WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

  The Webster County Board of Commissioners met for their regular business meeting on June 21, 2022 at 8:30am. 

All Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance, (District Three), Tim Gilbert (District Four), and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five).

 Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to pay claims and payroll for the June 21st, 2022 meeting. All voted in favor.. Motion carried. 

Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Gilbert to pay Co Commissioner claim. Voting in favor: Vance, Gilbert, Karr and Shipman. Abstaining: Ratzlaff. Motion carried.

 Motion was made by Gilbert, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve the minutes of the June 7th, 2022 meeting. Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, Gilbert, Karr and Shipman. . Motion carried.

 Paul Stoner, Highway Manager reported to the Board on activity with the Roads. Equipment repair is being done in the Inavale Shop. Everything else with the road crews is good.

Co Comm Dan Shipman reported on zoom meeting concerning Jail/Sheriff Building.

Gravel bids for 2022/2023 were received and opened by Chairman TJ Vance. Two bids from Bladen Sand & Gravel and Southwest Gravel Products LLC were reviewed but no decision was made at this time. After discussion, motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to table this decision until their July 5, 2022 meeting. All voted in favor . 

 Kerry Anne Block with ASAAP reported to the Board and requested funding in the amount of $5,000. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve this request. Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, Gilbert, Karr and Shipman. Voting nay, absent or abstaining: All voted in favor. 

 Region 3 Behavioral Health Services Annual Funding Request of $9,029.18 was approved at the previous meeting but was not on the agenda, therefore motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve this funding. The motion carried.

County Assessor Sonja Krueger met with the Board. Motion was made by Gilbert, seconded by Karr to go into Board of Equalization. Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, Gilbert, Karr and Shipman. Voting nay, absent or abstaining: None. Motion carried. Krueger discussed the CBOE Hearing on Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation’s application for exemption. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to deny this exemption. Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, and Gilbert. Voting no: Karr. Abstaining: Shipman. The motion carried.

Krueger presented Assessor Protests 2022AP2 thru 2022AP8. Motion made by Gilbert, seconded by Karr to approve the Protests. All members voted in favor. Motion carried. Sonja gave her 6-year Plan of Assessment for Webster County for the Board to review and file with the Clerk’s Office. She also presented clerical errors 2022CE40 thru 2022CE52 for the Board to approve. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to approve. All Voting in favor: 

. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to go out of Board of Equalization. All voted in favor  RuAnn Root from CASA met with the Board and presented information on all the work they have been doing in Webster County and asked for funding of $3,500.00. The boatd approved the funding.. 

 Lance Harter met with the Board for opening bids for Structure No. C009110425 Replacement. Bids were received from Saul Ramos Construction, Midlands Contracting, Inc. and Van Kirk Bros. Lance’s estimate was $194,765.00. All three bids were under this amount. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to table final decision until next meeting. The motion was approved.

Board discussed wages for 2022/2023 fiscal year. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to go with 75% of Officials wage for the Deputies and 68% of Officials wage for Clerks. Voting in favor: Karr, Ratzlaff and Vance. Voting no: Gilbert and Shipman. Motion carried. 

Veteran Service Officer Gary Ratzlaff informed the Board of a vacancy on the Committee at the end of June. Ratzlaff recommended reappointing William Goosic to the Veterans Service Committee with a term ending June 30, 2027. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Shipman to approve this request. All voted in favor. 

The board discussed a claim from Davis Design and motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to pay this claim at the next meeting. All members voted in favor.

 Richard Armstrong met with the Board and discussed clarification from the Board on the actions taken with the Hospital. Mr. Armstrong felt his questions and concerns were answered and thanked the Board for allowing him to address them.

 Deputy County Clerk Abbey Harig met with the Board on health updates given on the new health insurance.

Noxious Weed Superintendent Brian Pedersen presented information to the Board on a 1996 Spray Truck that is up for sealed bids. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to put a sealed bid on it. Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, Gilbert, Karr and Shipman. Voting nay, absent or abstaining: None. Motion carried. 

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to approve of Resolution transferring funds for $162,197.75 from Road/Bridge Fund (300) to the Bladen Highway North Project Fund (4600). Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, Gilbert, Karr and Shipman. 

 Resolution 19-2022 was approved and signed.

renewal of Ambulance Contract for Petsch Billing was approved with motion by Vance, seconded by Karr until December 31st of 2022. All members voted in favor. Motion carried.

 This is for approx. 16 hrs a month overtime to do ambulance billings, Medicare and Medicaid billings for $500.00. The other 85 hrs are done during office time.

 Resolution 20-2022 for cash-in-lieu was presented to the Board for approval. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Shipman to pay $400.00 a month to employees not on health insurance.  All Voting in favor: 

 Midlands met with the Board. They approved of them moving a desk, filing cabinet and table in to the Drivers Exam Room in order for Midlands not to have to pay rent since people going to the meal site has decreased tremendously. They will only occupy the office on a limited basis. 

 The Board reviewed wages again with the Extention Agent, Lindsay Waechter Mead. 

 The Board will be holding a Budget Hearing on Monday, June 27th at 8:50am and a Special Meeting at 9:00am. 

 Total Wages - $148,752.87.

