Jerry Neal Schmidt November 18, 1940 to October 31 2021

 Jerry Neal Schmidt, age 80, passed away on Oct. 31, 2021, in Austin, TX.

Jerry was born Nov. 18, 1940, in Holton, KS, son of Jesse and Maybelle Schmidt. He was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost on July 9, 1944.

Jerry grew up on the family farm outside the small town of Guide Rock. He was the oldest of four sons. Life on the farm consisted of daily chores including milking the cows, harvesting the crops, and tending the garden.

Jerry attended Eckley Consolidated School and later Guide Rock High School after Eckley closed. On June 13, 1954, Jerry was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont.

During high school, Jerry played football and basketball and ran track. He graduated in 1958. After high school, he worked in Wyoming driving a truck for a beet factory. Shortly thereafter, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy. After basic training in San Diego, he trained as an Electronics Technician and was stationed aboard the USS Spikefish out of Key West, Florida. He married Claire Simpson. He later attended and graduated from the Naval Nuclear Power School in Groton, CT. During his eight years of active duty, he served on five different submarines and rose to the rank of Petty Officer – 1st Class. Jerry’s sons Mike and Steve were born during his time in the Navy. After his naval service, Jerry returned to Nebraska where he worked as an engineer at Hastings Industries. He and Claire divorced.

On Sept. 7, 1973, Jerry married Diana Stoner Hendrickson. The couple lived in Hastings, NE along with Diana’s son, Todd. Their daughter Becky was born in Hastings. The family then moved to Oklahoma City, OK where Jerry worked as a quality control engineer at Macklanburg-Duncan. In 1996, they moved to Austin, TX where Jerry opened Curio Corner Books, a used, out-of-print bookstore, specializing in Texas history.

Jerry enjoyed attending garage and estate sales, collecting antiques, and reading. He was a very active member at St. Paul Lutheran Church, serving and volunteering in a variety of capacities.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Schmidt; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; sons, Mike Schmidt of Des Moines, IA, Steve Schmidt and wife, Rachel of Crete, NE; step-son, Todd Hendrickson and wife, Janis of Marysville, OH; daughter, Becky White and husband, Boyd of Little Elm, TX; brothers, Richard Schmidt and companion, Elda Patterson of Hastings, David Schmidt and wife, Janet of Demopolis, AL; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church located at 3501 Red River St., Austin, TX 78705-1899.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River St., Austin, TX 78704-1899.

Webster County Board of Commisioners Meeting October 19, 2021

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 

The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (1), Trevor Karr (2), TJ Vance (3), Tim Gilbert (4), and Gary Ratzlaff (5). Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to approve the minutes of the October 5th, 2021 meeting.

 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Shipman to pay claims and payroll. 

Highway Administrator, Paul Stoner met with the Board. Paul said the road crew is working on getting the wind rows done before winter. Rock has also been ordered for the feedlot road. Discussion was had on the Bladen black top road. Webster and Adams County are working together on an agreement to finance Adams County half of the curve. They are looking at a 10-year plan.

The HVAC system and fence were discussed.

 A County Medical Claim was discussed and tabled for the next meeting. 

Vance discussed speaking with Pam Bourne about our new handbook. We need to be sure we are setting up the Employee Policy Board correctly. 

 Deputy Assessor, Tami Scheuneman spoke to the board about the Courthouse WiFi problems. She has been in contact with Great Plains Communication and explained what would need to be done to update the WiFi for the Courthouse. Motion approved to update Wifi.  

Noxious Weed Superintendent, Brian Pedersen joined the discussion on snow removal. Kenny VanWey will still be in charge of clearing the sidewalks and parking lot when it snows, however, during the day Pedersen will be in charge of clearing sidewalks, including the Sheriff’s office sidewalks. Should Pedersen be gone that day it will be his responsibility to contact Kenny to let him know he will not be available to do this. 

 Discussion was had on venting the basement and elevator. It was decided to look into getting a dehumidifier for the basement and talking to our elevator inspector about what could be done for ventilation. The board members did go to the basement to inspect the area. 

 The following claims and payroll are listed: 

 Total Wages- $149,505.42. 

GENERAL FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$7364.62; 

Applied Connective Technologies (Email)-$44.20;

 Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$56.37; 

Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Premium)-$20,285.22; 

Business World (Supply)-$32.07; 

Gov Connection, Inc DBA Connection (Supply)-$212.70; 

Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)- $2040.17; 

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

S.S. (Fica)-$7882.44; 

Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)- $1016.43;

 Energized Electric LLC (Repairs)-$461.00; 

First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$17.50; 

First Concord Benefits Group (Buy-Down)-$225.00; 

Hometown Market (Supply)-$117.28; 

Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-429.30;

Kenny’s Hardware and Home Center (Repairs)-$4.69; 

Sonja Krueger (Expense)-$95.12; 

Lutz (Budget)-$2200.00;

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

Midwest Special Services (Transport)-$1138.50;

 Mips Inc (Support)-$2405.83; 

National Patent Analytical Systems (Supply)-$192.65; 

Nebraska Sheriff’s Association (Dues)-$175.00; 

