NATHAN FORREST HILLIGAS JUNE 29, 1993 TO JULY 11, 2020

 Nathan Forrest Hilligas, 27, passed away on Saturday July 11th, 2020. Nathan was born to Steve and Nancy (Powell) Hilligas on June 29th, 1993, in Hastings, NE.  He was born into a season of storms and tornadoes. He came into a wild world and he loved living a wild life.  Nathan lived his life to the fullest.  He was hard working and fun loving to everyone he met. When asked, his dad would describe him with one word: “outgoing”. His mom would always say, “Where is Nathan? Oh, never mind, he is probably making a friend.” This is the way he lived:  friends to everyone. If you were to ask anyone, his best attributes were his smile, his sense of humor, his work ethic, and his love for his son, Raylan.

 

Our family would take camping trips every summer. This is where Nathan learned his love of the outdoors: fishing, hunting, exploring new things, and his love of animals. This passion led him to his best friend, Barley, and his degree in Animal Science.  After college, he worked for a rancher, Taylor Bemis, who taught him so much about nature, animals, and wildlife.  After a few years, a wedding, and a baby boy, he started working at the Research Center in Hays, KS. He loved working with all of the cows and calves.  

 

The biggest joy he had during his high school years was the birth of his niece, Aubrey, and nephew, Bryson. He had so much fun with these two as they grew up. There are many memories that the kids have of their Uncle Nathan; they would challenge him to games and tricks and jokes and he always seemed to have something ornery to teach them.    

 

Nathan is survived by his parents, wife Ashleigh, and son Raylan; his sisters Amber Winter of Ord, NE, Caitlin Hilligas (Spenser Williams) of Sanford, FL, and Emalee (Mikel) Roark of Blue Hill, NE; his Grandmother Mary Powell of Mankato, KS; his niece and nephews Aubrey and Bryson Winter of Ord, NE and Creighton Roark of Blue Hill, NE; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nathan is preceded in death by Grandparents Merle and Arlene Hilligas and Grandfather Forrest ‘Casey’ Powell. 

 

Services will be taking place at Brader’s Barn in Glenvil, NE on Tuesday, July 28th at 9am with Rev. Ronald Kuehner officiating. 

Graveside services will be for private family at a later date.

 

MELVIN JOHN BUSS MARCH 28, 1926 TO JULY 21, 2020

 Hastings resident Melvin John Buss, 94, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at his home. 

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hastings with Pastor Paul Warneke officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Blue Hill. Visitation is 1-7 p.m. Thursday with family present 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church which will go towards the Lutheran Hour, Missions, and the general fund. Since there are material sharing restrictions, we ask that you bring your own pen for signing the registration book or memorial envelopes. If you do not bring one, we can do that for you. Private condolences may be sent to the family atwww.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.
Melvin was born on a farm three miles east of Blue Hill, on March 28, 1926, to John and Anna (Johnson) Buss. He was baptized on May 5, 1926, and was confirmed May 5, 1940. Melvin attended grade school at District 51 northeast of Blue Hill for six years and Trinity Lutheran School for two years. His high school years were spent on the farm learning how to become a responsible person and working together with his family.
Melvin was drafted into the Army when he was 18 years old during World War II. His basic training was at Camp Hood, TX. Melvin was sent overseas as a member of 818th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He served in a tank unit in France and Germany with the 3rd Army under General George Patton. He received an honorable discharge from the Army in April of 1946.
When Melvin returned home to Nebraska he started farming under the GI Bill of Rights and continued farming for 74 years. He was the Denver Township Treasurer for 48 years and served as a 4-H leader for 20 years.
He served on the trustee and stewardship committees, and as an elder and Sunday School teacher for many years at Zion Lutheran Church in Hastings.
Melvin married Lois Erickson on March 1, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hastings. Lois passed away in January 2002. Melvin and Lois were married for 49 years.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois B. Buss; and six siblings.
He is survived by his sons and spouses, Steven and Vicki Buss of Ayr, David and Glenda Buss of Hastings, and Brian Buss of Hastings; grandchildren and spouse, Jason and Monica Buss of Central City, Austin Buss of Hastings, Taylor Buss of Hastings, and Kara Buss of Hastings; and great-grandchildren, Julia Buss and Miles Buss.