 GENERAL FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$7362.40;

 AT&T Mobility (Phones)- $517.26; 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$78.48; 

Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$17,752.54; 

Blue Hill Leader (Publish)- $131.60; 

Katie Bolte (Expense)-$127.60; 

Business World Prod/Hastings (Supply)-$127.23; 

Centec Cast Metal Products (Supply)-$242.23;

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$3919.96; 

Culligan of Hastings (Water)-$211.00;

 DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fees)-$225.52;

 S.S. (Fica)-$7925.07;

 Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$1182.89; 

First Concord Benefits (Buydown)-$1931.02; 

First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$217.50; 

GALLS, LLC (Supply)-$482.85; 

gWorks (Support)-$9745.00;

 Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$1616.79;

 Hometown Market (Supply)-$428.00; 

Elizabeth Janning (Expense)-$129.92;

 Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$259.99;

 Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Supply)-$44.47;

 Janet Knehans (Expense)-$103.55;

 Mid-Nebraska Individual Services (Misc)-$3395.00;

 Midland Area Agency on Aging (Handibus)-$1497.00;

 Mips (Support)-$35.00; 

Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phones)-$70.25;

 Norfolk Lodge & Suites (Lodging)-$208.00;

 Katie Ord (Expense)-$255.06;

 Alexa Pedersen (Expense)-$70.76;

 Gary Ratzlaff (Expense)-$89.79; 

Red Cloud Chief (Publish/Renewal)-$212.60;

 Sam’s Club (Supply)-$214.67;

 Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$2795.00

 Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$646.00;

South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.54;

 Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$1425.00; 

Thomson Reuters-West (Misc)-$174.24;

 United States Postal Service (Fees)-$160.00;

 University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Supply)-$355.71;

 Ken Vanwey (Mow/Repairs)-$1585.00; 

Viaero Wireless (Phones)-$19.09; 

Village Pharmacy (Supply)-$52.83; 

Lindsay Waechter-Mead (Expense)-$107.88;

 Webster County court (Fees)-$19.00;

Webster County Hospital (Health Fair)-$90.00.

 ROAD/BRIDGE FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$2700.13;

 Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$9101.29;

 C&D Service Center (Supply/Repairs)-$1347.07;

 Caterpillar Financial Services (Motor Graders)-$24,373.07; 

Century Lumber Center (Supply)-$104.30;

 CIMCO, Inc (Supply)-$69.00;

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel/Repairs)-$3222.75;

 Country Corner (Fuel)-$911.61

 S.S. (Fica)-$3046.20;

 Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$22.96;

 Ely’s Inc (Supply)-$7.78;

 Fastenal (Supply)-$302.50; 

Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$157.05;

 gWorks (Support)-$643.00;

 Hastings Outdoor Power LLC (Repairs/Supply)-$514.83;

 Hometown Market (Supply)-$78.20;

 Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Supply)-$51.19;

 Krueger Land Surveying (Fees)-$375.00;

 Mips Inc (Support)-$113.34;

 NIRMA (Health)-$40,755.00;

 Nebraska Machinery Company (Supply/Repairs)-$19,141.46;

 North Central Air (Supply)- $8.39;

 Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel/Supply)-$14,526.15;

 Ben Pavelka Trucking, Inc (Repairs)-$1474.40;

 Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$918.00;

 South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$146.96;

 Timm’s Service (Fuel)-$3910.00; 

Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$162,197.75.

 ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND:

 Wayne and Cheri Bonifas (Misc)-$420.00; 

 Krueger Land Surveying (Fees)-$862.50. 

SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: 

Minden Dental Clinic (Dental)-$225.40

. COVID AMERICAN RESCUE ACT FUND: LUTZ (Support)-$400.00.

 NOXIOUS WEED FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)- $233.50;

 C&D Service Center (Supply)-$38.29;

 S.S. (Fica)-$264.64;

 Self Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$34.00.

 RC AMBULANCE SERVICE #1 FUND:

 Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$340.30;

 Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$544.35.

 BH AMBULANCE SERVICE #2 FUND: 

Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$31.50. 

 Being no further business, Chairman TJ Vance adjourned the meeting at 12:35pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 at 8:30am. 

Kimberly Sue Brehm Baily July 18, 1970 to April 5, 2022

 Kimberly Sue Bailey, 51, died April 5, 2022, in Hillsboro, KS. She was born July 18, 1970, in Omaha, the daughter of Larry and Judy (Grosskopf) Brehm.

Kim was a 1988 graduate of Blue Hill High School, Blue Hill, and a 1997 graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

She is survived by: her son, Carter and his father, Chris, of Owasso, OK; and brother, Kevin Brehm and wife Rachel of Chapman.

Kim was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Chloe Bailey.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pine Street, Blue Hill. A private burial will be at a later date in Hutchinson, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Muscular Dystrophy Association or Ronald McDonald House, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main Hutchin, KS 67501

Lillie Amelia Johnson Rose February 15, 1914 to March 27 2022

 Lillie Amelia Rose, 108, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022 in Kearney, Nebraska, surrounded by family.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont, Nebraska, with Rev. Ronald Kuehner officiating. Burial will be in the Presbyterian Cemetery southeast of Rosemont.

Visitation will be 8-9 p.m. Friday, April 1, with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill, Nebraska, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Memorials can be directed to the church or the Lutheran Hour.

