ESPNU to air Nebraska vs Illinois game Saturday

Nebraska home football game against Illinois will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The Big Ten Conference announced the game time on Sunday. ESPNU will air the game.
The 3-1 Nebraska is coming off a bye week into the game against 3-1 Illinois to start Big Ten play.
Throughout the rest of the season, most of Nebraska's game times and TV broadcasts will be announced either six or 12 days ahead of the game.
The Nov. 29 game against Iowa starts at 11 a.m.

Divided Government Requires Negotiations

Rep. Adrian Smith

     Unable to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution, the federal government went into a partial shutdown on October 1st.  This situation is far from ideal, and Americans and Nebraskans are rightly frustrated.  We would all like to see this situation resolved quickly, which will require both sides to negotiate. 

The need to negotiate is actually built into the founding principles and structure of our Republic.  Elections have consequences, and the American people elected divided government.  With Democrats in control of the Senate and the White House, and Republicans in control of the House, no one should expect to get everything they want.
However, the President, many Democrats on Capitol Hill, and some in the media have called on the House to abdicate our responsibilities, principles, and constitutional role in government in order to avoid making difficult decisions.  President Obama and his allies have said they will not negotiate, while comparing Republicans to hostage takers, jihadists, kidnappers, anarchists, and even suicide bombers.
More than immature, this is not how our government is intended to function.  Leadership and good governance require us to talk to each other, find common ground, and agreement.  Refusing to talk makes compromise impossible.
It is no secret Republicans do not support the President’s health care law known as Obamacare.  A majority of Americans agree.  Insurance premiums and health care costs are on the rise, individuals are losing the insurance plans they like, employers are dropping coverage and reducing hours and hiring, and the initial implementation of the law has been a disaster.  With the opening of the health care exchanges, we now know the cost of the average individual health plan in Nebraska will increase 125 percent.
While I would prefer to repeal or fully defund the law, Republicans at this point only are asking for a one year delay of the individual mandate, and repeal of the medical device tax.  This is a fair request and reasonable, especially given the delays and exemptions the President has already unilaterally given to supporters and big businesses without the consent of Congress.
The Democrat-controlled Senate, without debate or an attempt to move to the middle, swiftly rejected each of our offers.  Hoping to avoid a shutdown, the House moved to appoint conferees to negotiate a compromise with the Senate.  In an unprecedented move, the Senate refused, thus forcing a shutdown.
Unable to agree to the larger funding bill, Republicans and many Democrats in the House are working together to pass smaller funding bills to reopen and fund critical parts of the government.  Unbelievably, the Senate even rejected House passed bills to support our veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve, fund lifesaving cancer research – including for children, reopen national parks, and other priorities.
I spent a lot of time answering the phone in my office this week to speak to Nebraskans and listen to their ideas and concerns.  One furloughed federal worker in the Third District told me the most frustrating part of what is happening is the two sides are not talking to each other.  I agree.
There is plenty of blame to go around for this situation, and neither side is free from blame.  However, it is past time for Senator Reid and President Obama to come to the negotiating table.  Let’s talk.  Let’s find an agreement.  And let’s move past this so we can end the shutdown and address our many other national needs and priorities.

 

Smith Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown

 

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.J. Res. 59, an amended continuing resolution which would keep the government open, delay implementation of the Affordable Care Act for one year, and permanently repeal the Medical Device Tax:
“Tonight, the House of Representatives has again acted to keep the government open and to spare the American people from Obamacare, which is driving up health care costs, limiting access to care, and reducing hours and wages for America’s workers.  While I continue to favor full repeal of Obamacare, a one year delay would at least give Nebraska families, businesses, and health care providers temporary relief from the mandates, taxes, and other negative consequences of the law.
“Divided government means no one will get everything they want.  Delaying implementation of Obamacare is a reasonable compromise, but the House cannot act alone.  President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Reid have refused to negotiate even though the health care law clearly is not ready to be implemented, and many Democrats acknowledge problems in the law.  It is time for all sides to come to the table and find agreement.”

Blue Hill 28 Southern Valley 14

Blue Hill defeated Southern Valley Friday evening on their home field.  The Blue Hill team scored 28 points to the 14 points put on the scoreboard by the Southern Valley team. 
Blue Hill now has a three wins and one loss record and will face Ravenna at Ravenna this coming Friday October 4..
Friday was the Blue Hill homecoming game.  Home coming royalty was crowned at the game.

