechter was harvesting when his combine caught on fire.  He was able to drive the big machine to the edge of the field, thus preventing the loss of crops but the combine was totally destroyed. Waechter was not hurt.   The Blue Hill fire department responded to the blaze and extinguished the blaze   Waechter's farm is located about 7 miles south and west of Blue Hill. 
Saturday October 1 fire destroyed a hog shed on the Alber farm south of Rosemont.  A number of pigs who were housed in the shed were lost.  Three firemen with the Blue Hill fire department responded to the call for help containing the fire as the wind came up and began to blow the embers around. 
Some girls from Red Cloud were checking out a minimun maintance road west of the Gerald Alber farm south and east of Blue Hill when their brakes locked up.  The heat from the locked up breaks caused a fire which totally destoryed the car.   The fire then spread to some CRP grass.  The girls called the Red Cloud Fire department who arrived and put out the fire before too much of hte CRP was destoryed.  The girls were not injured.

Blue Hill 21 Southern Valley 0

After a one and a half to two  hour delay due to lightenning the football game was finally completed.  Blue Hill boys managed another win!!!  21 to 0!!   Congratulations boys, good job!!!!

Friday, October 7, 2011

..STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann,
 UNL Extension Educator,
Webster County
October 7, 2011 Edition
This was a busy week for me but a good one. One of my favorites task was the opportunity to work with about 400 young people at a Agriculture Safety Day in Hastings. There is something about being in front of young people that gets me excited and motivated. We are blessed with so many good kids. I had a lot of fun doing a bunch of consecutive sessions on Lawn Mower Safety. It was a delight working with each school’s students as they went from station to station. I love how they respond and are not afraid to raise their hand and ask some very good questions or better yet - relate personal things that come up from discussion. You have to love the innocence and honesty that they bring with them. Oh to have that energy again. They say that working with young people make you young. It is good to be 39 again.
Another venue that I had the opportunity to participate was with the Sutton Chamber of Commerce. They invited me to come to their meeting and visit with them about the issues facing animal agriculture - with an emphasis on animal rights versus animal welfare and the role that HSUS is playing in what I think is the number one issue facing the livestock and probably the entire agricultural industry. I found out after getting there that they wanted information to verify, and also my take on any questions or concerns that they may have had in dealing with a resolution that had come up at an earlier meeting. That resolution was one that I think is good for our state in taking a pro-active stance in regards to this issue.
It was gratifying to me to see our Nebraska’s governor and several of our State Senators send a warning out to the Human Society of the United States that anti-agriculture actions the group implemented in other states would not be welcome in Cornhusker State. Recently, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce has encouraged local Nebraska Chambers to oppose any possible future activities of HSUS that would be detrimental to the state’s agricultural economy, especially animal agriculture. They feel that they needed to take action because HSUS’ activities in other states (such as Florida, California, Arizona, Ohio, Missouri and others) have harmed their agricultural economies. The chamber does not want to see the same potentially detrimental effect occur in Nebraska. They are now joining the efforts of many of their peers.
The Sutton Chamber’s board voted to join the Nebraska Chamber in the effort to raise public awareness, not just in South Central Nebraska, but throughout the entire state that efforts by HSUS and other activists not only threaten Nebraska’s livestock producers, but also our crop producers. Agriculture is Nebraska’s No. 1 industry and all of the towns and even large cities across the state depend upon that engine that drives our state and its economy.
Most people I know feel that livestock producers are already being held accountable for how they raise livestock through state and federal regulations as well as their own standards and moral integrity. The farmer was the first animal welfarist and does a superb job. It is their life! We also have self-directed industry programs, such as the Beef Quality Assurance and Pork Quality Assurance Plus that has animal well-being standards implemented through a certification program. There’s also the pork industry’s “We Care” program that not only addresses animal handling and care issues, but environmental, worker and community responsibility commitments. Nebraska also has an aggressive Youth Livestock Quality Assurance program that teaches our 4-H and FFA youth about those animal welfare qualities that we all embrace. This program is required for any young exhibitor to show their animals at local county fairs, the Nebraska State Fair or Ak-Sar-Ben.
HSUS has repeatedly denied that it intends to pursue farm animal welfare legislation or a ballot initiative in Nebraska. However, the group has hired a state director in Nebraska and HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle made a highly-publicized visit to the state last December and as recently as two weeks ago had an editorial in the Lincoln Journal and Star. After talking to educators and producers in other states, I can tell you that if an initiative is put forward --the livestock industry will need a lot of support to oppose it. I also know that you cannot trust what Mr. Pacelle and the HSUS say. Their agenda is pretty clear and they will look at Nebraska and the ballot initiative - licking their chops. You will not believe the urban and uniformed public base that HSUS can muster, or the deep pockets and hoards of lawyers that they have at their disposal.
I think a lot of people in Nebraska realize the importance of agriculture, and I would hope they would even realize that even more as the last couple or three years ---agriculture has helped carry this state economically. Other states would love to have the position that our state is – compliments of the family farmer. I hope that the residents of Nebraska would come together behind those fighting against a ballot initiative in this state. I just can't see how people, if they are very knowledgeable about HSUS and the Vegan culture, wouldn't be supportive of fighting the efforts of this anti-ag group.
It is good to see local organizations like our local Chambers of Commerce adopt positions to strongly oppose HSUS or any organization or group that could have a hidden agenda that would severely impact the ability of our agricultural producers to raise livestock in this state. Congratulations to Sutton and all of the area Chambers who have joined forces to allow Nebraskans to make decisions affecting their livelihood, not some extreme group from outside of this state.
If you are not knowledgeable on these issues please do some research, and remember that the HSUS is not your local Humane Society. Don’t fall for the HSUS or their myriad of partner organization’s pleas. They are not what they seem!
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: http://www.webster.unl.edu/me