Burdette A. Schultz April 20, 1921 to July 21, 2020

 

Obituary

Former Ayr resident Burdette A. Schulz, 99, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at Heritage College View Assisted Living, Hastings, NE, where he was most recently a resident.

Private graveside service and burial with military rites by Hastings Military Honor Guard will be held at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings with Pastor Paul Dunbar officiating. Visitation is 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Since there are material sharing restrictions, we ask that you bring your own pen for signing the registration book or memorial envelopes. If you do not bring one, we can do that for you. 

Burdette was born April 20, 1921, to Albert & Clara (Bachman) Schulz on a farm near Ayr, NE. He attended Blue Hill District 51 rural school through the fifth grade, Trinity Lutheran School grades six through eighth, then attended and graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1939. After graduating he farmed with his father until October 1942 at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following basic training and prior to his overseas deployment, Burdette married Caroline Hinrichs of Glenvil on March 17, 1944, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salina, KS. Shortly after they were married, Burdette served in World War II spending the next 22 months in the South Pacific. Following an honorable discharge from the Army in December 1945 he worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot for two years until he returned to farming near Ayr in 1948. He & Caroline farmed near Ayr until they retired and moved to Hastings in 1987.

Burdette was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill where he served as an elder and school board member for several years. He joined Faith Lutheran Church in 1987 following the move to Hastings.

Burdette was a loving husband, father, grandfather, & great grandfather to his family with many, many treasured friendships. He loved farming and being with family & friends.  We will all miss him very much.

Burdette was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Caroline in May of 2014; parents, Albert & Clara; and brother, Marvin. 

Survivors include his son, Terry Schulz and wife Rhonda of Andover, KS; daughter, Julie Tatro and husband Wayne of Black Diamond, WA; five grandchildren, Stacey Smith of Omaha, NE, Terra Schulz of Tampa, FL, Jade Schulz (Jeannie), Modesto, CA, Amber Swanson (Mikal) of Ravensdale, WA, and Ryan Tatro (Alissa), Los Alamos, NM; and 12 great-grandchildren. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Burdette A. Schulz, please visit our floral store.