Private Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill is in charge of arrangements.

Lillie, the oldest daughter of John D. and Hulda Emma Amelia (Gragert) Johnson, was born on February 15, 1914, on a farm southeast of Blue Hill in Webster County. Lillie was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Blue Hill.

She attended School District 73 and School District 81 in Webster County.

She worked on the family farm until she met and married Frank L. Rose on June 20, 1934 in Ayr. They had two daughters, LaVonda and Margene.

The couple farmed in Webster County until Frank’s death in 1995.

Lillie then moved to Hastings and resided there until moving to Kearney to live with her daughter in 2019.

She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the LWML. She enjoyed baking, quilting, needle work and crocheting as well as playing dominos, cards and bingo.

Lillie is survived by her daughter, Margene Stevens of Kearney; sister, Helen Nemecek of Minden; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, LaVonda Schmidt; son-in-law, Leslie Stevens; brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Viola Johnson; brother-in-law, John Nemecek; grandson, Daniel Schmidt; grandson-in-law, Shawn Davis; and great-granddaughter, Kayla Stevens.Twitter

Webster County Board of Commissioners meeting March 15th, 2022

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, March 15th, 2022, for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 

All Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance, (District Three), Tim Gilbert (District Four), and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five).

Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to approve the minutes of the March 1st, 2022 meeting. Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, Gilbert, Karr and Shipman. 

 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to pay claims and payroll. All voted in favor   

 Paul Stoner, Highway Manager met with the Board. Paul has ordered tubes. The crews are continuing to do repair work, hauling dirt on roads and working on bridges. 

 Commissioner Tim Gilbert reported on the HVAC System and Fence. 

 Chairman TJ Vance reminded the Board of the Central District Meeting at the Ramada Inn in Kearney, NE on Thursday, March 17th. Hopefully, we will learn more on the ARPA money situation. 

 The Board discussed Cyber Security protection.

The Board held their hearing on Vacating Road D. No public attended the meeting.

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to sign Resolution 9-2022 vacating and abandonment of Road D as stated in said Resolution. All voted in favor. .  Resolution 9-2022 was signed.

 The Board reviewed the Imprest Account Report Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to approve of the report. All voted in favor.

Clerk Liz Petsch presented the Ambulance Write-off Report to the Board for review. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve the report.  All voted in favor.  

 Clerk Petsch also presented two ambulance claims for the Board to write off because of inability to collect due to insurance issues and Medicaid denying both billings. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to write-off both claims in the amounts of $572.00 and $764.00.  All  voted in favor. Motion carried. 

Clerk Petsch presented Resolution 10-2022 for the Board to approve of changing the dental premiums as per Auditor’s request. Clerk Petsch did a summary of changes to be done. Monthly premiums for the County to pay for employees are as follows: Family rate was $127.00 (new amount is $100.00); Spousal rate was $111.00 (new amount is $75.00) and single rate stays at $34.00 month. These rates will take affect July 1, 2022. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve and sign this Resolution. All voted in favor.Motion carried. Resolution 10-2022 was signed.

Treasurer Janet Knehans presented her Public Tax Sale report. 

Total Public Tax Sales were $58,828.57;

 33 tax sale certificates at $20.00 each totaled $660.00;

11 registered buyers at $25.00 each totaled $275.00

 for a grand total of $59,763.57 collected for the County. 

Motion was made by Gilbert, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve this report. All 5 members voted in favor. Motion carried.

 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to transfer $195,000.00 from General Fund to Road/Bridge Fund (300). All voted in favor.. Motion carried. 

Resolution 11-2022 was approved and signed.

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to transfer $150,000.00 from General Fund to Road/Bridge Construction Fund (800). All voted in favor.Motion carried. 

Resolution 12-2022 was approved and signed. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to transfer $30,000.00 from General Fund to Noxious Weed Fund (5400).   All voted in favor.  Motion carried. 

Resolution 13-2022 was approved and signed. 

: No report on Handbook was available.

, Treasurer Knehans discussed the need for a second copier in the Treasurer’s Office. Her copier in the vault is not working and is too old to repair. Since this was not on the agenda, it will be discussed at the next meeting.

Commissioner Dan Shipman reported to the Board his information on the Jail/Sheriff Building he obtained from talking to a representative for information on cost of new building, etc.

 It was decided to have him come to our next meeting and give information to the Board as a whole.

 Lindsey Mead met with the Board and presented the Extension Board’s 2021 Report.

Commissioner Shipman reported on the Hospital from meetings he attended. 

 The following claims and payroll were approved by the Board. 

 Total Wages - $150,944.38. 