NEBRASKANS SPEAK OUT

   Senator Deb Fischer

 

I recently gave a speech on the Senate floor to defend millions of middle class families across America who feel like they’ve been left behind. Too many of these people are decent, hardworking folks who are unemployed or underemployed. And many have adult children stuck living at home because, despite graduating from college, they’re struggling to find work.
Now, because of ObamaCare, these same young adults – many of whom are older than 26 – will be forced to pay more taxes, or purchase costly, government-defined health insurance.
In spite of the administration’s best salesmanship, the law remains extremely unpopular. I have received thousands of phone calls, e-mails, and letters urging me to repeal all, or pieces, of the law. One constituent – a retired school teacher from Beatrice – recently wrote me to share that he had just received a letter from his insurance carrier. The news was that premiums were set to spike 60-percent to $939 a month – half of his monthly pension check. “We are dismayed and disappointed,” he wrote.
Another Nebraskan from Hartington e-mailed: “I just wanted to let you know I got my letter from Blue Cross of Nebraska. My premium went up $160 per month and my total out of pocket risk increased from $5,000 to $12,700.”
He continued, “On the positive side, my menopausal wife and I now have maternity, drug, alcohol, pediatric, dental, and vision care! President Obama promised our costs would go down and we could keep our insurance if we liked it. I liked my old plan. I want it back!”
We no longer have to rely on these testimonials to prove that ObamaCare is driving up the price of insurance premiums.
The Department of Health and Human Services released its long-awaited report on ObamaCare premium prices offered on the exchanges. The numbers for Nebraska prove that premiums will rise dramatically.
In its analysis of the data, Forbes magazine published an article noting there was a 279-percent increase when comparing the cheapest plans offered to Nebraska men. For Nebraska women, there was a 227-percent increase when comparing the cheapest plans – more than triple the current rate.
Those numbers are absolutely staggering.
Based on a Manhattan Institute analysis of the report, “ObamaCare will increase underlying insurance rates for younger men by an average of 97 to 99 percent, and for younger women by an average of 55 to 62 percent.”
Despite these high rates, the plans include fewer in-network doctors and hospitals than current plans. Moreover, many of the lowest-cost plans will likely carry high deductibles. In August, the administration announced another major delay, this time to the part of the health care law limiting patients’ out-of-pocket expenses. Rather than capping costs for individuals and families – as required by the law – the delay of this key provision guarantees ObamaCare will be anything but “affordable.”
It seems reasonable to ask: where’s the delay for the American people? Where’s the delay for middle class citizens like the retired schoolteacher from Beatrice? Is that really an extreme position? I don’t think so.
The American people deserve better than selective delays, unfair treatment, and broken promises. For me, the fight over ObamaCare has nothing to do with politics or ideology.
It’s about standing up for middle class families who aren’t asking government for a hand up – they’re just asking that government stop holding them down. It’s about giving a voice to the millions of Americans – those middle class families feeling left behind – who would rather have the federal government focus on ways to create jobs so they can bring home a decent paycheck.
I have no intention of standing down. It’s what Nebraskans expect from me, and it’s the only way we will ever be able to turn our economy around and build a brighter future for all Americans.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process, and I’ll visit with you again next week.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
UNL Extension Educator

     As I write this week’s edition I am at the Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Show.  I have had the opportunity to attend this multi-state show for many years and always come away amazed at the quality of livestock of all species that come into Omaha for this annual event.  I, of course, got to go to the old Ak-Sar-Ben building which had a certain charm and historic aura about it, including perhaps a slightly moldy aroma. It is now held in the CenturyLink Center which is a wonderful change.  It is air-conditioned, and all the species and two show arenas are all under one roof.  It really is quite amazing.  I am involved in helping run the show, but the highlight for me, and many other extension educators, is to watch the 4-Hers from their respective counties and states exhibit their animals in a premium venue.  I particularly am proud of the young people who come from the Webster County area to compete very favorably in this time-honored livestock show with a lot of history.
     It may interest you that more than 2,000 4-H families, from a ten-state area participate in the Show. Categories of this event are catch-a-calf, dairy, stocker feeder calves, breeding beef, horse, market beef, market broilers, meat goats, market lamb and market swine, rabbit, and dairy steer as well as almost a dozen other entry opportunities including quiz bowl, premier exhibitor and more. States eligible to enter are Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.  It was, and still is, under the auspices of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben. I know our county has benefited, and would bet every county in this state has benefitted from the activities and funding that was made available by this group.  I believe that the original 4-H exhibit hall that we just renovated in Webster County was built, at least in part, by funding from Ak-Sar-Ben. I think it appropriate this week to take a closer look at Ak-Sar-Ben.
     Did you ever wonder how this organization got its start?  Well I did, so I did a little research.  If you know a little Nebraska State Fair history you know that it used to be located in Omaha in the early years of our statehood.
Let’s go back to 1895. At that time Omaha was the home of the Nebraska State Fair. But the State Fair Board, angry because Omaha businessmen failed to provide suitable evening entertainment for families attending the fair, laid down an ultimatum: "Provide entertainment other than saloons, gambling houses and honkey-tonks for the 1895 fair or lose it to a competitively alert Lincoln." If you think of it, Lincoln actually lost the Nebraska State Fair about 5 years ago because Grand Island was more “competitively alert”!  It goes to show you that what goes around comes around.
      To face the challenge put forward by the State Fair Board, financial needs were first met by Omaha businessmen to provide the needed improvements for the city and the State Fairgrounds, but then, on the evening of March 28, 1895, a meeting was called with 60 of the most prominent businessmen of Omaha in attendance. At this meeting, the 12 men who formed the Executive Committee of the Omaha Business Men's Association (an organization still in existence) and who had taken charge of the festivities of Fair Week presented an ambitious plan for securing all floats which had appeared in February's New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade for the Omaha fair. These 12 men became the original members of the Board of Governors of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben. The group traveled to New Orleans with a mission in mind.
     They became convinced that a permanent organization like the Mardi Gras Society was just what Omaha needed to add zest to its progressive outlook, complete with "royalty" and "coronations."  So on the train ride back from New Orleans, the Omaha delegation decided that they needed to name their new organization. One businessman, Dudley Smith, suggested "Why not reverse the name of our beloved state, since everything seems to be going backwards these days?" Another member suggested that since this group had saved the State Fair for the city, the organization should be called the "Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben." Thus, Ak-Sar-Ben was born in 1895 and on September 19 that same year they held their Mardi Gras style parade and its first coronation ball, based upon the Spanish legend of the Kingdom of Quivera.
     The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben contributed mightily to the effort of keeping the State Fair in Omaha. However, during 1900 the State Legislature moved the Nebraska State Fair to Lincoln regardless of their labors. But Ak-Sar-Ben continued its popular parades (including electric floats), carnivals, annual Royalty coronation and ball.  In 1919 Ak-Sar-Ben purchased the 200 acre tract at 63rd & Shirley Streets that had been the State fairgrounds, to build a permanent community center.  In 1921 parimutuel wagering was introduced to Nebraska at the new Ak-Sar-Ben racetrack and grandstand. Revenue from the races supported Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben charities and programs through the mid-1980s, including the ball, scholarships and added premiums to the state fair and county fairs as well as stipends to help 4-H across the state.  Racing lost its favor and those funds dropped off considerably and races were discontinued in 1996, which changed the landscape for Ak-Sar-Ben.
     Of course the Livestock Exhibition has been a big part of Ak-Sar-Ben. The very first Livestock and Horse Show was held November 3, 1928 in the new Coliseum that was built along with some barns one year after a fire destroyed the original Ak-Sar-Ben Den, along with most of the historical records. It stayed pretty much the same until 1966 when they renovated the Coliseum and barns, covering the brick with metal and updating the interior. In 1998 Ak-Sar-Ben supported the development of Qwest Center and in 2002 the old Coliseum was destroyed and the Livestock Show moved the following year to the Qwest Center which now is called the CenturyLink Center. Now called the Ak-Sar-Ben’s River City Rodeo & Stock Show, it is still one of the largest youth livestock shows in the Nation ….and now you know why!