Webster County Board of Commissioners

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday July 21st, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance (District Three), and Keith Buschow (District Four). Gary Ratzlaff (District Five) was absent. Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to approve the minutes of the July 7th, 2020 meeting. Voting in favor: Buschow, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: Gary Ratzlaff. Motion carried. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to pay claims and payroll. All 4 members present voted in favor. Absent: Ratzlaff. Motion carried. At 8:30am, Paul Stoner met with the Board. He presented two Resolutions to the Board to be signed. Resolution 23-2020 located at SW corner of Section 8-1-10 would install stop sign and stop ahead sign so as to control West bound traffic as it approaches the intersection. Resolution 24-2020 located at SW corner of Section 3-3-12 would install yield sign and yield ahead sign so as to control North bound and South bound traffic as it approaches the intersection. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to sign both Resolutions 23-2020 and 24-2020. Voting in favor: Buschow, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Absent: Ratzlaff. Motion carried. Paul and the Board also discussed purchasing an Excavator. They discussed options and Paul will report more information at the next Board Meeting. Road crews are continuing as usual with all the jobs needing attention. At 9:15am, Treasurer Janet Knehans presented her Semi-Annual Statement for the Board to review. At 9:20am, the Board discussed SCEDD funding. Due to Coronavirus, no representative was present. After discussion, the Board ruled unanimously to not give any funding at this time. At 9:30am, several Fire Board members met with the Board for their annual request. These requests were from Bladen, Blue Hill, Guide Rock and Red Cloud. The Webster County Board of Commissioners hereby denies preliminary requests for levy allocation for the Budget Year 2021/2022. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to deny preliminary requests for levy allocation from: Bladen Rural Fire District Blue Hill Fire District Guide Rock Rural Fire District Red Cloud Rural Fire District Voting in favor of these denials: Buschow, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Absent: Ratzlaff. Motion carried. Resolution 25-2020 was signed by Chairman Buschow. The Fire Boards also presented their preliminary requests for levy allocation. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to deny preliminary requests for levy allocations. Voting in favor: Buschow, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Absent: Ratzlaff. Motion carried. Resolutions 26 through 29 were signed. RESOLUTION 26-2020 Resolution Requesting A Preliminary From the County Board WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board, and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Bladen Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that $64,244.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2020-2021 for the Bladen Rural Fire Protection District. ADOPTED this 21st day of July, 2020. RESOLUTION 27-2020 Resolution Requesting A Preliminary From the County Board WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board, and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Blue Hill Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that $80,000.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2020-2021 for the Blue HillADOPTED this 21st day of July, 2020. RESOLUTION 28-2020 Resolution Requesting A Preliminary From the County Board WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board, and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Guide Rock Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that $28,550.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2020-2021 for the Guide Rock Rural Fire District. ADOPTED this 21st day of July, 2020. RESOLUTION 29-2020 Resolution Requesting A Preliminary From the County Board WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board, and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Red Cloud Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that $65,000.