WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance (District Three), Keith Buschow (District Four) and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five). The Board stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to approve the minutes of the January 21st, 2020 meeting. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining. None. Motion carried. At 8:35am, Paul Stoner presented the Completed, Revised and Amended One & Six Year Plan for Keith to sign. Paul presented an estimate from Lance Harter for repair costs of the Bladen Road if we used concrete. No decision at this time on this project. The crews are doing a lot of ditch work and rock hauling throughout the County. Work is still being done on the HVAC System. Courthouse Windows are progressing and look very nice. Blinds will be hung in the future and finishing of woodwork trim will also be started at some time. Courthouse lights around the Courthouse and mowing of cemeteries were discussed also. At 9:15am, Treasurer Knehans presented to the Board the end of the month fund balances. She also presented the Delinquent Tax Sale List and her Semi Annual Statement Report. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to approve of these reports. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining. None. Motion carried. Tax sales will be done Monday, March 2nd at 9:00am in the District Court Room on the third floor of the Courthouse. At 9:30am, Jim Farmer met with the Board on Trailblazer RC & D information. Two Grants have been approved from DEE (Dept of Environment and Energy). Several counties are involved in these grants. Mr. Farmer asked for some equipment to be provided and lots of volunteers to help with these recycling projects for Electronic Recycling Grant and Household Hazardous Waste Grant. Mr. Farmer also asked for their 2020 Sponsorship fee of $350.00 from the County as in previous years. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve this fee. All members voted in favor of this motion. Motion carried. Clerk Petsch stated this claim will be done at our February 18th meeting. Dates for Electronic Recycling will be Wednesday, April 15, 2020 from 8:00am to 12:00pm in Blue Hill; Tire Recycling will be August 14, 2020 from 8:00am to 12:00pm in Guide Rock and Household Hazardous Waste will be Friday, May 8, 2020 from 8:00am to 10:00am in Blue Hill. At 9:45am, the Board approved of paying for a Basic Lab Draw that the Webster County Hospital Health Fair is offering on March 30 & 31 from 6:00am to 9:00am and on April 1 & 2 from 6:00am to 9:00am. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to offer this to the employees. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Motion carried. At 9:55am, Commissioner Dan Shipman presented Resolution 8-2020 for the Board to look over and adopt. Attorney Bockstadter and several concerned public citizens were in attendance for this also. The Resolution is basically a statement being made in support of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution adopted in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, protecting the inalienable and individual right of the people to keep and bear arms. The group feels LB58 Red Flag Law is unconstitutional and wants to make a statement of opposition to this bill to send to our Senator of their concerns on this matter. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to approve of Resolution 8-2020. Voting in favor. Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2020 - 8 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHAIRPERSON AND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF WEBSTER, NEBRSAKA, as follows: WHEREAS, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, adopted in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, protects the inalienable and individual right of the people to keep and bear arms; and WHEREAS, the Supreme Court in the District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008), decision affirmed an individual’s right to possess firearms, unconnected with service in a militia, for traditionally lawful purposes, such as selfdefense within the home; and, WHEREAS, the Supreme Court in McDonald v Chicago, 561 U.S. 742 (2010), affirmed that the right of an individual to “keep and bear arms,” as protected under the Second Amendment, is incorporated by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment against the states; and WHEREAS, the Supreme Court, in United States v Miller, 307 U.S. 174 (1939), opined that firearms that are part of ordinary military equipment, or with use that could contribute to the common defense are protected by the Second Amendment; and WHEREAS, Article I, Section I-1 of the Constitution of Nebraska provides that “All persons have certain inalienable rights; among these are life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the right to keep and bear arms for security or defense of self, family, home, and others, and for lawful common defense, hunting, recreational use, and all other lawful purposes, and such rights shall not be denied or infringed by the state or any subdivision thereof. To secure these rights, and protection of property, governments are instituted among people, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”; and WHEREAS, Article I, Section I-7 of the Constitution of Nebraska provides that “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or thing to be seized.”; and WHEREAS, Article I, Section I-16 of the Constitution of Nebraska provides that “No bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or making any irrevocable grant of special privileges or immunities shall be passed.”; and WHEREAS, Article I, Section I-21 of the Constitution of Nebraska provides that “The property of no person shall be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation therefore.”; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the County Board to declare its support of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Nebraska Constitution protecting citizens’ inalienable and individual right to keep and bear arms; and WHEREAS, the members of this Board took an oath to support and defend the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Nebraska and the laws of the State of Nebraska, insofar as they are constitutional. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Webster, Nebraska by the authority granted the Board by the laws of the State of Nebraska and people of Webster County, Nebraska, we hereby declare that we shall stand and defend the rights and liberties of all county citizens, which are guaranteed by the United States and Nebraska Constitutions. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Board affirms its support for the duly elected Sheriff of Webster County, Nebraska in the exercise of his sound discretion and affirms its resolve to support decisions by our Sheriff to defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Nebraska. DATED THIS 4TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2020. The District Court Fee report was presented to the Board. At 10:30am, motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to go into Board of Equalization. All voted in favor. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to sign the Application for Exemption of Webster County Transportation Vehicles turned over to Midland Area Agency on Aging. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Motion carried. Chairman Buschow and Treasurer Knehans signed the application. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to go out of Board of Equalization. All members voted in favor. The following claims and payroll were approved for payment by motion being made by Karr and seconded by Ratzlaff. All members present voted in favor. GENERAL FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$392.59; Axon Enterprise Inc (Supply)-$65.00; Blue Hill Leader (Subscription)- $31.50; Blue360 Media (Supply)-$76.75; Bockstadter & Glen Law, LLC (Contract)-$1705.00; Katie Bolte (Expense)-$69.33; Ron Brumbaugh (Contract)-$1766.67; Carmichael Construction, LLC (Repairs)-$2915.00; CASA of South Central Nebraska (Funding)- $3000.00; Central Nebr County Assessor Assn (Dues)-$20.00; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fee)-$448.00; S.S. (Fica)- $444.90; Eakes Office Solutions (Supplies)-&290.92; First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$1321.25; Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$1185.70; Great Plains Uniforms LLC (Supply)-$82.65; Hometown Leasing (Leasing)-$250.00; Elizabeth Janning (Expense)- $42.92; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$131.99; Krieger Electric Company (Pmt)-$19,786.73; Leaf Capitol Funding, LLC (Postage)- $424.45; Mips (Service)-$19,454.31, Sydney O’Daniel (Expense)-$77.72; Katie Ord (Expense)-$90.71; Otoe County Sheriff’s Office (Fee)-$18.00; Alexa Pedersen (Expense)-$93.96; Louise Petsch (Expense)-$25.92; Gary Ratzlaff (Expense)-$42.25; Red Cloud Chief (Subscription)-$32.50; Red Cloud Golf Course (Expense)-$93.00; City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$1905.47; Secretary of State (Supply)- $10.00; Dan Shipman (Expense)-$157.67; Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$127.95; Webster County Sheriff’s Dept (Fees)-$79.95; Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00; Woodward’s Disposal Service (Utility)-$20.00. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: ACE/Eaton Metals (Culverts)-$206.27; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$7.29; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$233.94; City of Blue Hill (Utility)-$120.02; Cencon of Kansas Utility Contractors (Gravel)-$1578.37; Country Corner (Fuel)-$143.47; S.S. (Fica)-$8.27; First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$1021.94; Glenwood Telecommunications (Phones)-$166.90; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$49.12; LRNRD Rural Water Project (Water)-$22.21; NCK Quarries LLC (Gravel)-$750.03; Newman Signs, Inc (Signs)-$113.25; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)-$675.91; Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Fees)-$12,092.06; R&M Disposal LLC (Utility)- $12,092.06; Windstream (Phone)-$73.99. ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Fees)-$443.00. SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: Sean M Daly, D.D.S. (Dental)-$2666.00; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$108.00. COUNTY MEDICA/RELIEF FUND: NE Health & Human Services System (Beatrice/Lincoln)-$186.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Nebraska Weed Control Assn-Region (Dues)-$15.00. AMBULANCE FUND: S.S. (Fica)-$177.66; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$48.52; Petsch Billing (Contract)- $350.00. Total Wages - $8,245.68. Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the meeting at 12:00pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file at the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. Dated this 4th day of February, 2020 Webster County Board of Commissioners Attest: Louise Petsch Webster County Clerk

WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), TJ Vance (District Three), Keith Buschow (District Four) and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five). The Board stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to approve the minutes of the January 7, 2020 meeting. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance and Shipman. Abstaining: Karr. Motion carried. Chairman Buschow asked the Board Members if there was any old business requiring completion before adjourning the 2019 Board. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to adjourn the 2019 Board with the following projects being continued to the 2020 Board: Road/Bridge Projects and the discussion concerning construction and/or refurbishing of the Courthouse and Jail Buildings. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. The 2020 Webster County Board of Commissioners convened with the following members present: Dan Shipman, Trevor Karr, TJ Vance, Keith Buschow and Gary Ratzlaff. The annual Organization Meeting began with the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to reappoint Keith Buschow as Chairman and Gary Ratzlaff as ViceChairman. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Vance and Shipman. Abstaining: Buschow and Ratzlaff. Motion carried. At 8:35am, Paul Stoner met with the Board. Nothing new to report except the Road Crew continues to work on projects and maintain roads. Paul stated Walnut Creek Bridge is completed. All that is left is dirt work. The Board discussed the Bladen road. A NIRMA meeting will be held at the Guide Rock Shop on Thursday, January 23rd . Chairman Buschow reported to the Board that the blinds for some of the windows have been ordered. Ratzlaff reported the lights around the Courthouse has been taken care of. The Key fobs are on hold right now but will be done at a later time. Shipman reported Johnny Bostock is working on designing the fence around the HVAC System. Keith Buschow, Gary Ratzlaff and Ron Brumbaugh did a walk-around the Courthouse with Dustin Gay to inspect all the work and changes done with the HVAC System. Dustin will address some concerns and complete the projects suggested. At 9:15am, Paul Stoner met with the Board on behalf of Lance Harter for the One and Six Year Plan. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to go into Public Hearing Session for the One and Six Year Plan. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Motion carried. Paul presented a revised plan for the Board to sign. He presented a condensed version of projects that had already been completed and what needed to be done in the future. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to accept the One and Six Year Plan as amended. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Motion carried. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to go out of Public Hearing. All members voted in favor. Motion carried. Chairman Buschow reported on tort claim previously presented to the Board by Co Attorney Bockstadter who was unable to attend the meeting due to illness. At 9:40am, Clerk Petsch presented several Resolutions for the Board’s approval and signatures. RESOLUTION 2-2020 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to adopt Resolution 2 – 2020. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. RESOLUTION 2 -2020 was signed. RESOLUTION 2 - 2020 WHEREAS, Nebraska Law requires County Officials to make certain publications in official newspapers designated by the County Board; WHEREAS, Nebraska Law recognizes the Webster County website www.co.webster.ne.us as a form of publication and information; BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that the Red Cloud Chief, the Blue Hill Leader and the Webster County Website be designated as the official publications for all County Board Proceedings and job openings of Webster County for the year 2020. The Red Cloud Chief and the Blue Hill leader will publish all official publications, the County Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Statements, the Delinquent Tax Lists at one-half of the legal rate each. Advertising of roads to be opened, closed or constructed will be published in only one newspaper, that being the newspaper closest to the road under construction. All other publications may be required in only the newspaper nearest the area to be served. This Resolution is adopted contingent that both legal newspaper have comparable rates and agree to same; ALSO BE RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that the Webster County website www.co.webster.ne.us will publish the County Board Proceedings, the County Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Statements, Delinquent Tax Lists and advertising of roads to be opened, closed or constructed. ADOPTED this 21st day of January, 2020. RESOLUTION 3 -2020 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to adopt Resolution 3 -2020. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. RESOLUTION 3- 2020 WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute §77-1918 places specific duties on the County Board, County Treasurer and County Attorney for the collection of delinquent real estate and special taxes; and, WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners will receive the Webster County Treasurer’s Annual Report setting out a complete list of all parcels of real estate in the County on which any taxes are delinquent and which are not sold for want of bidders at the annual tax sale in Webster County, as required by Nebraska Statute §77-1813;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that the Webster County Treasurer, pursuant to §77-1918 of the Nebraska Statutes, is hereby authorized and directed to issue Tax Sale Certificates on or before October 1, 2020 covering the delinquent taxes upon such aforesaid parcels of real estate, and deliver the same to the County Clerk, the Board of Commissioners and the Webster County Attorney; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, By the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that the Webster County Attorney is hereby directed to commence the foreclosure of each outstanding Tax Sale Certificate held in the name of the County, and for the benefit of all governmental subdivisions entitled to participate therein, within six (6) months after the expiration of three (3) years from the date of the issuance of such Tax Sale Certificate, and then to continue such foreclosure to conclusion. ADOPTED this 21st day of January, 2020. RESOLUTION 4 -2020 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to adopt Resolution 4-2020. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Resolution 4-2020 was signed. RESOLUTION 4- 2020 WHEREAS, Depository Banks are required for the security of all funds for Webster County; BE IT RESOLVED, That Heritage Bank of Red Cloud, The South Central State Bank of Blue Hill and Red Cloud and the Cornerstone Bank of Guide Rock be designated and approved for Webster County Funds for the year 2020; BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, That the Treasurer of Webster County, acting in the best interests of Webster County, be and hereby is authorized to deposit funds and invest excessive monies of Webster County and its various districts into any depository bank with sufficient collateral in compliance with Nebraska Revised Statues §77-2318.01 for the year 2020; and, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That all public monies paid to or coming into the hands of all elected or appointed Webster County Officials shall be deposited in the aforesaid designated depository banks until making payment to the Webster County Treasurer. ADOPTED this 21st day of January, 2020. RESOLUTION 5 -2020 Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to approve Resolution 5-2020. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Resolution 5-2020 was signed. RESOLUTION 5- 2020 WHEREAS, The 2019-2020 County Budget adopted September20, 2019 by the Webster County Board of Commissioners provided for the transfers of funds in the total of $600,000.00 from General Fund to the County Road/Capital Construction Fund (#800); WHEREAS, Sufficient funds are available in the County Treasurer’s General Fund (#100) to allow for this transfer; WHEREAS, There are pending bridge replacement projects that require funding; BE IT RESOLVED, By the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, That $150,000.00 be transferred from the General Fund (#100) to the Road/Capital Construction Fund (#800) pursuant to the requirements set forth in the 2019-2020 County Budget; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above designated transfer of funds shall be made by submitting a claim from the General Fund Account (0100-705-7.0202 Expense) and issuing an Imprest Check to the Road/Capital Construction Fund (0800-590.02 Revenue). ADOPTED, this 21st day of January, 2020. RESOLUTION 6 -2020 Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to approve Resolution 6-2020. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Resolution 6-2020 was signed. RESOLUTION 6-2020 WHEREAS, The 2019-2020 County Budget adopted September 20, 2019 by the Webster County Board of Commissioners, provided for transfers of funds in the total of $780,000.00 from the General Fund to the County Road/Bridge Fund #300; WHEREAS, Sufficient funds are available in the County Treasurer’s General Fund (#100) to allow for the first transfer; WHEREAS, There are pending bridge projects that require funding; BE IT RESOLVED, By the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that $195,000.00 be transferred from the County General Fund #100) to the County Road/Bridge Fund (#300) as the first transfer of funds as stated in the 2019-2020 Webster County Budget Document; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above designated transfer of funds shall be made by submitting a claim from the General Fund Account (0100-705-7-0200) and issuing an Imprest Check to the Road/Bridge Fund (0300-590.2). ADOPTED, this 21st day January, 2020. RESOLUTION 7-2020 Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to approve Resolution 7 -2020. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Voting no, absent or abstaining: None. Resolution 7-2020 was signed. RESOLUTION 7- 2020 WHEREAS, the Webster County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2019-2020 Webster County Budget Document on September 17, 2019; WHEREAS, there was not enough sufficient cash balance to pay the Hospital Bond payment to Union Bank & Trust Company for $205,106.76, we transferred $10,000.00 from Inheritance Fund to the Hospital Bond Fund to make the above mentioned payment. WHEREAS, there is now sufficient cash balance in the Hospital Bond Fund to transfer $10,000.00 back to the Inheritance Fund.