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/home 

JOHANNS, FISCHER, SMITH, NOEM REQUEST MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON NIOBRARA RIVER, PONCA BLUFFS PROPOSAL

WASHINGTON— U.S. Sens. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today wrote Department of Interior (DoI) Secretary Sally Jewell requesting an extension of the comment period for the proposed Niobrara Confluence and Ponca Bluffs land management areas. The current comment period is scheduled to close on Sept. 30, 2013.
In the letter, the lawmakers cite lack of adequate notification of previous public meetings, too few meetings in affected areas in South Dakota and citizen confusion surrounding the treatment of their comments as reasons for the extension.
The proposal under review could result in government management or acquisition of more than 1.4 million acres of land in Nebraska and South Dakota, affecting as many as 1,500 landowners.
Full text of the letter is below:

September 26, 2013

The Honorable Sally Jewell
Secretary
Department of Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington DC 20240
RE: Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Land Protection Plan, Niobrara Confluence and Ponca Bluffs Conservation Areas, Nebraska and South Dakota, March 2013; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.
Dear Secretary Jewell:
We are writing regarding the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and land protection plan published by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) intended to address a project along portions of the Missouri and Niobrara rivers in portions of Nebraska and South Dakota.  On May 24, 2013, you announced the closing of the comment period for the DEIS would be extended from June 14, 2013 to September 30, 2013, consistent with concerns expressed in previous requests.
Today, we write to again draw your attention to this comment period.  While we appreciate the extension through the end of September, we respectfully request that the comment period be extended.  Residents need more time to register their opinions on the DEIS. 
Although our constituents have appreciated the public meetings FWS and NPS staff members have held, this appreciation has been substantially dampened for several reasons.  First, the meetings were poorly advertised, so communities affected by the plan have only now begun to be made aware of the content of the planned acquisitions.  In addition, while a number of relevant meetings have been hosted throughout impacted areas in Nebraska, there have been few such events in South Dakota.  Consequently, community leaders are only now including discussion of the plan and related issues in meetings addressing zoning, county budget management, and county Commission actions.  Closing the comment period effectively shuts out these local leaders from registering official positions with the plan’s authors.  
Finally, a number of our constituents have been informed at these meetings that similar comments - including specifically those taking the form of petitions - would be considered a single comment.  This fact alone has caused serious concern and rising frustration.  It is our strongly held view that at a minimum, constituents who signed petitions should be given the opportunity to register their views and questions in a form that will not be aggregated with others.  At this point in time, that cannot occur unless the comment period is extended. 
A proposal of this size and scope merits additional time for consideration.  Accordingly, we respectfully request that the comment period be extended through January 31, 2014. 
Sincerely,  
Senator Mike Johanns
Senator Deb Fischer
Representative Adrian Smith
Representative Kristi Noem

One Killed In Rollover Accident In Adams County

  

 Adams county  Authorities have confirmed one person has died from a crash northeast of Blue Hill at the intersection of E. Blue Hill Road and S. Antioch Ave.