Nebraska Tech & Telecom, Inc (Phones)-$73.35; 

Quadient Leasing USA, Inc (Lease)-$303.00; 

City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$18.33; 

Region 3 Behavioral Health Services (Dues)-$2299.60; 

Revive Ministries/Horizon Recovery (Dues)-$2000.00; 

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

Standard Appraisal Services Inc (Fees)-$669.50; 

Amber Stoner (Expense)-$193.47; 

TK Elevator Corporation (Maint)-$4631.52; 

United States Postal Service (Box Fee)-$100.00;

USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services (Dues)- $1798.28; 

Viaero Wireless (Phones)-$38.84; 

Web Co Clk of Dist Court (Fees)-$35.00; 

WJE Consulting LLC (Dues)- $1095.00.

ROAD/BRIDGE FUND:

 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$2704.82; 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$65.43; 

 Village of Bladen (Utility)-$59.61; 

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

Century Lumber Center)-$7.52; 

 Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1797.01;

 Country Corner (Fuel)-$58.09;

 S.S. (Fica)-$3034.16; 

Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$82.30; 

Island Supply Welding Co (Misc Expense)-$8.00;

 J&A Auto Supply)-$396.16; 

Jim’s OK Tires (Repairs/Supply)-$794.00;

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

NAPA Auto Parts (Supply)-$36.00; 

Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs/Supply)-$734.38;

Olson Enterprises LLC (Supply/Fuel)-$11,217.96; 

South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$141.47; 

Charles Stokes (Supply)-$1500.00; 

Timm’s Service (Repairs/Supply/Fuel)-$5090.98. 

 ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: 

Speece-Lewis Engineers (Culvert Project)-$2236.92. 

MODERN RECORDS FUND: 

Mips Inc (Support)-$138.00. 

SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: 

Minden Dental Clinic (Dental)-$167.00; 

Platte Valley Endodontic (Dental)-$880.00

; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Dental)-$3856.00; 

Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$1072.45. 

 HOSPITAL BOND FUND: 

Union Bank & Trust Co (Principal/Interest)-$161,679.56. 

BRIDGE BOND FUND: 

Union Bank & Trust Co (Interest)-$10,916.25. 

BLADEN HIGHWAY NORTH PROJECT FUND: 

Union Bank & Trust Co (Interest)-$7615.50. 

 NOXIOUS WEED FUND: 

Ameritas Life Ins Corp (Health)-$238.19; 

Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$102.88; 

S.S. (Fica)- $269.96; 

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

 5502 RC AMBULANCE SERVICE #1 FUND: 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$26.49; 

Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc (Supply)-$101.00; 

Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$279.78. 

5503 BH AMBULANCE SERVICE #2 FUND: 

Village of Campbell (911 Rent)-$210.00; 

Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$116.00; 

Pavelka Truck & Trailer Repair (Repairs)-$2593.75; 

Ron’s Pharmacy (Supply)-$57.18. 

 Being no further business, Chairman TJ Vance adjourned the meeting at 10:20am. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd, 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. 

Anthony "Tony" C. Duesterhoeft Septeber 20, 1954 to July 11, 2021

Anthony “Tony” C. Duesterhoeft, age 66, passed away unexpectedly July 11, 2021 at his home.

He was born Sept. 20, 1954 in Hastings. The son of his loving mother Clara Duesterhoeft. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Blue Hill and attended Parochial school there as a child.

Tony graduated from Blue Hill High School, class of 1973. He served in the US Marine Corps as a machinist, during the Vietnam War.

On April 10, 1977 he was joined in marriage to Cynthia Miller. They celebrated 44 years of marriage in April. He worked for Collier County Government of Naples Florida as a Small Engine Technician for 29 yrs before retiring in September of 2020.

Tony was the kind of person that could fix anything! And if he didn’t know how he would research it. He would help anyone in need, 24/7, that’s just who he was. He was also a gun enthusiast and loved to target practice. He was a member of the American Legion of Blue Hill.

His surviving family members are his mother, Clara Duesterhoeft; his wife, Cindy Duesterhoeft; daughters, Felicia Amburgy and her husband Jeremy Amburgy of SC and Jessica Duesterhoeft (Keith Warenda) of Naples, FL; son, Anthony Duesterhoeft Jr. and his wife Brandi of Naples, FL; eight grandchildren, Colton Amburgy his wife, Savannah, Chase Amburgy his wife, Stephanie, Cage Amburgy, Chloe Harlow, Brooke Harlow, Ashlyn Harlow, Dayna Warenda, and Adyn Duesterhoeft; three step-grandchildren, Rayven Pollard, Jayde Pollard and Jonny Pollard; three great-grandchildren, Ellie Amburgy, Eden Amburgy, and Mason Amburgy; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Graveside services will be Sept. 20 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Blue Hill at 3 p.m. with a lunch following at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Levelle Stroh Auten April 9, 1934 to September 10, 2021

 LaVelle (Stroh) Auten, born April 9, 1934 to Edwin and Florence (Bangert) Stroh, in Rosemont, passed away peacefully in Chandler, AZ Sept. 10, 2021 surrounded by her children, son-in-law, Rick, and eldest grandchild, Mackenzie.