GENERAL FUND: 

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$7501.58; 

Applied Connective Technologies (Misc)-$52.25; 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$97.43;

 Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$20,149.41;

Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$894.46; 

 Buffalo County Sheriff (Fees)-$18.50;

 C&D Service Center (Supply)-$156.00; 

Coast to Coast Computer Products (Supply)-$179.99;

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$2511.65;

 Culligan of Hastings (Water)-$631.30; 

DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Dues)- $225.52;

 DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Dues)-$448.00;

 S.S. (Fica)-$8015.53;

Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$1845.05;

 Election Systems & Software (Supply)-$864.63; 

Electronic Systems, Inc (Misc)-$91.00; 

First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$17.50;

 First Concord Benefits Group (Buydown)-$225.00;

 First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$299.31;

 Hometown Market (Supply)- $683.85;

Interstate All Battery Center (Supply)-$50.00;

 Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Supply)-$52.52;

 Krueger Land Surveying (Fees)-$2550.00;

 Lieske Law Firm (Counsel)-$863.18;

 Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$31.19; 

Midland Area Agency on Aging (Misc)-$1491.00; 

Mips Inc (Support)-$2405.83; 

Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phones)-$41.89;

 Phelps County Sheriff’s Office (Misc)- $45.00; 

Physicians Laboratory, P.C. (Misc)-$2612.00;

 Red Cloud Chief (Publish/Subsc.)-$558.97;

 City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$1914.46; 

 Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$2888.00; 

Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$1615.00;

Tru-Built Construction (Repairs)- $11,715.00;

 Ken VanWey (Repairs)-$465.00;

Viaero Wireless (Phones)-$19.36;

Village Pharmacy (Supply)-$62.80; 

Web Co Clk of Dist Court (Fees)-$100.00;

 Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$85.00; 

Webster Co Clerk Dist Court (Fees)-$36.00; 

Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$195,000.00; 

Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$30,000.00;

 Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)- $150,000.00;

 Woodward’s Disposal Service (Utility).

 ROAD/BRIDGE FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$2704.82;

 Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$279.79; 

Village of Bladen (Utility)-$59.64;

 Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$10,330.10; 

C&D Service Center (Supply)-$29.98;

Central Nebraska Equipment (Supply)-$49.86;

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel/Supply)-$2175.85; 

Country Corner (Fuel)-$431.64; 

S.S. (Fica)-$3014.65;

 Glenwood Telecommunications (Phones)-$107.23;

 Linda Grummert (Prior Service)-$57.00;

 Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$105.50; 

Island Supply Welding Company (Supply)-$117.00; 

J&A Auto Supply (Supply)-$484.07;

 Jim’s OK Tires (Repairs)-$542.50;

 Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Supply)-$39.95;

 L&M Tire (Repairs)-$11.95;

 Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$4.10;

 Mips Inc (Support)-$113.34;

 NAPA Auto Parts (Supply)-$3.11;

 Nebraska Machinery Company (Supply)- $11,513.15;

 Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel/Repairs)-$8616.54;

 Power Plan, Dept. 77871 (Supply)-$1896.30;

 R&M Disposal LLC (Utility)- $57.00; 

Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$918.00; 

Simplot Grower Solutions Kearney (Supply)-$5373.88;

 South Central Bobcat, Hastings, NE (Supply)-$5.16; 

Superior Fire Extinguisher Co (Supply)-$98.00; 

Timm’s Service (Fuel)-$1095.18;

 Michael Todd & Company (Supply)-$594.92;

 Winter Equipment Co, Inc (Supply)-$1647.09.

 ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: 

Speece-Lewis Engineers (Misc)-$900.00. 

MODERN RECORDS FUND:

 Mips Inc (Support)-$138.00. 

SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND:

 Island View Dental (Dental)- $33.50;

 McCann-Carpenter Dental LLC (Dental)-$132.80; 

Minden Dental Clinic (Dental)-$167.00; 

Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$893.60.

 DIVERSION PROGRAM FUND: 

AT-Scene LLC (Misc)-$2000.00.

NOXIOUS WEED FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$238.19;

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$60.98;

 S.S. (Fica)-$269.96; 

Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$3.15;

 SelfInsured Dental Fund (Premium)-$34.00. 

RC AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND:

 Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$220.88; 

Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$194.82. 

BH AMBULANCE SERVICE FUND:

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$122.10;

 Pavelka Truck & Trailer Repair (Repairs)- $28.25. 

 Being no further business, Chairman TJ Vance adjourned the meeting at 10:25am.

 The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 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.  

WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 1, 2022

  The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 

The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance, (District Three), Tim Gilbert (District Four), and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five). 

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to approve the minutes of the February 15th, 2022 meeting. All voted in favor.

 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to pay claims and payroll.  All voted in favor.f

 Paul Stoner, Road Manager informed the Board he had been looking into options of motor graders, trade options and interest. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Gilbert to proceed with purchase of 3 motor graders discussed at previous meetings. All voted in favor.

 Road crews are continuing to work on repairs of equipment and roads. 

 HVAC report was given by Commissioner Gilbert. Fence was also discussed.

 AARP money will be discussed at our meeting in Kearney, March 17, 2022. 

The Board signed the Hazardous Materials Response Plan for Webster/Nuckolls Counties LEPC Plan.

 The Board reviewed the Sheriff’s Distress Warrants Report given by Sheriff Schmitz. All taxes to be collected have been done and the remaining amount is zero.

 An Annual Jail inspection will be done March 21, 2022.

 Paul Stoner presented a Road Study from Lance Harter for the Board to review and sign.

 Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Shipman to sign Resolution 7-2022. All voted in favor.

 Resolution 7-2022 was approved. 

 LeAnn Jochum from SCEDD met with the Board and reported on Broadbent Internet and the need for rural communities.

Clerk Petsch presented to the Board Resolution 8-2022 to transfer $200,000.00 from the General Fund to the County Building Remodeling Fund (4050). Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to approve this Resolution.   All voted in favor. . Resolution 8-2022 was signed. 