The Adams County Sheriff's Office has said that 26 year-old Jeremy Carbaugh from Holdrege died at the scene of the crash Sunday night.
 20-year-old Kenzie Archer from Loveland, Colorado was transferred to a Lincoln trauma center with serious injuries.
 The Driver of the car,  29-year-old Cole Malone of Hastings,  received treatment at Mary Lanning hospital and was released.
Just before 8:30 p.m. emergency crews were called
No one in the car had a cell phone at the time of the crash. One occupant of the car  walked over a mile to residence, to call for help.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Jammin at the Starke Round Barn

Blue Hill Outstanding Drum Major

Hastings College 2013 Melody Round-Up parade results

(Hastings, Neb.) - The 62nd annual Melody Round-Up Parade in downtown Hastings took place Saturday, September 21, at 10 a.m. The parade included several marching bands from Nebraska high schools and junior high schools and the Hastings College Marching Band. Melody Round-Up is the official Homecoming parade for Hastings College.

Three awards were presented: Outstanding Drum Major (chosen from among all bands), Outstanding Auxiliary/Flag Corps and Outstanding Band.  Winners received the awards during a special presentation at 11:30 a.m., Saturday at Dutton-Lainson Plaza, 2nd Street and St. Joseph Avenue.

Awards and recipients are as follows:

 Outstanding AuxiliaryHastings Senior High School/Class AA
Tie: St. Cecilia High School and Red Cloud Junior and Senior High School, Class C
Deshler High School, Class D

 Outstanding Drum MajorTie: Blue Hill High School and Hastings High School

Outstanding BandsHastings Senior High School/Class AA
Sandy Creek/Class C
Deshler High School/Class D

A spirit of excellence has long been the hallmark of the Hastings College music experience. Hastings College students and faculty have been making music from the beginning of the College in 1882. Hastings College is recognized as a National Liberal Arts College in the U.S. News and World Report annual “America’s Best Colleges” issue and a Best Midwestern College by Princeton Review. The Hastings College Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and also was named an All-Steinway School, one of only 82 worldwide.

The Department of Music offers a full range of vocal and instrumental opportunities for all Hastings College students. Major ensembles and small groups travel regularly, making special appearances at music conferences, schools, and churches. Vocal ensembles at Hastings College include the renowned Hastings College Choir, Men’s Chorus, HC Singers (treble voices), Spectrum vocal chamber ensembles, along with other special smaller groups. Instrumental ensembles include the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band; Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Chamber Orchestra, Brass, and Percussion Ensembles, and the Bell Choir. The department serves as the permanent residence of the South Central Nebraska Children’s Chorale; the Nebraska State High School Honor Choir, Band, and Orchestra; and the Hastings Symphony Orchestra.

 Music students can earn a Bachelor of Music degree with majors in applied performance, music education, and piano pedagogy. A Bachelor of Arts degree in music with an emphasis in performance, elementary education, music history or sacred music is also available. Hastings College offers a Master of Arts in Teaching with emphasis in music. In addition, the department sponsors student chapters of Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Music Educators National Conference, and Music Teachers National Association.

SENATORS INTRODUCE ADOPTION INFORMATION ACT

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced today the introduction of legislation to ensure family planning service projects and programs effectively promote information about adoption. The Adoption Information Act (S.1539) would require federal grant recipients to provide assurances to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding their plan to issue adoption promotion literature. Original cosponsors of the Adoption Information Act include Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and John Thune (R-S.D.).
“Adoption forever changes the lives of countless children in need of a good home and parents who feel the call to form or enrich a loving family,” said Senator Fischer. “Unfortunately, many individuals utilizing family planning services do not receive adequate information about this important opportunity for birth and adoptive parents. It is critical that those seeking these services are informed of all options available to them. This legislation helps make sure the option of adoption is effectively promoted.”
“This is an important initiative that will enhance knowledge of adoption for families looking to provide a permanent and loving home for a child,” said Senator Inhofe. “I am proud to work with Sen. Fischer and my colleagues to ensure continued improvements are made to further promote and enhance the adoption process.” 
“Actively promoting the benefits of adoption can open the doors for more children to be placed with loving families.  This measure would instruct family planning agencies to spread the word about adoption services, and to do so within the Department of Health and Human Services budget,” Senator Cochran said.
“One way we can continue to promote a culture of life is to help every child find a good home to live in and a loving family to share their lives with,” said Senator Enzi. “I thank Senator Fischer for her leadership on this issue and for promoting adoption as a viable option for many families and individuals across the country.”
“Providing women with greater access to adoption information embraces life and ought to be included in any family planning discussion,” said Senator Johanns. “Adoption is a worthy, loving option with life-changing impacts.  I strongly support this measure that discourages abortion and supports life.”
“Every child deserves the opportunity to be part of a permanent and loving family,” Senator Moran said. “Individuals using federal family planning programs should be educated about adoption to ensure they’re making a fully informed decision. The Adoption Information Act makes certain adoption is promoted as a viable option.”
“Knowing and understanding the available options is critical to ensuring birth parents and adoptive parents have the information they need,” said Senator Thune. “More can be done to make information available to those seeking services and to ensure that each family makes an informed decision. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to move this legislation through Congress.”
Specifically, the legislation would require family service project or program grant recipients to:

