NEBRASKA'S NEW LEGAL MINIMUM AGE FOR USE OR PURCHASE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

 

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Governor Ricketts approved LB1064 on August 15, 2020. In light of LB1064’s enactment, the Nebraska Attorney’s General Office is updating its prior statement regarding tobacco sales. Beginning October 1, 2020, Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-1418 et seq.) will provide that the legal minimum age for use or purchase of tobacco products (including cigarettes, electronic nicotine                                                                                                                  delivery systems, and other tobacco products) will be 21 years of age. Previously, the Nebraska Attorney’s General Office had advised Nebraska law enforcement and pertinent state agencies to limit enforcement to state law.  Now that the Legislature has changed the minimum age from 19 to 21 state enforcement of the new minimum age of 21 can begin on October 1, 2020.

Recall Petition circulating to remove County Attorney

 

Sara J. Bockstadter
Attorney
The County Attorney has a duty to prosecute or defend all civil or criminal suits in which the state or county is a party or interested, on behalf of the state or county. The County Attorney shall appear before any magistrate and conduct any criminal examination, prosecute all civil suits before any magistrate in which the state or county is a party or interested. When the County Board or county officers request opinions or advice concerning duties of the offices or matters in which the state or county may have an interest, the County Attorney shall give opinions or advice for no fee. The County Attorney shall perform all duties enjoined by law upon the county coroner and shall be ex-officio county coroner.

Sara J. Bockstadter has failed.  

KAYRN LAUDENKLOS DECEMBER 10, 1942 TO AUGUST 22, 2020

 Kayrn Laudenklos, 77, of Monroe, Nebraska, died Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the Genoa Community Hospital, LTC.

A public visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, with family present at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus. Due to Covid 19 and in respect for the family, please wear a mask. A private family service will be held at Gass Haney Funeral Home. A public graveside service will be held on Friday, August 28, at 3 p.m. at the Blue Hill Cemetery in Blue Hill, NE. Memorials may be directed to Horn T Zoo or United Methodist Church of Monroe.

Kayrn was born December 10, 1942, in Hastings, NE to H. Ruth (Baker) and Kenneth Karnes. Ruth remarried Edwin Toepfer of Blue Hill when Kayrn was 9. She was a Girl Scout and 4-H member. She graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1961, before attending Lincoln School of Commerce. After graduation Kayrn worked for Kansas-Nebraska Gas in Lincoln then transferred to Columbus.

On March 5, 1965, Kayrn was united in marriage to Duane Laudenklos. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past March.

Kayrn was an active member of United Methodist Church in Monroe, where she taught Sunday School and organized and coordinated the annual turkey dinners. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #322 and served as treasurer for many years. In 2014, Kayrn was recognized for 50 years of membership and service in the Nebraska Rural Letter Carriers Association Auxiliary. She also coordinated and scheduled for American Red Cross blood drives and donated over 8 gallons.

Kayrn loved bowling with friends, fishing and camping with family and friends, and helping at the Horn T Zoo, and traveling with Duane and nephew Todd to show animals at state fairs. Kayrn was a sales representative for Avon for over 40 years.

Kayrn is survived by:
Loving husband of 55 years: Duane Laudenklos of Monroe, NE
Sisters: Joanne Peper of Hastings, NE
     Shelley (Jack) Moles of Lincoln, NE
     Rhonda Wickman of Omaha, NE
Brothers-in-law: George Weiland of Decatur, NE
      Harry Laudenklos of Monroe, NE
Sisters-in-law: Darlene Laudenklos of Monroe, NE
      MaryAnn Laudenklos of Columbus, NE
      Phyllis Laudenklos of Columbus, NE
Many loved nephews and nieces, and special friends Bob and Donna Matson of Monroe.

