Dora Elizabeth Dye Danehey Oct ober 6, 1921 April 15, 2021

 Dora Elizabeth (Dye) Danehey, was born Oct. 6, 1921 to Millard Roy Dye and Sarah Jane “Sannie” (Hayes) Dye in Alban Township, Nuckolls County. She departed this life on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud.

Dora grew up on her parents farm outside of Mt. Clare. She spent her childhood helping on the farm, playing baseball with the local children, and riding horses. Dora attended country school at District 51, Antelope School until the eighth grade. She graduated in 1940 from Superior High School. During her high school years Dora stayed with her grandmother Dora Hayes and aunts Annabelle Tavenner and Edna Hayes at their home in Superior.

After teaching country school for several years at Bostwick, Dora went to work at the Broadstone Hospital in Superior. While working at the hospital Dora met her future husband Eugene “Gene” Danehey.

Dora and Gene married on Oct. 4, 1949. After their honeymoon to the Pacific Coast the couple made their home on their farm east of Cowles. The couple raised their family of six children on the farm. The Danehey family was very involved with the local 4-H club and always showed a variety of exceptional livestock at the Webster County Fair. Dora gardened extensively with large patches of potatoes and strawberries that she generously provided to neighbors and acquaintances. She also tended an orchard on the farm and canned various jams and preserves. Her strawberry shortcakes and pies are remembered fondly.

Dora was a caretaker her entire life. She cared for her father, Millard Dye, during his last years. Dora’s Aunt Annabelle lived with the Danehey family after a stroke severely debilitated her. Dora believed in caring for those in need, and her nurse training helped her with these tasks.

When Gene’s health failed, Dora moved to Westgate Manor in Blue Hill. While in Blue Hill Dora enjoyed volunteering at the Nursing Home and working at the Blue Hill School Cafeteria. Dora devoted much of her time to her growing number of grandchildren, caring and sewing for them. Her large collection of handmade quilts are cherished family heirlooms. Dora brought many flowers from the farm and replanted around her house at Westgate. She loved tending the beautiful, growing blooms.

While at Westgate Dora was elected to the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority. She also was on the Resident Council at Westgate. During her later years Dora traveled extensively to see her many family members. She traveled within the Midwest, along the Eastern Seaboard, through the Southwest, and made it out to Hawaii.

Dora was known for her common sense, dry sense of humor, and commitment to family. A friend or neighbor knew they could always count on Dora for help or just common sense advice. She lived her life honestly and with very little fuss. Her creativity is evident in all the beautiful quilts and other gifts she made for friends and family throughout the years. Dora valued hard work and family above all. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Millard and Sannie Dye; spouse, Gene Danehey; brothers, Millard Roy Jr., Isaac “Ike”, Faye “Fuzz”, and Ralph “Bud”; and two great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are sons, Tom (Kellee) of Tucson, AZ, Pat (Dianne) of Bladen, Bob of Kansas, Mike of Red Cloud; daughters, Jane (John) Brooks of Willmington, DE, and Nancy (Mikal) Claar of Sioux Falls, SD; 16 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren who will remember her with love and carry her legacy into the future.

Funeral services will be held Friday, 10:30 am., April 23, at the Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud. Internment will be at the Red Cloud Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, and Friday, 8 a.m. to service time.

Wanda Lee Wright April 4, 1936 to April 6, 2021

 Wanda Lee Wright, 85, died on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Wanda was born on April 4, 1936, to Lester and Margaret (Andersen) Burge in Cowles. She attended school at Hastings High School through the 11th grade. She, later in her adult life, after her children were grown, achieved her GED through Hastings Community College.

Wanda worked in Hastings for several years at the box factory when she met the love of her life, Leland Wright. Lee and Wanda were married on Nov. 22, 1955 and moved to Lincoln. While in Lincoln, Wanda was a housewife and mother.

In 1961, Lee and Wanda and their three children moved to Blue Hill, where they spent the next 55 years. For 20 of those years they owned Lee’s Conoco. Wanda continued as a housewife and mother and also drove school bus. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and taking family trips.

After her husband retired, they spent several years enjoying trips to the casino and to visit children and grandchildren. Lee and Wanda moved to Waco to live with their oldest son, Mike and his wife, Angie in 2016. Wanda enjoyed her time there and it came to feel like home but due to some health issues, moved to the Kensington Assisted living facility in Hastings in September of 2020.

Wanda is proceeded in death by her parents, Lester and Margaret (Andersen) Burge; brothers, Calvin Burge and Ronald Burge and his wife, Sharon; sisters, Marcelyne (Burge) Coutts and her husband, Eugene, Donna (Burge) Goedert and her husband, Paul; brother-in-law, Vern Allen; and daughter, Rhonda (Wright) Cox.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Allen of Hastings; sister-in-law, Ardyce Burge of Blue Hill; sons, Mike (Angie) Wright of Waco, and Rod (Bev) Wright of Chappell; son-in-law, Steve Cox of Omaha; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life funeral service at the United Methodist Church in Blue Hill, on Saturday April 17, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Dan Albers officiating. Inurnment will be in Blue Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill, with a lunch after the service.

