Congressman's Column by Adrian Smith

Health Care Debate Gets Heated In August, I - like many Members of Congress - made the most of my time to engage constituents in a debate about legislation directly impacting the future of our health care. I took the opportunity to ask folks attending my public meetings if they thought we should have finished the bill before the end of August. Even though we had people on both sides of the issue, not one on either side of the issue raised their hand. We need to work together, but more importantly, we need to take the time to get the bill right. What I heard back home is folks want us to take action here in Washington which will increase access to care, lower the cost of health insurance and lower the cost of health care in the long term. Just a few days ago, President Obama made a rare address to a joint session of Congress. I appreciated the President for once again laying out his thoughts on health care. However, for the most part he did not say anything we haven't heard before. The President missed a historic opportunity. The American people don't want us to launch a new government-run insurance plan which will lead to a government takeover of health care, paid for with $900 billion in higher taxes. What's more, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) Director Douglas Elmendorf confirmed H.R. 3200 would actually drive costs higher for American families and force patients onto a government-run plan. A separate study concluded this move could drive as many as 114 million Americans from their current employer-sponsored coverage. This bill would force providers to accept reimbursements equal to Medicare rates, which on average reimburse doctors 20 percent less than private plans, and hospitals as much as 30 percent less. The result would be unsustainable, forcing private plans to raise the cost of private coverage to absorb underpayments. Moreover, millions of seniors would lose health care choices due to billions of dollars in Medicare cuts, making it more difficult for seniors to obtain the coverage they need. The American people want our current health care system to work better. They don't want it replaced with a government-run plan. Nor do they support one party taking a go-it-alone approach. Why not let all Americans purchase health insurance across state lines? Why not bring about reasonable restrictions and limits on medical malpractice claims to end the era of defensive medicine? Congress must recognize the need to lower health care costs and both sides must be ready, willing and able to work with colleagues throughout the political spectrum to solve our health care challenges in a bipartisan manner. It is understandable this issue has raised emotions, even causing outbursts from small constituent meetings all the way to the House floor. I say this with firsthand knowledge. Lawmakers should pursue ideas which hold to traditional American principles and offer real results. We should be working to empower states to experiment with their own reforms; to allow Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines; and implement tax reforms which would allow individuals to purchase the coverage best suited for them and their families. When I was in Nebraska, people told me Congress should take its time and work to develop a bill which will lower the cost of health care without spending $900 billion more of taxpayer dollars. We have the opportunity to make the American people proud. We should make the most of it.

Senator's Column by Mike Johanns

September 7, 2009 How Much Debt Is Too Much? Dear Nebraskans, Late last month, the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its annual mid-year review of the federal budget. We all knew it would report a record-setting deficit-$1.6 trillion for 2009-but the review further revealed the challenges we will face as a country if the current track of fiscal irresponsibility continues. The report revealed the deficit over the next ten years would be $2 trillion more than previously estimated by OMB. The expansive and impulsive spending demonstrated by the Obama Administration has led our country into uncharted waters. We now face realities of an economic landscape that will-or at least, should-significantly alter our policymaking decisions for years to come. We are confronted with many issues that require responsible action, yet no one issue can be considered in a vacuum, free from the consequences of fiscal irresponsibility. Consider that our projected $1.6 trillion federal deficit for 2009 is more than three times that of last year. This leaves us with a cumulative federal debt of more than $11 trillion, and it is rising every day. Imagine if that happened in the state of Nebraska, a state that has always responsibly balanced its budget. If Nebraska had a deficit similar to that of the federal government, our state would be $1.5 billion in the red this year. It would be a statewide crisis, on the front page of every newspaper from Omaha to Scottsbluff. This is how heavily the stimulus, budget, and TARP bailouts have weighed on the American taxpayer. OMB currently projects the federal deficit to grow to nearly $23 trillion by 2019. This increase in national debt means we must drastically increase our borrowing from countries like China to pay for our own budget shortfalls. A $23 trillion national debt is equal to 76 percent of our nation's yearly economic output. A debt so high would be nothing short of alarming. The bottom line is we cannot afford to continue the spending spree. Attempting to maintain America's strength in a 21st century world while owing three-fourths of our economic worth to rising powers like China is simply unthinkable. I will do everything I can to prevent that from happening. America's government must learn to tighten its belt and live within its means, just as the American people have done. As the Senate returns to business in D.C., many will press for health care expansion with a $1 trillion price tag. At a time when health care programs make up 26 percent of government spending, one bill being proposed is actually projected to add $239 billion to the deficit over the next ten years. This is unacceptable. Significant health care reform is needed, but we need to do this right, and responsibly, or we risk unintended consequences the likes of which our country has never seen.

Straight From the Horse's Mouth

Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County September 18, 2009 Edition Many farmers are gearing up for the wheat planting season by readying their drills and preparing their fields. Most have probably decided what variety of wheat they are going to plant, and might be planning on using saved seed. Saved seed is acceptable for planting if proper precautions are taken to ensure quality and purity has been preserved. Producers already know that consideration has to be given to the viability of saved seed. Damage to seed can occur in the field, during transportation, and during storage. I think they are wise to have saved seed tested after harvest and again before planting to ensure germination. Storage, handling, and cleaning can also damage or reduce the viability and purity of saved seed. One easy way to reduce the risk of using saved seed is to have it tested before planting. Many have been feeling the crunch of the economy, which has farmers rethinking their business choices for this coming year. For wheat growers, this means deciding whether to save seed for next year or buy new. While using saved (bin run) seed may help cut initial costs, hidden risks exist that could hurt a farmer's yield in the future. Although saved seed may be viable, farmers have to make sure it is legal. I am not sure how many farmers even know about the legalities of planting wheat. In fact there is a law that has been around for many years that see to the legality of planting certain varieties of wheat. That law was put in place by the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA). I had not quite honestly heard too many people talk about this law even though it is listed under many varieties of wheat in at the Universities in Kansas, Nebraska and other states as well as individual companies such as AgriPro, Asgrow and WestBred. There has been a lot of discussion lately on this law and in fact what has got my attention is that many seed companies have started exercising their right to pursue retailers that sell seed illegally. They also can pursue the purchasers of illegal seed and request that they destroy the fields they have planted with this seed. Law suits have been leveled against wheat producers in Oklahoma, Kansas and South Dakota as well as other states. A farmer in Oklahoma settled with a $50,000 fine, a couple of brothers in Kansas were sued for illegal sale of Jagger and Santa Fe wheat as seed. The total amount of the settlement was $150,000. In July, South Dakota State University filed five lawsuits against farmers for brown-bagging seed it has developed and protected with patents under the Plant Variety Protection Act. I do not know of any at this time in Nebraska, but we certainly don’t want to see it here either. Let’s take a look at this law in a little more detail. While patents can be obtained on plants -- asexually reproducing plants have been patentable since an act of Congress in 1930 -- protection more often takes the form of a Plant Variety Protection certificate. These PVP certificates offer patent-like protection. This legislation was enacted in 1970 and amended in 1994 to promote the development of new varieties by allowing the variety owner to determine who may sell seed of the variety. Basically the law states that farmers may save seed for their own planting needs but are prohibited from selling any “farmer saved seed” without the permission of the variety owner. All seed sales must comply with state seed laws. This law applies to all varieties protected prior to April 4, 1995 and provides protection of the variety for 20 years. I suggest you check into your seed wheat and see if it complies to either the 1970 or 1994 law or one of the options listed under the law. The Plant Variety Protection Act allows farmers to plant seed that has been saved. However, this is only legal if the original crop was legally purchased. In the case of certified seed, the farmer must ensure his purchase was accompanied with a specific label. This label, found on the bag, invoice, or bulk sales certificate, verifies the transaction is legal. If the farmer doesn't get a label, the sale might be illegal. When planting patented seed, for example a Clearfield wheat, it might be illegal for farmers to save seed for the next year. Some patented seed comes with a contract that specifically states the farmer cannot save back seed. You can get more information on this topic at: http://www.farmersyieldinitiative.com. The bottom line is to be aware of these stipulations to avoid problems down the line. Plant Variety Protection specifically gives farmers the right to save seed that they've legally purchased. They can save that back as many generations as they want. They do not owe any kind of royalty on it. Farmers do that regularly, every year, and that's fine, but not for replanting. Those farmers are not allowed to sell (or even give away) the seed to others for replanting. The Plant Variety Protection Act was designed to promote the development of new plant varieties. Allowing plant breeders to determine who can sell seed of the varieties developed gives them the ability to insure that the farmers are getting a particular variety. It also allows the breeder to recoup some of the development costs usually through royalties and re-invests in future variety development programs. Farmers have to remember that a lot of time and money goes into certified seed to create new disease and insect resistance, and improve characteristics like yield. That helps insure that we continually get new and improved varieties that help the bottom line. Check with your UNL Extension Educator or directly contact the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association; or in Kansas, the Kansas Wheat Alliance or KSU for lists of wheat or for more information on PVP. Play it safe and make sure you are legal with your wheat seed. The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu

Councilman's Column by Jesse Alber

Fewer Handshakes -- More Signatures One of the pleasures of small town life (most of the time) is that everybody knows everybody else. For the most part, we trust our neighbors and the other members of our community. Business is often conducted with no more than a firm handshake or a gentleman's agreement. We trust our instincts, upbringing and our experiences when we make business decisions. The bonds between friends tend to make contracts and policy & procedure manuals seem alien to the small towner. The City of Blue Hill has gotten away with a completely inadequate set of personnel policies and procedures to date simply based upon the quality of the individuals we have been blessed to have working for our municipality. However, we cannot expect to be so fortunate forever, and the council has started to take action to develop a comprehensive Policy Manual for Municipal Personnel. Countless hours have been devoted to the mundane discussion of the exacting wording of specific phrases in the proposed 17 page document over the past three council meetings. The manual discusses everything from maternity leave to bereavement leave, from equal opportunity to grievances, from overtime to vacations, from drug use to military service and from health insurance to sick leave. It is a sobering reminder of the world we live in, where every detail must be put in writing and every contingency must be thoroughly planned for. I applaud the work that the Mayor and my fellow council members have put into this chore. This manual is way past due and their efforts to scrutinize every detail will be a great benefit to the city in the long run. I will miss the "good ole days". Electrical Shock I have spoken with numerous individuals who dropped to their knees and clutched their chest when they read their utility bill this month. The council had approved a 10% electric rate increase recently and the pain could be felt on the very first billing cycle following. My own bill was so high, it came with a stewardess ..... brrrrrrumpumpum!!! Only a portion of the shock was attributable to the rate increase. The dog days of summer has had our air conditioners and ice makers working overtime the past couple of months and electrical usage has nearly doubled since just a few months ago. The discomfort of the higher rates, however, were an unavoidable necessity as the city's electric rates and administrative, maintenance and distribution costs continue to rise at a rate much more rapidly than we are comfortable passing on to the customers. Despite the pain we feel this month, Blue Hill still enjoys utility rates that are very favorable when compared to rates in surrounding communities. I hope that recent budgetary modifications can help to ensure that the need for future rate increases are eliminated or kept to a bare minimum at the least. I also feel that our current budget places the city in a strong position to continue to keep our tax request modest.

Scouts to Host Derby

Blue Hill Boy Scout & Cub Scout Pack 99 will host a Scout-Mobile Derby on Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm. Lancaster Street will be blocked off from Liberty Street to Wilson Street (Hwy 281) for the event. Approximately 50 Scouts from across the area will participate in the event. Scouts take turns driving gravity pulled "soap box" derby cars down the hill. Two cars race per heat. The scouts will also lauch "pop bottle rockets and practice some of their rope skills. The event is an annual favorite for all of the scouts.

City Council Sets Tax Request

The Blue Hill City Council met on Tuesday, September 15. The 2009-10 Personal & Real Property Tax Requirement Request amount in the proposed 2009-10 Budget was set at $101,000. This amount is unchanged from the previous several years. The 2008 Property Tax Rate was 0.369443. The 2009 Proper try Tax Rate has been set at 0.357187. The decreased rate is due to increased property valuation within the city limits. There was no public discussion on the tax request during the Tax Request Hearing. Tim Eiseman addressed the board with concerns of traffic speed on the newly paved South West Railway street and considerations for correcting the issue. Eiseman also discussed additional breeds of dogs that he feels should be added to Ordinance No. 615. The council will review both concerns and address them at a later date. Sylvia Alber addressed her concerns with Mayor Schunk's lack of compliance with a city ordinance. Subject was discussed. Notice of the City Council's vacancy resulting from the recent recall election will be published in the Blue Hill Leader and will be posted at City Hall, the Post Office, and the Community / Senior Center. Interested candidates should contact Mayor Keri Schunk. Schunk should present her nomination to the City Council on Tuesday, October 13. A lengthy discussion was held on personnel policies to be included in a new personnel policy manual for city employees. A revised draft of the policies will be submitted, again, in October. Discussion was also held on a new health insurance program offered by the Nebraska League of Municipalities. Additional information was requested. Discussion was held on old lease agreements between the city and Burlington Northern Railroad. The downtown park, some utility accesses, and three of the four wells to the north of Blue Hill all reside on Railroad right-of-way. BNSF has transferred management of the properties to Railroad Management Company. The city will pay the requested lease amount on one of the tracts but has suggested additional information before submitting a payment on the other tracts. An amendment was made to the wording of Ordinance No. 622 dealing with electric rates. Customers who have meters on the primary side of the system owned transformers will now receive a 1.5% discount on their energy costs instead of on their total billing. Discussion was held on certain dogs in the community that have demonstrated aggressive tendencies. Discussion was also held on contractual opportunities and what government agency is responsible for animal control. Discussion was held on proposed improvements to the ball fields. The council requested additional research. Additional items discussed were recent work on Hickory Street, upcoming Boy Scout / Cub Scout activity, pest control services, the city's website, and personnel review of the Deputy City Clerk.

Letter from Congressman Adrian Smith

Knowing of your interest in agricultural exports, I am writing to update you on recent developments in Congress. As you may know, on April 10, 2008, the House of Representatives suspended fast-track trade procedures of the U.S.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA), indefinitely prolonging action on the trade deal's implementation. As a member of the House Agricultural Committee, I joined a number of my colleagues in expressing disappointment in Congress and the Administration's failure to work cooperatively to promote U.S. products. The CTPA, when fully implemented, will provide increased access for Nebraska's agricultural exports. Already our largest market in South America, Colombia now holds even greater potential. Upon implementation of CTPA, Columbia will immediately eliminate its 80-percent duty on prime and choice beef cuts, and will begin phasing out all duties, some as high as 30 percent, on pork, corn, soybeans, wheat and barley. Trad agreements such as Colombia, South Korea and Panama are invaluable to Nebraska's farmer's and ranchers by establishing a level playing field. Currently, the Office of U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is accepting public comment on the trade proposals with South Korea and Colombia. Written comments are due by 12:00PM on September 15, 2009, and may be submitted through the USTR's website at http://www.ustr.gov/ by clicking on "Federal Regulation Notices".

A Nebraskan's View by Senator Ben Nelson

Monday, September 14, 2009 HEALTH CARE REFORM: THE "WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME" FACTOR The vast majority of Americans, some 250 million people, have health insurance. That includes 85 percent of Nebraskans. While many Nebraskans have health insurance, most of those with coverage face steep increases in premiums every year. They want to contain those costs, but don’t want to sacrifice what they have so that coverage may be extended to others. That was one of the main themes I heard over and over again at public meetings statewide during August. Up until the President spoke last week, those proposing health care reform have failed to tell the majority of Americans who have insurance what reform holds for them and how they would benefit from it. The Lost Message Previously, the message had been all about how to cover the uninsured and not addressed to those who have worked hard and paid their share to obtain health insurance. The value of reform for those who have insurance had been lost and the absence of this important message crippled the debate. The President spoke directly to these Americans on how health reform would make their coverage work better for them and become more secure. This is why I said his speech was a bit of a game changer. He regained control of the message for the 250 million people who have insurance and what's in it for them. Controlling Costs for the Insured Their premiums are going up an average of 9 percent a year which most families cannot sustain because they’re going up two to three times faster than wages. While I need to see details and cost estimates, on the surface, I agree with the President that reform should help keep costs down for those who have insurance while not adding more deficit spending. I will be looking for a plan which stresses prevention and wellness, quality improvement in the delivery of health care, yet not raise taxes, increase the deficit, ration care, or fund abortions. These are some of the basic principles that are guiding me as we work our way through this difficult issue. Listening to Nebraskans Swing votes, those of us in the middle, the centrist and conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans, were a target of the President’s speech, but the people I will continue to listen to on this important issue are Nebraskans. They will be the ones who influence my vote. As a result I plan to be holding more public meetings across the state on health care reform. Now that we are starting to get much needed details, additional meetings are more important than ever.

City Council to meet September 15

The Blue Hill City Council will meet on September 15 for their regular meeting. Meeting is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. with a Budget Setting / Final Tax Request Hearing set for 8:00 p.m. The 2009-10 Personal & Real Property Tax Requirement Request amount in the proposed 2009-10 Budget is $101,000. This amount has remained unchanged for several years. The 2008 Property Tax Rate was 0.369443. The 2009 Protery Tax Rate will be 0.357187. The decreased rate is due to increased property valuation within the city limits. Other items of business include; pay request submitted by Vontz Paving, requested installation of a speed bump at Simpson & Southwest railway, addition of breeds to the dangerous dogs list, review and follow up of recall election, bills from the Railroad Management Company, animal control, requested improvements at baseball fields, recent work completed on Hickory Street, request to block off Sycamore Street on September 19, pest control services, city's web site and more.