• Provide each person served by the project or program a pamphlet containing a list of all the adoption centers in the state, along with contact information, at the time that person inquires about family planning services;
• Verbally inform each person that the pamphlet was provided by HHS and contains a list of adoption centers located in the state; and
• Provide clients with an opportunity to read the pamphlet.

Under this bill, HHS is required to prepare, distribute, and update annually the pamphlets provided to individuals and families. Additionally, the bill makes clear HHS can only use previously appropriated funds to carry out these requirements.

In 2007, there were just 18,078 infant adoptions in the United States, a rate of 4.2 domestic infant adoptions per 1,000 live births, according to the National Council for Adoption.
Last month, Congressman Robert Wittman (R-Va.) introduced similar legislation (HR.3062), which is awaiting action in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Wittman applauded the introduction of Fischer’s bill and released the following statement:
“I was adopted as an infant, so I understand how important it is for birth mothers to be aware that adoption is an option and have access to the tools to locate and contact their local adoption agencies, which is why I was proud to introduce the Adoption Information Act in the House of Representatives. I also recognize that domestic adoptions are more important now than ever as countries like Russia are closing their doors to American adoptions. There are many safe and loving American families that yearn to give a child a permanent home.”
The Adoption Information Act is supported by the National Council for Adoption, Nebraska Children’s Home Society, and Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.

Blue Hill - Red Cloud WarCats Defeat Grand Island Lutheran Heartland

The Combined Blue Hill/Red Cloud Jr. High football team easily defeated the smaller Heartland Lutheran team from Grand Island.  Heartland had only 10 players on their team, two of which were sixth graders. The WarCats significantly out numbered the visiting team. 

The Blue Hill coaches made sure everyone on the Blue Hill team got into the game..  In the spirit of  sportsmanship an agreement was made to let all of the 10 Heartland players play against 8 of the War Cat team.

At the end of the game the score was 52 for the WarCats and the Heartland team was not able to put anything on the score board against their much stronger opponents. 

The Warcats played well and demonstrated a great effort and team work.  

Vesta Eldora (Ohlson) Premer Sept 11, 1913 to Sept. 20, 2013

 Vesta Eldora (Ohlson) Premer, age 100, departed this life on Sept. 20, 2013, at the Cambridge Manor in Cambridge.  

She was born north of Bartley on Sept. 11, 1913, to Benjamin Edward and Mable Ellen (Bede) Ohlson.
She attended rural school at District 52 North of Bartley and her last two years at District 45 south of Bartley, graduating from Bartley High School in 1931. Following graduation, she worked three years in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Albert Caine in McCook. She taught school two years at District 62 and one year at District 77.
Vesta was united in marriage to Noel Guy Premer on Aug. 1, 1936, at Norton, Kansas. They made their home south and east of Bartley. To this union a son, James Edward and a daughter, Neola Eldora, were born. On April 5, 1953, Vesta, along with her husband and two children, were baptized and became members of the Kemper Memorial United Methodist Church.
Vesta was active in Sunday School and church work. She was a member of the United Methodist Women. She also belonged to the Busy Bee Club for more than 50 years. Due to Noel's poor health, they retired and moved their house to Bartley in 1976. Her hobbies included yard, flowers, gardening and quilting. She made quilts for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with many quilt for others. She wrote news for the McCook Gazette and the Cambridge Clarion.
Vesta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Noel on Oct. 4, 1982; two brothers, Harvey and Leonard Ohlson; and her son, James, on Jan. 23, 2007.
She is survived by her daughter, Neola and husband, Delbert Blake of McCook; daughter-in-law, Lora Premer of Blue Hill, Nebraska; nine grandchildren, Cynthia (Lonnie) Lawson, Jerry (Donna) Blake, Sheila (Tom) Bales, Angela (Darrin) Samway, Starrlet (Kent) Klute, Rocky (Tracy) Premer, Scott Premer, Brent (Angela) Premer, Dusty (Karen) Premer; 23 great grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mavis Ohlson of Cambridge and Willie Ohlson of Gainesville, Texas.
Funeral services were Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, 2:30 p.m. at the Kemper Memorial United Methodist Church in Bartley, Nebraska, with Pastor Jeff Wulf officiating. Interment was in the Bartley Cemetery.  