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2020-2021 for the Red Cloud Rural Fire District; ADOPTED this 21st day of July, 2020. At 9:45am, the Board discussed use of County owned vehicles for personal reasons. They can only be used for county business. Clerk Louise Petsch also presented the Petsch Billing Accountability Report on Red Cloud and Blue Ambulances for the Board to review. The Board also decided to retain Cheyenne Knehans until the next Board Meeting for COVID Safety for the public and employees and people attending District Court and County Court. At 10:00am, Sara James and some officials met with the Board and reviewed Budgets. At 11:00am, Ann Giebler met with the Board on Identify Theft and Legal Plan. She wanted the Board’s approval to speak with the employees and give them information on this option. The Board approved of her coming and meeting with employees. She will send information to Clerk Petsch to give to employees. The Board discussed issues on the wood floors in the Courthouse that need repaired. At 11:45am, Clerk Petsch met about signing Cash Management papers with South Central State Bank with signers of Louise Petsch and Abbey Harig. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Buschow to approve of this. All four members present voted in favor. Absent was Ratzlaff. Motion carried. At 11:45am, Tami Scheuneman, Deputy Assessor reviewed with the Board on Gottsch’s Feeding Waste Expansion Project already approved by the State and will soon be constructed. The following claims are listed below as approved. GENERAL FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$6894.68; Anderson, Klein, Brewster & Brandt (Counsel)-$686.80; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$75.76; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$17,025.65; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$263.09; Busch Construction (Mowing)-$60.00; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1807.02; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fees)-$225.52; S.S. (Fica)-$7360.53; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$613.56; First Concord Benefits Group (Fee)-$12.50; First Concord Benefits Group (Medical)-$202.50; Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$1591.92; Hometown Market (Supply)-$365.52; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$249.80; JDS (Fee)-$175.00; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)- $279.98; Cheyenne Knehans (Contract)-$1200.00; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$34.34; Mips Inc (Support)- $2285.22; Nebr Assn of County Clerks (Registration)-$250.00; Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phone)-$77.79; Quadient Leasing USA, Inc (Postage)-$303.00; Red Cloud Chief (Publishing)-$698.29; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)- $2827.00; Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$1205.01; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.80; Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$1401.50; Turner Technology (Fee)-$26.25; Union Bank & Trust Co. (Fee)-$65.67; USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services (Fee)-$2724.01; Verizon Wireless (Phone)-$240.06; Web Co Clk of Dist Court (Fee)-$1674.06. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$2446.43; Auto Glass Experts LLC (Repairs)-$165.00; Barco Municipal Products, Inc (Signs)-$757.90; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$45.83; Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc (Gravel)-$23,776.15; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$9550.80; C&D Service Center (Supply)-$131.50; Century Lumber Center (Concrete)- $51.50; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1656.20; Country Corner (Fuel)-$265.20; S.S. (Fica)-$2758.35; First Concord Benefits Group (Medical)-$150.00; First Concord Benefits Group (Fee)-$10.00; Fleetpride (Repairs)-$214.28; GIS Workshop (Expense)-$4500.00; Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$81.25; J&A Auto Supply (Repairs)-$62.61; Jim’s OK Tires (Repairs)-$2608.44; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Supply)-$60.00; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$4.10; Mips, Inc (Support)-$108.98; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)-$1138.08; Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Surfacing)- $10,289.52; Olson Enterprises LLC (Repairs)-$34.00; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$884.00; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$123.71; Sunbelt Rentals (Rental)-$874.03; Timm’s Service (Fuel)-$1082.72; Universal Hydraulics (Repairs)-$160.02; Webster County Hospital (Supply)-$214.00. ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: Red Cloud Chief (Publish)- $49.45. MODERN RECORDS FUND: Mips Inc (Support)-$112.00. SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: Sean M Daly, D.D. S.