Webster County ASAAP October Newsletter

Area Substance & Alcohol Abuse Prevention (ASAAP) of Webster County held an informational meeting on Sunday October 2nd, at the Blue Hill Community Senior Center. There where 25 community members in attendance. A taco bar was provided by Thramer’s Food Center. (A special thanks to Tim Thramer!)
Scott Stemper, ASAAP’s Executive Director opened the meeting with introducing Michelle Kohmetscher; Project Director and Pam Schwab; Webster County Coalition Coordinator.
Information was shared about ASAAP along with explaining how Webster County can benefit by having this coalition.
ASAAP will be doing a presentation at the Blue Hill Elementary School for Red Ribbon Week and will also have a booth at the Jr. High dance on October 22nd.
Next meeting will be November 6th 7:00 pm at the Blue Hill Community Center. Light meal/snacks will be provided. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
*Please bring a note with 3 concerns you have for your community.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Quote of the Day

The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder-a waif, a nothing, a no man-Thomas Carlyle

Ardis J. Gerlach May 12, 1927 to October 4, 2011

Ardis J. Gerlach, the daughter of Sophia (Blattner) and John Frey, was born May 12, 1927 on a farm northwest of Guide Rock, Nebraska. She departed this life on October 4, 2011 at the Webster County Community Hospital in Red Cloud at the age of 84 years, 4 months and 22 days.

Ardis grew up in Webster County and received her formal education attending the Pleasant Hill rural school district #15 and graduated from the Eckley Consolidated School with the class of 1945. She taught two years in rural Webster County schools.
She was united in marriage with Wayne Gerlach on November 28, 1948 at the Lutheran Church southwest of Lawrence, Nebraska. Ardis was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church at Rosemont. Wayne and Ardis purchased their present home and moved there in November of 1950. She was employed as a substitute clerk at the Cowles post office and also served for a period of time as secretary-treasurer for the Cowles Telephone Company.
Ardis enjoyed reading, cooking her favorite recipes and working on the genealogy of her family history. In later years, Ardis and Wayne danced to many polka bands.
Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Esther Waugh and Bernice Frey; and four brothers, Everette, Lee, Marion and Neil Frey.
Left to treasure her memory are her husband Wayne of Cowles; sons Dennis and wife Mary of Chandler, Arizona; Myron and wife Annette of Waverly, Nebraska, and daughter Carolyn Wagner and husband Art of Pleasant Dale, Nebraska; 4 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; two sisters, Frances Brubaker and Evelyn Oberheide of Red Cloud; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, 10:30 a.m., October 7, 2011 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont with the Rev. Ronald Kuehner officiating. Interment will be at the Blue Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to service time at the church.
Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970
Tel: 402-746-2500

Quote of the Day

"Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs..