 BE IT RESOLVED, By the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska that $10,000.00 be transferred from the Hospital Bond Fund (3100-590.02) to the Inheritance Fund (2700-590.06). BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above designated transfer of funds shall be made by submitting a claim on the Hospital Bond Fund (3100-900-7-0207) and issuing an Imprest Check to the Inheritance Fund (2700-590.06. ADOPTED this 21st day of January, 2020. The Board went over the various appointments to the different Boards of Webster County and motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to approve the 2020 County Board Appointments as listed below: Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Motion carried. 2020 COUNTY BOARD APPOINTMENTS Webster County Board of Commissioners: Keith Buschow, Chairman; Gary Ratzlaff, Vice-Chairman Region III Governing Board (Behavioral Services): Trevor Karr, Delegate; Keith Buschow, Alt. Midland Area Agency on Aging: Dan Shipman, Delegate; Keith Buschow, Alt. Mid-Nebraska Individual Services – Kearney: Keith Buschow, Delegate; Trevor Karr, Alt. Central Community College: Trevor Karr, Delegate; Dan Shipman, Alt. Webster County Hospital Trustees Board: Gary Ratzlaff, Board Liaison; Dan Shipman, Alt. COUNTY ENGINEER: Lance Harter, Oak Creek Engineering COUNTY MUSUEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES: (5-year term) Jim Fitzgibbon (01/01/2025), Michelle Cole (01/01/2024), Sharon Berns (01/01/2024), Debbie Albers (01/01/2023), Roger Crook (01/01/2023), Judy Ord (01/01/2022). COUNTY PURCHASING AGENT: County Board COUNTY SURVEYOR: (4-year term) Thomas Krueger (01/05/2023) COURTHOUSE CUSTODIAL CONTACT: Gary Ratzlaff and Keith Buschow EMERGENCY MANAGER: Ron Sunday EXTENSION SERVICE BOARD: (3-Year Term) Doug Hubl (12/31/2021), Joe Strickland (12/31/2021), Buffy Niemeyer (12/31/2021), Riley Skrdlant (12/31/2022), Nelson P. Trambly (12/31/2022). FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION REPONSIBLE CHARGE: Paul Stoner and Lance Harter FLOOD PLAINS MANAGER: Tami Scheuneman GENERAL ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATOR: Louise Petsch HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEE: (6-Year Term) Richard Armstrong (01/01/2021), Corri McCarter (01/01/2025), Michael Buschow (01/01/2025), Janice Hartman (01/01/2023), Charlene Troudt (01/01/2021). JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION: (3-Year Term) Troy Himmelberg (01/01/2022), Scott Schmidt – Bladen (01/01/2023), Marvin Hartman – Guide Rock (01/01/2022), Garth Wentworth (01/01/2023), Keith Waechter (01/01/2023), Jerry Langer (01/01/2021), Paul Stoner (01/01/2021). NIRMA SAFETY COMMITTEE: Abbey Harig, NIRMA Contact Person, Paul Stoner, Troy Schmitz, Carla Jameson, Ron Sunday, Monica Schmitz, Monica Montgomery, Alexa Pederson. NIRMA CONTACT PERSON: Abbey Harig PLANNING & ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: Tami Scheuneman SENIOR SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD: Gary Ratzlaff SOUTH CENTRAL PARTNERSHIP YOUTH TASK FORCE: SOUTH CENTRAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT: Dan Shipman SOUTH HEARTLAND DISTRICT BOARD OF HEALTH: (3-Year Term) Mirya Hallock (03/01/2022), Ron Kuehner (03/01/2022), TJ Vance (03/01/2023). TITLE IV-ADA/504 COORDINATOR: Abbey Harig TRAILBLAZER RC & D: Jim Farmer VETERAN’S SERVICE OFFICER: Gary Ratzlaff VETERAN’S SERVICE COMMITTEE: (5-Year Term) Don Beitler (06/30/2021), Michael Barton (06/30/2025), Keith Waechter (6/30/2024), Ron Schutte (6/30/2023), Roger Mans (6/30/2025). VISITOR PROMOTION COMMITTEE: (4-Year Term) Ashley Olson (01/01/2023), Jill Coffey (01/01/2024), Rod Ely (06/30/2023, Linda Hitchler (01/01/2022), Wade Gibson (04/01/2024). WEBSTER COUNTY ROAD SUPERINTENDENT: Oak Creek Engineers – Lance Harter WEBSTER COUNTY TRANSIT COUNSEL: Gary Ratzlaff WEED CONTROL AUTHORITY: Dennis VanWey ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: (3-Year Term) Dean Zalman (01/01/2022), Linda Mans (01/01/2022), Scott Schmidt (01/01/2023), Kevin Herrick (01/01/2021), Rob Wilson (01/01/2021), Tim Meline, Alt. At 10:05am, Noxious Weed Supt Dennis VanWey met with the Board about the position opening for the Noxious Weed Superintendent due to Dennis VanWey retiring. The Board discussed working hours and maybe working part-time with the Road Department to make it a 40 hour a week job position instead of a 30 hour week. Everyone approved of this idea and will publish new hours in newspapers and county website. Deadline for applying will be February 14, 2020. Applications can be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office. At 10:40am, Deputy Clerk Abbey Harig met with the Board about charging for Dissolution packets as other counties are doing this because of cost. Board stated to charge $15 for a Dissolution packet without kids and $25 for a Dissolution packet with kids.

Clerk Petsch presented to the Board the MIPS bill for microfilming of all Deeds, Miscellaneous and Real Estate records in the vault in the Clerk’s Office. This had been previously discussed and decided to go ahead with the project. A claim will be submitted at the next meeting for the full amount. This will benefit the abstractors and preserve the records. At 10:55am, the Board went into Executive Session with motion by Vance and second by Ratzlaff. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, second by Karr to go out of Executive Session at 11:10am with no action being taken on the discussion. The Board discussed the Health Fair coming up but since it was not on the agenda, it will be discussed at next meeting. At 11:15am, Assessor Krueger reported to the Board a list of Permissive Tax Exempt Properties for the Board to go over and they will be approved at the February 18, 2020 meeting. The Board discussed the refinishing of the window frames and decided to have Bob Schultz give an estimate on this project. The following claims and payroll were approved for payment by motion being made by Vance and seconded by Karr. All members present voted in favor. GENERAL FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$6603.10; Anderson, Klein, Brewster & Brandt (Counsel)-$542.73; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$72.58; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$17,705.93; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$126.25; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1649.36; Corporate Image Design (Supply)-$195.00; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Clk/Treas/Co Crt)-$225.52; Fica (S.S.)-$7373.26; Eakes Office Solutions (Fees)-$295.09; First Concord Benefits Group (Fee)-$192.00; Hometown Leasing (Lease)- $121.00; Hometown Market (Supply)-$194.80; Howard County Sheriff’s Office (Fee)-$35.08; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$105.95; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$6.29; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$37.49; Mailfinance (Lease)-$303.00; Mary Lanning Healthcare (Medical)-$1824.59; Midland Area Agency on Aging (Handibus)-$1474.27; Nebr Assn of County Clerks (Dues)- $75.00; Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phones)-$61.12; Olson Enterprises LLC (Repairs)-$49.98; Gary Ratzlaff (Supply)-$12.14; Region 3 Behavioral Health Services (Dues)-$2344.26; Sam’s Club (Supply)-$79.98; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$2954.00; Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$1061.25; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.80; Sullivan Shoemaker P.C. L.L.O. (Counsel)-$721.50; Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$1140.00; USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services (Funding)-$1786.87; Dennis L VanWey (Expense)-$74.82; Verizon Wireless (Phones)-$240.06; Web Co Clk of Dist Court (Fees)-$66.00; Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)- $195,000.00; Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$150,000.00; Zee Medical Service (Supply)-$66.00. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$2587.04; Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc (Gravel)-$2326.62; Village of Bladen (Utility)-$56.60; Village of Bladen (Utility)-$56.60; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$9092.80; Cencon of Kansas Utility Contractors (Gravel)- $813.44; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1615.19; Fica (S.S.)-$2959.18; Fastenal (Supply)-$123.26; First Concord Benefits Group (Fee)-$10.00; J&A Auto Supply (Repairs)-$1724.91; LCL Truck Equipment, Inc (Repairs)-$90.00; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$6.15; Monica Montgomery (Expense)-$6.71; NAPA Auto Parts (Repairs)-$123.01; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)- $79.58; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$8047.86; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$995.00; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)- $216.91;Charles Stokes (Repairs)-$225.00; Paul Stoner (Expense)-$15.00. ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: Norfolk Contracting Inc (Culverts)-$207,119.00. SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: Larry Baker (Dental)-$1392.00; Kory L Bumgardner D.D.S. (Dental)-$404.80; Bush Family Dentistry (Dental)-$92.20; Sean M Daly, D.D.S. (Dental)-$240.00; Heartland Periodontics & Implant (Dental)-$126.40; Island View Dental (Dental)-$372.00; Minden Dental Clinic (Dental)-$868.40; Pediatric Dental Specialists (Dental)-$403.40; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$872.00. HOSPITAL BOND: Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$10,000.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$299.32; Fica (S.S.)-$684.16; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$296.35; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$2.05; NE Assn of County Officials (Registration)-$140.00; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$111.00; Dennis L VanWey (Expense)-$90.00. AMBULANCE FUND: Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$293.23; Village of Campbell (911)-$210.00; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$191.16; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$6.74. TOTAL WAGES: $135,197.65. Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the meeting at 12:00pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file at the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. Dated this 21st day of January, 2020 Webster County Board of Commissioners Attest: Louise Petsch Webster County Clerk 