(Dental)-$132.80; Minden Dental Clinic (Dental)-$163.00; Pediatric Dental Specialists (Dental)-$1379.20; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$467.60. INHERITANCE TAX FUND: Estate of Holly L Timm (Refund)-$8819.27. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$233.10; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$239.43; S.S. (Fica)-$264.18; Madison Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$3.15; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$34.00. AMBULANCE FUND: Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$33.11; Village of Campbell (911 Fee)-$210.00; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$145.18; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$30.72. Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the Board meeting at 12:15am. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. At 12:20pm, July 21st, 2020, motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to go into Board of Equalization to hear a Protest that had been misplaced. Voting in favor: All members present. Absent: Ratzlaff. Motion carried. After review, motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to approve this request. Voting in favor: Buschow, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Absent: Ratzlaff. Motion carried. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to go out of Board of Equalization. Voting in favor: Buschow, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Absent: Ratzlaff. Motion carried. The Board of Equalization Hearing adjourned at 12:45pm. WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S On June 23, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., the Board of Equalization convened. Members present: Buschow, Karr, Ratzlaff, Vance and Deputy Assessor Scheuneman. Absent: Shipman. PROTESTS OF VALUATION HEARING WERE: Protest #1: Darrell Oeltjen, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest #2: Antonette Turner, owner; no one present; valuation increased Protest #3: Antonette Turner, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest #4: Silver Lake Schools; no one present; valuation increased Protest 2020-19: Heritage Bank; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-16: Mick Brown, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-2: Barry & Kristina Lewis, owners; no one present; valuation decreased-salvaged Protest 2020-3: Sydney Summerlin, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 202-4: Robert & Lois Marlene Albin, owners; Robert present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-11: Claudia J & Brandon J Berkley, owners; no one present; valuation decreased-salvaged Protest 2020-6: Darlene Davis, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-22: Michael & Sharon McCartney, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-20: Mark Kriley, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-18: Ricky Hitchler, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-13: Max Merrill, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-26: Thomas Mohlman, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-27: Don Theobald, Trustee; no one present; valuation decreased Board of Equalization meeting recessed @ 2:10 p.m. until the July 7 hearing date. On July 7, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., the Board of Equalization reconvened. Members present: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Shipman and Deputy Assessor Scheuneman. Absent: Karr. Board approved accelerated taxes from previous meeting Protest 2020-3. PROTESTS OF VALUATION HEARING WERE: Protest 2020-9: Mitchell & Sharon Woeste, owners; present on zoom; valuation decreased Protest 2020-14: Stephanie Hamel-Blue Hill Floral LLC, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-24: Derrick & Jolene Duffy, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-25: Derrick & Jolene Duffy, owners; no one present; valuation no change Protest 2020-21: Ken & Sheri Lukasiewicz, owners; no one present; valuation decreased-salvaged house Protest 2020-23: Adam & Kelli Gilbert, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-15: Christi Lewis, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-28: Donna Mae Figgins-Figgins Construction Co, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-68: Merle Illian-Webster County Natural Resources Conservation Foundation, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-5: Little Blue Natural Resource District, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-17: Mark Bauman-Trustee, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-7: Ralph Anderson, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-59: Steve Miner, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-78: Keith & Cindy Pavelka, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-12: Robert & Cheryl Hennig, owners; present on zoom; valuation decreased Protest 2020-10: Roger & Linda Mans, owners; present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-40: Joe & Michaelle Strickland, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-41: Joe & Michaelle Strickland, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-32: Duane Streit, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-33: Denny & Lori Smith, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-36: Greg & Teresa Denney, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-34: Bruce Johnson, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-42: Donald & Diane Hoffman, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-45: Joanne Alber, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-38: Connie Cornett, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-46: Donald & Jamie Kosse, owners; no one present; valuation increased Protest 2020-39: Rose Frey, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-44: Dallas Bridwell, owner; Dallas Duffy present; valuation no change Protest 2020-11: Claudia & Brandon Berkley, owners; no one present; valuation decreased-salvaged house Protest 2020-43: Doug Pierce, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-65: Shane Brumbaugh, owner, no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-66: Dave Berns, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-57: Charlotte Bell, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-58: Charlotte Bell, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-72: Lisa Hunter Daily-Lori Colburn, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-77: Teena Smith-Matthew Smith, owner; no one present; valuation decreased-salvaged house Protest 2020-37: Robin Peterson, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-61: Christi Lewis & Gwen Lewis, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-63: Steve Dack, owner; no one present; valuation increased Protest 2020-52: Tony Peterson, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-53: Justin Armstrong, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-64: Bryan & Eileen Berry, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Board of Equalization meeting recessed @ 3:20 p.m. until the July 16 hearing date. On July 16, 2020, at 4:30 p.m., the Board of Equalization reconvened. Members present: Ratzlaff, Vance and Deputy Assessor Scheuneman. At 5:00 p.m., Buschow was present: Absent: Karr and Shipman. PROTESTS OF VALUATION HEARING WERE: Protest 2020-1: Bruce Sundling, owner; present; valuation no change Protest 2020-71: Doug Cline, owner; present; valuation no change Protest 2020-62: Robert & Suzi Schulz, owners; present; valuation no change Protest 2020-51: Ken Zimmerman, owner; Adam Pavelka present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-50: Adam Pavelka-Plow Share, owner; present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-67: Joel & Sara Macklin, owners; Adam Pavelka present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-47: Hayes McDole, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-48: Hayes McDole, owner; no one present; valuation no change Protest 2020-49: Hayes McDole, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-74: Benjamin Hobbs, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-73: Benjamin Hobbs, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-75: Benjamin Hobbs, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-76: Benjamin Hobbs, owner; no one present; valuation no change Protest 2020-69: Eric & Lori Brown, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-70: Eric & Lori Brown, owners; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-30: Jarod McCartney, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-79: Jarod McCartney-Red Cloud Opera Hotel, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-54: TJ Jameson, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-55: TJ Jameson, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-56: TJ Jameson, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-8: Mike Buschow, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-31: Katrina Brenn, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-29: Teresa Young, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Protest 2020-60: Miles McDole, owner; no one present; valuation decreased Deputy Assessor Scheuneman also presented Greenbelt applications. Board of Equalization approved all applications. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to approve all 79 Protest Valuations. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff & Vance; Voting no: none; Absent: Karr & Shipman. Motion carried. Board of Equalization adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Dated this 21st day of July, 2020 Webster County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Louise Petsch Webster County Clerk