There will not be a visitation as it was Wanda’s wish to be cremated. It was also Wanda’s wish that memorials be sent to the Solid Rock Bible Church in Chappell or the Wounded Warrior program.

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

James "Jim" Ralph Baird July 2 5, 1944 to March 28, 2021

 James “Jim” Ralph Baird, 76, died Sunday, March 28, at his home in Clay Center. He was born July 25, 1944 to Ralph F. and Fern M. (Jenny) Baird at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings.

Jim grew up in Blue Hill, graduated from Blue Hill High School and thereafter obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Hastings College. While attending college, Jim continued to live at home and tended to a small dairy herd (“to pay for tuition,” he explained). He often shared this commute to college with another Blue Hill resident, Karen Toepfer, who was to become his wife for over 40 years.

Jim and Karen had two children, Molly and James. Jim and his family lived in Hastings before moving to Clay Center in 1976.

Jim was a tax professional preparing tax returns for many years in Clay Center and Blue Hill (with the forms always in triplicate). He also was a lifelong baseball fan who rooted for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals. Whether his teams were winning or losing, he never lost his enthusiasm for the game nor relented in his opposition to the Designated Hitter.

Both Jim and Karen were avid birders and enthusiastic supporters of the Spring Wing Ding, Blue Birds Across Nebraska and the Raptor Recovery Center, among other conservation organizations. Jim was a gardener, devoted husband, father and grandfather and a generous and selfless friend to many, which he poorly hid behind a sometimes gruff manner.

Survivors include his son, James (Lisa) Baird (Fraser of Colorado; daughter, Molly (Ben) Dilsaver of Lincoln; sister, Ruth (Jerry) Koepke of Mesa, AZ; sisters-in-law, Janice Baird of Hastings, Tonna Gilbert of Blue Hill, Jeri Swanstrom of Duluth, MN, and Elberta Bruhn of Omaha; three grandchildren, Mat Baird, Dannie Dilsaver and Kate Dilsaver; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karen; and brother, Dan.

A private cemetery service will be held on Saturday, April 3 at the Blue Hill Cemetery with Pastor Leah Krotz officiating.

There will be no viewing or visitation as his wishes were to be cremated.

Memorials may be directed to either Central Community College Foundation in support of the Karen Baird Memorial Scholarship or Fontanelle Forest in support of the Raptor Program.

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

Julia Marie Morganflash January 17 1963 March 18, 2021

Julia Marie Morganflash passed away on March 18, 2021 at UNMC Omaha.

Rosary will be Tuesday, March 23, 7 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill.

Mass will be Wednesday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Blue Hill, with the Very Rev. James Schrader officiating. Burial will be in the Blue Hill Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill.

A memorial has been established to be designated at a later date. For the health and safety of others face masks are required for those attending the visitation, rosary and funeral, your cooperation is appreciated. Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, is in charge of arrangements.

Julia “Julie” Marie Morganflash was born Jan. 17,1963 to Philip and Clara (Arterburn) Smidt.

There were seven Smidt children: Vickie, Mary, Michael, Christopher, Julia, Mathew, and Joseph. She was raised in Pauline, where she attended a one room school and then completed her high school education in Blue Hill.

Julie married Randy Anderson when she was 18 years of age and had her first daughter, Nicole Rae. Two years later Julie welcomed a second daughter, Teresa Marie with Andrew Lee joining the family six years after that. They lived on a farm outside of Blue Hill. In time, life changed for Julie and she became a single mother of three. This did not deter Julie from falling in love again. She began dating and eventually fell in love with Michael Morganflash in 2003. Julie and Mike were married on July 15, 2006. Julie’s family grew from three children to seven children as she added four stepchildren: Trever Michael, Amber Nicole, Colt James, and Waylon Lee. Julie loved having a large family as she loved being a mother and a wife. She was often called mom by her children’s’ friends.

Julie began her career at the Blue Hill Nursing Home where she started in laundry working her way to becoming a CNA and Med Aid. In time she went back to school and became an LPN. She ended her career with the Blue Hill Nursing home in 2009. She followed her educational dream of becoming a Registered Nurse and went on and achieved her master’s degree in nursing. She worked as a RN Staff Development Manager at Live Oak Care Center in George West, TX. She later returned to Nebraska as she felt a pull to return to watch her grandchildren grow up. She finished her career as a Director of Nursing in Red Cloud.