Webster County Board of Commissioners

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), TJ Vance (District Three), Keith Buschow (District Four) and Gary Ratzlaff (District Five). Absent: Trevor Karr (District Two). The Board stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2019 meeting. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance and Shipman. Absent: Trevor Karr. Motion carried. At 8:35am, Paul Stoner met with the Board. Progress is being made on Walnut Creek Project and concrete pouring will depend on the weather but things are moving along at a faster pace. Paul has ordered rock. The Board discussed the Showboat Road. Motion was made by Shipman, second by Ratzlaff to pay claims and payroll. All members voted in favor. Commissioner Ratzlaff reported on the window blinds. An estimate was presented to the Board. The Board has chosen to table this project due to high cost submitted. Treasurer Knehans presented an Application for Appointment as a County Depository and Pledged Securities which is something new that has to be done each year. Motion was made by Shipman, second by Vance to approve Resolution 1-2020. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance and Shipman. Absent: Karr. Motion carried. Resolution 1-2020 was approved. RESOLUTION NO. 1-2020 BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that SOUTH CENTRAL STATE BANK be permitted to Pledge the following securities, held in escrow by the Webster County Treasurer (trustee) to secure deposits in the County in said bank, to wit: FHL BANK-TOPEKA IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT #59767 AMOUNT: $750,000.00 EXPIRATION DATE: 02/14/2020 ADOPTED by the Webster County Board of Commissioners this 7th day of January 2020. Treasurer Knehans also spoke to the Board about needing new computers. After discussion, motion was made by Shipman, second by Ratzlaff to go ahead and purchase them from MIPS. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff and Shipman. Voting no: Vance. Absent: Karr. Sheriff Schmitz submitted his Sheriff’s Quarterly Fee Report and Letter stating he had collected all of 2019 Distress Warrants amounting to $8,227.51. At 9:30am, Roy Montgomery met with the Board on selling surplus items for the County. The Board stated they would consider this in the future. Deputy Assessor Schueneman met with the Board on Tax Corrections 19 & 20. Motion was made by Shipman, second by Ratzlaff to go into Board of Equalization. All members voted in favor. Motion was made by Vance, second by Ratzlaff to approve Tax Corrections 19 & 20. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance and Shipman. Absent: Karr. Motion carried. Motion was made by Shipman, second by Vance to go out of Board of Equalization. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance and Shipman. Absent: Karr. Motion carried. Planning & Zoning Administrative Tami Scheuneman also presented Annual Report for Livestock Friendly County for Keith to sign. All members approved of this. At 10:00am, Dennis VanWey, Noxious Weed Superintendent met with the Board on his Annual Activity Reports for Keith to sign. Dennis went over each of them with the Board members. Dennis and the Board also discussed new job descriptions for his position since he will be retiring February 28th, 2020. They discussed interviewing applicants. Applications can be picked up at the Clerk’s Office. Paul Stoner and Darrel Buschkoetter reported to the Board on Big Iron selling items for the County and their rate schedule. The Clerk of District Court Summary Fee Forecast Report was given to the Board. The following claims and payroll are listed below: GENERAL FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$321.87; Bockstadter & Glen Law, LLC (Contract)-$1705.00; Katie Bolte (Expense)-$173.00; Ron Brumbaugh (Contract)-$1766.67; Buffalo County Sheriff (Fees)-$21.29; Busch Construction (Repairs)- $600.00; Carmichael Construction, LLC (Contract)-$16,40.00; Comfort Inn (Lodging)-$439.80; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fees)-$448.00; Department of Pathology (Fee)-$272.00; Fica (S.S.)-$364.77; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$433.33; First Concord Benefits (Health)-$63.91; Glenwood (Repairs)-$210.00; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$1193.20; Hometown Leasing (Equip)- $129.00; Integrated Security Solutions (Fees)-$480.00; Jack’s Uniforms & Equipment (Uniforms)-$719.63; Elizabeth Janning (Expense)-$120.64; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$99.82; Leaf Capitol Funding, LLC (Equip)-$424.45; Mid-American Search Chemical (Supply)-$382.51; Mid-States Organized Crime Info (Fee)-$100.00; Midland Area Agency on Aging (Handibus)-$1799.88; Mips (Supply)-$311.56; Mips Inc (Monthly Support)-$2248.33; Nebr Clerk of Dist Court Assn (Dues)-$50.00; Neofunds by Neopost (Postage)-$1000.00; Sydney O’Daniel (Expense)-$59.16; Alexa Pedersen (Expense)-$56.84; Red Cloud Chief (Publish)-$373.44; City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$1398.45; Ryan Law Office (Counsel)-$494.78; Sam’s Club (Supply)-$48.32; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)- $24.80; Amber Stoner (Supply)-$122.00; Terwey Law Office (Counsel)-$703.90; Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$1756.40; Key VanWey (Repairs)-$495.00; Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Replenish)-$2.00; Webster County Court (Crt Costs)-$17.00; Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00; Woodward’s Disposal Service (Utility)-$20.00. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: Heath Arterburn (Expense)-$133.74; Auto Glass Experts LLC (Repairs)-$175.00; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$299.60; Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc (Gravel)- $4532.86; City of Blue Hill (Utility)-$112.03; C&D Service Center (Repairs)-$ 730.96; Caterpillar Financial Services (Payment)- $23,858.10; Century Lumber Center (Repairs)-$7.98; Country Corner (Fuel)-$299.94; Fastenal (Repairs)-$42.48; Glenwood Telecommunications (Phones)-$168.71; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$49.58; Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$78.70; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$1559.62; Jim’s OK Tires (Tires)-$191.00; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$122.98; LRNRD Rural Water Project (Water)-$20.00; Mips Inc (Support)-$108.98; NAPA Auto Parts (Repairs)-$86.03; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)-$931.31; Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Fees)-$825.00; Power Plan, Dep. 77871 (Repairs)-$2391.95; R&M Disposal LLC (Utility)-$33.00; South Central Bobcat, Hastings NE (Repairs)-$70.15; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$2093.44; Paul Stoner (Expense)-$34.50; Timm’s Service (Fuel)-$569.66; Michael Todd & Company (Repairs)-$722.12; Verizon Wireless (Phone)-$37.32; Windstream (Phone)-$74.64. ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: C&D Service Center (Repairs)-$40.00; Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Fees)- $4159.30. MODERN RECORDS FUND: Mips Inc (Support)-$112.00. SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: Charles D Bauer, D.D.S. (Dental)- $1928.00; Kory L Bumgardner D.D.S. (Dental)-$503.00; Sean M Daly, D.D.S. (Dental)-$1412.80; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$640.00; RC Wilson & SA Wilson D.D.S., PC (Dental)-$709.00. COUNTY MEDICAL/RELIEF FUND: NE Health & Human Services System (Fees)-$180.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Comfort Inn (Lodging)-$219.90; Nebraska Weed Control Assn (Fees)-$335.00; Dennis L VanWey (Expense)-$207.00. AMBULANCE FUND: Fica (S.S.)-$274.06; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$48.89; Matheson TriGas, Inc (Rental)-$60.07; Petsch Billing (Contract)-$350.00. Total Payroll: $8354.37. Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the meeting at 11:10am. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file at the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. Dated this 7th day of January, 2020 Webster County Board of Commissioners Attest: Louise Petsch Webster County Clerk

Austin Petr sentenced to three Years probation for cattle rustling

 Austin Petr of rural Blue Hill was sentenced Thursday to three years of probation for stealing cattle in Clay and Webster counties.

 Petr, 28, was sentenced in Adams County District Court by Judge Stephen Illingworth. He ordered that the probation sentence in each case be served concurrently.

Webster county and Clay county accepted no contest pleas from Petr  March 20 

Seven charges of prohibited sale of livestock were dropped by prosecutors and Petr pleaded no contest to two counts of theft by receiving stolen property in the Clay County case, each a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. 

Prosecutors In the Webster County case reduced the charge to an attempt., Petr pleaded no contest to one count of attempted theft by unlawful taking, a Class 3A felony punishable by up to three years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. As part of the plea agreement, Petr agreed that the sale proceeds plus interest from the cattle sold by previous court order be paid to the alleged victim (rightful owner) in the case, Alan Johnson. Petr also agreed he has no claim to any remaining cattle in Johnson’s possession that had not been sold pursuant to the order.

On January 13, 2017 Alan Johnson reported his cattle had been stolen. He reported that the cattle went missing between 5:30 pm and 7;30 am.   He notified the Webster County Sheriff, Troy Schmitz, who called George Horton, chief investigator for the Nebraska Brand Commission.  Horton testified in a Feb. 28, 2018 hearing that after the call from Schmitz he received another call indicating the cattle had been located at the Sutton Livestock auction barn.  The cattle were located by Alan Johnson and friends.  

According to Hortons testimony upon arriving at the barn and found 30 unbranded calves mingled with 40 head of branded cattle consigned by Petr to be sold.  

Of the 30 unbranded cattle, 27 had DNA matching cattle belonging to Alan Johnson of Blue Hill. Johnson reported earlier in the day that the cattle went missing between 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 and 7:30 a.m. the following day.

Johnson tracked his cattle to the Sutton Sale barn and told Horton that he could identify the unbranded calves. DNA testing was done on the 30 head of unbranded cattle. The samples were compared to Johnson’s herd and 27 of the cattle matched.

Putting the Patient in Control

We live in an age of information. We have access to more information than at any other time in history. With a touch on your phone or click of a mouse, a search for an answer to any question will be met with millions of results. This information has great value, sometimes more than we realize. Information has the power to improve lives and save them.

But when Nebraska families make critical decisions on medical treatments, access to information on cost disappears. Patients who seek procedures or medication often aren’t aware of the full cost when they agree to the treatment. This lack of transparency leaves families feeling like they have no control and are powerless to large hospitals and big insurance companies. 