Accident Near Blue Hill takes the life of Holdrege man

 A one vehicle rollover  accident 4 miles northeast of Blue Hill took the life of  a 26-year-old Holdrege man Sunday.
 Jeremy Carbaugh  was a passenger in a pickup being driven on a rural road that rolled and landed on its top about 8:30 p.m.  Carbaugh was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.  The pickup in which he was a  passenger was driven by 29 year-old Cole Malone of Hastings. It went off the roadway, overcorrected and ran into the opposite ditch where it rolled several times.  Kenzie Archer, age 20, of Loveland, Colorado was another passenger in the vehicle. 
 The seat belts in the 2006 Red Nissan Titan were not believed to have been used by any of the passengers.  Both Archer and Malone were injured.
  The accident is being investigated by the Adams County Sheriff's department.  Sheriff Gregg Magee said Speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors.    The Nebraska State Patrol is reconstructing the accident as well. 

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
UNL Extension Educator Webster County

     Summer is drawing to a close in the Northern Hemisphere, and a symbol of fall was evident this past Wednesday night to help drive that fact home — the Harvest Moon. What is unique other, than it’s brightness, is that this full moon falls closest to the autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the equinox falls on Sunday - Sept. 22. Did you ever wonder why it is called the Harvest Moon? Well, as I understand it the term was used because many fruits and vegetables tend to ripen in the late summer and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere. And more in keeping to tradition, in the days before electricity, farmers relied heavily on this moon's light, working late into the evening to harvest their crops. The Harvest Moon was a welcome event especially when farmers could feel the winter season coming on, and the urgency of harvesting their produce became more critical. 

     I had the opportunity during the Nebraska State Fair to sample the ignorance and blind devotion to animal rights groups. Yes, I did venture to the PETA booth to see what they were giving out and in fact collected the material for my files. I did discuss elements of their talking points and posters with them and tried to inform them of where they were off base and asked them tough questions that they could not answer without getting very defensive and trying to change the subject. If you countered any of their assertions with facts, they could not back up their point of view - other than what they have been told, have read, or seen on the internet or doctored videos. I am glad I waited to get back home before I read their literature because it made my blood pressure come up, especially in how they are centering their “message” on our young people and how they are doing it with – just plain wrong information.  We have to do a better job of telling our stories, because right now their story is what is being told on comic books, slick booklets endorsed and utilizing the support of celebrities. That message is not what we in the livestock industry need to have haunting the minds of our nation’s young people! 

     PETA is not alone in attacking animal agriculture. There are of course many animal activist, animal rights and animal welfare groups that are across this nation. We all know about HSUS, PETA, Farm Sanctuary, ALF, ASPCA, etc. but you normally don’t think about restaurants as being complicit in attacking the livestock industry, especially if they serve meat. I think that we need to look at what one company is doing so we are not complacent with their efforts to denigrate what we do, and how we care for our animals. Have you seen the new Denver, Colorado based Chipotle Mexican Grill’s “Scarecrow” short film?  Well I have and I am disgusted at the message they bring and especially dislike the inaccuracies & scare tactics used - all from a company touting integrity.  I think they have been, and continue to be, way short of integrity. 

     Chipotle’s most recent YouTube slap in the face to farmers and ranchers debuted this past week. It was used to promote a free video game app where the main character serves Chipotle to consumers “on a journey to bring real food back to the people.” Unfortunately, the video and game both have painted a negative and untrue picture of agriculture. This cartoon type video shows cattle, chicken and pigs on conveyor belts in a factory going straight into a machine that liquefies them before turning the slurry into a more recognizable cut of meat. Other chickens can be seen given a shot with a syringe that instantly makes them balloon up. Dairy cows are milked in boxes stacked on top of one another in a dark building, all focusing on the “factory farm.”  This marketing ploy is a prime example of what I would call “fear marketing”.  

     The trouble is for me that this type of marketing hurts farmers, consumers, and the future of our food supply, all in the name of greed and inconsideration of a corporate office. This isn’t their first time at underhand marketing strategy.  Many of you may remember last year when they came out with their “Back to the Start” campaign which infuriated farmers across the nation. http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/fwi/videos/videos.aspx?v=1 That was troubling enough in that it has well over 7 million views meaning that millions of consumers got the wrong message. Last year Chipotle created a video promoting their campaign “Meat Without Drugs.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz231o3VUzU  That so-called  “science-based” video has thankfully only received 74,000 views, but already this video “The Scarecrow” is approaching 5 million views in just a little over a week. I don’t know how many of the game apps have been downloaded and  I don’t want to know. 

     Chipotle’s first attempts at attacking our livestock industry upset me, but this turns my stomach even more. I even resist putting in the link to the first of a proposed series of four videos that will be flooding the market if people don’t react and contact the management of this chain of restaurants, but will so you can see what I am talking about.  Just go to: http://www.scarecrowgame.com/film.html . You can also download the game app if you wish at this site.  The Scarecrow’s gross exaggerations and blatantly false depictions are inappropriate and completely out of line.  They are bashing conventional agriculture in order to move more all-natural or organic products. This company reminds me of a couple of students I used to have. They had potential but continually tried their hardest to get attention, many times in the form of an inappropriate manner. I wonder sometimes if people or companies believe that any attention is good attention even if it is at the expense of other people and their livelihoods. I find it offensive to me as a teacher when groups like Chipotle thinks its marketing department is qualified to teach young people, and consumers for that matter, about agriculture. We have too many groups trying to undermine American Agriculture’s efforts to produce more with less and its efforts to feed a very hungry world. We will have to offset this type of thing continually. It is a sad, but real, challenge that we face! 