Julie loved living in the country away from others. She loved growing a garden each year and loved raising chickens. At the end of the summer, she canned her gardening goods. She was a natural at sewing with everyone bringing various things to her to sew or repair. She was a good cook and hosted family functions at their farm. She loved collecting chicken figurines and riding horses. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family and having a few drinks discussing memories, talking about life, and simply laughing. Laughing is something she often did with her husband and her children. She loved going on long rides with her husband, Mike, and laughing, which they did often.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Morganflash; her children, Nicole Hanson, Teresa Friesen (Ryan), and Andrew Anderson (Kaitlin); stepchildren, Trever Morganflash, Amber Benorden (Nathan), Colt Morganflash, and Waylon Morganflash; siblings, Vickie Bulling, Mary Dixon (Mike), Michael Smidt (Audry), Mathew Smidt (Kristi), and Joseph Smidt (Michelle); her sister and brother-in-law, Michelle Morganflash and Don Osborn; along with many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Julie is proceeded in death by her father, Philip Smidt; mother, Clara Smidt; her brother, Christopher Smidt; and her father in-law, James Morganflash.

Hulda Vorderstrasse Scheiding Age 96 died February 21 2021

 Hulda (Vorderstrasse) Scheiding, 96, met her Savior Feb. 21, 2021 at Wilber Care Center, Wilber. She was born to Casper and Louise (Pittnauer) Vorderstrasse at Plymouth, the fourth of eight children.

She attended District 17 country school and Peace Lutheran Church at Plymouth. Household and farm chores filled her early life. As a young lady, her passion for nurturing led to caring for new families and continued all her life anytime a child was near.

Hulda married Harvey Scheiding Oct. 30, 1949 at Plymouth. Two daughters blessed their marriage, Sandra and Debra. Their life together, spent in Blue Hill, centered around church life at Trinity Lutheran, active in Altar and Flower Committees and Ladies Aid, and business life owning and operating Scheidings Appliance. As a homemaker, Hulda loved cooking, baking, sewing and quilting. Garden produce made for bountiful canning. They both enjoyed weekly bowling leagues. Harvey preceded her in death in 2008.

Hulda’s love of God, and faith in which she lived, was her foundation, supporting her in final years as health diminished her abilities. Her years at Care Centers in Blue Hill and Wilber were blessed by caring staff. She was enriched by her faith, the faith in which she lived, the faith in which she died, and finally the faith in her triumph over death.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harvey; son-in-law, Kent Klatt; sister, Alvina (Bill) Holz; brothers, Carl (Milda) Vorderstrasse, Erwin (Doris), Elmer (Donella, Dee, Doris), Herbert, and Freddie; brothers-in-law, Clarence (Dorothy) Scheiding, LaVern Scheiding, Delbert Yost; sister-in-law, Irene (Hank) Vogelpohl; one niece; four nephews; and a great-nephew.

Hulda is survived by her daughters, Sandra (Jack) Egge of Kansas City, MO, and Debra Klatt of York; sister, Leoda Yost of Crete; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Scheiding of Grand Island, Lois Vorderstrasse of Seward, and Joan Vorderstrasse of Fairbury; grand and great-grandchildren, Stephanie (JD) Ford, Lan and Ava of Rapid City SD, Karrie (Adam) Strough, Ellie, Corbin, Ryker of Kansas City, MO, Jessica (Paul) Woolever, Keaton and Gabriel of Rapid City, SD, David (Kim) Egge, Trace, Kassidy, Berkley of Crete, Matthew (Jaimie) Egge, Brayden, Addyson of Lincoln, Nathan Egge (Julia Tepley) of Tampa, FL; many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 a.m., April 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill.

Aspen Cremation is in charge of service to family. Condolences may be left on www.aspenaftercare.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for future designation to church and charities.

Webster County Participates in Drug Bust

The Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sheriff’s Department were among 29 law enforcement agencies that worked on one of the largest drug busts in Nebraska history.


Deborah R. Gilg, U.S. attorney for Nebraska, announced on Tuesday that 63 individuals have been indicted as part of a yearlong Department of Justice investigation into a methamphetamine conspiracy in central and western Nebraska and northeastern Colorado.