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to go into Board of Equalization. All voted in favor. Deputy Assessor Tami Scheuneman presented a Tax Correction. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve this Tax Correction. All voted in favor.

. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to go out of Board of Equalization. All members voted in favor: Motion carried.

The Board discussed open-door policy in the Courthouse. The first floor has issues with cold weather when the doors are opened and closed all day. The Board encouraged all offices to have their door open during business hours when possible. If not, they need to post a sign outside their door stating they are open and to come on it. They have been doing this and will continue to do so. 

The Handbook was discussed.

The Clerk of District Court Report was presented to the Board for review.

The Board discussed progress on the Jail/Sheriff Building with B & D Construction, Mark Lewis by phone conference. More information at a later date. 

The Board along with Mark Callahan from Mary Lanning Hospital discussed the Webster County Hospital. Several people were in attendance, so the Board moved the meeting upstairs to the District Courtroom. Mr. Callahan spoke to the group and answered questions and concerns from the public. They decided the County Board of Commissioners and County Hospital Board would meet again on Thursday, March 10th 2022 at the Courthouse at 7:00pm to discuss proposal options and will then bring this again to the public for another discussion. The Board is trying to keep this topic an open discussion with the public so everyone is informed on what is going on. The Hospital is NOT being sold. That was never an option. The Board only wants to do everything possible to keep the doors open and the hospital functioning for the residents of Webster County. 

 The following claims and payroll were approved by the Board. 

Wages - $14,081.92. 

GENERAL FUND: 

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$380.30;

 AT&T Mobility (Phones)-$517.56; 

Bell’s Digging & Plumbing (Repairs)-$1429.35;

 Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$939.10;

 Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$555.73; 

Business World Prod/Hastings (Supply)- $26.67; 

Calkins Law Office (Contract)-$1026.18;

 Central Nebr County Assessor Assn (Dues)-$20.00;

 Gov Connection, Inc, DBA Connections (Supply)-$300.86;

 Consolidated Management Co (Training)-$16.62; 

CVSOAN (Training)-$60.00; S.S. (Fica)-$419.66; 

Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$303.90;

 First Concord Benefits (Buydown)-$490.49; 

First Concord Benefits Group (Buydown)-$225.00; 

First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$134.86;

 Forensic Anthropological Consultant (Misc)-$825.00;

 Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$1439.71; 

Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$129.00; 

Hometown Market (Supply)-$837.53;

 Elizabeth Janning (Expense)-$70.56; 

Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Supply)-$6.99;

 Sonja L Krueger (Expense)-$75.40; 

LB413164-Blue 360 Medical, LLC (Misc)-$87.75;

 LEAF (Lease)-$424.45;

 Meyer Laboratory, Inc (Supply)-$243.14; 

Midland Area Agency on Aging (Misc)-$1103.00; 

Mips (Support)-$150.00; NACO (Registration)- $240.00;

NACT (Dues)-$50.00; National Sheriff’s Assoc (Dues)-$68.00;

 NE Law Enforcement Training Cntr (Training)- $250.00;

 Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phones)-$49.21;

 Alexa Pedersen (Expense)-$92.40;

 Red Cloud Chief (Publish/Renewal)-$283.29; 

Sam’s Club (Supply)-$298.00; 

Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$34.00; 

South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.56;

 St of Nebr Dept Correctional Svcs (Housing)-$722.80;

 Sullivan Shoemaker P.C. L.L.O. (Counsel)-$930.91;

 Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$1615.00;

 Thomson Reuters-West (Misc)-$174.25;

 University of Nebraska (Supply/Support)-$1946.43;

 Lindsay Waechter-Mead (Expense)-$50.40; 

Web Co Clk of Dist Court (Fees)- $36.00;

Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$348.03;

Webster Co Treasurer (Transfer)-$200,000.00; 

Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00.

 ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: 

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$159.75;

 City of Blue Hill (Utility)-$118.39; 

S.S. (Fica)-$181.06

Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$49.27; 

Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$86.37;

 LRNRD Rural Water Project (Utility)-$22.21; 

Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)-$341.69;

 Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Inspections)-$18,453.58;

 Rockmount Research & Alloys, Inc (Supply)-$43.82;

South Central Bobcat, Hastings, NE (Supply)-$57.64; 

South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$263.89; 

Windstream (Phones)-$82.60. 

 ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND:

 ACE/Eaton Metals (Supply)-$47,037.34.

 BLADEN HWY NORTH PROJECT FUND:

Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Contract)-$40,482.00.

 NOXIOUS WEED FUND:

 J&A Auto Supply (Supply)-$65.88; 

NE Weed Control Assn/Region IV (Registration)-$165.00. 

RC AMBULANCE SERVICE #1 FUND: 

Great Plains Communications (Phones)- $48.57; 

McKesson Medical-Surgical (Supply)-$1.24;

 Petsch Billing (Contract)-$250.00.

 BH AMBULANCE SERVICE #2: Petsch Billing (Contract)-$250.00.

 Being no further business, Chairman TJ Vance adjourned the meeting at 12:10pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 at 8:30am. 

News from Adrian Smith, Congressman.