Kayrn was preceded in death by:
Parents
Sisters: Bonnie (Merle) Osgood
      Beverly Weiland
Brothers-in-law: Carroll Laudenklos
      Dale Laudenklos 
      Dave Laudenklos
      Bob Laudenklos
Sisters-in-law: Charlotte Laudenklos
     Gladys Laudenklos
     Sharon Laudenklos

EDWARD L. SKRDLANT OCTOBER 8, 1932 TO AUGUST 17, 2020

 

Obituary

Edward L. Skrdlant, 87, Bladen, Nebraska passed away on Monday, August 17, 2020 at his home.  Graveside Service will be Saturday, August 22, 2020, 10:30 a.m. at the Blue Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Pastor Dan Albers officiating.  Military Rites by A. L. Shirley Post #176 of Blue Hill, Nebraska.  There will be no viewing or visitation as his wishes were to be cremated.  Memorials can be directed to the Bladen United Methodist Church.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

Ed was born on October 8, 1932 to Joe and Stella (Koertner) Skrdlant in Webster County near Bladen, Nebraska.  Ed graduated from Bladen High School in 1950.  Ed served in the United States Army from April 23, 1953 to April 6, 1955.  Ed married Janice E. Lampmann on December 14, 1958 at the Hanover Presbyterian Church Parsonage.  Ed farmed south of Bladen his entire life.  Ed was a Lifetime member of A.L. Shirley Post #176 of Blue Hill, Nebraska.

Ed is survived by his wife; Janice, Bladen, Nebraska, two sons; Jerry (Linda) Skrdlant, Bladen, Nebraska, Randy Skrdlant, Topeka, Kansas; two daughters, Connie (Danny) Williams, Fritch, Texas, Diane (Patrick) Rynearson, Hastings, Nebraska; one brother, Harold Skrdlant, Kearney, Nebraska; eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.  Ed is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and three brothers.

FLOYD "CORKY" B. BAKER SR. MARCH 27, 1944 TO AUGUST 18, 2020

 Hastings resident Floyd K. “Corky” “B.” Baker Sr., 79, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE.  

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorials may be given to the Hastings Military Funeral Fund, PO Box 613, Hastings, NE 68902. 

Floyd was born March 27, 1941, in Cowles, NE to Floyd Ivan & Margaret (Johnson) Baker. He received his GED while serving in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1979. Floyd married RueAnn Webb on July 7, 1962.

Floyd retired from the U.S. Navy in 1979 and went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in 1980; retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Postal Union and NRA. Floyd enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing PlayStation, reading, and history. When he was thanked for serving he would reply “it was my honor, I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris; brothers-in-law, Pete Wessels, Garry Lutz, Johnny Hanson, LeRoy Sinsel; nephews, Gary Wessels and Tim Wessels; and in-laws, Robert & Marjorie Webb.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:                                                  
    RueAnn Baker – Hastings, NE
Children & Spouse:                           
    Lisa Baker & significant other Edward Klein – Clive, IA
    Floyd Jr. & Sandy Baker – Topeka, KS
Grandchild & Significant Other:        
    Matthew Baker & Aurelia BigHair
Great-Grandsons:                              
    Jaden Baker
    Jax Baker
Siblings & Spouse:                            
    Beverly Wessels
    Lola Lutz
    Cheryl Hansen
    David Baker & Debbie Nippert
Sister-in-law:                                     
    Sharon Sinsel
Special Friends:                                 
    Scott, Kristy, Tommy & Alyssa Ehlers
    Jim & Linda Mousel
Many Nieces & Nephews
Cat:                                                    
    Hank

Webster County Commissioners Meeting Minutes August 18, 2020

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, August 18th, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman, Trevor Karr , TJ Vance , Keith Buschow  and Gary Ratzlaff  . 

Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve the minutes of the August 4th, 2020 meeting.  . Motion carried. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to pay claims and payroll. All members present voted in favor.

. At 8:30am, Paul Stoner met with the Board. He presented 3 copies of Contract for Project No. C-91(650) Concrete Box Culvert the Board had previously selected bid from Van Kirk Brothers Contracting. Chairman Keith Buschow signed all three contracts. Paul also discussed with the Board about the reclassification of a minimum maintenance road. On Road L, a bridge was removed and replaced with culverts. 