Gilg and other law enforcement officials will announce details of the operation on Friday morning in North Platte.
The individuals received federal indictments for distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
As part of the operation, the Grand Island Police Department’s tactical response team helped serve a warrant at a Grand Island residence on Tuesday morning, police Capt. Dean Elliott said.
At least one of the 63 people indicted is a Grand Island resident, Elliott said.
The Grand Island Police Department is part of the Central Nebraska Tri-Cities Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which was involved in the joint operation.
The operation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, also included investigators from the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement Drug Task Force and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group, as well as Colorado law enforcement authorities.
“This is an incredible effort involving nearly 30 law enforcement agencies,” Gilg said in a news release. “The coordination and cooperation in this investigation is a tremendous tribute to the selfless dedication we see time and time again with our law enforcement agencies.
“Two years ago, we were gathered in North Platte to honor many of these same law enforcement officers who were being recognized with an award from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area,” Gilg added. “That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into this drug conspiracy involving this operation.”
Nebraska law enforcement agencies involved in the operation and investigation also included the Central City Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Other entities taking part were the Alliance Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Department, Cozad Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Department, Deuel County Sheriff’s Department, Gering Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Kearney Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, North Platte Police Department, Ogallala Police Department, Perkins County Sheriff’s Department, Red Willow County Sheriff’s Department, Scottsbluff Police Department, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Department, Sidney Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and Webster County Sheriff’s Department.
Colorado law enforcement agencies involved were the Denver office of the FBI, the Holyoke Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Colorado.

Sylvia F. Pavelka Fink July 4, 1953 to December 26, 2020

 

On Saturday, December 26, 2020, God wrapped his arms around Sylvia Fink of rural Bladen, NE. She went to Heaven surrounded by her family at Bryan Health in Lincoln, NE at the age of 67.

 There will be a private family burial on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Cloverton Cemetery with Pastor Les Canfield officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, January 1, 2021 1–8pm with family present from 5-7pm at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, NE.  For the health and safety of others, face masks are required for those attending the visitation.  Your cooperation is appreciated. There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial planned for the summer of 2021. Memorials can be directed to the family which will then be designated to a project that will benefit the Webster County Fair and 4-H Program.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

 Sylvia was born on July 4, 1953 in Campbell, NE to Stanley F. & Darlene A. (Fassler) Pavelka Sr. She graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1971. She married Benjamin Fink in 1979 and they made their home near Elsmere, NE. Scott & Amy were born to this union. She later returned to the family farm near Bladen. Since childhood Sylvia loved all animals of all kinds. Horses were her passion as were her dogs. Over the years she raised purebred Dachshunds, Shelties, Corgies and Great Pyrenees dogs. She loved riding her horses and tending to her cattle and all of the other animals that filled her life. She was also actively engaged in her family's farming operations. 

 Her highest pleasure came from serving the children she mentored. Sylvia received the Lifetime Volunteer of the Year Award for her involvement in the 4-H program. She was a 4-H leader for 45 years and was passionate in helping kids with their dog and horse projects. She also served on the Webster County Fair Board for 30 years. She always had a smile and a greeting for every one and was a dear friend to so many that will miss her so much. Her family admired her love for so many 'no matter what' and her family admired her for her compassion, perseverance and tenacity to “keep going”. As a member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hastings she shared her love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Sylvia is survived by her son Scott (LaCaylla) Fink of Elsmere, NE and daughter Amy (Chris) Berggren of North Platte, NE. She has 4 grandchildren Bristal & Brayden Fink and Justin & Madilyn Berggren, sister Rosalyn Piel of Arvada CO, sister Mary (Richard) Johnson of Hastings, NE and brother Stanley (Sharon) Pavelka of Blue Hill, NE and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents Stanley and Darlene Pavelka and brother-in-law Ken Piel.

Webster County Board of Comissioners Meeting December 15, 2020

 WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

All information for this post taken from the published Account of the Webster County Board of commissioners meeting on the County Web site. 

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, December 15st, 2020 for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

All Board Members present: Dan Shipman , Trevor Karr , TJ Vance , Keith Buschow and Gary Ratzlaff 

 Board Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws.

 Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve the minutes of the December 1st, 2020 meeting. All voted in favor.

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

Paul Stoner met with the Board. The road crews are hauling dirt to raise a road at 500 road and working on culverts. Stoner reported a lot of road jobs need to be done throughout the County. The Board and Stoner continue to discuss the Bladen Road and Showboat Road. The Excavator has been fixed. Chairman Keith Buschow the Board with an estimate for them to consider from Mid-Continental Restoration to do tuck pointing on the Courthouse.

 The Outstanding Imprest Account Report was submitted to the Board for review. The Board discussed the HVAC System and fence. 

Treasurer Janet Knehans presented Resolution 51-2020 for a Letter of Credit/Pledged Securities for $3,750,000.00 with an expiration date of 02/10/2021. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to approve this Resolution. All voted in favor.

 Knehans presented an Application for Exemption for Midland Area Agency to be signed by Chairman Buschow.

 Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Ratzlaff to go into Board of Equalization. All voted in favor.  The Board approved of this Exemption and Buschow signed it.

 Treasurer Knehans also discussed County Depositories and Securities with the Board. In February will be going to the new banking system other counties are using.  Knehans informed the Board she had a CD in Cornerstone Bank in Guide Rock that needs to be renewed. The Board agreed to keep it at the Guide Rock Cornerstone Bank.