She is survived by her children, Lynette (Krueger) LaFond (Rick), their children, Minette (Brian) Boyd and Mackenzie, David Krueger, (Amy) their children Samuel and Zachary. Mitchell Krueger, (Anne) their Children Katherine, Jane and John Crissa (Krueger) Snider (Tom) their children Vance and Paige.

Preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Milton; husband, Eugene Auten; and many close family and friends.

She led a wonderful life serving her Lord and Savior, volunteering for her church and 27 years at Chandler Regional Hospital.

Memorial service will be held at Mountain View Lutheran Church, Phoenix, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, we are making a memorial fund to donate to her favorite charities. Please mail to, Lynette LaFond 1803 N. Evergreen St., Chandler AZ 85225.

 

Webster County Commissioners meeeting September 7th, 2021

 Kayla Schulte from Lutz & Assoc. met with the Board at their regular meeting and held their Budget Hearing and Property Tax Request Public Hearing. 

Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to go into the Public Budget Hearings. All voted in favor.  Kayla gave an informative presentation to the Board. 

the Webster County Board of Commissioners met for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska. The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman (1), Trevor Karr (2), TJ Vance (3), Tim Gilbert (4), and Gary Ratzlaff (5). 

The board approved the minutes of the August 17th, 2021, meeting.

 Motion was made by Gilbert, seconded by Karr to proceed with the Public Budget Hearing. 

 Following a review of the Budget for 2021/2022, motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to go out of the Public Budget Hearing. all voted in favor,

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

The Board proceeded to approve the following Resolutions: 

 Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve a 1% increase in restricted funds. All voted in favor.. Budget Message was signed. 

Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Gilbert to approve Resolution of Adoption and Appropriations. All voted in favor.

Resolution #32 was signed. 

Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Shipman to approve a Resolution setting the Property Tax Request. All voted in favor. Resolution #33 was signed.

 Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to establish a Remodeling Fund. All voted in favor Resolution #34 was signed. 

Bids were opened for Bridge replacements. 

One Bid for Structure No. C009191530 from Van Kirk Bros in the amount of $302,371.00 to begin Spring of 2022

 One Bid for Structure No. C009401533 from Van Kirk Bros in the amount of $206,191.50 to begin Spring of 2022 

and one Bid for Structure No. C009101539 from Van Kirk Bros in the amount of $214,720.75 to begin Spring of 2022.

Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Gilbert to accept the bids from each Structure to Van Kirk Bros. All voted in favor. 

Highway Road Administrator, Paul Stoner met with the Board on work being done. They went over road conditions and water drainage problems throughout the County. The crews continue to work on roads and repairs at the shops. Some equipment is being repaired in order to be sold.

Commissioner, Tim Gilbert reported on the HVAC System and will report at next meeting as well. 

The Board reviewed the Imprest Account Report, Clerk of District Court Report and Ambulance Write-off Report. 

The Board held their Bid Letting for Structure No. C00910401P and Structure No. C009100505. There were 4 bids presented:

 Midwest Infrastructure in the total amount of $993,624.00 

Theisen Construction in the total amount of $916,485.00 

Simon in the total amount of $893,502.00 

Diamond Engineering in the total amount of $993,703.02.

 Following a discussion, a representative for Highway Superintendent Lance Harter and Paul Stoner felt these bids were too high. 

Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Gilbert to table making a decision on this matter until the next meeting on September 21, 2021. All members voted in favor. 

The Board reviewed a new Ambulance Contract splitting the Ambulance Budget into Red Cloud Ambulance No. 1 and Blue Hill Ambulance No. 2. Two new Fund names were established for Red Cloud as No. 5502 and Blue Hill as No. 5503. This will require separate billing/income information for both Ambulances. Petsch Billing will receive $500 monthly for overtime work because this will create more work and bookkeeping. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Gilbert to approve of this split and Billing requirements. All voted in favor:  

Chairman TJ Vance presented to the Board an email from Mirya Hallock and the Board of the change at their last meeting. The Board made the decision to remodel the existing hospital instead of building a new one. This will be done accordingly as the grant money is received by the hospital. 

The Board held a discussion on the Covid policy. They discussed sick time allotted and felt we will continue to follow the existing rules of our Employee Handbook.

 Assessor Sonja Krueger met with the Board on timecards. She showed the Board how her office handles vacation and sick time for staff.

Treasurer Janet Knehans reported on ARPA money. 

 Assessor Krueger and Deputy Assessor Tami Scheuneman met with the Board on information they received at their Assessor’s meeting last week. They talked about the 30 x 30 program, CRP land, irrigated, grassland and easements. A lot of data will have to be gathered from the landowners. She also talked about several LB’s that will affect the County offices. A lot of changes coming in 2022 is anticipated. 