Congressman's Column by Adrian Smith

The Potential of Wind Energy Energy is the lifeblood of the American economy. Our country is fortunate to have energy resources ranging from underground deposits of oil and natural gas to wind, hydro, and solar power. The question is how we can make the best use of every form of domestic energy. Recently, I toured areas of the Gulf Coast to take a first-hand look at our nation's offshore drilling infrastructure. It was insightful to see the offshore exploration process and to learn how environmentally-safe the entire process is. Louisiana is the nation's largest offshore oil and gas producer, and there are pipelines from the Gulf of Mexico to virtually every part of the country, including Nebraska. But America needs to ensure we have as diverse an energy portfolio as possible, including making the best possible use of wind generated power. According to a Department of Energy report published in May 2008, land-based and offshore wind resources could provide a much greater proportion of the nation's demand for electrical energy. However, in order to expand from today's proportion of electric generation from wind (less than 2 percent), our nation's energy infrastructure will require several significant advances including wind turbine technology, improved wind forecasting capability, improved energy storage, and most importantly the expansion of transmission systems to deliver wind power from resource centers to centers of population. It is the last point which has proved particularly vexing to me. America has tremendous wind energy potential, but our energy infrastructure needs to have the ability to create energy in one part of the country and use it in another. Otherwise, it is the equivalent of building a restaurant in the middle of a pasture. Nebraska ranks sixth in wind energy potential, behind North Dakota, Texas, Kansas, South Dakota, and Montana. We are behind Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Kansas regarding wind energy generation. Nebraska's wind generation ranking is in large part due to the fact our state - even though we have tremendous wind energy potential -- lacks the transmission capacity to send the energy to other parts of the country. Recently I authored an amendment to the Wind Energy Research and Development Act which would allow for research and development for ways to efficiently and cost-effectively create high-voltage transmission for renewable energy. The Wind Energy Research and Development Act will help our nation's infrastructure make better use of wind energy, but we also have to make sure we have a diverse energy portfolio. This legislation is scheduled to be on the House floor for a final vote in the very near future. America needs a comprehensive national energy plan, not a debilitating national energy tax under the guise of ‘cap-and-trade.' An all-of-the-above approach to our energy policy - one which includes offshore oil and gas production as well as the advancement of technologies to develop alternative sources of energy such as wind power - needs to be on the table. I am a cosponsor of the American Energy Act - a plan which takes just such an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, more jobs, and a cleaner environment without imposing a national energy tax. In order to become truly energy independent, we must continue to explore all forms of domestic energy, including wind power. As Congress continues to debate energy legislation, I want to make sure we are not only making the best use of our energy resources, but also looking to the future for our energy security.

Governor's Column by Dave Heineman

Sept. 11, 2009 Preparing Your Family for H1N1 this Fall A new kind of influenza is circulating in Nebraska. It’s called the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). Public health officials, like our state’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joann Schaefer, expect there to be more cases nationally and within Nebraska. With the beginning of school and kids congregating together, cases are on the rise. Dr. Schaefer says that this is a changing situation and we must be vigilant, staying on top of the information provided to us by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no vaccine right now, but one is expected to be available within the next month or two. At this time, those most at risk from this illness are pregnant women, children younger than five years old, and anyone with certain chronic medical conditions which place them at higher risk of complications. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease (not high blood pressure), asthma, and kidney disease. Other people at risk of complications are those who have compromised immune systems (like those who are on chemotherapy or who have had transplants). I know that parents are especially concerned about this virus. Although most cases seem to be mild and patients recover without treatment or even a visit to the doctor, some have become seriously ill. Children with underlying health conditions, like asthma, diabetes and neuromuscular disorders, are more likely to be seriously impacted. Parents can teach their children what they need to know to protect themselves against the virus. Teach them to wash their hands with soap and water, frequently. They can also use an antibacterial gel. Teach them not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth. Teach them to stay away from others who appear to be ill. To avoid spreading the virus, teach them to cough into their elbow or into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Have your kids stay home if they are sick. Dr. Schaefer says they should stay home until 24 hours have passed without fever (without using fever-reducing drugs like acetaminophen). If your child or you have only a mild case of illness, you don’t need to call your doctor’s office, which may be seriously challenged by the number of patients and calls because of this virus. If you or your child are seriously ill, then do call your doctor’s office. He or she may prescribe an antiviral over the phone based on your symptoms. Antivirals can lessen your symptoms or perhaps shorten the duration of your illness. If he or she wants to see you, then arrangements may be made to see you separately so that other people in the waiting room are not exposed. If you are pregnant or have a chronic, underlying health condition, you may want to call your doctor before you become ill. He or she may want to make arrangements for quick antiviral treatment if you become sick. I encourage you to use the DHHS Website (http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/h1n1flu/ ) for more information. This Website includes news releases and links to very good information and fact sheets from the CDC, HHS and USDA.

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

by Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County September 11, 2009 Edition This past week, I walked through the aisles of the Nebraska State Fair in Lincoln for the last time. I drank in the sights, the sounds, the smells and the sense of tradition and history. I shared memories with many old friends as we walked the grounds, watched the shows or just simply sat on a bench observing the diversity of people who were attending the final state fair to be he held in this tradition rich and historic location. When I led the last steer to the truck and then put the last box of static exhibits in my pickup, I turned to take one last look-- and it was like saying goodbye to a very good friend. Memories rushed back from the first time I came to the fair in the mid-50s with my dad and grandpa; to the days that I exhibited; or sat in the old 4-H Building arena waiting for my number to be called to give reasons as I represented Franklin County on its 4-H judging team. More memories of many students that I worked with as an FFA advisor, and more recently as an extension educator; and special memories watching and helping my own daughter prepare and show the string of cattle that she showed over the years. I smiled and then found deep-seated emotions running through me as I remembered those precious moments, and true to my personality decided I needed to seek out at the history of our State Fair. I thought this week I would share some of what I learned with you in a very brief form. I found it rather interesting. Nebraska State Fair History: The Fifth Territorial Legislature, in an act approved Oct. 14, 1858, providing for the organization of County Agricultural Societies, established a Territorial Board of Agriculture to receive and digest reports from, and of, the several organizations, and to hold annual meetings for the purpose of deliberating and consulting as to the wants, prospects and condition of the agricultural interests throughout the Territory. The first meeting of the Board was held in Omaha October 30, 1858. It was determined at this meeting that the first annual fair be held three days in succession, commencing on the third Wednesday of September, 1859, in such county as offered the largest donations, privileges and best accommodations. The list of premiums and amenities having been published accordingly, Otoe County was selected as the location. It appears the Nebraska City had a lot of firsts in our state history. The first “Territorial Fair” was held at Nebraska City September 21, 22 and 23, 1859, the list comprising premiums on farm stock, “blooded and ordinary”, of all kinds then in the West, farm implements, domestic manufactures and dairy products, American cloth manufactures, needle, shell and wax works, paintings and drawings, stoves and stone ware, cabinet ware, book binding and printing, flowers, fruits, vegetables, grain and field crops, listed in nearly the same order in which they have been mentioned. A premium was also offered for the best essay on the character, composition and improvement of soils in Nebraska, for which it appears there was no competition. “The amount actually awarded aggregated to $355, in addition to a gold watch, saddle and bridle, and two sets of jewelry, valued at $115, and a goodly number of diplomas”. The address of the occasion was delivered by J. Sterling Morton. At the end of the report of the fair, to the next Legislature, the Committee "beg leave to say that this first Territorial Fair of Nebraska, though not a complete success, is far from a failure. Taking all things into consideration, it is a marvel that we have done half so well." This was the only Territorial Fair ever held in Nebraska, no decided effort appearing to have been made toward another exhibition until 1868, when the Board, having been resolved into a State organization by the admission of the Territory, held the second annual fair, also at Nebraska City, on October 7, 8 and 9. The next fair was held in Nebraska City on October 7-9, 1868; this was the first fair held after Nebraska became a state, so this technically was the first actual Nebraska State Fair. Nebraska City also hosted the 1869 fair. In 1870 and 1871, it was held in Brownville. From 1872 until 1901 the fair switched back and forth between Lincoln and Omaha. In Omaha it was held at the Omaha Driving Park in North Omaha. The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben was formed in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to keep the fair in Omaha, but succeeded in having their own show. In 1901, the Nebraska Legislature named the Lancaster County Fairgrounds in Lincoln as the official home and it has been there every since. It stayed pretty much “status quo” until recently. Struggling with lowered attendance, the Nebraska State Fair was thought by some to be threatened with termination in the early years of the new millennium. It was added as a voluntary donation recipient to the annual state income tax and attendance rose enough in subsequent years to give it a second wind. As do many things, big changes were just around the corner. Questions kept arising about the viability of the fair and condition of buildings, etc. where it was currently housed. In 2008, the Nebraska legislature enacted LB1116 to transfer the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island in 2010. The realization of this kicked in at this, the 140th edition of the Nebraska State Fair. I hope attendees this year got to see remnants of the Nebraska State Fair’s past at the historic Industrial Arts building. The old brick structure has been hosting state fairs since 1918. Not far away, the 4-H building has been standing since 1931, the root of many of my own memories. By this time next year, the State Fair will have completed its first new venue in Grand Island, and those historic buildings and the current grounds likely will be just a memory. I bid the “Old State Fair” adieu. Goodbye old friend, it was a good run. I will miss you and all that you entailed. But I welcome and look forward to a new adventure, new facilities and the start of a new history at the first Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island! See you there next year! The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu

Record Crops Forecast

A new federal forecast says the Nebraska corn crop will be even bigger than the already expected record. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that, based on Sept. 1 conditions, the corn crop should hit 1.55 billion bushels – 11 percent higher than last year's 1.39 billion bushels. The Nebraska corn crop record was set in 2007 - 1.47 billion bushels. The USDA report issued Friday also says 9.15 million corn acres were planted in Nebraska, 7 percent more than a year ago. The yield is forecast at 169 bushels an acre, which would be 3 bushels higher than the 2004 record. Soybean production is forecast at 237 million bushels – 5 percent higher than last year. Yield is forecast at 51 bushels at acre. That would tie the record set in 2007.

COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30 am on Tuesday, September 1st for a regular business meeting. The following Members were present for roll call: Jeff Ord, John Soucek, Roger Bohrer, Keith Buschow and Mary Delka. Motion was made by Bohrer, second by Soucek to approve the minutes of the August 18th, 2009 business meeting and the August 26th emergency meeting. All Members voted to approve the minutes. The Board discussed a pending vacancy on the Hospital Board of Trustees due to the resignation of Marlys Schmidt. Her term was due to expire 01/01/2013. Commissioner Buschow may submit a name for nomination at the next regular business meeting. Clerk Knehans and the Board discussed budget proposals. The increase for new growth would allow for the construction of two concrete box culverts. The new tax levy would be down to 42.8 cents. Motion was made by Buschow, second by Bohrer to approve of the County Board Proposals for the 2009/2010 County Budget with a Public Hearing to be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 15th before adopting the budget. All Members voted in favor of the motion. Upon review of Unused Budget Authority created for next year, motion was made by Soucek, second by Buschow to approve of a one percent increase above the restricted funds for the budget. All members voted in favor of the motion. Marianna Harris, Hospital Administrator, met with the Board and submitted a financial report for the end of the fiscal year. After review with the Board, the report was favorable. Harris reported on current activities, future plans, finances and the annual budget. County Attorney McDole and Clerk Knehans met with the Board regarding a request from a former employee for extended benefits. No actions would be taken on the matter. Commissioner Buschow was excused from the remainder of the meeting for personal reasons. Merle Illian, on behalf of the Trailblazer R.C.& D., and Jim Zimmerman, Manager for Red Cloud Country Club, met with the Board regarding the cleanup of illegal dumpsites in county road ditches. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has funding for such a project. Motion was made by Bohrer, second by Delka to authorize Webster County to apply for the NDEQ funding as the local agency for coordination of the project and seek the eligible costs of the project from NDEQ. Red Cloud Country Club would be reimbursed for their eligible expenses. The four members present voted in favor of the motion. Linda Grummert, Highway Superintendent, met with the Board and submitted her Report on the study that she had made on three possible road closings proposed by the Board. Grummert also discussed bridges, roads, signs and concrete box culvert plans. Grummert and the Board reviewed two easements across county roads. Motion was made by Soucek, second by Delka to approve of the easements for a buried waterline for Stacey Goodrich and an underground electric powerline for Ryan Winter. The four members present voted in favor of the motion. Joe Wilken, of Nebraska Machinery Company, met with the Board on a lease-purchase option for a new Caterpillar track driven skid/steer loader. The annual cost to lease this equipment (valued at $39,173) is $3,750 for the first 250 hours of use and then $15.00/hr for additional use in the first year. Motion was made by Bohrer, second by Soucek to enter into this lease agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. The four members present voted in favor of the motion. Highway Superintendent Grummert returned to the meeting to follow up on road closing proceedings. Motion was made by Bohrer, second by Soucek to adopt RESOLUTON 32-2009: WHEREAS, a clear and unambiguous description of the roads to be vacated or abandoned, is as follows: Road #86 running east and west between Section 22 & 27-T3N-R12W; Road #87 running northeast 253 feet from the west side of the county bridge between the SE¼ Section 1 and NE¼NW¼ Section 12-T1N-R10W; Road #88, the west .035 mile of county road, including the bridge, running east and west between SW¼ Section 4 and NW¼ Section 9-T2N-R9W. WHEREAS, the Webster County Highway Superintendent has performed a study of said roads, and recommends that the roads be vacated or abandoned. BE IT RESOLVED that the matter of vacating or abandonment of said roads shall be set for public hearing October 20th, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Voting to adopt the Resolution: Bohrer, Soucek, Delka and Ord. Voting nay or abstaining: none. Absent: Buschow. Resolution 32-200 was adopted. The following claims were approved for payment: Wages for 9 part-time and 12 EMTs - $7,083.50 GENERAL FUND Adams Co Clerk probation $2,765.52, Advanced Furnitur equipmt $44.17, Ameritas Life Ins retiremt $197.40, NeDAS Central Ser telecom $448.00, Robert Beardslee maintnc $220.00, Business World supply $1.37, Richard Calkins counsel $104.50, Carpenter Reportg service $141.90, Cash-Wa Candy supply $22.34, Catherland Auto supply $65.76, Social Security FICA $243.76, Eakes Office supply $141.43, Electronic System repair $114.00, Glenn Plumbing repair $68.58, Glenwood Telecom equipmt $566.21, Grainger repair $160.00, Judy Grandstaff election $123.50, Great Plains Com phone $44.60, Jareds Auto Exprt repair $298.55, Kenny’s Lumber supply $5.99, Myrtle Knehans service $25.00, Shirley Kort election $94.25, Vaden Lane election $94.25, Duane Lienemann expense $484.60, MB Construction repair $420.00, McDole Law Off rental $84.12, Jerry McDole mileage $7.70, MIPS, Inc. service $1,169.09, Harold Mitchell mowing $75.00, NE Sheriff Assn register $90.00, Office Depot supply $123.21, Joyce Ostdiek election $94.25, Red Cloud City utility $1,407.19, JoAnn K. Reiher mileage $24.20, Reliable Office supply $62.78, Donna Rose expense $263.06, Verlin Rose election $94.25, Troy Schmitz expense $68.90, Simply Whatever service $1,325.00, SourceGas utility $108.57, Theobald Law counsel $3,481.78, Treat America supply $208.29, USDA,APHIS funding $1,383.11, Web Co Sheriff petty cash $68.34, Web Co Court crt cost $144.00, Whelan & Scherr counsel $261.25, Robert Willicott mileage $105.05. ROAD FUND ACE/Eaton Metal culverts $564.55, AGCO Finance tractor $15,670.30, Ameritas Life Ins retiremt $58.91, Barton Pipe & Rod bridges $41.72, Bladen Sand/Gravel gravel $8,790.44, City of Blue Hill utility $111.62, Business World supply $23.87, Country Corner fuel $165.59, Social Security FICA $66.77, Farm Plan repair $1,282.18, Nebr Filter Care repair $31.20, Linda Grummert lodging $239.82, Hatten Electric repair $259.50, Jareds Auto Exprt repair $224.37, John Deere Credit payment $26,055.19, LRNRD Rural Water utility $20.00, Martha Meyers expense $9.28, Nebraska Machinry parts $8,350.68, Olson Enterprises repair $125.69, Orscheln’s repair $63.48, Platte Valley Com repair $173.75, Road Builder Mach repair $109.16, SourceGas 3 accts $50.07, Michael Todd & Co signs $920.91, Ultra Chem supply $462.89, Universal Hydrlic repair $598.50, Marvin Webber repair $5.14, Windstream phone $55.88. VISITOR PROMOTION FUND W.C. Visitor Cntr salary $500.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND Ameritas Life Ins retiremt $51.56, Social Security FICA $58.44. AMBULANCE FUND Campbell Village 911 fee $120.00, Social Security FICA $172.94, SourceGas utility $13.24. Being no further business, Chairman Ord adjourned the meeting at 12:15 pm. The next regular business meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15th. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office. Dated this 1st day of September, 2009.

A Nebraskan's View by Senator Ben Nelson

Friday, September 4, 2009 ATTACKING AMERICA'S NUMBER ONE CANCER KILLER More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. This is true for both men and women. The most recent statistics show that in 2005 lung cancer accounted for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer combined. In that year, more than 90 thousand men and 69 thousand women died from this terrible disease. During my statewide town hall meetings on health care reform, one thing that seems to have caught on with Nebraskans as it has with many of my colleagues is keeping people well. I have seen prevention and wellness work here in Nebraska and regularly cite the example of a large local employer that offered incentives to employees to lead healthier lifestyles which resulted in reducing the rate of smoking from 51 percent to 11 percent of its workers. Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer We need to continue to help people quit smoking in order to make them healthier, reduce their risk of lung cancer, and help bend the cost curve in our health care system with or without reform. That is why I’ve signed on as co-sponsor of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009. S. 332 sets a goal to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by 50 percent by the year 2016. It would do this by reviewing and prioritizing research grants to make sure research funds are being properly directed. There would also be an expansion of research programs as well as expedited development of computer assisted diagnostic, surgical, treatment, and drug testing innovations. The bill also provides incentives for the development of chemo-prevention drugs for pre-cancerous conditions of the lung, drugs for targeted therapeutic treatments and vaccines for lung cancer, and new agents to curtail or prevent nicotine addiction. The legislation further provides for compassionate access to drugs, biological products, and devices under the lung cancer mortality reduction program. It also requires the Secretary to establish an early disease research and management program targeted at the high incidence and mortality rates among minority and low income populations. Tobacco Use in the Military The bill also takes into account relatively high levels of smoking in the military. A Pentagon study shows that 32 percent of service members use tobacco compared with 20 percent of civilian adults in the U.S. Tobacco use contributes to substantial costs for the Pentagon: $846 million a year, as well as lost productivity, according to the study, and the Department of Veterans Affairs spends up to $6 billion in treatments for tobacco-related illnesses each year. The bill requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to work with Health and Human Services to implement an early detection and disease management research program for military personnel and veterans whose smoking history and exposure to carcinogens during active duty service has increased their risk for lung cancer and to coordinate programs for military personnel and veterans diagnosed with lung cancer. The whole purpose is to develop a national public health effort to prevent lung cancer because of the hundreds of thousands of lives that are at risk. It is something that should be a top priority as we discuss health care because saving lives from cancer’s number one killer is one thing all Americans can support.

Govorner's Column by Dave Heineman

Innovation in Nebraska Agriculture

Sept. 3, 2009 Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Nebraska has a strong history as one of our nation’s leading agricultural producing states. Nebraska agriculture plays an important role in the research that fosters ag innovation and is making our state a premiere place for new developments in bioscience and conservation.