  David Levy, Natalie Williams from the Wind Farm Project and Planning & Zoning Administrator Tami Scheuneman met with the Board and went over the Decommissioning Agreement with the Board. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to sign this agreement. All voted in favor.

They then discussed the County Road Use and Maintenance Agreement with changes to be made. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to sign this Road Agreement at a later time when the revisions have been made. The Wind Farm Project is expected to begin construction in March.

 At 10:20am, NIRMA Executive Director, Larry Dix met with the Board to present Keith Buschow with the 2020 County Official of the Year Award. Keith has served the County for 16 years as County Commissioner and has done numerous projects for the County and Courthouse building outside his job. He was a dedicated County Commissioner and served the County well. Larry Dix stated Buschow attended all the Board workshops required of his office. Dix said he visiting with Buschow at each one of them. The whole courthouse was also present to see Buschow receive this award and wish him well. The group also were present to see Sheriff Troy Schmitz receive his award from NIRMA Representative, Marshall Tofte, for exceptional and comprehensive efforts to implement, follow, train and ensure policies and procedures in his office are up to date and address the critical law enforcement needs of the citizens of Webster County. 

 The following claims and payroll totaling $270,740.59 are listed below: GENERAL FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$6733.69; Applied Connective Technologies (Fees)-$156.60; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$114.05; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$19,367.96; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$196.71; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1663.96; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fees)-$25.52; Das State Accounting/Central Finance (Telecom)-$448.00; Duncan, Walker, Schenker & Daake (Counsel)-$2869.00; S.S. (Fica)-$7123.86; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$1969.77; Electronic Systems, Inc (Repairs)-$75.00; Energized Electric LLC (Repairs)-$60.00; First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$15.00; First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$210.00; First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$95.03; Hometown Leasing (Leases)-$305.61; Hometown Market (Supply)-$483.49; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$569.25; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$7.95; Pat Kucera (Fee)-$35.00; Karen Kumke (Fees)-$43.00; Mark Kumke (Fees)-$43.00; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$31.19; Margaret Anne Meline (Prior Service)-$42.00; Mips Inc (Support)-$2281.22; Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phones)-$96.81; Platte Valley Communications (Repairs)-$745.49; Pro Printing & Graphics (Supply)-$82.50; Red Cloud Chief (Publish)-$138.27; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)- $2861.00; Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$950.00; Verizon Wireless (Phone)-$240.06; Viaero Wireless (Phone)-$19.66; Village Pharmacy (Medical)-$42.37; Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$93.95; Webster County Court (Crt Costs)-$51.00; Webster County Hospital (Testing)-$180.00; Woodward’s Disposal Service (Utility)-$20.00; Zelle Human Resource Solution (Support)-$500.00. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: ACE/Eaton Metals (Culverts)-$8958.25; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$2632.48; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$238.96; Village of Bladen (Utility)-$59.62; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health)-$10,002.08; City of Blue Hill (Utility)-$107.90; Century Lumber Center (Repairs)-$104.33; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1695.05; Country Corner (Fuel)-$149.14; S.S. (Fica)- $2916.22; Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust (Payment)-$34,376.82; First Concord Benefits Group (Fee)-$5.00; First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$67.16; Fleetpride (Repairs)-$203.12; Glenwood Telecommunications (Phones)-$160.76; Linda Grummert (Prior Service)- $57.00; Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$80.90; Hometown Market (Supply)-$32.76; J&A Auto Supply (Repairs)-$372.12; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$120.33; Jim’s OK Tires (Tires)-$150.00; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$132.82; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$4.10; Mips Inc (Support)-$108.98; NAPA Auto Parts (Repairs)-$50.21; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)- $6211.26; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$6763.09; Power Plan, Dept. 77871 (Repairs)-$455.50; R&M Disposal LLC (Utility)-$53.50; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$918.00; Superior Fenders, Inc (Repairs)-$1830.00; Timm’s Service (Fuel)-$630.60. MODERN RECORDS FUND: Mips Inc (Support)-$138.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$233.10; S.S. (Fica)- $264.18; Madison Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$3.15; Brian Pedersen (Expense)-$35.00; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$34.00. AMBULANCE FUND: Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$149.34; Bound Tree Medical LLC (Medical)-$51.99; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$67.67; Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc (Rental)-$108.18; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$51.01; Stryker Sales Corporation (Supply)- $299.00. Total Wages -$138,711.00.

 Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the meeting at 11:00pm. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. 

The meeting was two and a half hours long. 