 

[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/home  

Bobcats defeat Blue Hawks on GridIron 30-14

 Blue Hill Bobcats managed to get 235 rushing yards while they were defeating The St. Cecilia Blue Hawks Friday evening.  The Bobcats defeated the Blue Hawks last year with a score of 28 to 20 in a game played in Hastings. 
Jason Poe had 118 yards on  29 carries and two touch downs.  Jason Poe is a sophomore.  Keithen Drury a Junior, had 110 yards on 19 carries.  Drury was injured last week in the game with Doniphan-Trumbull but his performance seemed to show that he had recovered pretty well. 
Next Friday, September 27, 2013 Blue Hill will host Southern Valley with the game scheduled to being at 7 P.M.

Johanns Statement on Administration’s Costly Energy Rule

LINCOLN —U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today made the following statement on the Administration’s proposal to impose costly new regulations on all future coal and natural gas plants:

“This Administration continues to disregard the fact that the livelihood of every family, small business, manufacturer and farm operation in the country is dependent on affordable energy,” Johanns said. “We all want a clean environment, but imposing these untested, costly new regulations that do not cover our international competitors in China, India, Brazil and other places across the globe puts our country at a disadvantage only to pretend our air is somehow walled off from the rest of the earth.”

Smith Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown, Avoid Default, and Defund Obamacare

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement today after voting in favor of the House Continuing Resolution, which would fund the government through December 15, 2013 at current levels, fully defund the President’s health care law, and prevent default should the United States reach the federal debt limit:
“Today’s legislation is a responsible first step toward preventing a government shutdown and taking default off the table as Congress and the President address the debt ceiling in the coming weeks.  Importantly, our resolution also would fully defund the President’s disastrous health care law, which clearly is not ready to be implemented.
“As the legislative process moves forward, I am hopeful we will reach an agreement with the Senate and President.  We must keep our options open and prudently pursue policies which benefit the American people.”
Background:
The House Continuing Resolution (CR) would fund the government at current levels through December 15, 2013.  The CR includes the Full Faith and Credit Act, requiring Treasury to make good on public debt payments should the United States reach the debt ceiling.
The CR also would permanently and fully defund Obamacare by prohibiting discretionary and mandatory spending, and rescinding all unobligated balances.

FISCHER STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT’S NEW ENERGY REGULATIONS

        

 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement criticizing the president’s new energy regulations for future power plants:

“It’s not clear whether or not the president’s proposed regulations for future power plants will have any discernible environmental impact. Without significant reductions from China and India – the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters – it’s reasonable to conclude any environmental benefit would be seriously outweighed by economic costs. That said, there is one thing that is perfectly clear: Nebraskans’ access to affordable, reliable electricity will be jeopardized.
“Instead of promoting a regulatory regime that decreases access to energy and increases consumer prices, the president and Congress should focus on ways to finally move toward the promised ‘all of the above’ energy strategy.”
Nearly two-thirds of all Nebraska electricity is produced from coal-fired plants, which are an integral part of the state’s public power system. Nebraska families and businesses depend on coal-fired generation for their electric needs. Previously, Senator Fischer cosponsored legislation to prevent President Obama from bypassing Congress to implement a costly national energy tax. 

Lee H. Olson July 31, 1922 - September 10, 2013

 

Lee H. Olson, 91, of Kearney, died Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at his home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney with Pastor Roger Wendt officiating. Burial will be at the Rosemont cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney and prior to the funeral Tuesday. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later. Visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence, tribute or memory. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

Lee was born July 31, 1922 in Ong, Nebraska to Axel and Agnes (Anderson) Olson. He graduated from Ong High School. He attended Hastings College. Lee entered in Army in October of 1942, where he served in the tank corps during WW II. After the service he married Dorothy Hoppen on October 29, 1947 in Rosemont. Lee sold insurance for Prudential. Lee enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing in a boat with Casey at Johnson Lake, hunting, and playing horseshoes.

Lee is survived by his wife, Dorothy Olson of Kearney; sons, Steve Olson and his wife Carol Broomfield, CO, Douglas Olson and his wife Nancy of Jeffersonville, IN; daughters, Jaime Manwani and her husband Ghansham of Jeffersonville, IN, Terri Manecke and her husband Dan of Jeffersonville, IN, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Lee Olson was a brother-in-law of  Blue Hill resident Ruby (Hoppen)  Krueger. 

Lee was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister.

Blue Hill Volleyball team Defeated by St. Cecilia

Blue Hill Bobcat volleyball team worked hard but couldn't manage a win over the St. Cecilia Blue Hawks Tuesday, Sept. 17.   After five sets of hard fought action at Chapman the lady Bobcats went down to the Blue Hawks.  25-14,  14 - 25, 25 -16, 19 - 25, and 15 -8. 