Increasingly, Nebraska agriculture is incorporating the tools and methods developed by geneticists, environmental managers, bioengineers, and other specialists to advance the work that takes place on Nebraska farms and ranches around the world. I want to highlight some of these investments and advances taking place in our state.

Nebraska is home to the University of Nebraska Global Water Institute where scientists research water quantity and irrigation efficiency. As the world’s agricultural producers raise more food to feed a growing global population, they are working to do so using less water.

The Institute is researching ways to improve water use efficiency in agriculture by developing new technologies, and innovative land and crop management techniques for both modern farms and those in developing countries. It is one example of how expertise at the University of Nebraska is contributing innovative solutions to the challenges facing producers around the world as they work to grow more with less water and manage limited resources in a thirsty world.

In addition to having the research capacity that can positively impact modern agriculture, Nebraska is home to several of the world’s largest manufacturers of center pivot irrigation systems. The innovations developed and produced by these Nebraska-based businesses are used by farmers across our state and throughout the world.

Other areas of agriculture innovations include a laboratory company that started in the business incubator of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tech Park. The company provides a full range of genomic screening and clinical diagnostics to help develop new biotech products for agribusiness. The technology has also been instrumental in indentifying the precise strains involved in animal disease outbreaks, where this genetic information is vital in developing vaccines and therapies to protect livestock and help control the spread of disease.

Innovation and research on behalf of the livestock industry is also being conducted in Nebraska in partnership with the federal government. At the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, a division of the Agricultural Research Service of USDA, researchers develop science information and new technology to benefit the beef, swine and sheep industries, as well as consumers. They research matters dealing with livestock health, genetics, environmental management, meat quality and safety, nutrition, and reproduction. These efforts are conducted in conjunction with the University of Nebraska and other land grant universities, so the benefits of these efforts accrue to the agricultural industry nationwide.

Nebraska producers are world leaders in food production. Thanks to these kinds of investments and partnerships between private industry and our research institutions, Nebraska has a growing reputation for developing new technologies and helping agricultural producers better manage and conserve scarce resources.

Water is perhaps the most important natural resource in Nebraska and this summer a Water Utilization Learning Center opened south of Gothenburg. The $6 million facility is the first of its kind and was built to study new crop hybrids developed for hardiness and drought tolerance, as well as low-impact farming practices.

The center will research how new technologies can help with water conservation and increased farm productivity as well as a better understanding of crop water use. The Water Utilization Learning Center is a high tech farm with the latest in video-conference software that connects the Gothenburg facility to locations around the world. That network provides opportunities for Nebraska producers to connect with researchers and producers to interact and learn about ways biotechnology can impact agriculture.

Many of the engineers, researchers and specialists at work in our state are a vital part of Nebraska’s agriculture industry. New investments in biotechnology and innovation are helping our largest industry to continue to grow and diversify, and producing advanced career opportunities here in our state.

Agriculture and agri-business is Nebraska’s number one industry. Agriculture innovation is key to agriculture’s future success.

EMT'S NEEDED

The Blue Ambulance was called Tuesday when a Blue Hill teen on her way home from a softball game suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. The teens mother, a registered nurse, reached the girl quickly and was able to provide life saving measures while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. Mike Hall, Blue Hill EMS captain, and his wife Michelle were the only Blue Hill EMT’s to respond to the call. Both Mike and Michelle are employed in Hastings and available to answer calls only evenings when they are in Blue Hill. The Blue Hill ambulance volunteers have dwindled to such small numbers that the situation has become actually life threatening. Wednesday the teen returned to school and was stricken again with another seizure, this time there was no one to man the Blue Hill ambulance and Rural Metro was called out of Hastings to rush the patient to the hospital. 　 Hall has been working hard to recruit new members to the squad for the three years he has been involved, but with little success. In fact the team has shrunk in recent months. Blue Hill ambulance team recently lost two of their most dedicated ambulance volunteers with the passing of Dean Karsting and Russ Willems. Both lived and worked in town and were extremely dedicated to the ambulance service. Two other good, qualified volunteers have moved out of the area. Others work out of town. City clerk Karen Kumke, is a dedicated member of the team that is most often available because she works and lives in town. Kumke responds to more than her share of emergencies, but when Tuesday nights emergency arose, she was recovering from her own emergency and not available. Hall points to the fact that Federal laws have made it much more difficult to satisfy the requirement to be an EMT. 　 Being a volunteer EMT is not an easy task. Volunteers are required to take extensive training. The training is expensive as well as time consuming. Volunteers are required to pay for their own training. It requires going to classes two nights a week for six months. And once the training is acquired it is another one of those thankless jobs, where there is little recognition for the sacrifices given. Hall said that for people who are already in the medical field there is a shorter program, these medical professionals can take what they call a “bridge” class and get their EMT endorsement in less time than someone without formal medical training. “We really need more people to step up and become involved” , Hall said. He said Blue Hill can’t expect the same people to be available all the time when the team is strictly volunteers. “ It is a real sad situation we have here” he said. “ The community needs to wake up to this need and find an answer.” Hall did say that there are three potential EMT’s in training now that he hopes will complete their training soon and be able to step in and help fill the gap but many more are needed. If the citizens of Blue Hill and Webster County are going to have the expense of maintaining an ambulance are they not going to step up and see that someone is available to use it to provide the life saving services it is meant to supply? All the best equipment is of no worth if there is no one to use it. ADDED 9-11 A CALL TO SERVICE I am glad to have this opportunity to answer some question that I failed to answer when I wrote the earlier article. You can look at this subject two ways. Why I can do nothing about it or what am I going to do to help make it happen. Worth while projects often require sacrifice. The more worthwhile the more the sacrifice. We all have time constraints. But we find time for what we decide is most important. We find time to go to ball games. We find time to golf. We find time to use the computer and check up on our friends on face book. Maybe we can find time to serve our community and our fellowman if we decide it is important enough. Mike Hall, EMS Captain, has obtained funding to help with the tuition costs of persons willing to take the EMT class. He also has offered the classes in Blue Hill and I believe he will do so again if asked.. But first he needs people willing to take the course. Persons who want more information should contact him. It is always good to get your information from those most qualified to give the answers. It is a difficult course and does require study time. Taking a class and serving as a volunteer EMT will require sacrifice. Many of us who are not qualified, for whatever reason, to become EMT’s recognize the worth. If we can’t take the class and serve as an emergency medical Tech we can still contribute to the effort. As has been pointed out there is the monetary hurdles to be over come. We can donate money or participate in fund raisers to raise funds, if there is a need. We can volunteer as baby sitters or tutors for individuals with young children who will need attended while their parent and/or/parents attend classes or go out on emergency calls. We can encourage those who can act in the capacity of an EMT to take up that burden for the sake of the community. We can give them encouragement. We can all do something. This effort requires a CAN DO mentality. Does the community of Blue Hill have that mentality or is this a problem that we can do nothing about, after all Blue Hill isn't the only small community with this problem.

Robberies; Vandalism Marr Holiday Weekend

A Brief conversation with Webster Co. Sherrif Troy Schmitz this afternoon confirmed that residents of Blue Hill experienced a number of incidents of robbery and vandalism over the weekend. Schmitz declined to reveal names of the victims or a list of items taken, saying that privacy laws prevent him from revealing more information. He said that the incidents are still under investigation. It is his belief that all of the incidents this past weekend are related. Blue Hill resident Mike Hall said that a tow rope was taken from his pickup and his son's pickup was vandalized when someone tried to remove the stereo from his pickup but was unsuccessful. The dash of the pickup was damaged extensively in their attempts to remove the stereo. Mike said that the incident must have occurred after one am on Sunday. Hall said that he heard that similar items were taken from other vehicles around town. The selection of victims seemed to be random, and the items taken varied, just seemed to be whatever could be found. Other reported victims included Don Goodrich, Jake Kuhn and Matt Ockinga.

Nebraska State Fair 4H Results, Webster Co.