The Excavator was discussed. Crews are continuing to catch up on dirt and weeds on the roads throughout the County.  Chairman Buschow passed the Clerk of District Court Fee Report for the members to read. They discussed the fence around the HVAC System and the wood floors in the Courthouse that need repaired.  

Assessor Sonja Krueger met with the Board on Special Evaluation Protest and Protest on Homestead Exemption. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Shipman to go into Board of Equalization. All members voted in favor.  Susan Daly was present for the Special Evaluation Protest #1 asking to put her land back to Ag land. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Vance to grant this protest. All voted in favor.

 There was also discussion on some property in the city limits of Guide Rock that the Assessor’s Office was not able to make contact with, therefore, time has expired to file this. The Protest #2 was not available at this time, so the Board recessed the Board of Equalization Hearing until later in the meeting. All members were in favor so we could proceed with the rest of the regular board meeting. m, Tami Scheuneman, Planning & Zoning Administrative met with the Board on discussion of the Little Blue Wind Project, LLC – Preliminary Conditional Use Permit Application. She had passed out packets for the members. The Joint Planning Commission had met Thursday, August 13, 2020 and voted to approve the Application and forward it on to the Webster County Board of Commissioners for final approval. Tami then presented the Application at the Webster County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The final draft will go to the Webster County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 for the final approval. There was a very good discussion on the project with Nextera and representatives David Levy and Natillie Williams, Attorneys from Baird Holm out of Omaha, Ne answering some very important questions and concerns the Board had about the Project. The Board discussed some adjustments and all parties interested will meet at the Red Cloud Community Center on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020 at 2:00pm. At 9:30am, the County Board went back into Board of Equalization with a motion by Shipman, seconded by Karr. All voted in favor. 

 The Board resumed their Board of Equalization meeting to hear Protest #2 for Tom & Linda Hitchler on their homestead exemption protest. Assessor Krueger stated the laws of the State of Nebraska and how her hands are tied on so many issues facing our senior citizens and taxation. With regrets, the Board made the decision to not grant the homestead. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to go out of Board of Equalization. All members voted in favor.. 

At 9:40am, the County Board resumed their regular Board Meeting with the Little Blue Wind Project discussion. Mr. Levy will be back September 1st for the Board Meeting and will send a map to Tami before then. , Keith Waechter voiced his concerns about a plugged culvert that he has addressed to the Board several times, but nothing has ever been done. Paul will check on this and try to come up with a solution for the drainage problem. ,

 Treasurer Knehans met with the Board on her Letter of Credit for $4,000,000.00 with an expiration date of 9/17/20. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to approve Resolution 30-2020. All voted in favor.   Resolution 30-2020 was signed.  

The Board received a letter during the meeting given to the Zoning Board for them to read.  

Hospital Administrative Mirya Hallock met with the Board to present an updated Hospital Report on Covid-19, local fundraising, Capital projects, and previous projects that have been completed. She stated they will be having a Wellness Health Fair the first Wednesday of every month starting in October. The Webster County Employees will be able to take advantage of this as the County will pay a portion as they have in the past. They will be having a BBQ Cookout October 3, 2020. 

Kevin Harrington and Amber Conway met with the Board on Assurity Insurance. 

 Chairman Buschow discussed the Extension Floor and what he had talked to Carmichael about. More details and information need to be gathered before we proceed on this project. 

 The Board called Sara James with some budget questions. 

The Board approved keeping Cheyenne Knehans employed for another two weeks because of tax time and not knowing for sure what the Covid situation is going to be. 