Wilma Lynette Gorley Schultz October 18, 1921 to December 11, 2020

 

Obituary

Wilma Lynette Gorley Schulz, the firstborn and second child of Robert Mayfield and Zella “Lucile” Nelson was welcomed into this world at the family home in Golden, Colorado on October 18, 1921. Robert, her 2 year old adopted brother, was there to greet her. She was christened in the Methodist faith at Arvada, Colorado in August 1923. In 1924 the family moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico where her father accepted a new position with the Bureau of Reclamation. It was here that her brother, Richard, was born and Wilma started to school. Following, the sudden death of her husband in January 1928 and left to fend for her three small children, ages 9, 6 and 3, Wilma’s mother returned to Curtis, Nebraska. The move provided the family with support from the Gorley and Nelson families who were both well-established and had a history of early settlement of the area. While there, Lucile met her future husband, Joseph Ralph Burns. Following their marriage, they relocated to Carlsbad, but eventually returned to Curtis. Despite difficult times associated with the Depression, the family welcomed the birth of a son, Howard, in 1935. February 1939 found the family met with the untimely death of Wilma’s mother. This event fractured the family unit and resulted in the three children who were still at home to be taken in by different relatives. Wilma was fortunate to find a loving home with her paternal uncle and aunt, Joe and Ella Gorley. This enabled her to remain at Curtis where she graduated from the Nebraska School of Agriculture High School in 1940. Wilma and Richard eventually lost contact with their baby brother who had found homes with his father’s relatives in Pennsylvania. Little did they know that the three of them wouldn’t be reunited for 48 years.

After graduation, Wilma found employment to earn money for college as a nurse’s aide at Lincoln General Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. In September 1941 she entered the Mary Lanning School of Nursing at Hastings, and graduated in September 1944. It was during this time that she volunteered to join the Army’s Cadet Nursing Program and following her graduation was mustered into the U. S. Army Nurse Corps in November 1944 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Following basic training at Camp Carson, Colorado, Wilma cared for injured soldiers at Fitzsimmon Hospital in Denver until March 1945 when she left to serve with the 312th General Hospital in the Pacific Theatre. On May 1, 1945 she served with the 312th M.A.S.H. until it was deactivated in October and was then briefly a part pf the 262nd Station Hospital while awaiting orders to go to Japan. Wilma was one of seven nurses who were mistakenly dropped off at Hiroshima following the atomic bomb attack. The group of young women was immediately met by armed military police who announced that the area was off limits and they would need to leave. However, the plane had only landed long enough to drop off the nurses and their foot lockers so no options were left for their departure. Left with no orders and no immediate prospects for a hospital to be transported in and set up, the group spent some of their idle hours by scavenging for intact objects. Their only “find” was a small bowl with a chip. They were allowed to wait for the arrival of their M.A.S.H unit on a small nearby island. Luckily, none of the group manifested any ill effects that were associated with the aftermath. Wilma recalled that treating the malnourished and mistreated prisoners of war proved to be an especially trying task. However, attending Hirohito’s trial and hearing of the atrocities he chose to commit to not only his enemy, but also his own people, brought tears every time she shared this experience. Achieving the rank of First Lieutenant and awarded two Bronze Stars and other decorations, Wilma mustered out of the Army on the 25th of March 1946.

While in nursing school and the Army Nurse Corps and after returning to civilian life employed as a nurse at Mary Lanning Hospital, Wilma had become lifelong best friends with Josephine “Jo” Zimmerman Reichstein. Besides nursing duties, Jo decided to take on the role of cupid and introduced Wilma to Elmer Schulz, a fellow Veteran and good guy at a dance in Blue Hill. Both were smitten. They were married at the Methodist Church in Curtis, Nebraska on October 6, 1946. They settled in Blue Hill and Wilma continued pursuing her career in nursing. Working as an OB nurse during the “baby boom,” she witnessed the use of empty drawers to compensate for the lack of cribs and was working when the explosions occurred at the Hastings Ammunition Depot. She joined the Lutheran faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Hill on May 5, 1948 and remained a faithful, giving, and contributing member until her late 90’s.

Two sons, Michael Harold in 1949 and Robert Allen in 1953, gladdened their home and completed their family. With the advent of the Blue Hill Medical Clinic Wilma was afforded the opportunity to continue her career while also serving her community. She also worked at the Webster County Hospital as a surgical and floor nurse for many years. Despite continuing her career in nursing until age 79, Wilma always made time for her family. She doted on her grandchildren and lavished them with her gifts of love which ranged from handcrafted quilts, afghans, clothing, and baked goods, but above all else, her love and devotion. Often accompanied by Aunt Dot and cousin, Nina, Elmer and Wilma seldom missed any of their grandchildren’s games, recitals, musicals, and other activities. In 1996, Wilma and Elmer were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Over the years, Elmer and Wilma enjoyed camping excursions with their family and later-in-life travels to many states including Hawaii, and yearly pilgrimages to Elmer’s Army reunions.