Quote of the Day

‎"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life." ---- Steve Jobs

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

James W. Mackin 04/23/1937 to 09/30/2011

Blue Hill resident James W. Mackin, 74, died Friday September 30,2011, at  his home.  A memorial service was held Tuesday October 4, at Holy Trinity Catholic church with the very Rev. James Schrader officiating.  Private burial will be held at the Blue Hill Catholic cemetery at a later date.  The remains were cremated.
James W. Mackin was born to James J. and Helen (Shea) Mackin at Youngstown, Ohio.  He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Youngstown.  In 1959 he graduated form Colgate University in Hamilton, N. Y.  He married Madalyn Sweeny, his treasured wife of 50 years on October 10, 1959. 
For seven years, he represented a steel company in the south eastern states while living in Atlanta, GA.  The family moved to Denver, Colorado.  In 1966 to enter the commercial landscaping business.  He later started Western Cedar Care Company.  In 1996 following retirement they moved to Blue Hill, Nebraska to enjoy the good life.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in blue Hill, and enjoyed golfing with friends and the wonderful community of blue Hill. 
Jim is survived by four daughters, Molly Dopheide and husband Lt. Col. (ret.) Clyde of Leavenworth, , Kansas, , Shea Durkin and husband Thomas  of Parker, Colorado, Mary Poppert and husband Christopher of Glenside, Pennsylvania.,  kathleen Buckner and husband Charles of Castle Rock, Colorado;   Four sons,  James  and his wife Jodi of Ayr, Nebraska,  Paul and hhis wife Mori of Fort Collins, Colorado, Daniel and his wife Nicole of Blue Hill, Nebraska and John and his wife Julie of Broomfield, Colorado.  One sister, Alma Griffiths and her husband Richard of Gainesville, florida, two sisters-in-law, Ruth Wylie of Atlanta  Rosann Bord of Youngstown, Ohio, one brother-in-law, Miles Sweeeney of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Jim's pride and joy were his 21 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Madalyn in 2009. 

Madalyn Mackin  October 1, 1936 to January 10, 2009
BLUE HILL, NEB. – Services were held on Jan. 13, 2009, in Nebraska for Madalyn Mackin, 72, who died Jan. 10, 2009, in Nebraska.

Madalyn was born on Oct. 1, 1936 in Youngstown, a daughter of James A. and Ellen J. Thorton Sweeney.
She was a graduate of Ursuline High School and Youngstown State University.
She married James W. Mackin on Oct. 10, 1959, in Youngstown and moved to Atlanta and then to Colorado. Her passion in life was raising and watching the development of her children.
Madalyn is survived by her husband, Jim; four sons, James (Jodi), Paul (Mori), Daniel (Nicole) and John (Julie); four daughters, Molly (Lt. Col. Clyde) Dopheide, Shea (Thomas) Durkin, Mary (Christopher) Poppert and Kathleen (Charles) Buckner; two sisters, Ruthie Wylie and Roseann Bord; one brother, Miles Sweeney; and 21 grandchildren.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com/  to view this obituary.

Quote of the Day

If pro is the opposite of con, is progress the opposite of Congress?    unkown

Monday, October 3, 2011

Quote of the Day

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift. -- Albert Einstein

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Florence R. Reiners 09/18/1918 to 09/26/ 2011

Florence R. Reiners, 93, died Monday, September 26, 2011 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Friday, September 30, 2011; 10:30 A.M. at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Juniata, with Pastor Greg Volzke officiating. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery, rural Juniata. Visitation will be Thursday, September 29, 2011; 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. with family present at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church or Harvest Heralds, Inc.-Endowment Fund, PO Box 1147, Beaverton, OR 97075-1147.
Florence was born on September 18, 1918, on a farm near Rosemont, Nebraska to Max F. & A. Mary (Johnson) Benker. She was baptized October 13, 1918, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill and also confirmed there on May 22, 1932. She grew up in the Rosemont area of Webster County and attended the Rosemont Public Schools. When she was 18, she began to work for Ed & Edith Pfeil in Adams County and then for their daughter, Lena & Albert Alber.
On December 26, 1937, she was married to August Johann Reiners in the Trinity Lutheran Parsonage in Blue Hill. They lived and farmed three miles east of Prosser and were blest with the birth of Marlin, Lavern, Maxine and Gayle. They were faithful members at Christ Lutheran Church, Juniata where Florence was an active member of Ladies Guild.
 In 1955, the family moved to their Hall County farm near Rosedale. Florence was a member of Rosedale Extension Club until it disbanded. Florence will be lovingly remembered by her children and spouses. Her ten grandchildren, spouses and their families will miss receiving her greeting cards and going to Grandma’s house.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husband, August Reiners in 1977; son, Lavern in 2005; sisters, Irene & Agnes; and brothers, Carl & Ervin.
Survivors include:
Children & Spouses:
Marlin & June Reiners – Juniata, NE
Joann Reiners – Lexington, NE
Maxine & Dale Zentz – Grand Island, NE
Gayle & Paula Reiners – Doniphan, NE
Grandchildren, Spouses & families:
Craig & Donna Reiners
Chelsea & Chase – Katy, TX
Neal Reiners – Juniata, NE
Rick Reiners – Lexington, NE
ShaeLynn & great-great-grandson, Aiden Stewart – Lincoln, NE
Ryan - Lexington, NE
Lynn Reiners – Juniata, NE
Duane & Deanna Zentz – Columbia, MD
Daren & Shelly Zentz
Landon & Anna – Grand Island, NE
Brock & Ashley Zentz
Emma, Brody & Boston – Andover, KS
Jessica & Denny Hoagland
Paxton & Zelia – Hastings, NE
Cameron & Jeanna Reiners
Johann, Moyer & Kaura – Hansen, NE
Jared Reiners & Fiance̩ Laci Harris РHastings, NE
Sister & Brother-in-law:
Luella & Marvin Terrell – Torrington, WY
Many Nephews, Nieces, Cousins and Friends