 

Congressman Smith's E-news: February 26, 2022

This week, I led a House delegation on a United Kingdom visit. During the visit, I advocated expanding trade relationships for agriculture and exploring further shared economic growth opportunities between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ukraine This week Russia escalated their ongoing attacks on Ukraine with an invasion. I support Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty against Vladimir Putin’s evil and reprehensible invasion, and I stand with Ukrainians in solidarity. Since 2014 I have called for the United States to work with our allies to support Ukraine as they defend themselves against Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions. Today it is vital the United States takes strong, immediate action to punish Putin and his kleptocracy through the strongest possible sanctions, provide Ukraine and other eastern European democracies the resources necessary to defend themselves, and ensure economies across Europe are not punished by Putin’s stranglehold on much of the continent’s energy and natural resources. This must be done in a bipartisan way. I joined my colleagues in the House to cosponsor the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory Act. This legislation would impose strict sanctions on Russia, provide the support necessary for Ukraine so they can defend themselves, hold Russia accountable, and give Congress stronger oversight over the Biden Administration’s retaliatory actions. It was not difficult to predict this invasion as Putin has utilized this playbook before. Seven years ago this month, Russia began its invasion of Crimea, forced an illegal referendum, annexed the peninsula, and violated international law—including a treaty signed by the U.S., Britain, Russia, and Ukraine. We know we cannot trust Putin, and we know he will stop at nothing on his quest to make Russia the world’s superpower. Right now, the focus is Ukraine, but which nations will Russia target next? We cannot allow this sort of behavior to go unchecked in the international community, not only because of what it means for Ukraine, but also because of the message it sends other aggressors around the world, like China and North Korea. Again, to hold Russia and Vladimir Putin accountable, we must impose real and crippling sanctions. While I was pleased to see the Biden administration answer House Republicans’ demands to lift sanction waivers on Nord Stream 2, we should never take any action off the table when dealing with leaders like Vladimir Putin. Unfortunately, President Biden’s failure to be tough on Russia when and where it mattered has only emboldened Putin. We now have no choice but to assert ourselves on the world stage. In addition to imposing sanctions to cripple Russia’s economy, we should halt their weaponization of natural gas once and for all by fully harnessing America’s energy capabilities to lower costs for American consumers and become Europe’s supplier of choice. Senate Democrats’ calls to limit U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas are misguided and will do more harm than good, and the Biden administration’s gutting of domestic energy production is self-inflicted harm to our economy and workforce. It is truly unfortunate we find ourselves in this position, but we cannot back down. We, along with our allies, must stand strong in the face of Vladimir Putin’s aggression. The steps we take now will determine when and how this ends, and millions of Ukrainians are counting on us to stand in solidarity with them. Russia, China, and North Korea are counting on us not to. Sincerely,

Adrian Smith Member of Congress

Harlan Harold Siebrass May 17, 1931 to February 9, 2022

 Harlan Harold Siebrass obtained his final reward and passed away at Heritage at Sagewood in Grand Island on Feb. 9, 2022, at the age of 90 years after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Jeffrey Kuddes at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military rites by A.L. Shirley Post #176 and the Army National Guard Honor’s Team will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery with arrangements by Merten-Butler Mortuary of Blue Hill.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 11, from 1-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Shirley Post 176, or Mission Central. Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.

Harlan was born on May 17, 1931, to Harold and Hildegard (Bachman) Siebrass at the family farm, three miles southwest of Blue Hill. He spent nearly his entire lifetime in the Blue Hill area.

He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill on June 17, 1931, and was confirmed at Trinity on May 14, 1944, both by Rev. August Ficken. He attended Pleasant Valley School District #50, Trinity Lutheran Parochial and graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1948.

Harlan was a Korean War veteran and rose to the rank of Corporal in the 45th Infantry Division-Thunderbirds, 160th Field Artillery Battalion – Charlie Company, a 105-mm Howitzer unit. He was a member of the American Legion Shirley Post 176 and was the commander of the post for over 40 years. He was honored to conduct the Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day ceremonies locally for numerous years. Harlan was also instrumental in raising funds and the building of the Veteran’s Memorial Wall in Blue Hill.

On Sept. 29, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mildred Kaufman at Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. R. A. Jank. To this union of 64 years was born three children: Wesley, Nancy, and Thomas.

A fourth-generation farmer and stockman, Harlan was deeply involved in agricultural organizations in his community as a 4-H leader for 25 years and a member of the Webster County fair board for 9 years. He was elected as a member of the Federal Land Bank regional board of directors for seven years and elected as a director of the Federal Land Bank Association in Omaha for another seven years. Harlan was also elected to the Webster County FSA committee and worked tirelessly in this capacity for over 40 years. A proud Hereford breeder, he was the show and sales manager for the Republican Valley Hereford Breeders Association for 16 years in addition to being a member of the board of directors. Harlan was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill where he served on the church council and as president of the congregation for many years.

Harlan leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Mildred of Grand Island; son, Wesley (Cheryl) of Des Moines, IA; daughter, Nancy (Bill Buchta) of Grand Island; son, Thomas (Robert Konicek) of Pleasantville, Nova Scotia; sister, Linda (Ronald Bartels) of Inavale; five grandchildren, Kayla (Chad Chrastil) of Grand Island, Geoffrey Buchta (Erica) of Elkhorn, Janel Buchta of Omaha, Aaron Siebrass of Arlington, VA, and Keralyn Siebrass of Seoul, South Korea; four great-grandchildren, Riley and Reese Chrastil of Grand Island, Bennett and Lainey Buchta of Elkhorn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; and sisters-in-law, Namoi (Goll) and Marjorie (Cunningham) Siebrass.