With Elmer’s unexpected passing in July of 1998, Wilma continued to serve her community, church, and others, as well as support the grandchildren at their various activities. She continued her zest for new experiences and was afforded trips with her family to New York City, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Utah. “Grandma Wilma” also became an adopted and much celebrated member of the Yost Family and was a constant at their holidays and celebrations. She was able to remain in the home that she and Elmer had built in 1949 until September of 2019 when she suffered a broken hip. She then chose to become a resident of Heritage Home at Red Cloud to be near Bob and his family. While there she had the honor of celebrating her 98th birthday with friends and family.

Due to COVID-19, her 99th birthday was celebrated with a soft serenade outside her window. Wilma peacefully passed on December 11, 2020.

Interment was at the Blue Hill Cemetery on Wednesday, December 16th.

A memorial service and celebration of life with military honors will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Hill at a later date with family and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, Elmer, Wilma was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert (Rose) Gorley and Richard (Ann) Gorley; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Ervin) Meyer, and great-grandson, Michael Schulz.

Survivors include her brother, Howard (Diane) Burns; sons, Mike (Rita) Schulz, and Robert (Suzi) Schulz; grandchildren, Brian (Lynn) Schulz and their children, Taylor and Trevin; Evan Schulz; Ashley (Scott) Schulz Bruckner and their children, Caleb, McKenzie, and Oliver; Bri (Bruce) Schulz Nelson; and Seth (Antona) Schulz; along with many loving nephews, nieces and cousins.

Rosemary (Buschow) Peterson January 16, 1926 to November 9, 2020

 Rosemary (Buschow) Peterson, age 94, formerly of Hastings and Blue Hill, passed away Nov. 9, 2020, in Bellevue, where she had moved to be closer to family.

Rosemary was born Jan. 16, 1926, in Blue Hill, to Helen (Suchland) and Alfred O. Buschow. As a young farm girl, she worked with her brothers and her parents on their dairy farm, and later with their registered Angus cattle. Rosemary was active in 4-H, earning many awards at local and state levels. She took tap dancing lessons, rode her horse, Major, played the saxophone, participated in musical activities and was Salutatorian of the Blue Hill class of 1944. She received a scholarship of $37.50 per year at a Nebraska State Teacher College. Rosemary began her long teaching career at District 64 in Adams County where her salary was $100 per month, and she was “required to do her own janitor work.” She taught in Adams and Webster Counties and was employed at the Naval Ammunition Depot near Hastings for one year.

Rosemary married Robert L. “Bob” Peterson on Nov. 28, 1946. This union was blessed with two daughters and one son, Jacqueline Sue (Jackie), Mary Helen, and Robert Alfred. Rosemary earned her B.A. in Education from Hastings College and continued to take classes at Kearney State Teachers College and the University of Nebraska. She did so while teaching, raising her children, being a 4-H and Girl Scout leader and Sunday School teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blue Hill.

After the death of her husband in 1974, Rosemary moved to Hastings where she continued her elementary teaching career. She was a member of local, state and national educational associations, Alpha Delta Kappa, NE Council for Social Studies, NE Classroom Teachers Association and Who’s Who in Nebraska.

Rosemary also taught in Arkansas, Arizona and Missouri before returning to the Blue Hill-Hastings area. She was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Order of Eastern Star, Eagles Club and a Red Cross blood donor.

Rosemary enjoyed her beautiful flower garden, her dachshund, visiting with friends, playing cards, fishing, dancing and traveling with her friend and companion in later life, Ivan Valek, who preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; husband; son; son-in-law; brothers; and numerous cousins and friends.

Survivors include her daughters, Jackie Stover (Larry Cain) and Mary Nefzger of Bellevue; grandchildren, Brad (Layla) Stover, and Brian Stover (Jessica Diley); great-granddaughter, Callie; and many nieces, nephews and friends in the Hastings-Blue Hill area.

Graveside services are to be held at a later date with burial in the Blue Hill cemetery.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23:6

Webster County Board of Commissioners December 1, 2020

 WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 

The following Board Members were present  Dan Shipman , Trevor Karr , TJ Vance , Keith Buschow and Gary Ratzlaff . 

Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. 

Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to approve the minutes of the November 17th meeting. All voted in favor . 

Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to pay claims and payroll. All members voted in favor.   Paul Stoner met with the Board. Stoner reviewed the road use agreement for the LB Windfarm Project projected to be signed at the  December 15, 2020 meeting. Stoner said there would have to be some changes made prior to signing to protect the County with any unexpected costs. Stoner wants it to encompass everything that will be done before starting. 

Planning and Zoning Administrator, Tami Scheuneman joined the meeting and presented the Board with the Agreement that will be signed. The Board has time to look at it and confer with any of their concerns. Stoner discussed 3 culverts that are in need of repair before the project begins because of heavy weight equipment being used. Stoner has picked up the culverts he ordered and some tubes so they can do repairs throughout the County. 