Evelyn R. Larrick May 11, 1945 to July 9, 2020

 Evelyn R. (Duval) Larrick, 75, was born May 11, 1945, in Red Cloud, to Marion and June (Potts) Duval of Bladen. Evelyn passed away unexpectedly on July 9, 2020, in Sun City, AZ. 

She graduated from Bladen High School in 1963, and after graduating nursing school in Lincoln, and a few years in Phoenix, AZ, Lincoln, and Hastings, she married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Larrick, on Nov. 26, 1975. They lived and farmed south of Bladen until retiring in 2007 and moving to Sun City in 2013. 
Evelyn was truly a one-of-a-kind woman, practical and pragmatic, always willing to help a friend or neighbor, giving all of herself to her family, and forever keeping her signature dry sense of humor through all the ups and downs that life would bring. 
She was always willing to give up her free time to accompany neighbors to the doctor, using her background in nursing to help interpret sometimes devastating news, and be there to support her friends in any way she could. 
Evelyn capably farmed with her dad as a teenager and later with Ken, driving a grain truck into her 60’s and leaving a myriad of legendary stories about her toughness and sense of humor for the farmers in Bladen to tell; once attempting to sell a frustrating grain truck by posting a handwritten sign in the Co-op, which indicated “If Ken answers, hang up!” 
She raised four children on a struggling farm in the 1980’s. She loved listening to the Willie Nelson Christmas album in July. She taught her son to be respectful and hard-working and her daughters to be strong, capable, and independent. She would have thought this obituary was too long and emotional. (Sorry Mom!) 
Evelyn loved to travel with Ken, visiting 43 of the 50 states together and keeping a map of the United States on the wall with the roads they had driven highlighted, crisscrossing the map. 
She spent her first several years of retirement caring selflessly for her parents, who passed in 2014 and 2015. In retirement, she happily crafted, sewed, quilted, painted, and embroidered a variety of projects for her children, grandchildren, friend’s grandchildren, churches, and anyone else in need. A few of her last projects were making facemasks to protect truckers from COVID-19, and sewing superhero capes for her youngest grandchildren’s stuffed bunny and snail. 
She was so many people’s best friend. Evelyn knew that she would spend eternity with her heavenly Savior, and ultimately a heart attack took her the way she would have wanted to go, fast, with nothing any of us could have done or changed, adding no burden to anyone, pragmatic and selfless to the end. 
She took her most joy from her children and grandchildren, who will always remember her kind heart and especially now her life lesson, that you just have to keep laughing through the hard times.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents; and brother and sister-in-law Jim and Jeannie Larrick of Valley. 
She will live always in the hearts of her husband, Ken Larrick of Sun City, AZ, who has loved her since he was six years old; her children: Cris (Denise) Larrick of Emporia, KS, Sarah (Todd) Joyce of Surprise, AZ, Amy (Raul) Chavez-Valdez of Catonsville, MD, and Jennifer (Dennis) Sykora of Hastings; her grandchildren: Samantha (Ryan) Hayes of Kansas City, KS, Madison (Dustin) Bluma of Emporia, KS, Ashlee Larrick of Colorado Springs, CO, Alan Landwehr of Emporia, KS, Kaitlyn Bierhaus and fiancé Alex LaFollette of Surprise, AZ, Andrew Bierhaus of Denton, NE, and Benjamin and Jacob Chavez-Valdez of Catonsville, MD; two sisters, Mardelle (Jerry) Grandstaff of Bladen, and Marilyn Duval of Glendale, AZ; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors, who will all miss the way that Evelyn would always say unexpected things to make them laugh. 
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

LOIS ELAINE MOHLMAN AUGUST 8, 1929 TO AUGUST 7, 2020

Lois “Blondie” Elaine Mohlman, 90, Blue Hill, Nebraska passed away on Friday, August 7, 2020 at the Blue Hill Care Center, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Graveside service will be Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at the Blue Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Pastor Leah Krotz officiating.  Visitation will be Tuesday, August 11, 2020 from 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Memorials can be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, Nebraska or the Alzheimer’s Assoc.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

Lois was born on August 8, 1929 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Bernard and Lucille (Hile) Hayes.  She went to grade school in Dorchester, Nebraska until the age of 13 when she moved with her family to Harvard, Nebraska where she graduated from Harvard Public Schools in 1947.  Lois moved to Hastings, Nebraska in the summer of 1947 and worked at F.W. Woolworth Company.

Lois was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Hastings by Pastor Paul M. Defreese on July 11, 1951 and later confirmed on November 18, 1951 by Pastor Defreese.  On September 15, 1951 she was united in marriage to Robert L. Mohlman at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hastings, Nebraska.  To this union was born three daughters; Deborah Jean, Barbara Rae and Brenda Lynn.