It’s common sense: if you are going to purchase something important, you should have an opportunity to look at the price tag first. 

For example, when a young girl needs an MRI after she twists her knee playing soccer, she and her mother should be able to consider a variety of options. They should be able to “shop” for the time, price, and location that works best for them. They might find that they want to stay up late and drive further from home for a more affordable option. They should have the flexibility to schedule the appointment where and when they want, instead of being forced into a choice without knowing the cost. 

Americans deserve simplicity and clarity in their health care choices. By increasing competition and transparency, we can address the skyrocketing costs that families have endured for far too long. With this in mind, I’m cosponsoring three bipartisan bills in the Senate that will help put Nebraskans back in control of their health care choices.

First, I supported the Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act. It’s no secret that drug prices are quickly rising. Today, nearly one in four patients say they haven’t filled a prescription due to the excessive cost. Many Americans rely on generic medications that are more affordable. Some bad actors in the health care industry employ tactics to delay, or sometimes block, competing generic drugs from entering the market.

This solution would create a new civil action that generic developers could bring in federal court if brand-name companies fail to provide a generic developer with sufficient samples of a drug. The CREATES Act would also grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) more discretion to approve alternative safety protocols, rather than require parties to develop a shared safety protocol themselves.

Second, the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act would bar insurers or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from using what’s known as “gag clauses.” These secret contracts prevent pharmacists from informing patients that they could pay less for a drug if they paid out-of-pocket, rather than through their insurance plan. Many stories have surfaced of customers paying more for medication under their insurance plan, when they would have owed only a fraction had they paid out-of-pocket. I was proud to vote in support of this bill as it passed the Senate.

Finally, the Know the Lowest Price Act goes further. The bill would also prevent insurers or PBMs from using these gag clauses. This would apply to entities offering prescription drug plans under Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage. This bipartisan measure recently passed the Senate unanimously.

Without transparency, special interests can rig the system behind closed doors to get between you and your doctor. Families are simply paying too much for health care and prescription drugs, ultimately taking hard earned money out of Nebraskans’ pockets. I am committed to working with my colleagues across the aisle to provide much-needed relief to Nebraska families.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

Lending a Helping Hand

One of the most fulfilling parts of representing the people of Nebraska’s Third District in Washington is advocating for their best interests. Whether it’s ensuring farmers and ranchers enjoy the benefits of tax reform like other businesses or keeping essential air service alive and well at our regional airports, we have many interests which must be safeguarded through each reauthorization and funding measure considered by Congress.

While legislative goals are important to large cross-sections of Nebraska, it’s the individual case work which helps the most from day to day. Residents of the Third District can visit either of my Nebraska offices in Grand Island or Scottsbluff during business hours to request help with all kinds of federal matters. These might include advocating on your behalf to ensure fair treatment by the Department of Veterans Affairs or finding out why your Social Security check is late.

My staff can also help constituents with immigration and travel issues such as visas and passports. If you have an unexpected need to travel, such as a death in the family, and you realize your passport has expired, my staff can help to expedite the replacement process. If you have family living abroad who plan to visit the U.S., we can reach out to our embassies and consulates to ensure the visa process functions as smoothly as possible.

Young people who wish to attend one of our service academies for college need an appointment from a member of Congress. Each year, my staff collects applications from students and their parents who we then help to attend schools such as West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy, among others. We can also help service members to enlist, reenlist, or work out disagreements with the Department of Defense.

All the services mentioned above, in addition to many others, are available at my Grand Island and Scottsbluff offices, as well as through mobile offices which I advertise on a monthly basis. I strive to make staff available in each of the 75 counties throughout the sprawling Third District at least once per Congress. In other areas where we see an inordinate number of casework concerns, my staff holds events called Caseworker in Your Community to keep people from having to drive as far.

For information on these events or to learn more about the services we offer, please feel free to call my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900, my Scottsbluff office at 308-633-6333, or visit my website at AdrianSmith.House.Gov. My staff and I strive to lend a helping hand to constituents of the Third District and we look forward to serving you in your time of need.

WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS September 4 2018

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:40am on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), Keith Buschow (District Four) and JoAnn Reiher (District Five). Absent: Roger Bohrer (District Three). The Board stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Shipman, second by Karr, to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2018 meeting. Upon roll call vote, voting to approve the minutes: Shipman, Karr, Reiher and Buschow. Absent: Bohrer. Voting no or abstaining: none.
 At 8:35am, Jeff Kuhn, Road Maintenance Coordinator, met with the Board. Kuhn has reconfigured the districts for the Road Department to make the operations of maintaining the Roads more efficient. The Road Crews have been working on reshaping ditches at 1400 Road and County Line. The heavy rains have changed schedules. Project #651 will be completed this week. Kuhn and Montgomery have been taking pictures around the county of issues with tree and brush removal. Kuhn presented a Webster County Tree and Brush Policy for the Board to approve. Kuhn presented an Agreement for Professional Services for Structure No. C009114210 between Oak Creek Engineering, LLC and Webster County. After discussion, motion was made by Karr, seconded by Reiher, to approve this Agreement. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Reiher, Shipman and Buschow. Absent: Bohrer. Voting no or abstaining: none. Chairman Buschow signed the Agreement. The transportation bus has sold on Big Iron Auctions for $6,000.00.
Street work is beginning in Blue Hill so the Blue Hill ambulance will be parking in the County Shop. A land owner has said that he appreciates the work done on the County Line Road to Campbell. Discussion was had on the reduction of the Road Budget for the 2018/2019 Budget Year.
 At 9:20am, Brad Schick, Extension Educator, discussed reductions to the Extension Budget originally submitted for the 2018/2019 Budget Year.
 At 9:35am, Troy Schmitz, Webster County Sheriff, discussed reductions to the Sheriff’s Budget for the 2018/2019 Budget Year.
 At 10:20am, motion was made by Reiher, seconded by Shipman, to convene as the Board of Equalization. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Reiher, Shipman, Karr and Buschow. Absent: Bohrer. Voting no or abstaining: none.
 Sonja Krueger, Webster County Assessor, presented Protest Number CE18-16 and CE18-17 for Clerical Errors. After discussion, Chairman Buschow signed the Protests. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Reiher, to adjourn as the Board of Equalization and reconvene as the Board of Commissioners. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor.
 At 10:30am, discussion was had concerning Budget reductions for the offices of Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor.
 At 11:30am, Tami Scheuneman, Planning and Zoning Administrator, met with the Board to discuss the proposed budget for Planning and Zoning for the 2018/2019 Budget Year.
 At 11:35am, Ron Sunday, Emergency Manager, met with the Board to discuss the proposed budget for the Civil Defense/Emergency Management Fund for the 2018/2019 Budget Year. At 12:30pm, Teresa Young, Director for the Webster County Museum, discussed reductions in the Museum budget. Budget discussion continued. A Budget workshop was scheduled for Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 4pm. Commissioner Shipman left the meeting at 1:45pm. The following claims were approved for payment:
Wages for 8 part-time and 21 EMTS $10,810.88
 General Fund
Alexander Motors, Inc Repairs $ 88.47
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp Retire 456.46
Central District NACO Registrations 280.00
Charm-Tex, Inc Supply 428.32
Cooperative Producers, Inc. Repairs 12.90
DAS State Accounting/Central Finance Fee 448.00
S.S. Fica 493.09
Eakes Office Solutions Supply 2,132.84
Glenwood Phone 10.00
 Hometown Leasing Lease 258.00
Jared’s Auto Expert Repairs 2,659.97
 Trevor Karr Expense 563.05
Sonja L. Krueger Expense 102.73
Carol Kumke Expense 144.97
Leaf Capitol Funding, LLC Lease 424.45
 Neofunds by Neopost Postage 1,000.00
Red Cloud Chief Subscription 31.50
City of Red Cloud Utility 2,007.38
Tami Scheuneman Expense 175.06
Bradley Schick Expense 182.04
Secretary of State Supply 5.00
 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Registrations 150.00
Ken VanWey Repairs/Mowing 1,232.50
Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund Replenish 198.08
William’s Exterminating, Inc Pest-Control 88.00
Woodward’s Disposal Service Utility 5.00
 Road/Bridge Fund
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp Retire 46.47
Black Hills Energy Utility 42.01
 Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc Gravel 10,722.56
 City of Blue Hill Utility 86.99
Cencon of Kansas Utility Contractors Gravel 4,022.21
Central District NACO Registration 40.00
S.S. Fica 52.67
Glenwood Telecommunications Phone 154.33
Village of Guide Rock Utility 70.18
Hastings Outdoor Power, LLC Tools 761.31
 Kucera Construction Culverts 2,645.00
Lawson Products, Inc Tools 305.15
 LRNRD Rural Water Project Water 22.21
 Nebraska Machinery Company Repairs 923.50
 R & M Disposal, LLC Utility 33.00
 City of Red Cloud Utility 10.00
 Trausch Dynamics Repairs 28.90
Verizon Wireless Phone 47.34
 Windstream Phone 66.53
  Road/Bridge Const Fund 
B-3 Dirt, LLC Culverts 2,090.00
 JEO Consulting Group, Inc Fees 5,500.00
Kucera Construction Culverts 22,660.00
Oak Creek Engineering, LLC Fees 4,342.48
  Self-Insured Dental Fund
Larry Baker Dental 272.00
Sean M. Daly, D.D.S. Dental 120.00
 Webster County Dental Clinic Dental 115.00
 County Medical/Relief Fund
Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital Medical 5,501.34
  Inheritance Tax Fund
Julie Rickertsen, Trustee Refund 18,663.59
 Hospital Bond Fund 
Union Bank & Trust Company Int 524.00
 Ambulance Fund 
S.S. Fica 281.37
Optum360 Supply 43.95
Being no further business, Chairperson Buschow adjourned the meeting at 3:00pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 8:30am.
A current agenda and complete minutes are on file at the County Clerk’s office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. Dated this 4th day of September, 2018. Webster County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Debra Klingenberger, Webster County Clerk

Judge throws out Webster County Rape Case over recorded attorney-client calls.