The Webster County Board of Commissioners February 15, 2022

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 

 The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance, (District Three), Tim Gilbert (District Four), and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five).  Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to approve the minutes of the February 1st, 2022 meeting. All voted in favor.

 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to pay claims and payroll. all voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to pay claim pertaining to County Commissioner Tim Gilbert. Voting in favor: Vance, Ratzlaff, Karr and Shipman. Abstaining: Gilbert. Motion carried.

 Paul Stoner, Highway Manager, met with the Board on road work being done. He also showed bids for a new CAT Motor Grader to review and discuss. Paul presented Agreement for professional services from Oak Creek Engineering for 2022 Routine Bridge Inspection from Lance Harter. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Shipman to approve this. All voted in favor.

Paul Stoner presented Resolution 6-2022 for Lance to conduct a road study on Road D. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to allow this.  All voted in favor.  . 

 The Board reviewed ambulance quarterly, monthly and ambulance write-off reports presented by Clerk Petsch for Petsch Billing. Board approved reports.

 No information on HVAC System and fence.

 Board discussed COVID money. More information will be given at Central District Meeting, Thursday March 17, 2022 in Kearney. 

Treasurer Janet Knehans met with the Board on the Annual Delinquent Tax List.  

The Tax Sale will be held March 7th, 2022 at 9:00am in the District Courtroom upstairs on third floor. She also talked about Bank Securities for the Treasurer’s Office.

 Deputy Assessor Tami Scheuneman met with the Board on Tax Corrections. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to go into Board of Equalization.  All voted in favor.

 Three Tax Corrections were presented. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to approve of these Tax Corrections. All voted in favor.

 Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to go out of Board of Equalization Hearings. All voted in favor. . 

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to reappoint Torey Kohmetscher to the South Heartland District Board of Health. All members voted in favor. Motion carried.

The Board discussed the Hospital. Clerk Liz Petsch turned in her resignation to serve on the Hospital Board with sincere regrets, due to not complying with COVID vaccination requirements. The Board accepted her resignation with regrets, with a motion by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff. All members voted in favor.

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to appoint Eric Brown to fill this vacancy with term expiring 1/1/2027  All voted in favor.

Employee Handbook was discussed.

 Clerk of District Court Fee Report was presented to the Board.

 Jail/Sheriff Building was discussed. 

Michelle Beaver from South Heartland Health District met with the Board for her Annual Report and request for a percentage of Webster County’s COVID money. The Board told her they could not give any funds at this time. Information is not definite yet on how this money can be spent. Maternity Leave was discussed by the Board for the Employee Handbook and will be given to the committee for inclusion at their meeting at 1pm today.

 The following claims and payroll were approved by the Board.

 Total Wages: $147,737.72.

 GENERAL FUND: 

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$7501.58;

 Applied Connective Technologies (Email)-$22.10; 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$90.38;

 Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$20,149.41;

 Business World Prod/Hastings (Supply)-$14.13;

 C&D Service Center (Repairs)-$20.98;

 Consolidated Management Co (Training)-$37.79;

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$2441.60; 

DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Dues)-$673.52;

 Dell Marketing, L.P. (Supply)-$294.00;

 Dunse Nutrition Consultings, LLC (Consult)-$10.00; 

S.S. (Fica)-$8013.67;

 Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$238.00;

 Fairfield Inn & Suites Kearney (Lodging)-$239.90; 

First Concord Benefits (Buydown)-$9.51;

 First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$17.50;

 Crystal Fountaine (Expense)-$58.48; 

GWorks (Support)-$2150.00;

 Integrated Security Solutions (Fees)-$480.00;

 Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Repairs)-$242.70;

 Lancaster County Sheriff (Fees)-$8.46;

 Lieske Law Firm (Counsel)-$543.84;

 Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)- $31.19; 

Mips (Supply)-$116.95; NACT (Supply)-$230.00;

 NE Assn of County Officials (Fees)-$50.00

; Phelps County Sheriff’s Office (Housing)-$135.00;

 Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$2888.00; 

Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$930.30;

 Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$760.00;

 Village Pharmacy (Supply)-$11.60; 

Web Co Clk of Dist Court (Fees)-$65.00;

 Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$153.78; 

Webster Co Clk Dist Court (Fees)-$145.00; 

Webster County Court (Fees)-$256.45;

 Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00. 