Nebraska State Fair 4-H results as of Wednesday, 9/9/09, for Webster County participants. Christa Alber 13 of Guide Rock, Nebraska Decorate Your Duds -- Garment Constructed from Original Design Fabric, Purple Ribbon. Shopping In Style -- Purchased Garment, Purple Ribbon. Shopping In Style Fashion Show -- Model Purchased Outfit, Purple Ribbon. Clothing Level II -- Skirted Outfit or Jumper and Shirt, Blue Ribbon. Fast Foods! -- Coffee Cake, White Ribbon. Sara Alber, of Guide Rock 16 Veterinary Science -- Veterinary Science Large Animal Display Red. Atwater, Jordyn , Ayr 14 General Clothing -- Make One-Buy One Blue. Bonifas, Taylor Blue Hill 9 YOUTH In Motion -- Healthy Snack, Purple. Brown, Collin Bladen 10 Citizenship -- Written Citizenship Essay Purple. Sketchbook Crossroads -- Home Accessory with Felted Wool Purple, Sketchbook Crossroads -- Home Accessory Loom Weaving Purple Child Development -- Toy made for Preschooler Blue. Conway, Corey, Campbell 9 Safety -- First Aid Kit Blue. Aerospace -- Rocket - Skill Level 2 Blue. Tasty Tidbits -- Creative Mixes Red. Conway, Kailey, Campbell 12. Citizenship -- Service Items, Purple. Clothing Level II -- Dress or Nightshirt/Lounge Wear, Purple. Design Decisions -- Outdoor Living Accessory or Furniture Purple. Simmental Breeding Beef -- Simmental Yearlings Jan/Feb, Purple. Rabbit -- Mini Lop, Purple. Decorate Your Duds -- Embellished Garment, Blue. Tasty Tidbits -- Creative Mixes, Blue. Rabbit -- Mini Lop, Blue. Child Development -- Toy made for Preschooler, Red. (3) Rabbit -- Californian, Red. Herrick, Trever, Guide Rock,10. Entomology -- First Year Entomology Display Red Hoffman, Aliese, Red Cloud,17. Photography Unit III -- Advanced Lighting Exhibit Print Purple Hubl, Courtney , Lawrence, 17. Market Beef -- Crossbred Steers Division IV Class 15 Blue. Market Beef -- Market Heifers Division V Class 20 Blue. Johnson, Austin, Upland 13. Photography Unit III -- Detailed Exhibit Print, Purple. Johnson, Lance, Upland, 16. Photography Unit III -- Mastering Composition Exhibit Print Blue. Photography Unit III -- Nebraska Theme Exhibit Print, Blue Klein, Sarah, Roseland, 17. Portfolio Pathways -- Original Oil Painting Blue Klein, Traci, Roseland, 14. Foodworks -- Double Crust Fruit Pie Blue. Kohmetscher, Desirae, Blue Hill, 17. Design Decisions -- Framed Picture Purple. Portfolio Pathways -- Original Oil Painting, Purple. Kohmetscher, Lenae, Blue Hill, 11. Child Development -- Toy made for Toddler, Purple. Clothing Level II -- Dress or Nightshirt/Lounge Wear, Purple. Fast Foods! -- Food Technology Exhibit, Purple. Quilt Quest -- Quilt Designs Other Than Fabric, Blue. Quilt Quest -- Level I Quilted Exhibit - Small, Blue. Design Decisions -- Recycled/Remade Article, Blue. Horticulture -- Yellow Summer Squash, Blue. Child Development -- Babysitting Kit, Red. Kohmetscher, Trent, Blue Hill 15. Wood Science -- Woodworking Article (Nailing it Together), Blue. Kohmetscher, Trevor, Blue Hill, 15. Welding -- Welding Article, Purple. Wood Science -- Woodworking Article/Finishing Up Red. Lemke, Samantha, Lawrence, 15. Design Decisions -- 3 Dimensional Surface Accessory for Bedroom, Blue. Design Decisions -- Recycled/Remade Article, Blue. Lemke, Taylor, Lawrence, 12 . Tasty Tidbits -- Biscuits, Red. You're the Chef -- Loaf Quick Bread, Red. Lovejoy, Emily, Bladen, 18. Portfolio Pathways -- Original Oil Painting, Red. Lovejoy, Jacob, Bladen, 13. Computers -- Computer Slideshow presentation/ Unit 2. Blue. Meyer, Andrianna, Blue Hill, 13. Design Decisions -- Wall Hanging for Bedroom, Purple. Sketchbook Crossroads -- Original Pencil Drawing, Purple. Portfolio Pathways -- Original Acrylic Painting, Purple. Portfolio Pathways -- Original Watercolor Painting, Blue. Morris, Kimberly, Red Cloud, 15. Foodworks -- Double Crust Fruit Pie Blue. You're the Chef -- Whole Wheat/Mixed Grain Bread, Red. Foodworks -- Specialty Bread, Red. Nelsen, Alexandrea, Minden, 18. Decorate Your Duds -- Embellished Garment Purple. Knitting -- Knitting 3, Purple. Crochet -- Crochet 2, Purple. Fashion Show -- Sewing For You, Purple. Sewing For You -- Dress Blue. Heritage - Level I -- Family Genealogy/History Notebook, Red. Nieman, Taylor, Red Cloud, 16. Rabbit -- Mini Satin, Purple. Rabbit -- Californian, Purple. (2) Rabbit -- Californian, Blue. Rabbit -- Californian, Red. Petsch, Jessica, Guide Rock, 18. Sketchbook Crossroads -- Original Pencil Drawing. Blue. Petska, Amelia, Blue Hill, 12. Heritage - Level I -- 4-H Member Scrapbook, Purple. Food Preservation -- Tomato Exhibit - 1 Jar, Blue. Food Preservation -- Vegetables or Meat Exhibit - 1 Jar, Blue. Food Preservation -- Jelled Exhibit - 1 Jar, Blue. Veterinary Science -- Veterinary Science Large Animal Display, Blue. Veterinary Science -- Veterinary Science Small Animal/Pet Display, Red. Pittz, Chantel, Bladen, 17. Food Preservation -- Fruit Exhibit - 1 Jar, Purple. You're the Chef -- White Bread, Purple. You're the Chef -- Dinner Rolls, Blue. Food Preservation -- Tomato Exhibit - 1 Jar, Red. Food Preservation -- Vegetables or Meat Exhibit - 1 Jar. Red. Plambeck, Erin, Bladen, 15. Sketchbook Crossroads -- Original Pencil, Drawing, Purple. Plambeck, Jessica, Bladen, 16. Six Easy Bites -- Cookies, Purple. Rose, Austin, Blue Hill, 10. Safety -- First Aid Kit, Red. Shambaugh, Codee, Red Cloud, 18. Rabbit -- Mini Lop, Blue. Rabbit -- Mini Rex, Blue. Rabbit -- Mini Rex, Red. (2) Rabbit -- Californian, Red. Simonton, Brooke, Upland, 11. Photography Unit II -- Composition Exhibit Print. Purple Strobl, Kaycie, Guide Rock, 11. (3) Poultry -- Large Fowl, Blue.- Poultry -- Ducks, Blue. Strobl, Tyler, Guide Rock, 15. (2) Poultry -- Ducks, Purple. (2) Poultry -- Large Fowl, Blue. Poultry -- Ducks, Blue. Wagner, Lexie, Heartwell, 8 . Six Easy Bites -- Muffins, Blue. Yelken, Jarett, Burr Oak, 10. Range Management -- Life Form Collection, Purple.

Bobcats Break Nebraska Top Ten for All Classes

Max Preps at http://www.maxpreps.com/ has the defending Class C-2 Blue Hill Bobcats listed amoung the elite 11 man football teams statewide, regardless of class. After their season opening win against Cambridge, the Bobcats held on to their number 10 ranking in the Max Preps poll. The Max Preps rankings fo Nebraska can be viewed at; http://www.maxpreps.com/utility/about_rankings.aspx MaxPreps uses a computer program to determine team rank. The system utilizes the huge number of game results stored in the MaxPreps database. Generally, the more a team wins the higher the ranking, but the system takes into account quality wins (against other highly ranked opponents) and strength of schedule. MaxPreps is America's Source for High School Sports. MaxPreps aspires to cover every team, every game and every player by partnering with nearly 25,000 varsity coaches throughout the United States. The Bobcats also vaulted from third to first in the Lincoln Journal Star's class C-2 poll after both Archbishop Bergan and Hartington CC both fell in their season openers. Just for fun, Blue Hill Today has made an attempt at ranking Blue Hill's top ten football teams of all time. Our appologies to the 2002 & 2003 teams, but only 11-man teams were included in the rankings. The 2009 team will have to wait to see if they make the rankings. TOP 10 BLUE HILL FOOTBALL TEAMS 1. 2008 - (12-1) Class C-2 State Champions. T2. 2006 - (12-1) Class C-2 State Runner Up. T2. 2007 - (12-1) Class C-2 State Runner Up. Both the '06 and '07 Bobcats posted flawless regular season enroute to their runner-up titles and both posted simalar results throughout the playoffs. 4. 2005 - (9-2) Class C-2 Quarter Finals. The very first team of the Coach Porter era (Greg Mays was the official Head Coach) turned around a 1-7 record from the previous season to a 7-1 regular season and 2-1 play-off record. 5. 1982 - (8-2) Class C-2 Quarter Finals. This Bobcat Team faltered only against the eventual state runner-up, Nelson Tigers, both in the regular season and the opening round of the state play-offs with an 8 team field. Team was coached by Jim Lindau. Players: Tim Stevens, Jon Coffey, Brad Meents, Ted Alber, Jeff Overy, Mark Petr, Matthew Schmidt, Paul Krueger, Loren Schriner, Doug Hartman ... 6. 1986 - (6-3) Class C-2 Playoffs. The '86 Bobcats fell in the regular season to eventual Class C-2 state champs, Clay Center, and Class C-1 state champs, Sutton. They fell in the opening round of a 16 team state play-off field to eventual Class C-2 runner-up, Harvard, a team they had beaten earlier in the regular season. The first Bobcat team under Coach Mark Norvell. Players: Jud Jesske, Mark Barton, Chris Wormuth, John Koepke, Jesse Alber, Andy Alber, Brad Hargis, Mike Ostdiek, Randy Kort, Trevor Kort, Brian Arrants, Lonnie Kort, Joe Smidt, Dave Smidt, Jim Furrow ... 7. 1997 - (8-2) Class C-2 Play-offs. Won a qualifying round game (pool of 32) to advance to a 16 team play-off field. Lost in opening round. Team coached by Mark Norvell. Players: Rick Ostdiek, Wilson Alber, Eric Burken, Nick Kort, Adam Pavelka, Eric Schriner, Josh Henderson, Mike Faimon, Spencer Frazier, Mike Dack ... 8. 1984 - (6-2) No Play-offs. The '84 Bobcats were shut out of a 16 team playoff field by mere hundreths of a point. Team coached by Dick Ross. Players: Dennis Alber, Barry Jeffs, Paul Zimmerman, Eric Mohlman, Jud Jesske, Jesse Alber, Dan Dack, Dave Koepke, Mike Barton ... 9. 1996 - Class C-2 Play-offs. Team coached by Mark Norvell. 10. 1991 - Class C-2 Play-offs. Team coached by Mark Norvell. Honorable mention -- 1983 (6-3). Let us know what you think of Blue Hill Today and Max Preps rankings.