 GENERAL FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$6894.68; Anderson, Klein, Brewster & Brandt (Counsel)-$449.30; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$81.13; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$17,934.93; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$572.90; Consolidated Management Co (Expense)-$26.22; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1266.89; CVSOAN (Training)-$60.00; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fees)-$225.52; S.S. (Fica)-$7356.71; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$263.25; First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$15.00; First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$202.50; Franklin County Memorial Hospital (Medical)-$265.00; Abbey Harig (Renewal)-$30.00; Marvin Hartman (Mtg)-$51.50; Heritage Bank (Supply)-$115.06; Troy Himmelberg (Mtg)-$63.00; Hometown Market (Supply)-$433.82; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$841.40; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$24.98; Cheyenne Knehans (Contract)-$1200.00; Jerry Langer (Mtg)-$51.50; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$34.34; Mips (Support)-$1066.69; Murray Law PC LLO (Counsel)-$1613.50; Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phone)-$58.21; Quadient Finance USA, Inc (Postage)- $1000.00; RR Donnelley (Supply)-$105.89; Scott Schmidt (Mtg)-$69.90; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$2861.00; Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$758.50; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$27.91; Paul Stoner (Mtg)-$52.65; Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$1045.40; Verizon Wireless (Phones)-$240.06; Village Pharmacy (Supply)-$104.60; Keith Waechter (Mtg)-$56.10; Webster County Court (Crt Costs)-$34.00; Garth Wentworth (Mtg)-$48.05; WJE Consulting LLC (Fees)-$1095.00. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: Ace/Eaton Metals (Culverts)-$6795.20; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$2446.43; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$71.82; Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc (Gravel)-$36,134.35; Village of Bladen (Utility)-$56.72; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$9321.80; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$12.75; C&D Service Center (Repairs)-$933.89; Consolidated Concrete Co (Concrete)-$331.00; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1044.20; Country Corner (Fuel)-$122.68; S.S. (Fica)-$2743.65; Ely’s Inc (Supply)-$2.80; Fastenal (Repairs)- $67.00; First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$10.00; Fleetpride (Repairs)-$153.53; Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$80.90; Hastings Outdoor Power LLC (Supply)-$19.99; Hometown Market (Supply)-$17.52; J&A Auto Supply (Repairs)-$399.10; Jim’s OK Tires (Repairs)-$300.00; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Supply)-$45.98; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$4.10; Mips Inc (Support)-$108.98; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)-$1274.25; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$17.00; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$884.00; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$134.24; Superior Fire Extinguisher Co (Repairs)-$1062.00; Timm’s Service (Fuel)-$4050.26; Western Pathology Consultants (Fee)-$56.50; Kary Winslow (Expense)-$133.74. ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: VanWey Fencing (Repairs)-$2446.60. MODERN RECORDS FUND: Mips (Supply)-$150.00; Mips Inc (Support)-$112.00. SELFINSURED DENTAL FUND: Sean M Daly, D.D.S. (Dental)-$132.80; Minden Dental Clinic (Dental)-$197.40; Pershing Orthodontics (Dental)-$344.00. COUNTY MEDICAL/RELIEF FUND: Department of Administrative Services (Beatrice/Lincoln)-$180.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$233.10; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$219.67; S.S. (Fica)-$264.18; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$4.99; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$3.15; Mips (Supply)-$279.19; Brian Pedersen (Expense)-$32.09; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$34.00. AMBULANCE FUND: Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$33.12; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$19.71. Total Wages - $138,339.67.c Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the Board meeting at 12:20pm.

 The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, 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.

EDGAR L. SCHMIDT MARCH 3, 1924 TO AUGUST 3, 2020

 Former Blue Hill, Nebraska resident, Edgar (Eddie) L. Schmidt, 96, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2020 at College View Assisted Living, Hastings, Nebraska.  Private family graveside service will be Friday, August 7, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Rev. Jeffrey Kuddes officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday, August 6, 2020 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

Eddie was born on March 3, 1924 to Frank and Lilly (Dahms) Schmidt at Blue Hill, Nebraska.  He graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1942.  On April 17, 1945 he married Mabel Lipovsky  in Blue Hill by Rev. August Ficken of Trinity Lutheran Church.