At 9:10am, Gene Horne (not on the agenda) met with the Board about the Webster County Hospital being able to do Covid testing and using the Ambulance Bus Barn. The cost will be $100 a month for WIFI. 

At 9:15am, the Board and Stoner went over the Revision of the One & Six Year Road Improvement Plan. Stoner explained a bridge change that was not in the original plan but needed to be. . Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve Resolution Adoption 50-2020 to include the changes needed. All voted in favor.

 The Board also signed an Agreement for Professional Services with Oak Creek Engineering LLC for future projects needed. 

 County Attorney Patrick Calkins met with the Board. He wanted approval from the Board to order a new computer and any office supplies he needed. Board approved. He stated his plans at this time are to be at the Courthouse on Fridays and part-time on Tuesday and Thursday. 

 Treasurer Knehans met with the Board on Application for Exemption for Head Start Program. Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Ratzlaff to go into Board of Equalization. All voted in favor. 

 . Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Ratzlaff to go out of Board of Equalization. All members voted in favor:  Janet informed the Board, the tax statements have been mailed out. She also discussed the Bank Securities will expire soon and she is looking to roll over with the new NBO Banking program system sometime in January, 2021.

 The Board decided the Christmas Party will be canceled at this time and maybe have something next summer.

 The Extension Floor will begin renovation sometime after the first of the year. A bid from Blue Hill Furniture was given to Chairman Buschow for the Board to look at for floor covering. 

The Bladen Road continues to be discussed at each meeting. 

The Board approved the Outstanding Imprest Account Report submitted by Clerk Petsch. 

They discussed the fence around the HVAC System but continues to table this project. 

The following claims and payroll totaling $35,047.77 are listed below: 

GENERAL FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$512.27; Anderson, Klein, Brewster & Brandt (Counsel)-$667.80; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$31.50; Ron Brumbaugh (Contract)-$1766.67; Business World Prod/Hastings (Supply)-$150.82; Shannon Chrisman (Expense)-$56.16; Julene J Degener (Mowing)-$390.00; S.S. (Fica)-$554.28; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$197.68; Phillip Fisbeck (Phone)-$120.00; Michael Goebel (Phone)-$120.00; Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$187.99; Hometown Leasing (Lease)- $129.00; Hometown Market (Supply)-$797.11; IAAO (Dues)-$220.00; J&A Auto Supply)-$240.06; Elizabeth Janning (Expense)- $128.76; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$6.49; Tanner Krizek (Phone)-$120.00; LEAF (Lease)-$424.45; National Sheriff’s Association (Dues)-$68.00; NE Assn of County Officials (Dues)-$1369.82; Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phone)-$79.38; NSA/POAN Conference Fund (Dues)-$175.00; Quadient Finance USA, Inc (Postage)-$2000.00; City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$1488.64; Sam’s Club (Supply)-$104.94; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.80; Sullivan Shoemaker P.C. L.L.O (Counsel)-$1253.20; Ronald L Sunday (Phone)-$120.00; Verizon Wireless (Phones)-$240.06; Daniel Vodicka (Phone)-$120.00; Web Co Clk of Dist Court (Fees)-$33.00; Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$21.26; Heath Arterburn (Phone)-$120.00; Nevin Arterburn (Phone)-$120.00; Country Corner (Fuel)-$75.26; S.S. (Fica)-$24.10; Monte Garvin (Phone)-$120.00; Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$49.84; Linda Grummert (Prior Service)-$57.00; Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$84.86; Michael Hunt (Phone)-$120.00; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$632.36; John Deere Financial (Supply)-$854.82; Ken Kort (Phone)-$120.00; Pat Kucera (Phone)-$120.00; LRNRD Rural Water Project (Utility)-$22.21; Monica Montgomery (Phone)- $120.00; NAPA Auto Parts (Supply)-$345.14; NCK Quarries LLC (Supply)-$835.56; David Niles (Phone)-$120.00; Nebraska Machinery Company (Rock)-$2263.13; Michael Reiman (Phone)-$120.00; Paul Stoner (Phone)-$120.00; Michael Todd & Company (Supply)- $266.02; Marvin Webber (Phone)-$120.00; Windstream (Phones)-$77.74; Kary Winslow (Phone)-$120.00. SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$1155.80. COUNTY MEDICAL/RELIEF FUND: Transunion Risk & Alternative Data 2355 (Fee)-$900.00. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Brian Pedersen (Expense)-$210.00. AMBULANCE FUND: S.S. (Fica)-$234.56; Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc (Oxygen Rental)-$185.00; Petsch Billing (Contract)-$400.00; Marlys Schmidt (Expense)-$26.64. Total wages - $10,714.59. Being no further business, 

Chairman Buschow adjourned the meeting at 12:10pm. 

 The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 at 8:30am. 

A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us.