ASAAP Organizational Meeting

Quote of the Day

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." --Albert Einstein

Blue Hill 20 Superior 0

This score was obtained from the television.  Didn't see the game.   Was Blue  Hill really good  or was Superior just lacking either offense or defense?.  Hope those that saw the game will add some comments here and let the rest of us know about the game.  What do you think the chances of The Blue Hill football team going to state again this year?   Who needs congratulated on a good game? 
What do  you think about the team?

October Birthdays

October 1 -- Jayden Hamel, Robert Long, & Joan Classen.
October 2 -- Joseph Bell & Sharon McShane .
October 3-- Jessica Kort & Kristina Hubl.
October 4-- Roy Faimon, Chad Parr, Tim Gilbert, Robert A. Piel & Kristine Barnhill
October 5--Gene Falgoine, Elizabeth Buschow , & Deborah S. Skrdlant
October 6 -- Doyle Krueger, Barbara Krueger, Dean Buschow, Todd Whipple, & Dora Danehey
October 7-- Riley Skrdlant, Ron Karmazine & Selma “Sammy” Krueger
October 8 -- Kim Henderson, Brandi Higer & Danielle Schmidt
October 9 -- Carissa Krueger Cox, Janette Hoffman
October 10 -- Adolph Niemeyer & Brandi Mohlman.
October 11 -- Jennifer Stertz, & Chris Marcello.
October 12 -- Thong DetAksone, Paul Zimmerman, Kathy Seeman , & Todd Kranau
October 13 -- Julie Zimmerman, Julie Gibert, Jessica Kort, & Alice Koertner
October 14 -- Dara Kort, Everett Underwood & Greg Brenn
October 15 -- Ida Krueger, Roxanne Wademan, & Helen Koertner
October 16 -- Savanna Alber , Neil Kort, Aric Robinson, Natalie Schulenburg Schunk & Chris Meyer
October 17 -- Agnes Karr, Keri Toepfer, & Godfrey Strausburg
October 18 -- Julie Classen Howard, Pam Rose & Wilma Schulz.
October 19 -- Steve Krueger, Ken Kort, George Mazour, Chad Duval, & Robert Carper
October 20 -- Louis Goding.
October 21 -- Roger Hoffman & Joe Marcello
October 22 -- Lyle Bostock, Susan Johnson, Jerry Welke, & Riley Schultz
October 23 -- Leann Worley, , Kim Higer, Tom Van Boening, Jeff Wells, & Stuart Kerr
October 24 -- Steve Hubl,
October 25 -- Kathleen Bauchman, Paul Krueger & Rosaleen Gianokas
October 26 -- Larry Krueger, Lisa Hubl, Wilmer Wells, & Charles Hewett, Jr.
October 27 -- Amy Overy & Connie Mohlman
October 28 -- Jeremy Kort, & Roger Koertner.
October 29 -- Brad Hargis, Alan Meyer (RIP)
October 30-- Mark Siebrass, Harvey Scheiding, Pam Johnson, & Wilma Frazier
October 31 -- James Meyer, Dorthey Meyer, Stephanie Frasier & Rhonda Brewster.
October 31 --Parker Trumble