A 56-year-old registered sex offender spent 18 months in the Red Cloud jail, staring at a possible life sentence on charges that he violently raped a 15-year-old girl before Webster County District Judge Stephen Illingworth dismissed the felony and misdemeanor sexual assault and child abuse charges. Illingsworth said the state’s case was fatally tainted by recordings of jail phone calls between the defendant and his lawyer that were obtained by the lead criminal investigator.

Also troubling to the judge were videotaped statements of Webster County Sheriff’s Sgt. Dianne Nichols who said she was “skirting a few things” to take down the rapist.

The Judge said “The court finds that dismissal of the charges is the appropriate remedy for Sgt. Nichols’ deliberate intrusion into the attorney-client relationship, It will chill and strongly discourage future intrusions of this fundamental constitutional right.”

Illingsworth said: “To rule otherwise would send the wrong message to law enforcement.”

A spokeswoman for Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, whose office had assisting in the prosecution of the case, said Friday that the ruling was being evaluated for potential Appeal.  

Defense attorney Ben Murray of Hebron said his client was released from jail late Friday afternoon.

The man was not identified because he is related to the young woman who accused him of the crime.  She didn’t report the sexual assault for several years, she said it took place in 2013 when she was 15.

Although there have been several other recorded phone call cases addressed by Nebraska courts in recent years, this marked the first that resulted in dismissal of serious felony charges.

“We can’t have police officers out there who are willing to skirt the law,” the defense attorney said. “If somebody cuts corners or cheats, it takes the possibility of a fair trial off the table.”

Murray showed that the Sheriff’s Office had downloaded 60 recorded phone calls placed by his client from the computer server that stores recorded calls at the jail. Inmate calls are routinely monitored by jail officials, and recordings of all conversations — except those with lawyers — can legally be turned over to investigators or prosecutors.al appeal.

Three of the calls in the Webster County case were placed to Murray’s office and one captured about five minutes of the two discussing trial strategy. Under the Sixth Amendment of the constitution, legal counsel, conversations between attorneys and clients are to be confidential.

Nichols testified that she knew that she wasn’t supposed to listen to attorney-client calls, so she stopped once she realized that they had been placed to Murray’s office. But she testified that she didn’t know that she was obligated to report the existence of the calls, so she never wrote up a report.

When prosecutors realized that the privileged calls had been obtained by Nichols, the calls were turned over to the defense.  There was no evidence of misconduct by the prosecution.

The judge rejected the state’s argument that the intrusion was unintentional and did not reveal prejudicial information . In essence, he said he couldn’t believe the investigator.

“How does the court know if this is true?” the judge said. “The only evidence the court has to gauge her credibility is her words and actions. Her statements ... clearly show she was willing to cross the line to convict the defendant.”

Leona Mae Wittfoth Kumke February 1, 1929 to August 29, 2018

Lenora Mae Wittfoth Kumke, daughter of Frederick William Wittfoth and Rixte (Hemmen) Wittfoth, was born Feb. 1, 1929, at home in the Freewater School District south of Wilcox in Harlan County. She was baptized on March 20, 1929, by Pastor T. Seinkeisen. On May 28, 1944, Lenora was confirmed by Pastor A. G. Trost at St. Paul Lutheran church in Hildreth. 
 Lenora died at the age of 89, Wednesday August 29th, at the Blue Hill Care Center in Blue Hill.  Funeral services were held Monday September 3, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill.  Rev. Jeffrey Kuddes officiated.  Burial was in the Blue Hill Cemetery.
Lenora attended rural elementary school in Harlan and Franklin counties and graduated from Hildreth High School in Hildreth on May 14, 1946.
She attended Kearney State Teachers’ College during the summer of 1946 and received a 3rd Grade Elementary teaching certificate. She continued her education during the summer months and attained the Nebraska Initial General Elementary certificate, the Provisional General Elementary certificate and the Nebraska Junior Elementary certificate.  She also obtained a two year college diploma from KSTC.
She taught for 13 years in rural schools: Lynce District #59, Pleasant View District #36, Smokey Hill District #17, Blake District #62, Ferguson District #31. After getting her two year diploma she taught grades six, seven, and eight in the Upland Elementary School. 
Lenora worked for Kumke Construction, Dutton Lainson, and the Blue Hill Leader before retiring in 1996.
 Lenora Mae Wittfoth was married to Duane Fredrick Kumke June 14, 1957 at St. Paul Lutheran church in Hildreth. Their first home was in Campbell where they were members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church.
They had three children, Mariann, Mark and Janet. They loved in Minden, Campbell and since 1966 in Blue Hill  Her husband, Duane, passed away Dec. 15, 2007.
Lenora was a member of Blue Hill Trinity Lutheran church and LWML, and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Bloodmobile.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Duane; daughter, Mariann; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Lee Johnson; brother, William Wittfoth; brothers and sisters-in-law, Delton and Mabel Kumke, Loren and Alice (Kumke) Waterbury, Orville and Joan (Kumke) Kuhlman, and Raymond Kumke.
Survivors are her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Karen Kumke of Blue Hill; and her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Daniel Lonowski of Hastings; sister-in-law, Wanda (Raymond) Kumke of Hastings; and brother and sister-in law, Jim and Lorna (Kumke) Dealey of Grand Island; seven grandchildren, Emilee (Lonowski) and Carter Pratt of Gretna, Nicholas Lonowski and Brock Kumke of Blue Hill, Kaitlin Kumke and Rick McEntee of Burr Oak, KS, Hailey Lonowski and Hannah Lonowski of Hastings, Derek and Jillian Lonowski of Kearney; two great-grandsons, Miles and Holden Pratt of Gretna; great-granddaughter, Kinsley McEntee of Burr Oak, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 7, 2018