Lois lived in Hastings from 1947-1954 when the family moved to Blue Hill and operated a café for one year and four months until moving to a farm east of Blue Hill.  In February of 1974 they moved to Marysville, Kansas and lived there until March of 1987, when they moved back to Blue Hill.  There Lois took great pride in serving St. Paul Lutheran Church of Blue Hill through Good News Bears and the Quilting Association.  Lois liked to spend time with family, took pride in her rose garden and enjoyed sewing for her loved ones.

Lois is survived by three daughters; Deborah Jean Castaldi, Lexington, South Carolina, Barbara Rae Stoner, Tempe, Arizona, Brenda Lynn Trumble, Blue Hill, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; one sister, Donna Hummel, Sac City, Iowa; two brothers, Gerald Hayes, Hillsboro, Oregon, Robert Hayes, Aurora, Colorado.  Lois was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one granddaughter, one grandson, two sisters and two brothers.

Webster County Board of Commissioners Minutes

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday July 7th, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One) , Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance (District Three), Keith Buschow (District Four) and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five). Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to approve the minutes of the June 16th, 2020 meeting. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Motion carried. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to approve the minutes of the last Board Meeting. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Motion carried. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to pay claims and payroll. All members present voted in favor. Motion carried. At 8:30am, Paul Stoner met with the Board. He presented an Interlocal Agrement with the Village of Cowles for the Board to approve and sign. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve this Agreement. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining. None. Motion carried. Paul reported crews are continuing to work on road, ditches, etc. Due to the retirement of Bruce Johnson, he is moving some of the road guys to other areas of the County to complete projects already started. The Board discussed several topics and concerns with Paul pertaining to the roads. Job openings will be coming up soon, so we encourage anyone interested in working in the Road Department to come in and fill out an application. Chairman Buschow presented the Sheriff’s Quarterly Fee Report, District Court Monthly Report and Outstanding Imprest Account for all to review. Keith also read a letter from Tom Krueger about resurfacing the Cowles Spur from Highway 281 to the Village of Cowles by the Nebraska Department of Transportation. He will be working with them and the road department and keep the Board informed. At 9:15am, Treasurer Knehans met on the Audit Engagement Letter from the Auditor’s Office for the Board to approve and sign. She also presented her Letter of Credit for $1,500,000.00 to the Board. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve and sign this Letter of Credit. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining. None. Motion carried. Janet also informed the Board of an Inheritance Tax refund and a claim will be submitted at the next meeting. She also discussed a Tax Acceleration. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to grant both of these. All presented voted in favor. Motion carried. At 9:30am, Janet presented her new employee Nicole Billinger to the Board and asked that they grant her signature be put on the banking information along with Monica and Shannon. Board approved. At 9:40am, the Board discussed paying 50% of family/spouse health insurance premium. The County is currently paying 25%. The Board made no decision on this subject. At 10:00am, Deputy Clerk Abbey Harig presented quotes on sanitizing products for the Courthouse, medical leave of absence and update on the new postage machine as ours is not working properly. They also discussed purchasing a folding machine for all offices to use. The Board felt it was okay to purchase 4 Sanitizer Machines. One for each floor of the Courthouse and one for the Jail. The other topics were dismissed. The Board approved the USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services funding request for 2020/2021. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to approve of this yearly amount of $7,198.31. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent, or abstaining: None. Motion carried. At 10:30am the Board met with several Officials and Office Managers on their Budgets. At 11:30am, Alexa Pedersen, Office Manager in the Extension Office met with the Board about their floor in their office. It needs to be replaced. Chairman Buschow will check with Carmichael Construction on this matter. The Board also discussed ASAAP funding requested and decided not to do it this year. At 11:45am, Clerk Magistrate Jolene Duffy met with the Board on keeping Cheyenne Knehans on the first floor due to a Jury Trial and more District Court coming up. Clerk Petsch told the Board she was in favor of this also and that District Judge Teri Harder and Co Court Judge Timothy Hoeft felt it was a good idea also due to the fact that the Coronavirus is still unsettling at this time. This will again be reevaluated at the next Board Meeting on July 21. The trim round the Courthouse windows is still being worked on. The HVAC System is still continuing to get the bugs worked out. The Board will hold more Board of Equalization Hearings on Thursday, July 16th, 2020 beginning at 5:00pm. GENERAL FUND: Adams County EMA (Dues)-$100.00; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$392.34; Anderson, Klein, Brewster & Brandt (Counsel)-$19.00; Bockstadter & Glen Law, LLC (Contract)-$1805.00; Katie Bolte (Expense)-$39.38; Ron Brumbaugh (Contract )-$1766.67; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fees)-$448.00; S.S. (Fica)-$444.64; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$158.67; Gilmore & Bell (Counsel)-$3250.00; Glenwood (Phone)-$10.00; Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$1163.98; Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$1677.00; JDS (Fee)-$2300.00; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$279.98; Cheyenne Knehans (Contract)-$1800.00; LEAF (Lease)-$424.45; Katie Ord (Reimbursement)-$2465.18; Alexa Pedersen (Supply)-$49.06; Protex Central (Repairs)-$100.50; Quadient Finance USA, Inc (Postage)-$1000.00; Red Cloud Chief (Subscription)-$32.50; City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$1305.62; Region 3 Behavioral Health Services (Funding)-$2299.60; Sam’s Club (Supply)-$107.51; Robert Schulz (Repairs)-$175.00; Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$807.00; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.80; Sullivan Shoemaker P.C. L.L.O. (Counsel)-$171.00; Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$2066.25; Union Bank & Trust Co (Fee)-$1850.00; Ken VanWey (Mowing)-$960.00; Village Pharmacy (Medical)- $36.46; Vision Service Plan (Insurance)-$12.90; Web Co Clerk of Dist Court (Fees)-$72.00; Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$122.95; Webster County Court (Court Costs)-$155.00; Webster County Hospital Clinic (Medical)-$600.40; Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00; Woodward’s Disposal Service (fees)-$20.00. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$126.21; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$40.86; Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc (Gravel)-$1452.48; Village of Bladen (Utility)- $56.81; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$187.61; City of Blue Hill (Utility)-$93.81; Caterpiller Financial Services (Payment)-$23,858.10; Country Corner (Fuel)-$121.23; S.S. (Fica)-$143.04; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$224.72; First National Bank Omaha (Repairs)- $56.16; Glenwood Telecommunications (Phone)-$167.46; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$48.92; Roger Hersh (Repairs)- $200.00; John Deere Financial (Repairs)-$145.22; Krueger Land Surveying (Fees)-$300.00; Kully Pipe & Steel Supply)-$47.33; Lawson Products, Inc (Repairs)-$396.37; LRNRD Rural Water Project (Fee)-$22.21; Nebr Dept of Motor Vehicles (Fee)-$36.00; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)-$1596.84; Olson Enterprises Inc (Fuel)-$4978.42; Pavelka Truck & Trailer Repair (Repairs)-$2185.34; R&K Services, Inc (Repairs)-$49.84; R&M Disposal, Inc (Utility)-$53.50; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$138.38; Superior Fire Extinguisher Co (Fee)-$49.00; Werner Construction Company (Asphalt)-$3284.90; Windstream (Phone)-$73.65. ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$123.76; Red Cloud Chief (Publish)-$81.34; Speece-Lewis Engineers (Fees)-$120.00; VanWey Fencing (Repairs)-$1532.00. SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: Bush Family Dentistry (Dental)-$371.20; Pediatric Dental Specialists (Dental)-$720.20; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$128.00; RC Wilson & SA Wilson D.D.S., PC (Dental)-$540.00. COUNTY MEDICAL/RELIEF FUND: Adams County District Court (Fees)-$1050.00; NE Health & Human Services System (Beatrice/Lincoln)- $192.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$348.23. AMBULANCE FUND: Bound Tree Medical LLC (Supply)- $3.98; S.S. (Fica)-$201.96; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$48.37; McKesson Medical-Surgical (Supply)-$1646.64; Petsch Billing (Contract)-$400.00. Total Wages - $10,322.24. Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the Board meeting at 12:300pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. Dated this 7th day of July, 2020 Webster County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Louise Petsch Webster County Clerk