ROAD/BRIDGE FUND:

 ACE/Eaton Metals (Culverts)-$38,987.00;

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$2488.37; 

 Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$318.59;

 Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$10,330.10; 

C&D Service Center (Repairs)-$1235.86;

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel/Repairs)-$1827.12;

 Country Corner (Fuel)-$50.09;

 S.S. (Fica)-$2769.34

Faimon Electric & Digging Inc (Repairs)-$1528.11;

 First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$440.83; 

Glenwood Telecommunications (Phones)-$103.61; 

Hometown Market (Supply)-$8.92;

 Island Supply Welding Company (Supply)-$135.80;

 J&A Auto Supply (Supply)-$1193.91;

 Jim’s OK Tires (Repairs)-$8224.80;

 Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Supply)-$351.83;

 L&M Tire (Repairs)-$127.95;

 Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$4.10; 

NAPA Auto Parts (Supply)-$703.36; 

Nebraska Machinery Company (Supply)-$931.76; 

Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel/Repairs)-$5273.01; 

Power Plan, Dept. 77871 (Supply)-$282.72; 

Rockmount Research & Alloys, Inc (Supply)-$315.81;

 SelfInsured Dental Fund (Premium)-$918.00;

 South Central Bobcat, Hastings, NE (Supply)-$33.45; 

Timm’s Service (Fuel/Repairs)- $4925.94; 

Western Pathology Consultants (Supply)-$28.25. 

ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND:

 Daniel E. Alber Jr (Condemnation)- $1170.00. 

SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: 

Sean M Daly, D.D.S. (Dental)-$174.00;

 RC Wilson & SA Wilson D.D.S., PC (Dental)-$364.00.

 COUNTY MEDICAL/RELIEF FUND:

 DHHS Finance and Support (Evaluations)-$860.62; 

NOXIOUS WEED FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Fund (Health)-$238.19;

C&D Service Center (Supply)-$47.98;

 S.S. (Fica)-$269.96; 

Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$3.15;

 Brian Pedersen (Expense)-$119.34; 

Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$34.00. 

RC AMBULANCE SERVICE #1: 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)- $294.10;

 Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$162.81.

 BH AMBULANCE SERVICE #2:

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$206.31;

 Kyle Klein (Expense)-$23.40;

Platte Valley Comm of Hastings (Supply)-$136.75.

 Being no further business, Chairman TJ Vance adjourned the meeting at 11:35am. 

Former Area Resident to Observe 108th Birthday

 Former Blue Hill Resident Lillie Rose celebrates her 108 Birthday February 15th .  Lillie now resides at 1507 Avenue B, in Kearney, Nebraska. 

Lillie lived most of her life on a farm south of Rosemont, Nebraska where she resided with her husband Frank and daughters LaVonda and Margene.  Lillie raised a garden and chickens as well as assisting her husband with farming chores.  She was a Faithful member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont as well as active in the Lutheran Ladies Aid Society.   Frank Rose and Lillie Johnson were married June 20, 1934.  Two daughters were born to the union, LaVonda (Schmidt) and Margene Stevens.  

Frank died October 10, 1985, LaVonda died at the age of 72 in March of 2013. .  Shortly after Frank's death Lillie sold the farm and moved closer to family.

Birthday greetings can be sent to Lillie Rose at 1507 Ave B,, Kearney, Nebraska 68847

Arylis Kranau Celebrates 92nd Birthday

 Blue Hill resident Arlys Kranau is celebrating her 92 birthdays on Valentines day  February 14, 2022.  Birthday greetings will reach her at 906 W. Lancaster in Blue Hill Nebraska 68930.  Happy Birthday Arlys.

J. Rolland Post June 27, 1931 to Jan 29, 2022

 J. Rolland Post, 90, of rural Pauline, entered into heavenly rest on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Hill with Pastor Leah Krotz officiating.

Visitation will be at Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill on Monday, Jan. 31, from 3-8 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 1, from 8-11:30 a.m.; and at St. Paul Lutheran Church one hour prior to services. Burial, with military honors by A.L. Shirley Post #176 and the Army National Guard Honors Team will be in the Blue Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, is in charge of arrangements.

John Rolland Post was born June 27, 1931, to John H. and Lizzie (Duden) Post at the family farm southwest of Pauline. He attended District 8 Pauline School through the tenth grade and graduated as class salutatorian from Blue Hill High School in 1949. He was awarded the University of Nebraska Regents scholarship upon graduation. He studied electrical pre-engineering at Hastings College for one year, then farmed.

He was inducted into the US Army Jan. 3, 1952, and served during the Korean War with the Far East Command, 24th Division, 19th Infantry Regiment. He served as a jeep driver, field telephone line man and prisoner-of-war guard. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on Dec. 18, 1953.

He resumed farming and married Helen L. Orcutt on June 2, 1957 at the Doniphan Methodist Church. To this union three daughters were born. In 1963 he and Helen moved to the family farm where they lived out their married life. During the 1970s, he realized his dream of becoming a licensed private pilot. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Hill where he served as Sunday school teacher, usher, council member and council president. He served in public office for 57 years continuously, first as board member of District 8 Pauline School, and then as board member of Little Blue Township. He was a member of American Legion Post #176 and Webster County VFW Post #5641.

In May of 2018, failing health necessitated a move from his lifelong home near Pauline to the Blue Hill Care Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Bernard; and nieces, Linda, Marcia and Joanna.

He is survived by daughters, Karen Green of Lincoln, Carla Post of Pauline, and Kelli (Brent) Glann of North Newton, KS; grandchildren, Ashlyn Glann, Alexandra Glann, Amber Green, Casey Glann and fiancée, Kayla Moore, and Tanner Green; nephews, John (Karen) Post of Ayr, Warren Post of Ayr, and Larry (Tammy) Post of Omaha; numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

90Penny Witte, Irene Hartman and 88 others

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