 GENERAL FUND: 

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$582.55 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$62.24

 Katie Bolte (Expense)-$58.24

 Business World Prod/Hastings (Supply)-$44.81

 Calkins Law Office (Contract)-$1000.00

DAS State Accounting/General Finance (Dues)-$448.00

 S.S. (Fica)-$622.55

Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$609.77

First Concord Benefits (Health)-$259.20

First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$103.76

Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$1052.09

Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$129.00

Jordening’s Body Shop (Repairs)-$250.00

LEAF (Lease)-$424.45

Brealynn Lockhart (Expense)-$32.58

 McGill Restoration (Tuck Pointing)- $136,746.00

Midland Area Agency on Aging (Dues)-$5236.00

 Midland Area Agency on Aging (Transport)-$880.00

Mips Inc (Support)-$1.00

NACO (Registration)-$200.00

NE Law Enforcement Training Cntr (Fees)-$135.00

Nebraska Secretary of State (Registration)-$120.00

Katie Ord (Expense)-$79.19

 Alexa Pedersen (Expense)-$22.40

 Pierce Electronics (Supply)-$145.60

Quadient Finance USA, Inc (Postage)-$1000.00

 Ramada Midtown Conf Center (Lodging)-$576.00

Red Cloud Chief (Renewal)-$33.50

City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$1493.82

Sam’s Club (Supply)-$212.47

Tami Scheuneman (Expense)-$99.60

Robert Schulz (Repairs)-$85.00

South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.54

Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$402.75

Thomson Reuters – West (Support)-$174.25

Tru-Built Construction (Tuck Pointing)-$2544.40

Ken VanWey (Repairs/Mowing)-$1325.00

 Village Pharmacy (Supply)-$30.96 

Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$315.18

Webster County Court (Fees)-$134.00

 Webster County Hospital (Inmate)- $3426.36

 Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00

 Woodward’s Disposal Service (Utility)-$25.00.

ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: 

 ACE/Eaton Metals (Culverts)-$13,242.78

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Health)-$54.07 

Auto Glass Experts LLC (Repairs)-$185.00

 B’s Enterprises, Inc (Grader Blades)-$4630.00

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$70.92

Bladen Sand & Gravel, Inc (Gravel/Borrow)-$49,461.61 

 City of Blue Hill (Utility)-$90.25

Country Corner (Fuel)-$118.35

S.S. (Fica)-$61.27

 Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$9.29.

First Concord Benefits (Health)-$42.09 

First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$97.83

 Fleetpride (Supply)-$11.10

Glenwood Telecommunications (Phones)-$115.75

Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$50.41

Linda Grummert (Prior Service)-$57.00

 Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$86.37

Hometown Market (Supply)-$31.95 

John Deere Financial (Supply)-$309.53

 LRNRD Rural Water Project (Water)-$26.63

 Meridian Agriculture Distribution (Supply)-$581.50

NAPA Auto Parts (Supply)-$18.99

Nebraska Machinery Co (Supply)-$9455.35 

Power Plan, Dept 77871 (Supply/Repairs)-$2857.89

R&M Disposal LLC (Utility)-$53.50 

Universal Hydraulics (Supply)-$93.00

 Werner Construction Co (Trucks)-$128,000.00

Windstream (Phone)-$77.65. 

ROAD/BRIDGE CONST FUND: 

Contech Engineered Solutions LLC (Supply)-$32,850.00. 

SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: 

Kory L Bumgardner D.D.S. (Dental)-$955.20

 Jessica A Meeske, D.D.S. (Dental)-$123.20

Minden Dental Clinic (Dental)-$96.00 

Robert G Money, D.D.S. (Dental)-$30.00.

5502 RC AMBULANCE SERVICE #1 FUND:

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$27.59

S.S. (Fica)-$273.72 

Great Plains Communications (Phones)- $49.53 

McKesson Medical-Surgical (Supply)-$262.60 

Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$114.46

Petsch Billing (Contract)-$400.00.

5503 BH AMBULANCE SERVICE #2 FUND: S.S. (Fica)-$329.19.

Total Wages - $16,908.90.

WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 17 2021

 WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, August 17 2021 for their regular Business Meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 

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

 The board voted to pay claims and payroll. :

Highway Road Manager, Paul Stoner met with the Board. He informed the Board he has been looking at trucks. Road 1500 is being worked on. Billy Wilkins and Joe Yona from Nextera met with the Board. They discussed with the Board and Paul Stoner some things that would have to be addressed jointly on road surfacing in order to be done correctly. They discussed Road 300 being heavily traveled  Mr. Wilkins and Mr. Yona will make it a point to report to the Board often in order to keep up with the progress. 

 Treasurer Janet Knehans and Deputy Clerk Abbey Harig went over improvements and changes made with the various budgets with the Board. 

 County Clerk Louise Petsch met with the Board and gave a report on abandoned cemeteries. The  to allow individuals to mow an abandoned cemetery 3 times a year instead of 2 times in order to better keep the cemeteries clean and make mowing them easier.

Noxious Weed Supt, Brian Pedersen met with the Board on his budget and discussed several things going on pertaining to his office. 