During his lifetime, Eddie was president of the Adams County N.F.O. for several years, President of the Third Congressional District N.F.O. for the 63 counties of the western half of Nebraska.  He served on the Co-op Elevator board, chairman of the school redistricting committee for Blue Hill and chairman of the Blue Hill Rural Fire District.  Eddie was also a charter member of the Adams County Planning and Zoning Commission.  He was active in school and church activities, teaching Sunday School for 25 years, attending adult Bible Class, Church Choir, President of the Church Council, Laymen’s League, Stewardship Board and the Cemetery Board.  Eddie served as weigh master of the Blue Hill Livestock Barn for over 40 years.  Eddie was preceded in death by his parents; wife; granddaughter, Brooke Schmidt; two brothers; four sisters and spouses along with Mabel’s brother, sisters and spouses.

Survivors include sons and spouses, Richard and Sandy Schmidt of Blue Hill, Dale and Beth Schmidt of Toledo, Ohio, Keith and Kathy Schmidt of Ayr; brother-in-law, Paul Bechthold; grandchildren and spouses, Dick and Melanie Schmidt, Tom Schmidt, Brian and Kylee Schmidt, Betsy and Patrick Spieler, Lenny and Katie Schmidt, Adam Schmidt, Corey and Sara Schmidt, Josh and Jessica Schmidt, Shane and Katie Schmidt, James and Lila Phillips, Tara and Garry Goins, Corissa Lockling, Amanda Davis and Megan Davis; great-grandchildren and spouse, Rick (Anna), Kyle, Katlynn, Kassidy, Peyton, Jared, Keiera, Kellen, Laura, Jonathan, Adrianna, Bianca, Carlisle, Adam Jr., Isaiah, Sammy, Connor, Jace, Erica, Shane, Alec, Anthony, Marisa, Thomas, Lexi, Eddie, Ethan, Alayna, Elsie, Max, Beckett, Cohen, Camdon, Creelyn, Dylan, Taylor, Brayden, Hailey, and Gavin.

ANGIE KRAL TAYLOR MARCH 24, 1961TO JULY 30, 2020

Hastings resident Angie “Mama” (Kral) Taylor, 59, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020, at her home surrounded by her children.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings with Pastor Dan Albers officiating. Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery in Bladen. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. Monday with family present 5-7 p.m., and one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Celebration of Life will be Sunday, August 16, 2-6 p.m. at Murphy’s Wagon Wheel. 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. 

Angie was born March 24, 1961, in Hastings, NE to Donald & Letha (Leetsch) Kral. She graduated from Bladen High School in 1979. Angie worked at A-1 Fiberglass as a purchasing manager. She was a member of the Bladen United Methodist Church. Angie enjoyed doing crafts with her Cricut, loved spending time with children and grandchildren at the lake, and was an avid Husker fan. She also enjoyed watching NASCAR with Jimmie Johnson being her favorite driver. Angie was a Trump 2020 supporter. 

Angie was preceded in death by her father, Donald Kral and son-in-law, Jeremy Sorensen.

SURVIVORS:
Children & Spouses:                
    Jeremy & Kelli Kral – Ainsworth, NE
    Corey & Jason Smidt – Axtell, NE
    Lindsay & Jerron Suck – Kenesaw, NE
    Brittany & Jamison Murphy – Hastings, NE
Grandchildren:                         
    Kade Kral
    Karli Kral
    Jacey Smidt
    Jerzee Smidt
    Knox Smidt
    Jravin Suck
    Lieron Suck
    Kyler Murphy
    Jaxlyn Murphy
Mother:                                   
    Letha Kral – Bladen, NE
Brother:                                   
    Mitch Kral – Bennington, KS
Nieces:                                    
    Brandi Kral
    Krystle Kral
Nephew:                                  
    Derek Kral
Beloved fur babies:                  
    Jewel
    Tucker
Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Lake Family, and Friends