COUNTY BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26th, for an emergency meeting for the purpose of making changes to the proposed budget in a timely manner in order to comply with the deadlines set by state law. The following Members were present for roll call: Jeff Ord, John Soucek, Roger Bohrer, Keith Buschow and Mary Delka . The Board reviewed recent information regarding the budget. Revenues from motor vehicle taxes will be included in the budget to offset tax increases. Three officials did not make the required 2% cut in their 4 department budgets and these cuts were made by the Board. The Board expressed their appreciation and thanks to the twelve officials that made from 2% to 5% in cuts to their 15 department budgets. The Board spoke to Linda Grummert, Highway Superintendent, by telephone conference call regarding bridges and road improvements. The Board received the report from the County Assessor regarding increases in county valuations. The new valuation included a “growth” factor of 9.7% for new construction and improvements to real estate. The county’s growth factor has only averaged 1.6% in previous years. A large part of this growth could be attributed to state central assessment for the new underground gas pipeline that had been constructed across the county. The Board discussed using this growth money to build a new bridge and to replace several culverts across county roads. The proposed budget may include a tax increase that would be below 9.7% in growth. Last year’s tax levy of 48.9 cents tax per $100 of value would be lowered to a levy of 42.8 cents. The Board will complete their budget proposals at the next regular meeting to be held September 1st. Being no further business, Chairman Ord adjourned the meeting at 8:00 pm. Dated this 26th day of August, 2009.

Small World

by Sylvia Alber I guess we have all heard the phrase “small world” when we meet someone we didn’t expect to meet in some unfamiliar place. The small world concept first hit home with me several years ago when I had the misfortune to spend a considerable amount of time in a hospital waiting room in Lincoln while one of my children was a patient at St. Elizabeth’s burn unit. The waiting room where I spent so much time was never lonely, there seemed to always be several people waiting there for word of their critically ill family member or friend. So to ease the tension it was not unusual for us to make small talk with the other occupants of the room. I knew two families in Lincoln at that time, My husband's uncle and his family and my mother’s cousin and her husband, both wonderful families who took me into their homes and did all they could to make that difficult time more bearable. So it was almost without fail that during my conservations the names of these people would come up and over and over again, the person that I was talking to knew either one or the other of them. I was completely astonished that in a city of over a hundred thousand I kept meeting people who knew these people that I knew. Several years ago an experiment was undertaken to prove the “small world “ theory where participates in the experiment were asked to “find” a target person several states away. They were given limited information about this target person and if they didn’t know the person they were asked to send the information to the person that they did know that they felt would be the most likely to know target person. This study is where the term “six degrees of separation” came from. The target person seldom needed more than six connections to be found. Some times they were located in just two or three connections. Small world. My husband related a story to me about a “small world” connection. Norman was pretty well known I guess as his friend Chuck Van Boening was relating to him an instance where he had been in the eastern part of the state and met and individual there and upon telling this person he was from Bladen, NE. He was asked if that wasn’t close to Blue Hill where Norm Alber lived. Then Chuck went on to tell Norm of an experience he had while traveling overseas, I think it was Austria where Chuck & Mary were touring, but keep in mind, I heard this story secondhand, so I might not have all the details right, but I am sure of important parts. Chuck and Mary met and had meals with another couple on the tour, George and Delilah Ralston. The Ralstons were from Yakima Washington. As they were visiting the VanBoenings mentioned that they were from Bladen, Nebraska . The Ralstons stated that they owned land near Rosemont, Nebraska. Chuck came back with the fact that he was born in Rosemont, Nebraska. “Well, then maybe you know Norm Alber who farms my land” Ralston said. “Know him, well yes, I had coffee with him at the country store the morning before I left for this tour.” Chuck answered. Small World. Then Dan VanBoening had to tell his “small world” story. It seems Dan had a foreign exchange student living with him. He took the young man to Lincoln to a Nebraska football game. As they arrived Dan saw someone he knew and they exchanged greetings. Before long Dan was greeting another individual, and then another. “Do you know every one here?” the exchanged student asked. “Well, maybe not everyone, but if I don’t know them I know someone they know” Dan answered. The exchange student couldn’t believe that, with 100,000 people there that Dan would either know everyone or know someone they knew so they made a bet. Dan said “you pick anyone in this stadium, you choose the one and I know that person and I will know someone in common.” So the student selected an individual at random. Dan then went up to the individual, introduced himself and then said “hey, do you know Tom Osborne?” Needless to say the answer was yes. Small world.

Bobcats Avenge (Again) Last Season's Lone Loss

The Blue Hill Bobcat's capitalized on two late game interceptions by Chad Hastings to stave off a Cambridge comeback attempt in a 28 - 20 season opening victory. The Bobcats led by 6 or 8 points for the majority of the game before Hastings hit Thomas Ostdiek on a 70 yard catch and run for the touchdown. The Bobcat's converted on the 2 point attempt to go up 28 - 14 late in the third quarter. Cambridge managed to put together one 4th quarter drive to close the gap to within 8 points. A change from a shot gun formation to the I formation proved to be fruitless for the Bobcats and Cambridge was given a couple of opportunities to even the score, however, Chad Hastings came up with interceptions in both of the Trojans last two drives to seal the game for the Bobcats. Hastings led the Bobcats on the offensive side of ball also with one rushing and two passing touchdowns. THe Bobcats struck first with a 25 yard Hastings touchdown run following a 25 yard Hastings to Ostdiek Pass. Hastings hit Dereck Poe for another touchdown late in the first half. Cambridge handed the Bobcat's their only loss of last season before Blue Hill put together 12 straight victories enrout to the schools first state championship. Included in this run was a 28-6 playoff opening victory over the Cambridge Trojans. The Bobcats introduced a new offense this season which will capitalize more on the teams speed and big play making ability. Blue Hill travels to Cross County next week.

Rena Bourg Former Blue Hill Resident 1929-2009

Rena Marie Bourg (February 5, 1929 - August 31, 2009) Hastings resident, Rena Marie (Costa) Bourg, 80, passed away, Monday, August 31, 2009 at Perkins Pavilion, Good Samaritan Society, Hastings-Village. Funeral rites will be Friday, September 4, 2009 at 10 AM at the Brand-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, Hastings, NE with Father Christopher Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in the Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, NE. Book signing will be Thursday, September 3, 2009, 9 AM to 9 PM and Friday, September 4, 2009 from 9 AM up till service time in the chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. Rena was born February 5, 1929 to Antone Medeiros and Violet Costa in Honolulu, Hawaii. She graduated from the Roosevelt High School in 1948 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She married Lilburn “Bud” Bourg. They moved to Blue Hill, NE, in 1978, and then moved to Hastings, NE in 1981. She is survived by her husband Bud of Hastings, NE, 1 daughter, Melissa Marie Bourg of Honolulu, HI, 4 sons, David R. Bourg of Seattle, WA, Rendell K. Bourg and wife Lanette of Honolulu, HI, Ian Jon Bourg of LasVegas, NV, and Jonathan E. Bourg and wife Jasmine of Hastings, NE. 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorials may be given to the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, or Perkins Pavilion, Good Samaritan Society, Hastings-Village, both in Hastings, NE.

Congressman's Column by Adrian Smith

Labor Day and our Nation's Workers Labor Day traditionally celebrates the social and economic achievements of the American worker. Unfortunately, this Labor Day finds our nation's workers in a tough spot with an economy in recession and our country's unemployment rate nearing 10 percent. Nebraska has been able to avoid the worst of unemployment numbers for the most part, but our state is still linked to America's overall economy. According to the Department of Labor, in the month of July, 247,000 Americans lost their jobs, bringing the job loss totals since the recession began to 6.7 million and the total number of Americans out of work to 14.5 million. Throughout the month of August, I had the chance to talk with Nebraskans from across the state about health care, energy costs, and the economy. People are concerned about the future of our country, and I want to make sure hasty and irresponsible government action does not make things worse. Currently, there is a push to enact the Employee Free Choice Act - a bill more commonly known as "card check" after a provision which would allow workers to unionize by simply signing in a public petition process rather than through secret-ballot voting. Fair and equal treatment in the workplace begins with individual rights for the employee. The Employee Free Choice Act would require the National Labor Relations Board to recognize unions formed by a petition-based system - without a secret ballot election - if labor representatives obtained signatures from 51 percent of a company's workforce. The bill also would impose a government-appointed arbitrator to set contract terms - including wages and benefits - if companies and newly formed unions can't come to an agreement within 120 days. The legislation also would increase penalties on employers which violate labor laws during organizing periods, but does not strengthen penalties for unions. Employers which improperly intimidate workers or engage in other unfair labor practices to thwart union organizing campaigns should be punished. However, the overall result of this legislation would effectively remove workers' rights to secret ballot elections, leaving them vulnerable to harassment and intimidation. No one ever should be forced into or prevented from joining a labor union, which is why I oppose any measure which would repeal workers' rights to a secret ballot. Instead, I am a cosponsor of the Secret Ballot Protection Act, which would require a secret ballot election to determine union authorization. The legislation I support emphasizes a key tenant of our democracy, whereas card check legislation takes away the secret ballot, in addition to imposing binding arbitration and increasing penalties on businesses large and small. For small businesses which maintain a number of part-timers, union mandates on shifts, pay breaks, benefits and other rules could force many to close their doors. This bill is not designed to create jobs or speed our economic recovery. Instead, it would have a chilling effect on efforts to stimulate the American economy at a time when it is struggling to recover. The bill will drive up the cost of creating jobs for employers, especially small businesses and agriculture producers, and could lead to even greater job losses. The future of this issue is unclear. There remain several hurdles to its final passage - and a final version has yet to be seen. Whatever form the final legislation takes, the goal should be to empower workers to choose whether to organize, as free as possible from intimidation from either the unions or their employers. Workers should have the right to live up to the ideals of Labor Day without being strong-armed by bosses - their own or those of a union.