 Hospital Administrator, Mirya Hallock met with the Board and reported on the Hospital Operations. It was a very thorough report. The Board discussed where the situation was going as far as remodeling or building new. The Board voiced their opinion on both options and suggested they meet at the next Board meeting with Administrator Hallock and all of the Hospital Board Members. No one wants to lose our hospital in Red Cloud but a lot of things financially need to be considered to make the best possible decision. Hallock reported the Hospital Thrift Shop is doing good and encourage people to keep bringing items to sell. They received an anonymous donation to help pay for COVID shots. Anyone getting one will receive $20.

 Gene Horne and Marlys Schmidt met with the Board on Ambulance. They would like to split the two Ambulances into separate entities and budgets. The board voted in favor.  They will be budgeted as Red Cloud Ambulance One and Blue Hill Ambulance Two. Liz Petsch will keep separate records of wages, withholdings, expenses, income, number of runs, etc.

 Assessor Sonja Krueger met on a Tax Correction.  Assessor Krueger presented Tax Correction No. 2021-28 concerning Adam Pavelka. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to allow this Tax Correction. Motion carried. Tax Correction No. 2021-28 was approved. 

 County Attorney Patrick Calkins met with the Board on his budget and Diversion Program Fund budget. 

Museum Budget was presented to the Board by Teresa Young.

  Extention Educator Beth Janning met with the Board on her budget and replacing the flooring in her office. The Board will check with Rod Hunter to see if he can incorporate this when he does the flooring elsewhere in the Courthouse.

 Sara James met with the Board to go over final review of budgets after corrections and changes have been made. Sara will meet at our September 7th meeting for final Budget approval. She informed the Board she will be leaving her position of doing budgets for the County. Since we are still under contract with Lutz & Associates, Sara introduced Kayla Schulte to the Board as her replacement. Sara has done an excellent job for the County. The Board expressed their regrets in losing Sara, but congratulated her on her new appointment and wished her well. 

. A letter was received from Gans Family Farms LLC for the Board to know they also oppose the establishment of 49 County Heritage Area and the 30 x 30 programs. They agree with Webster County in opposing both of them. 

 Clerk Petsch presented Employee time sheets for the Board to review. 

, Veteran Service Office, Gary Ratzlaff presented a FY20 Geographic Distribution of VA Expenditures Report for the Board to go over. Webster County has been successful in helping our Veterans in the County thanks to Gary. The Board thanked him for the work done through his office.

 Certifications of Taxable Value for tax year 2021 were presented for the various Political Subdivisions in the County for the Board to review.

 GENERAL FUND:

 Ameritas Life Ins (Retirement)-$7289.94; 

Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$55.14; 

Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health)-$21,224.32; 

Blue Hill Leader (publish)-$898.39; 

Ron Brumbaugh (repairs)-$520.42; 

Burt County Clerk (registrations)-$150.00); 

CPI (fuel)-$1,682.31;

 CVSOAN (dues)-$60.00; 

DAS State Acctng (fees)-$225.52;

S.S. (Fica)- $7797.79;

 Eakes (supplies)-$536.54; 

Empower Ret Services (deferred comp)-$50.00; 

Energized Electric (repairs)-$178.75;

 First Concord Benefits (health/life)-$642.15;

 Hometown Leasing (leasing)-$153.98;

 Hometown Market (supplies)- $198.13;

Jared’s Auto Expert (repairs)-$1736.04;

Kenny’s Hardware & Home Center (supplies)-$12.58;

Madison Life (life)-$37.13;

McGill Restoration (contract)-$45,415.00; 

MIPS, Inc (support)-$2543.83;

Nebr Tech & Telecom (phone)- $78.59;

Gary Ratzlaff (supply)-$40.97; 

Red Cloud Chief (publish)-$658.01; 

Region 3 Behavioral (funding)-$2299.60;

 SelfInsured Dental (premiums)-$2938.00; 

Thomson Reuters (subscription)-$174.25; 

Turner Technology (network)-$157.50; 

Viaero Wireless (phone)-$19.42; 

Web Co Clk Dist Crt (fees)-$35.00;

 Webster Co Crt (fees)-$169.00;

Zee Medical Ser (supplies)-$78.90; 

ROAD FUND:

 Ameritas Life Ins (retirement)-$2694.02;

Black Hills Energy (utility)-$22.81;

 Bladen Sand & Gravel (gravel)-$5450.40;

 Village of Bladen (utility)-$59.68;

 Blue Cross Blue Shield (health)-$10330.10;

Blue Hill Leader (publish)-$282.15; 

C & D Service (repairs)-$40.85;

 Cencon of Kansas (rock)-$1353.80; 

CPI (fuel)-$2859.31;

S.S (Fica)- $8931.73;

Eakes (supply)-$20.38;

 First Concord Benefits (fees)-$5.00;

 Village of Guide Rock (utility)-$81.95;

 Hastings Outdoor Power (repairs)-$41.97;

 J & A Auto (repairs)-$152.72;

 Jim’s OK Tires (tires)-$1101.00;

 Krueger Land Surveying (surveys)-$375.00;

 Madison Life (Life)-$4.10; 

Midwest Service & Sales (posts)-$2040.00;

 MIPS, Inc (support)-$113.34; 

Nebraska Salt & Grain (gravel)-$1507.00;

 Nebr Machinery Co (repairs)-$2022.15;

 Olson Ent (fuel)-$9901.27;

 Self-Insured Dental (premiums)-$918.00;

 SCPPD (utility)-$23.36;

 Timm’s Service (fuel)-$2336.15

; Michael Todd & Co (flags)-$261.90;

 Web Co Hospital (testing)-$88.00. 