Final Score 12 to 34

  When the Blue Hill Bobcats went to Doniphan to face the cardinals on their home field they quickly found the Cardinals were ready to play.  The Doniphan team scored 28 points to the Bobcats 6    in the first half.  The Bobcats allowed the Cardinals to capitalize on their mistakes and finished the game with a final score of Doniphan Cardinals 34 to the Blue Hill Bobcats 12.
Next Friday the Bobcats will face the Blue Hawks of Hastings St. Cecelia. 
   

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
UNL Extension Educator

                               
      It is that time of year! Husker Harvest Days always gets me in the harvest mood. From the very first time I took ag education students to this event many years ago, and up though today when the only person I am responsible for is me, I have looked forward to this event. I don’t mind walking the miles you put on, or the many stops talking to old friends, relatives, peers, and vendors. I like keeping up with what is going on in the agriculture world. I will also admit that I really enjoy going on what has commonly been called “FFA Day”, which is typically on Wednesday, and judging by the sheer number of young people in FFA shirts – it still is.  I love seeing those young people taking in what this major ag event brings to them.  I always maintained that it was the best Ag Career Day that I could give those kids and I haven’t changed my mind since. It must have been valid as there are certainly plenty of people now working at HHD that are FFA alumni!
     I had several students, over the years that I taught, tell me that they learned more in one day than what they learned in a week or even two in the classroom.  I hope that was not an indictment on my teaching skills, but more a valid report on why I felt strongly about getting the kids there and giving them the opportunity for hands-on experiences and to just see what was around them.  Oh yes I know, it was also a good time to pick up some seed corn hats, pens and pencils, and of course - literature on cars, pickups, four wheelers and ATV’s; but they also brought home material that we used in class and perhaps helped influence their dad or maybe grandpa on production practices. And so many of them had the opportunity to dream, to imagine themselves on their own new tractor or combine or perhaps owning their own herd of cows. Now they go there as adults, looking for an upgrade or perhaps a good deal. Still picking up those freebies and still dreaming!!
     National Farm Safety & Health Week: Harvest time also brings something else – a need for safety on and off the farm! Each year since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety & Health Week. This recognition has been an annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council and has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the first document.  This year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week has been declared for September 15-21, 2013.  I think it is important that we take a few moments to think about safety as we get closer to harvest and the time that we bring our cattle home from pasture.
     The 2013 theme is “Working Together for Safety in Agriculture”.  It is everyone’s responsibility for safety both on the farm and the rural roadways of America. The new data shows the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 475 fatalities, which equals 21.2 deaths per 100,000 workers. It may interest you that agriculture is more than seven times as hazardous as most other U.S. industries.  Unfortunately the death rate resulting from accidents on the farm or ranch was 3.2% of all deaths when you compare it to the deaths occurring in a combination of all industries. The good news is that maybe we are getting better, or are getting luckier, as I believe there were almost 600 deaths and 70,000 disabling injuries attributed to agriculture in 2010, less than three years ago. The statistics are sobering. But even more tragic is that these incidents could have been prevented if simple safety precautions had been followed. 
     As we recognize National Farm Safety & Health Week this week, please join me in promoting safe and healthy practices on our farms and ranches across the U.S. as producers enter the busy and dangerous harvest season. Harvest season can be particularly dangerous for farmers with long hours and stress of weather delays, equipment breakdowns or high operating costs, and this year’s activities will reinforce the importance of working together to ensure farmers make it home safely to their families at night. Farmers are notorious for their work ethic and determination, both qualities that also can be a detriment when it comes to safety.  We encourage farmers to not only be aware but find ways that they can reduce the risk of injury to themselves, their families and their employees, but it not just the farmer – it is all of us!
     Here are some safety reminders for the coming harvest: Put fire extinguisher in every tractor, combine, and truck and make sure they are charged; Grease and check bearings to prevent sparks/fires; Remove dust and debris from radiator screens and other spots with high heat or air intake; Do not walk on grain in combine bins, auger carts, or trucks; Farmers with large machinery use hazards and turn signals when driving down roads and move over for cars to pass whenever possible; Cars – do not pass going up hills or at intersections (semis and trailers make wide turns) Be Patient!; Be cautious on narrow bridges or roads with guardrails – large machinery will take up both lanes; Do not pull out in front of trucks – heavy loads take much longer to get slowed down; Be extra cautious at unmarked intersections – Always Yield!
     Whether you are a farmer/rancher, an equipment dealer, veterinarian, or hired hand - everyone plays a role in promoting safety. Think of it like cogs in a machine; alone each cog is just one small part of a system, but together, it makes a system work. Farmers and ranchers and all of those that work in agriculture, need to set some priorities to reduce the risk of injury to their self, their family, and their employees. Farmers put in many hours and accomplish difficult tasks.  They operate heavy machinery, handle livestock, and work under hazardous conditions. Thank you to all of our farmers, ranchers, farm workers and their families, and all of our partners for working together to reduce the number of deaths, injuries, and health issues. And to all of our farmers who will be harvesting their crops, hauling grain to market, or working their livestock – Please make safety a priority.  Make your harvest a safe one. We don’t want to lose you or anyone else!

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/home