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud.
The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), Roger Bohrer (District Three), Keith Buschow (District Four) and JoAnn Reiher (District Five). The Board stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Bohrer, second by Reiher, to approve the minutes of the July 17, 2018 meeting.
 Upon roll call vote, voting to approve the minutes: Bohrer, Reiher, Shipman, Karr, and Buschow. Voting no, absent or abstaining: none.
 At 8:35am, Jeff Kuhn, Road Maintenance Coordinator, met with the Board.
 Kuhn reported that the transportation van is listed to sell on Big Iron. The used culverts will be collected at the Cowles Yard, advertised and sold at the iron price of the day plus 10%.
Kuhn shared a letter concerning a fence that was damaged by road crew while clearing trees from a fence that is on the County right-of-way.
After discussion, the Board approved of a letter to reply to that complaint. Inspections of trees along County roadways are being done. Times will be set up with land owners to discuss issues. The road crews will be working on mowing roadsides. Projects #522 and #627 have been completed. Kucera Excavating will be completing Project #630. Van Kirk Construction will be starting on Project #651. Lance Harder, Webster County Highway Superintendent, met with the Board to discuss the concrete testing being done on Project #647. Harder presented plans for Project #579 which is a low water crossing. After discussion, motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr, to approve RESOLUTION 24 – 2018: RESOLUTION 24 – 2018 
WHEREAS, on the 7th day of August, 2018, Webster County Board of Commissioners met in regular session; and WHEREAS, this segment of Road F between Road 1800 and Road 1900 has a State Functional Classification of Minimum Maintenance; and WHEREAS, the current Rules and Regulations of the Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards allow for 35 mph design speed with reference to Section 001.03P of the Standards; and WHEREAS, for Project Number C91-579, it is in the best interest of the public to relax the standards to allow for 20 mph design speed; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the County Board of Webster County, Nebraska, to request the Board of Public Road Classifications and Standards approve the relaxation of standards. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Shipman, Karr, Reiher and Buschow. Absent: Bohrer Voting no or abstaining: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 24 – 2018.
Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr, to approve RESOLUTION 25 – 2018: RESOLUTION 25 – 2018 
WHEREAS, on the 7th day of August, Webster County Board of Commissioners met in regular session; and WHEREAS, this segment of Road F between Road 1800 and Road 1900 has a State Functional Classification of Minimum Maintenance; and WHEREAS, the current Rules and Regulations of the Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards allow for Low Water Crossings to be constructed but shall be submitted to the Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards for review prior to construction with reference to Section 001.03P of the Standards; and WHEREAS, for Project C91-579, it is in the best interest of the public to construct a Low Water Crossing; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the County Board of Webster County, Nebraska, to request the Board of Public Road Classifications and Standards approve the request for construction of a Low Water Crossing. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Shipman, Karr, Reiher and Buschow. Absent: Bohrer. Voting no or abstaining: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 25 – 2018. Kuhn presented a Change Order, Certificate of Substantial Completion and Contractor’s Application for Payment for Project #C91(35) and C91(637). Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr, to approve these documents. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Shipman, Karr, Reiher and Buschow. Absent: Bohrer. Voting no or abstaining: none Project #651 will be added to the One Year Plan. Motion was made by Bohrer, seconded by Reiher, to approve RESOLUTION 26 – 2018: RESOLUTION 26 – 2018 WHEREAS, The 2018-2019 County Budget provided for the transfers of funds in the total of $300,000.00 from the Inheritance Fund to the County Road Construction Fund (#800); WHEREAS, Sufficient funds are available in the County Treasurer’s Inheritance Fund (#2700) to allow for this transfer; WHEREAS, There are pending bridge replacement projects that require funding; WHEREAS, There is sufficient cash balance in the Inheritance Fund to make the transfer of the aforesaid budgeted amount for the current fiscal year; BE IT RESOLVED, By the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that $300,000.00 be transferred from the Inheritance Fund (#2700) to the Road Construction Fund (#800) pursuant to the requirements set forth in the 2018-2019 County Budget. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the above designated transfer of funds shall be made by submitting a claim from the Inheritance Fund Account (2700-990-7.0206 Expense) and issuing an Imprest Check to the Road Construction Fund (0800-590.03 Revenue). Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Bohrer, Reiher, Shipman, Karr and Buschow. Voting no, absent or abstaining: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 26 – 2018. Because of Budget restrictions, the Road Department will be doing more road maintenance, not designing construction projects. Commissioner Buschow commented that Road 200 between Road X and Z needs maintained. Debra Klingenberger, Webster County Clerk, presented RESOLUTION 27 - 2018: RESOLUTION 27 – 2018 APPROVAL OF PLEDGES SECURITIES BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Webster County, Nebraska, that SOUTH CENTRAL STATE BANK be permitted to Pledge the following security, held in escrow by the Webster County Clerk (trustee) to secure deposits in the County in said bank, to wit: FHL BANK-TOPEKA IRREVOCABLE LETTER OF CREDIT #51242 AMOUNT: $100,000.00 EXPIRATION DATE: 07/24/2019 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Reiher, to approve RESOLUTION 27 – 2018. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Reiher, Shipman, Bohrer and Buschow. Voting no, absent or abstaining: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 27 – 2018. At 9:15am, Janet Knehans, Webster County Treasurer, met with the Board. Knehans presented the Webster County Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Statement for January 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2018. Knehans will be preparing for ten County Tax Sales.
 At 9:25am, Sonja Krueger, Webster County Assessor, met with the Board. Discussion was had on repairs to the 2005 Mazda Tribute. The cost of the repairs is $732.38. After discussion, the decision was made to do the repairs. Krueger presented the 2019 Plan of Assessment for Webster County which included the 2019 Review Cycle. Krueger estimates the Webster County valuation to be $1,057,755,843.00. Krueger presented the Board with the Statutes pertaining to the funding for the Agricultural Society. Krueger presented the 2018 Webster County Cemetery List.
At 9:50am, Sarah James, Account Manager for Lutz, met with the Board. James presented a proposal to the Board for preparation of the 2018/2019 Webster County Budget. After review of the proposal, Chairman Buschow signed an Engagement Letter.
 At 10:10am, the Board recessed for a break. The Board reconvened at 10:30am with 5 members present.
At 10:30am, Tami Scheuneman, Planning and Zoning Administrator, met with the Board. Tami presented the revised Comprehensive Plan. The Joint Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on September 6, 2018. Scheuneman shared the resignation of Shannon Schriner from the Joint Planning Commission. Motion was made by Bohrer, seconded by Reiher, to appoint Scott Schmidt to the Joint Planning Commission. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Bohrer, Reiher, Shipman, Karr and Buschow. Voting no, absent or abstaining: none.
 At 10:30am, discussion was had concerning approval of the 2018/2019 Webster County Agricultural Association Budget. The request was $74,847.77. Rob Wilson, Vice-President of the Webster County Agricultural Association Board shared that the money is used for 4H, FFA and Open Class premiums, improvements to our fairgrounds, supplies, advertising and other operating expenses. Motion was made by Bohrer, seconded by Shipman, to approve this budget. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Bohrer, Shipman, Karr, Reiher and Buschow. Voting no, absent or abstaining: none.
At 10:45am, Dennis VanWey, Noxious Weed Superintendent, and Paul Moyer, Inspector for the Southeast Region of Nebraska for the Department of Agriculture Animal/Plant Health Protection Division, met with the Board. Moyer outlined the responsibilities of the Nebraska Weed Control Association and the local Weed Control Authority. Moyer reviewed the reports and requirements that counties have to submit. These reports include inspections, office evaluation, various county reports and continuing education. Moyer commented that with the Webster County Board of Commissioners committing to force control of weeds, it has decreased the noxious weeds in the County. He reported that VanWay has done an excellent job in keeping up with reporting, paperwork and continuing education.
 At 11:00am, Tony Martin and Philip Jensen, Great Plains Communication, presented a proposal to replace the existing phone system in the Courthouse. After discussion, this was tabled to the August 21, 2018 meeting.
At 12:15pm, the Board recessed for lunch.
 The meeting resumed at 1:00pm with all members present. Discussion concerning the 2018-2019 Webster County Budget was had. Debra Klingenberger, Webster County Clerk, presented the proposed budget for Clerk, Register of Deeds and Elections.
 Janet Knehans, Webster County Treasurer, met with the Board to present the budget request for the Treasurer’s office.
Sonja Krueger, Webster County Assessor, met with the Board to present the budget request for the Assessor and the Appraiser offices.
 Troy Schmitz, Webster County Sheriff, presented the Budget Request for the Sheriff’s office and the jail.
 Jeff Kuhn, Road Maintenance Coordinator, presented the Budget Request for the Road Funds.
The Board reviewed proposed budgets for the following funds: County Board, Planning and Zoning, Building and Grounds, Fund Transfers, Miscellaneous, Dental, Medical/ Relief and Grant Expense funds.
 The following claims were approved for payment:
Wages for 6 part-time employees and 12 EMTS $12,397.53
 General Fund 
 Adams County Clerk Funding $ 2,539.00
Christa Alber Expense 46.27
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp Retire 543.89
Anderson, Klein, Brewster & Brandt Counsel 399.00
Black Hills Energy Utility 85.48
Blue Hill Leader Publish/Subscription 123.15
Clay County Sheriff’s Dept Housing 315.00
Cooperative Producers, Inc Fuel 1,603.27
 DAS State Accounting/Central Finance Fees 225.52
DAS State Accounting/Central Finance Fee 448.00
Dell Marketing, L.P. Supply 305.98
 S.S. FICA 691.82
Eakes Office Solutions Supply 449.48
 Election Systems & Software Ballots 2,009.10
 Energized Electric, LLC Repairs 150.00
 First Concord Benefits Group Health 1,160.02
First National Bank Omaha Support/Lodging 288.77
 Franklin County Memorial Hospital Medical 337.00
Glenwood Fee 10.00
Great Plains Communications Phones 160.25
Hanna: Keelan Associates, P.C. Fee 5,000.00
Marvin Hartman Expense 20.90
Troy Himmelberg Expense 35.07
Hometown Market Supply 800.41
J & A Auto Supply Supply 8.78
Elizabeth Janning Expense 196.20
Jared’s Auto Expert Repairs 1,163.94
 Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center Repairs 99.56
Carol Kumke Expense 19.62
Jerry Langer Expense 20.90
Leaf Capitol Funding, LLC Lease 424.45
 Lieske Law Firm Counsel 173.00
Mips, Inc Support 2,159.97
Neofunds By Neopost Postage 1,000.00
 NIRMA Training 390.00
NSA/Poan Conference Fund Training 100.00
Ray O’Herron Co., Inc. Supply 702.32
R & M Disposal, LLC Utility 130.00
Red Cloud Chief Publishing 125.91
City of Red Cloud Utility 2,216.53
Bradley Schick Expense 160.78
Skalka & Baack Law Firm Counsel 2,366.40
Abbey Skarin Expense 24.42
Paul Stoner Expense 21.99
Theobald Law Office Council 4,672.90
Thomson Reuters- West Supply 305.00
US Foods/The Thompson Co. Supply 493.59
Ken Van Wey Repairs 975.00
 Verizon Wireless Phones 248.16
 Village Pharmacy Medical 206.89
 Keith Waechter Expense 40.52
Web Co Clk of Dist Court Fees 126.00
Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund Petty-Cash 19.00
Webster County Court Crt Costs 254.00
Webster County Hospital Testing 62.00
Wiliiams Exterminating, Inc Pest Control 88.00
Woodward’s Disposal Service Utility 35.00
 Road/Bridge Fund 
Ameritas Life Insurance Corp Retire 531.58
 B-3 Dirt, LLC Main 1,976.00
Black Hills Energy Utility 44.25
 Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc Gravel 33,391.27
Village of Bladen Utility 53.93
City of Blue Hill Utility 79.30
Cencon of Kansas Utility Contracts Rock 81.38
Century Lumber Center Supply 2.38
Cooperative Producers, Inc Fuel 1,454.41
 Country Corner Fuel 269.30
 Diamond Lime, LLC Surfacing 5,535.67
S.S. Fica 125.50
 Glenwood Telecommunications Phone 154.33
Gottsch Feed Yard Misc 35.00
 Village of Guide Rock Utility 71.20
 City of Hastings Fee 672.22
 Hometown Market Supply 66.46
 Jim’s OK Tires Repairs 365.00
Joe’s Fence & Welding, LLC Main 939.25
John Deere Financial Supply 7.03
Ken Kort Trucking Rocks 193.93
 Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center Repairs 34.98
LRNRD Rural Water Project Water 20.00
Meridian Agriculture Distribution Chemical 903.80
Mips, Inc Support 108.98
Monica Montgomery Expense 14.39
Napa Auto Parts Repairs 238.33
NCK Quarries, LLC Rock 1,225.29
Nebraska Machinery Company Repairs 16,124.31
Oak Creek Engineering, LLC Main 10,729.08
Olson Enterprises, LLC Fuel 10,830.24
 Ben Pavelka Trucking, Inc Repairs 188.77
Quill Corporation Supply 94.66
 R & M Disposal, LLC Utility 33.00
 R M Bridge Company, LLC Main 3,622.50
 Scott Kort Trucking Fee 259.29
 Sunbelt Rentals Rental 289.82
 Superior Fire Extinguisher Co Repairs 834.00
Superior Outdoor Power Center Repairs 334.10
The Baking Room Fee 65.00
Timm’s Service Fuel 2,248.06
Verizon Wireless Phone 47.34
Webster County Hospital Testing 42.00
Windstream Phone 65.83
 Kary Winslow Expense 86.64
 Road/Bridge Const Fund Ace/Eaton Metals Culverts 13,813.48
 B-3 Dirt LLC Grading 7,899.50
 Diamond Lime, LLC Surfacing 19,226.01
JEO Consulting Group, Inc Fee 4,569.50
Norfolk Contracting, Inc Culverts 170,016.00
Shipman Dozing, LLC Main 6,000.00
Van Kirk Contracting Culverts 193,959.47
Modern Records Fund Mips, Inc Fees 217.96
 Self-Insured Dental Fund
Kory L Bumgardner, D.D.S. Dental 141.60
 Mark E Bush, DDS Dental 76.50
 Central Dental Group Dental 105.60
 Mark Driscoll Dental 127.60
Pediatric Dental Specialists Dental 792.80
 County Medical/Relief Fund
Midwest Medical Transport Co, LLC Transport 1,835.95
 Diversion Program Fund
 National Patent Analytical Systems Equip 452.84
 Inheritance Tax Fund
Webster County Treasurer Transfer 300,000.00
 Noxious Weed Fund
Cooperative Producers, Inc Fuel 222.78
 First National Bank Omaha Supply 80.23
Great Plains Communications Phones 47.42
 Ambulance Fund 
Black Hills Energy Utility 12.47
Cooperative Producers, Inc Fuel 81.84
S.S. Fica 131.14
 Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center Repairs 5.88
Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc Supply 53.92
Olson Enterprises, LLC Fuel 59.86
 Platte Valley Comm of Hastings Repairs 172.50
 Red Cloud EMT’s Training 259.70
Stryker Sales Corporation Supply 10,410.41
Being no further business, Chairperson Buschow adjourned the meeting at 3:00pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file at the County Clerk’s office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. Dated this 7th day of August, 2018. Webster County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Debra Klingenberger, Webster County Clerk

WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 1, 2018

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, August 1, 2018, for a business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud.
 The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (District One), Trevor Karr (District Two), Roger Bohrer (District Three), Keith Buschow (District Four) and JoAnn Reiher (District Five). The Board stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws.
Members representing the Fire Districts in Webster were present.
Discussion was had on the legislation that passed in 2015 that states that the levy for the Fire Districts is no longer set by a vote of the people. Budget Year 2018/2019 will be the first year for implementation. Fire Districts must file budgets by August 1 with the County Clerk. After discussion, motion was made by Karr, seconded by Bohrer, to approve
RESOLUTION 19 – 2018: RESOLUTION 19 – 2018 RESOLUTION REQUESTING A PRELIMINARY LEVY ALLOCATION FROM THE COUNTY BOARD
WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board; and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Bladen Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that $64,244.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2018/2019 for the Bladen Rural Fire Protection District. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Bohrer, Reiher and Buschow. Abstaining: Shipman. Voting no or absent: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 19 – 2018. After discussion, motion was made by Karr, seconded by Bohrer, to approve RESOLUTION 20 –
2018: RESOLUTION 20 – 2018 RESOLUTION REQUESTING A PRELIMINARY LEVY ALLOCATION FROM THE COUNTY BOARD WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board; and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Blue Hill Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that $38,950.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2018/2019 for the Blue Hill Rural Fire Protection District. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Bohrer, Reiher and Buschow. Abstaining: Shipman. Voting no or absent: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 20 – 2018.
 After discussion, motion was made by Karr, seconded by Bohrer, to approve RESOLUTION 21 – 2018: RESOLUTION 21 – 2018 RESOLUTION REQUESTING A PRELIMINARY LEVY ALLOCATION FROM THE COUNTY BOARD WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board; and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Guide Rock Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that $24,480.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2018/2019 for the Guide Rock Rural Fire Protection District. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Bohrer, Reiher and Buschow. Abstaining: Shipman. Voting no or absent: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 21 – 2018. After discussion, motion was made by Karr, seconded by Bohrer, to approve RESOLUTION 22 – 2018: RESOLUTION 22 – 2018 RESOLUTION REQUESTING A PRELIMINARY LEVY ALLOCATION FROM THE COUNTY BOARD WHEREAS, Nebraska Statute 77-3443 (3) requires all political subdivisions subject to Webster County Levy Authority to submit a preliminary request for levy allocation to the County Board; and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board is the levy agent for Red Cloud Rural Fire Protection District; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that $52,530.00 is Tax Request for budget year 2018/2019 for the Red Cloud Rural Fire Protection District. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Bohrer, Reiher and Buschow. Abstaining: Shipman. Voting no or absent: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 22 – 2018. Discussion was had concerning requests for levy allocation for the Budget Year 2019-2020. After discussion, motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Bohrer, to approve RESOLUTION 23 – 2018: RESOLUTION 23 – 2018 WHEREAS, recent legislation designates the manner in which Webster County and its various political subdivisions may levy taxes for support of their various operations; and WHEREAS, all Rural Fire Districts within Webster County which would be entitled to an allocation of property tax authority not to exceed a total of 10.5 cents of valuation on any parcel or item of taxable property have filed a preliminary request for levy allocation as required by law; and WHEREAS, The Webster County Board of Commissioners finds that it would not be possible to continue the necessary functions of County government if the preliminary requests for levy allocation were granted; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Webster County Board of Commissioners hereby denies preliminary requests for levy allocation from: Bladen Rural Fire District Blue Hill Fire District Guide Rock Rural Fire District Red Cloud Rural Fire District Webster County Agricultural District FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the Chairperson of the governing body of each of the Fire Districts which submitted a preliminary request for levy allocation. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Shipman, Bohrer, Reiher, Karr and Buschow. Voting no, absent or abstaining: none. Chairman Buschow signed RESOLUTION 23 – 2018. Wade Gibson presented the 2018/2019 Budget for the Webster County Agricultural Association. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Bohrer, to accept the Budget. Upon roll call vote, voting in favor: Karr, Bohrer, Reiher, Shipman and Buschow. Voting no, absent or abstaining: none. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Bohrer, to accept the requested amount of $74,847.77 for the 2018/2019 Budget for the Webster County Agricultural Association. This amount will be reviewed at the August 7, 2018 meeting to accept this budgeted amount. Being no further business, Chairperson Buschow adjourned the meeting at 8:00p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 8:30am.
 A current agenda and complete minutes are on file at the County Clerk’s office and at  www.co.webster.ne.us.
 Dated this 1st day of August, 2018. Webster County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Debra Klingenberger, Webster County Clerk