COUNTY MEDICAL/RELIEF:

Dept of Admin Servs (funding)-$129.00;

 DIVERSION PROGRAM FUND: 

Transunion Rick & Alt Data (online services)-$900.00;

 NOXIOUS WEED FUND: 

Ameritas Life Ins (retirement)-$238.19; 

CPI (fuel)-$125.85; 

S.S. (Fica)-$269.96; 

J & A Auto (repairs)-$143.62; 

Madison Life (life)-$3.15; 

SelfInsured Fund (premium)-$34.00; 

AMBULANCE FUND:

Bio-Electronics (Agreement)-$265.00; 

Olson Enterprises (fuel)- $34.22. 

 Salaries for Employees: (Monthly) 5 County Commissioners: $1,909.62;

 3 County Officials: $4,685.64; 

1 County Official: $5,039.27; 

1 County Official: $5,133.40;

 1 Office Jailer: $400.00; 

1 Chief Deputy Sheriff: $4,150.00;

 3 Deputy Sheriff: $3,750.00;

 1 Deputy Sheriff: $3,550.00;

5 On-Call Compensation:  $50.00;

 3 Deputy County Officials: $3,378.27;

 4 County Officials Office Clerks: $3,088.80; 

1 County Official Office Clerk: $2,600.00; 

1 Chief Dispatcher: $3,350.00;

 1 Dispatcher: $2,950.00;

 1 Dispatcher: $2,730.00;

 1 Veteran Service Officer: $1,267.57;

1 Emergency Manager: $700.00; 

1 Noxious Weed Supt: $3,059.33; 

1 Highway Supt Manager: $4,506.66;

 2 Road Operators: $3,250.00; 

1 Road Operator: $3,163.33;

 1 Road Operator: $3,076.66;

 2 Road Operators: $3,189.33;

 3 Road Operators: $3,206.66;

1 Road Operator: $3,033.33;

 1 Office Manager/Road: $3,163.33; 

1 Office Deputy: $19.49 an hour; 

1 Office Clerk: $17.82 an hour.

 Being no further business, Chairman TJ Vance adjourned the meeting at 12:20 pm. 

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 7th, 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.

Ardyce Mae (Reis) Burge July 1, 1930 to August 2, 2021

 

Ardyce Mae (Reis) Burge was born July 1, 1930, at the Glasco Hospital, Hastings NE to Frank and Minnie (Gartner) Reis of rural Blue Hill NE. The family moved to the Reis farm near Ayr, NE in 1939. She attended the Batin School, Webster, Co., Science Ridge School and graduated from Roseland High School, both in Adams Co. in 1947. She married Calvin L. Burge September 25, 1948 at Rural Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hastings, NE.  Five children were born to this union – Clinton, Rex, Diana, Janelle and Robin. Their early years were spent in Ayr, Kearney, Topeka, KS, Minden and in 1960 moved to Blue Hill where they raised their family. She was the bookkeeper for Burge & Son Motors & C-L School Buses.

She attended St. Paul Lutheran Church, was a member and officer of WELCA and taught Sunday School. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 176, P.E.O. Chapter W, Blue Hill Chamber of Commerce, now the Community Club. 

After Cal & Ardyce retired, Ardyce enjoyed her time with friends “at coffee”. She liked to keep her scrapbooks and family books, to read, attend all the Blue Hill sporting events, NE volleyball and anything involving her children or grandchildren.

In May 2018 when her kidney disease had advanced she started dialysis at the DaVita Center in Hastings with her son Clint or daughter-in-law Terry taking her to Hastings and her 3 daughters taking her home. She still enjoyed activities, services and Sunday School at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, NE.

She is survived by sons Clint (Terry) Burge of Blue Hill, and Rex (Anita) Burge of Grant; daughters Diana (Bruce) Domeier of Sutton, Janelle (Rob) Lambie of Hastings, and Robin (Dick) Gilbert of Clay Center; grandchildren Carmen ( Mark) King, Krystal (Pat) Vaughn, Nick (Sarah) Burge, Christopher Burge, Timothy (Anna) Burge, Trisha (Randy) Dietz, Renae (Chad) Hart, Brock (Brandee) Domeier, Kiley Domeier, Amy ( Dave) Stevens, Mitch (Abby) Lambie, Jeremy (Erin) VanBoening, Simon (Susan) VanBoening, Josh ( Stacey) VanBoening; step grandchildren Jason (Vicki) Gilbert, Melissa (Brian) Stolley, Danielle (Matt) Anderson; 34 great-grandchildren, 8 step great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother Wilbur Reis of Cincinnati, Ohio, sister-in-law Shirley Allen (Bob Tharp)of Hastings; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Calvin Burge; brothers and sister-in-laws Ryal (Virginia) Reis, Franklin (Ruby) Reis, Janet Reis; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Ron (Sharon) Burge, Marcie (Gene) Coutts, Donna (Paul) Goedert, Wanda (Lee) Wright, Vern Allen; great-grandson Cody Ruegge; niece Rhonda Cox and nephew Eddie Doyle. 