Straight From the Horse's Mouth

Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County September 2, 2009 Edition Producers are finishing up their irrigating season, some have already picked up pipe and all are preparing for the fall season. Part of that is because of how the weather feels, but mostly by the calendar. It will not be long and our area farmers will be busy preparing for the 2010 wheat crop. With the type of year we have experienced and the problems in wheat fields we have seen in the past in our area, I think that like never before it is crucial to follow the recommended guidelines to insure a productive and successful crop. Let’s take a look at some things we should be doing in this session. First, let’s look at the potential for disease and what we can do about it. Believe it or not, Fall is the best time to prevent wheat disease problems from robbing yields next spring. How can that be? Well, variety selection is the single most important factor in disease management and many producers are looking at what seed wheat they will be planting in the next few weeks. Although no variety is resistant to everything, modern varieties have much better resistance to diseases and insects than those from a decade ago. The 2009 Nebraska Fall Seed Guide is available in your local Extension Office at a minimal cost or if you have access to the internet there are some very good places you can go. You can go for a “Virtual Tour of Nebraska Wheat Varieties” by going to: http://www.panhandle.unl.edu/wheat/index.html or additional on-line information on wheat varieties can be found at http://varietytest.unl.edu/winterwheat.html . A fairly new tool for wheat variety selection for the area, UNL Extension Winter Wheat Variety Selection Tool, can be found at: http://citnews.unl.edu/winter_wheat_tool/index.shtml. Since we in South Central Nebraska have a lot in common with North Central Kansas I might also suggest utilizing the Kansas State wheat varieties and test results web site at: http://kscroptests.agron.ksu.edu/. You can also get a lot of good information at: http://wheatbook.unl.edu/ . No matter which variety of seed wheat you select, I absolutely suggest using cleaned and conditioned Certified and treated seed that has a high test weight (56+). All of these qualities increase the success with winter wheat. The seed treatments need to thoroughly coat the seeds to give good results and should be applied with seed treating equipment. If you treat it with a fungicidal seed treatment (e.g. Dividend Extreme, Raxil-Thiram, or RaxilXT) it can reduce the risk of problems later on. I have a list of treatments that you can use. Please contact me if you are interested. It isn’t only seed varieties that can have an effect on disease and insects, there is no doubt that planting date has a strong impact on several diseases and insects. Early planting is a risk factor for wheat streak mosaic, barley yellow dwarf, take-all root rot, and of course Hessian Fly. To minimize risks, I suggest that you plant after the Hessian fly free date which is September 25 for South Central Nebraska. So from then up to two weeks after that date would be the optimum planting dates. If you get late in planting, the seed rate should be increased to compensate for the lack of tillering associated with that delayed planting. Use a seeding rate of 90 lbs/- 120 lbs/acre in rain fed row crop fields. Wheat can emerge from various depths, but a planting depth of 1 to 2 inches is optimal. If deeper planting is necessary, producers should be aware of the coleoptile length of the variety to be planted. They should also be aware that soil temperature also has a big effect on coleoptile length. Extension reseach shows that maximum coleoptile elongation of a variety is influenced heavily by soil temperature. As soil temperature decreases from 65 degrees, coleoptile lengths of semi-dwarf varieties actually increase in length, however when soil temperatures are below 65 degrees, the coleoptile length of all varieties will be similar. There are always other key questions that producers have regarding recommendations to help with the wheat cropping enterprise. Let’s take a look at a couple of the most popular. How can I determine the amount of N (nitrogen) or P (phosphorus) to add for my wheat crop? Soil testing is the backbone of any well-designed fertility program. So starting with a soil test is a must. Soil core should be taken 6 to 8 inches for phosphorus and if possible 24 inches for nitrogen. When seeding wheat late, phosphorus placed with the seed helps improve yield. Use 20 pounds phosphorus where none is called for by soil tests and increase other phosphorus rates which are over 20 pounds by 20% for late seeded winter wheat. How much N does a bushel of wheat require? Nitrogen requirements for wheat are directly related to yield potential. Hard red winter wheat with a protein content of 12.5% will require about 2.4 pounds of available N per bushel. One factor that has increased the need for wheat N fertilization is the gradual decline in soil organic matter levels. In general, wheat will need about 20 to 40 lbs/acre more nitrogen when double-cropped into sorghum residue than when double cropped into soybean or corn residue to make equivalent yields. This is especially true if the wheat will be no-tilled or the sorghum plants are still alive when the wheat is planted. What varieties are best for continuous no-till wheat? This question comes up quite frequently and there has been almost no research done that tests variety performance under no-till, continuous wheat conditions. The best single criterion to use in selecting varieties for no-till continuous is tan spot resistant so look for varieties with high resistance. Other traits that are important for no-till continuous wheat are strong emergence and early growth, Hessian Fly resistance and septoria leaf blotch resistance. The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu

Homer Robert "Jake" Buschow Services Friday

Blue Hill resident Homer Robert "Jake " Buschow died Tuesday September 1, 2009, at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings. Services are at 2:30 p.m. September 4, 2009 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Hill with Pastor Don Cosson officiating. Burial will be in Blue Hill Cemetery at Blue Hill. Visitation is 2-9 p.m. Thursday, 9a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday at Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be given to the church. Homer was born on October 26, 1928 to Alex and Clara (Stumpenhorst) Buschow on a farm near Blue Hill. He graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1946. He married Ramona Arterburn on october 28, 1950 in Blue Hill, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife Ramona of Blue Hill; four sons, Michael and his wife Liz, Keith and his wife, Patti, James and his wfe Julie all of Blue Hill, Roger and his wife Lynn of Alpine, WY; nine grand children; three great-grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; 13 step great-grandchildren. he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Burnell and Edwin; six sisters, Verna Dombrownski, Margaret Porter, Viola Green, Joyce Placke, Janet Cecera, and Ardis Wagner.

September Birthdays

Below is a list of birthdays for September. We encourage users of this Blog to contribute more information concerning celebrations of area residents so we all have the information to wish these people happiness on their special days. Rick Hubl September 1 Mildred Siebrass September 1 LaRae Schunk September 1 Susan Danehey September 2 1964 Mike Reiman September 3 Oma Tuck September 3 1950 Nancy Kort September 3 James Johnson September 3 1943 Dale Harrifeld September 4 Allyn Judd September 5 1966 Paul Stoner September 6 Pam Schwab September 7 Alan Schmidt September 9 1957 Keith Piel September 13 Alice Corner September 14 Valarie Gray September 14, 1951 Wilson Alber September 14, 1979 Norma Jean Alber September 15, 1972-August 8, 1992 LaDonna Jesske September 15 Justin Curtis September 15 1978 Keith Kort September 17 1941 Connie Lienemann September 17 1953 Cindy VanBoening September 20 Sharan Ostdiek September 21 1947 Jeff Mohlman September 19 1983 Afton Hubl September 23, Ashley Olsen September 23, Audrey Peil September 24 Marilyn Skarin September 25 Shirley Barton September 27 Pam Karr September 28 Brandon Meyer September 29

James Leroy Cronin Sr. 1936 -2009

Rural Bladen resident James Leroy Cronin Sr. 72, died Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at his home. There will be no services or visitation. The remains were cremated. Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill is in charge of arrangements. James was born September 5, 1936, to LeRoy and Eunice (Ebert) Cronin at Sutton, NE. He married Barbara Jean Ransom on August 20, 1955, at Hastings, Ne. He farmed and worked at Central Community College at Hastings, NE, in maintance for over 30 years. Jim began his employment at CCC on July 1, 1966 - beginning as stockman storekeeper, being promoted to supervisor of shipping, receiving and grounds, and retiring as physical plant supervisor in 1999. Jim was the recipient of the Hastings Campus Outstanding service Award in 1986. During his years at CCC he touched the lives of numerous students who worked under him in the maintance department. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Bladen, Ne; one son, James LeRoy Cronin Jr. of St. Louis, Mo; two daughters, Deborah Lynn Palanza of Las Vegas, NV and Crystal Claire Strasburg of Oakville, Il; three sisters, Colleen Gorden of Red Wing, MN, Mary Ann Noel of Cozad, Ne and Patricia Pavelka of Lincoln, NE; and three grandchildren, Christopher Palanza and Holly and Heather Strasburg. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bobbi's address is 1061 Road T, Bladen, NE 68928