 

Kenneth Gerhard Kirchner January 30, 1928 to July 30, 2021

 

Kenneth Gerhard Kirchner, age 93, passed away at Blue Hill Care Center on July 30, 2021 after a short illness. He was surrounded by his family as he walked into eternity with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kenneth was born on his family farm south of Lawrence, Nebraska on January 30, 1928. His parents were John and Clara Kirchner, who made the farmstead home for 8 children.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings (Eleanora, Walter, Lydia, Wilfred, Robert, Donald, and Mildred).

Ken graduated from Lawrence High School in 1945. He took over the family farm at age 19 due to his father’s early death.  He applied himself to his farm duties and was content raising his family with Mom and serving his church and local community. Ken served and attended Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont.

On November 2, 1952, Kenneth married Margaret Dorothy Heineman and shared many adventures over the next 65 years. They raised seven children: Marvin (Carol) Kirchner – Kevin, Scott and Lisa; Wilbur (Patricia) Kirchner – Rebecca, Matthew, Rachel and Hannah; Connie (Courtney) Meyer – Caleb, Joshua and Anna; nephew Randall (Cindy) Linke – Misty, Mandy and Randall; Linda (Kyle) Hollman – Nora and Trent, James (Jackie) Kirchner – Joseph, Jami and Tara; and Beth (Scott) Bowman – Christine, Nathan and nieces Abigail and Olivia. Over the years Ken and Margaret delighted to watch their kids, grandkids, great-grandkids (14), and one great-great grandchild begin their own adventures in life, which was “icing on the cake” of lives well lived!

Kenneth had broad interests. He was a dreamer/doer - widely read in Christian & world history, economics, politics, technology, poetry, philosophy…and farming.  He was opinionated and vocal but loved the polemic (discourse) as much as the politics.  You could pick the topic and the position, and he would debate the other side.  He was a “go to” guy in the community for many construction/trade skills…as well as general wisdom.

Ken was a servant leader.  He was Sunday School superintendent in his church for over 25 years, representative to national church conventions, taught shop skills in 4-H, served on the local school board for 12 years, served on the Rural Electric Association BOD for 28 years…did the dishes and was always a ready hand to help neighbors.  He was Mom’s primary care giver during her illness until her death in 2018.

Dad loved Jesus…but wouldn’t say it that way.  He led his family as a Godly father - baptized and confirmed, disciplined and encouraged, cheered and celebrated, sacrificed and supported.  Family devotions were never missed.  He rarely said “I love you” which is just “not the German way”.  He occasionally said, “I’m proud of you”, but showed it much more frequently in other ways…bragging effusively about his children when they were not within ear shot.  He brightened when any of his children or grandchildren called and was an encourager as they faced life’s challenges.

Ken blessed his family.  Love was unconditional, encouragement genuine and timely, and wise counsel available whenever needed.  He will be sorely missed by his kids and grandkids, extended family and many, many friends. He was at peace as his final days approached and believed with all his heart Jesus’ words to Martha in John 11: 25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (NIV)

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am Saturday August 7, 2021 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rosemont, Nebraska. Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery near the intersection of Rd 2400 and Rd S in Webster Co.  Visitation will be Friday 5-7:00 pm at Merten-Butler Funeral Home in Blue Hill, Nebraska.  The family requests you bring/send a card with a special memory of Ken, rather than flowers. Donations may be made in Ken’s honor to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

 

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Louan J. Meyer December 7, 1931 to August 1, 2021`

 Blue Hill resident Louan J. Meyer, 89, passed away Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings.

Memorial Service will be 10:30 am, Friday, Aug. 6, at Faith Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Pastor Paul Dunbar officiating. Inurnment will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Blue Hill. DeWitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service is handling arrangements.

Louan was born on Dec. 7, 1931, in Blue Hill, the daughter of Alfred and Evelyn (Borcherding) Frahm. She graduated from Blue Hill High School with the class of 1949. Louan married Marlin Meyer on Feb. 19, 1950. Early in their marriage, they lived in Portland, OR. In 1954, they moved to the Sheridan Ranch near Ayr, and then to Lone Oak, the Meyer family farm, near Blue Hill, where they farmed together and raised their family. Louan worked at WB Pack in Blue Hill, and the Blue Hill Bank. In 1990, Marlin and Louan returned to the west coast where he worked for Hewlett-Packard. They later retired to The Blumenthal Farm near Ayr. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hastings. Louan enjoyed birdwatching, canning, and spending time outside in her flower garden.

Louan is survived by her children, Wesley (Christine) Meyer of Milwaukee, WI, Pat (Warren) Evans of Ayr, Sue (Ken) Parr of Kenesaw, and Ron (Peggy) Meyer of Blue Hill; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Arlys Kranau, Thomas (Mary) Frahm, and Gerald (Cindy) Frahm; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Karen Schleeter; and brother, Randy Frahm.

Memorials may be given to her family for a later designation.

Condolences can be left at www.dewittfuneral.com.

Dr. Frank Kamm July 1 , 1927 to June 30 2021

 Dr. Frank Kamm, 93, of Kearney, formerly of Blue Hill and Hastings, died Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Services in commemoration of a lifetime of caring will be held at First Baptist Church in Kearney at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 7, with Rev. Mark de Kluyver officiating. Interment will take place at the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus, in a graveside service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, with military honors graveside and a reception to follow at Wunderlich’s, just north of the cemetery. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

Frank was born on July 1, 1927, the ninth of 11 children, to Elsena (Husmann) and Harry Kamm in Platte Center. He grew up spending summers working on an uncle’s farm near Platte Center, and at the time of his graduation from Platte Center High School in 1944, entertained dreams of becoming a farmer or a veterinarian. At the end World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Riley, Kansas, in the massive military demobilization process from October 1945 to December 1946, continuing service as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserve through December 1959. He attended York College in York, where he met and married his wife of 71 years, L. Faith Megill, on August 30, 1949, graduating from that college in 1950. As he did not come from a farming family and since veterinary schools in Colorado, Kansas, and Iowa were swamped with in-state students on the GI Bill, he wound up pursuing a career in medicine. His long career in family practice then began after graduation from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1955.

Frank and family then moved to Blue Hill, in 1955, where he provided family practice services to a large area of South Central Nebraska until 1987. He served patients not only in Blue Hill but in many communities within a 30-mile radius, from Holstein, Roseland, and Campbell, to Glenvil, Deweese, Edgar, and Guide Rock. He often logged 33,000 miles per year in travel with his business vehicle, between daily visits to one or both of the hospitals in Hastings and Red Cloud, and many house calls to outlying communities and nursing homes. He considered himself fortunate to have been actively engaged in the civic life Blue Hill, serving on the School Board and board of the Commercial Bank and participating in activities of the Blue Hill United Methodist Church (when time allowed!).

In 1987, Frank became Medical Director at the Hastings (NE) Regional Center, serving in that capacity for several years. He then embarked on a period of providing locum tenens services to a far-flung array of medical practices in need of temporary medical service coverage. This included Indian Health Service reservation hospitals on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota; the Crow Reservation and the Rocky Boy Chippewa and Cree Reservation in Montana; and Indian Health Service clinics in Rapid City, SD, and Poteau, OK. His fill-in services to private practices extended from Craig, Alaska, in the Alaskan panhandle, to North Dakota, New Hampshire, and Maine. The final years of his active practice involved filling in for many private practices scattered throughout the state of Nebraska, most notably Bloomfield and Osceola. He moved to Kearney in 1994, during this phase of his career.

Throughout his life, Frank maintained a deep connection to the land and appreciation of God’s handiwork in the landscape around us. After retirement in 2001 he and his wife Faith could frequently be found on the back roads of South Central and Central Nebraska. He finally also became able to pursue his early dream of farming by participating more actively in the management of farm properties near Bladen and Blue Hill. He was blessed to have Mike Karr and family, of Blue Hill, as an extremely capable partner in charge of the season-to-season operation of these properties.

Frank will be remembered with love and appreciation by his immediate surviving family: wife, Faith of Kearney; daughter, Diane Aleem and husband, Jeff of Dallas, TX; step-grandson, Jason Aleem; granddaughter, Kelsey and husband, Nick Hobbs along with granddaughter, Mallory, her husband, Elgin Johnson, and grandson, Mekhi, all of the greater Dallas area; sister-in-law, Mary Fae Kamm and her children; niece, Kay Kamm; nephew, Herbert Kamm Jr., of Duncanville, TX; son, Phillip Kamm and wife, Colleen of Kearney; granddaughter, Kristen Kamm, currently in the process of moving to Eugene, OR from Boulder, CO; granddaughter, Janell Kamm of Boulder, CO. The size of the network of MANY other nephews and nieces and their families (given Frank’s 10 siblings!) precludes individual mention of all of them here; please know that you have all been treasured companions on his journey through life. Of special note is close friend of all of the family, Leora Augustin, of Columbus, a special bond to her being first established in Blue Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsena (Husmann) and Harry Kamm; son, Steven Kamm; Kamm brothers, Alfred, Albert, John, Herbert (until 2020, of Duncanville, TX), Dick (until 2015, of Columbus); sister, Minnie and husband, August Janssen; and sisters, Esther with husband, Louis and son, Larry Michaelson; Dorothy with husband, Raymond, son, Dale, and daughter, Kathy Treinies; Hattie and husband, Albert Jenny; Anna and husband, Forrest Hergert.

Please direct any donations to the Frank Kamm Memorial Fund. They will be distributed as deemed most relevant to the First Baptist (Kearney) Building Fund; the Blue Hill Community Foundation; a scholarship fund for graduates of Lakeview High School in memory of brother Dick Kamm; and a scholarship fund for religious-career-oriented students at the Baptist-affiliated University of Sioux Falls, SD, in memory of Frank’s son Steven Kamm.